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Austrian Bundesliga giants Red Bull Salzburg have revealed that Mali internationals Mohamed Camara and Sekou Koita have returned positive for banned substances.

Having featured for the Eagles in November’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Namibia – which Mohamed Magassouba’s men won over two legs – the players were subjected to tests on return to Austria.

However, they tested positive for a substance used for treating altitude sickness which the players claim was ordered by medical staff of the Mali national team.

“Mohamed Camara and Sekou Koita had been away for around ten days on international duty for Mali for two internationals against Namibia, before they recorded a positive test on 22 November 2020 – a few days after their return to Salzburg – as part of a Uefa test of ten of our players,” a statement from club website read.

“Camara and Koita both had traces of a substance that is a key ingredient in a drug taken to combat altitude sickness.

“They both state this was administered to them by the medical staff of the Mali national team before their away match in Namibia.

“The Mali national side flew for the African Nations Cup qualifier from Bamako in Mali (350 metres altitude) to Windhoek at 1700 metres altitude.”

In the wake of this development, Uefa, the body representing national football associations in Europe is expected to start an investigation.

Even at this, the Red Bull Arena giants have disclosed that both players will be allowed to train with squad in the spring and will be given the full support to get their case resolved.

In addition, RB Salzburg reveal they will do everything in cooperation with Uefa and relevant authorities to "obtain a full explanation of events in Mali".

Although the club is "very proud when our players are called up to their national teams," Salzburg's general manager, Stephan Reiter, assured "that medical work will conform to international standards, with doctors who are familiar with the rules."

"If Uefa takes additional measures, the association and the club will be informed," said Thomas Hollerer who is the general secretary of the Austrian Football Association.

Both players, who featured for the West African team during the 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, grew through the club’s ranks before their promotion to the A team in 2019.

Chippa United have appointed Luc Eymael to replace Lehlohonolo Seema as their head coach for the remainder of the season.

Eymael has been jobless since he parted ways with Tanzanian giants Young Africans in July 2020 having allegedly compared the club's fans to monkeys. 

The Belgian tactician has filled the void left by Seema, who was suspended by the Chilli Boys chairman Chippa Mpengesi with the team struggling in the PSL this season.

The club has now released the following statement announcing Eymael's appointment and Seema's departure. 

"Chippa United Football Club has appointed Belgian Luc Eymael as senior head coach until the end of the season," a club statement read. 

"Eymael first match in charge will be the DSTV Premiership fixture against SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium when the season resumes in the New Year on 6 January 2021."

"The Club confirms that it met with former coach Lehlohonolo Seema on Wednesday, where the consensus from both parties was to part ways with immediate effect."

Chippa have won just once and lost five matches in the league so far this season - including successive defeats from the last three matches.

Seema had joined the Chilli Boys in July 2020 after resigning as Bloemfontein Celtic coach.

Mpengesi, who is known for his trigger-happy attitude, stated that Eymael's mandate is to ensure that the Chilli Boys finish in the top eight this season. 

"Our ambition was to have an improved season in comparison to how the team has been fighting relegation in the past few campaigns, Mpengesi said. 

"One of Mr Eymael responsibilities is a top-eight finish for this season. This where the Club Board can also decide on his longer-term contract with the team.

"We would like to wish Mr Seema well with his future endeavours, and thank him for his contribution towards the Chippa United brand."

Eymael was dismissed by Young Africans for racist remarks allegedly made when he compared Tanzanian fans to monkeys in an astonishing tirade.

It was then reported that the South African Football Association (Safa) wanted to ban the former Free State Stars and Polokwane City coach from returning to work in the country again. 

Mikel Arteta is "making really unusual decisions", according to Martin Keown, who says the Arsenal boss cannot afford to make any more mistakes heading into the new year.

Arsenal's miserable start to the 2020-21 campaign continued as they were beaten 4-1 by Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the League Cup on Tuesday night.

Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte grabbed the goals for the visitors, while Alexandre Lacazette scored what amounted to nothing more than a consolation goal for the hosts, who have now lost five of their last eight games in all competitions.

Alex Runarsson was handed a rare start for the Gunners after being signed to replace former backup goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the summer transfer window, but the 25-year-old had a night to forget as he gifted City two of their goals with basic errors.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli was named in Arteta's starting XI for the first time since recovering from knee surgery, and he picked up another knock shortly before half-time after colliding with Blues shot-stopper Zack Steffen.

The Arsenal boss decided against substituting the Brazilian at the break, only for him to limp off in the early stages of the second period, leaving Keown perplexed.

A member of the fabled 2003-04 Invincibles squad has expressed his belief that Arteta needs advising on the touchline after another domestic disaster, telling talkSPORT: “It’s turned into a crisis and the manager has joined in with really unusual decisions.

“He played the young kid [Runarsson] last night, no-one likes to see that [the mistakes], but I don’t believe his performance was a surprise.

“If Leno gets injured, having allowed Martinez to leave, they’ve left themselves wide open from the goalkeeping point of view.

“Just keep it simple! Martinez was outstanding last season.

“It’s looking at decisions in key moments, Partey coming back after a few days’ training and now he’s out for months.

“The support base around the manager has got to help him when it comes to every single decision.

“I was screaming at the telly last night – Martinelli, a fantastic talent, down injured for five minutes before half-time.

“Don’t bring him back out, please don’t bring him out… he comes back out and lasts about two minutes. Make the right decisions!

“He’s under massive pressure at the moment.”

Keown added: “People are calling for Emile Smith-Rowe and all these youngsters, but you can’t just throw them into this situation.

“Some of the guys are not getting opportunities early enough, then all of a sudden we put Runarsson into the team when he’s not ready.

“That has to come down to the manager. You really can’t get anything wrong from now on in. With the January transfer window coming up, there can be no more mistakes.

“They paid £25m for William Saliba and he doesn’t have a squad number, Nicolas Pepe is wandering around like he’s not interested, Willian is on holiday.

“You have to pick senior players you can rely upon and bolt young kids onto that, with players they can pick up the right habits [from].

“At the moment, the club feels like it’s in free fall.”

Arsenal will now look ahead to a vital encounter with Chelsea at Emirates Stadium at the weekend, where they will be aiming to halt a seven-match winless run in the Premier League.

Keown is worried that tension is building behind the scenes at his old club with each passing game, with Arteta considered to be losing the faith of his players.

“You wonder how toxic the dressing room is when there’s a growing group of players who don’t take part and sit in the corner,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say they’d be sniggering, but there is an undercurrent, surely there must be.”

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have remained on course to win the Mainland Premier League title after thrashing Ihefu FC 3-0 in a match played at Sokoine Stadium on Wednesday.

The Jangwani-giants came into the match protecting an unbeaten run of 16 matches and they took the lead in the 13th minute through diminutive winger Deus Kaseke.

Yanga enjoyed a 1-0 half-time and on resumption, they continued to raid the promoted side for more goals and it came as no surprise when Yacoub Songne, after missing a number of chances, found the back of the net with a beautiful header in the 50th minute.

Ten minutes later, Feisal Salum powered home the third goal which ended any hopes Ihefu had to get something from the fixture.

Yanga under coach Cedric Kaze took control of the game from the onset as they knew a win will help them stretch their lead at the top of the 18-team table with their rivals Simba SC, away in Zimbabwe for the Caf Champions League fixture against FC Platinum.

Kaseke, who was a thorn in Ihefu’s defence finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute after racing onto a through, rounded three defenders before placing it to an empty net.

The goal somehow gave Yanga the urge to attack and they continued to pin their opponents at their own half but nothing could come out of it as they headed into the half-time break with a 1-0 result.

On resumption, Songne made it 2-0 for Yanga and ten minutes later Salum was at hand to power home the third, which has seen Yanga reach 42 points, 13 more than Simba who are second while Azam FC are third on 29 points.

In another match played on Wednesday, JKT Tanzania cruised to a 2-0 win against KMC FC at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

Danny Lyanga was the hero of JKT as he scored both goals in the 52nd and 74th minute.

Elsewhere, Gwambina FC drew 1-1 with Mbeya City, Kagera Sugar managed a 2-2 draw against Polisi Tanzania, Biashara United scored a goal in each half to sink Tanzania Prisons while Mwadui FC drew 0-0 with Coastal Union.

Roberto Carlos is delighted to continue his work as ambassador for Football for Friendship, stating that the program has helped children from every corner of the planet come together in their love of sport. 

The ex-Brazil, Real Madrid and Inter left-back began working with the Gazprom-sponsored project last year, and he has continued in that role in 2020 amid the turmoil of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

As F4F's global ambassador, he restated his commitment to working with youngsters and instilling a love of sport. 

"Every year, it unites girls and boys on the field of a real international tournament, teaches them to communicate with peers from different countries," the Brazilian explained.

"In 2020, Football for Friendship is once again uniting young people with a passion for sports from all over the world, and everyone here, we learn something new, make new friends, and just had an unforgettable experience.

"It is very important to support such initiatives. Football for Friendship is a real social lift, giving the younger generation the opportunity to realize their potential and make their dreams come true," 

"I really liked the idea in the sense of doing sports for children and adults. The most important things are friendship and sport. Football for Friendship is a unique project that gives equal opportunities for all children in the world."

Although he is now retired from professional football, Roberto Carlos continues to keep a close eye on the game. 

Famed during his playing days as one of the world's best left-backs, he now believes that Marcelo, his successor with both Madrid and Brazil, deserves the crown. 

"I think Marcelo is a phenomenon. Whenever they ask me, I always answer that he is an excellent player, but there are different ones, of course, it depends on the era, but currently Marcelo is the gold standard for all other left-backs," he added. 

He is also delighted to see two young compatriots, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, starring at his former stomping ground at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

"Vinicius is a real star, he shows real Brazilian football, and he likes to play one on one," Roberto Carlos explained.

"Nowadays there are no players who can show the same speed as him. Today, personally for me, Vinicius is practically an example of a Brazilian player who shows Brazilian football!

"So, Rodrygo is the guy who is very humble, but the quality of his game is amazing! I really enjoy these two Brazilian players. Vinicius is quicker and a smart player, but Rodrygo is reflective and balancing, it’s cool!"

The 2002 World Cup winner also placed his faith in Brazil coach Tite to return the glory days to the Selecao. 

"The problem is that everyone wants to return the national team that was in my time in order to return the titles!" he said.

"This is not an easy task, because there were great players in my time: Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Kaka, Robinho. But Tite works well, he is patient and he showed good results at the Copa America, the Confederation Cup, and the World Cup.

"Our national team was the first in the world, and now it is the third, after Belgium and Spain. But still, he may achieve his goal, and the team will start winning again."

Kieran Trippier has been banned from football for ten weeks and hit with a £70,000 fine after breaking betting rules.

Trippier was found guilty of misconduct by the English Football Association after an investigation into alleged gambling offences occurring in July 2019, which was carried out by an independent regulatory commission.

The charges were first brought to the Atletico Madrid defender - who moved to the Spanish capital from Tottenham last year - back in May, and he withdrew from England's squad for a UEFA Nations' League clash against Denmark in October to attend an FA hearing regarding the offences.

It was orginally claimed that Trippier had breached seven betting laws, and four of those instances have now been proven, with a two-and-a-half month suspension and a hefty financial penalty dished out to the 30-year-old on Wednesday.

An official statement on the FA's website reads: "Kieran Trippier has been suspended for ten weeks and fined £70,000, following misconduct in relation to breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.

"The Atletico Madrid defender denied seven alleged breaches of FA Rule E8(1)(b), which were said to occur during July 2019, and requested a personal hearing.

"An independent regulatory commission was appointed to hear the case, with four of the alleged breaches found proven and three dismissed during a subsequent personal hearing.

"The independent regulatory commission’s written reasons for its decisions and the associated sanction will be published in due course.

"The suspension, which includes all football and football-related activity, is effective worldwide from today (Wednesday 23 December 2020) following an application to FIFA."

Trippier will be forced to miss a total of 12 games for Atletico in the second half of the season, including the first leg of a round-of-16 Champions League tie against Chelsea at Wanda Metropolitano on February 23.

He will be available for selection again in time for a derby clash against Real Madrid on March 7 though, by which time Diego Simeone will hope his team are still ahead of their rivals in the Liga title race.

Trippier played the full 90 minutes of a 2-0 victory away at Real Sociedad on Tuesday night, which ensured that Atletico remain three points clear of Madrid at the top of the table with a game in hand heading into the winter break. 

Frank Lampard has delivered fitness updates on Hakim Ziyech, Reece James and Ben Chilwell ahead of Chelsea's clash with Arsenal.

Chelsea are currently preparing for a huge derby showdown against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Blues will move into the Premier League's top four if they pick up a second-successive victory against the Gunners, having bounced back from a two-match losing streak by beating West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

Arsenal find themselves in a far more desperate situation than their cross-city rivals heading into this weekend's encounter, and will be looking for three points to start distancing themselves from the relegation zone.

Lampard is wary of the threat Mikel Arteta's team will pose, as he labelled the Gunners a "dangerous" outfit with a "class manager" after seeing his side beat the Hammers at the start of the week.

“We've been in decent form [in London derbies] but I don't think we should be taking Arsenal at face value,” he told reporters.

The Chelsea head coach might have hoped he could call upon €40 million (£36m/$49m) summer signing Ziyech at the Emirates, but the Morrocan, who picked up a knock during a 3-1 win over Leeds United at the start of the month, is not quite ready to return to action.

Asked if the 27-year-old will be available for selection against Arsenal, Lampard told a pre-match press conference: "No, he won't be fit for Arsenal."

Pressed on whether or not he is concerned by Ziyech's persistent fitness issues, the Blues legend responded: "No. He had a knee injury at the start of the season and he now has a muscle injury.

"You have to wait to recover. It's not a long-term concern and we hope to have him back in the next week or so.

"And hopefully he can offer what he did before because he was offering great things.

"We missed that in a way but that's football, that's a squad and it's what happens when players are playing at high level every two or three days."

Lampard went on to reveal that James and Chilwell are both doubts for the Arsenal fixture and a meeting with Aston Villa on December 28.

The former missed the West Ham game due to a knee issue, while the latter was withdrawn in the first half after turning his ankle.

"They're both doubtful. We're not sure whether they will be fit for either game," said Lampard.

One man who will almost certainly feature when the Blues make the short trip to Arsenal is Timo Werner, with Lampard adding on a striker who has failed to score in his last nine outings: "I talk to him all the time, I don't sense his frustration, I think it's clear that as a striker you want to be scoring regularly, as he has done in his career.

"But at the same time, every striker has moments when the ball doesn't drop for you for whatever reasons.

"The positive thing is he's getting chances in games, he's using his attributes to get into the box, he's getting chances, so they'll come."

Simba SC have fallen by a solitary goal in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League against FC Platinums of Zimbabwe.

Perfect Chikwende scored the only goal to give his team a slight advantage ahead of the second leg.

The 21-time champions came into the match hoping to get at least a draw and stand a better chance of winning the second leg at home. The Tanzania Mainland League champions qualified for the second preliminary round after a 1-0 aggregate win over Plateau United of Nigeria.

On the other hand, Platinum made it to the next round on a 4-1 aggregate win after eliminating Costa De Sol of Mozambique. The Zimbabwean champions won the first leg played in Maputo 2-1 before claiming a 2-0 win in the return leg played in Harare on Saturday.

The Msimbazi-base side came into the match without the services of the injured Aishi Manula and the sick John Rafael Bocco.

In the absence of Manula, the Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck will start Ben Kakolanya between the posts while Rwanda striker Meddie Kagere will step in for Bocco.  

The East African outfit looked a more dangerous side but failed to capitalise their chances.

However, it was the Zvishavane-based side who scored in the 17th minute courtesy of Perfect Chikwende.

Simba intensified their attacks in the second half. In the 68th minute, Chris Mugalu teed the advancing Larry Bwalya. The latter unleashed a good strike that was destined for the back of the net but the goalkeeper pulled a fantastic save to deny him.

Mugalu thought he had equalized in the 75th minute but the assistant referee had his flag up for offside. He, later on, squandered a big chance when a cross from the right found him unmarked but he narrowly missed the target. 

The Tanzanian champions will now need a 2-0 win in the second leg to make it to the group stages of the annual competition.

Last season, Simba failed to make it past the preliminary stage after losing on the away goal rule to UD Songo of Mozambique.

The second leg is planned for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on January 5 or 6, 2021.

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed how he masterminded a win over Jwaneng Galaxy in their Caf Champions League match on Tuesday afternoon.

The Tshwane giants brushed aside the Botswana champions 2-0 in the first-round first-leg match which took place at Lobatse Stadium. 

Mngqithi explained that they had a plan to neutralize Galaxy's aerial threat and he was also impressed by Ivorian striker Dion Sede Junior, who kept the Masandawana defence busy. 

"The game was a tough one. We knew it was not going to be easy. We have played against these guys [before]. We have played them three or four times. We know they are a hard-running team," Mngqithi told the media. 

"We know they are a very strong team on set-pieces. Number 19 [Ditsele], if I am not mistaken, is very influential and he is established on how the team plays. The Ivorian striker worked very hard. 

"He was everywhere on the pitch and he gave a good account of himself. It is encouraging to see how much work that boy does. So on set-pieces, we knew they would be dangerous with the Ivorian, Ditsele, number 14 [Isaac Paeye] and number 5, the centre back [Fortunate Thulare]."

Rarely used defender Bangaly Soumahoro surprisingly started for Sundowns as Mngqithi looked to combat Galaxy's aerial threat from set-pieces, crosses and long balls. 

"We really believed that it was one area they can punish us from because they have very good delivery and those boys are very aggressive on set-pieces that is why we made sure that we brought a team which was strong aerially because we knew the pitch condition did not allow us to play our normal football," he continued. 

"So, we had to make sure we try to strengthen that department because even in our last match - we conceded from a set-piece. For us, it is one area which we are always working hard to make sure we consolidate on."

The 49-year-old tactician is expecting a difficult match against Galaxy in the second-leg encounter which will be played in South Africa on January 5. 

"That one is a little bit of a tricky one because we will not be with the players during the Christmas break [as] we will give them a few days off," he added. 

"We are having a game on the 2nd [January] against Pirates and the 5th [January] we are playing you guys [Galaxy]. We know it is not going to be an easy game for us because it will depend on how people party [during the Christmas break], but I am optimistic that we will come right. 

"Our boys understand the value of getting into the group [because] that is what we always play for. For us, it is more than important to make sure that in the Champions League we have the dominance that is required."  

The winner on aggregate between Sundowns and Galaxy will advance to the group stage, while the losing team will be relegated to the Caf Confederation Cup play-off round. 

Lionel Messi will be considered the best footballer of all time, says Carles Puyol, after the Barcelona star eclipsed Pele for the record of most goals scored for one club.

Messi’s goal against Valladolid on Tuesday night  took him to 644 for Barcelona to surpass the 643 that Brazilian icon Pele scored for Santos.

The 33-year-old’s landmark is the latest in a string of records the Argentine attacker has set since making his debut for Barcelona as a late substitute against Espanyol in October 2004.

Puyol, who started that game, believes that his former team-mate, and a six-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, will go down in history as football’s greatest player.

“If you ask me who Michael Jordan is, I will say that he is the best basketball player in history,” Puyol told Goal, speaking as part of Budweiser’s celebration of the history-making Messi moment, crowning him the undisputed King of Football. 

“I think Messi will have the same status – the best footballer of all time. It is also talked about whether Michael Jordan is the best in history, and these are opinions, and sometimes it is difficult to be objective. It is difficult for a Real Madrid fan to recognise that Messi is the best.

“We have been lucky to have him but I really say, taking away the feeling of being a cule, that the numbers are there, these have not been invented and they show that he is the best.”

Messi has surpassed the level of Pele and Diego Maradona for many, and Puyol believes it will be difficult for a future player to go beyond what the current Barca captain has achieved.

He added: “Now, we say no, but hopefully in the future there will be someone better. For football and sport lovers, it would be good because we would see incredible things.

“I see it being difficult, if not impossible, for someone to be at that level for so many years but we will have to wait and, for now, enjoy Leo.”

Reflecting on Messi’s record-breaking goals total, Puyol said: “Firstly, I have been very fortunate to be able to play with him and with this generation of footballers, and to have done so with the team of my heart.

“I am very proud of the work we did together.

“The beginning of my career was difficult because I went five years without winning anything, but then we managed to win it all and, to this day, we are the only club that has won six titles in the same year.

“I continue to trust that a Barcelona led by Leo will continue to win titles.

“I don’t know if he has much more to achieve. He still has to win a title with the national team.

“I am not Argentine but I would be excited for him because I think he deserves it and I know he really wants to do it.

“At Barcelona, he has already beaten all the records and I don’t know if there will be anyone who can fight with him in the future because he has set the bar very high.”

Carles Puyol spoke as a La Liga ambassador, as part of Budweiser's celebration of Lionel Messi's record-breaking 644th goal. For more info visit youtube.com/Budweiser

Gor Mahia have confirmed they have secured a flight to Algeria to honour their Caf Champions League match against CR Belouizdad on Saturday.

The Kenyan champions were due to travel to Algeria on Sunday for the first leg meeting on Wednesday, but they requested the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to push the game forward as they cited a lack of proper preparation owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While Caf had refused to push the game on the first request, the African body later changed its mind and postponed the game to December 26, and also offered Gor Mahia with optional flights they can use to reach the country.

Gor Mahia have now confirmed they have secured a Qatar Airways flight to Algeria on Thursday, December 25, and they will arrive in the North African country a day before the match that will be played at Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 Stadium.

“We will depart Nairobi at 12.55 am on December 25, and arrive in Doha, Qatar at 6.45 am,” Gor Mahia said on their official social media pages. “We will then depart Doha at 8.35 am and arrive in Algiers, Algeria at 3.20 pm [Kenyan time].

“The team will have a rest on December 25, then play on December 26 and depart from Algiers at 5.10 pm [Kenyan time] on December 28 and arrive in Nairobi on December 29.”

On confirming that Caf had indeed postponed the fixture, FKF President Nick Mwendwa pleaded with Gor Mahia to make sure that they honour the fixture because they will face dire consequences if they fail to travel.

“It is true, Caf has written to us confirming the game has been pushed forward," Mwendwa told Goal on Tuesday.” The flights are available on Wednesday, December 23 and Friday, December 25. Caf have provided Gor Mahia with options regarding the flights that will be convenient for them.

“It is now up to Gor Mahia to organize themselves for another Covid-19 test and ensure they have made travel arrangements. The consequences of missing that game will be dire to the FKF and the club as well.”

The last time Gor Mahia played against an Algerian opponent was in 2019 when they were drawn to face USM Alger in the same competition.

USM Alger came to Nairobi and beat K’Ogalo 4-1 and returned home in Algiers to win the return leg 2-0 and advance to the next round with a 6-1 aggregate scoreline.

The two teams also met in the Confederation Cup in the 2018 season with the first leg staged in Kenya ending in a 0-0 draw before USM Alger won the return leg 2-1 at home to advance 2-1 on aggregate.

In 2019, Gor Mahia were also drawn to face Algerian side Hussein Dey in the Confederation Cup, and they won the first leg staged in Nairobi 2-0 but lost away 1-0 to claim a 2-1 aggregate win.

Mikel Arteta insists Nicolas Pepe is "trying his best" to live up to exceptions at Arsenal, but also admits that the club's record signing is "suffering" amid widespread criticism.

Pepe completed a £72 million ($97m) move to Emirates Stadium from Lille in August 2019, with Arsenal winning the race for his signature ahead of a host of top European clubs.

The Ivory Coast international established himself as arguably the most dangerous winger in Ligue 1 during his time at Stade Pierre Mauroy, scoring 37 goals in 79 appearances, but has so far been unable to reach the same heights in north London.

The 25-year-old has only recorded 13 goals in his first 61 outings for the Gunners, including just five this season, with his latest effort coming from the penalty spot in a 2-1 defeat at Everton on Sunday.

Pepe has been in and out of Mikel Arteta's line up in recent months, and he invited the wrath of supporters after being handed a rare start against Leeds United at Elland Road on November 22.

He was sent off for headbutting Ezgjan Alioski before Arsenal scraped a 0-0 draw, leading to more question marks over his attitude and commitment to the club's cause.

The former Lille star was dropped to the bench as the Gunners fell to a 4-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat against Manchester City on Tuesday night, but Arteta jumped to the defence of the under-fire attacker in his pre-match interview.

"He is hurting, he is suffering – believe me, I am close to him – and he is trying his best," the Spanish head coach told reporters.

"He feels the responsibility because he knows why the club brought him here and he wants to deliver that."

Arteta added: "I would always defend my players. Whatever I have to discuss with him, it will be internally.

"Pepe wants to do his best and help as much as he possibly can. This is what I am interested in.

"It is my job and if he doesn't, it is my fault. He is trying his best.  We all know Nico and sometimes his body language makes him feel bad."

Pepe's next chance to prove his doubters wrong could come when Arsenal play host to Chelsea in a crucial London derby clash on Saturday.

Arteta's men will be desperate to bring a seven-match winless streak in the Premier League to a close against the Blues, who are currently 11 points ahead of them in the table

Fit-again Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus will not be in action for Ajax Amsterdam in their Dutch Eredivisie clash with Willem II Tilburg on Wednesday.

After a two-month injury lay-off, the 20-year-old resumed training earlier this month, with club manager Erik ten Hag hinting of the possible involvement of the summer signing in the midweek fixture.

The Lancers, though, have had a re-think of plans, dispatching any idea of deploying the Ghanaian amid concerns about a possible long-term effect.

“He does not feel 100 per cent yet. That is why we have decided not to take any risks with him," Ten Hag is quoted as saying by AD on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's tie.

Kudus joined Ajax in a five-year deal in July after impressing for Danish Nordsjaelland. The transfer was reportedly worth €9 million.

On his Champions League debut - against Liverpool - the Ghanaian had a night to forget as he was forced off the pitch after just six minutes, having picked up a meniscus injury after challenging Liverpool's Fabinho for the ball.

“Maybe Kudus, but we’ll see in the next few days how it goes," Ten Hag had said in responding to a question about whether he expected any of Ajax's injury returnees to feature against Willem on Wednesday. The manager was speaking after his club beat ADO Den Haag in Eredivisie action on Sunday.

The youngster has made only four competitive appearances for Ajax so far in all competitions, assisting three goals. He scored his only goal for the club in a 5-1 victory over Heerenveen in the Dutch league in October.

His injury predicaments have also been felt on the international stage as Ghana has had to do without their new kid on the block in their last four matches.

In October, the Right to Dream Academy graduate, who scored on his international debut, missed the Black Stars' double-header of friendlies against Mali and 2022 World Cup hosts and Asian champions Qatar.

A month later, he was again absent as the Black Stars took on Sudan in back-to-back games in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

Ghana lost two and won two of their four matches.

Sammy Omollo believes Gor Mahia have a chance to get a positive outcome in their second preliminary round game of the Caf Champions League against CR Belouizdad. 

The champions have had tough times playing teams from North Africa in continental assignments.  

The last time Gor Mahia played against an Algerian opponent was in 2019 when they were drawn to face USM Alger in the same competition. 

USM Alger came to Nairobi and beat K’Ogalo 4-1 and returned home in Algiers to win the return leg 2-0 and advance to the next round with a 6-1 aggregate scoreline. 

The two teams also met in the Confederation Cup in the 2018 season with the first leg staged in Kenya ending in a 0-0 draw before USM Alger won the return leg 2-1 at home to advance 2-1 on aggregate. 

In 2019, Gor Mahia were also drawn to face Algerian side Hussein Dey in the Confederation Cup, and they won the first leg staged in Nairobi 2-0 but lost away 1-0 to claim a 2-1 aggregate win.

"I am hopeful we can get a positive result away from Algeria, we have players who can deliver," Omollo told Goal on Wednesday.

"If we manage to stick to our game plan, I am optimistic we will get at least a draw away. Yes, we are going for a win but a draw will not be bad. Then when we come home we finish the job by winning.

"Yes, Algerian teams have been challenging for us, but nothing is impossible, we can get past them."

Captain Kenneth Muguna will miss the game against the Great Chabab owing to a rib injury.

The 24-year-old was influential for K'Ogalo in their first preliminary round against APR. The skipper played a part in three out of the four goals K'Ogalo scored in the 4-3 aggregate win.

"In this stage, you want to have your best players, but when you cannot have them, you will have to do with those available," Omollo continued.

"Muguna is a good player and we will definitely miss him, but I am hopeful those available will do the job." 

The match will be played on Saturday, December 26 from 10.45 pm EAT.

Gor Mahia have never qualified for the Caf Champions League group stage.

Bruno Fernandes says he wants "more goals and assists than games" in 2021, with the Manchester United star insisting he can still improve despite a stunning start to his career at Old Trafford.

Fernandes has quickly established himself as a cult hero at United since his €55 million (£41m/$67m) switch from Sporting CP on January 30.

That lofty price tag now seems like a snip for a man who has scored 25 goals in his first 42 appearances for the club, while also setting up another 15 for his team-mates.

The Portuguese midfielder inspired Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side to a third-place Premier League finish last season, and his contribution has only increased at the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

The Red Devils are occupying the same position in the top-flight standings after 13 fixtures, with only five points separating them and defending champions Liverpool - who are sitting in first having played a game more.

Fernandes took his tally to nine domestic goals this term by hitting a brace in a thrilling 6-2 home win over Leeds United at the weekend, which puts him joint third in the race for the Golden Boot.

As well as a first league title in seven years, United also still in the hunt for three-cup competitions, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Everton up next on Wednesday night.

With Fernandes pulling the strings in the middle of the park, Solskjaer is being tipped to bring a frustrating trophy drought to an end in the coming months, but a talismanic figure also has some personal targets on his mind heading into the new year.

“I think, as I’ve said before, it’s easy when you play in a team like Manchester because there are so many­­ good players around you," Fernandes told MUTV. 

"They help you to be better and I am here to help them be better. So I think, of course, numbers are really good but it is now that I need to start to improve. It will be more difficult from now and I mean difficult day-by-day and game-by-game because the players will know me better.

“Of course, I am really happy to have these numbers and, obviously, it is not easy to get to this point with these numbers but I want to do better and better, more and more. I want to finish the Premier League this season with more goals and assists than games. That would be good.”

Asked to assess his first year in Manchester, Fernandes responded: "I think the first 12 months, the 11 months for me [here], have been great. Of course, the main thing I want, I didn’t achieve, until now, is the trophies. That is clear.

"We really can do that in 2021 and, of course, I think, at the end of everything, what we did in the last 11 months was really good. I’m very happy to be here and to be part of this biggest club.”

Pressed on whether the emphatic victory against Leeds on Sunday was one of the most entertaining games he's ever been involved in, the United talisman added: “I think yes, of course, when you score lots of goals, you are happy.

"You are not happy to concede two goals. We want to have clean sheets, of course, but I think, at the end of the day, the most important thing was that it doesn’t matter if we score six or not. 

“If we score three, it was enough, 3-2 and we go home with the three points. That’s the most important thing. Of course, we want to win and we want to score goals.

"We want to show our best qualities we can but the most important thing for us, for the team, is winning. We know the fans want to see goals, skills, some magic things but the most important thing, for us, and what we need to think about, is winning.”

Jonathan Zongo has been forced to retire from football following the knee injury he sustained while on Burkina Faso duty in January 2017, the player has confirmed.

In their second game of the Africa Cup of Nations, the winger ruptured all the ligaments of his knee while trying to stop a counter-attack by Denis Bouanga in the 50th minute, and was subsequently replaced by Bertrand Traore four minutes later.

After the incident, Burkina Faso president Roch Kabore had offered to pay for his medical expenses but has not kept his promise, and the now vowed to got back to him as finds it difficult to walk.

“I am going back to Burkina Faso and the President of the Republic, Roch Marc Christian Kabore, receives me and announces that he will pay all these costs,” Zongo told L'Equipe.

“In Badalone, the pitch was synthetic and after a game my knee didn't hold. I was in too much pain. Today I can't walk without pain and I struggle to climb stairs.”

Through bravery and hard work, the Burkina Faso star did everything to resume his career in 2019, however, his painful knee stopped him from progressing.

“Heart, sweat and honour: that's what you asked me to do and that's what I gave. I had a modest career, full of emotions. I don't remember making an enemy,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I am anticipating the end of my career for very important reasons. You're aware of my injury at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. In the last four years, I have suffered from one operation to another, from one leg to another, from one muscle to another, these pains have pushed me to end my career today.

“I thank God and a big thank you to my family, to the people of Burkina Faso, to all the clubs that have trusted me, to all my teammates, to the supporters and to all those who have participated in one way or another in my career.”

The talented winger began his career in his hometown Ouagadougou as a 20-year-old in 2009 and spent a season there before moving to Spain to join Almeria.

Initially assigned to the reserve team in Segunda Division B, his impressive performances saw him promoted to the A team, where he made his Andalusians debut as a second-half substitute for Nigeria’s Kalu Uche against Deportivo La Coruna in a Cope del Rey clash.

Zongo made his international debut for the Stallions in a 2-1 away win against Morocco. His first goal came as an equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Senegal. Before injury cut his promising career short, he had accounted for 22 games for Burkina Faso with two games to his credit.

CONFLUENCE QUEENS VS NASARAWA AMAZONS

Nasarawa Amazons will play their first away game on Wednesday against Confluence Queens at the Confluence Stadium following their back-to-back home defeat to Robo and Bayelsa Queens.

The Solid Miners suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against the Lagos side and followed up with a 2-1 loss to the Yenegoa team but will aim to get their campaign back on track in Lokoja.

Having only managed one point from two matches this season, Confluence will aim for the first win of the campaign in the second home game following a 2-0 loss at Sunshine Queens in Akure.

To achieve this, they will count on the services of Joy Omewa and Glory Edet, who shone brightly at the Flying Officer's Cup in Abuja.

IBOM ANGELS VS ROYAL QUEENS

Ibom Angels will look to earn the first win of the season against newcomers Royal Queens in a South-South derby on Wednesday.

Moruf Adeyemo will hope to avoid back-to-back slips at home after the opening day 1-0 to Osun Babes as they hope to build their encouraging 1-1 draw against Pelican Stars in Calabar last week.

On the other hand, Royal Queens will hope to improve on their performance on their second outing away to Ibom, having suffered a heavy opening day 4-1 defeat to Edo Queens.

With a 1-0 triumph over Abia Angels in their first top-flight game at home, the Warri-based outfit can gain enough morale ahead of the Ibom showdown at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

BAYELSA QUEENS VS FC ROBO

In another top of the table clash, Bayelsa Queens will play host to FC Robo at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

The Restoration girls have enjoyed a fine start to the season after 2-1 wins over Sunshine Queens and Nasarawa Amazons respectively.

In spite of their flying start to the season, Moses Aduku is not getting carried away as he hopes his side to continue the rich vein of winning form against the Lagos based giant-killers.

For Emmanuel Osahon's side, they are eager to maintain their highflying form against Bayelsa Queens following their back-to-back wins over Nasarawa Amazons and Osun Babes.

The Lagos landladies will rely heavily on the form of Gift Monday, who had a hand in Robo's opening wins this term, with her hat-trick against Osun following an assist in victory at Nasarawa.

ABIA ANGELS VS DREAMSTAR LADIES

Abia Angels will hope to have recovered enough from their narrow 1-0 loss in Warri against Royal Queens when they host struggling DreamStar Ladies at the Umuahia Stadium on Tuesday.

Ann Chiejine's team will be counting on the striking brilliance of Jane Godwin in their quest for back-to-back home wins to maintain the fine start to the season against their Lagos opponents.

While DreamStar will be eyeing their first point in three matches against Abia Angels following their unfortunate narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Edo Queens at the Agege Stadium last week.

Despite a back-to-back defeat, the Galaticas will seek to improve on their fine form against the Inneh ladies on their visit to Umuahia.

EDO QUEENS VS RIVERS ANGELS

Edo Queens will be facing their biggest test of the season when they host Rivers Angels in another South-South derby on Wednesday.

Besides being a regional showdown, it is also another top table battle as the hosts currently sit at the top of the table following back-to-back wins against Royal Queens and DreamStar Ladies.

As the first competitive meeting in two years, Rolandsen Odeh will be desperate to see his side extend their fine start to the season.

For Rivers Angels, extending their unbeaten run in the current campaign will be the ultimate after a recent 6-2 victory over Delta Queens at the University of Port Harcourt Stadium last week.

And Edwin Okon will hope his side can earn the first away win when they face off with Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

DELTA QUEENS VS SUNSHINE QUEENS

Delta Queens crashed to a heavy away defeat against Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt but they now have the chance to get back to winning ways against Sunshine Stars in Agbor.

To achieve this, the four-time Nigerian champions must be at their best and hope the team's topscorer Dominance Odunbajo with three goals is in good shape against the Owena Babes.

On the other hand, Sunshine Queens looked fired up following their 2-0 win over last season's finalists Confluence Queens in Akure last week as they battle Delta at the Agbor Stadium this time.

Having lost 2-1 in their opening day visit to Bayelsa Queens, Wemimo Matthew will be anxious to see her side claim their first point on their second match away from home this season.

OSUN BABES VS PELICAN STARS

Osun Babes can seize the opportunity to redeem themselves when they welcome Pelican Stars to the Osogbo City Stadium.

Despite a fine start to the season with a 1-0 win at Ibom Angels, the Omoluabi ladies crashed to 3-1 defeat in a South-West derby against Robo no thanks to Gift Monday's hat-trick last week.

Ahead of their first home game of the season, Osun will seek to make the best of their advantage against their struggling visitors.

On their part, the Pelican Stars will look to put their sluggish start behind them when they turn out against Osun Babes as they will be desperate to avoid a repeat of their 1-0 defeat at Abia Angels.

With just one point from two games, Edat Egan will push her side to pulling off an upset against their hosts in Osogbo.