Fantasy Premier League 2025/26 Injury Updates
As of late Feb 2026, the Newcastle squad has the saddest position. It’s the most depleted team if we compare them to Arsenal – things are much better there, with minimal losses. The Gunners are desirable on FPL wishlists as those who are holding up best this season.
Typical Harms
There is a correlation between the tightening of the match calendar and players' injury rates. Football stars were made to spend more time on the pitch, having no time for high-quality recovery. Moreover, some clubs don't have substitutes for their top performers. As a result, injuries are common.
It’s an issue not only for PL and pitch stars, but for FPL fans. It’s really hard and challenging to plan, make a successful strategy and gather the best 15 stars. Lots of them have muscle strains, shin injuries, hamstring tears, and knee damage have become more frequent. Team members also often suffer from back and groin injuries.
FPL Team Rankings by Number of Injured Players
The situation on the real pitch directly affects FPL management methods and the choice of the "fantasy 15" that will lead to victory. General advice: invest in your bench. You should have, if possible, strong substitutes for key performers. It will help you hold out until the end.
Newcastle United Lead the Unfortunate Pack
It’s the 2nd season in a row that the Magpies can’t demonstrate perfect fit. As for now (Feb, 2026), 8 players are absent from the main squad for different reasons. Some, such as Targett, Kuol, and Lascelles, have moved to other teams. Some were injured:
- Fabian Schar left the pitch in the match against Leeds with an ankle injury; he won’t return until April 18.
- Bruno Guimarães, with his hamstring injury, will be out until April 11.
- Livramento has the same harm, but is scheduled to return to the pitch as early as March 4.
- L. Miley also plans to recover and return to work in March.
- Emil Krafth has weakened the team's defence due to a knee injury; his return date is unknown.
- Botman and Wissa have "yellow flags" next to their names – they are the most likely to return soon.
Manchester City Has Weak Defence, Unexpectedly
Muscle strains, tendon and knee damage, and other setbacks have hit the "Citizens" hard. Their defence has been significantly weakened as a result.
Absent:
- Mateo Kovacic – return date unknown.
- Joško Gvardiol – out of action for a long time.
Others (excluding those on loan) plan to return by the end of February.
Liverpool Competes with Man City in the Number of Injuries
While the Magpies' defence is faltering, Liverpool's attack is suffering.
- Jeremie Frimpong will soon return after an absence that lasted several weeks.
- Alexander Isak intends to return to the pitch in April; he is currently recovering from a serious knee injury.
- Giovanni Leoni won’t go to the pitch before September: the knee injured in the match against Southampton is still an issue.
- Conor Bradley plans to return to the field no earlier than June.
Aston Villa Holds Up Well
The club has several bans, and additionally, Kamara and McGinn are suffering from knee injuries. Their estimated return dates are June and March, respectively. An ankle injury sustained in the match against Newcastle has sidelined Tielemans until at least April.
Chelsea's Losses Aren’t Crucial
This club has significantly fewer losses than those listed above. However, the setbacks have affected the very players who typically carry the team through matches. Luckily, for GW27, attacking power in the form of Cole Palmer returned on the field vs Burnley. Dário Essugo will become a full participant in matches in March, having recovered from a muscle strain sustained during training.
Arsenal: Minor but Significant Losses
The return dates for some players are still unknown. Mikel Merino is treating a foot injury, and Max Dowman is treating an ankle injury. Both are “quite close” to their new professional milestones.
What to Do?
Aim to have several “mid-range players” who can fill in for top stars while they recover. Plan your transfers closer to the match deadlines, focusing on the professionals' actual availability. And be sure to check the calendar to replace loaned players.