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England manager Gareth Southgate has urged the Premier League to consider returning to five substitutions per game after a number of players suffered injuries during the international break.

Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson have left the Three Lions’ squad on Monday with fitness problems though Ben Chilwell, who has a back injury, has stayed.

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have been leading the conversation on returning to five substitutes, with the Liverpool and Manchester City managers both in favour.

Clubs voted against the option to continue with five changes at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

Some critics have claimed that allowing more changes in a game hands an advantage to bigger clubs, who can bring on higher-quality players from the bench.

Southgate, though, thinks the issue of player welfare has to be addressed before the situation deteriorates.

“We were able to make five changes against Belgium – we made four in the end – and clubs don’t have that option,” Southgate said.

“What will it take for that to change? There were a couple of less serious injuries against Belgium but what do we do? Wait until we get a load of really nasty ones?”

“I have to be fair to the club managers,” he said. “They are their players firstly, and they have the right to play them as they see fit. What we have got to do as a collective is to try to help the load.”

Southgate also added that measures have been taken to try and help players recover physically but he worries that if more isn’t done, things will only get worse.

Player fatigue has been exacerbated by the decision to add an extra match to the international break, with most sides playing three games when usually there would only be two.

“We could not have prepared physically any better than we did last week. We have given players extra days’ recovery. We have tapered the training appropriately and we have still ended up with a couple of injuries. So that is a worry in the longer term because with no winter break … something has to give.”

England’s third and final fixture of the November international break sees them host Iceland in the Nations League. The match is a dead rubber with England guaranteed to finish third and Iceland fourth whatever the result.

With more Australian stars playing in Europe than ever before, you're going to want to catch the UEFA Women's Champions League exclusively in Australia on streaming service Sports Flick.

From superstar Sam Kerr at Chelsea to Arsenal trio Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Lydia Williams, the green and gold's finest footballers will be competing in the premier continental competition - with the group stage commencing on December 8.

In last season's Champions League, Lyon won their seventh European title with Australia's Ellie Carpenter figuring as an important member of the French team's squad.

The upcoming edition has been flooded with some of Australia's biggest stars as we finally get to see the fruits of the green and gold invasion of Europe.

Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

The bona-fide superstar will make her Champions League debut for the English giants - who have competed in the tournament four times but have never progressed past the semi-finals.

Kerr was a big-money signing for Chelsea in January and has settled in nicely to the WSL, scoring four goals in 10 appearances.

The 27-year-old has always risen on the big stage and we can expect to her once again shine when the pressure is on.

Caitlin Food, Steph Catley and Lydia Williams (Arsenal)

With Australian coach Joe Montemurro at the helm, the Premier League club have signed Australian trio Foord, Catley and Williams over the past 12 months.

Foord has starred since joining the Gunners, figuring in a three-pronged attack with superstar Vivianne Miedema, while Williams is currently being employed as the team's backup goalkeeper.

Catley, who can play in any position down the left flank and also at centre-half, has endured a tough start to her Gunners career with injury affecting her ability to get on the park.

Arsenal are sure to be a fan favourite for Australians with their strong green and gold flavour.

Ellie Carpenter (Lyon)

Carpenter became a trailblazer for Australian sport stars after her move to the world's biggest club Lyon.

And in her first season at the club, the French giants lifted their seventh Champions League title, with Carpenter becoming the first Aussie to win the gong.

The 20-year-old has gradually worked her way into Lyon's first team despite the team featuring an array of international stars that's arguably unrivalled.

Other Aussies to feature

Several other Aussies will also compete in the tournament headlined by Atletico Madrid's Alex Chidiac.

PSV will feature Australian duo Kyah Simon and Amy Harrison, while veteran Lisa De Vanna will lace up the boots for Fiorentina.

Nineteen-year-old Indiah-Paige Riley will also be competing for Danish side Fortuna Hjorring.

How to watch the Women's Champions League in Australia

You can watch the entire tournament live if you subscribe to Sports Flick - with the streaming service charging $15 a month for their product, which includes over 100 hours of live sport a week.

If you sign up with Sports Flick and use the code 'UEFA', you will receive 50 per cent off the monthly subscription price of $15.

U.S. men's national team boss Gregg Berhalter believes Yunus Musah feels comfortable with the team as he hopes that the talented midfielder will opt to remain with the U.S. despite interest from England.

Musah completed his first USMNT camp on Monday, starting and playing 76 minutes in a 6-2 win over Panama.

Monday's appearances was the Valencia starlet's second for the USMNT, having recently earned a call-up after representing England for the entirety of his youth career.

A former captain for England at the youth level, Musah shined in both matches, fitting in perfectly alongside Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams to offer Berhalter a glimpse at what may just have been his first-choice midfield.

However, Musah's international future is anything but certain, with England boss Gareth Southgate recently stating that he hopes to convince Musah to rejoin England in the future.

Berhalter, meanwhile, remains confident that the U.S. can keep hold of the teenager, saying that he believes that Musah has already started to fit in with the group.

"I didn't read any of [Southgate's] comments but I was really happy with Yunus' performance. I'm really happy with him and camp, the guys really took to him well," Berhalter said on Monday after the USMNT's win.

"All I've ever said about players in his category is that all we want to do is create an environment for them, that they want to be in, that they trust is a good environment for the development. And it seemed like that was the case for Yunus. 

"It seems like he sees us as a pathway to continue to develop and play with a good young group, but in the end, it's going to be him and his family that decide and we're here for him to answer any question, but it's going to be him that decides."

Giovani Reyna, another one of the 10 newcomers called into this camp, echoed Berhalter's comments, saying that he too would like to see Musah stay with this team going forward.

The Borussia Dortmund star, who scored his first USMNT goal in the win, says he believes that Musah is one of the best players in his age group, and keeping him with the USMNT would be a huge step forward for a young team looking to come together in the coming years.

"I've played against them a few times with the youth national team and he was always a good player," Reyna said. " I mean, there's a reason he's playing for Valencia every week. He's a big player and one of the best 02's in the world, I'd say.

"This is a really personal decision for him. So for me, and the rest of the guys, we can't say much. Of course, we'd love to have him here and I see him being a big part of our team going forward. But, like I said, it's wherever he feels closest to the heart, and hopefully, it's here.

"We've had a good time with him and he's a great guy. We got to know him well, so we'll just have to see what happens next."
 

Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has revealed he and his family were sent death threats following the mistake he made during Ukraine’s defeat to Germany.

Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine are batting to avoid relegation from the top tier of the UEFA Nations League, but their chances were dealt a blow when they lost 3-1 to Germany on Saturday.

Germany were behind in the game to an early goal from Roman Yaremchuk, but the match pivoted when Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane equalised after Zinchenko had been robbed of possession by Leon Goretzka.

Two goals from Chelsea striker Timo Werner sealed the 3-1 win for Germany, and Zinchenko incurred the wrath of some Ukraine fans.

It would appear some of the criticism crossed a line, as Zinchenko took to Instagram to say: “Reading all the dirt that poured on me and my family after yesterday's game, once again convinced what kind of people we have and how they can support.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, the demand is already such that it is no longer permissible to make mistakes on someone else’s half of the field.

"For losing the ball on someone else’s half of the field, I repeat, people wish you and your family death.

“Feeling responsible for the defeat, I turn to adequate fans, which we, unfortunately, have little left. The final is waiting for all of us with you, be with the team.”

The defeat leaves Ukraine in third place in Group A4, with six points to their name. While relegation is possible, their fate is in their own hands.

Ukraine’s final game of the pool is away to Switzerland on Tuesday. The Swiss are bottom of the standings on three points and a draw or better would ensure Ukraine avoid relegation.

Switzerland need to beat Ukraine 1-0 or by two or more goals to avoid relegation. 

Zinchenko’s focus will be solely on avoiding defeat in Switzerland, but following the game in Lucerne he can turn his attentions to domestic duties with Manchester City.

The pressure will be just as high domestically, as City return to Premier League action away at Tottenham on Saturday.

Leicester City talent James Justin has revealed he is still in touch with his former teammate Ben Chilwell and that he hopes to follow him into the England senior set up in the future.

The 22-year-old has recently excelled under Brendan Rodgers with his side at the top of the Premier League table, despite the £50 million ($65m) summer sale of Chilwell to Chelsea.

Even after competing with his fellow full-back, Justin revealed the pair are close and remain in contact. Now in Aidy Boothroyd's under-21's group, Justin credited Chilwell's influence on helping him adapt from League One Luton Town to the high-flying Foxes.

"I learned so much off Chilly," Justin told reporters ahead of England Under-21s game with Albania on Tuesday night.

"From the way he plays, the way he carries himself on the pitch. We lived not too far from each other so he took me under his wing and showed me how to play the position in the Premier League.

"I hadn’t had a lot of exposure during some of last season and when I was forced into the starting line-up due to injury, he helped me quite a lot and told me to play my game. He’s been a big help. I still keep in touch with Chilly every now and then."

Gareth Southgate has called up a host of players to his England senior squad from Boothroyd's group with Bukayo Saka, Reece James, Mason Greenwood, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham having progressed from the U21's in recent months.

Justin has already trained with the senior squad in September internationals and he hopes his good form will ultimately lead to a senior debut.

"I think Aidy knocked on my door in the morning," he added. "I had just woken up and he basically just told me I was training with the seniors (on that day). He said that I was ready for it and to try to make a good impression, but that it was also to help the senior players to get what they needed out of the session.

"It was a big experience for me. I aspire to be in their places and hopefully one day that can happen. Currently, I’m focused on the 21's and our competition at the end of the year, which we have to compete in, and, hopefully, we can do well in that.

"When the time comes I will be ready, but - for now – I’m just thinking about the under-21's."

Rodgers has used Justin as an automatic starter but he has a decision to make as fellow full-back Ricardo Pereira nears his return.

Still, Boothroyd is backing him to stay in the team at the King Power Stadium even when the Portugal international is back.

"He will have to step it up because as well as he has done, Ricardo Pereira is a really good player who has created a lot of attention," Boothroyd said.

"I think Brendan is in that great position where he has that depth and two players fighting for a position.

"In JJ, he has a player who can play a number of positions. He seems to have cemented his place in the first team. He will take some shifting but if he is shifted, he can play in a number of positions."

Kasper Schmeichel has eased fears over his well-being, and looks on course to be fit for Leicester City’s trip to Liverpool, after returning to training with Denmark.

There were concerns for the goalkeeper when he was involved in a sickening collision during Denmark’s 2-1 win over Iceland in the Nations League on Sunday.

Schmeichel was caught on the side of the head by Albert Gudmundsson’s knee and did appear to briefly lose consciousness, and was substituted at half-time.

Those fears were allayed by Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand, who said: “Kasper was never unconscious. He was there the whole time. During the break, however, there was no doubt he should not continue playing.

“He looked better after the match. We have to see what it looks like from here. We hope nothing serious has happened to Kasper.”

Schmeichel provided a positive bulletin on Monday, as he returned to training with the rest of the squad.

The Danish FA released a video of Schmeichel on the training ground doing basic drills. The 34-year-old said he has no problems and that the collision looked worse on TV than it actually was.

“It was more for the sake of safety on the doctors' recommendation not to take any chances with it,” Schmeichel said. “But luckily it was just a blow and it was not as bad as it looked. I've seen it now and it looks a lot worse than it is. I am feeling very good this morning, have slept well and am ready.”

The update on Schmeichel will be a relief to Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers as he plots a way of toppling his former club Liverpool.

But before that match at Anfield on Sunday, Schmeichel has his sights set on a clash with Belgium in the Nations League on Wednesday.

Belgium sit at the top of Group A2, but a win for Denmark would take them above their opponents and Schmeichel is relishing the occasion.

“It is what we have been dreaming of: an opportunity to win this group,” he said. “If anyone had given us the opportunity that we would have a chance to advance from such a difficult group, we would have taken it. 

“It will be a difficult match, but one we look forward to.”

Sergio Ramos can handle talk over his future at Real Madrid and has not allowed his contract situation to affect him while playing for Spain, according to Luis Enrique. 

Defender Ramos is in the final year of his deal with Madrid and negotiations between the two parties have reportedly stalled, leading to speculation he could be set to depart the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the 34-year-old, who pulled out of the scheduled national team news conference on Monday, Manchester City midfielder Rodri stepping in to replace his captain.

Ramos is preparing for Spain's pivotal Nations League clash with Germany on Tuesday, a game they must win if they are to leapfrog their rivals and qualify for the finals of the tournament. 

Head coach Luis Enrique has backed the centre-back to cope amid the growing pressure, something he has become accustomed to during his distinguished career for club and country. 

"Everything that is generated around Ramos is neither new, nor old, nor is it anything," the Spain boss told the media.  

"It is what it is and what it means to have a player of this level. It is normal that there is pressure around and you have to live with that. 

"If there is someone with enough experience to handle this personal situation it is Sergio Ramos.  

"He is well prepared, and I see him the same as the first day we arrived at the national team, his enthusiasm, his leadership. His face does not change at all and this is part of the things that a footballer should know how to carry."

Spain were only able to draw 1-1 away in Switzerland last time out, not helped by the usually reliable Ramos missing two penalties. 

Luis Enrique defended the player – who had scored his previous 25 attempts from the spot for club and country – in his post-match media conference, though it was again a topic of debate in Monday's preview session for the game in Seville. 

"I don't know if Sergio Ramos is the best penalty taker in the world," he replied when asked about Ramos' spot-kick role.  

"What I did defending Sergio after the game is what any coach would do of course. You have to know how to accept both versions of the story and nothing happens."

Ramos has played the most number of games (16) during Luis Enrique's time in charge, during which he is the leading scorer with nine goals.

He is also top of the charts across the same period when it comes to shots attempted (37), passes attempted (1,328) and also duels won (64), showing his all-round value to the team.

Bongani Zungu's inclusion in the South Africa squad was a welcome sight for most Bafana Bafana fans.

Coach Molefi Ntseki had finally bowed to public pressure in calling up Zungu, who voiced his frustrations at being left out the national team squad for many months. 

Zungu was dropped from the squad and ignored by Ntseki soon after Bafana's 2-0 away defeat to Ghana in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Cape Coast in November 2019.

The Rangers FC midfielder was then omitted from the squad which was scheduled to face Sao Tome and Principe in back-to-back Afcon qualifiers in March 2020.

However, the matches were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and Bafana only returned to action in October 2020 with Ntseki having left Zungu out of the squad once again.

Calls for Zungu to be recalled to the national team gathered momentum after South Africa's disappointing results against Namibia and Zambia in friendly matches in Rustenburg last month.

Many started doubting Ntseki's ability to lead Bafana with his side having played with no real structure and team cohesion. 

Fresh from making his official debut for Scottish giants Rangers, Zungu was under the spotlight during the current international break.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns player was under pressure to vindicate his inclusion in the Bafana ahead of the two clashes against Sao Tome and Principe in Durban and Port Elizabeth.

Zungu was expected to start the first match after some withdrawals from the Bafana squad due to medical reasons. 

However, the Duduza-born player was named among the substitutes and he was thrown into the deep end when he was introduced as a substitute with South Africa being frustrated by Sao Tome's resolute defending.

However, his introduction six minutes after the hour-mark changed the complexion of the match at Moses Mabhida Stadium as he was able to play defence-splitting passes.

Zungu dictated the speed of play and the tempo of the match, while also being a threat in the box from aerial balls due to his height which saw him score late to seal a 2-0 victory.

Ntseki rewarded him with a start on Monday against the same opposition and Zungu did not disappoint as he combined brilliantly with his former Sundowns teammates Themba Zwane, Percy Tau and Keagan Dolly, and Lebogang Manyama.

Zungu was unlucky not to put his name on the score sheet for the second game running after being set-up by Tau with Sao Tome goalkeeper Aldair D'Almeida pulling off a great save to deny him

Zungu, who was Bafana's top scorer at the 2019 Afcon finals, offers something different from other central midfielders at Ntseki's disposal in the national team at the moment.

His good all-round abilities make him a top-quality box-to-box midfielder, who makes tackles and also carries the ball forward to either distribute it or score goals.

Boasting six goals from 31 international matches for Bafana, Zungu is also a great asset to have in Ntseki's side when it comes to defending aerial balls and also scoring from aerial balls in the opposition's box.

The two-time PSL title-winning midfield maestro's return to the Bafana fold has come at the right time with the team left with two crucial Afcon qualifiers against Ghana at home and Sudan away, both scheduled to be played in March 2021.

There is no reason for Ntseki not to include Zungu in the future Bafana squads as the influential player has proved his worth to the national team heading into the new year.

Luis Suarez has tested positive for coronavirus, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) has confirmed.

The Atletico Madrid striker is said to be in good health and adhering to self-isolation guidelines.

Suarez will miss Uruguay’s World Cup qualifying match against Brazil on Tuesday, as well as Atletico’s game with former club Barcelona on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Rodrigo Munoz and backroom staff member Matias Faral have also tested positive in the Uruguay camp.

A statement from the AUF said: “The Uruguayan Football Association reports that swabs have been carried out on all the members of the senior team, resulting in the players Luis Suarez, Rodrigo Munoz and the official Matias Faral having tested positive for Covid-19, while all other tests are negative.

“The three members mentioned are in good health and the corresponding measures have already been implemented.”

Suarez started alongside Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani in Uruguay’s most recent game, scoring from the spot in a 3-0 win over Colombia on Friday.

The 33-year-old has been in excellent form for Atletico and he will no doubt be disappointed not to have the chance to play against his former club at the weekend.

Suarez has scored five goals in six games in La Liga since his acrimonious exit from Camp Nou over the summer, and has been a key figure in Atletico’s early title push.

Diego Simeone’s side sit third, three points behind leaders Real Sociedad with two games in hand. Atletico are a point ahead of Real Madrid and six clear of Barca.

Earlier this month, Simeone said Suarez had been instrumental in Atletico’s form, and was bringing the best out of team-mates such as record signing Joao Felix.

"I believe that all this is generated from the presence of Suarez," Simeone said in a press conference.

"With the likes of [Diego] Costa and [Alvaro] Morata before him, they had a lot of other characteristics, but we have been looking for other qualities.

"Luis has needed more people close to him, close to where he can hurt the opposition, and that is the team's goal.

"We had to adapt to play with [Radamel] Falcao, with Costa and now with Suarez."

Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling have been released from the England squad and will return to their clubs for assessment.

Liverpool midfielder Henderson and Manchester City forward Sterling emerged as doubts for England’s game with Iceland in the Nations League on Wednesday on account of injury.

Henderson was withdrawn at half-time of England’s loss to Belgium on Sunday, while Sterling played no part in the game.

England manager Gareth Southgate said Henderson’s problem was tightness but failed to specify the nature of the injury, while Sterling damaged a calf in training last week.

Both players were assessed by the England medical team on Monday and it was decided to send them both back to their clubs.

England released a statement confirming the news and said Southgate would continue with a 22-man squad.

Henderson’s problem is particularly worrisome to Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, who has been beset by injuries in recent weeks.

The former Sunderland man had been earmarked as a potential option at centre-back to offset the absences of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Fabinho, but he may not be fit for the meeting with Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday.

Liverpool are also dealing with a number of other absences, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also dealing with injuries.

Mohamed Salah, meanwhile,  is set to miss Sunday's match against Leicester City, the first after the international break, as he isolates after testing positive for COVID-19 while on international duty with Egypt.

City boss Pep Guardiola will have concerns over Sterling, as the winger has been deployed as a central striker on occasions this season on account of injuries to Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.

Guardiola’s side return to Premier League action with a trip to Tottenham on Saturday, which is followed by a visit to Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League.

For England, they can no longer top their Nations League pool but Southgate will be looking for a win over Iceland.

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has tested positive for coronavirus, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has announced.

He is said to be asymptomatic and in good condition, and he will take another test as confirmation as he tested negative on Sunday following Egypt’s 1-0 win over Togo.

News of Elneny’s positive test comes days after Liverpool star Mohamed Salah also tested positive. Egypt’s team doctor Mohamed Abou Elela confirmed Salah was suffering from ‘mild’ symptoms and would self-isolate in Egypt until he returned a negative test.

Elneny has been in excellent form for Arsenal this season and his absence would come as a significant blow to Mikel Arteta after the international break.

The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Besiktas and it had seemed as though his time at the Gunners was drawing to an end, but he has resurrected his career in north London under Arteta.

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said he thought his loan spell had done him good, and that Elneny has been ‘unbelievable’ so far this season.

"I think his loan spell was good for him - to go out and get some more experience,” Aubameyang told Arsenal’s official website. “He came back with that experience and that's really important too. How he's been playing since he came back is just unbelievable.

"We want to give everything, in every minute and that's exactly what Mo is doing.

“He's a funny guy, and I think we are similar people. We are both always smiling and being positive, so when we get together it's always funny - we laugh a lot. It's really, really nice to be around him.”

Elneny will no doubt be hoping to return for Arsenal as soon as possible, with a number of important fixtures coming up.

Currently 11th in the Premier League, the Gunners return to action after the international break with a trip to Leeds, before another away game against Norwegian side Molde in the Europa League group stage.

Arsenal then host Wolves and Rapid Vienna before a North London Derby game away to Tottenham on December 12.

Elneny has made 11 appearances for Arsenal so far this season, with two of their three Premier League defeats coming in games he didn't feature in.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the rescheduling of Hearts of Oak's Ghana Premier League (GPL) clash with Ashanti Gold, prolonging the former's wait for their first action of the new season.

The matchday two fixture, originally set for Saturday, will now be played on November 24.

The change has been necessitated by a coronavirus outbreak in the camp of the Phobians, a situation which resulted in the postponement of their matchday one tie against Aduana Stars.

"The Ghana Premier League match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Ashgold SC scheduled for Saturday, November 21 has been postponed to a later date," the GFA has announced on its official website.

"This measure is to ensure that members of Accra Hearts of Oak team who will return from isolation this week will get adequate time to prepare for the league game.

"In view of the above-mentioned development, the game will now be played on Tuesday, November 24.

"All stakeholders involved have been duly informed of the changes."

Hearts were originally scheduled to begin their 2020-21 league campaign with an away encounter with Aduana last Saturday.

The game was, however, postponed indefinitely less than 24 hours prior to kick-off after the detection of more cases in the Phobians' camp after three members initially tested positive.

Ashanti Gold, on the other hand, were in action on matchday one as they were held to a 2-2 draw by visiting Karela United at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.

In related Ghana Premier League news, Liberty Professionals and Bechem United settled for a draw in one of two matchday one games played on Monday.

George Ansong scored in the 14th minute to put hosts Liberty in front but Steven Owusu hit back for Karela after recess to ensure a 1-1 draw at Carl Reindorf Park in Dansoman.

In the second game of the day, Inter Allies and Dreams FC similarly played out a draw, this time around on a 0-0 scoreline, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Monday's results mean all but one of eight matchday one fixtures of the 2020-21 league term have ended in stalemates. Wafa's 4-3 home triumph over King Faisal remains the only exception. 

A brace each by Percy Tau and Themba Zwane saw Bafana Bafana claim a 4-2 win over Sao Tome e Principe in a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Monday.

A match in which Sao Tome seemed destined to win their first points of the campaign, it took late Bafana goals to claim victory.

This followed a scare as South Africa had to come from behind through Zwane and Tau, and fans were not too pleased with the outing.

Didier Deschamps has suggested Olivier Giroud may need to leave Chelsea if he wants to keep his place in the France squad.

Giroud came off the bench as France beat Portugal 1-0 to qualify for the Nations League finals on Saturday, but he has hardly featured for his club side this season.

The 34-year-old looked certain to leave Stamford Bridge during last season’s January transfer window after finding himself behind Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi in the pecking order.

Giroud publicly admitted he might need to leave Chelsea to win a place in France’s squad for Euro 2020 but eventually stayed and excelled when given a chance in the team – scoring eight goals in Chelsea’s final 12 Premier League games of the season.

Now, though, following the summer arrival of Timo Werner, Giroud has been frozen out again. He has only made six appearances, including five from the bench, and is once again being linked with a move away in search of first-team football.

"The situation is not good for him,” Deschamps admitted. “It is for him to see, he will decide.

“But in terms of the France team, psychologically and physically for him, he has every interest in having playing time. I hope that by January he will have more playing time.

“After that, he will stay [in the squad] or he won’t. He knows what I think about it, I told him, although I don't forget what he can do and what he might be able to do again."

During the last international break in October, Giroud provided a timely reminder of all he has achieved in the blue shirt of France.

He scored against Ukraine to pass Michel Platini’s tally of 41 senior goals for the country, with Thierry Henry the only man now ahead of him with 51.

Despite his goalscoring feats for his country, Giroud seems unlikely to be given a run in the Chelsea team bar an injury to one of his competitors, but Frank Lampard has praised his application in the face of such frustration.

"Yes, he has given a typically great response to train as well as possible and support the group," Lampard said. "He is amazing around the group and that is just a fact with Oli and maybe not a fact with people all around the team.

"I can't speak highly enough of him on that side. It is part of my job I don't like with good players, top people who are around the group that don't always play, but I have those issues.”

Ghana Ministry for Youth and Sports communication consultant Ahmed Osumanu Halid is unhappy with the response of Premier League (GPL) club officials to a directive demanding all matches of the 2020-21 season be played behind closed doors.

Team officials have not held back their displeasure about the communication which was issued on the eve of commencement of the championship.

Before the latest government order, clubs had been preparing for a 25% intake of fans as per an earlier directive.

“It is very unfortunate and we are saddened by the attitude of some football managers on the matter. That is, playing of matches and other sporting activities behind closed doors," Ahmed said, as reported by Graphic.

"The Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Kwame Asiamah believes in consultation and teamwork. On this particular matter, the GFA was informed before the statement was issued.

“The Sports Minister has consistently consulted with the Ghana Football Association on all matters concerning football and will continue with that style of leadership.

“We are concerned about the lives of our citizens and every decision that will ensure the protection of our people, would be considered."

After a significant downward turn in the number of Ghana's active coronavirus cases, the nation's infection statistics have begun to rise in recent times, warranting a prompt State of the Nation Address by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. 

Club officials have called for fairness in the Government of Ghana's formulation and implementation of Covid-19-related directives, considering political parties are still allowed to undertake campaigns and rallies ahead of the nation's presidential elections in December.

“The Ghana Health Service is saying the rising cases are not only caused by political activities only but other factors are included," Ahmed added.

“When people go to the stadia to watch football games, they walk in groups, and we don't want that to happen and spread the Covid-19.

“Remember what the President said 'we have what it takes to bring the economy back but we don't have what it takes to bring lives back'.

“The name of the Ministry is Ministry of Youth and Sports, we are in charge of all football and sporting activities in Ghana. We do not have power over the political parties’ rallies and other activities."

The 2020-21 GPL season started on Saturday.

Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang started and witnessed Gabon lose top spot in Group D following a 2-1 defeat by Gambia in a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Independence Stadium on Sunday.

Modou Barrow struck four minutes into the second half before Bologna forward Musa Barrow doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 79th minute to avenge a 2-1 defeat suffered last Thursday in Gabon.

Dijon defender Bruno Ecuele Manga pulled a goal back for Gabon a minute before full-time.

Monday’s result saw Gambia claim top spot in Group D after four rounds of matches in the campaign, while Gabon dropped to second place.

Gabon had captain Aubameyang starting but the Arsenal man could not replicate the form that saw him score the second goal in Franceville on Thursday.

The Panthers could feel hard done by their hosts whom they feel played psychological games by holding them “hostage” at the airport prior to the match.

Angola and DR Congo play in another Group D match on Tuesday but whatever the result will not affect the top two teams.

Elsewhere in Maputo, Vincent Aboubakar continued with his good form for Cameroon when he opened the scoreline in the 2-0 win over Mozambique.

After grabbing a brace in Thursday’s 4-1 win in Douala, Aboubakar followed that up with a 26th-minute goal at Estadio do Zimpeto.

Royal Excel Mouscron forward Serge Tabekou scored Cameroon’s other goal with Nicolas Ngamaleu providing the assist for both goals, having also contributed in the reverse fixture.

Mozambique striker Reginaldo missed a first-half penalty in what was an opportunity to help his side take the lead.

Despite 2022 Afcon hosts Cameroon participating in these qualifiers to gain game-time, they are now six points clear at the top of Group F, ahead of Monday's opponents, following three wins and a draw.

Cape Verde are placed third in this group while Rwanda anchor the standings and the two sides play each other on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in Francistown, Zambia dropped to the bottom of Group H when they lost 1-0 to Botswana.

It was a setback for Chipolopolo who had edged Botswana 2-1 in Lusaka last Thursday.

Mosha Gaolaolwe scored as early as six minutes into the match in favour of the Zebras who returned to the third position in Group H which is led by Algeria, who drew 2-2 with Zimbabwe in Harare.

Kylian Mbappe came through a training session with his France team-mates, but coach Didier Deschamps will leave it as late as possible before making a decision on whether the Paris Saint-Germain forward will start Les Bleus’ Nations League game with Sweden.

The forward was absent from the France side that beat Portugal in the Nations League on Saturday on account of a thigh problem he picked up against Nantes on October 31.

Although he has not featured for PSG since picking up the injury, he was named in the France squad for the friendly with Finland and Nations League games with Portugal and Sweden.

The injury has responded well to treatment as Mbappe was able to train with his team-mates, but Deschamps is unsure whether he will start the 21-year-old on Tuesday.

"Kylian is fine, he did the collective session yesterday,” Deschamps said at a press conference on Monday. “He will do the session today. I will take the time to discuss with him to see if he starts or if he comes into the game from the bench. 

"There are the two options with their advantages and disadvantages. I will decide on what is best for the team and for him. 

"He had two weeks without a ball, he really wants to play. He wanted to be there for tomorrow's game, and if all goes well he will."

France currently top Group A3, and a draw against Sweden would be enough to guarantee they finish as pool leaders.

They may have to take on that match without Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, though.

Martial is nursing a back complaint and did not take part in team training on Monday. He will have a solo session in the evening to assess whether he will be fit to take on Sweden at the Stade de France.

The forward started the 1-0 win over Portugal, but was replaced on 78 minutes.

With Mbappe also a doubt to start the match, it could hand Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud a chance to shine.

Deschamps has warned the forward that he needs to be playing regularly at club level to guarantee a spot at next summer’s European Championship, but goals are a valuable currency for a striker and he could take advantage of his team-mates’ fitness problems to show how vital he is to the squad.