Premier League news conferences: Key updates ahead of the weekend

 

The Premier League returns this weekend, headlined by Sunday’s Manchester derby. Pep Guardiola confirmed he has “16 players available” for City and ranked Erling Haaland “a little bit above Isak”.

At Manchester United, Ruben Amorim revealed Altay Bayindir will start in goal. Liverpool boss Arne Slot spoke on Alexander Isak’s arrival, praising the effort behind the transfer, while also addressing Marc Guehi’s future.

Elsewhere, injury news sees Liam Delap ruled out for up to 12 weeks, while Marvin Woltemade could debut. Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa miss out, while Omar Marmoush and John Stones feature. The action begins with Arsenal v Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s lunchtime kickoff.

See also: Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina out for three months with hamstring injury

Guardiola on longevity at City

Pep Guardiola has played down any suggestion that he could match Sir Alex Ferguson’s 27-year reign at Manchester United.

"I’ve said many times I don’t know what will happen in the future. Results dictate positions and I have to make a good season," he told reporters ahead of the Manchester derby.

The City boss insisted he would not stay if the club felt change was needed but stressed his current motivation is stronger than ever after last season’s campaign.

"When I first joined and signed for three years, I never expected to have stayed for a decade. I’m so proud of that. I want to help the team and the club again and again," Guardiola added.

Guardiola on Donnarumma’s arrival and Trafford’s future

Pep Guardiola says Gianluigi Donnarumma’s presence will add stature and experience to Manchester City following his arrival.

"He is so tall, so huge. All goalkeepers save shots, bring personality and presence  and he has done that in the biggest games. Of course, he will concede goals, but all of us will help him try not to," Guardiola said.

The City manager also stressed that James Trafford remains an important part of his plans despite the Italian’s signing.

"He is a keeper for Man City. I can only play one goalkeeper  I can play two full-backs, two centre-backs  but the season is so long, everyone will be involved. They may not believe it, but they will," Guardiola added.

See also: Newcastle boss Howe opens up about deterioration of relationship with Isak

Amorim confirms United trio ruled out of derby

Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot will all miss Sunday’s Manchester derby.

"They are out for this game. I don’t know how long it is going to take. We need our guys to be a very competitive team but we have very good players eager to play, so we will be competitive on Sunday. But they cannot help us in this game," Amorim said.

Pressed on recovery timelines, the United boss refused to commit: "I don’t want to say. If you talk to Cunha, he will say he is able to play this game. So I don’t know. We will manage day by day. They are pushing really hard and that is a good thing."

Premier League injury updates ahead of the weekend

As managers deliver their press conference updates, several key names across the league have been ruled out or are facing fitness doubts. Here’s the latest:

Newcastle – Yoane Wissa (knee) will miss Wolves, while Jacob Ramsey (ankle) is sidelined until after the October international break.

Chelsea – Liam Delap out for 10–12 weeks (hamstring). Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo also missing. Cole Palmer a doubt for Brentford.

Brighton – Solly March (knee) not back for “two or three weeks” but expected to feature again this year.

Bournemouth – Adam Smith out for a few more weeks with hamstring trouble.

Liverpool – Curtis Jones unavailable for Burnley after injury picked up against Arsenal.

Man City – Omar Marmoush injured on international duty, back in a few weeks. Rayan Aït Nouri and Rayan Cherki also sidelined. John Stones a derby doubt after England withdrawal, though Pep Guardiola insists it’s “not a big issue”.

Man United – Ruben Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir will start in goal vs City, but Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot are ruled out.

Nottingham Forest – Ola Aina sidelined for three months with a hamstring injury.

See also: Club Owners and Their Nationalities (Premier League 2025)