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Man City issue Rodri injury statement as Pep Guardiola faces ‘problem’
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City issue Rodri injury statement as Pep Guardiola faces ‘problem’

Manchester City have revealed Rodri has suffered ligament damage to his right knee - although the full extent of the injury remains unclear. The midfielder has been in Spain this week consulting specialists after limping off during the first half of City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday. A statement on mancity.com read: "Manchester City can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee. The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. "The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester. Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis. Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery and mancity.com ...
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Raphael Varane, former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender, retires from football at 31
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Raphael Varane, former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender, retires from football at 31

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has retired from professional football at the age of 31 after suffering a knee injury. Varane had joined Serie A club Como earlier this season after his contract at Man United ended. However, after suffering a knee injury recently the former World Cup winner decided to retire from football. He played just one match for Como in the Coppa Itali but was substituted after just 20 minutes. Varane’s most successful tenure at the club level came at Real Madrid where he played for 10 seasons and won 18 trophies including three La Liga titles and four Champions League top prizes. He won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup with Man United and the World Cup in 2018 with his national team France. He made the retirement announcement through I...
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PSG Attack in ‘Complicated Period’ Ahead of Crucial Arsenal Clash, Expert Warns
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Ligue 1

PSG Attack in ‘Complicated Period’ Ahead of Crucial Arsenal Clash, Expert Warns

Over the last two matches, Paris Saint-Germain have struggled with their attack, needing luck in the goal against Girona FC and only scored off a header from Ousmane Dembélé on the road at Stade de Reims. The French giants must resolve their scoring woes before their marquee UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal on October 1. PSG’s performance is worrying, especially considering how well their opponents in the competition played this past weekend. Arsenal managed a 2-1 win over Manchester City despite being down to 10 men, VfB Stuttgart thrashed Borussia Dortmund 5-1, Manchester City grabbed a stoppage-time equalizer against Arsenal, and Bayern Munich have racked up 20 goals in their last three games. With the road match a few days away, Football Transfer’s Robin Bairner shared why ...
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The tops and flops of Serie A round 5: Fonseca flips the script on Inter
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SERIE A

The tops and flops of Serie A round 5: Fonseca flips the script on Inter

For those who still dare suggest Italian football is predictable, the mayhem witnessed throughout the weekend should be enough to dispel such an unfounded claim. Perhaps Udinnese’s reign on top of the table turned out to be brief as expected, but Torino seizing the top spot was certainly an unforeseen spin. What’s more? Thiago Motta’s Juventus are impregnable at the back, yet futile upfront. Did anyone see this coming? Nevertheless, the biggest twist of the weekend was reserved for the Derby della Madonnina, with a struggling Milan turning the table on their arch-rivals. So let’s review all these astonishing events and more while identifying the Tops and Flops from Serie A Round 5. Top (Player): Artem Dovbyk Last week, Artem Dovbyk opened his Serie A account in the 1-1 draw against Genoa...
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Vincent Kompany and Christoph Freund praises Michael Olise’s impact at Bayern Munich
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Vincent Kompany and Christoph Freund praises Michael Olise’s impact at Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich announced Michael Olise before he was called up to the Olympics and got him for a lesser fee before the player exploded with the French Olympic football team. New Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was just as impressed with the 22-year-old despite arriving at the club later than the rest of his teammates. “I didn’t think it was bad that he played at the Olympics,” Kompany opined (as captured by X account @iMiaSanMia). “He came back very fit. He’s already playing a good role and will make many good steps. Now he should stay calm and keep it up.” Club sporting director Christoph Freund had a similar take and had a good first impression of him. “He played very well at the Olympics,” Freund began (via @iMiaSanMia). “Of course, a lot is new for him, new club, country, culture...
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Manchester United ‘considering’ another Bayern Munich transfer as Liverpool battle emerges
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Manchester United ‘considering’ another Bayern Munich transfer as Liverpool battle emerges

Manchester United are being linked with two new defenders, according to the latest transfer rumour mill. United had a busy summer transfer window with five new signings in total. Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte were all signed by the Reds to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad. With the exception of Yoro, who is currently sidelined through injury, all of United's summer signings have earned regular minutes in the early weeks of the season. The next test for Ten Hag's side will be on Wednesday night when United face FC Twente in their opening fixture of the Europa League. Football flame takes a look at some of the latest United transfer news and rumours that have circulated over the last 24 hours. United are being linked with a move for Bayern Mu...
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La Liga rivals joins Barca stars in sending support to Ter Stegen
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La Liga rivals joins Barca stars in sending support to Ter Stegen

Barcelona players have been quick to send support to Marc-Andre ter Stegen after he suffered an awful knee injury against Villarreal that has seen him undergo surgery. Raphinha dedicated Barcelona’s win to Ter Stegen after the match when he spoke to the media, and team-mates have been quick to post messages on social media to their goalkeeper. Lamine Yamal posted on social media: “A lot of strength Marc, you are strong,” while Marc Bernal said “We are with you, captain” and Fermin Lopez added “With you captain.” Inigo Martinez posted on X: “You’ll come back stronger, captain. We’ll be waiting for you! Good luck Marc!” Sergi Roberto was also thinking about his good friend and former team-mate, writing: “Be strong Capi. I’m with you. Once again you will show your mentality and I have no doub...
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Liverpool ‘want’ three Bayer Leverkusen stars as £16m target ’emerges’
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Liverpool ‘want’ three Bayer Leverkusen stars as £16m target ’emerges’

Liverpool are already being linked with several potential new signings months before the January transfer window even opens. The Reds had a relatively quiet summer, with Federico Chiesa the only new addition to the squad for this term. Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed from Valencia, but the goalkeeper will spend the remainder of the campaign on loan with the La Liga club before moving to Anfield in 2025. It now remains to be seen if Liverpool will look to strengthen their squad further when the transfer window reopens in January. For the time being, attention remains on the fixtures ahead, with Liverpool facing West Ham in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. The Reds go into the fixture on the back of a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League at the weekend....
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Tottenham reportedly preparing bid for Valencia midfielder
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Tottenham reportedly preparing bid for Valencia midfielder

As per Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur are prioritising the signing of Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra and are ready to push ahead with an offer in January. They report that the midfielder's performances over the last 18 months have caught the attention of numerous clubs in Europe, and Spurs are now ready to 'step up their pursuit'. They explain that Spurs are keen on adding to their midfield engine room, which marries up with several previous reports and links to other players. Spurs are expected to send a bid for the midfielder during the January transfer window. Valencia are said to be asking for 35 million Euros, which equates to around 29 million pounds - a fee that is described as an "obstacle" for the club, but there is belief that a "middle ground" can be agreed. Tottenh...
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Roma owners address fans: “We respect you and De Rossi”
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SERIE A

Roma owners address fans: “We respect you and De Rossi”

Dan and Ryan Friedkin, the owners of AS Roma, have issued a statement to the club’s fans addressing the recent controversial dismissal of manager Daniele De Rossi after just four league matches. The owners acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but defended it as necessary for the club’s ambitions. In their message, the Friedkins expressed their deep respect for De Rossi and belief in his future success as a coach, even suggesting he may return to Roma one day: “Football is appreciated globally for its unique beauty. Every match is full of passion, emotions, and unpredictability, and that’s why we love it. But beyond the results on the field, our responsibility as Club owners is to make important decisions that we believe are in Roma’s best interest, even when they are extremely diff...
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Rodri out for the season with ACL injury sustained in Man City’s draw against Arsenal
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Rodri out for the season with ACL injury sustained in Man City’s draw against Arsenal

Rodri will miss the rest of Manchester City's season with an ACL injury he suffered against Arsenal, talkSPORT understands. The midfielder was substituted in the 21st minute of the 2-2 draw on Sunday after planting his foot in an awkward position on the pitch. He was able to hobble off the pitch but the Spaniard is said to have torn cruciate ligaments as per initial tests. It means it's very likely that this will spell the end of his season in what is a huge blow to City after initial optimism he wouldn't be out for a lengthy period. The extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed by City, who are bidding for an unprecedented fifth straight Premier League title. Speaking after the match, City boss Pep Guardiola revealed he didn't know how bad the 28-year-old's injury was. Guardiola said: "...
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Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold hails Arne Slot advice
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Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold hails Arne Slot advice

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has said he welcomes critcism from manager Arne Slot in order to become a feared defender in Europe. The 25-year-old has garnered a reputation for his attacking prowess but has also been plagued by a less glittering narrative over the defensive side of his game. However, speaking after Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, he said he wants Slot to help him turn that around. "I said to him [Slot] that I would like to be the defender that no one wants to come up against in Europe," Alexander-Arnold said. "We agreed that he will be harsh on me," he added. "If any time an attacker gets by me and gets past me, he will call it out in meetings, and individual meetings, and say this cannot happen. We go through every game together and h...
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Paul Pogba makes feelings clear on Jadon Sancho after miserable Man Utd spell
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Paul Pogba makes feelings clear on Jadon Sancho after miserable Man Utd spell

Paul Pogba has been impressed by Jadon Sancho's early contributions at Chelsea after the winger's loan switch from Manchester United. Sancho endured a tough tme at Old Trafford after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, and ended last season back at the German club after a falling-out with United manager Erik ten Hag. Another loan followed in August, with Chelsea bringing him to West London for a season with an obligation to buy for up to £25m next summer if conditions are met. A boyhood Chelsea fan, Sancho has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge. He came off the bench to set up Christopher Nkunku's winner at Bournemouth on his debut, while his first start brought another assist in a 3-0 win at West Ham. Pogba and Sancho were briefly team-mates at Old Trafford, spending the 2021-...
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Manchester City rise above Arsenal’s tactics to salvage a point
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Manchester City rise above Arsenal’s tactics to salvage a point

Manchester City and Arsenal played out an entertaining 2-all draw at the Etihad yesterday. The Premier League encounter between the two teams had no shortage of talking points across the 90 minutes. But come the final whistle City had risen above Arsenal’s tactics to salvage a point from the match. But in doing so they showed the mettle that has served them so well in previous seasons to claim the past four Premier League titles. One talking point to come out of the game was the tactical approach employed by Mikel Arteta and his team. Arsenal were determined to frustrate Manchester City across the full 90 minutes. Even when the game was 11 versus 11 Arsenal employed tactics that were designed to frustrate Pep Guardiola’s side. When they could Arsenal would disrupt the rhythm of...
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Vincent Kompany’s hot start outshines recent Bayern Munich managers
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Vincent Kompany’s hot start outshines recent Bayern Munich managers

Due to the lack of managerial experience, Bayern Munich’s hire of Vincent Kompany was met with a fair amount of skepticism. Thus far, Kompany has blown away the competition. Kompany has won all six of his Bayern matches, mostly with a large cushion. Only Wolfsburg has been able to hold a single goal deficit through 90 minutes, while SSV Ulm (DFB-Pokal), Dinamo Zagreb (Champions League) Freiburg, Holstein Kiel, and Werder Bremen have all suffered larger defeats. According to @iMiaSanMia, Kompany’s start at Bayern is the best in nearly a decade. In his third and final season at Bayern, Pep Guardiola won his first ten Bundesliga matches back in 2015/16. Pep’s successor, Carlo Ancelotti, took over the club and won five straight Bundesliga matches.
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Fonseca on Milan derby win: “We played with the same structure”
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Fonseca on Milan derby win: “We played with the same structure”

In a surprising turn of events, Milan emerged victorious in the highly anticipated derby against Inter, marking a significant milestone for the team. Paulo Fonseca, Milan’s head coach, shared his thoughts on the match in a post-game interview with Dazn. Fonseca began by emphasizing the importance and rarity of this win: “Milan hasn’t won this match in a long time, and tonight we truly deserved it.” He went on to highlight the exceptional performance of his team, stating, “I can’t recall a team that has managed to create as many problems for Inter as we did today.” When questioned about potential tactical changes, Fonseca was quick to clarify: “No, we didn’t change anything. We played with the same structure. I only asked Fofana to drop between the center-backs during the build-up phase. ...
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Barcelona beat Villarreal 5-1 with the help of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha
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LALIGA

Barcelona beat Villarreal 5-1 with the help of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha

Forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both scored twice to help Barcelona thrash hosts Villarreal 5-1 on Sunday as the visitors maintained their perfect start in La Liga with a sixth consecutive victory. Lewandowski found the net twice inside 35 minutes before Villarreal pulled a quick one back through Ayoze Perez but Pablo Torre made it 3-1 after the break and Raphinha completed the rout for Barca with two goals late in the second half. On Saturday, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said he was delighted with his side’s play and resiliency in their clash against Espanyol, fighting back to win 4-1 after falling behind due to a rare blunder by their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Ancelotti praised his players’ poise under pressure as they dominated proceedings, earning a win thanks to go...
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Newcastle Joins Arsenal and Liverpool in Race for PSG’s Summer Target
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Newcastle Joins Arsenal and Liverpool in Race for PSG’s Summer Target

Late in the summer transfer window, Paris Saint-Germain was linked to Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. Nonetheless, it appears Premier League clubs are keen on the 26-year-old forward. As the transfer window drew to a close, Lookman was linked with several top clubs, including PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool, who were all reportedly interested in the 26-year-old. Since joining Atalanta in 2022, he’s made a strong impression. Last season, Lookman played 45 games, showcasing his skill with 17 goals and 10 assists. One of the standout moments of his season was his stunning hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. Despite not moving this past summer, the Atalanta standout has his admirers. According to TeamTALK (h/t Le10Sport), Lookman continues to attract interest from...
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Enrique: Don’t expect Dembélé to fill Mbappé void
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Ligue 1

Enrique: Don’t expect Dembélé to fill Mbappé void

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has been cautious about tipping Ousmane Dembélé as his team's next top scorer, saying it could be detrimental to his side. Dembélé's second-half strike in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Reims helped PSG maintain their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 and put him in the spotlight as the leading striker to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappé's move to Real Madrid. However, while praising the 27-year-old winger, who has four goals and two assists this season, the coach urged the team as a whole to improve so as not to put too much pressure on just one player. "We're not looking for a goal scorer, because if you put the pressure on Dembélé and then he doesn't score the goals you want him to score, we'll start with the problems," the coach told a news conference on Saturda...
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Liverpool injury list and return dates for West Ham: Alisson, Elliott latest
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Liverpool injury list and return dates for West Ham: Alisson, Elliott latest

The defence of Liverpool's EFL Cup crown begins on Wednesday evening, as the Reds welcome West Ham United to Anfield for their third-round showdown. The tournament was the last one that Jurgen Klopp conquered during his glittering spell in the hotseat, as Liverpool triumphed 1-0 over Chelsea in the 2023-24 final, having previously demolished West Ham 5-1 in the quarter-finals. Arne Slot's side head into their EFL Cup opener on the back of another emphatic home victory, sweeping aside Bournemouth 3-0 courtesy of a Luis Diaz brace and a terrific Darwin Nunez effort to go top of the Premier League table. Here, Football Flame rounds up all of Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with the Irons, who coincidentally fell to a three-goal defeat against Chelsea on Satu...
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