Updated 9 October 2026 after the final pre-GW6 press conference. Mateta, Henderson and Tomiyasu will miss GW6, while Khalaili is fit and Ismaïla Sarr is ready to start.
The international break created plenty of uncertainty, but the deadline decision should now use confirmed club information.
The short answer
| Player | Latest status | FPL action |
|---|---|---|
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | OUT | Bench / sell if needed |
| Dean Henderson | OUT | Use backup / replace if needed |
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | OUT | Avoid |
| Anan Khalaili | FIT | Available |
| Ismaïla Sarr | Ready to start | Differential watch |
Sarr becomes the fresh attacker
Palace say Sarr is ready to start after returning before the break. That does not make him a must-buy, but it creates a genuine differential angle that did not exist while his minutes were restricted.
Latest FPL news
Mateta remains unavailable
Mateta is back in training but not ready for Forest. Owners should bench or sell depending on squad structure. The good news is that the absence may be short.
Henderson owners need cover
Goalkeeper transfers are usually low priority, but a confirmed absence matters if your backup does not start. If you have a playing second goalkeeper, simply bench Henderson.
Forest's attack gains context
Palace missing Henderson and Mateta does not guarantee Forest goals, but it removes key players at both ends. Gibbs-White's away form becomes more interesting.
What this changes for transfers
Use this order: availability → expected start → expected minutes → role → fixture → price.
If a player is confirmed out, decide whether your bench can cover before selling. If a player has been declared available, stop treating an old flag as current information.
What this changes for Wildcard managers
A Wildcard lets you avoid uncertainty. Prefer confirmed-fit players unless the late-test player's upside is clearly worth carrying and your bench can cover.
What this changes for your bench
Put the player with the strongest expected-minutes floor first. A nailed defender with DefCon or clean-sheet routes can be a better first substitute than an attacker likely to get only 20 minutes.
OneFPL verdict
Sarr is the fresh differential angle. Mateta and Henderson are out for GW6 but may return soon, so owners should avoid unnecessary hits if cover exists.
Related OneFPL reading
FAQ
Is Mateta available?
No.
Is Dean Henderson available?
No.
Can Sarr start?
Yes. Palace say he is ready to start.