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Messi, Sanchez score in Argentina, Chile draw

Many took to social media to share their thoughts on 2006 World Cup winner's future in Turin

Gianluigi Buffon's announcement of his imminent departure from Juventus at the end of the season is a trending topic on social media.

The 2006 World Cup winner has revealed he will not extend his stay with the Bianconeri when his contract expires after the 2020-21 term, having won 21 trophies in two separate spells with the club.

He joined Juve for a then world-record fee for a goalkeeper of €52 million in 2001 and left for a one-season spell with Paris Saint Germain in 2018-19 before making a return the following term.

The goalkeeper, 43, has, however, not made any statement on retiring from the beautiful game.

While many have attributed the departure to the club's struggle in the ongoing Serie A campaign, where they currently hold a Europa League qualification slot, others also hysterically blamed teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting the club would have done more to keep Buffon had the Portugal superstar been able to lead the Old Lady to glory this season.

Below are some of the reactions:

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

'Congratulations Italy' - Eto'o, Nsofor and African stars celebrate Azzurri's Euro 2020 triumph

With his future still uncertain, the seasoned tactician wants the former Super Eagles captain to consider a return to Nigeria’s elite division

Veteran Nigerian coach Henry Makinwa has encouraged John Obi Mikel to consider a switch to the Nigeria Professional Football League, saying it would be a "massive win" for the Nigerian top flight.

Mikel joined EFL Championship side Stoke City on a short-term deal after leaving Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor not long after the coronavirus pandemic first became a global crisis.

However, his contract with the Potters expires at the end of the 2020-21 campaign – prompting speculation in the media about where he would continue his professional career.

Although Stoke boss Michael O'Neill would want the "brilliant signing" to stay at Bet365 Stadium for another year, the lethal former Vitoria Setubal and Rapid Bucuresti striker fancy him to borrow a leaf from Ahmed Musa.

“That would be highly welcomed if he can consider that option,” Makinwa told Goal when asked if Mikel should make a return to Nigeria.

“I once wrote about this many years back but that could not stand then. If he does that, we will welcome him back home.

“It would be a massive win for the NPFL and the local fans. I made the same appeal to our qualified Nigerian coaches abroad like Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, Haruna Doda and so on to come home so that we can build the country’s football together.”

For Makinwa – who is one of the very few Nigerians to hold a Uefa pro badge with the Spanish Football Federation – he further opened up on what Nigerian football would gain if Super Eagles legends end their career in the country’s top flight.

“It would be a fantastic moment to bring the pool of crowd to the stadium,” continued the former Abia Warriors and Katsina United tactician.

“It will boost the face value of our league and shift the world footballing eye satellite on the Nigerian league.

“Furthermore, it would be a big chance for upcoming footballers to learn massively from them.”

After an impressive showing with Nigeria at the U20 Fifa World Cup in 2005, Mikel joined Premier League giants Chelsea from Lyn Oslo.

At Stamford Bridge, he enjoyed huge success, winning the Champions League, Europa League, two Premier League and three FA Cups.

He left the Blues after staying over 10 years with the Londoners to continue his career with Tianjin Teda before stints with Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor and now Stoke City.

On the international scene, he earned 91 caps for Nigeria and he played a key role in the Super Eagles triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Original author: Shina Oludare

England must use penalty pain to win 2022 World Cup

The Catalan coach praised his 'special' squad after winning the Premier League crown during the coronavirus pandemic

Pep Guardiola has described Manchester City's Premier League title triumph during the coronavirus pandemic as the "hardest one".

City's third title in four years was confirmed on Tuesday when second-placed Manchester United fell 2-1 at home against Leicester City.

It completed a great turnaround for City, who were 11th in November after a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham but secured the crown with three matches to spare.

What's been said?

“This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other," Guardiola said. "This was the hardest one.

"We will always remember this season for the way that we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players.

“They are so special. To come through this season – with all the restrictions and difficulties we’ve faced – and show the consistency we have is remarkable.

"It is relentless. Every single day, they are there, fighting for success, trying always to be better. They have been so, so resilient."

The bigger picture

Guardiola believes this title was the toughest to win because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The season kicked off late with his players under-prepared and a shortened schedule meant that they did not have a midweek off until May.

Players were hit by a Covid-19 outbreak around Christmas that shut down the training ground but Guardiola has steered them to another title as well as a Carabao Cup victory, with a Champions League final against Chelsea to come.

“At the start of every season, the Premier League is the most important title for us. This is the one where you have to be there every three days, playing all your rivals home and away," the City boss added.

"Only by being the very best, week in week out, can you win this competition. It is a huge success.

“It is so important to say a huge thanks to all our fans. In our toughest moments, we couldn’t hear the crowd get behind us as usual, but we know they are with us everywhere we go and that has lifted us.

"I promise them we sense their love, we appreciate it and we could not have done what we have done without it. I hope we can all celebrate together one day not too far away.”

Further reading:

Original author: Jonathan Smith

'Champions League qualification is most important' - Klopp plays down back-to-back titles at Liverpool after Man Utd draw

That's all for today, goodbye! 

Barcelona miss out on the chance to go top of LaLiga but do move up into second place for now, with Atletico and Real Madrid still yet to play this week. They've got two big games coming up in the title chase, starting with Celta Vigo on Sunday. Levante move up into 13th with that draw but are now winless in six as they turn their attention to Getafe at the weekend.

Levante come from behind to earn a 3-3 draw with Barcelona. The visitors were cruising at half-time with a 2-0 lead thanks to Messi's volley and Pedri's tap-in, but Levante improved massively after the break. Two goals in two minutes from Melero and Morales pulled them back level, but Dembele fired Barca ahead again just five minutes later. Levante kept pushing though and Leon equalised in the 83rd minute when he caught out Ter Stegen at his near post with a close-range flick.

90' + 5' FULL-TIME: LEVANTE 3-3 BARCELONA.

90' + 3' Barcelona are still pushing for a late winner here and Alba squares it to Messi on the edge of the box before continuing his run. Messi tries to play the return pass into him, but Tono is there to block it.

89' Alba finds himself in space on the left again and whips an early cross into the box, but it's put out for a corner. Messi goes across to swing it in, but it misses everyone in the middle and Morales is happy to see it out of play.

87' Barcelona are moving the ball quickly again now, but their final passes into the box are letting them down. Messi dribbles past Melero only to lose out to Rober and when Alba wins it back, he hits his cross straight against Vezo.

80' Barcelona are keeping the ball well at the moment and forcing Levante to sit deep in their own half. The visitors aren't in any hurry to get into the final third though and are happy to knock it around in midfield.

77' GREAT CHANCE! Rober lifts the ball over the top for Gomez and he flicks it back for Morales on the edge of the box. He hits the shot first time and it curls just wide of the far post, but it wouldn't have counted anyway as Gomez was offside in the build-up.

73' There's a big crowd of players on the edge of the box and Malsa can't pick out one of his own players with his cross. Pique nods it down, but only to De Frutos, who takes on the shot from distance, but fires it high and wide of the target.

71' Gomez has just drifted away from Lenglet on the edge of the box and De Frutos spots it and plays a deep cross into the far post. The substitute is waiting for it, but Ter Stegen is quickly off his line to intercept it.

69' Levante are keeping the ball well at the moment, but all of their possession is in their own half. Barcelona are closing them down high up the field and are making it difficult for the hosts to find a way forward.

66' Miramon stayed down on the edge of his own box holding his ankle after the goal went in and he's claiming he was fouled by Griezmann in the build-up. The referee saw nothing in it though and the defender slowly gets back to his feet.

63' Levante aren't giving Barcelona any time on the ball at the moment and the visitors are struggling to string their passes together. Busquets runs into trouble in Melero, before Pedri's throughball is blocked by Vezo.

55' CHANCE! Alba stays onside and whips a brilliant early cross into the box towards Messi and Fernandez gets down well to push it away from the Barcelona captain. He gives it straight to De Jong, who tries to chip it over Duarte, but it lands on the roof of the net.

53' Across the top five European leagues, only Robert Lewandowski (46) has scored more goals in all competitions this season than Messi (37, level with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland).

51' SAVE! Levante move the ball much quicker and Bardhi cuts inside from the left before curling a great cross into Roger. He gets in between Barcelona's central defenders and heads it on goal, but it's straight at Ter Stegen, who holds onto it.

49' Lenglet is caught out as he's put under pressure by De Frutos and he gifts the ball to Levante. The midfielder drives into the box, but Pique gets back quickly to nick it off him before he can pick out a team-mate.

47' Dembele can't find any space on the edge of the box, so he tees up Messi ahead of him. He pulled away from Vezo to get into space but then slices at the shot and sends it wide of the near post.

46' Levante get us back underway for the second half!

If things stay as they are, Barca are heading top of the league and Koeman will be pleased with the performance so far. As for Levante, they've struggled to get on the ball for large parts of the game and their final pass let them down when they did get forward. Lopez might be thinking of making a change to try and add something different in the second half.

Barcelona dominated the first half and lead Levante 2-0 at the break. Pedri had a couple of early chances, firing his first just wide of the top corner before Fernandez punched the other away. Messi broke the deadlock though when he met Alba's deflected cross on the volley and fired it past the keeper. Pedri added a second when he poked Dembele's cross into an empty net.

45' + 1' HALF-TIME: LEVANTE 0-2 BARCELONA.

45' CHANCE! Messi steps away from Tono before curling a great cross into the middle of the box. Busquets rises highest to meet it and glances his header on, but it bounces just wide of the far post.

44' Busquets does well to hold off Morales and intercept the ball on the edge of his own box. He plays a good throughball into Dembele, who drives through Levante's half of the field, only to play his cross straight against Duarte when he gets into the box.

42' Barcelona are still knocking the ball around confidently in Levante's half and they switch it out to Dembele on the right again. He takes a heavy first touch though and Tono gets back to nick it off him, winning a free-kick in the process.

40' None of the Levante players seem to be able to get close to De Jong at the moment as he spins away from Rober in midfield again to play a throughball for Alba. There's just too much on it though and Fernandez rushes off his line to collect it.

38' Levante are dropping deep into their shape whenever Barcelona are on the ball and it's patient play from the visitors as they work it upfield. Dembele whips a decent cross into the box from the right, but it's blocked at the near post by Duarte.

36' Levante are putting Barcelona under a bit more pressure now as they try to get back into this game. Tono and Bardhi link up well down the left, but the cross into the box is poor again from the left-back as Araujo blocks it at the near post.

33' There are some half-hearted shouts for a penalty from the Barcelona players as they're claiming Messi's shot struck Rober on his arm as he made a block. It actually bounced off his side though and the referee points for a corner instead.

31' SAVE! Tono plays a one-two with Bardhi to get into space down the left before drilling a cross into the near post which is blocked by Busquets. His clearance falls to Bardhi though who tries to catch Ter Stegen out at his near post, but the keeper gets down to stop it.

29' CLOSE! Messi is looking for his second of the game as he cuts inside from the right, cutting away from three Levante defenders before hitting his shot. He keeps it low, but he ends up dragging it just wide of the far post.

27' Barcelona are on the attack again here and Messi gets his head up to spot Alba peeling away from Miramon at the far post. It's a tight angle, but he goes for goal anyway and volleys his effort wide of the target.

23' SAVE! Lenglet travelled a long way with the ball and decided to have a go from just outside the box when he can't pick out a team-mate. He drills his shot across goal, but it's a comfortable save for Fernandez.

21' Miramon switches play out to the left with a hopeful pass towards Tono and it looks like Dembele has dealt with it until he slips. The left-back pounces on it quickly and he has Roger in the middle, but he pulls it back towards the edge of the box where Pique is there to tidy up.

19' Levante have won two of their last three home league meetings with Barcelona (L1), one win more than they managed in their previous 11 games against them at the Ciutat de Valencia in the competition (D4 L6).

17' Levante's corner is flicked away by Pique in the middle, but it falls for Morales, who is unmarked at the back. He hits the shot first time but ends up drilling it well wide of the target.

16' De Frutos is starting to find more space down the right for Levante and he gets away from Alba again before drilling a low cross into the box. He's looking for Roger at the near post, but it's cut out by Lenglet.

14' Barcelona are still seeing a lot of the ball now, but they're struggling to get in behind Levante like they were at the beginning of the game. Dembele drives down the right before seeing his pass into Messi cut out by Tono.

12' A loose touch from Melero ends up gifting the ball to De Jong, but he's off-balance when it comes to him. Messi is quickly closed down when it's passed into him and Barcelona can't make anything of it.

10' It's better from the hosts now as they're moving the ball upfield quickly to try and catch out Barcelona's defenders. De Frutos floats a lovely cross into the far post from the right, but he can only pick out Pique, who clears his lines.

8' Levante have barely had a touch of the ball so far, but Rober ends up playing a good throughball down the left for Bardhi to chase. He gets to it ahead of Araujo but then hits his cross straight against Busquets.

6' Messi is brought down just outside the box and he's standing over the free-kick for Barcelona. He keeps it low, hoping the wall jumps, but they're not caught out and they block the shot.

5' GOOD SAVE! De Jong wrongfoots Duarte at the near post but is closed down by Fernandez, so he pulls it back into the middle of the box for Pedri. The midfielder hits the shot first time but the keeper recovers well to get back and punch it away.

4' Barcelona are keeping Levante penned back deep in their own half early on here. De Jong manages to poke the ball to Messi, who lifts it over the top for Alba, but it's just out of his reach.

2' CLOSE! Dembele knocks it on down the right and De Jong just nudges Melero away from the ball so he has space to pull it back for Pedri. He fires his shot on goal first time, but it's just wide of the top corner.

1' Messi gets the game underway for Barcelona! 

The teams are out on the pitch now, with kick-off just moments away.

Barcelona have recorded the joint-most wins (22, level with Real Madrid) and most goals scored (86) of any side against Levante in LaLiga history.

Just the two changes by Ronald Koeman to his team after their draw with Atletico last time out. Araujo and Dembele both come into the side, with Mingueza and Dest starting on the bench.

Paco Lopez makes six changes to the side that drew with Alaves on Saturday. Fernandez is named in goal, with Tono, Duarte, Vezo, Roger and Bardhi also being brought into the starting line-up. Cardenas, Clerc, Postigo, Malsa, Gomez and Cantero drop to the bench.

BARCELONA SUBS: Sergi Roberto, Junior Firpo, Arnau Tenas, Trincao, Sergino Dest, Martin Braithwaite, Ilaix Moriba, Samuel Umtiti, Neto, Oscar Mingueza, Riqui Puig, Miralem Pjanic.

BARCELONA STARTING XI (3-1-4-2): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet; Sergio Busquets; Ousmane Dembele, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Jordi Alba; Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi.

LEVANTE SUBS: Son, Ruben Rochina, Sergio Postigo, Carlos Clerc, Coke, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Dani Gomez, Alejandro Cantero, Mickael Malsa, Daniel Cardenas, Sergio Leon, Cheick Doukoure.

LEVANTE STARTING XI (4-4-2): Aitor Fernandez; Jorge Miramon, Ruben Vezo, Oscar Duarte, Tono; Jorge de Frutos, Gonzalo Melero, Rober Pier, Enis Bardhi; Roger Marti, Jose Luis Morales.

Barcelona have the chance to go top of the league with a win today, and come into this game having lost just one of their last six in all competitions (W4 D1), though they missed a big chance to leapfrog Atletico Madrid when they drew with the league leaders last time out. They face a Levante side that are winless in their last five (D1 L4) and who are without a win at home since mid-March when they beat Valencia 1-0.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the LaLiga meeting between Levante and Barcelona at the Ciutat de Valencia!

Abraham hat trick seals Chelsea FA Cup win

The likes of Flamengo and Palmeiras could be celebrating a last-16 berth by the end of the week after making a strong start in the Copa

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores is up and running once more, with the group stage now underway for 2021.

Thirty two teams from across the South American continent have won passage into the first round proper of the competition, either through automatic qualification or by fighting through Libertadores' preliminary rounds.

Both the Argentine and Brazilian clubs have tasted glory in this tournament and will be desperate to make a claim for one of those spots with a strong performance. 

The CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores group stage can be watched through Fanatiz with a 7-day free trial followed by $7.99 a month

The streaming platform offers the option to watch each game.

Copa Libertadores Group Stage: Round Four Fixtures

Group positions as of May 10 in (brackets)

Group A

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 11 5:30pm/8:30pm (3) Independiente del Valle vs Palmeiras (1) Fanatiz
May 12 7pm/10pm (4) Universitario vs Defensa y Justicia (2) Fanatiz

Group B

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 11 3pm/6:15pm (4) Dep. Tachira vs Internacional (1) Fanatiz
May 13 5pm/8pm (2) Always Ready vs Olimpia (3) Fanatiz

Group C

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 11 3:15pm/6:15pm (3) Santos vs Boca Juniors (2) Fanatiz
May 11 3:15pm/6:15pm (4) The Strongest vs Barcelona (ECU) (1) Fanatiz

Group D

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 12 5pm/8pm (1) Fluminense vs Santa Fe (4) Fanatiz
May 12 5pm/8pm (3) Junior vs River Plate (2) Fanatiz

Group E

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 11 5:30pm/8:30pm (4) Cristal vs Racing Club (2) Fanatiz
May 12 3pm/6pm (3) Rentistas vs Sao Paulo (1) Fanatiz

Group F

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 12 3pm/6pm (1) Argentinos Juniors vs Universidad Catolica (3) Fanatiz
May 12 7pm/10pm (2) Atletico Nacional vs Nacional (4) Fanatiz

Group G

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 11 5:30pm/8:30pm (4) La Calera vs Flamengo (1) Fanatiz
May 13 3pm/6pm (3) Velez Sarsfield vs LDU Quito (2) Fanatiz

Group H

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 12 5pm/8pm (3) La Guaira vs Cerro Porteno (2) Fanatiz
May 13 5pm/8pm  (4) America de Cali vs Atletico Mineiro (1) Fanatiz

What has happened so far in the 2021 Copa Libertadores?

The 2021 Copa Libertadores began less than a month after the 2020 edition came to an end with Palmeiras' narrow victory over Santos in the final, due to delays in its playing caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

On February 23 Uruguay's Liverpool met Catolica of Ecuador in the opening match of the first preliminary phase, officially kicking off the new tournament. 

Watch now with Fanatiz English

With three rounds of the group stage already completed in this accelerated Libertadores, several teams could be celebrating qualification to the last 16 by the end of the week. 

Flamengo, Palmeiras, Argentinos Juniors and Barcelona have all begun with a perfect three wins out of three, and the former three, as well as Sao Paulo know victory this round will be enough to seal a knockout spot. 

The Ecuadorians would additionally need Santos to drop points in order to be assured of qualification on Tuesday, while Atletico Mineiro are another side who can go through with two games to spare if they win their clash against America de Cali and Venezuela's La Guaira lose to Cerro Porteno.

Watch the Copa Libertadores live on Fanatiz. Sign up for a free trial now followed by $7.99 a month

Original author: Goal

Tottenham won't sell Harry Kane without Nuno Espirito Santo's blessing

Goal predicts Amakhosi's starting line-up ahead of their clash with the Beautiful Birds in a PSL match on Wednesday
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

LIVE: Manchester City vs Arsenal

Goal rates the performance of the Bucs players following the Soweto giants' 0-0 draw with Stellies in a PSL match on Tuesday afternoon
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

'Why it's not the same' - Zinnbauer questions Orlando Pirates players' attitude after Stellenbosch FC draw

The 51-year-old tactician pointed out that some of his charges are tired with Bucs set to take on Casablanca at Orlando Stadium this weekend

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer was not pleased with the attitude of his players following the team's draw with Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday afternoon.

The Buccaneers came into the clash having secured a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Black Leopards in a PSL match last week, but they could not replicate the same form as they drew 0-0 with Stellies in another league clash.

Zinnbauer began by discussing how injuries to some of his key players have affected the team's performance with the Buccaneers having won just one of their last six competitive matches. 

"We can always talk about excuses but yes as a coach you have competition at training and more competition in the games," Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV. 

"Special players, yes, [Thembinkosi] Lorch, [Thabang] Monare, we have a lot of players and also players who were out for a long time.

"But we cannot change the football, we have to look forward and we hope next week the players come back, we discussed this all week, we're happy the player is coming back."

The German tactician indicated that some of his players are struggling with tiredness and he was forced to substitute Abel Mabaso and Siphesihle Ndlovu, who have been regulars in recent months. 

"But at the moment we have to play, we're strong enough, we're good enough for winning a game like this but if you don't have the attitude before the game," he continued. 

"And you think all is running before the game, I explained this before, it's not possible [to win]. If you have self-confidence before the game like this then go forward, not trap the ball and go back, no go-forward.

Give them the pressure, this was the plan, maybe other players are tired.

"[Abel] Mabaso he had a feeling at half-time maybe tired, [Siphesihle] Ndlovu he had long games now in a row at the moment we'll have to wait for other players then we can change".

"Yes, it's always, you see last week the performance was top and three days later it's bad, this is the question we ask always as a coach, why it's not the same."

Zinnbauer is hoping his charges will produce a better performance when they take on Moroccan powerhouse Raja Casablanca in the Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final first-leg game on Sunday.

"It was the same team [that won against Black Leopards], now, in comes [Paseka Mako], he makes a top performance. The same team that played against Leopards, self-confidence, good performance, top final third [entries]," he added.

"But today we missed this but it's football, it changes, we look forward. We look forward to Sunday, we need a win there, it's important we get the head up for the players. They want [to win] at the moment they are always changing the performance."

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

Solskjaer maintains hope Maguire can play in Europa League final after suffering ankle injury

The defender has suffered an ankle injury and could be out for the remainder of the campaign

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes Manchester United captain Harry Maguire can still play in the Europa League final despite sustaining ligament damage in his ankle.

The centre-back limped off in his side's 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Sunday, raising fears he could miss the rest of the season.

Solskjaer has suggested Maguire will miss the rest of the Red Devils' Premier League campaign, but believes he could feature against Villarreal in the European decider on May 26.

What has been said? 

“He's obviously had the scans and the good news is there is no fracture,” Solskjaer told MUTV ahead of United's clash with Leicester on Tuesday.

“[There's] ligament damage but hopefully we will see him again this season. Hopefully, he'll be ready for the final.”

When is the Europa League final?

United will face Spanish side Villarreal in Gdansk on May 26.

Villarreal secured their place in the final with a 2-1 aggregate win against Arsenal in the semi-final, while United beat Roma 8-5 over two legs.

Before that game, however, Solskjaer's team will face Leicester on Tuesday, followed by their rescheduled meeting with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Thursday.

They will then round off their Premier League campaign with games against Fulham on May 18 and Wolves five days later.

How important has Maguire been this season?

Since his arrival from Wigan in August 2019, Maguire had played every minute of Premier League football for United until he was forced off with the ankle injury on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, who set a club record with his appearance against Villa, has featured 52 times in all competitions this season.

Further reading

Original author: Peter McVitie

LIVE: Manchester United vs Leicester

Leicester made a good start to the contest and took a deserved lead through Thomas. However, they lost belief after United's equaliser and were unable to test David de Gea. Brendan Rodgers' side need a results tonight to ease their top-four worries and to take momentum into the FA Cup final at the weekend.

It's all square at the break in the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford. The visitors took the lead through a fine strike on the volley from Luke Thomas. United responded through Mason Greenwood with a good run and finish to level the scores. Both sides struggled with their composure from that point onwards, and a massive improvement will be required in the second half.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 LEICESTER CITY

45' + 2' BLOCK! Tielemans lines up a strike from the free-kick, but he drills his effort straight into the wall before the referee ends the first half.

45' + 1' Diallo brings down Ndidi on the edge of the United box with a late lunge. Leicester have a great opportunity from the resulting free-kick before the break.

45' There will be one minute of added time.

44' There is a lack of composure out on the pitch from both teams. Perez epitomises the issue as he sends a loose offload into the left-inside channel for Vardy that is intercepted by Van de Beek.

42' Iheanacho turns and runs at the United defence. He tries to thread the needle to release Vardy, but he just overhits his pass and Tuanzebe gets ahead of the Leicester forward to usher it back to De Gea. Vardy shoves Tuanzebe in the back anyway and gives away a free-kick.

39' Tielemans turns in the Leicester half and is brought down by Matic. The United midfielder avoids a booking for the challenge.

37' Matic sends a first-time ball over the top for Greenwood to chase. Soyuncu has to make an inch-perfect challenge and he succeeds on the slide, clearing it out for a throw-in.

35' Matic takes a neat touch out from the back to send United forward. Telles collects in space, but he fails to release Elanga in space down the left flank.

33' Vardy applies pressure to De Gea in possession, but the Spaniard just manages to clear his lines as the forward closes in. The United keeper has to be careful in these conditions.

31' Both teams have been a tad passive in the final third. There is heavy rain at Old Trafford, which is making life a tad difficult for accurate passing in tight quarters.

29' Iheanacho tries to scoop the ball over the top, but Vardy checks his run at the wrong moment and is powerless in seeing it trickle through to De Gea.

27' De Gea has to be alert as Tielemans' cross towards Iheanacho travels towards goal rather than the forward. The United keeper backpedals and turns the ball over the bar.

25' Elanga makes a good run in behind the Leicester defence, but Fofana spots his movement and edges out the United winger in the final third.

23' Vardy breaks in behind the United defence to latch on to Thomas' throughball. He sends a cutback into the middle for Iheanacho, but Tuanzebe is alert to clear the danger for the home side.

22' Only four Premier League players have scored more league goals as a teenager than Greenwood (17) -- Michael Owen (40), Robbie Fowler (35), Wayne Rooney (30), Nicolas Anelka (19).

19' United have found their confidence after the equaliser and are forcing the Foxes back amid their press of the Red Devils' backline.

17' Two teenagers have scored in a Premier League game for the first time since December 2019, also at Old Trafford - Longstaff for Newcastle, Greenwood for Manchester United.

15' Perez wins the ball in the United half and offloads towards Iheanacho. The forward hesitates for a second and fails to pull the trigger before being forced backwards by the United defence.

12' Thomas is the the 10th teenager to score a Premier League goal at Old Trafford, and first since Matty Longstaff in December 2019.

11' United give the ball away on the edge of the box to Iheanacho, but he fails to release Vardy in the box as he produces a loose offload.

8' CHANCE! Vardy tries to latch on to a low cross from Albrighton towards the near post. Elanga gets a deflection on to the delivery that prevents the Leicester forward guiding a backheel towards goal, allowing De Gea to collect.

7' Telles is back on his feet and returns to the field for the home side.

6' Matic concedes a corner on the right flank, which allows Albrighton to whip a cross into the box. Telles rises to clear the danger, but he takes a blow to the head from Ndidi in the process.

3' It has been a slow start to the game as United have worked the ball around the back without advancing into the Leicester half.

1' We're under way at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League matches against Leicester City (W8 D4) since losing 5-3 in September 2014 under Louis van Gaal.

Rodgers has made only two changes to his side that was beaten by Newcastle in their last outing. Maddison drops to the bench and is replaced by Perez in the final third. Ricardo also makes way for Thomas, which sees Albrighton move to right wing-back. Former United defender Jonny Evans is still missing due to injury.

Only Greenwood retains his place in the United line-up from their win over Villa last time out. Solskjaer responds to his side's hectic fixture schedule by making 10 changes. Elanga and Diallo are handed their first Premier League starts for the Red Devils in the final third, while Mata also supports Greenwood. De Gea gets the start between the posts in front of Williams, Bailly, Tuanzebe and Telles. Matic and Van de Beek occupy the defensive midfield spots.

LEICESTER CITY SUBS: James Maddison, Danny Ward, Daniel Amartey, Hamza Choudhury, Ricardo Pereira, Nampalys Mendy, Dennis Praet, Christian Fuchs, Tawanda Maswanhise.

LEICESTER CITY (3-4-3): Kasper Schmeichel; Timothy Castagne, Wesley Fofana, Caglar Soyuncu; Marc Albrighton, Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, Luke Thomas; Kelechi Iheanacho, Ayoze Perez, Jamie Vardy.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Victor Lindelof, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Dean Henderson, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Brandon Williams, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Alex Telles; Donny van de Beek, Nemanja Matic; Amad Diallo, Juan Mata, Anthony Elanga; Mason Greenwood.

Leicester suffered a damaging defeat to Newcastle United last time out to threaten their Champions League hopes. The Foxes suffered a 4-2 defeat on home soil, although the scoreline flattered Brendan Rodgers' men to some degree. Leicester were in a similar position last season and missed out on the top four. They cannot afford to make the same mistake in back-to-back campaigns, while the FA Cup final looms at the weekend.

Manchester United prevented their rivals Manchester City from lifting the Premier League crown by beating Aston Villa 3-1 last time out. The Red Devils went behind to a strike from Bertrand Traore, but second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani delivered the three points. It has been a quick turnaround for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men and it will be a challenge for them to maintain their form with Liverpool also on the horizon in 48 hours.

Good evening and welcome to the live commentary of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford.

Tanzania Cup: Simba SC handed Dodoma Jiji as Yanga SC to face Mwadui FC

The Msimbazi giants will face their fellow league side in the last eight of the domestic cup as they continue to chase a domestic double

Simba SC have been drawn to face fellow Mainland Premier League side Dodoma City in the quarter-finals of the Tanzania domestic cup.

The draw conducted on Tuesday has also seen Simba's rivals Yanga SC paired against Mwadui FC, Rhino FC to face Azam FC while Biashara United will come up against Namungo FC.

The winner between Simba, who are the defending champions, and Dodoma will then face the winner between Rhino and Azam, while the winner between Biashara and Namungo will book a date with the winner between Yanga and Mwadui in the semi-finals.

Therefore, should they win their respective fixtures, Simba and Yanga could face off in another Kariakoo derby in the final.

Simba coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has acknowledged they have been given a tough draw but insisted their target is to win all the trophies on offer this season.

“If we want to win the FA Cup then we would say Dodoma is a good draw but until now we have to fight against Dodoma, firstly it is a tough team and even if we won against them two times this season, I know they are a tough team and it is not easy to win against Dodoma,” Gomes told Simba Online TV.

“If we qualify we play against Azam, a very good team and you can see their last performance against Yanga they won 1-0, it is a tough draw but we want to win everything, every cup this year, it is very important to be champions of the league and to win the FA Cup, it is the best time to show Tanzanians that Simba is the best team in the country, so we are very ambitious.”

However, before the cup game, Simba have a Caf Champions League quarter-final fixture to think about as they come up against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

The Msimbazi giants have already arrived in South Africa in readiness for the first leg clash scheduled for FNB Stadium in Johannesburg with only midfielder Bernard Morrison missing from the travelling squad owing to his travel paperwork, which was not ready.

Simba SC squad; Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula, Beno Kakolanya, and Ally Salim.

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Ibrahim Ame, Erasto Nyoni, Gadiel Michael, Mohamed Hussein, Kennedy Juma, and David Kameta.

Midfielders: Jonas Mkude, Rally Bwalya, Mzamiru Yassin, Luis Miquissone, Hassan Dilunga, Clatous Chama, Francis Kahata, and Taddeo Lwanga.

Strikers: Meddie Kagere, John Bocco, Ibrahim Ajib, and Chris Mugalu.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

Lewandowski reacts to talk of Serie A switch as Bayern Munich future is questioned

The prolific Polish striker has seen a move away from the Allianz Arena mooted, but he claims to be fully committed to his contract

Robert Lewandowski admits to being a fan of Italian football, but the Bayern Munich striker has suggested that no move to Serie A will be made any time soon.

The prolific Polish striker has seen a switch speculated on heading towards the summer transfer window, with it reported that the 32-year-old may be open to taking on a new challenge.

He has, however, shut down that gossip for now, with a man tied to a contract at the Allianz Arena through to 2023 claiming to have no intention of leaving Germany.

What has been said?

Quizzed by Tuttosport on whether a stint in Italy could appeal to him, Lewandowski has said: "I have spoken to a lot of people about Italian football, they told me various things about your league. 

"I know some teams well because I faced them in the Champions League. 

"The truth, however, is that in addition to having a contract with Bayern, I feel great at this club."

The bigger picture

Lewandowski has remained a talismanic presence for Bayern in the 2020-21 campaign, helping them to land a ninth successive Bundesliga title while plundering 46 goals in all competitions.

There is no reason for him to walk away, with a fresh start of sorts about to be presented to him as Julian Nagelsmann prepares to inherit the managerial reins in Munich from Hansi Flick.

"A new chapter will open," Lewandowski added on the changes being lined up in Bavaria.

"But what Flick did will go down in history because it's something epic. In 2020 we raised all kinds of trophies to the sky and broke many records with him. 

"We are Bayern, so we will give our all to try to win everything also with Nagelsmann. 

"For me it will change little: I have to score with Flick and I will have to do the same with the new coach to help the team. 

"Scoring goals is something I love. When I succeed and we win, everything seems more beautiful to me."

Further reading

Original author: Chris Burton

Chelsea news, transfers & rumours: Tuchel pays tribute to Lampard & live updates from Stamford Bridge

Goal brings you all the latest news and transfer reports from Chelsea and our Blues correspondent Nizaar Kinsella

Sergio Aguero sends message to Lionel Messi ahead of World Cup quarter-final

The Argentine has not ruled out a swoop for the Real Madrid defender in the summer window

Mauricio Pochettino has addressed the rumours linking Sergio Ramos with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, admitting "we want to improve in all positions".

Ramos' future is the subject of much debate heading into the summer transfer window, with his current contract at Real Madrid set to expire at the end of June.

The Blancos have yet to reach an agreement with their club captain over an extension, and PSG are one of several clubs reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.

What's been said?

Pochettino refused to confirm whether the French champions will try to bring in Ramos, but did concede that they will be in the market for high-quality reinforcements after a turbulent 2020-21 campaign.

"Sergio Ramos to PSG? I'm not going to answer because everything can be misinterpreted ... Sergio is a Real Madrid player," the PSG boss told reporters.

"But what I can say is that, like any team, we want to improve in all positions."

What have Madrid said about Ramos?

Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has said that he wants to see Ramos remain at Santiago Bernabeu in the long term, with it his belief that the 35-year-old is capable of playing at the top level for at least another five years.

However, the Frenchman was unable to give any news on a possible renewal for the Spaniard in March as he told the media: "I want to be honest and I have to say I don't know what's going to happen with him.

"We want him to stay here. He's always going to be an important player and I want him to remain here, that's what I'll say as a coach."

Club president Florentino Perez was equally vague when quizzed on Ramos during an interview in April.

"I love Sergio Ramos, but we are in a very bad financial situation at Real Madrid," he said." Nobody puts money into this club. Will he leave the club? I didn't say that... many things can happen."

Pochettino on Mbappe

Pochettino went on to reveal that talismanic striker Kylian Mbappe will be available for PSG's French Cup semi-final clash with Montpellier on Wednesday after recovering from a calf injury.

"You have to be careful with this kind of injury but he trained well and he is available for tomorrow's match," said the Argentine coach.

Pochettino wasn't able to shed any new light on Mbappe's future, though, with it reported that the World Cup winner is stalling on signing fresh terms at Parc des Princes amid interest from Madrid and Liverpool.

"The stats put Kylian in a position as a defining player for the team," he said of a forward who is contracted to remain at PSG until 2022. 

"It is therefore difficult to do without him… He is an important player in the squad. We are counting on him. We hope to have him for many years to come."

Further reading

Sources Chelsea agree fee over Fofana move

Notwithstanding his efforts for the Eagles this term, the Ivory Coast international hopes to make a more meaningful impact for his side

Wilfried Zaha has reflected on his contribution for Crystal Palace in the 2020-21 season and hopes to score more goals and assists for the club.

The forward has been playing a significant role to help Palace maintain their Premier League status over the years, scoring a number of decisive goals.

In the current campaign, he has found the back of the net 10 times and provided two assists, amid other dazzling displays.

Ahead of Crystal Palace's encounter with Southampton on Tuesday night, Zaha hopes to get on the scoresheet and make other key contributions.

“If you watch me play and not just at 10:30 on Match of the Day, you will realise that I’m not really a ‘stats’ player,” Zaha told the club website.

“I try to do a lot for the team, but obviously for me now, as I’m getting older, I look at my game and I feel like I try to just be more effective.

“I’ve managed to reach 10 goals again and I’m trying to push on and score more goals. At the end of the day it’s all about numbers, no one’s going to go through 50 of your games watching 90 minutes of what you’ve done - they just need that sheet of paper that says ‘how many goals did he score? How many assists does he do?’

“That’s what I’m trying to add to my game. I'm happy this season that I managed to score 10 - I’d like to get more goals but at this moment I can’t complain.”

Zaha also praised the togetherness and cooperation of Palace, which he believed have helped the club stand out in the Premier League.

“I feel like the thing that sets Palace aside from all the other clubs for me is how family-orientated the club is, how close they are to the fans. I feel like that’s what makes it so different,”  he continued.

“I feel like at Palace, the fans, the people here genuinely care about each other. That’s the difference. They genuinely care about how your day’s been, how you are, how your mentality is. Obviously, with COVID, everyone’s going through it in their own little spaces, but when you come in here people genuinely care.

“In [tough] situations, you’ve got each other. That’s it. You don’t have crazy owners that would come in and put however much money, you just have each other and you just have to work together.

“When that’s all you have you’ve just got to deal with it every day. I feel like we prefer it this way to be honest. We understand each other and [we] know that once we get on that pitch [each] person’s going to sacrifice a 100% for you. We go through ups and downs together and that’s what makes the team stronger.”

Zaha has been with Crystal Palace since he was eight years and was promoted to the first team in 2010, the forward has since developed into one of the exciting wingers in the Premier League and praised the club for his growth. 

“The club has grown me by just giving me the opportunity to have the experience that I have had. I’ve played so many games in the Premier League, not everyone gets the opportunity to play as many games, so that’s why I’m so thankful,” he added.

“Through those games I’ve managed to analyse my [own] game and now I can sit here and speak about me trying to fixate on numbers and being more effective on the pitch. If Palace didn’t give me that opportunity I may not be here, so that’s the main thing that I’m grateful about.”

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

'Happy' Messi 'will do everything in his power to stay' at Barcelona - Laporta

The former Blaugrana star is eager to see the mercurial Argentine sign a new contract and the Catalan coach return to his roots

Adriano wants to see the "dream" pairing of Lionel Messi and Pep Guardiola reunited at Barcelona, with "doors open" to make that a possibility.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner at Camp Nou is in the process of running down his contract, with no extension agreed as yet by the legendary one-club man.

Fresh terms are being mooted for Messi, along with talk of new challenges being taken on elsewhere, but any decision on his future will be delayed until the summer.

What has been said?

Ex-Barca star Adriano told RAC1 of efforts to get his former team-mate tied down on a new deal: "I don't know anything about Leo, all I know is that he has three games left and we don't know anything else, but hopefully Messi stays." 

Could Guardiola return to Camp Nou?

The current Manchester City boss, who has seen a move for Messi floated, has stated on a regular basis that he hopes to see the iconic Argentine stay put.

It has been suggested that he could rejoin him in Catalunya at some stage, with Adriano of the opinion that Guardiola would be willing to retrace steps back to his roots.

The Brazilian added: "It would be a dream for Pep to return to Barca, a dream of the fans and the people of the club. 

"When Pep left he needed a change of scenery, to try other things, but now his doors are open, without a doubt. 

"He is one of the best coaches I have ever had and in the world of football. I hope he comes back and that people enjoy it."

Has the door closed for Neymar?

Another of those to have seen a second spell at Barca speculated on is Adriano's fellow countryman Neymar.

He has, however, committed to a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain through to 2025 and appears to have closed that transfer door.

"I do not know if Neymar was right to go to Paris, it is not easy to leave Barcelona," Adriano said.

"He was able to choose between staying or leaving and the moment he left I wished him well, as I do with my friends. 

"If he has renewed it is because he will be comfortable there.

"It's a shame that Messi and Ney don't get together again. They are two of the best players we could have, along with Luis Suarez. 

"They marked an era at Barca and in football. It was unbelievable. I would never have wanted to be an opposition defender with those three in front of me. 

"If you mark Leo, you set Ney and Luis free. That was unstoppable. It has been one of the best tridents I have ever seen play, because there was also a personal connection."

Further reading

Original author: Chris Burton

'We have to improve' - Arteta expecting big changes at Arsenal this summer

The Gunners boss accepts that things must improve if his team are to start competing towards the top of the Premier League again

Mikel Arteta has spoken of the big changes needed at Arsenal this summer - saying that his team now has to evolve into challengers.

The Gunners have endured a hugely disappointing season and go into Wednesday night’s game with Chelsea out of Europe and sitting ninth in the Premier League.

Arteta accepts that results under his watch have not been good enough and believes what happens off the pitch this summer will be key to getting the club back on track.

What has been said?

Speaking about the scale of the job Arsenal are facing this summer, Arteta said: “There is so many things to do because we already have a lot of players on loan, a lot of players with contracts still that we have to sort and it will depend what happens with a lot of those players.

“And what we are able to recruit to improve the team is going to determine where we are.

“We have already had an incredible amount of changes throughout the club in the last year or so. More than ever.

"We are looking to be much closer than where we are at the moment. In order to do that there are certain things that we have to improve.

“Now it’s about how we evolve. There are a lot of things that had to be done and they have [been] done. A lot of changes [we had] to make and they have been made.

“And now it’s time to evolve and to evolve you have to take things once they are a little bit more settled and establish them to the next level.”

Progress has been made

Despite admitting results haven’t been good enough this season, Arteta remains adamant that his side has made progress during the campaign.

“We have made progress in many areas,” he said. “I would say performance included and that’s supported by many factors that we have looked at.

“Results-wise, to where we want to be, it has to be improved.

“We have to do better, that we have be much more consistent, to win more games. And in order to do that there are certain things we have to improve.

“We will see what happens in the summer.”

Summer plans

Arteta says plans have long been put in place for the summer transfer window and that he and technical director Edu talk regularly about what needs to be done.

Several players are expected to leave at the end of the season, but Arteta does not believe the club will find themselves in a similar position to January, when they had to pay the likes of Mesut Ozil, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi to move on.

"Hopefully we are not in that position anymore," the Arsenal boss said. “We (Edu and Arteta) have been sitting down the whole year, we have been in constant communication.

“Some things will stick to the plan that we already have and some other things will come out.

“But we sit down very, very regularly to talk about those things, obviously.”

Further reading 

Original author: Charles Watts

'Pirlo and Ronaldo will stay at Juventus' - Nedved rubbishes exit talk in Turin

The Bianconeri's vice-president has sought to bring an end to rumours suggesting that two prominent figures could leave Serie A heavyweights

Pavel Nedved has boldly claimed that "Andrea Pirlo and Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Juventus" as speculation continues to rage regarding the respective futures of two prominent figures in Turin.

The Bianconeri have suffered a humbling fall from grace in 2020-21, with the Serie A title ripped from their grasp by arch-rivals Inter to leave them scratching around for a top-four finish.

Such struggles have led to inevitable questions being asked of Pirlo's ongoing presence in a demanding managerial post, while there have also been suggestions that five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo could move on without honouring the final year of his contract.

What has been said?

Vice-president Nedved has sought to shut down said gossip, telling Striscia La Notizia: "Pirlo and Ronaldo will stay at Juventus."

Will Pirlo and Ronaldo stick around?

Goal has learned that Juventus have no plans to make a change in their dugout before the end of the season.

That means Pirlo will be given a chance to wrap up Champions League qualification and possible Coppa Italia glory.

Various options are, however, being mooted when it comes to bringing in a new boss for 2021-22, with Massimiliano Allegri seeing a return to the Allianz Stadium speculated on.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, is approaching the final 12 months of his current deal.

The iconic Portuguese forward is now 36 years of age and has been unable to deliver the European success that he was drafted in from Real Madrid to help bring about.

He has seen a return to Spain discussed, while there has also been talk of a second spell at Manchester United being taken in or a move to MLS in America being made.

The bigger picture

For now, Ronaldo and Pirlo are focused on helping Juve end a testing season as positively as possible.

They have slipped to fifth in the Serie A standings, but still have three league games left to take in and a Coppa Italia final outing against Atalanta on May 19.

Nedved added on Juve's efforts from this point: "There are some difficulties, but we’ll fight until the end."

The Bianconeri will be back in action on Wednesday away at Sassuolo, before then playing host to newly-crowned champions Inter on Saturday.

Further reading

Original author: Chris Burton

Ajax target Kamaldeen wants Champions League football as he confirms Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen interest

The Ghana starlet opens up on his future amid speculation about an imminent move away from Denmark in the summer

Nordsjaelland attacker and Ajax target Kamaldeen Sulemana has revealed he will want to pursue a new challenge this summer as he confirmed interest from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.

The 19-year-old has become target of transfer discussions following a run of fine performances in the Danish Superliga.

On Monday, with Ajax director of football affairs Marc Overmars in the stands, the winger was on target as FCN held Copenhagen to a 2-2 draw.

“My agent heard from both of them,” Kamaldeen told reporters after Monday's game when asked if he had offers from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.

“I just want to play for a very good club, I want to play in the Champions League, I want to have playing time in the next team I go. And every other club that can give me that, I’d love to go.

“Right now, I’m just trying my best to channel my vision here and focus on my task here at FC Nordsjaelland because I have not finished. I have got few more games to finish.

“After that, I have a vacation, and the [transfer] window is not [yet] open, so that’s where I can really put my focus to say clubs and [start] talking to clubs. I haven’t personally spoken to any club because I am more focused on doing my job here. “

Monday’s strike has taken Kamaldeen’s goal tally in the league to 10, having also contributed three assists.

Olympique Lyon and Club Brugge have also been said to be interested in the services of the teenager, for whom Ajax reportedly had a first bid of €9 million turned down in January.

“Yeah, I personally feel ready to leave but then if there’s no right bid and negotiations don’t go well, then I’m still happy to stay here,” the winger said when asked if he prefers to leave FCN this summer.

“I’ve got a lot to learn. I still believe I can learn a lot here. [FCN head coach] Flemming [Pedersen] is helping me a lot and I learn [from] him every day.

“This league, you play against some very good players and it’s also a competition, so I like it here [at FCN] and I still think I can improve a lot.”

According to reports, Ajax are asking for €14 million for their prized Ghanaian asset.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Newcastle striker Wilson ruled out for remainder of 2020-21 season due to hamstring injury

The Magpies frontman will sit out the club's final three fixtures of the campaign due to an issue picked up in last week's win at Leicester City

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has been ruled out of action for the remainder of the 2020-21 season due to a hamstring injury.

Wilson scored twice in Newcastle's impressive 4-2 victory at high-flying Leicester City last week which ultimately ensured their Premier League safety, with 18th place Fulham's relegation confirmed after their 2-0 defeat to Burnley on Monday.

However, the Magpies have now revealed that the 29-year-old picked up a knock during the clash at the King Power Stadium that will keep him out of their final three fixtures.

What's been said?

A statement on Newcastle's Twitter account reads: “Callum Wilson will miss the final three games of the 2020/21 season after injuring his hamstring during Friday's win over Leicester City. Speedy recovery, @CallumWilson.”

What games will Wilson sit out?

Newcastle could finish as high as 12th in the Premier League standings if they pick up maximum points in their next three matches, starting with a home fixture against champions-elect Manchester City on Friday.

Steve Bruce will have to look at alternative options up front in the absence of Wilson, though, with the experienced forward also set to miss a clash with Sheffield United at St James' Park seven days later and a final day trip to Fulham on May 23.

How has Wilson performed for Newcastle this season?

Newcastle forked out £20 million ($28m) to sign Wilson from Bournemouth following the Cherries' relegation from the top-flight last summer, and he has quickly established himself as a fan favourite on Tyneside with his prolific form in the final third.

The England international has hit 12 goals in 26 Premier League outings to date for the Magpies, while also laying on five assists, and might have made an even greater contribution were it not for another hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for the first two months of 2021.

Further reading


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