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Mikel Arteta intends to address Arsenal’s defensive issues, as he seeks to build on solid foundations, with there also a desire on the Spaniard’s part to implement a winning culture at Emirates Stadium.

Problems at the back have continued to hamper the Gunners’ efforts over recent years.

Big money has been spent trying to plug leaks, with the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and David Luiz brought on board.

Arsenal have also invested in Germany international goalkeeper Bernd Leno and highly-rated Scottish full-back Kieran Tierney.

They remain a work in progress, with more funds likely to be required in future windows, but Arteta is eager to point out that his footballing philosophy is built around a watertight backline.

“Yes, absolutely,” he told Sky Sports.

“If you want to be successful and you want to win every three days, you have to be very consistent in all the defensive work that you do.

“The more clean sheets you get, the easier it is to win football matches.”

Arteta, who is filling the first managerial post of a promising coaching career, is also looking to get everyone at Arsenal pulling in the same direction.

He has offered cause for optimism through the early months of his reign, but wants belief to start surging through the club once more.

“I am a big believer that a culture that is implemented has a big reflection in what happens on the pitch and the success of a football club,” he added.

“If we are not all on the same page and things start to shift a little bit, we are going to have issues.

“We are trying to set very clear expectations of what we need, how our culture needs to be and live together in a better way.”

Certain players are considered to have fallen short of those standards of late, with Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi finding themselves left out of Premier League plans, but Arteta is reluctant to write anybody off

“It’s not about what I want to do, it is what is required at this football club and the standards we have,” he added.

“The minimum you need is that you want to be fighting with the top teams in England.”

Arsenal are still chasing European qualification and FA Cup glory this season, with their next challenge set to be a sizeable one as they prepare to take in a derby date with north London neighbours Tottenham.

Lionel Messi became the first player in La Liga history to score 20 and assist 20 goals or more in the same season when he teed up Arturo Vidal for Barcelona’s opener against Real Valladolid on Saturday.

The Argentine superstar already had a career-high 19 La Liga assists to his name this season, but his slide-rule pass to set up Vidal ensured he wrote yet another page in the history books.

He is the first player to reach 20 assists in La Liga since former team-mate Xavi in 2008-09, with no player combining that feat with 20 or more goals in the Spanish top flight until now.

The 33-year-old is just the second player to achieve that feat in Europe’s top five leagues this century, after Thierry Henry scored 24 goals and contributed 20 assists for Arsenal during the 2002-03 Premier League season.

Messi currently stands on 22 goals at the top of the goalscoring charts, four clear of his nearest challenger Karim Benzema, highlighting his continued importance to the side despite his advancing years.

It is also yet another reminder to the club’s board of his immense talents, with speculation about his Barca future continuing to swirl around Camp Nou.

Earlier this month, a Cadena Ser report claimed Messi was ready to call time on his illustrious Barca career when his contract expires next summer. 

Goal has learned  Messi does not want to leave Barcelona but has grown increasingly concerned with the leadership of the club off the field as well as the team’s struggles for consistency on it, prompting him to bring contract talks to a halt.

If the six-time Ballon d’Or winner were to hold out on agreeing fresh terms until the turn of the year, then he would be free to discuss pre-contract arrangements with any suitors.

It has been suggested that the contract impasse could potentially precipitate a premature end to Josep Maria Bartomeu's presidency, with club elections set to take place in June 2021.

Bartomeu has insisted that Messi will end his career at the Catalan giants, while his rival presidential candidate Victor Font has also expressed his confidence that the forward will remain at the club.

Real Zaragoza are one of the most historic clubs of Spanish football and they’re pushing for a return to the top division this season, doing so with James Igbekeme at the heart of their midfield. The 25-year-old Nigerian signed for Los Blanquillos in 2018 and recently renewed his contract to 2023. His desire is to play in La Liga Santander, Spain’s top division, over the next years of his contract and he recently discussed that ambition and much more with South African presenter Carol Tshabalala on Goal.com’s La Liga Inside… series.

Adapting to the style of Spanish football

Before moving to Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2018, Igbekeme already had an experience of European football given that he’d spent his entire senior career up to that point in Portugal. In 2017/18, the season before his move across the border, he was with Gil Vicente in the Portuguese second tier, but he nevertheless found the style of football quite different in Spain after arriving at Zaragoza.

“The football in Portugal was more physical,” he says. “When I came to Spain, I saw that they played technically. Because of my fitness level, I think I adapted quickly to the football of Spain. In Spain the ball moves more than you run, so you need to adapt to that mentally. That was difficult at first, but I was able to adapt.”

Having settled in and having already made over 50 appearances in La Liga SmartBank, the midfielder is thrilled to be playing in a league with such high technical quality. As he told Tshabalala: “For me it’s a dream come true to play in Spain. Football in Spain is the best. The quality, the technique… it is all so special. I’m very happy to be in Spain playing now.”

Dreams of La Liga Santander

Even though playing in La Liga SmartBank is already a dream come true for Igbekeme, he has set his sights on La Liga Santander with Real Zaragoza currently in the automatic promotion spots and targeting a return to the top tier. Historically, the club from Spain’s north-eastern region of Aragon have been close to an ever-present in the top division. In fact, only eight clubs have spent more seasons in Spain’s top tier than Real Zaragoza, with their 58 top-flight campaigns.

As such, there is serious determination at La Romareda, from the dressing room – which features the likes of former Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa – to the board room, to take the club back to the highest level of the Spanish footballing pyramid. As Igbekeme explained: “We have very good players in the team, and we have a good coach. The president is doing his best also. The players are all ambitious to take the club back to La Liga Santander.”

The coach he praised is Víctor Fernández, a club legend who was in charge back in 1995 when Real Zaragoza won the European Cup Winners' Cup and who has returned to lead the side to promotion. Igbekeme and the coach have very quickly developed a strong relationship. “It has been amazing working with Víctor Fernandez,” says Igbekeme. “Working with the previous coaches at the club was good too, but I have more playing time with Víctor Fernandez. We have trust between us. If possible, I want to play under him also if we reach the first division.”

Dealing with the coronavirus halt to the season

Real Zaragoza’s momentum was completely disrupted by the global Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently enforced pause. They remain in the automatic promotion spots, but their form has dipped since the restart in June.

“As time goes on, we are trying to get our rhythm back as it was before the lockdown,” he says. “I think things are going better now and, with the fitness level, we are catching up little by little.”

Igbekeme also reflected on the fact that matches are behind closed doors and explained that the players understand why such measures are necessary right now. “Playing without the fans is not a good feeling, but we just need to adapt to the situation,” he said. “This is the reality and there’s nothing we can do.”

The Nigerians of La Liga Santander

If Real Zaragoza does secure promotion over the final few weeks of the season, then Igbekeme would come across several other Nigerian players in Spain’s topflight. Currently, there are five players from Nigeria in La Liga Santander, namely Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal), Ramon Azeez (Granada), Oghenekaro Etebo (Getafe) and Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem (Leganes).

The 25-year-old revealed that the only one who he keeps in contact with regularly is Azeez, but that he is rooting for each of them whenever they take to the pitch. “I haven’t met them, but I do support them whenever they have their league games,” Igbekeme said of his fellow Spain-based Nigerians.

Igbekeme is confident that if he continues to impress for Zaragoza, and especially if the team reach the topflight, that he could finally receive a call-up to the Nigerian national team and be given the chance to represent the Super Eagles.

“It’s every young player’s dream to represent their country,” he says. “All I need is the chance. I think I will have a chance soon, but first I need to do my best in my team to make sure we go to La Liga Santander. There, there are a lot of people watching and you have the chance to be called up by the national team.”

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Bruno Fernandes sees himself as a “risk player”, with the Portuguese playmaker confident there is even more to come from him after enjoying an impressive start to life at Manchester United.

The Red Devils found themselves in the market for added creativity during the January transfer window.

Fernandes had been registering on their radar for some time, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally making the decision to take the plunge.

A sizeable show of faith, and funds, has been richly rewarded with the 25-year-old’s performances so far.

Fernandes has quickly become a talisman for United in the heart of their midfield, contributing eight goals and seven assists to the collective cause while helping himself to two Premier League Player of the Month awards.

Few could have predicted that his impact would be so immediate, or so impressive.

United are, however, eager to see a man who has already become a firm fan favourite take his game to even greater heights in the months and years to come.

Fernandes believes he is capable of doing just that, but is eager to point out that not everything he tries is going to come off as he likes to play on the edge.

He told Sky Sports of the impression he has made in Manchester and the qualities he offers to Solskjaer’s side: “I feel proud from the team, because I think one player can change everything a lot.

“Of course I help the team. The team was good before because no team can be so good now and so bad in the past, you know. It’s not about this, it’s about confidence, it’s about results.

“We have such good qualities on the team, so for the position I play, having players in front who can score, who can get a lot of goals, is easier for me.

“I’m a risk player, I take risks. I want to take risks every time and I will take the risk every time.

“I will lose a lot of balls, I will misplace a lot of passes but I know when I find my strikers, my wingers, they will score.

“My quality becomes better and better, day after day, because they push me and I know in the moment I don’t play well or I’m not in the top of my condition, everyone else will play in my place.

“I need to be focused and every time be on top, also because we play for Manchester United - this club you need to be on top for all games.”

United and Fernandes will be back in action on Monday when their pursuit of a top-four finish continues in a home date with Southampton.

King Faisal president Alhaji Karim Grunsah has disclosed his club's financial strategy has been largely centred around fixtures with Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.

The west Africans' two biggest clubs, Hearts and Kotoko control the biggest fan base, a privilege which significantly boosts their matchday revenues.

For non-traditional and 'smaller' outfits like King Faisal, they have had to find smart strategies to bite into the fanbase of the 'big boys'.

“No one should ever run Kotoko at a loss," Grunsah told Kessben FM in relation to Kotoko's recent financial challenges and new management.

"I plan my season on Kotoko and Hearts of Oak fixtures because the money I always get from the two clubs after my home games are enough to do something tangible.

“I’m always amazed when I hear that people handle Kotoko and run into several losses. Kotoko is a big club in the entire African football club rankings and I will be a billionaire in three months if given Kotoko to run.

“[Kotoko life patron] Otumfuo [Osei-Tutu] has appointed board members who are very successful and rich to run the club for him.

"So in what sense should anyone be bankrupt running Kotoko?”

The 2019 African Sports Centre for Data, Research and Technology (ASC) Ghana Premier League Report released ahead of the commencement of last season saw Kotoko and Hearts garner a combined 68 per cent of fans who participated in the survey.

The Porcupine Warriors contributed 41% while the Phobians had 27% of respondents rooting for the club. Ashanti Gold, the third most successful club in the Premier League, with four titles, came third with 20%.

Faisal were not captured in the report as they were not admitted to the Premier League as at the time of the study.

Kotoko and Hearts' dominance goes beyond their fanbase as they stand as the most successful clubs in the history of the Premier League.

Four titles clear, the Porcupine Warriors have won the cup on 23 occasions while the Phobians stand second with 19 successes.

Faisal, city rivals of Kumasi-based Kotoko, are yet to win a major senior title. 

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah had as many shots compared to the whole Burnley team in their 1-1 draw in Saturday’s Premier League game but failed to register on the scoresheet.

The Egypt international was afforded his 31st league appearance and made a spirited effort to add to his goal tally this season but was denied on several occasions as goalkeeper Nick Pope starred in the encounter.

Jurgen Klopp’s men raced into the lead through Andrew Robertson after he was set up by Fabinho before Jay Rodriguez levelled proceedings in the second half.

Salah struck six shots in the game and hit the target four times which is twice as many as the entire team of Burnley but failed to score.  

The draw ended the Reds’ 100 percent home Premier League record, having previously clinched victory in all their league games at Anfield.

The 28-year-old fleet-footed forward has racked up 23 goals across all competitions this season, including 19 in the English top-flight.

Salah has been in scintillating form since teaming up with Liverpool from Italian side AS Roma in the summer of 2017.

The forward has scored a total of 73 goals in only 105 league appearances since returning to England, having previously featured for Chelsea.

Salah has won the Premier League Golden Boot award twice, scooping it in his debut season after bagging 32 goals and won it in the last campaign along with his teammate Sadio Mane and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

His efforts helped the Reds to win the Champions League trophy last season and clinched the 2019-20 Premier League title after 30 years of wait.

Salah will hope to find the back of the net when Liverpool take on Arsenal in their next Premier League game on July 15.

Arsenal may be willing to part with Alexandre Lacazette in the next transfer window as the money generated from that sale would allow them to bring in a suitable replacement for Aaron Ramsey, says Ray Parlour.

The Gunners are seeing plenty of speculation generated as the summer market prepares to open its doors.

Comings and goings are being mooted in north London, with the most intense rumours surrounding two proven frontmen.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues to see his future called into question as he stalls on the signing of a new contract.

Fellow frontman Lacazette is also generating exit talk, with Serie A giants Inter said to be keen on acquiring the France international.

Parlour cannot see Arsenal agreeing to part with two proven goalscorers, but believes one could be deemed disposable as Mikel Arteta needs to generate funds for another goalscoring midfielder.

"Well, I don't think they'll lose both," former Gunners midfielder Parlour told talkSPORT of the Lacazette and Aubameyang reports.

"It's a situation where I don't think you can afford to lose both.

"At the moment it's very positive, the talk from the club itself looks like Aubameyang could be signing a new contract which would be brilliant news for Arsenal, and that could mean Lacazette could be on his way.

"There's been lots of talk about him, Juventus has been mentioned for Lacazette with a player coming to Arsenal, I don't know what sort of player is going to come to Arsenal that way.

"But I think Aubameyang is so important, he's the one who scores you the goals.

"If you took him out of the Arsenal team now, who scores the goals?"

Parlour added on the need for the Gunners to find someone to fill the void created by Ramsey’s departure to Juventus in 2019: "I mentioned it last week, there's no goals from midfield, that's the big problem Arsenal have.

"[Bukayo] Saka scored a really good goal against Wolves, he was playing in the right position on that right-hand side, but that's where they've really got to address in this transfer window.

"They lost Ramsey to Juventus who is probably the only player who can score goals from midfield and they didn't really replace him with anyone.

"[Lucas] Torreira won't score you goals, [Matteo] Guendouzi won't score you goals, [Granit] Xhaka, [Dani] Ceballos doesn't score you enough goals, [Mesut] Ozil isn't even in the team.

"So that's where they've really got to look at in the summer.

"As much as they really need a good centre-half as well, I think an attacking midfielder. But they're hard to find and they cost a lot of money, the good ones.

"Whether Arsenal have got the money to spend, we'll have to wait and see. That's why they probably have to let Lacazette go and maybe get some money in to buy a midfielder."

Simba SC Communication Officer Haji Manara has promised his counterparts from Yanga SC Antonio Nugaz and Hassan Bumbuli Tsh1 million each if the league champions fall to their sworn rivals on Sunday.

The two teams will play each other in the FA Cup semi-final at the National Stadium with the winner playing Namungo FC in the final. The outspoken official is confident Wekundu wa Msimbazi will eliminate the Jangwani based side from the competition.

"We are coming into this match knowing we have a target of winning a double this season," Manara told reporters on Saturday.

"We have depth in our team as compared to our opponents and it is the reason why we have been rotating the players. To win competitions you must have enough depth and it is our main advantage.

"If we lose against Yanga, I will give [their officials Antonio Nugaz and Hassan Bumbuli] TSh1 million each."

It will be the third meeting between the two giants this season with the first round fixture ending 2-2 while Yanga turned on the screw in the second-round contest to win 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Bernard Morrison.

However, the official insists Timu ya Wananchi won the last game by fluke and have no chance of achieving the fete.

"I understand they defeated us in our last meeting in the league, but as I have been saying, a fluke does not happen twice," Manara continued.

"I am confident we will win this game because we have really prepared for it. No doubt about it, we will defeat Yanga; actually we will get early goals, I am very optimistic and confident."

On Saturday, Namungo made it to the final with a slim 1-0 win against minnows Sahare All-Stars.

The two teams were meeting for the first time in the competition's history, but it was the top-flight side that came into the match as clear favourites.

All-Stars had sealed the semi-final berth after eliminating Ndanda FC in a shootout while Namungo defeated Alliance FC 2-0 on their way to the last four. On paper, it looked like an easy match for the league's fourth-placed side.

The first-half was a balanced affair with both teams playing cautiously to avoid conceding.

After putting up a brave fight for the better part of the game, a Sahare concentration lapse allowed the opponents to get what turned out to be the winning goal when Charles Manyama managed to beat the custodian and break the hearts of the fans of the second-tier side.

Despite putting up a spirited performance to get an equalizer, perhaps a lack of experience in top-flight football and poor finishing came back to haunt Sahare All-Stars.

Middlesbrough lost 3-1 to Bristol City in Saturday’s English Championship fixture, with Britt Assombalonga getting Boro’s consolation strike.

Having silenced Millwall on Wednesday evening where the DR Congo international was among the goalscorers, Neil Warnock’s men went into the encounter with high hopes - aiming for all points at stake to leave the relegation zone.

However, the visitors who named an unchanged line-up to the side that defeated Hull City 2-1 during the week raced to a 2-0 lead going into the half-time break at the Riverside Stadium.

Following a pass from Andreas Weimann, Nakhi Wells put City ahead after six minutes after beating goalkeeper Dejan Stojanovic from outside the area. Stojanovic was forced to make a brave save a few minutes later to deny Famara Diedhiou from converting his low shot from distance.

Three minutes before half-time, Jamie Paterson converted from a tight angle with Weimann providing the assist. 

Despite manager Warnock bringing in Lewis Wing for George Saville at half-time, they struggled in their bid to launch a way back into the contest.

However, the Smoggies’ hopes got dashed with 10 minutes left after Wells completed his double of the evening after profiting from a through ball to fire the ball past impressive Stojanovic into the far corner.

Two minutes later, the Congolese pulled one back for the hosts. The 27-year-old found an opening inside the box before executing a good finish that completely beat goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. With that, he now boasts eight strikes in 32 league games so far.

Cameroon defender Harold Moukoudi who is on loan from Saint-Etienne was not listed for the encounter. 

For Bristol City, Benik Afobe was not dressed for action by the Robin’s manager as well as Gambia international Saikou Janneh and Anglo-Nigerian Hakeeb Adelakun. Senegal’s Diedhiou was handed a starter’s role but was replaced in the 82nd minute by Marley Watkins.

Thanks to this result, they are currently 11th in the log after garnering 61 points from 43 outings and they welcome Stoke City to Ashton Gate on Wednesday.

The Boro side remains two points above the relegation zone with three games now remaining to secure Championship survival. They are guests of Reading on Tuesday.

Kelechi Iheanacho has revealed his delight to play under Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Northern Irish tactician was appointed in February 2019, replacing Claude Puel and has been the driving force behind the success of the team.

The King Power Stadium outfit is close to realizing their Champions League target, considering their current fourth position on the table.

Iheanacho has endured mixed fortunes since teaming up with the Foxes from Manchester City but he is gradually becoming a key member of the team.

The forward has bagged 10 goals and provided four assists in all competitions this season and he has explained how the Northern Irish tactician has been motivating him as well as his other teammates.

"He’s a different class. He speaks to everyone and motivates and encourages them. He got me going, to be fair,” Iheanacho told the club website.

"He got everyone going. Whenever I’m playing, I’m free to express myself, so long as I stick to the plan, and it’s just a joy to play under him."

The Foxes were third on the Premier League table before the outbreak of coronavirus which forced football activities across the world into a hiatus.

The King Power Stadium outfit has, however, been able to secure only one win in their last five games since the restart of the English top-flight.

Iheanacho, who has scored twice in his last three games, has urged his side to remain focused in order to win their remaining four league games and finish in top-four at the end of the campaign.

"It’s been great, I’ve really enjoyed it. We worked hard in training before the restart on getting our fitness right,” he continued.

"It was a bit different because, normally when the season finishes, you come back after a holiday or travelling, but when you’re just inside for three months, it’s hard.

"Now, we need to keep our standard high and keep the philosophy that we’ve had since the start of the season. We just need to finish these four games well.

"It needs focus to get it done and dusted. We’re ready, we’re focused, and we’re trying to get there."

The forward also congratulated his teammate and England international Jamie Vardy, who recently reached the 100-goal mark in the Premier League.

"Jamie is a top striker. He’s one of the best in the Premier League, so congratulations to him. It’s been great working with him and I’ve learned a lot from him," he added

"Most importantly, he’s a great guy and he’s funny, so I’m happy learning from him."

Iheanacho will hope to add to his goal tally when Leicester take on Bournemouth in their next Premier League game on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho is in the process of edging Dele Alli out at Tottenham, claims Jermaine Jenas, with the working relationship between player and coach having seemingly turned “a little bit sour”.

Questions were being asked of the England international midfielder prior to a change in the dugout in north London.

Having once been one of the most productive and consistent goalscoring options from deep in the Premier League, the last few years have seen the talented 24-year-old allow his standards to dip.

Alli managed only seven goals during the 2018-19 season and has added just nine efforts to his overall tally in the current campaign.

Finding form has proved to be an issue for a man tied to a contract through to 2024, with only a brief resurgence enjoyed when Mourinho took the reins at Spurs.

Alli has slipped backed out of favour since then, with Jenas suggesting that he may now be ushered towards the exits at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The former Spurs star told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Dele, he's struggled by the looks of it. That's the key one I look at in terms of the way it's gone.

"If you think of the way he arrived, Jose, the smiles, the 'have I been watching Dele's brother'. All of a sudden Dele's scoring goals and it's all looking good.

"And then, we've not seen Dele. We've not seen that Dele for weeks, months. And I get the feeling that he will slowly edge him out from what I'm seeing.

"That's an indication of things going a little bit sour."

Alli is not the first to have fallen foul of Mourinho’s methods, with Jenas conceding that some of those at Spurs may not find the enigmatic Portuguese’s demanding nature to their liking.

The ex-England international added: "I always felt that Jose Mourinho, as good a tactician as he needed to be in all of those finals he's had in his career, that's still in him, but he's always been a people person in terms of the mentality side of the game.

"I had a conversation with Cesc Fabregas recently, who said Jose Mourinho is in the top three managers he's ever had. And that is because he challenged him on a regular basis to be better.

"If he had a bad game, Jose wouldn't talk to him. And he felt, 'I want the love back, I'm going to go and earn it'. Have these Tottenham players got that? I don't know if they've got that."

Mumbai City FC are in advanced talks to sign Nigerian striker Bartholomew Ogbeche from Kerala Blasters for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season, Goal understands. 

Ogbeche's presence upfront will be vital for The Islanders next season, if they manage to seal the deal. Last season, Kerala had scored 29 goals and of those, 15 goals (51.72%) were scored by Ogbeche.

The Nigerian's 15 goals last season not only placed him in the race for Golden Boot but also helped him surpass Iain Hume as Blasters' all-time top scorer in his debut season.

The former Paris Saint-Germain footballer came to India during the 2018-19 season and had joined NorthEast United FC. He was the top goal scorer for the Highlanders and played a pivotal role in guiding them to the play-offs for the first time in the club's history.

After an epic season at the Guwahati-based club, Ogbeche followed coach Eelco Schattorie to Kerala Blasters last year. But now with Eelco Schattorie gone from the club after just one season, Ogbeche too is keen to experience greener pastures.

Kerala Blasters will look to rope in new players to boost their attacking arsenal in the case of Ogbeche's departure. Karolys Skinkis and Kibu Vicuna are in constant disucussion over the recruitment policy.

Mumbai City FC have been on a roll in the transfer market this season. They have already roped in former FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera and captain Mandar Rao Dessai. Gaurs' star defender Mourtada Fall and Ahmed Jahouh are also expected to follow suit.

It must be noted that Mumbai are undergoing a complete overhaul of their playing style and structure, with coach Jorge Costa parting ways with the club at the end of the season. With Lobera, they will be playing a completely different style of football.

Ogbeche's performances against FC Goa last season looks to have impressed Lobera who has strongly recommended his name to the management.

If Ogbeche comes in, Mumbai City's attack will have a menacing look about it, something they missed last season.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thapelo Morena says he will not be upset if he fails to recover on time in the event the Premier Soccer League (PSL) season resumes.

The 26-year-old sustained a serious ankle injury during a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 1-0 win over SuperSport United in February, leaving him requiring surgery.

But he has been making progress in his recovery and joined the Sundowns squad at a training camp in Rustenburg where he is having light workouts.

Had football in South Africa not been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Morena was sure to miss the rest of the season but now there is a possibility he could finish the campaign playing.

The resumption of the PSL current season is yet to be announced but the full-back-cum-winger is not worried about missing out of the remainder of Downs' bid for a third straight league title and Nedbank Cup.

“With me delivering what I did for the season I thought I wanted to give more but unfortunately the injury and most importantly for me I just wanted to deliver to the team and do my level best,” said Morena as per Sowetan Live.

“That’s why even now I put my head straight and say, ‘You know what, if I come earlier it’s a bonus to the team and if I take longer it’s still okay because it’s just a few games to play now and the season closes’. But for the new season, I will definitely be back, ready and fully fit.

“For now I’m just taking it easy as it comes and it’s just a matter of making sure that I fully heal. And like I said, if I come back this season it’s going to be a bonus for me also, but if not it’s OK – I will be looking to start the new season.”

Before being injured, Morena had featured in 29 games across all competitions this season, scoring five goals and making eight assists.

The hope of him taking part in Sundowns' remaining nine PSL games and Nedbank Cup semi-finals this season is because he has recovered faster than expected.

“So everything has gone according to plan, I’m getting there and getting a bit stronger and I’m happy also to be back in camp with the rest of the guys. You know this feeling, it’s been a while not having it,” Morena said.

“For me I think the support I had and being strong mentally and taking good care of myself, making sure that whatever I had to do I have to do it, I saw myself coming back quickly from it.

“We’re getting used to the training, the environment, to getting back to the field and having that fun again. The first three days were a bit difficult.”

Also injured at Downs is Mauricio Affonso who is recovering in his native Uruguay while Oupa Manyisa also had his season disturbed by injury.

Liverpool are still “working 100 per cent” despite dropping points in a 1-1 draw against Burnley, says Andy Robertson, with the Premier League champions determined to avoid stumbling past the finishing post.

The Reds wrapped up a first top-flight crown in 30 years with a record-breaking seven games to spare.

With another trophy added to the cabinet and there little more than pride to play for from this point, Jurgen Klopp’s side have seen their high standards slip since the restart in England.

They returned to action with a heavy defeat at Manchester City, while hard work was made of a home date with Aston Villa and a 1-1 draw played out when Burnley paid a visit to Anfield.

Robertson got Liverpool off to the perfect start in that contest, with his third goal of the season breaking the deadlock after 34 minutes.

The Reds were unable to build on that advantage, despite creating plenty of opportunities, and failed to emerge victorious in a Premier League fixture for just the fifth time this season as their 24-match winning run in the league at Anfield came to an end.

Robertson insists that was not for a lack of trying, with Klopp’s side working as hard as ever despite hitting their ultimate targets for the campaign.

The Scotland international full-back told BBC Sport of the joys of netting a rare goal and the frustration of being held: “The corner came back to the edge of the box and Fabinho saw the run. It was a decent header to be fair!

“It's always nice to contribute a goal but I would have preferred it to contribute to a win.

“Credit to Burnley but we needed to be much better than that. We dominated the first half and created a lot and they didn't really have any chances. We know with a team like Burnley, they grow with confidence when it's only 1-0.

“We have to be more clinical in front of goal. Burnley are in the position they are because they grind out the results. Fantastic squad, fantastic manager, so credit to them, but we know we can do better.

“Mo [Salah] had a shot in the 92nd minute that nine times out of 10 he scores, so we were still creating chances.

“We can assure you we are working 100% in training, in games. We were good enough to win the game today but didn't take our chances.”

Klopp shuffled his pack for a meeting with the Clarets, with youngsters Neco Williams and Curtis Jones handed starting berths, and Robertson sees the ongoing progress of exciting academy graduates to be a positive for the Reds on a disappointing afternoon.

He added: “They have been great all season and have been pushing the lads in their positions.

“I thought Neco was brilliant and I try to help him whenever I can as a full-back. Curtis [Jones] has all the confidence and all the ability in the world and he showed that in times today. Hopefully he has a big career at Liverpool.”

Semi Ajayi played 90 minutes as West Bromwich Albion were held 1-1 at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, as they dropped two valuable points in the race to reach the Premier League.

The Baggies took the lead through Filip Krovinovic in the 41st minute, but the hosts pegged them back through Joe Rothwell three minutes after the hour mark.

While the draw keeps the Albion in the automatic promotion places, the gap to third-placed Brentford has been cut to three points after the Bees defeated Derby County away earlier in the day.

Algeria wideman Said Benrahma was in sensational form for the Londoners, netting twice to take his tally to six goals in his last three matches, as Brentford extended their winning run to seven games.

They’re now within touching distance of the Baggies, and with superior goal difference, may fancy their chances of overhauling the Midlanders in the remaining three games of the season.

Fulham, in fifth place on 76 points, may also fancy their chances of overhauling Ajayi and co, having won their last four matches in the second tier.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Albion, who took 17 shots to Blackburn’s seven, but were regularly repelled by their opponents, for whom Tosin Adarabioyo was excellent in the heart of the defence.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray discussed his admiration for the on-loan Manchester City centre-back earlier in the week, but acknowledged that his side were unlikely to be able to afford the Anglo-Nigerian starlet on a permanent basis.

While Adarabioyo and his teammates will be delighted with a point, the Albion were left frustrated with their inability to win, particularly as Krovinovic could have added a second when he struck the bar.

The Throstles pushed men forward late on in search of a winner, a sign perhaps of their increasing desperation, while head coach Slaven Bilic was involved in a touchline altercation with Adarabioyo’s defensive partner Darragh Lenihan as tensions bubbled over.

Ajayi was booked late on but enjoyed a strong showing in which he won four aerial battles and created a goalscoring opportunity.

His defensive return of three tackles and six clearances was better than any other Albion player, as he again demonstrated his qualities in the backline.

Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli admits to having been left stunned by the “crazy” comments made by Ronaldinho which saw him compared to Brazilian icon Ronaldo.

The 19-year-old was snapped up by the Gunners in the summer of 2019 as a relative unknown.

Few at Emirates Stadium knew what to expect from the youngster, but the promising forward has settled quickly in English football.

Ten goals have been recorded through 26 appearances, with improved terms earned in a new contract along the way.

Ronaldinho is among those to have been impressed by Martinelli’s efforts, telling The Mirror in January: “We as Brazilians are very excited about him and his future.

“It is one thing to have the talent, but another at the age of 18 to have the confidence.

“He reminds me of Ronaldo. In his first season in Europe, he scored 30 goals and people were thinking, ‘who is this 18-year-old Brazilian kid?’

“He wanted the ball, he would run at players, there was no fear no matter what players or team he was playing against – and I see that similar attitude in Martinelli. He just wants to be on the ball and score goals.”

Martinelli will hope to follow in the footsteps of a two-time World Cup winner and one of the finest frontmen of all time, but admits that such a lofty billing is slightly premature.

He told Arsenal’s YouTube channel of the Ronaldo talk: “Wow, when I heard that I couldn’t believe it. It’s crazy because I was in Brazil until recently, playing in the Copa Sao Paulo, which is a prestigious youth-level competition, but it’s nothing like the Premier League.

“To get here and play in the Premier League for Arsenal, one of the best clubs in the world, and for one of the best Brazilian players of all time to speak so highly of me and compare me with one of the best forwards in football history is something that seems hard to believe.

“You think ‘could he really be talking about me? Is it me?' To be honest it still hasn’t sunk in. That’s the case for many things because they’ve happened so quickly in my life.

“As I said I always have to keep my feet on the ground. I’m grateful for those who praise me and I always try to give my best to keep earning that praise but above all it’s about working hard and going for wins and success here at Arsenal.”

Martinelli’s debut campaign at Emirates Stadium has been brought to a premature conclusion, with an unfortunate knee problem keeping him stuck on the sidelines, but big things are expected of him in 2020-21.

Jay Rodriguez's equaliser ended Liverpool's 100 per cent home Premier League record and dented their hopes of setting a new highest points tally as Burnley secured a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

The champions dominated the Clarets for much of the game and Andy Robertson put them in front in a one-sided first half that saw the outstanding Nick Pope make a string of fine saves.

Roberto Firmino hit the post after the break as Liverpool remained on the front foot, but the in-form Clarets started to pose more of a threat and Rodriguez salvaged an unlikely point.

Johann Gudmundsson rattled the crossbar late on as Burnley almost snatched a stunning victory.

Liverpool need seven points from their last three games to match Manchester City's record of 100 points in a top-flight season after slipping up at home following 24 successive league wins.

Liverpool played with the swagger of champions from the start and Pope produced a brilliant reflex save to keep out Mohamed Salah's right-footed volley before the Clarets goalkeeper superbly denied the Egypt forward once again.

The Reds applied relentless pressure and they were rewarded after 34 minutes, Fabinho picking out Robertson with a pinpoint diagonal ball and the left-back ghosted in unmarked from the right to plant a header into the far corner of the net.

Burnley were on the ropes and Pope produced more heroics on the stroke of half-time, somehow palming Sadio Mane's rasping left-foot drive away for a corner.

Liverpool carried on where they left off after the break, Firmino striking the post with his left foot before Curtis Jones - making his first Premier League start - fired into the Kop.

Salah was denied a penalty when he tangled with James Tarkowski, who was then involved in an equaliser from out of the blue with just over 20 minutes to go.

The centre-back nodded down a free-kick in the Liverpool penalty area and Rodriguez swivelled to drill into the far corner with his right foot and Gudmundsson struck the bar in a dramatic finale.

What does it mean? Reds have little margin for error in pursuit of a century

It appeared Jurgen Klopp's men were going to ease to yet another win on Merseyside, but a combination of Rodriguez and Pope had other ideas.

The champions need to win all three matches against Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United to better City's tally of 100.

Outstanding Pope continues to stake England claim

Liverpool could have had the points sewn up at half-time if it were not for the brilliance of Pope. 

The Burnley keeper has been outstanding this season and is putting serious pressure on England number one Jordan Pickford.

Woe for Firminho 

Firminho has played a big part in Liverpool's success this season, but the Brazil forward has still not scored a home goal in the league.

He was left holding his head yet again after he beat Pope with a left-footed shot but saw his effort come back off the woodwork.

Key Opta facts

-  Burnley have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games, winning seven and drawing five. Only Manchester United are on a longer current unbeaten run than the Clarets, who have not lost in their last five matches.
- Liverpool had 23 shots in the match, their most in a Premier League game they failed to win since December 2017 - when they had 23 versus Everton.
- Robertson's goal was his first in the Premier League for Liverpool at Anfield in 790 days, since netting against Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the 2017-18 campaign.
- Burnley striker Rodriguez has scored in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since April 2018. He has been involved in a goal in each of his last four Premier League outings - with three goals and an assist.

What's next? 

Liverpool travel to the capital for a clash with Arsenal on Wednesday, while the Clarets face Wolves at Turf Moor on the same evening.