Premier League action doesn’t resume until January 31, so fantasy managers have a long list of injured players to consider when it comes to who will play or who should be transferred out.

Manchester United has Nani, Anderson, and Rio Ferdinand on the sidelines either indefinitely or until February 5. Nani may be out for two months. Wayne Rooney messed up his ankle and his return for the January 31 home match against Stoke is iffy. Phil Jones and Ashley Young are doubtful to play January 28 so who knows if they will be ready when Premier play resumes.

Arsenal desperately wants to get Arteta and Henry back—they could return January 29. The Gunners are sorely lacking in midfield and now Jack Wilshere has had a set back for his expected February 16 return. He could miss the entire season.

Aston Villa is without N’Zogbia and even when playing his contribution so far has been next to nothing. Ireland, Agbonlahor and oft-injured Heskey are due back January 29, but who’s to say Heskey will be ready for EPL play?

Bolton’s shock result over Liverpool has Wanderer supporters wondering about the status of Kevin Davies and the anticipated return of Lee on February 25 who is trying to rehab from a broken leg.

Everton needs all the healthy bodies they can get and hopes Rodwell returns on January 27 and Coleman on January 31. Osman remains out.

Frank Lampard is due back February 5, but fantasy managers are at the mercy of AVB who has treated the Chelsea legend with shabby disdain.

Other players about to return are Spearing, Sidwell, Dembele, Coloccini, Gallas, Scharner, Jones, Zubar, O’Hara and Craddock.

The Africa Nations Cup prevents such stars as Ba, Drogba, the Toure brothers and Kalou from playing until well into February. And then there are players sitting out long suspensions, among them Luis The Lip Suerez and Mario The Stamp Balotelli.

The FA Cup and Carling Cup are interesting to follow; but for fantasy managers it is an irritating delay for our beloved Premier matches. Remember to hold off making any transfers until the night before your team is locked in. You never know who will go down in FA Cup or Carling Cup play or a training mishap.

Yours faithfully,
Sir John