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Paris Saint-Germain head coach Thomas Tuchel says the club have their hands tied over injured stars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe being called up to their respective national teams.

Tite and Didier Deschamps have summoned the players for Brazil and France respectively, despite the fact that neither was able to take part in Wednesday’s Champions League loss against RB Leipzig and is highly unlikely to play in Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash with third-placed Rennes.

While Tuchel hinted at his frustration at the state of affairs, he said that he has confidence that both will be treated sensibly on their deployment.

“It's the right of the national team to call up players. We cannot do anything,” he lamented to the press.

“If the boys are injured and can't play, I always prefer that they don't play.

“It's a super important phase, a good time to recover for players, but we have confidence that they will be treated well, that they have good care and good preparation. It's the truth. We have confidence in these people who are responsible for the national teams.

“If the players are called up, there's nothing we can do.”

PSG have had chronic injury issues for the duration of the season, having also missed regular starters Marco Verratti and Juan Bernat for the loss in Germany.

Ahead of what is on paper an awkward match against Rennes, they will also be without Presnel Kimpembe in the heart of their defence and inspirational goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

“Presnel Kimpembe took a serious blow to the fifth metatarsal,” the coach confirmed. “Keylor Navas has minor muscle problems and will be out. This is also likely for Pablo Sarabia, who also has muscle pain.”

The midweek loss leaves PSG in serious danger of missing out on the Champions League knockout phase for the first time since QSI took over the club in 2011.

Tuchel finds himself a coach under pressure, and while he has seen his side string together seven wins domestically, an adverse result against the side that finished third in Ligue 1 last season could cost him his job.

Kaizer Chiefs academy starlet James McFarlane has tragically passed on according to his managing agency, Siyavuma Sports Group (SSG).

The promising midfielder is said to have been involved in a motor vehicle accident.

SSG released the following statement regarding the death of the South Africa youth international. 

"It’s with a very heavy heart that we advise that James McFarlane, Kaizer Chiefs U19 and SA national U17 team player has passed away in a tragic accident," a statement read. 

"We have lost one of our family. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and to those of his companions who also tragically lost their lives.

"We will miss you, James. May your soul Rest In Peace. Base Soccer #SSG "Leaders of African Football."

The 18-year-old was the captain of the Chiefs under-17 side before being promoted to the club's under-19 team.

His exploits caught the eye of then-South Africa under-17 head coach Molefi Ntseki in 2017 and he was included in the national team.

McFarlane was part of the South Africa team which participated in the 2017 Cosafa Under-17 Championship in Mauritius.

The diminutive player scored against Mozambique in the opening Group B match and South Africa managed to advance to the knockout phase.

However, Ntseki's side was stunned by the tournament hosts in the semi-finals and they also lost to Malawi in the third-place play-off match.

McFarlane was then included in South Africa's preliminary squad ahead of the 2018 Cosafa Under-17 Championship which was also hosted by Mauritius.

However, this time McFarlane was not named in the final squad for the regional tournament and Ntseki's side finished second and qualified for the 2019 Caf Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Tanzania.

Goal sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of McFarlane as well as his club, Chiefs and former teammates.   

Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Mamelodi Sundowns have parted ways with their technical director Jose Ramon Alexanko.

The 64-year-old tactician's exit comes five weeks after head coach Pitso Mosimane resigned and left the club. ahead of the current 2020/21 season.

Mosimane has since taken up a vacant coaching role at Egyptian football powerhouse, Al Ahly. 

The Tshwane giants announced that former Spain international Alexanko has left due to personal family matters in Spain.

"Mamelodi Sundowns today announced that due to personal family matters in Spain, Jose Ramon Alexanko will not continue as the Head of Technical at Mamelodi Sundowns," a club statement read.

"Mamelodi Sundowns is thankful and expresses its gratitude to Jose Ramon Alexanko for the good work he did at the Academy and at the Senior Club."

The FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao legend has left the Chlooorkop-based giants along with his assistant Zigor Salcedo. 

Sundowns have expressed their gratitude to Alexanko for his contributions to the first team and academy.

"The President of Mamelodi Sundowns, Dr. Patrice Motsepe thanked Alesanco for his dedication, hard work, professionalism and for his contribution to Mamelodi Sundowns," another club statement read.

"Sundowns wishes Jose Ramon Alexanko and Zigor Salcedo everything of the best and will continue to be in contact with Jose Ramon Alexanko and Zigor Salcedo."

Alexanko had joined Masandawana in September 2019 after serving as the director of football at former Spanish La Liga champions Valencia CF.

During his time with the Tshwane giants, the team clinched its maiden domestic treble in the PSL era by winning the league title, Telkom Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup.

He was part of the Barcelona team which won the Champions League title for the first time in 1992 thanks to a Ronald Koeman's goal in extra-time.

Koeman is now in charge of Barca's first team as the manager and it remains to be seen whether Alexanko will return to the club where he served as the assistant manager between 2000 and 2002.

Sergio Aguero has lost his race to be fit for the crucial Premier League clash with leaders Liverpool, with Pep Guardiola confirming he is “not ready”.

The Manchester City striker had hoped to have recovered from a hamstring injury in time to face the champions in Sunday’s game at Etihad Stadium.

Aguero missed the start of the season with a knee injury and then suffered a muscle setback just a week into his return.

He was back on the training pitch earlier this week but is not fit enough to face Liverpool, although there is better news about Gabriel Jesus, who is available.

The Brazilian returned in midweek, scoring in the Champions League victory over Olympiacos and could start against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Meanwhile, Guardiola agreed with Jurgen Klopp that the fixture between City and Liverpool is “the most difficult game in the world of football”.

The two sides have dominated English football over recent seasons and will rekindle their huge rivalry at the Etihad Stadium.

Asked whether he agreed with the Liverpool manager’s statement, Guardiola said: “Absolutely. Not all the time - but 90 or 95% of the time - I agree with Jurgen.”

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League and five points clear of City having played a game more, but Guardiola denied it was a must-win game so early in the season and says the two clubs are not the only title challengers.

“It’s an important game but, like the presidential election in America, all the votes must be counted. [There are] a a lot of points to play for,” he joked.

"Of course it is important, we cannot deny it but it is just the seventh game and there are a lot of points to play for. We know we have to do a good performance to beat them, we won and lost in the past. We are going to do our best to beat them."

The City boss believes Liverpool remain the favourites to win the title but says Leicester, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal have shown in their early season form that they are capable of mounting a challenge.

"They are the biggest favourite but I think with what happened with the pandemic the situation is a bit different," he said.

"I see other teams strong: Leicester maintained the level from last season apart from the last month and a half of it when they dropped points but now have incredibly solid results from their starting XI and substitutions.

"Arsenal made a big step forward to be contenders; at Tottenham, Mourinho has the team what he wants; Chelsea are so stable now, not conceding goals and scoring a lot and have a huge squad for rotating top players.

"Manchester United in this moment is not in terms of results but we saw the quality they had last season, we suffered a lot in results and up front they are incredibly fast and clinical.

"They are top class. I think this season will be a lot of teams being there. The last five to 10 games will be important to arrive being there to fight for the title. Hopefully we can be there and arrive at the end with a chance to fight for the title."

Christian Pulisic continues to face injury frustration at Chelsea, with Frank Lampard ruling the American forward out of a Premier League clash with Sheffield United on Saturday.

The United States international has endured a wretched run on the fitness front over recent months.

He was forced out of the 2020 FA Cup final after suffering a hamstring problem, with recovery from that ailment delaying his start to the current campaign.

Pulisic returned to action in early October, but has taken in just five appearances across all competitions.

Chelsea were forced to leave the 22-year-old out of their plans for a Champions League win over Rennes in midweek, and will be without him once again when playing host to the Blades.

Further hamstring trouble was picked up during the warm-up ahead of a meeting with Burnley and Lampard has revealed that Pulisic is yet to return to training.

The Blues boss told reporters when offering a fitness update: “[Pulisic] not fit to play, still suffering with his hamstring.

“He's not training at the moment. Kepa [Arrizabalaga] is recovered. Slight bit of pain but in the squad.”

Lampard added when delivering more detail on the problem that is holding Pulisic back: “He trained at a low level in midweek and wasn't comfortable. We have to keep looking for the right solution.”

While disappointed to have Pulisic stuck on the sidelines, Chelsea do boast plenty of alternative options within their ranks.

Kai Havertz is not among those at present, as he self-isolates following a positive Covid-19 test, but Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham caught the eye as a front three against Rennes.

Another clean sheet was collected in that fixture, with the Blues plugging the defensive leaks that have been holding them back.

Momentum has been established by the west London giants, but Lampard is reluctant to rule them into a Premier League title race just yet.

He said: “We have to wait. A long way to go. The start has been open, some unexpected results but it may level itself out. I won't jump ahead too much at the moment but it is open.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still determined that he is the right person to lead Manchester United back to the top, despite recent results.

His long-term future has been brought into question in recent days following back to back defeats against Arsenal and Istanbul Basaksehir.

United travel to Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime sitting 15th in the Premier League table having won just two of their opening six games, and while pressure is mounting on the United boss he is still backing himself to get the club out of their current slump.

“If I don't trust my belief and values, and my staff’s quality and players' quality, who else should? I don't look at one or two results and fall like a house of cards,” Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference.

“It's a setback, definitely, but there's been too much made of not scoring against Arsenal and Chelsea, there have been nothing in those games and it's not long ago we were the best thing since sliced bread against Leipzig and PSG.

“You have to have that belief, club have been very positive and shown me their character and strong leadership, I'm looking to Saturday morning, that's another matter we can talk about.”

It is understood Solskjaer’s job is not under immediate threat, despite poor start to the season with just two wins from the opening six games, and the Norwegian says he continues to have the backing of the board.

“I've always had a very good, open and honest and positive dialogue with the club. They've shown strong leadership since I come in and with me,” he explained. “Today it's sunny in Manchester, I don't expect the wind to turn, always pressure and expectations on us.

"I became a man at Manchester United and have learnt how to deal with good and bad times. You're a top coach or manager when you win and bad when you lose because that's the last game you played. Every game of football becomes history quickly and we need to go into Goodison Park in a positive frame of mind.”

Nevertheless, the former striker is under no illusion as to the mounting pressure and knows it is something he has to accept as manager of United.

“You have to be mentally strong,” Solskjaer said. “There are demands on Manchester United players, coach and manager and also an expectation, we are at the best and biggest club in the world and you don't expect anything but criticism then, it is how you deal with that setback and from what I've seen from the boys they've been very focused.”

Ronald Koeman has hit back at suggestions Lionel Messi is not working hard enough for Barcelona following criticism of his efforts against Dynamo Kiev.

Messi scored a penalty to help the Catalan giants to a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou on Wednesday, a result that left them three points clear at the top of Champions League Group G.

A clip of the Argentina star failing to press the Dynamo defenders in second-half injury time went viral after the match, though, as viewers called the forward's work rate into question.

Messi had more shots (six) and created more chances (four) than any other player in the match, but he also lost possession more frequently than anyone else (20 times) without once winning it back.

His form has been scrutinised ever since he failed to engineer a transfer away from Barca in August and September. Despite attempting more shots (28) than any other player in La Liga, he has yet to score from open play in the competition in 2020-21 or provide an assist in his six appearances.

Koeman, however, says out-of-context footage is no way to judge a player's effectiveness and insists Messi remains an essential player.

"I didn't seem him [walking] and I'm not interested in this because I don't see him walking," the Barca head coach said on Friday. "If you want to start a controversy around this point, it's your problem.

"Messi is mentally good, enjoying this sport. He's a winner and sometimes you go through moments when the ball doesn't go in, but he looks really focused on that subject.

"I think Messi still has so many qualities. He's very important in our game. He scored the penalty and we're used to him making the difference here, and he's still a very decisive player.

"You said [the footage was from] the 93rd minute - there are pictures of anyone, of me when I'm sitting down, or annoyed. It seems we should be more aware of our image than our work. I don't agree with that. 

"I think these players, like those of my era, have the same effort as us. They work in training, they want to win and it annoys them when they don't win. If it were not like this, it'd be because my work isn't working."

Barcelona are 12th in La Liga having failed to win in their last four league games, but Koeman says people should stop obsessing about poor results so early in the season.

He said:  "Teams like Barca have to be at the top, if you are not there there are criticisms, but we must not obsess over it. The season is very long and you have to work game by game. It is necessary to win, but it does not guarantee tranquility. In this club many things happen, we must be prepared for everything."

Barca face Real Betis at Camp Nou on Saturday, looking to record just their third league win of the season.

Veteran winger Joaquin caused a stir this week when he claimed he would not even hire Koeman "as kit man" after a difficult spell working under him at Valencia.

Asked about those comments, Koeman said: "I understand it's a really interesting topic for you. If he speaks, it's his problem. I'm focused on the game and not individual things that happened many years ago."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish as "a top player" who can win a game and be dangerous "in any area of the pitch".

The Gunners take on Villa this Sunday at Emirates Stadium, where England international Grealish will be aiming to continue a strong start to the season for him and his team.

Grealish was linked with several leading Premier League clubs in the summer, most notably Manchester United, but has stayed at his childhood club where he continues to impress, and Arteta picked out the forward for special praise.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said of Grealish: "He is a top player, great talent, he is player who can make a difference at any moment in the game.

"He has this personality against any opponent, at any ground, to take the ball in any area of the pitch and he can make the difference, so we have to look after him."

While Grealish is the danger man, the Villa player most familiar to Arsenal is goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who moved to the Midlands from the Gunners in the summer after a decade on their books.

Having spent the majority of his Arsenal career out on loan or as a back-up, Martinez burst into the spotlight at the end of last season following an injury to Bernd Leno. He deputised superbly and played in their FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

Arteta said of Martinez: "He had a career of 10 years here. It wasn't just the last six or eight months. You have to look at everything he did through his time at the club.

"Obviously, it wasn't in my plans to sell him, but we gave him the chance because he deserved it. He performed really, really well but we have to balance the books. We have to make the right choices in the market and obviously, I couldn't guarantee him to be the number one.

"He's a very ambitious person, he has been working really hard and he can see now that the opportunity is there. He's got the opportunity to play with Argentina and when a player asks you to do that I think you have to be open enough and tell him what you think about him.

"If he makes the decision to leave, you should try to support him because he deserves it for the way he has served the club over the years."

Arteta feels Villa, who only survived Premier League relegation on the final day last season, will be a much more potent force in 2020-21, as he also picked out former Manchester City midfielder Douglas Luiz as a player he admires.

He said: "I think they have a better understanding with the players. They've worked with the manager for longer.

"I think they recruited really well. They got Emi, they got a striker, they got Ross [Barkley] and Douglas Luiz who is a player who is starting to show us he is capable. He is a player that I know really well from my time at City and I think the time is benefiting them together. You can see what they are trying to do and they look really strong."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp claims facing Manchester City is “the most difficult game in the world of football”, but does not expect the meeting with the Citizens on Sunday to be a Premier League title decider.

Two teams that have dominated the domestic scene in English football over recent seasons are set to rekindle their rivalry at the Etihad Stadium. There will be plenty on the line when they lock horns, with Liverpool looking to take another positive step towards defending their top-flight crown while City are eager to wrestle it back.

Both line-ups will be loaded with world-class talent, which has allowed them to collect an enviable haul of major silverware under their respective bosses.

Big money has been spent by both ambitious outfits on opposing sides of the North West divide, with City having opened their chequebook again over the summer.

Klopp is expecting the toughest of tests when he sends his troops into battle, with Liverpool’s impressive recent record against City counting for little against an opponent that has firmly established a standing among the global elite.

“It is not important whether we play home or away, it is important we are brave, we play football with all we have and then we have a chance,” Klopp told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “This is the most difficult game in the world of football I would say, to play against Manchester City.”

The outcome of meetings between two title hopefuls has often determined the destination of a top-flight crown down the years, with many suggesting that Sunday’s fixture could have a big say in the 2020-21 race.

Klopp is not buying that, with the German tactician adding: “It looks like even you think it is not a decider, so come on. It is a very, very difficult game and hopefully for both teams, both will perform on a high level but that is it. So many things are different this year, nothing is comparable to last year. 

“Everything is different so we just have to make sure we go through very intense periods, line up with the fittest players we have and take on Manchester City, one of the most difficult opponents in the world. 

“I enjoy these games but it doesn't make it easier.”

Marcus Rashford has been picked out as England’s best player by international colleague Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the in-form Everton striker admitting to being a big fan of the Manchester United forward and Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.

Inspiration can be found across Europe for those looking to forge their own successful career in the final third of the field.

Calvert-Lewin falls into that category, with the 23-year-old unlocking the potential in his game that has been apparent for several seasons.

He has become a regular source of goals for his club in the Premier League, with an impressive return of 11 efforts through nine games in 2020-21 earning him a senior England call-up.

The Toffees star has already found the target for his country and forms part of an exciting attacking unit with the Three Lions that boasts the considerable talent of key men such as Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho.

Asked to make his selection as the cream of England’s crop, Calvert-Lewin told FIFA’s official website: “For me, Marcus Rashford. I’d seen a lot of him and he’s an unbelievable player, but I’d never played with him and he was even better than I thought.

“He’s got everything: pace, power, skill. He’s so sharp, clinical in front of goal. He can finish, he can head.

“As a centre-forward, playing alongside someone like that fills you with the utmost confidence you can beat whoever you play against. I’ve got no doubt he’s going to be a top, top player for many years.”

When spreading the net a little wider, Calvert-Lewin named a prolific presence at Bayern Munich as his pick as the finest player on the planet.

He added: “Robert Lewandowski. He scores so many goals.

“As a young centre-forward, if I’m to look along the line of top centre-forwards, I would look at Robert Lewandowski and study his game and see what positions he gets in, because I feel he’s got similar attributes to what I have.”

Calvert-Lewin’s claims to joining the global elite should be aided by the added quality being brought in alongside him at club level, with Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez one of those to have joined the ranks at Goodison Park.

“It’s only right that a club of Everton’s size, with where we want to go, attract that calibre of player,” said Calvert-Lewin.

“For me personally, I was just really excited because I was aware of what he was capable of. I’d seen the great goals he’d scored and the big teams he’d played for.

“He’s a top, top player and for me, as a centre-forward, I knew chance creation would be there and it would be down to me to put the ball in the back of the net. It has been and I’m really enjoying playing with him.

“He’s a different level. He dictates games. He takes players out of games by taking touches. The way he manipulates the ball, he’s very hard to get it off – I don’t think I’ve seen him get tackled, even in training.”

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has confirmed that Bertrand Traore will miss their Premier League trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

The 25-year-old's first league start since his arrival from Lyon did not go well as he managed 29 minutes of action against Southampton last Sunday before he was forced off with injury.

Traore went down just before the half hour-mark after feeling discomfort around his groin area, and he was subsequently replaced by Egypt’s Mahmoud Trezeguet.

Aston Villa suffered a 4-3 loss in the encounter which was their second consecutive defeat in the Premier League.

Ahead of their trip to the Emirates Stadium, Smith disclosed that the former Chelsea winger will not be back in action until after the international break.

“Bertrand [Traore] came off and he’ll be struggling for Sunday, he won’t make it,” Smith told the club website.

“He’ll definitely be back after the international break.”

Traore has played in five league matches this season, and he also has two appearances in the Carabao Cup with a goal to his name.

The manager also gave updates on goalkeeper Tom Heaton who is recovering from knee ligament tear he suffered last season and forward Wesley.

“Tom [Heaton] is in full training; he needs a few games,” he added.

“He’s got a chance [of playing for the U23s against Burnley], we’re waiting to see if that will go ahead and if it does, I expect him to play.”

On Wesley, he said; “He’s well-liked in the dressing room.

“He had a horrific injury and he’s battling hard to come back from that.”

Alvaro Morata has been recalled to the Spain squad, along with Koke, while Marcos Llorente has earned a first senior call-up.

La Roja have been short of in-form central strikers in recent months but Morata has enjoyed a strong start to the season with Juventus, scoring six goals in seven appearances in all competitions, including three in his past two games.

Morata's last appearance for Spain was in a 5-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Romania in November 2019.

Spain manager Luis Enrique has thrown his support behind Morata on his return, saying the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker has been much improved since his move to Turin.

Enrique told his press conference on Friday: "I am not worried. I call on Morata because since he returned to Juventus he has been confident and his numbers indicate it, and he has an attitude both in attack and defense as I like it.

"Those of us who have watched him can appreciate that in terms of confidence and performance, he is better than the previous Morata, but it is a question for him."

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has also returned, having last played for his country in a 4-1 friendly defeat of Wales more than two years ago. Team-mate Llorente has earned his first call-up, while Liverpool's Thiago Alcantara is out due to problems with a knee injury and Arsenal's Dani Ceballos has been omitted.

With Diego Llorente injured, Inigo Martinez returns, as does Fabian Ruiz. Rodrigo Moreno is left out after testing positive for coronavirus this week.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga keeps his place despite having lost his starting spot under Frank Lampard to new signing Edouard Mendy.

Spain face the Netherlands in a friendly on Wednesday, before Nations League clashes with Switzerland and Germany.

Spain squad:

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea), David de Gea (Manchester United), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao); Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Eric Garcia (Manchester City), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Jose Gaya (Valencia), Sergio Reguilon (Tottenham); Rodri (Manchester City), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (Napoli), Sergio Canales (Real Betis), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid); Adama Traore (Wolves), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad).

Mohamed Salah did not cheat in winning a contentious penalty against West Ham, says John Barnes, with the Liverpool forward considered to have merely played to the law.

Plenty have been quick to suggest that the Egyptian forward crossed the line of acceptable behaviour during a Premier League meeting with the Hammers.

None have questioned whether he was clipped by Arthur Masuaku during an outing at Anfield, but Salah has been accused of going over far too easily.

He is not the only one to have attracted such criticism, with Tottenham striker Harry Kane also being singled out, but much of the attention in a simulation debate has focused on Merseyside.

Barnes is struggling to see why such furore has been sparked, with the Reds legend of the opinion that Salah had to go to ground in order to get the penalty decision he deserved.

“I don’t think he was acting out of line at all,” Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

“The law says, obviously, if there's contact, you can go down, so you can't blame people for doing it.

“If they were to change the law to say that the contact has to be enough for you to go down, not just because you've been touched to go down, then that's a different debate to be had altogether. But at the moment, the law states that if you are touched, you can go down.

“Was it a soft award - yes it was and Salah, like most players would have done, made the most of it.

“With Salah’s experience, he knows that being manhandled inside the penalty box is no guarantee for a foul to be awarded, but by going to the ground, officials have to make a decision - in one way or another.

“So therefore, I have no criticism of anybody doing it and it’s not cheating at all. All it is is playing to the law.”

Salah has seen his actions defended by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and a number of former players with strong ties to the Reds.

He will be hoping to put the matter firmly behind him on Sunday when the defending Premier League champions return to domestic action with a crunch clash against fellow title hopefuls Manchester City.

Serge Gnabry has teased that Arsenal would be his preferred destination if he was to ever make a return to the Premier League, with the Bayern Munich winger making the Gunners “the favourite” to secure his signature.

Gnabry spent five years on Arsenal’s books between 2011 and 2016, but was restricted to just 18 appearances and a forgettable loan spell at West Brom which saw Baggies boss Tony Pulis brand him “not at the level” for top-flight football in England.

Those words will forever follow the 25-year-old around, especially as he has completed a remarkable turnaround by becoming a Champions League winner on the books at Bayern.

“You always hear a little bit about it or people in the UK ask me about it,” Gnabry told CBS of Pulis’ jibe.

“It looks like it won't stop, all I can say is I'm proud of the journey I've taken.

“To be a Champions League winner now when a couple of years back I was doubted is obviously a great thing for me.

“Of course after having struggled a lot it was difficult to pick myself up. The biggest thing is that self-confidence, that I knew what I was capable of. I never lost that. Obviously, you doubt it at some points but I never lost it.

“The second biggest point in that way is I was playing a lot, not having so many injuries, so many little things that kept me out of games. To just be consistent and being able to play every time, showing my performance helped me for the future. If I can play, I can show what I can do.”

Gnabry rebuilt his career at Werder Bremen, landing him a move to the Allianz Arena in 2017, and he is now one of the most destructive forwards in European football.

Those qualities may be sought out by other suitors at some stage in the future, with Gnabry admitting that Arsenal would be “the favourite” to take him back to the Premier League.

For now, though, he is very much focused on the present.

Having reached the top of the game, Gnabry insists that he would not change anything about his career path to date and considers his testing spell in England to have made him the player he is today.

He added on leaving home to chase his dream: “Most of all it's a test of character. You have to leave your comfort zone, your friends, your family. It helps you a lot in building strong character because you're in some way by yourself or in a whole new environment.

“It's always good for young people. I would recommend them to do it.

“I would do it over again if I was in that position because it helped my character a lot. You experience new things, also in other countries the leagues and teaching of football is also good. It's never a wrong thing to move abroad.”

ATK Mohun Bagan FC have announced the arrival of SBOTOP.in as their principal team sponsor ahead of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

ATK Mohun Bagan’s Chief Executive Officer (CFO), Raghu Iyer welcomed the new sponsors as he said, “We are delighted to have SBOTOP.net as our Principal Team Sponsor. We sincerely thank them for their support and eagerly await the start of the ISL season.”

On the new deal with the Kolkata giants, Business Development of SBOTOP.net, Sky Tanner stated, “We are happy to have entered this partnership with ATK Mohun Bagan. SBOTOP.net looks forward to supporting the top flight club as they prepare for their 2020-21 Indian Super League campaign.”

SBOTOP.net provides the widest scope of coverage to top sporting events in Cricket and Football. It provides relevant sporting news of all the top sporting leagues in the world. They are also the principal team sponsor of Premier League club Leeds United.

ATK Mohun Bagan begin their ISL campaign on the opening day of the new season as they take on old foes Kerala Blasters in the season opener. In their second match of the season, they face arch-rivals East Bengal on November 27.

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids has confirmed that Gabadinho Mhango is out of Sunday's Soweto Derby, while Thembinkosi Lorch, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Thulani Hlatshwayo face late fitness tests for Sunday's MTN8 semi-final second leg against Kaizer Chiefs.

Last season's Golden Boot winner Mhango also missed last weekend's first leg as Pirates snatched a comfortable 3-0 win against their arch-rivals at the Orlando Stadium to take a commanding lead into the second leg.

''Gabadinho Mhango is ruled out, definitely not available,'' Davids — the Buccaneers' stand-in head-coach—said in Friday's press conference. 

''We still await on Tyson [Hlatshwayo], Lorch and Dvukamanja, we will get the final report later in the day and we will make a decision to do a late fitness test or not," he added. ''Sam [Bongani] and Mabasa [Tshegofaso] are still on course with their rehabilitation programs.''

The Malawi international picked up a groin injury during the warm-up of Pirates' clash against Stellenbosch in the previous week, and was unable to recover in time.

He also missed Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic.

New signing Dzvukamanja and Lorch featured against Celtic, but both picked up injuries while Hlatshwayo missed the match entirely.

Liverpool will be without midfielder Thiago Alcantara for Sunday's crunch Premier League clash with Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the Spain international, who was left out of his national team's squad for the November internationals, remains unavailable for selection ahead of the meeting with Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad Stadium.

Thiago has been absent ever since Richarlison's crunching tackle in the Merseyside derby that led to a straight red card for the Brazilian.

The knee injury has meant that he's missed all three of the Reds' Champions League matches thus far, as well as the Premier League victories over Sheffield United and West Ham.

Indeed, the signs looked ominous with the former Bayern Munich star having not trained at Melwood on Thursday and Klopp has now revealed that the game with City comes too soon for the 29-year-old.

The German told reporters: "There was no surgery needed, but it was still an injury. The longer he is out, the longer he has to train before we consider him as a starting line-up player. Thiago will not be available for Sunday."

Diogo Jota scored a hat-trick for the Reds in their 5-0 Champions League demolition of Atalanta on Tuesday night and, despite the Portuguese having taken a knock during that game, Klopp insists he will be fit for the City fixture.

On the former Wolves winger's fitness, and the availability of Joel Matip, Naby Keita and Kostas Tsimikas, the Reds boss added: "They are all in training, so that's really good.

"Nobody mentioned Diogo to me. Yesterday was second day recovery, he was involved. So that looked fine."

Liverpool have been rocked by injuries in defensive areas at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, with Virgil van Dijk facing a long spell on the sidelines after being clattered by Jordan Pickford in the 2-2 draw with Everton.

That has meant that Joe Gomez has emerged as the Reds' most senior centre-back in recent weeks, with Klopp having been impressed with the England international's form.

He said: "He had so many different defensive partners, and he was always the kid in the line-up. But in life, everyone has to grow. He's used the last few weeks - he was thrown in cold water - and did really well."

Jurgen Klopp faces a welcome selection headache ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City, but Stephen Warnock says there is no chance of him fielding both Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino as part of a front four.

The Reds briefly favoured that approach during their Premier League meeting with Sheffield United in October. They have, however, enjoyed considerable success in recent times when working with a 4-3-3 system.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane fill wide roles in that formation, with the pair proving to be prolific options on the flanks, while one hard-working option is asked to play as No 9.

Brazil international Firmino has been virtually untouchable in that position throughout Klopp’s reign on Merseyside, but summer signing Jota is staking a serious claim for a starting berth.

A flurry of goals from the Portuguese have put him in contention to lead the line against City, with Warnock admitting that the Reds have some big calls to make.

The former Liverpool defender told BBC Sport: “I still thought Firmino would start against City, right up until Jota scored that brilliant Champions League hat-trick against Atalanta on Tuesday. Now everyone is guessing about who will get the nod, including [Pep] Guardiola. City will have had to prepare for facing both options in training this week.

“One thing I don't see Klopp doing is playing Jota and Firmino plus Mane and Salah at Etihad Stadium, like he did against Sheffield United at the end of October. It didn't quite work in attack having all four of them on the field at the same time, and the 4-2-3-1 formation that Klopp used that day left them vulnerable in wide areas too.

“Yes, having a front four makes it easier to press but if City get past them, Liverpool are potentially leaving their full-backs facing two-on-one situations if [Kyle] Walker or [Joao] Cancelo fly forward and one of their two holding midfielders cannot get across to help out.

“I can't see Klopp allowing that to happen on Sunday. Whoever he goes with up front, he will want three men in his midfield to sit in and protect his defence a bit more.”

Klopp, who has remained loyal to Firmino during a recent struggle for goals, has been giving little away but the claims of Jota – who has netted six times in his last four appearances – are becoming impossible to ignore.

Joe Willock caught the eye in Arsenal’s 4-1 Europa League win over Molde, but Martin Keown has suggested that the 21-year-old may benefit from heading away from Emirates Stadium on loan.

A product of the Gunners’ famed academy system, Willock is yet to experience life outside of north London. His services have been retained at the club, allowing him to make 67 senior appearances.

The most recent of those was arguably his most impressive, a lively display against Molde seeing him help Mikel Arteta’s side recover from falling a goal down early on.

The England U21 international wrapped up the scoring on what was a productive night for the Gunners, with two goals now recorded in continental competition this season.

Willock has shown that he can be a useful option for Arteta, but he does face fierce competition for places in the middle of the park. That may force him to look elsewhere for regular minutes, with Keown expecting all options to be considered heading towards another transfer window in January.

The former Arsenal defender told BT Sport of Willock: “He wants to make the difference, he’s got great technique and drive and they need to make use of that for the first time.

“He’s finding the extra gears and he’s maturing nicely. If he’s not getting the chances, is he going to have to go on loan? We don’t know. He’s going to let the manager decide.

“The shape - they now want to play two, [Mohamed] Elneny and [Thomas] Partey in that five. If he wants a third player, Willock has to come into his thinking. He’s got to be one of the first on the list to put those two under pressure. We have to work out a pathway for him to get in that first-team, if he has to go on loan - he’s not far away from getting it right.”

Arteta is prepared to keep a pathway open for young stars at Arsenal, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka earning senior international recognition with England on the back of their efforts for the Gunners.

“Joe Willock could have scored more, he created a goal and a good performance,” Arteta told BT Sport after his side’s latest outing. “Keep doing what he is doing consistently and his chance will arrive [in the Premier League].

“I really like the approach that the younger players are having for each game, they want to make the difference, they are playing with a lot of personality.”

Simba SC attacking midfielder Clatous Chama could miss the Mainland Premier League encounter against Young Africans (Yanga SC) on Saturday.

Chama was substituted in the second half during their match against Kagera Sugar and was replaced by Ibrahim Ajibu. The club’s doctor Yassin Gembe has now predicted the Zambian international could be out for more than 14 days.

“What I have observed on Chama after taking him through the initial medication, the problem can sideline him for at least a week or even two in order for him to get back to his previous level,” Gembe told Mwanaspoti.

“But again let us wait until we get a full report from the hospital.

“We had to get him out against Kagera Sugar because he seemed to have been in pain even after I had attended to him in the first place.”

Chama’s situation will complicate matters for head coach Sven Vandenbroeck, who will also not have Gerson Fraga and Meddie Kagere for the Kariakoo derby on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Fraga is suffering from a long-term knee injury while Kagere has started light training with the Rwanda national team.

As injuries threaten to make his squad thin ahead of the crucial tie, Vandenbroeck remains positive that they can win and narrow the gap between them and Yanga.

“It is a game between two traditional rivals and it is one match that we must win and make sure we reduce the number of points between us and them,” the Belgian coach is quoted as saying by the club’s Facebook page.

“We must be careful enough during the match.”

In an initial interview, Vandenbroeck had revealed how he could line up his team given that Kagere will not be available.

“We can start with one striker and have attacking midfielders like Luis Miquissone, Francis Kahata, Said Ndemla and Ibrahim Ajibu behind,” Vandenbroeck said at the time.

“There is no doubt that the match against Yanga is a big one that touches on the emotions of many people. Having all key players available always brings more confidence but we will have to find an alternative although I have complete faith in my remaining players that they can actually do a good job.”

Chris Mugalu, who had been sidelined from the previous matches with an injury, could be available for the Kariakoo clash given that he played a few minutes against Kagera Sugar.