Fantasy Premier League managers across the globe held their breath during Gameweek 10 as Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye (£6.5m) went from hero to potential zero in a matter of minutes.
The Senegalese midfielder, who has been in sparkling form, scored a superb solo goal against Sunderland his fourth of the season only to limp off the pitch in the 62nd minute.
His yellow flag has sent over 11% of FPL managers scrambling for news. Here’s the latest on his injury and the best potential replacements if you’re looking to make a switch.
The good news for Ndiaye owners is that the initial reports are optimistic. Ndiaye was substituted after receiving a knock and was seen pointing to his leg.
Everton boss David Moyes provided a reassuring update post-match, stating the change was primarily a “precaution.”
Moyes explained that Ndiaye “wasn’t sure if he was cramping up or something tightening up” and the team “felt it wasn’t worth taking the risk.”
He added that he is “hopeful it’s nothing serious.”
While he is currently flagged in the game, the outlook is positive. There is a chance he could be fit for Everton’s Gameweek 11 clash against Fulham.
Moyes on Ndiaye:
— Everton (@Everton) November 3, 2025
"I don't think it's anything serious. I think he picked up a bit of cramp and was worried about it. It was a wonderful goal he scored – and typical Ili. He's got dancing feet and it was a really good goal." pic.twitter.com/JcOX6lYFY0
This leaves managers with a classic FPL dilemma to hold or sell.
Given Moyes’ positive comments, Ndiaye’s injury appears to be minor. He is a key player for Everton and in great form.
If you have a strong playing bench, holding him for one Gameweek seems like a very viable strategy.
With a quick turnaround for GW11, some managers may not want to risk a non playing midfielder.
If you have other fires to put out in your squad or see a clear upgrade, selling now could be a smart move, especially with several in-form alternatives available.
Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) – £6.5m
For the exact same price, you can get one of the league’s most in form differentials. Sarr is thriving for Crystal Palace, having recently scored a brace against Liverpool in the EFL Cup and boasting four goal involvements in his last five league starts. Crystal Palace has a phenomenal run of upcoming fixtures, sitting near the top of the fixture ticker with matches against Brentford (H), Brighton (H), and Wolves (A). At just 11.6% ownership, he could be a massive rank climber.
Declan Rice (Arsenal) – £6.8m
For a minor price bump to £6.8m, Rice offers a secure route into the high flying Arsenal midfield. While traditionally a defensive player, his role this season includes a heavy involvement in set pieces, leading to 2 goals and 3 assists already. Rice is in red hot form, coming off a 13 point haul against Burnley in GW10 and is now the second highest points scores among midfielders. He combines attacking threat with a high floor for defensive contribution points, making him a reliable all rounder.
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) – £6.0m
This is one for the form over position managers. Caicedo, priced at just £6.0m, is classified as a defensive midfielder but has been producing attacking returns. He has already notched 3 goals and 1 assist this season. He just delivered a 10 point haul against Tottenham in GW10. He is a budget friendly way to get into a Chelsea side with good fixtures, and he is currently delivering points at both ends of the pitch.
Ndiaye’s injury appears to be a minor knock, making holding a strong option for managers with bench cover. Looking ahead, Everton’s fixtures get significantly harder after Gameweek 11.
With Ndiaye also set to leave for AFCON, pivoting to Ismaila Sarr seems like a smart move. Sarr offers strong potential for the medium term, at least until the tournament call ups begin around GW16. Unless you have 5 FT and no idea on what to do, rolling your transfer is the best option for this week.
