Author: Silver Emmanuel

11Feb By Silver Emmanuel9 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Trent Alexander-Arnold injury boost as Arne Slot confirms another Liverpool ‘concern’

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 1: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on February 1, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images) Liverpool have been boosted by the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to training, but Reds boss Arne Slot admits he's still unsure as to whether the right-back will be ready for the trip to Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. Alexander-Arnold was injured during the 2-0 win at Bournemouth when he went down in the second half holding his thigh and asking to be substituted. Scans revealed that the injury wasn't serious but the 26-year-old missed the win over Tottenham in the League Cup semi-final as well as the defeat to Plymouth A...

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11Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Inzaghi hails Inter’s resilience in redemption win over Fiorentina

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 10: Simone Inzaghi of Internazionale celebrates at the end of the Serie A match between Inter and Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 10, 2025 in Milan, Italy. Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi commended his side for their maturity and impressive mental resilience after they avenged last week's defeat by Fiorentina with a 2-1 victory in the re-match on Monday. Inter managed to turn around their poor performance in last Thursday's 3-0 loss to secure an important win at home, with Inzaghi praising the players' ability to learn from past mistakes. "The players were excellent; we were supported by the fans, and together we won a decisive match for our journey. We approached both halves well, as a mature team," he said. "We faced Fiorentina as we did on T...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel13 Comments

LALIGA

Atletico Madrid’s Player of the Month nominees revealed

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 8: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid in action during La Liga week 23 football match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on February 8, 2025. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images) The shortlist of nominees for Player of the Month at La Liga giants Atlético Madrid has on Monday been unveiled online. And the list features players from across a variety of positions in Diego Simeone’s squad. Atlético, as a collective, enjoyed another solid month in January, racking up five wins and a draw from their seven outings across all competitions. A number of players shone bright over the course of this stretch, with the five standout performers having on Monday secured nominations for the Player of the Month prize ...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal provide huge Bukayo Saka injury update – “Stepping up”

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 10: Bukayo Saka pf Arsenal training at NAS Sports Complex on February 10, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal fans can breathe a little easier as Bukayo Saka continues his recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him out since December. The 23-year-old winger, who underwent surgery to repair a torn right hamstring, is currently in Dubai with the Arsenal squad, working diligently on his rehabilitation. Just a month ago, Saka was spotted at the Emirates Stadium on crutches, but his progress since then has been significant. Arsenal shared photos on Monday showing Saka smiling and working out in the gym, accompanied by the caption: “Stepping up that rehab.” This positive update sug...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha is set to miss Celtic clash

Joao Palhinha of Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between FC Bayern München and SK Slovan Bratislava at Allianz Arena on January 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany. Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha is set to miss Champions League knockout playoff clash with Celtic on Wednesday night due to an injury The two sides meet in two days time in Glasgow’s east end, and both had routine victories over the weekend. Bayern eased off Werder Bremen in Bavaria with a 3-0 victory to go eight clear of Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga table. Meanwhile, Celtic breezed past Scottish Championship opposition Raith Rovers to book their place in the Scottish Cup quarter-final. But, Bayern look likely to be without their £47.5m star P...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel35 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City injury latest as Nico Gonzalez clarity given

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Nico Gonzalez of Manchester City warms up prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Leyton Orient and Manchester City at Gaughan Group Stadium on February 08, 2025 in London, England. Nico Gonzalez trained on Monday afternoon ahead of Manchester City's game with Real Madrid after shrugging off a knock he picked up at Leyton Orient. Gonzalez was forced off 20 minutes into his debut after appearing to pick up an injury in the action where he was dispossessed for the opening goal at Brisbane Road. City were unhappy it was not given as a foul, but were more concerned with the state of their £50m signing who is expected to fill Rodri's position for the rest of the season. Initial indications gave Pep Guardiola hope that Gonzalez would be available ...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

SERIE A

Monza rehire Nesta less than 2 months after firing

Antonio Conte is present during the Serie A 2024-2025 match between Torino and Monza in Torino, Italy, on November 24, 2024. (Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Monza have recalled Alessandro Nesta to take over as manager following the sacking of Salvatore Bocchetti, the Serie A club said on Monday, after a heavy defeat at the weekend kept the club rooted at the bottom of the standings. Bocchetti replaced Nesta in December, signing a contract until June 2027, but his side registered only one win in seven league games, and Sunday's 5-1 loss at Lazio was Monza's fourth consecutive defeat. Monza also exited the Coppa Italia, losing 4-0 to Bologna, during Bocchetti's time in charge. Nesta, a former Italy international and defender with Lazio and AC Milan, now returns to the ben...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

LALIGA

Barcelona receives Ronald Araujo injury update

Ronald Araujo centre-back of Barcelona and Uruguay during the Copa del Rey Quarter Final match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on February 6, 2025 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) FC Barcelona has received news on the fitness of its defender Ronald Araujo, as explained by various outlets including Jijantes and MARCA. With Pau Cubarsi given a rare taste of the bench, the Uruguayan started Sunday’s vital La Liga clash with Sevilla partnering Inigo Martinez in central defense. After just 22 minutes of play down on the clock, though, as the score was tied at 1-1, Araujo had to leave the pitch while being replaced by 18-year-old La Masia pearl Cubarsi. There were fears that Araujo had picked up a right ankle knock as a ...

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10Feb By Silver Emmanuel4 Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says calls for his dismissal are ‘agenda driven’

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou after the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Sunday February 9, 2025. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) Embattled Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says people who are calling for him to be sacked are “agenda driven” and no other side would be able to cope with the amount of injuries his side have had. Postecoglou’s position was plunged into more uncertainty after Spurs were knocked out of their second cup competition in four days following a 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Aston Villa. Less than 72 hours after losing the Carabao Cup semi-final to Liverpool, a depleted Spurs went down to goals from Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers at Villa Park with Mathys Tel bagging a late consolation. Postecoglou is ha...

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9Feb By Silver Emmanuel26 Comments

Ligue 1

Ousmane Dembele named Ligue 1 Player of the Month

Ousmane Dembele right winger of PSG and France during the Trophee des Champions match between Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco at Stadium 974 on January 5, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The French players’ union – Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels – have announced that PSG striker Ousmane Dembele (27) has been named Ligue 1 Player of the Month for January. The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona winger is on fire at the moment. Dembélé scored 13 goals since the turn of the year, including eight in Ligue 1. Dembele rocked to the top of Ligue 1 goalscoring charts with 16 strikes. Dembélé notably clinched a hat-trick against Brest last week and was on target again twice against AS Monaco on Friday. Dembele has won the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award for the first time since Marc...

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9Feb By Silver Emmanuel3 Comments

Champions League

Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez ruled out of Champions League clash against Man City

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 08: Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid in action during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on February 8, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Lucas Vazquez has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off first leg away to Manchester City with a hamstring injury. Madrid announced the Spain international has an issue with his left hamstring and will not travel to Manchester for Tuesday’s first leg of the play-off tie. “Following tests carried out on Lucas Vazquez today by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left hamstring meaning he will not be in the squad to travel to Manchester,” a statement said. “His recovery will be ass...

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9Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

TRANSFERS

Sevilla set €45m asking price for Juventus target

SEVILLE, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Dodi Lukebakio of Sevilla FC in action during the LaLiga match between Sevilla FC and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on January 25, 2025 in Seville, Spain. Sevilla have had a relatively good season up until now, and a big reason for this is the excellent form of Dodi Lukebakio. The Belgian winger had a rather quiet first campaign at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, but it is in 2024-25 that he is starting to come into his own. Lukebakio has made up for Sevilla’s striker woes, as he currently sits top of the club’s scoring charts with nine (all in La Liga). He will be hoping to add to that tally when Barcelona come to Seville on Sunday night, and given that he has already found the back of the net against Real Madrid and Atletico Madri...

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9Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen expects to return for Barcelona season run-in

Marc-Andre ter Stegen goalkeeper of Barcelona and Germany lifts the trophy after winning with his team during the Spanish Super Cup final match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at King Abdullah Sports City on January 12, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Barcelona suffered a very big blow earlier in the season when Marc-Andre Ter Stegen was ruled out with a serious knee injury, sustained during the 5-1 victory at Villarreal in September. It meant that Hansi Flick would be without his starting goalkeeper and captain for an extended period of time, with many believing that the German international would not play again in the current campaign. Ter Stegen’s absence meant that Wojciech Szczesny was brought in as a replacement, and despite having started behind Inaki Pena in the pecking order...

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9Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

SERIE A

Leao reacts after helping Milan to victory in 2-0 Empoli win: ‘Limitless’

EMPOLI, ITALY - FEBRUARY 8: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Empoli and AC Milan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 8, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. Rafael Leao posted a one-word message to his supporters on social media following his goal off the bench in Milan’s 2-0 win over Empoli in Serie A on Saturday: ‘Limitless’. The Rossoneri star was not included in Sergio Conceicao’s starting line-up for the Empoli match on Saturday, with Alex Jimenez and Yunus Musah the preferred options on the wing. Still, the Portugal international emerged off the bench at the half-time break, alongside January signing Santiago Gimenez, and half an hour later, both of them were on the scoresheet. Leao rose highest at the back post to nod home Christian P...

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9Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Simeone laments missed chances in Madrid derby

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 8: Diego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madris follows the La Liga week 23 football match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on February 8, 2025. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said his team paid the price for missed opportunities in a heated LaLiga derby at Real Madrid on Saturday after Kylian Mbappé cancelled out Julián Álvarez's opener for the visiting side. Atletico were unable to make the most of the chances they created during a dominant start to the game. "We played a very good first half but we didn't have the clarity to take advantage of the chances we created," Simeone told a press conference. "We could have managed those opportunities better. That led to a draw despite the feeling that in many...

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8Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona boss Flick speaks on possible contract extension

SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 08: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona attends a press conference during the training day of FC Barcelona ahead the Spanish League, La Liga EA Sports, football match against Sevilla CF at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on February 08, 2025 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona are hoping to continue their fine start to 2025 when they travel to face Sevilla in their latest La Liga fixture on Sunday. The Catalans continued their excellent form with a five-goal victory at Valencia in the Copa del Rey in midweek, but they know that they must keep winning in the league if they are to keep themselves in the title race. Sevilla have improved in recent months, and this is something that Hansi Flick is aware of. He expects a tough outing, although...

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8Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Kevin De Bruyne strike late as City advance in FA Cup

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne (left) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at the Gaughan Group Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday February 8, 2025. Manchester City survived a scare against third-division Leyton Orient on Saturday to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Orient threatened to pull off a famous upset when it led 1-0 at halftime against Pep Guardiola's four-time defending Premier League champion. But City fought back after the break with goals from substitutes Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin De Bruyne. Orient went ahead in spectacular fashion when Jamie Donley's shot from just past the halfway line hit the bar and rebounded off the back of City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega into the back of the net in th...

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8Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Antony nets first Real Betis goal

Antony dos Santos of Real Betis celebrates after scoring their side's first goal with teammate Natan during the LaLiga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Balaidos on February 08, 2025 in Vigo, Spain. Manchester United winger Antony continued his fine start to life on loan at Real Betis with his first goal for the LaLiga side during Saturday's game at Celta Vigo. The 24-year-old opened the scoring at Balaídos in the 10th minute, taking a touch with his right foot, shifting on to his left and producing a really good finish from inside the box. Defender Diego Llorente added a second soon after to double Betis' lead before halt time. Antony's goal comes in just his second game for the Seville-based club, where he has hit the ground running after joining on loan...

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7Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

Champions League

Man City name Ballon d’Or winner Rodri in squad for Champions League run in

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Rodri of Manchester City portrait before the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Manchester City and Club Brugge KV at City of Manchester Stadium on January 29, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) Manchester City showed faith in Rodri’s potential return to action this season by registering the injured Ballon d’Or winner in its Champions League squad for the knockout phase. UEFA set a midnight Thursday deadline to submit updated squad lists for European competitions. With a limit of three new signings in the midseason transfer window allowed, City left teenage defender Vitor Reis – who joined from Palmeiras last month – out of their squad for the knockout stages of Europe’s ...

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7Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Unai Emery relishing challenge of getting Rashford back to his best

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa signs on loan for Aston Villa pictured with Damian Vidagany and Monchi at Bodymoor Heath training ground on February 02, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images) Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is looking forward to the “huge challenge” of getting Marcus Rashford back to his best. The 27-year-old has joined Villa on loan on from Manchester United until the end of season, with the option of a permanent transfer in the summer. Rashford left his boyhood club after being frozen out under new boss Ruben Amorim, with his performances having stagnated over the last couple of years.He is in the frame to make his debut against Tottenham in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round. “I’m very...

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