FantasyEFL: Injury news and transfer watch: Everything you need to know ahead of gameweek 22

Fantasy

Words: Fantasy Football Scout

It’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the availability of players in Fantasy EFL. Many players have already picked up injuries and suspensions throughout the 2024/25 campaign - managers can lose out on potential points by accidentally selecting sidelined players. This weekly feature spotlights players who might be sidelined due to injuries, transfers, or other factors. Additionally, we shine a light on Fantasy stars who have recently joined EFL clubs. 

After an incredible triple gameweek 21, we now have a double gameweek 22 with a handful of teams playing twice. This feature will include information about the availability of players across all three divisions.

Who is ruled out with Injury or looking unlikely to start?

The list below highlights all the players confirmed injured or suspended. It also contains players whose availability is uncertain.

 

  • Coventry City - Ephron Mason-Clark (F) - out for a few weeks due to a hamstring injury
  • Burnley - Hannibal Mejbri (M) - suspended for three matches after a straight red card 
  • Cardiff City - Callum Robinson (F) - suspended for three matches after a straight red card
  • Sheffield United - Harry Souttar (D) - returns to parent club Leicester City on a permanent basis 
  • Birmingham City - Lee Buchanan (D) - will miss the rest of the season due to a severe knee injury
  • Wrexham - Lewis Brunt (D) - questionable to appear due to a slight calf injury
  • Wrexham - Elliot Lee (M) - questionable to appear due to a hamstring injury flare-up
  • Stockport County - Louie Barry (F) - returns to parent club Aston Villa on a permanent basis
  • Bradford City - Andy Cook (F) - out of action for an unknown period due to a knee injury

Louie Barry (F) and his return to Aston Villa is huge news this week, as Stockport County lose their star player. His incredible start to the season has earned him the spotlight, and he will therefore spend the rest of the season in the Premier League. The 21-year-old has managed 15 goals alongside three assists in just 23 league appearances. This has made his parent club believe he is ready to make an impact in the top flight of English football. He has been directly involved in half of the Hatters’ 36 league goals so far, leading them to seventh in the League One table in their first season after promotion. This loss is a significant blow for Dave Challinor’s side, and Kyle Wootton (F) will likely be relied on as the main number nine for the foreseeable future.

Bradford City’s Andy Cook (F) is expected to miss a short period of time after going down early against Barrow. He appeared to twist his left knee, though a verdict on the severity of the injury has not been confirmed. This will hurt the Bantams’ chances of a victory against Grimsby on Saturday, which could put the side fifth in the League Two table. Cook has been one of the most feared strikers in the division to start the season, scoring 12 goals in 22 games so far. The next highest scorer for the Bantams has just three goals, highlighting the value of Cook’s finishing. 

Transfer News

The January transfer window is well and truly underway, with many signings already taking place across the EFL. Check out Fantasy Football Scout’s page here for updated information on the ongoing transfers. 

Insights provided by the team at Fantasy Football Scout, the leading voice in fantasy football who’ll be providing coverage on teams, player picks and strategy for the Fantasy EFL game throughout the season here and on their own dedicated EFL channel here.