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With the friendlies done and dusted, all the teams are gearing up for the start of the new season. So are the FPL managers. While many of us have picked our team, some are yet to do so.
It is important to note that some players are injured and might not feature at the start of the season. They may play later on as the season progresses, of course, but they certainly are out of the reckoning at the moment.
Here are five such big names who you shouldn't opt for at the beginning of the season.
#1 Gareth McAuley - £5m
One of the most selected defenders last season; Gareth McAuley would once again be looking to replicate his last season's form this year. However, the player got injured while on international duty in June.
West Brom manager, Toni Pulis, however, believes that he should be fit by the start of the season. McAuley though didn't play any pre-season game. So even if he recovers before the season starts, it is doubtful that he would be match fit. Thus, many expect him to be back by the second or the third gameweek.
Also read: Fantasy Premier League Tips: 5 defenders you must pick
The player notched up 131 points last season thanks to six goals. Priced at just £5m, McAuley is a steal.
#2 Mamadou Sakho - £5m
Mamadou Sakho has fallen out with club manager Jurgen Klopp and is out of the reckoning when it comes to featuring in the Red of Liverpool for the coming season after the player had a bust up with the manager in the pre-season tour in USA last year.
The player was then forced to play for the U23 side and was then sent to loan to Crystal Palace.
After a good start at Selhurst Park, Sakho suffered a bad injury which was first thought to be an ACL injury. After scans it was revealed that he had strained knee ligaments.
This comes as a relief to Liverpool who have put a £30m price tag on the central-defender, as they want to sell him. And if it would have been an ACL injury, he would have been stuck with the Reds for a long time.
It is yet to be seen whether Crystal Palace will buy him. But as things stand, he is not going to play if he remains with the Reds.
The player notched up just 35 points last season.
#3 Seamus Coleman - £6.5m
Seamus Coleman has admitted that he does not know when he will return back to action. Reports suggest that he would be out until the start of the next year.
The defender scored 133 points, scoring 4 goals and assisting 3 more last season.
The Irish full-back suffered a horrific leg injury back in March while playing a World Cup qualifier against Wales.
Coleman successfully underwent a surgery and is making good progress with his rehabilitation.
"Progress is being made. I'm doing all that I'm being asked of so far and I just have to keep going that way," said the defender.
Everton have suffered a huge blow with his injury but will now rely on Cuco Martina as a replacement for the full-back.
#2 Eden Hazard - £10.5m
Eden Hazard was Chelsea's keyman in the Blues title winning campaign. The Belgian scored 15 goals and assisted another 5.
The Belgian made 36 appearances last season, creating 89 chances in the process.
However, the Chelsea superstar suffered a serious ankle injury while on international duty. The Belgian is set to miss the start of the campaign.
He successfully had his ankel operation and is already making good progress with his rehabilitation.
The Blues would be hoping for Hazard to return as soon as possible but as reports suggest he won't be back before the beginning of October.
#1 Diego Costa - £10m
I'm sure many of you are surprised to see his name in the list. It is clear that he will not be playing for Chelsea this year.
Yet, according to Fantasy Premier League's statistics, almost 2% managers have picked him in their FPL team.
While you may think 2% is a very small number, do consider the fact that millions of players have registered. Now imagine!
Also read: Fantasy Premier League Tips: 5 forwards you should pick this year
Diego Costa is not in Antonio Conte's plans and the manager has made it very clear. Still there are a few FPL managers who have picked the Chelsea forward.
What's more, the player costs a whopping £10m. He not going to play for the Blues and is also using up 10% of your budget!
Change him while you can!
