Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out for at least a fortnight – giving Fantasy Premier League managers a tricky decision ahead of Gameweek 23.
The Reds defender has been a reliable asset in the game this season, racking up 93 points so far at the very reasonable price of £5.2m.
But who should you replace him with? talkSPORT.com has scouted five potential defenders who could be a good outlet for you in the coming weeks.
Lucas Digne (Everton) – £5.2m
The Everton full-back has emerged as an FPL diamond this season with his attacking threat down the left-side and his ability from dead-ball situations.
Many have deemed the Frenchman the “new Leighton Baines”, and in a Toffees side who have struggled at times this term his season haul of 87 points is impressive.
Digne also has favourable fixtures, with Southampton, Huddersfield, Wolves and Watford his next four before they face Manchester City at home.
Luke Shaw (Manchester United) – £5.0m
As we have all seen the Red Devils are thriving under Ole Gunner Solskjaer and are finally getting clean sheets to show for it after clean sheets against Newcastle and Tottenham.
Shaw is also given license to roam forward by his boss and has potential to provide attacking returns.
He has only notched up 49 points this term but more clean sheets are expected with their next two fixtures at home to Brighton and Burnley.
He is also at a budget price for a defender at £5.0m.
Matt Doherty (Wolves) – £5.2m
The Wolves full-back has been a hugely popular choice for FPL managers this season and is owned by 23% of managers.
He is a huge threat as a wing-back for Nuno’s side having picked up three goals and four assists so far this season.
At £5.2m he is a nice replacement for Alexander-Arnold who is the same price, and he has a good run of fixtures against West Ham and Everton at home.
Ricardo Pereira (Leicester) – £5.3m
Another full-back you could turn to is Ricardo Pereira.
The Leicester defender has picked up 96 points in total, having scored twice and assisted three in his debut season in the Premier League.
He has difficult fixtures with Wolves, Liverpool and Manchester United next but Leicester like to play on the counter and could grind out a result or two.
David Luiz (Chelsea) – £5.9m
If you have money in the bank to spare the Chelsea centre-back could be a nice option to turn to.
Luiz has been Blues’ best passer in recent matches, providing two assists in his last three outings with balls over the top.
Maurizio Sarri’s side are also getting a lot of clean sheets this season, with 10 already recorded, and have favourable fixtures after Arsenal this weekend against Bournemouth and Huddersfield.