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Thomas Tuchel says that Tammy Abraham is more concerned about being left out by Chelsea than with his omission from Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of the international break.

The Three Lions boss cited a lack of starts as the reason for leaving him out of his latest squad which includes Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins instead. The upcoming international break is even more important as the last one before the upcoming European Championships, which were pushed back a year.

Abraham has found his progress stall under Tuchel through both an ankle injury and his non-selection when he has been fit.

What he said?

"We have not talked about [England]," Tuchel told reporters. "I actually feel him right now a bit more concerned about his role in our team because I think that he clearly knows a role in our team can improve his chances to have a role in the English national team.

"We did not talk about it but it would not surprise me if it’s in his head. This is totally normal at this level that the players have their own interests, and one of the interests is to have a role in their team but also their country.

"These are two objectives for Tammy, but in our talks now, it’s just about the next steps here, how to increase his involvement here. But, at the same time, when you give confidence to strikers who are actually on the pitch, we cannot change all the time so it’s not easy.

"I accept that it’s not too easy, but it’s also not too hard, and I hope he is not too harsh on himself or overthinks it like, ‘If my situation is like this now what are the consequences?’ He has to refocus on his situation and this is what I feel.

"We have talked about the actual situation here in the club and from here, he has, every day, the chance to find his way back.

“It’s been hard for him because he’s never felt fully free, never felt fully painless after this tackle (a challenge from Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles that left Abraham injured) so it was hard for him to really perform on the level that you need to perform in training to convince your coach to leave somebody else out."

How are Chelsea's players shaping up for the Euros?

Germany were granted permission to have Timo Werner, Antonio Rudiger and Kai Havertz attend their international fixtures during the March break. It is a boost for those fighting for their spots in Joachim Low's side, particularly Havertz, who finds several options gunning for his spot.

However, similar to Abraham at England, Kepa Arrizabalaga has found himself out of Spain's squad. Having hoped to make Scotland's squad this summer, Billy Gilmour has been left out again by Steve Clarke.

Asked whether Gilmour should regret not being sent out on loan, Tuchel said it was never an option for the midfielder.

"It’s absolutely no mistake. It was, unfortunately, not his choice. It was my choice," Tuchel added. "The choice was made for Chelsea and not for the personal goals of Billy. He accepted it in a five-minute talk; he had no problem with it.

"I actually hope he knows how much I appreciate him as a person and as a footballer. He has three big problems – N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho are three big problems. They are never injured and they perform on a level in central midfield that is not easy to compete with. This is the only thing.

"I have no trust issue with him. I have no problem with attitude. I can only strongly recommend the Scottish national team to nominate him because this guy trains on the highest level. They should not be worried about his ability to compete.

"Still we take the decisions for Chelsea and the squad is by far not too big. I feel Billy is a strong part of the squad. I know it is hard for him and we talk now several times because sometimes he does not make it to the 18 because we play with two central midfielders and I already have one of the three guys I mentioned on the bench.

"I go for other options to cover other possibilities during a match but it does not mean like when you are out of the squad like Billy that you first have to find your way back to the bench, then you have to find your way back for five minutes, then you can start.

"You can start right away from the next game. It can happen when you train in a positive attitude like Billy and with the quality he shows. This is the situation. Nothing has changed. I am super happy he is here. We need a strong four midfielders."

Further reading

Memphis Depay has called upon the French government to grant a waiver for all international footballers to be exempt from the mandatory period of self-isolation, after it was confirmed that the France national team will be exempt from restrictions.

Didier Deschamps' Les Bleus travel to Kazakhstan later this month as part of their 2022 World Cup qualifiers schedule, with players selected for the fixtures allowed to forgo quarantine upon their return to the country.

But those rules apply only to France's own squad, with other French-based internationals still subject to restrictions, sparking a protest from the Lyon forward after he was called into Frank de Boer's Netherlands squad this week.

What has Depay said?

The attacker took to social media to air his dissatisfaction with the preferential treatment for homegrown players 

"French government, can I please join the national team on Monday[?]" the 27-year-old wrote on Twitter. 

"That would be fair since y’all make an exception for the France national team that travels outside of Europe to play games as well!!!"

The bigger picture

With this month's World Cup qualifiers set to be the last chance for nations to firm up their squads ahead of the rearranged Euro 2020 tournament this summer, Depay's frustration is palpable.

Travel to link up with his country and he will be forced to miss out on part of Lyon's crucial run-in to the domestic season as they battle for a Ligue 1 title.

Spurn the call and it could potentially damage his standing within the Netherlands squad.

Further reading

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers revealed Kelechi Iheanacho has been very productive for his side in the 2020-21 season.

The 24-year-old has been delivering impressive performances for the Foxes in the current campaign, scoring 10 goals, including his hat-trick against Sheffield United last time out and provided four assists in 27 appearances. 

His contribution helped the King Power Stadium outfit to move to the third spot on the Premier League table, behind leaders Manchester City and Manchester United.

The centre-forward has forged a productive partnership with Jamie Vardy since the England international returned from an injury.

Rodgers has hailed the Nigeria international for his recent impressive displays for his side as well his humility.

“I thought it was a fantastic interview. The humility he had to score a hat-trick and thank everyone else. It was authentic. He respects his life as a footballer,” Rodgers said in a press conference.

“He appreciates the support he gets from everyone. He’s been very productive for us. As a person, he’s a great guy and plays with a smile on his face.

“He rarely misses a day of training. When he’s asked upon, he produces in the main. There have been some performances where he hasn’t been at his most confident."

Youri Tielemans has also praised Iheanacho for his new-found form and believes the forward is enjoying the reward of his hard work.

"Especially for Kelechi to score a hat-trick in the Premier League is really nice. He's been working really hard lately and he's been rewarded for his hard work,” Tielemans said.

Iheanacho is gradually establishing himself at Leicester City, having struggled to make much impact since his arrival from Manchester City in 2017.

The forward will hope to continue his eye-catching performances when Leicester take on Manchester United in an FA Cup tie on Sunday.

Iheanacho is part of the invited players for Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho later this month.

The forward has been a key member of the Super Eagles since making his debut in 2015 and now has 25 caps for the West Africans.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has insisted he is planning for the future at Stamford Bridge amid continued talk the Russian oligarch could sell the club. 

Abramovich has not attended a match at Stamford Bridge since 2018 after his UK visa was not renewed due to political tensions between the UK and Russian governments.

Though there have been multiple reported bids from prospective owners in recent years, in a rare interview, Abramovich didn't sound like he was ready to sell.

What was said?

“The ambitions are as true now as they were when I first became owner and I hope that can be seen through the work we have been doing on and off the pitch over the last 17 years," Abramovich told Forbes.

“I think the trophies speak for themselves and show what we as a club have been able to achieve over these years, and it’s my goal for us to keep winning trophies going forward and build for the future.

“Chelsea has a very rich history, and I feel extremely fortunate to play a part in that. The club was here before me, and will be here after me, but my job is to ensure we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future."

Abramovich also defended his club's revolving-door policy at the managerial position, with the Blues having featured 15 head coaches in his 18 years as owner. 

The owner said Chelsea's culture is “definitely focused on performance, it is at the same time supportive, inclusive and diverse. Both elements are critical to our success and one does not work without the other.”

“I think we are pragmatic in our choices. And we are comfortable making the right changes at the right time to ensure we can achieve our long-term ambitions.

"I hope it also says something about the clarity of the long-term ambition of the club. Those who join understand the objectives both on the pitch, as well as the wider positive role the club plays in the community.”

Abramovich's time at Chelsea

Abramovich has helped transform the Blues into one of England's top clubs since he took over in July 2003.

Under his ownership, the Blues have won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup five times, the League Cup three times, the Europa League twice, as well as the Champions League in 2012.

This season the Blues are looking to avoid going two campaigns in a row without a trophy, with the club's most recent silverware coming when they won the Europa League in 2018-19.

Further reading

It seemed rather inconceivable that Dominic Solanke would be playing Championship football less than four years after leading England’s U-20 side to the World Cup in 2017.

The then-prodigious talent wasn’t just a bystander in South Korea, rather he dominated the competition and was awarded the Golden Ball at the end of an amazing showpiece.

For context, greats like the late Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi are past winners of the prize, while Paul Pogba — an eventual winner of the World Cup with France’s senior team — claimed the honour in 2013.

When Bournemouth’s relegation was confirmed at the end of the 2019/20 campaign, Solanke was at a crossroads, especially as his stock had significantly fallen circa three years after seemingly having the world at his feet in Asia.

England’s second division is punishing in every sense and the Cherries’ meek surrender post-lockdown didn’t inspire confidence in their ability to make an immediate return. Eddie Howe also departed after eight years at the club while Ryan Fraser, probably the team’s best attacker, opted to leave on a free.

Solanke, a Chelsea academy graduate and former Liverpool player, looked to be stuck on the south coast for the 2020/21 campaign given there was little interest in his services.

Be that as it may, instead of falling off the radar, the Anglo-Nigerian has mostly thrived in the Championship, although a lull in end product since the turn of the year has resurrected reservations about his staying power throughout a gruelling campaign.

Those doubts are somewhat validated on the back of the dry spell that has seen the 23-year-old register three goal contributions in 2021 after featuring in 11 league matches, 12 if you throw in the substitute appearance in the FA Cup clash with Crawley Town in late January.

Having contributed to 13 goals in his first 21 Championship games, the recent lean spell has unsurprisingly coincided with the Cherries’ drop off in results as well, falling to a staggering seven defeats since the start of January despite losing only three in their first 21 matches.

That run of results has damaged their hopes of a top six finish, with their form in the New Year seeing them drop out of the playoff spots, although they remain two points adrift of Reading in sixth place.

Allowing Josh King to depart for Everton on transfer deadline day hasn’t helped Jonathan Woodgate’s attack and Solanke’s three-week layoff immediately after and for the majority of February has contributed to Bournemouth’s lack of final third end product since January.

Regardless, the former centre-back needs Solanke to find his 2020 form if they are to finish in the playoff slots. The ex-Chelsea forward has been involved in 16 of the side’s 55 goals so far, which accounts for 30 percent of the team’s return.

He sits joint-seventh in the Championship for goals scored and ranks joint-sixth for total involvements along with Swansea City’s Andre Ayew, which further underscores his influence for the south coast outfit.

The fact all 11 goals have been from open play have equally been impressive, with 10 of his total netted from inside the box, highlighting his poaching instincts.

While there have been a plethora of missed chances as well — he’s missed 12 big chances this term (fourth highest in the league) — Solanke’s importance to the team’s chances of success remain unmistakable and even his manager reckons the forward is one of the best in the division.

“[Solanke] holds the ball up well. He’s got good movement, he’s quick, he’s decent in the air. He’s one of the best strikers in the league,” the ex-England defender told Daily Echo after the striker returned from injury in February.

Now 23, Solanke is at an age where observers already expect him to be delivering on his undoubted potential, and he accepts the responsibility of being Bournemouth’s top man to deliver a Premier League return.

“Obviously, it was difficult watching and not being able to go out there and help the team,” the one-time England international told the Daily Echo recently, "but I’m back, so hopefully I can stay fit now. If the team were winning every game, it wouldn’t have been too bad but knowing you could probably help the team if you were fit – that’s difficult to take.”

He added: “Before the injury, I was involved in every game – started a lot of games and I found my feet and got quite good confidence from that. We need that confidence in the team and hopefully, I can pick up my form quickly, get some more goals and help us get back to the Premier League.”

While automatic promotion may be beyond Woodgate’s team, it remains to be seen if the Cherries find the consistency in the remainder of the season to end in the top six and have a shot at returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Undoubtedly, Solanke will be vital to whatever Bournemouth achieve and a return to his form before January gives the club a higher chance of promotion.

That will definitely be the ideal situation for the 23-year-old, but he’ll hope performances in the gruelling Championship have convinced top flight sides to grant him another opportunity to finally prove his potential among the big boys in the English game.

When Carlo Ancelotti replied, with that characteristic arc of the brow, that he would be discussing with Alex Iwobi to determine the import of his statement on social media, it seemed impossible to tell whether he was putting everyone on or being serious.

“Yes. I read the post and I want to speak with him, of course,” the three-time Champions League-winning manager said. “I would like to know his preferred position because usually I want to put players on the pitch where they are comfortable playing, not where they are uncomfortable.

"If he has an idea where he prefers to play I have to know. I want to know.”

The question, in the wake of the Nigeria international openly relishing the chance to once more play in his “natural position” while on international duty, came in the pre-match press conference ahead of last weekend’s meeting with Burnley at Goodison Park.

While Ancelotti seemed to take it in good grace, it all seemed rather surreal; was the Italian really insinuating that, over a year into his tenure at Everton, he had no idea still what Iwobi’s most effective position was?

Sure enough though, come kick-off against the Clarets, a whole new position was unfurled for the 24-year-old at the top a midfield diamond.

Tucked in behind the two forwards, Iwobi was tasked with providing a creative link between the midfielder three and the strikers; a stark departure from his wider, deeper briefs over the course of the last two years at Goodison.

Unfortunately, the experiment proved to be remarkably short-lived: Burnley came flying out of the blocks, pressed Everton’s build-up excellently, and were two goals to the good inside 25 minutes, forcing a tactical rejig from Ancelotti. That meant Iwobi back on the right in a flat 4-4-2, robbing all and sundry of a proper sample size for evaluating the former Arsenal man’s performance in his new position.

However, the keener-eyed viewer will have noted his work rate in that vignette, as he worked across the width of the pitch to offer options for ball progression, stuck the boot in and moved the ball into the final third brilliantly.

In the broader scheme, however, it might ultimately count for nought.

There is a sense that, tactically, Ancelotti has yet to really settle on a system for this Everton side, and is instead content with a catch-as-catch-can style.

He will often stick with something that works until it doesn’t, a ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mantra that fits in perfectly with his hands-off approach to coaching.

Considering how easy it was for Burnley to overwhelm Everton in that opening period, there is a good chance that is the last anyone will see of the midfield diamond, and Iwobi might find himself tarred by association.

It would be an overly simplistic assessment, and a sad way for the idea to die. However, the player himself would not be without blame: if last Saturday’s decision made anything clear, it is that, all along, there was a bridge in communication between Iwobi and Ancelotti.

True to his word, the Italian fielded Iwobi in the same central role in which he has typically shone on international duty, and did so on relatively short notice, so there is no reason to doubt his sincerity. It brings to mind the scene in Dan Gilroy’s 2014 movie ‘Nightcrawler’, where protagonist Louis Bloom grants a monetary demand from assistant Rick, who immediately realizes he could have had more if he had asked for it.

Did Iwobi really never consider approaching one of the most famously easy-going managers in football to discuss where he might prefer to play? Why did it take a cryptic social media post to put Ancelotti on the trail?

There is a certain cruel irony at play here in that, in a way, this very timorousness is probably the best explanation for why he arguably does not deserve the position permanently. To play as a No.10 is to assume a sizeable portion of the team’s creative responsibility, and (at such a high level, especially) it comes with a lot of demands and expectations which the player must be willing – no, must desire – to take on.

That Iwobi is technically capable of pulling it off is not in doubt, and he certainly has the intelligence and spatial awareness as well.

However, a certain assertiveness and authority is also required, and if this episode has made anything clear, it is that he does not quite have that. At least, not yet...and if even he does not back himself, why should the club?

It is that crucial next step that Iwobi must take. Until he has the gumption to demand what he wants, he will find himself consistently undermined by his own versatility. Coaches like agreeable, flexible players, but only ever as the supporting cast.

Kevin Kampl has backed his RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann to go on to greater things across his coaching career, stating that the Bundesliga outfit will not be the final destination on his managerial journey.

The former Hoffenheim man, who took the reins at Red Bull Arena in 2019, is widely regarded as one of the game's best young managers, and finished third in last season's UEFA Men's Coach of the Year Award vote.

Though Leipzig's midweek exit to Liverpool has scuppered their chances of a second straight Champions League semi-final appearance, Kampl - who at 30 is only three years younger than his coach - believes that Nagelsmann still has a bright future ahead of him.

What has Kampl said?

"I've never seen a coach who deals so much with football and, at his age, already have so much specialist knowledge," the former Slovenia international told Goal and DAZN. "That's unbelievable.

"You always think he's been around for 20 years. He knows how to prepare the team perfectly for the games and always has good match plans. Leipzig won't be the last step, he has a very big coaching career ahead of him."

Further pressed on whether Nagelsmann could become a coaching master, Kampl responded: "Why not - when you are doing so well with your team and earning so many points.

"In the end, of course, it's up to us players to do well the things that he demands."

The bigger picture

Kampl speaks as Leipzig find themselves locked in a tussle for the Bundesliga crown with Bayern Munich, trailing the Bavarian giants by just four points.

Their exit from Europe, where their rivals remain firmly in competition, could prove to be a blessing in disguise as Hansi Flick's side look to juggle multiple challenges at once.

Leipzig themselves remain in DFB-Pokal though too, with either Jahn Regensburg or Werder Bremen set to be their semi-final opponent, while Borussia Dortmund face Holstein Kiel - who shocked Bayern in the second round - in the other last-four encounter.

Further reading

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has assured Tino Anjorin of his future with the Premier League club ahead of their FA Cup tie against Sheffield United on Sunday.

The 19-year-old has been delivering impressive performances for the Blues U23 side which have earned him four appearances for the senior side this season.

Tuchel has showered encomium on the midfielder and expressed his delight with his development at Stamford Bridge, advising him to be patient as he has got a great future with his side.

“I got to know Tino, I did not know much of him and I got to know him here. From the first day, I was very impressed because he is a very physical player. Tall guy, strong guy,” Tuchel said in a press conference. “He has the ability to keep the ball under pressure because he has the body for it. He has the physical ability to play and train with us at this level.

“He has some minutes against Barnsley in the cup game and we try to involve him in the group against Sheffield because he trains very well," the German coach continued.

Poole-born wonderkid Anjorin, who plays in midfield, joined the Blues at the U-9 level and made his debut for the Blues in September 2019 against Grimsby Town in a League Cup tie.

“We decided to keep him to get to know him better. Not to give him on loan or find another solution for him in winter. I am happy about that. I feel he is very strong in finishing his training. He is a very nice character," Tuchel continued.

“[He's] a nice guy from the academy, another nice guy, very humble and at the same time totally focused, totally clear when you talk to him. Very self-aware. It is a pleasure to work with him. He has both feet on the ground and he's here.

“I feel very grateful that he has this chance to learn at this level and be part of a strong team.  I am happy with him and he needs to be patient and impatient at the same time which is always the target for the young guys at the club.”

Anjorin will hope to play a part for Chelsea against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The 19-year-old has featured for England at the U17, U18 and U19 levels but he is still eligible to represent Nigeria if he chooses.

The midfielder will however have to prove his mettle with Chelsea to boost his chances of playing for the three-time African champions.

Everton have confirmed Jean-Philippe Gbamin is in his 'last phase' of his recovery and could feature for the side before the end of the season.

The 25-year-old midfielder has only featured twice for the Goodison Park outfit since joining the side in the summer of 2019 due to injury problems.

Gbamin suffered a thigh injury in 2019 and underwent surgery and just as he was returning from the problems, he damaged his Achilles tendon in training in May 2020.

The Ivory Coast international has been struggling to overcome the injury woes but the Toffees have now affirmed the midfielder is close to making a return for the club.

“Jean-Philippe Gbamin entered the latest phase of his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury while the midfielder's Everton's teammates prepared for Saturday's FA Cup tie with Manchester City,” read a statement from the club website.

“Gbamin is starting to work on the grass at USM Finch Farm, introducing running and ball work into an individual recovery process which began soon after the 25-year-old sustained his injury back in May.”

Gbamin started his senior career with French side Lens before joining Mainz in 2016 and made more than 90 appearances for the club during his three-year stay.

His consistent performances for the 05ers spurred the Goodison Park outfit to secure his signature, handing him a five-year contract

Gbamin previously played for the France U18, U19, U20 and U21 teams before switching his allegiance to Ivory Coast in 2017.

The midfielder has made 11 appearances for the West African side since making his debut for the Elephants against the Netherlands.

The Goodison Park outfit will take on Manchester City in an FA Cup tie on Saturday and will hope to secure victory in the encounter.

Everton have managed to climb to the seventh spot on the Premier League table in the absence of Gbamin, accruing 46 points from 28 games.

The Ivory Coast international is expected to make his much-awaited return for the Toffees before the end of the season. 

Uganda midfielder Khalid Aucho has been dismissed from the team’s camp after he allegedly refused to adhere to the national team’s code of conduct.

With five days remaining before they take on Burkina Faso, the former Gor Mahia player, who currently features for Egyptian club Misr Lel Makkasa SC, will not be part of the squad according to a statement from the Federation of Uganda Football Association released on Friday.

“Khalid [Aucho] has been dismissed from Uganda Cranes camp for failure to adhere to the national team Code of Conduct and Fufa Circular dated March 4, 2021,” read part of the statement from Fufa published on their official website.

“Aucho refused to board the official means of transport organised to pick him from Entebbe International Airport to the team camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel-Kisasi and has not even reported to camp since his arrival in the country.

“The player’s club Misr Lel Makkasa and Egypt Football Association have duly been informed about the decision and a return air ticket has been issued to him for his travel back to Egypt.”

Aucho was summoned to camp by stand-in coach Abdallah Mubiru despite being sent off during their last qualifier against South Sudan played at Nyayo Stadium in Kenya.

After facing Burkina Faso on Wednesday, March 24, at St Mary’s Kitende Stadium in Kampala, the Cranes will travel to face Malawi at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on March 29.

Uganda Squad; Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Hilal Omdurman, Sudan), Mathias Kigonya (Azam FC, Tanzania), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC, Uganda).

Defenders: Nico Wakiro Wadada(Azam FC, Tanzania), Elvis Bwomono (South End, England), Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell, Scotland), Murushid Juuko (Express FC, Uganda), Mustafa Kiiza (DC Montreal, USA), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Timothy Dennis Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds, Sweden), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Garvin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda).

Midfielders: Mike Azira (New Mexixo United, USA), William Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba- Israel), Allan Okello (AC Paradou, Algeria), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Moses Waiswa (SuperSport United, South Africa), Taddeo Lwanga (Simba SC, Tanzania), Abdu Lumala (Pyramids FC, Egypt), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC, Uganda).

Forwards: Fahad Bayo (FC Ashdod, Israel), Daniel Isiagi (Jomo Cosmos, South Africa), Faruku Miya (Konyaspor, Turkey) Yunus Ssentamu (Vipers SC), Emmanuel Okwi (Al Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Patrick Kaddu (Youssoufia Berrechid-Tunisia).

Jurgen Klopp has said the chance to face Real Madrid in the Champions League again will be "exciting" after his Liverpool side drew the Blancos in the quarter-finals. 

Liverpool fell 3-1 to Real Madrid in the 2018 final, which featured a number of memorable incidents involving Sergio Ramos, Mohamed Salah, Loris Karius and Gareth Bale. 

The Reds did win the competition the following season and are now on a mission to make it two European titles in three years. 

What was said?

"It’s exciting, exciting," Reds head coach Klopp said of the draw. "It’s obviously a tough draw but I am fine with it because if you look at all the other teams you think, ‘Oh my god’ because they are all strong and all have quality, that’s clear. I am really looking forward to the games.

“It’s only just over two years ago that we faced them and it was a tough night for us, so to get the chance to play them again is cool.

“With Liverpool now we only faced them once, that’s OK. But, yes, it’s always tough. I think it’s the first time I faced them when Cristiano [Ronaldo] is not there; probably maybe the first time since [Gareth] Bale is not there.

"But obviously [Sergio] Ramos is still there, [Raphael] Varane still there, [Toni] Kroos still there, [Luka] Modric still there, Casemiro still there, [Dani] Carvajal still there, [Karim] Benzema still there.

“And a few young prospects, proper players on top of that. Again, I’m really looking forward to it.”

What happened in 2018?

The Champions League final in Kyiv featured a host of memorable incidents, starting when Ramos wrestled Liverpool star Salah to the ground in the first half. 

Ramos escaped punishment but Salah was forced off the pitch with a dislocated shoulder, a huge blow to his team.

Karius made two major errors on the night directly resulting in Madrid goals. First, Karim Benzema blocked one of his throws and saw the ball go straight in, and then Karius fumbled a late Bale strike from distance into the net.

In between those two errors, Bale also scored a memorable winner with a breathtaking bicycle kick. 

Who else was drawn together?

Manchester City will take on Borussia Dortmund in another last-eight tie, while Chelsea must try and navigate a route past surprise package Porto.

There will also be a rematch between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain – the two finalists from 2020.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Kermit Erasmus has suffered an injury ahead of Bafana Bafana's crucial 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

The experienced player picked up the injury during the Tshwane giants' 2-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in a PSL match at Danie Craven Stadium last weekend. 

As a result, Erasmus will miss Bafana's back-to-back Afcon qualifiers against Ghana and Sudan which will be played later this month as South Africa look to qualify for the finals. 

Sundowns team doctor Carl Tabane confirmed that the former Orlando Pirates player will be out for about four to six weeks. 

"Everybody saw on TV how the injury happened. It looked like a horrible injury even ourselves [doctors] we were worried," Tabane told the club's media department on Friday. "However, I am happy to say it is not as bad as we thought. He got two ankle sprains, and the outlook is quite good. No operative surgery will be needed. We are going to manage everything consecutively.

"He has actually commenced with his rehabilitation and is looking quite well. The estimated return to play should be about four to six weeks," he continued. "It might be earlier because of our experience working with ankle injuries. We happy to say he will be back soon."

Erasmus has netted six goals from 20 competitive matches for Sundowns having joined the Tshwane giants from Cape Town City prior to the start of the current campaign. 

Sundowns players such as Thapelo Morena, Phakamani Mahlambi (currently on loan at AmaZulu) and Gaston Sirino sustained similar injuries in recent seasons. 

Tabane, who is the head of Sundowns' medical team, explained how they usually deal with ankle injuries. 

"As Sundowns medical team with our vast experience with this ankle injuries, today we were even discussing how many ankle injuries we have had," he said. "We have set steps as to how we managed these injuries. Primary, he has been assessed by us medical doctors.

"Then he goes on to physio to manage the swelling make sure the ankle is not stiff. Then he will commence with the rehabilitation which I've said it has commenced."

Sundowns are set to face Black Leopards in a PSL match on Sunday and they will also be without striker Peter Shalulile, who will be serving a one-match suspension. 

Bandari FC forward William Wadri has set his sights on scoring 15 goals or more in the ongoing Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

The Ugandan has scored seven goals this season and believes he can double that figure. 

"The season has not been bad for me although I feel it would have been better," Wadri told Goal on Friday. "My target is to score 15 goals this season.

"It is a realistic target considering we have about 18 matches remaining this season; I know I can make it."

The forward won the FKF Premier League February player of the month award. The striker was summoned to fill the void in the striking department occasioned by the absence of the club's preferred center forward Yema Mwana, who was indisposed in the month.

He proved equal to the task despite playing in unfamiliar territory by netting three goals and assisting once to help Bandari win all their four matches in the month. 

Wadri has now appreciated fellow players for helping him have a good run in the aforementioned month.

"I just want to thank my fellow players and the staff members. In life, you cannot achieve anything alone," the Ugandan continued. "There must be teamwork which always pushes you to get what you want in life. 

"So I just want to take this opportunity to thank them for the good work, and for the love they have shown me all these years I have been here; that is why I have managed to get this award."

Wadri ensured that the Dockers began the month with a win as his goal was enough to humble Kariobangi Sharks at the Utalii Grounds.

The dreadlocked player scored a brace to inspire Bandari to a 2-1 home win against AFC Leopards in their second match, and he then assisted the third goal in their 5-0 demolition of Vihiga United while playing a crucial role in creating the first and fifth goals in the match at the Mbaraki Grounds.

Wadri was instrumental in opening up the stubborn Ulinzi Stars defence in the fourth match which ended 2-0 in their favor at the Green Stadium.

It’s an absolute blockbuster in the FA Cup this weekend, as Leicester City host Manchester United in one of four quarter-finals.

The duo are flying high in the Premier League—third and second respectively—and with both looking well placed to reach the Champions League, they’ll surely be desperate to give everything to remain in the hunt for silverware.

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United, of course, are the second most successful team in the competition’s history, having won 12 cups, while Leicester have never clinched the world’s oldest club competition, although they have been defeated in four finals.

Can the Foxes knock out one of the big boys en route to the semis, or will United roll on towards a 21st final?

Leicester City vs Manchester United: Team news

No Premier League team has more players absent right now than Leicester, who currently have concerns about eight players heading into this one.

Harvey Barnes, Cengiz Under, James Justin and James Maddison are all definitely out, while Dennis Praet could make a return having come back to training.

Sidnei Tavares is sick, while Ricardo and Wes Morgan are long-term absentees with thigh and back injuries respectively.

The losses of Barnes and Maddison appear particularly costly, although inspired by Kelechi Iheanacho, the Foxes thrived against Sheffield United last weekend.

For United, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata will be out until April, while there’s more hope that Anthony Martial and Eric Bailly will be in contention.

Phil Jones is a long-term absentee, and may not return until the start of next term.

Leicester City vs Manchester United: Key facts & stats

Look away now Leicester fans…the Foxes’ record against United is not strong.

The East Midlanders have won just one of their last 25 meetings with the Red Devils in all competitions, and are without a win in their last 13 (stretching back to September 2014).

United have won each of their last two FA Cup meetings with the Foxes—in the 1960s and 70s—and they’ll fancy their chances of extending Leicester’s quarter-final hoodoo.

The Foxes have lost each of their last five quarter-finals, and haven’t reached the semis since 1982.

They’ll surely need to rely on their home form, having won six of their last eight games at the King Power Stadium.

Finally, United will be encouraged by having Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in their corner.

The Norwegian coach is without a defeat in four matches against Leicester, and will surely be confident that he can oversee United’s passage to the final four.

Leicester City vs Manchester United: Prediction

Both of these sides are in fine fettle heading into this one, and it’s going to be a particularly tough one to call.

United haven’t lost since late January, although their resources will be stretched after a cagey contest with AC Milan in midweek, and could fatigue set in?

Leicester, by contrast, have had all week to prepare for this one, and should be champing at the bit after decimating Sheffield United last weekend.

Can they repeat the trick against the Red Devils?

Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Manchester United (AET)

Thomas Tuchel has paid tribute to Thiago Silva and the rest of Chelsea's non-playing squad members for their part in Wednesday's victory over Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues secured passage to the last eight of the Champions League with a 2-0 win against Diego Simeone's side, thanks to goals from Hakim Ziyech and Emerson Palmieri.

The latter's injury-time strike confirmed a quarter-final berth and sparked wild celebrations in the stands from the defender, who is sidelined with injury, and now their manager has highlighted the importance of his presence on a chilly London evening.

What has Tuchel said?

The former Paris Saint-Germain boss, who worked with Silva for several years at Parc des Princes, spoke warmly of the 36-year-old veteran's impact, drawing upon their bond as crucial to helping the German to settle at Stamford Bridge.

"Well, I know Thiago now for many years, we had a fantastic partnership in Paris," the 47-year-old told his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final with Sheffield United.

"He was an absolutely reliable partner as captain for me as a coach from the first minute I stepped in. Once he is part of the team, he is 100 per cent part of the team, 100% professional. He's a very emotional guy."

Tuchel on squad bond

Silva was seen embarking on his gleeful celebrations with Mason Mount and Jorginho, who were also absent from the matchday squad, and Tuchel took time to single them out alongside his benched goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Willy Caballero as key figures of encouragement for the players on the pitch.

"All three of them, Mason, Jorginho and Thiago, were totally involved in the game, and I can only repeat that makes the group special at the moment," he added. "I heard them during the match coaching, taking care, to support the players.

"I felt the same thing for example from Willy Caballero and Kepa from the bench. If we want to have special results, and if we want to have special moments we need to play with a special atmosphere.

"This does not change in football, not at the highest level and not in the park round the corner. This is what football can do, and to create an atmosphere like this, you can totally rely on Thiago.

"He absolutely sees himself as a team player, he lives for the team that he plays for. When he's in the stands he suffers. He was so, so happy for Emerson to score with the other guys."

Asked about the Brazil captain's future at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel played coy, adding: "About his contract, it is too early to speak about it. It's between him and the club, and me and the club, we will take this decision together.

"But if you watch the pictures carefully you will see how young he looks. He was running up and down the stairs, he was dressed like a 28-year-old. So I think there's still a way to go."

The bigger picture

Silva will hope to be fit for Chelsea's return to the European stage, having been handed a Champions League quarter-final against Porto in what is arguably the easiest matchup they could have asked for.

But before then, the Blues have the pressing matter of another last-eight clash, in the FA Cup against the Blades on Sunday, before Tuchel will see a host of his players embark on international duty.

Mount, alongside Ben Chilwell and Reece James, have been called up by England manager Gareth Southgate, in what will likely prove to be a nervy fortnight for the Blues boss, who previously hinted at a desire to prevent players from linking up with their country this month over concerns they would have to quarantine upon their return

Further reading

Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed has added his voice to the cacophony that has greeted Ghana's latest squads announced for upcoming international games.

On Thursday, the Ghana Football Association unveiled a 29-man squad for an upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe on March 25 and 28 respectively, before following up a 20-man all-home-based second team squad for a friendly fixture with Uzbekistan on March 25.

CK Akonnor's first team squad, which includes nine home-based players and Colchester United youngster Kwame Poku who plays in the English fourth tier, has not gone down well with many. Similarly, questions have also been asked of Ibrahim Tanko's roster for the Uzbekistan fixture.

"When you deserve a call-up, they don’t give it to you. There is a saying God helps those who help themselves. Let’s look at this since I came to the Ghana Premier League, look at my contribution with my clubs from Tema Youth up to Aduana Stars now," veteran striker Yahaya, who received his last Ghana call-up last year, said on Wontumi FM.

“Why are they doing that? We have to tell them the truth because they are not being fair to us. Ibrahim Tanko and CK Akonnor are not being fair; they are not honest a bit. Those that deserve a call-up, they don’t give it to them because they don’t belong to some group.

“We should tell them the truth and that is all but not today. I am telling them the truth not to call me to the Black Stars or something like that, but I’m telling them the truth to change because we have kids.

“Look at the time duration in which we have not won the Afcon [title] but we have all the talent. We trusted them, since [Samuel] Osei Kuffour, which Ghanaian player has played for Bayern Munich? Ibrahim Tanko played for [Borussia] Dortmund so it’s about time we told them the truth because what they are doing is not the best.

“I am on them today and it will not be today alone. They must help us, not me but the generation coming. The hardship we’ve gone through should not happen to them.

“Look at how they treated Asamoah Gyan. If they are able to do that to him it can be done to someone else. I will make them know that the players they selected for the national team, they are not honest. They don’t deserve to be there if they deserve to be."

Akonnor's squad also includes Germany-born Hamburg centre-back Stephan Ambrosius who has also been called up by the country of his birth for the upcoming European U21 championship.

Steven Gerrard pulled off an incredible feat this season when his Rangers side managed to halt Celtic's procession to 10 Scottish titles in a row.

The Gers secured their 55th league crown with panache, wrapping it up in early March after a run of form that saw them beat their bitter rivals twice.

While the Celtic players will be the first to admit that they have not been good enough, it should not take away from the manner in which Rangers wrested the title from them.

Indeed, the Ibrox club were relentless, dropping few points on their path to glory and the style of football adopted has produced plenty of different goalscorers.

As the prospect of Rangers being declared champions before the final Old Firm meeting of the season approached, talk of a potential 'guard of honour' picked up, but will it happen?

Will Celtic give Rangers a guard of honour?

Celtic will not give Rangers a guard of honour when the Blue half of Glasgow take to the pitch at Celtic Park on Sunday.

There had been suggestions that the gesture was being considered by the Bhoys, particularly after Brendan Rodgers argued that it would "show humility and class" on the part of his former club.

However, interim Celtic boss John Kennedy, who took the reins following the dismissal of Neil Lennon, confirmed that it would not be happening.

Kennedy cited a moment in 2019 when Rangers did not give Celtic a guard of honour at Ibrox and said that a lack of "respect" shown to his players on that occasion played a part in the decision.

"We spoke collectively about it and we won't do it," Kennedy told Sky Sports ahead of the match. 

"It is not about lacking class, nothing like that, because we are a club that always shows class and dignity and do what is right.

"But ultimately this same group of players went in as champions [in 2019] and didn't get the respect that time, if you want to call it that. They are the same players who are being asked to stand there.

"We have decided collectively as a group. We will just get on with the game, park that, so we will focus fully on the game and just put that to bed."

Rodgers was something of a lone voice on the idea of Celtic giving Rangers a guard of honour, with a number of Bhoys heroes scoffing at the notion.

John Hartson, for example, declared the conversation "nonsense", telling The Herald: "Why would you start it now? And where do you stop it? There is respect between players."

The former striker added: "Celtic don’t need to be told this season that Rangers have deserved it. And the players will appreciate just how well they have played."

A guard of honour is a gesture that is made by a team which serves as a respectful recognition of another team's achievement - usually the winning of a league or other such competition.

It tends to take place before a game is played and players from one team line up to form a sort of 'corridor' through which the lauded team proceeds.

In some cases, the players forming the guard of honour may applaud the celebrated team, but it is not always necessary.

In rugby union, a guard of honour normally takes place after a game, with the losing team congratulating the winning team.

Teams perform a guard of honour in order to convey their respect and it is a tradition to do so in some countries. 

Pep Guardiola was adamant that his Manchester City team gave Liverpool one in 2020 when the Reds stormed to Premier League glory.

"We are going to do the guard of honour, of course," said the Catalan coach at the time.

"Always we receive Liverpool, when they came to our house, in an incredible way. They cannot complain. Of course we are going to do it because they deserve it."

However, it is not always so simple and, where rivalries are particularly bitter, the performance or not of a guard of honour becomes an issue.

For example, there was a lot of diplomatic disquiet among some at Barcelona when Real Madrid decided not to perform a 'pasillo' for the Catalan side in 2018.

Barcelona famously performed one for Madrid 10 years earlier, but Zinedine Zidane explained that a perceived snub - when Barca did not acknowledge Los Blancos' Club World Cup victory - made his mind up.

Sergio Ramos said at the time: "Barca have the title, which is what they wanted, but there will be no guard of honour full stop."

It is ultimately an unwritten tradition and, despite the occasional furore, there are no hard rules governing the performance of a guard of honour.

FC Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard has congratulated young Indian footballer Sanjeev Stalin for his move to Indian Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters.

The Kochi-based club wrapped up a deal to sign Indian defender Sanjeev Stalin and had announced the signing earlier this week. Pavard, who shares the same agent as that of the young full-back, took to his Instagram story to congratulate Stalin. 

What did Pavard post? 

Pavard posted the message, "Congrats Sanjeev Stalin! Keep on working hard and dream big bro!" and shared Kerala Blasters' Instagram post which announced the player as their latest signing. 

Pavard, who also plays as a full-back for the German giants Bayern, was tested positive for Coronavirus earlier this year and had been in self-isolation until two weeks ago. He returned to action on March 13 as Bayern defeated Werder Bremen 3-1. 

Who is Sanjeev Stalin?

20-year-old Stalin is an ambidextrous full-back and is set to be the latest addition to a pool of talented young players at Kerala Blasters ahead of the 2021-22 season of the ISL.

Stalin, who was part of the India U-17 team for the U-17 World Cup and started all three group stage games, started his professional career with the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) developmental side Indian Arrows from 2017. 

After 28 appearances in the I-League over two seasons, the defender signed for Portuguese top-tier club CD Aves in early 2020. He then signed on the dotted line for Sertanense FC, a club that plies their trade in the Campeonato de Portugal, the third-tier football league in the country. 

Stalin will join the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad, Jeakson Singh, Rahul KP, Givson Singh, Prabshsukhan Gill and Ruivah Hormipam at Kerala Blasters.

Young full-back Nishu Kumar and defender Sandeep Singh who recently signed a contract extension are also part of the defensive lineup of the club for next season. 

Blasters ended the current campaign at the 10th position in the standings with 17 points from 20 matches. They could only win three games this season and recorded the second-worst defence in the league, having conceded 36 goals. Only bottom-placed Odisha have let in more goals than the Kochi-based club. 

The Yellow Army parted ways with their head coach Kibu Vicuna after they crashed out of the top-four race and are yet to appoint a new head coach. 

Further reading

Azam FC have maintained they will take full advantage of Yanga SC’s poor run of results in the Mainland Premier League to move top of the table.

The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ are among the team still in the race to win the title and are currently lying third on the 18-team table with 44 points, six fewer than Yanga, who are topping the log.

Yanga have had a bad run in the second round of the league as they started with three straight draws – 1-1 against Tanzania Prisons, 1-1 against Mbeya City, and 3-3 against Kagera Sugar – before they recovered to edge out Mtibwa Sugar 1-0.

However, after the win against the Sugar Millers, the Jangwani giants then suffered their first defeat of the season, 2-1 against Coastal Union, and then followed it up with a 1-1 draw against Polisi Tanzania.

The results forced the team's top brass to fire the entire technical bench led by coach Cedric Kaze and moved to appoint Juma Mwambusi to take charge but on an interim basis, as they search for a permanent coach to replace the Burundian.

Azam’s Head of Information and Communication, Zakaria Thabit has said before the start of the season they had set goals and the biggest of them all was to win the title and now they are prepared to use Yanga’s sluggish campaign to move top of the table.

“Since the beginning of this season we put it very clear we have one target, and this is to make sure we strive to finish in the top position in the league," Thabit said as quoted by Sokalabongo. “So, we are not under pressure with the teams behind us, but we are looking at the once above us and currently Yanga are the league’s table toppers.

"Our goal is to strive to win the games ahead of us to reduce the points gap between us and them and if possible move past them.

“The good thing is Yanga have not had a good run and they have dropped a lot of points, so it is our responsibility to make use of that advantage and win our matches so we can move above them, it is possible and we will continue to strive and achieve it.”

In an earlier interview, Thabit confirmed they were optimistic about having their star players Yahya Zayd and Prince Dube back from injury when the league resumes after it was forced to a break following the demise of President John Pombe Magufuli.

The stars are the only casualties missing in Azam’s squad after Zayd suffered a shoulder injury in the Mainland Premier League game against Mbeya City and had to stay out of the field for six weeks.

Meanwhile, Dube, who is the team’s top scorer currently with nine goals, is suffering from a thigh muscle injury, which he picked during the game against Mwadui FC and was required to stay out of action for two weeks.

“We have received medical information from our doctors about our two injured players Dube and Zayd,” Thabit explained on Friday. “The good news is the two stars are doing well and are expected to start light training next week earlier than expected, and we hope when the team resumes training from the break they will be ready to join their teammates in preparation for our next league games.”

The injury to Dube against Mwadui was the second time Azam have lost the Zimbabwean forward to injury, the first one coming at the end of the first round of the league when he injured his left arm during their match against Yanga.