Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have been dealt a huge blow as Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knock in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Everton.
The 25-year-old has been a lethal weapon for Erik ten Hag’s side, scoring 15 times in 29 appearances, making him the fourth-highest scorer in the Premier League this season.
Valued at £7.2 million, the England international has been a mainstay for most FPL managers who will now be forced to find alternatives to the in-form striker.
Rashford is expected to miss the next two Gameweeks, but let’s look at five replacements for the Englishman ahead of Saturday’s 11:30 GMT deadline.
Mohamed Salah (£12.8m)
Mohamed Salah has endured a topsy-turvy campaign this term, evidenced by his performance in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
With his side two goals down, the Egyptian gave Liverpool a lifeline in the first half but lacked the composure to slot home from the penalty spot in the second half.
However, Salah remains a must-have for FPL managers as the electrifying forward has proven a game-changer on several occasions for Jurgen Klopp’s out-of-sorts side.
Salah has returned 12 points over the last three Gameweeks and will be itching to face Leeds United, having averaged 11.8 points per match when facing the Lilywhites.
Jack Grealish (£7.1m)
Jack Grealish has been instrumental for Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking to retain their Premier League crown for a third successive campaign.
The 27-year-old is one of the most in-form wingers in the Premier League since club football resumed, with four of his five goals and seven of his eight assists this term coming after the international break.
The England international has registered a goal and an assist in his last two games, returning 24 points in that span, and is poised to continue his impressive form against a lowly Leicester City side.
Gabriel Martinelli (£6.7m)
Gabriel Martinelli has been one of the standout performers in Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal side this term, scoring 14 goals in 30 appearances.
The mesmerising Brazilian winger has scored three goals and assisted two in his last four games, amassing an astonishing 33 points in that span.
Martinelli has also scored four times and assisted once while returning 37 points in his last four away games, which makes him a must-have as Arsenal travel to take on the struggling West Ham United.
Riyad Mahrez (£7.1m)
Pep Guardiola is expected to shuffle his pack with one eye on their European fixture next week, so Riyad Mahrez could claim a starting spot when the Cityzens take on Leicester.
The Algerian forward has returned just six points in the last two Gameweeks, but his strong record against the Foxes makes him an enticing prospect for the weekend.
Mahrez averages ten points per home game against Leicester and could extend his impressive form against his former employers on Saturday.
Kaoru Mitoma (£5.7m)
Kaoru Mitoma has been a star for Brighton & Hove Albion this season, and his form under Roberto De Zerbi’s tutelage means he could be the point of difference again at the weekend.
Despite blanking in his last outing against Tottenham Hotspur, the Japanese winger has made his mark in each of his previous five league outings, scoring twice and assisting three times.
Having returned 39 points in that span, facing the struggling Chelsea could provide the 25-year-old with an opportunity to continue his rich vein of form.
