Tag: Pre-Season

18Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Wesley Fofana takes final decision on joining Chelsea

Leicester City defender, Wesley Fofana, has made it clear he would be interested in joining Chelsea amid rumoured interest from the Blues. Fofana has been linked with a move away from Leicester City to Chelsea in 2022. Speaking on the development during a discussion on Twitter Spaces on Wednesday night, Fofana admitted that he ‘dreams’ of a move to Chelsea. “I have been a Marseille fan since I was born,” Fofana said. “Marseille, it is a dream. We don’t know what is waiting for us in football. “There is Marseille, Real Madrid, Barcelona. In the Premier League, Chelsea, Man United, Man City… but you have to work to achieve your dreams. Through work, you can succeed in it all.” Fofana joined Leicester from Saint Etienne last summer. The Frenchman impressed...

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17Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Zidane makes U-turn on replacing Solskjaer at Manchester United

Former Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has made a U-turn on his stance on replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United. Zidane is one of the leading contenders to replace Solskjaer, whose Manchester United future is up in the air due to the club’s recent poor run of results. Recall that the Frenchman would rather join Man United or any other club in the summer where he can get a pre-season under his belt to prepare his team for the upcoming season. According to the Daily Record, Zidane is now increasingly ‘attracted’ to the prospect of replacing Solskjaer should the Norwegian eventually leave Man United, particularly with the Red Devils squad boasting two of his former players Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, as well as his compatriot, Paul Pogba. The report...

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9Nov By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona new coach Xavi reportedly Sacks two Barcelona Physios hired by Former boss Ronald Koeman

New Barcelona coach Xavi has reportedly sacked two members of the club's physio department in one of his first decisions less than 24-hours after becoming the new boss. The legendary midfielder was finally appointed as Barcelona's new boss at the weekend before being officially unveiled to 10,000 supporters at the Nou Camp on Monday. The decision to sack the club's physio follows the ongoing injury crisis causing rifts between players and staff behind the scenes, while the team lags well behind their title rivals in LaLiga. It was gathered that players are getting fed up with the alarming amount of injuries and are beginning to point the blame for the growing list of injuries on the club's fitness coaches, believing their problems began in pre-season and have continued since. ...

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25Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Raducanu Drops Coach who led her to US Open Triumph

US Open winner Emma Raducanu has decided to replace coach Andrew Richardson with someone who has the experience to keep her at the top level on the WTA Tour. Richardson, who coached British youth players, worked with Raducanu at Bromley Tennis Centre near her Kent home and then went with the 18-year-old to New York, where she entered her second major in the qualifying rounds. He replaced Nigel Sears, Andy Murray’s father-in-law, who Raducanu dropped after reaching the round of 16 at Wimbledon in July. “After Wimbledon, I was ranked around 200 in the world and at the time I thought Andrew would be a great coach to trial so we went to the States but never did I even dream of winning the US Open,” Raducanu said at an event staged by the British Lawn Tennis Association at the ...

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13Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Ronaldo will not play every Man Utd game – Solskjaer

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said Cristiano Ronaldo will not play every game, as he looks to manage the forward’s minutes. Ronaldo scored twice on his second debut as United defeated Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday. The 36-year-old seemed to lift the quality of players around him, but Solskjaer insists he has to be kept fresh. When Solskjaer was asked if it is impossible to leave Ronaldo out, he replied: “The thing with Cristiano is that he looks after himself so much so I know he will recover quickly and he has had a pre-season. “Of course it’s important that we get everyone up and running and to get him up and running and to give him 90 minutes. “Of course there is a game on Tuesday (against Young Boys). We will see what we do. But no, it’s not impossibl...

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4Sep By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal must beat Norwich or Arteta loses his job – Joe Cole

Former Chelsea midfielder, Joe Cole, has said Arsenal must defeat Norwich after the international break or else Mikel Arteta risks losing his job. According to Cole, Arteta is “in the storm at the moment”. The Gunners are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table having failed to pick up a point, or score a single goal in their first three fixtures. Having lost to Brentford, Chelsea and Manchester City, Cole believes that anything less than victory over Norwich on September 11 is “probably the end” for Arteta. He told Coral via Metro: “The future at Arsenal is obviously up in the air. I know they’ve played Chelsea, they played Manchester City, the two best teams, but it’s the manner of both defeats. “They had all pre-season to prepare for the Brentford game and they...

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24Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

You’re a waste of time, leave Old Trafford now – Rio Ferdinand blasts Man United star

Former Manchester United star, Rio Ferdinand, has told the club’s forgotten defender, Phil Jones to find another club. Ferdinand believes the England defender is now a waste of time at Old Trafford and should have left Manchester United ‘ages ago’. He blasted the player for blocking a Manchester United academy player from being part of the first team. After being sidelined with a knee injury for over 18 months, Jones made his comeback in United’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley last week. He participated in United pre-season training this summer and is targeting a return to the first team. “He’s taking up a youth team player’s position in that squad right now,” Ferdinand told Vibe with FIVE. “He’s had too many injuries… I was in th...

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22Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Kane on Bench for Tottenham amid talk of Man City Move

Harry Kane was named among Tottenham’s substitutes for Sunday’s Premier League match at Wolves after the Manchester City transfer target missed the first two games of the season. Kane was in the Tottenham squad for the first time this term after his late return to pre-season training. The England captain, unhappy at his club’s 13-year trophy drought, hopes to force a move to Premier League champions City before the August 31 transfer deadline. Kane said he has “never refused to train”, but the 28-year-old believes he has a gentleman’s agreement with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to leave this summer. However, City are so far unwilling to meet Levy’s £150 million ($204 million) asking price for last season’s Premier League top scorer. Kane was left out of Tottenham’s...

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20Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Man United midfielder leaves Old Trafford ahead of Southampton clash

Manchester United midfielder, Dylan Levitt, has left Old Trafford to join Dundee United on loan. Man United disclosed this in a statement via their website on Friday ahead of their Premier League clash with Southampton on Sunday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side head to the game following a 5-1 win against Leeds United last weekend. The statement read, “Manchester United midfielder Dylan Levitt has joined Dundee United on loan for the 2021/22 season, subject to international clearance. “The 20-year-old, who was part of the Wales squad that reached the round of 16 at Euro 2020, returned early for the start of pre-season with the first-team and featured in both of the friendlies against Derby County and Queens Park Rangers. “Dylan Levitt came back early ...

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19Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Two senior players absent from Arsenal training ahead of Chelsea clash

Two senior Arsenal players, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, were absent from the club’s training session on Wednesday ahead of their Premier League derby with Chelsea on Sunday. Aubameyang and Lacazette featured prominently for Arsenal throughout pre-season but were ruled out of the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat against Brentford last Friday due to illness. Brentford defeated Arsenal at home in the absence of their most experienced forwards, with Premier League debutant Folarin Balogun struggling to make an impact during the encounter. Asked to clarify why Aubameyang and Lacazette didn’t feature against Brentford, Arteta only gave a brief explanation, saying: “They feel unwell, that is all I can say “It is [a big miss], but in the world that we are living in, I think...

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18Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Real coup – Mourinho reacts to AS Roma signing of Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham

AS Roma manager, Jose Mourinho has reacted to the signing of Tammy Abraham from English Premier League giants (EPL) Chelsea. Mourinho, a former Chelsea manager, described Abraham’s signing as a ‘real coup’. Abraham was officially unveiled as a Roma player on Tuesday following the departure of Edin Dzeko to Inter Milan. Reacting, Mourinho told Roma TV, “I have to say the general manager and owners have been brilliant. “The reality is that we started pre-season thinking we had Dzeko and what happened was a bit of a surprise for all of us. “In an incredibly difficult market and in a financial situation that is difficult for every, or more precisely, almost every club, having the willingness, the ambition, the respect for the fans’ emotions and reacting in this w...

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16Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Lionel Messi: Date PSG star will Make his Debut Revealed

Paris Saint-Germain new signing, Lionel Messi, is expected to make his debut for the club at the end of this month as he continues his return to full fitness. According to Sky Sports, Messi, who is continuing to settle into life in France following his shock exit from Barcelona this summer, will play his first game for PSG against Reims on August 29. The Argentina captain is not yet match-fit to feature for PSG. PSG coach, Mauricio Pochettino, had admitted that Messi, 34, still has catching up to do on his conditioning as he played for his country at the recently concluded Copa America and had a break after the tournament. Messi has not undergone a proper pre-season, and has missed PSG’s first two games of the new Ligue 1 season. Speaking at his post-match pr...

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15Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Kante & Lukaku fit for Chelsea’s game at Arsenal but Loftus-Cheek tests positive for Covid-19

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed mixed news ahead of his side's trip to face the Gunners next weekend Thomas Tuchel is ready to throw Romelu Lukaku in for his Chelsea debut against Arsenal and expects N'Golo Kante to return from a minor injury. However, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has been part of Tuchel's squad in pre-season, is out of the game on Sunday, August 22 after testing positive for coronavirus on Thursday. After his side's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, Tuchel offered an update on the health and fitness of several of his players.  

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15Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Tottenham vs Man City: Guardiola Reveals Fears for this season

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted he fears his team may start the new season slowly again. Guardiola’s men dropped points in five of their first eight Premier League fixtures last year. With a number of international players having returned to training only a matter of days before their opening game at Tottenham Hotspur, the Spaniard is wary. City turned the situation around brilliantly last campaign, as they embarked on a 28-game unbeaten run from late November, to take charge of the title race and went on to win it. “Before, it was four or five weeks for preparation in the pre-season. Now Thursday is the first day we were all together. It is completely different. “It is similar to last season when we played against Wolves without any frie...

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13Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Alaves vs Real Madrid: Ancelotti names squad for LaLiga clash

Real Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelotti, has named his side’s squad to tackle Alavés in their LaLiga opener on Saturday night at Mendizorroza. Ancelotti named 21 players to face Alaves at Mendizorroza in a post via their website on Friday night. Real Madrid head to the game following a 0-0 draw with AC Milan in a pre-season friendly last weekend. Below is Real Madrid’s squad against Alaves: Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Fuidias. Defenders: E. Militão, Alaba, Nacho, Odriozola and Miguel Gutiérrez. Midfielders: Modrić, Casemiro, Valverde, Lucas V., Isco and Blanco. Forwards: Hazard, Benzema, Asensio, Jović, Bale, Vini Jr. and Rodrygo. The kick-off time for the match is 9 pm, Nigerian time.

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12Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Messi makes fresh demand to PSG ahead of Ligue 1 clash against Strasbourg

Lionel Messi has told Paris Saint-Germain manager, Mauricio Pochettino, that he wants to be part of Saturday’s match squad, for their Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg. The 34-year-old completed a free transfer from Barcelona this week. Messi is yet to have any pre-season training, as he’s been on holidays after helping Argentina win the Copa America. However, RMC reports Messi wants to be starting games as soon as possible, although the club’s coaching staff want him to work on his sharpness first. Messi trained with the rest of the PSG squad on Thursday, as Pochettino schemes how to dovetail him into his attack that already has Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. It appears likely that he will have to wait for the Ligue 1 clash against Reims on August 29 to make his...

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11Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea’s Ugbo closes in on €5m permanent transfer to Genk

The Blues striker is in final talks over a move back to the Belgian top-flight after excelling at Cercle Brugge last season Chelsea are ratifying the final details of a €5 million (£4m/$6m) offer from Genk for striker Ike Ugbo, with the move expected to be completed in the next week. The 22-year-old has been involved for Thomas Tuchel's side in pre-season but negotiations around his future have been going on behind the scenes. The homegrown star had approaches from Fulham, Watford, Monaco and Anderlecht after an exceptional season on loan at Cercle Brugge. However, Genk's proposal was the strongest overall and ensured that they won the race for Ugbo.

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11Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Lionel Messi reveals when he’ll play first game for PSG

Newly signed Paris Saint-Germain star, Lionel Messi has revealed that he will play his first game for the club when the staff think he is ready. PSG will play Strasbourg at home in Ligue 1 on Saturday before travelling to Brest next Friday. They will then play Reims later on August 29 before the first international break of the season. And the former Barcelona captain was asked when he could play his first game for the club and he said: “I’m going to begin training but I can’t exactly answer your question. When the staff think I’m okay, I’m ready and willing to play. “I was on holiday and it’s very new so I spoke yesterday with the technical staff. Maybe I need a pre-season myself. “I don’t know.”

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11Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Man Utd star Rashford gives update after undergoing successful shoulder surgery

The England international has started on the road to recovery after addressing a niggling issue that hampered his form throughout the 2020-21 season Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has given an update on his condition after undergoing successful shoulder surgery. Rashford initially tore a muscle in his shoulder back in November 2020, but played on until the end of United's last campaign before also being selected for England's European Championship squad. The 23-year-old took in a much-needed break after the Three Lions' final defeat to Italy, and after reporting to Old Trafford for the start of pre-season, sat down with club officials to discuss how best to deal with his ongoing fitness problem.

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9Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Valencia enter race for Chalobah as Chelsea make space for another Kounde transfer bid

The Liga giants have been watching the English defender during the Blues' pre-season and are ready to offer him a chance on loan in Spain Valencia have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah on a season-long loan after he excelled in pre-season. Like Thomas Tuchel, the Liga giants have been impressed with the youngster's season at Lorient in Ligue 1 last year along with his pre-season performances at Stamford Bridge. Tuchel has told Chelsea not to sell the 22-year-old at any cost and that he will strongly consider promoting him from the loan group to his squad next season.

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9Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

‘Don’t sell him at any cost’ – Tuchel advises Abramovich to keep Chelsea star

  Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has advised the club’s owner, Roman Abramovich, not to sell Trevoh Chalobah at ‘any cost,’ Goal reports. Chalobah came through Chelsea’s academy but is yet to make a first-team appearance for the club so far. The 22-year-old has spent the last three seasons on loan at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield and Lorient, respectively. Chalobah reported back to pre-season training with Chelsea this summer and Tuchel has been so impressed with the defensive midfielder that he has told the club not to keep him beyond this summer. The report added that Tuchel also told Chelsea’s chiefs that he will consider using Chalobah as part of his first-team plans next year. Meanwhile, Chalobah had drawn the interest of LaLiga side, Valencia, in the past. ...

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8Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Serie A: Mourinho sent off as Roma receive three red cards, lose 5-2

  Roma manager, Jose Mourinho, was sent off after storming onto the pitch during his side’s pre-season friendly 5-2 defeat to Real Betis on Saturday at Benito Villamarin. Goals from Rodri, Nabi Fekir, Alex Moreno, Cristian Tello and Rober ensured the LaLiga side defeated Roma. Eldor Shomurodov and Gianluca Mancini did score for Mourinho’s side. Mourinho was livid after Lorenzo Pellegrini was given his marching orders by Spanish referee Figueroa Vazquez. After the referee sent him off, Mourinho rushed onto the pitch to express his disapproval. That, in turn, saw him sent off as the former Chelsea and Manchester United furiously remonstrated with the officials. Things went from bad to worse for Roma as Gianluca Mancini was then sent off before Rick Karsdorp also...

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7Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Manchester United Star, Jesse Lingard tests Positive for Covid-19

Manchester United star, Jesse Lingard is set to miss the start of the new season after testing positive for Covid-19. The England international, 28, had featured in all three of Manchester United's pre-season friendly fixtures but is not available for the final test against Everton on Saturday lunchtime. United confirmed his absence in a statement on their club website ahead of kick-off although there is no time frame given over his possible return. "Unfortunately, Jesse Lingard is unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19," the statement read. "He is isolating in line with Government and Premier League Guidelines." Lingard joins goalkeeper Dean Henderson who is still recovering from Covid-19 after he had tested positive weeks back.

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5Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Pre-season friendly: Tuchel singles out two players as Chelsea fail to beat Tottenham

Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel, has singled out two of his players for praise following their pre-season friendly 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. The players are Tino Anjorin and Trevoh Chalobah. Two goals from Hakim Ziyech and a strike each from Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn ensured Chelsea and Tottenham drew at Stamford Bridge. Speaking after the game, Tuchel said: “I’m a bit sad because he [Tino Anjorin] trained so, so well for us in the last half year, but the race for top four was on and there were so many decisive matches every three days, so it wasn’t the time to try stuff with young players. But he always showed his quality in training. “When the season ended we agreed he stays for pre-season and he’d get the minutes he deserves. Unfortunately, be...

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5Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

I never boycotted training – Berbatov Reacts as Harry Kane Tries to force Man City move

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker, Dimitar Berbatov has offered his reaction to reports linking the club’s forward Harry Kane with Manchester City. Kane has so far failed to show up for Tottenham’s pre-season training. The England captain was due to return on August 2, following a short holiday after playing in Euro 2020. Reacting to the development, Berbatov insisted that he never boycotted training during his playing days, adding that concerned that the saga could turn ugly in the coming weeks. Recall that the former Bulgarian international famously missed Tottenham’s games at the start of the 2008-2009 season to push through a £31 million switch to Manchester United, but doesn’t the approach Kane is taking to try and secure an even more controversial transfer ...

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4Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Gary Neville tells Solskjaer Position to play Varane, Sancho

  Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville, has advised the club’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, on the position to play new signings, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho. Man United signed Varane from Real Madrid and Sancho from Borussia Dortmund this summer. Speaking on the development ahead of Man United’s pre-season friendly tie with Everton this weekend, Neville urged Solskjaer to play Sancho in the right-wing position and Varane in the centre-back to partner captain Harry Maguire. “I think Varane is really exciting. Sancho’s exciting, but it was almost inevitable that was going to happen,” Neville told Sky Sports. “They needed to fill that right-wing spot. It has been a bit of a problem for the last year or two. I think demonstrating patience and getting h...

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3Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal announce deals for Taylor-Hart, Clarke ahead of Tottenham clash

  Arsenal have confirmed deals for Kido Taylor-Hart and Harry Clarke ahead of their pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The Gunners said Taylor-Hart has signed his first professional contract with the North London club, while Clarke left the Emirates for Ross County on a season-long loan. Mikel Arteta’s side disclosed this in a statement on Monday. The statement read, “Kido Taylor-Hart has signed his first professional contract. “The 18 year-old winger enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2020/21, scoring six and assisting four in just 11 appearances for our under-18s. “Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Kido on his first professional contract and we look forward to seeing his continued development. “Harry Clarke has joined Scottis...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Barcelona Sanction Midfielder’s transfer as player leaves training camp

  Alex Collado has been given permission by Barcelona to leave the club’s training camp in Germany as he seeks to secure a move away from the Camp Nou this summer before the transfer window shuts later this month Barcelona confirmed that Collado was given the go-ahead to leave the camp to sort out his future in a post via their Twitter handle on Sunday following their pre-season 3-0 win over VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. “Alex Collado is leaving the team’s training camp, with permission from the club, pending a resolution over his future,” Barcelona tweeted. The attacking midfielder, who can also operate on the wings, made it clear to the Barcelona hierarchy that he had no interest in playing for Barcelona B squad this season. The 22-year-old was keen to get minutes wi...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Harry Kane Fails to return to Tottenham training amid interest from Man City, Chelsea

Tottenham striker, Harry Kane, on Monday, failed to turn up for the club’s pre-season training amid interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, Sky Sports reports. The England captain was due to return to the Tottenham training ground [Hotspur Way] on Monday following a short holiday after Euro 2020. Kane was due for various tests, including for COVID-19 and to assess his basic fitness levels. He had told Tottenham back in May he wanted to leave the club this summer. Following Kane’s comments, Manchester City made a £100m bid for him at the end of June. Kane is valued at upwards of £120m and Tottenham are keen to keep him despite the 28-year-old believing he has a gentleman’s agreement with the club’s chairman, Daniel Levy. His contract with Spurs will expire in 2024 and...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Tottenham vs Arsenal: Arteta provides fresh injury update on Thomas Partey

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has provided the latest injury update on Thomas Partey ahead of his side’s pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on August 8. Partey sustained an ankle injury in the first half of Arsenal’s pre-season 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday at Emirates. The Ghanaian international was forced off and replaced by Granit Xhaka. When asked about the extent of Partey’s injury, Arteta said at his post-match press conference: “I just had a talk with the doctor. “He will have a scan tomorrow. “At the moment it’s not looking good because he was in pain and he could not continue which for Thomas is pretty unusual”

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Arsenal vs Chelsea: Tuchel Reacts as Blues win 2-1

Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has admitted that his squad is not at their best physically, following a hard fought 2-1 win over Arsenal in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. Kai Havertz gave the Blues the lead at the Emirates after being played in by Timo Werner. Granit Xhaka came off the bench to head in the equalizer for the Gunners, but Tammy Abraham latched on to a poor pass from Hector Bellerin to grab the winner. “I thought we played well in the first half, but then in the second half things became more difficult because we made a lot of changes. We are happy. “We are not in the freshest state physically at this moment, this is normal in pre-season, but we still managed to get the win which is very pleasing. “It was quite an open game, both sides had chances, but ove...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 in Pre-season Friendly

Chelsea have defeated Arsenal in their pre-season charity friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. In the game, Kai Havertz gave Chelsea the lead in the 26th minute. Granit Xhaka brought Gunners level in the 69th minute while Tammy Abraham restores Chelsea’s advantage after Héctor Bellerín’s error in the 71st minute. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are competing in a mini pre-season round-robin tournament called The Mind Series. Funds raised from the three games will be split between mental health charity Mind and the clubs’ respective foundations. Chelsea have played two friendlies so far this summer, beating Peterborough and Bournemouth, and saw their training camp in Ireland disrupted by a positive Covid-19 case. Also, Arsenal have had their preparations hampered b...

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Hopefully they’ll see more of it’ – Bafana Bafana star Tau reacts after maiden Brighton & Hove Albion goal

The 27-year-old has presented his case to be considered for more playing time following an impressive performance on Saturday South Africa forward Percy Tau hopes Brighton and Hove Albion fans will witness more of his goal celebrations after scoring during a pre-season friendly match against Luton. The Seagulls won 3-1 at Kenilworth Road with Tau registering his name on the scoresheet and put up an impressive display. It was the Bafana Bafana star’s first-ever goal for Brighton after he started playing for the club in January following some loan stints in Belgium.

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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‘Benrahma has been waiting on that one for a year’ – Moyes on Algerian’s strike

The ex-Brentford winger's goal helped the Hammers get another pre-season win against his former side head of the Premier League campaign West Ham United manager David Moyes was impressed with Said Benrahma's strike that sealed the 1-0 win for his charges against Brentford in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. The Algeria international struck in the 66th minute against his former team to ensure the Hammers continued with their fine form in pre-season. It was his second consecutive goal for the Londoners after also getting his name on the scoresheet in the 6-2 win over Celtic.  

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Salisu: Own goal for Ghanaian centre-back in Southampton’s pre-season friendly

The 22-year-old was on the score sheet in an unfortunate manner in Saturday’s friendly clash with Swansea City Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu was unlucky to fire into his own net as Southampton handed Swansea City a 3-1 defeat in a pre-season fixture on Saturday. The centre-back mistakenly diverted Liam Cullen’s cross into his own net to hand the Jack Army the lead in the 15th minute. However, goals from Nathan Tella, Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong turned things around for The Saints.

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1Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Osimhen nets brace as Napoli crush Bayern Munich

Victor Osimhen scored twice, as Napoli hammered Bayern Munich 3-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. After scoring the winner against Serie C club Pro Vercelli last weekend, the Super Eagles striker led the Partenopei’s attack again in Munich. Osimhen netted his two goals within two second-half minutes. The first came in the 69th minute, as he combined nicely with Algeria midfielder, Adam Ounas. Zinedine Machach completed the rout for Napoli with five minutes left on the clock. Despite their comfortable win, Napoli suffered a late blow as Ounas was replaced 11 minutes later after he picked up an injury. Osimhen was replaced by Gennaro Tutino in the 80th minute.

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31Jul By MosesianNo Comments

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UEFA Super Cup final: Villarreal Suffer Major injury blow ahead of Chelsea Clash

Villarreal have suffered a major injury blow ahead of their UEFA Super Cup final against Chelsea on August 11. The LaLiga side confirmed in a statement on Friday night that midfielder Dani Parejo suffered muscle damage ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final against Chelsea. Parejo was stretchered off in Villarreal’s pre-season friendly draw against Levante on Thursday. The statement read, “The midfielder [Dani Parejo] from Madrid suffered muscle damage yesterday to his right calf. “Medical tests carried out on Dani Parejo have confirmed that he suffered muscle damage to his right calf during yesterday’s friendly match against Levante UD at the Villarreal CF Training Ground (Ciudad Deportiva). “The recovery time will depend on the player’s progress.” The reigning Europa Leagu...

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31Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Oxlade-Chamberlain up for Firmino challenge at Liverpool after playing No 9 role in pre-season

The England international is more at home in midfield, but Jurgen Klopp has been experimenting with him as a central striker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is up for the challenge of offering Liverpool a central striking alternative to Roberto Firmino. The England international has made his name as a midfielder, but Jurgen Klopp has been experimenting with him as a No 9 during pre-season. There is a lack of depth in that position at Anfield with Brazil star Firmino the main man for the Reds, but Oxlade-Chamberlain is ready to step up if required.

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28Jul By MosesianNo Comments

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Man Utd squad vs Brentford: Solskjaer’s Squad Confirmed [Full list]

Manchester United’s squad to face Brentford in today’s pre-season friendly tie has been revealed. According to Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has named a 24-man squad to tackle Brentford at Old Trafford. Man United head to the game following a 4-2 defeat to QPR in their last pre-season friendly fixture. The kick-off time for Man United vs Brentford is 8 pm. Below is Man United’s squad against Brentford; Goalkeepers: Heaton, Grant and Kovar. Defenders: Dalot, Mengi, Tuanzebe, Fish, Williams, Wan-Bissaka. Midfielders: Garner, Levitt, Hannibal, Galbraith, Mata, Pereira, Van de Beek and Matic. Forwards: Lingard, James, Shoretire, Elanga, Greenwood, Pellistri and Hugill.

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23Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Pumas join Florida Cup pre-season tournament after Arsenal & Inter forced out amid Covid scare

The Liga MX outfit will face Everton next Wednesday Pumas have agreed to join the Florida Cup on short notice after Arsenal and Inter pulled out, and they will play Everton next Wednesday. The Gunners had several members of their organisation test positive for Covid-19 just before embarking on their pre-season jaunt across the Atlantic, and the Nerazzurri followed their lead in cancelling their U.S. plans as a precaution. That left only Everton and Millonarios in the competition, but Pumas have agreed to lend a helping hand, ensuring the tournament will continue. Atletico Nacional of Colombia have also signed on to meet Millonarios next week.

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21Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal, Inter Milan pull out of Florida Cup

  Inter Milan have pulled out of the Florida Cup due to take place this pre-season. This follows Arsenal’s withdrawal on Tuesday. Arsenal announced they would not be flying to America for the tournament due to “a small number of positive COVID tests” at the club. Today, Inter have released a statement confirming they would also be pulling out of the event. It read: “FC Internazionale Milano announce that they will not be travelling to the USA for the Florida Cup due to the current risks involved in international travel as a result of the spread of the pandemic, risks that have already caused Arsenal F.C. to withdraw from participation.” Inter were scheduled to face Arsenal on Sunday and then potentially face the winner of Everton’s match against Millonarios on Ju...

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20Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Everton Suspend first-team player over police investigation

  English Premier League club, Everton have suspended a first-team player pending a police investigation. Everton made the announcement in a statement on their official website on Tuesday morning. The Toffees, however, did not reveal the player or any details concerning the police case. “Everton can confirm it has suspended a first-team player pending a police investigation. “The club will continue to support the authorities with their inquiries and will not be making any further statement at this time,” the statement read. Everton began their pre-season training earlier this month. The Merseyside club will depart for the United States to face Colombian side Millonarios and either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the Florida Cup later this week. Everton will tackl...

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20Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Ronaldo to be Used in Shock swap deal involving PSG’s Icardi

Cristiano Ronaldo and Mauro Icardi have been considered for a shock swap deal between Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain this summer, according to L’Equipe. The two players are both previous targets for their potential suitors. Ronaldo has been linked with PSG in the past, as the Ligue 1 giants fight to win the Champions League for the first time. Icardi was heavily linked to Juve in 2019, before making an initial loan switch to PSG from Inter Milan. It is believed that Juve are considering offering Ronaldo to the Parisians, in a bid to try and bring Icardi to Turin. Juventus recently insisted that Ronaldo is not looking to leave Italy and expect him to report for pre-season training later in July.

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20Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

I’m praying for more goals- Iheanacho

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho says he aims to surpass his 19 goals haul of last season in the new campaign with Leicester City PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The 24-year-old Iheanacho was Leicester City’s top goalscorer last season his best ever season with the Foxes since he joined the club in 2017 from Manchester City. Speaking to LCFC TV on Monday, the Nigeria international hopes Leicester City records more wins to improve on last season’s finish. “I’m happy to be back. Pre-season is on, so you know what it means: running, running, running! Of course, it’s good to be back,” he said. “Now, we need to concentrate on the work that we have ahead. We just need to focus and get through the pre-season and focus on the new season. Of course, it’s good to be back with this special gr...

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19Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Feeling fit and strong’ – Spartak Moscow’s Moses ready for new season

The 30-year-old reveals his readiness to lead the People's Team when the new season gets underway on July 24 Victor Moses has confirmed his readiness to kick off the new campaign with Spartak Moscow after concluding their pre-season. The 30-year-old has enjoyed a good run of form in pre-season as he managed to score four goals in the Parimatch Premier Cup at the Otkritie Bank Arena. The former Chelsea player has taken to his social media pages to confirm his readiness to start in the Russian Premier League.

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19Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Man United Confirm Return dates for Pogba, Fernandes, Martial, others

  Manchester United have confirmed return dates for Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial and Donny Van de Beek. According to Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Pogba and Fernandes are not due to return to Man United for another week, while Martial and Van de Beek are expected to start training in a week’s time. “They [Martial and Van de Beek] are not ready yet,” Solskjaer was quoted by MEN. “They will probably be 100 per cent training with us a week on Monday. They are still working hard to step into the group. “Fernandes and Pogba? It won’t be next week, no. The week after.” Man United won their first pre-season match 2-1 against Derby County on Sunday, but the Red Devils were without several senior players due to the recently concluded Euro...

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19Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Wayne Rooney Explains why he Snubbed Man Utd Fans During Preseason clash with Derby

  Derby County manager, Wayne Rooney has assured Manchester United supporters that there are no hard feelings, after he snubbed calls to give them a wave during the pre-season friendly game with Derby County. Rooney was facing his former club for the first time since becoming a manager. United won thanks to goals from Tahith Chong and Facundo Pellistri, while Derby pulled one back late through Colin Kazim-Richard in the second half. Wayne Rooney escapes relegation with Derby County It was just the second time United’s fans have been able to watch their side, following the trip to the Europa League final back in May. When asked if it was special to come up against his old side, he told RamsTV: “Yeah of course, it’s a club I’ve got huge ties with, I spent 13 years ...

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19Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Friendly: Osimhen scores four goals in 37 minutes as Napoli thrash Anaunia 12-0

Super Eagles Striker, Victor Osimhen, scored four goals in Napoli’s first pre-season friendly under Luciano Spalletti, crushing local side Anaunia 12-0. He scored scored in eight, 20th, 35 and 37th minutes in the game. The new coach set his team out in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Matteo Politano, Eljif Elmas and Adam Ounas fanning out behind Osimhen. North Macedonia international Elmas got the first goal of the campaign, turning in the Ounas assist. Nigerian striker Osimhen then ran wild with four individual goals, joining with a Kostas Manolas header and Stanislav Lobotka strike to end the first half 7-0. The entire outfield 10 changed after the restart, but the goals continued to flow, with Gennaro Tutino, Amato Ciciretti, Zinedine Machach and Andrea Petagna finding the ...

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18Jul By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Solskjaer Names Player to Leave Manchester United

  Manchester United coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has named the player who will leave the club this summer. According to Solskjaer, Facundo Pellistri will leave Man United on loan this summer ahead of the 2021/22 season. He said it would be in Pellistri’s ‘best interests’ if he spends another season out on loan. The Norwegian said this following Man United’s pre-season friendly 2-1 win against Derby County on Sunday. Goals from Tahith Chong and Pellistri gave Solskjaer’s side the win against Derby. “He [Pellistri] was bright when he came on [against Derby Count],” Solskjaer told MUTV. “I think he showed what he is because he’s a difficult player to play against. “One against one, he can go past people so very pleased with him. “I can see a loan deal for h...

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17Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Fit-again Gbamin powers Iwobi’s Everton to victory against Blackburn Rovers

The Cote d'Ivoire international stepped up from injury to power the Toffees past the Blue and Whites in Saturday's pre-season game Jean-Philippe Gbamin scored Everton's only goal in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers in a pre-season outing. The Cote d'Ivoire international - who has been out due to injury - capped his comeback with an impressive display and a goal. Nine minutes before half-time, Gbamin showed doggedness to win the ball from midfield and slid a pass into the path of Moise Kean.

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