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Manchester City talisman Sergio Aguero has asked for time to get back to his best as he revealed he is still struggling with a knee injury despite making a recent return to the first team.

The 32-year-old has only made three starts in six appearances across all competitions this season and it appears to be a week-to-week proposition with his fitness.

Aguero played 37 minutes combined in the matches against Marseille and West Brom but was missing from the squad against derby rivals Manchester United in between his two recent appearances.

The Argentina international spoke of the troubles he is having with his knee and said it would take time for him to get back to peak form.

"It’s difficult,’ Aguero told The Sun. "Sometimes my knee is good, sometimes a little bit bad. I’m doing everything to help the physio and medical staff to improve.

"I need a little bit of time but I came back in the week, and I hope to be at my best. Now I need time, but it’s a long season."

Aguero's sporadic appearances in the first team have coincided with an inconsistent period of form for Manchester City, who currently sit in ninth position in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Liverpool but with a game in hand.

However, the striker believes City can still figure in the league title race and that a burst of good form will get the team back near the top of the table.

"I know it’s difficult because the results haven’t been good," Aguero said.

"We always believe [we can challenge for the title]. In the Premier League, you win two games and then you’re near the top.

"We need to be calm, play the same way, because Man City always fights for the titles, always."

Manchester City have a tough run of fixtures over the Christmas and New Year period with five games in 16 days, including four of them on the road.

Pep Guardiola's side start with an away clash against high-flyers Southampton on Saturday before travelling to Arsenal for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals three days later.

City will then host Newcastle on Boxing Day before tough away fixtures against Everton and Chelsea sandwich the New Year changeover.

Everton head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he is open to a January move for Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira.

Khedira has been left out in the cold by Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo, with the 33-year-old yet to play a single minute this season. 

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Goal reported this month there is optimism from both Juventus and the player that his contract will be terminated in January.

Such a move could open the door to a reunion with Ancelotti, who coached Khedira during his time in charge of Real Madrid. 

Everton could be in the market for central midfield reinforcements, with Allan facing a spell on the sidelines after being stretchered off against Leicester in midweek with a hamstring injury.

Asked about the prospect of a move for Khedira, Ancelotti admitted that a deal could be possible next month. 

"No. Sami Khedira was my player at Real Madrid, an important player for us," Ancelotti said when asked about a deal for the German. "I have a good memory of him but I don't think we are looking for him at this moment."

He then added with a smile: "Maybe in January."

Earlier this month, Khedira added to the speculation of a move to Merseyside when he admitted he had been speaking to Ancelotti.

“We spoke on the phone and wrote,” Khedira told Bild. “You know my situation.”

Ancelotti said his side weren't looking to make a big splash in the January market, with Ben Godfrey's emergence as a left-back option reducing his team's need for a replacement for the injured Lucas Digne.

"We are looking for January transfers but not we are not crazy for this," Ancelotti added. "The squad is competitive.

"We were a little bit worried when Digne was injured but the rehab of Digne is going really, really well and really, really fast.

"The fact that Ben Godfrey adapted really well as a left-back [means] we are quieter for this."

Everton, who are fifth in the Premier League table and just five points behind first-place Liverpool, will host Arsenal at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been thrilled with the attitude of "ambitious" midfielder Paul Pogba.

Pogba has once again seen speculation about his future thrust into the spotlight after his agent Mino Raiola recently declared his time at Old Trafford was coming to an end.

Solskjaer has spoken to the World Cup winner but is determined to keep the content of their discussions private.

His main priority is Pogba's dedicated approach to matches and training, which is leading to improved performances.

"Paul, he wants to play, he wants to train," Solskjaer said to Sky Sports.

"He enjoys football, he wants success, he's ambitious, so when he's on the pitch and on the training field I see a boy who enjoys his football - that's what I care about. 

"What we talk about, him and me, we know what we have discussed.

"He's a player who has got all the attributes. I'm delighted with his performances."

Pogba impressed in his side's 3-2 away win over Sheffield United on Thursday.

The 27-year-old delivered a superb pass for Anthony Martial's goal and some impressive skill in the build-up to Marcus Rashford's second strike of the night.

Pogba had also shone in United's previous away win at West Ham, scoring a sublime goal to open his Premier League account for 2020-21.

He has spoken about his improving fitness being key to his form after a difficult recovery from coronavirus and a long-term injury absence, something Solskjaer agreed with.

The United boss added: "I think fitness and confidence goes a little bit hand in hand.

"When you've got the quality that he has, of course fitness is a foundation of your confidence, because you know your ability will get a performance.

"He's had a difficult year last year with loads of injuries, about nine or 10 months he was out. 

"Then he got Covid, at the start of the season he didn't feel fit, so then what comes first - do you play him to get him fit? Or rest him so then he won't get playing time?

"Now he's responded to the work we've done and you see the good performance."

Solskjaer's side are unbeaten in six league games going into their game at home to rivals Leeds United on Sunday.

Striker Edinson Cavani, who came through training on Friday, is set to return after three games out with a groin problem.

Maritzburg United were held to a 2-2 draw by Stellenbosch FC in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match which was played at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.

Judas Moseamedi scored twice in the first-half for the Team of Choice, but Stellies netted through Marc Van Heerden and Stanley Dimgba to ensure that the game ended in a draw.

The Team of Choice were desperate to end their 12-match winless run in the league including last season's matches, having lost 2-0 to Swallows FC in midweek. 

Moseamedi led Maritzburg's attack despite the striker having failed to score this season with coach Ernst Middendorp keeping his faith in the player.

On the other hand, Stellies were hoping to secure their third victory of the season in the league after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to Cape Town City in midweek.

Goalkeeper Sage Stephens was handed his debut for Stellenbosch by coach Steve Barker, who also recalled David van Rooyen to the starting line-up.

It took just three minutes for Moseamedi to open his scoring account for the season when he beat Stephens with a low shot from outside the box to make it 1-0 to Maritzburg.

However, the Team of Choice went to sleep at the back and they conceded following a good move by the visitors. 

Van Heerden finished off a move which he had started when he headed home Van Rooyen's delightful cross to make it 1-1 10 minutes into the match.

The hosts did not sit back after conceding as they piled pressure on Stellies and Stephens made a mistake as his poor pass was intercepted by Moseamedi.

The former South Africa under-23 international then punished Stephens as he scored with a low effort to make it 2-1 to Maritzburg in the 15th minute. 

Stellies nearly responded with a goal when Ashley du Preez's goal-bound effort was pushed onto the crossbar by Maritzburg goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange and the hosts cleared their lines.

Maritzburg then contained Stellenbosch and the home side was leading 2-1 at the half-time interval.

The visitors pushed for another equalizing goal after the restart and they managed to score a minute before the hour-mark following a quick move by Barker's side.

Du Preez played a low cross from the left for Dimgba, who fired home from close range to make it 2-2 with the home side's defence exposed.

It was end-to-end stuff as the Team of Choice were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Stellies box after Moseamedi was fouled by Stellies hardman Nathan Sinkala.

Keagan Buchanan then stepped up and beat Stephens from the set-piece, but the upright came to the visitors' rescue and they cleared their lines.

Both teams launched attacks in search of a late winning goal, but it never came and ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw as Maritzburg and Stellenbosch shared the spoils.

The draw saw Maritzburg remain 16th on the league standings, while Stellenbosch climbed up to the eighth spot.

Maritzburg's next match is against Bloemfontein Celtic on January 2 and Stellenbosch are scheduled to take on Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on January 5. 

Bayern Munich have begun discussions around a new contract for Jamal Musiala, but they face pressure to get the deal done with Premier League clubs monitoring the situation.

The 17-year-old could be offered as much as £100,000 per week after breaking a number of records and earning regular minutes under Hansi Flick.

Despite his first-team status, Musiala remains on a youth contract with the Bavarians which has just 18 months left to run.

The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are said to be monitoring the situation should any potential opportunity arise following a collapse in talks.

Musiala has made 15 appearances at Bayern Munich in all competitions already and he has seen his standing grow in the Bundesliga.

The youngster came through the Chelsea academy before being poached by Munich, who offered both a great pathway and lucrative terms.

Born in Stuttgart to a German mother and British-Nigerian father, Musiala began his footballing education at TSV Lehnerz in his hometown of Fulda before moving to England as an eight-year-old.

Musiala's contract decision could have wider implications for his international future, with both England and Germany fighting to secure his services.

Germany may find their opportunity to convince Musiala boosted by a deal in Munich, but England Under-21 boss Aidy Boothroyd has earmarked him to be part of the U21 European Championships which begin in the March international break.

The Young Lions feel that his development is going well at the Allianz Arena.

"Definitely, he has increased game time," Boothroyd said. "We don’t know, but he might have a growth spurt and he hasn’t finished growing yet. I saw him against Atletico Madrid the other day and he didn’t look out of place against that massive array of talent for Bayern Munich.

"We are really pleased for him, he did well for us, scored and personally I think it might be too early for him to make the seniors in March just yet. But in two or three months with more experience, you just never know.

"Being out in Germany, training with that calibre of players and coaches every day is really going to help his development for us."

Still, it is understood that the DFB (German Football Association) remain positive about their efforts to turn him before he gains a call for Gareth Southgate's squad.

He remains eligible for Germany until he plays in a competitive senior international match and DFB national team director Oliver Bierhoff has highlighted his Die Mannschaft's intentions.

"Jamal Musiala is a very interesting player, who we are watching because of his DFB past and current performances," Bierhoff told Sport1. "There was already contact between him and our DFB officials a few months ago.

"He has currently decided to play for the England U-21 national team, which we of course respect. However, we will continue to keep an eye on him and of course, keep discussing whether his stance can change."

Cristiano Ronaldo is extremely close to his family and makes an effort to include them in all aspects of his life.

Reflecting on his life in the 2015 biographical film Ronaldo, the Portugal star said: "If you don't have family, life will be very, very tough."

Goal takes a look at who Ronaldo's sisters are, how many siblings he has and more.

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Who are Cristiano Ronaldo's sisters?

Ronaldo has two sisters, who are both older than him. Elma Aveiro is his eldest sister and Katia Aveiro is the younger of the two.

Katia is a singer and businesswoman, describing herself on her Instagram profile as a "digital influencer". Similarly, Elma's Instragram says that she is an "enterprising woman".

Indeed, Ronaldo has promoted their work on his own social channels, notably encouraging his followers

Both sisters have been quite outspoken on matters pertaining to their brother Cristiano, particularly if they feel that he has been the victim of a perceived transgression.

In 2018, for example, Katia leapt to the Juventus star's defence following his red card in a Champions League match against Valencia.

"Football's shame... justice will be served," Katia Aveiro fired in an Instagram post. "They want to destroy my brother but God never rests. Shameful."

Katia found herself in the headlines again in 2020, this time after a positive coronavirus test kept Ronaldo out of a number of games in October.

The Portugal captain returned a positive Covid-19 result while on international duty and, despite being asymptomatic, was forced to isolate per the public health guidelines in Italy and across the world.

Ronaldo was clearly frustrated with the scenario, as he felt fully fit and healthy. It was a frustration that was also shared by Katia, who blasted that the pandemic was "the biggest fraud" in a social media tirade.

"If Cristiano Ronaldo is the one who has to wake the world up, I have to say that this Portuguese really is an envoy from God. Thank you!" she wrote on Instagram.

"I believe that, today, thousands of people who have come to believe so much in this pandemic, in the tests and the measures taken will, like me, see it is the biggest fraud I've seen since I was born.

"A phrase that I read today and that I stood up to applaud: 'Enough fooling the entire world'. Someone, open your eyes, please."

Elma is not shy about voicing her opinions either and she prompted headlines across the football world in 2020 when she shared a photo of Lionel Messi 'worshipping' her brother.

After Juve came out on top in the Champions League against Barcelona in December, Elma shared the image of Messi kneeling in front of a triumphant Ronaldo along with the message: "My king. The best ever. The pride of my life."

It was not her first time in the news for such matters, having previously criticised the style of play deployed by former Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri mid-way through 2020.

How many siblings does Cristiano Ronaldo have?

In total, Cristiano Ronaldo has three siblings - one brother called Hugo and his two sisters Elma and Katia. They are all older than him, meaning he is the baby of the family.

Elma is the eldest of Ronaldo's siblings, having been born in 1973, followed by Hugo, who was born in 1975. Katia was born two years after Hugo in 1977.

There are eight years between Katia and Ronaldo, who was born in 1985.

Ronaldo's family are tightly knit, having come through the difficulties of poverty while growing up together in Portugal.

As well as supporting their business ventures, Ronaldo regularly celebrates milestones, events and birthdays with his siblings, as well as his mother Maria Dolores.

Who are Cristiano Ronaldo's parents?

Ronaldo is the youngest child of Maria Dolores Aveiro and Jose Dinis Aveiro. Ronaldo's father passed away in 2005 at the age of 53 as a result of liver failure.

His father, who had been a soldier and later a kit-man at their local club, battled alcoholism for much of Ronaldo's life.

"My father was very funny when he was drunk," Ronaldo said in the 2015 documentary film Ronaldo. "He used to tell a lot of stories. He used to sing. He was funny.

"He was drunk nearly every day and when that happens it's not easy to have a conversation, to get to know him a bit more.

"I'm not ashamed to say it, I didn't really get to know my father for real, from the heart, to open up and tell him things. I never had those kinds of conversations."

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend?

Georgina Rodriguez has been Ronaldo's girlfriend since 2016 and she is the mother of his youngest daughter, Alana Martina.

A model from Spain who met Ronaldo while working at a Gucci store, Rodriguez is undoubtedly the Portugal star's most serious girlfriend and the pair have been living together for a number of years.

As well as being the mother of Alana Martina, Rodriguez is the effective step-mother of Ronaldo's other children, Cristiano Jr. and twins Eva and Mateo.

Read more about Georgina Rodriguez in our profile

Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah reveals he is not ready to make a return to the domestic league just yet.

The former Juventus midfielder ended a two-year stay with Inter Milan in October, having been sidelined by manager Antonio Conte in the months leading up to his departure.

Currently unattached, he has been linked to Sampdoria and Turkish sides Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, but former international teammate Laryea Kingston has urged the ex-Udinese man to consider a return to the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Former Sunderland and Rennes striker Asamoah Gyan is the latest high-profile player to make a return home after years in Europe, joining Legon Cities in October.

"In the future, I won't mind going there [to Ghana] and play football, but this is not the right time for me to do so," Asamoah told BBC Sport Africa.

"I have quite a few years ahead of me to play in Europe before considering such a move.

"For me it would mean to go back and support Ghana's football, to encourage the young ones, share my experiences in Europe with them and give something back.

"I know they would look at a player like me and be eager to learn; I could help them with my experience, show them what is necessary and encourage them.

"This might also inspire other players who are in Europe now to go back and help. We could be role models for them."

Asamoah last played for Ghana at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where the team exited the competition at the Round of 16 stage.

It was his fourth unsuccessful attempt at helping the Black Stars end their search for a first continental title since 1982.

"We were so close to winning the Africa Cup of Nations many times, and we never did it," said, Asamoah.

"We've been chasing this for some 30 years now; we got to the final three times, but never managed to win it.

"I know you need to accept these things, you can't win everything, but this is something I would have really loved to bring home for my country."

Asamoah played for Liberty Professionals during his time in the Ghana Premier League.

At international level, he also represented Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments. 

The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan has become the fourth fully operational stadium for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after the inauguration on December 18, Friday, which is also the Qatar National Day. 

The stadium hosted the 48th Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi to mark its inauguration, a game which finished 2-1 in favour of Al Sadd, coached by Xavi Hernandez. 

The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium joins the Khalifa, Al Janoub and Education City stadiums as venues for the 2022 World Cup already unveiled. The 40,000-capacity stadium will host seven matches till the Round of 16 stage during the 2022 World Cup and will function as the home of Qatar Stars League (QSL) outfit Al Rayyan. 

The stadium has been named after Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar who ruled from 1960 to 1972. Qatar gained its independence as a sovereign state in September 1971 under his rule. 

Before the Amir Cup final, there was a spectacular ceremony which featured music, cultural performances and stunning visual effects, along with a riddle recited by presenters Hamad bin Mohsen Al Naimi and Ali bin Rhema Al Marri. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present at the stadium to oversee its inauguration. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, H.E. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, and UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin were also in attendance along with star names such as Samuel Eto’o, Tim Cahill, Mohamed Aboutrika and Ali Al Habsi. 

“Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a wonderful venue for football,” said Infantino. “The atmosphere is incredible, with the seats extremely close to the pitch. Even with a socially-distanced crowd, I could feel the passion for the game. I am sure this will be a perfect football arena in 2022 when it hosts matches during the World Cup.”

Infantino continued: “I would like to congratulate Qatar on the completion of this latest World Cup project. The country is very well prepared for the next World Cup and on track to host a memorable version of the tournament – the first in the Middle East and Arab world, and the second in Asia.”

The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium is adjacent to the Mall of Qatar and is within walking distance of Al Riffa Station – on Doha Metro’s Green Line. 

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), said: “The inauguration of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Qatar National Day is another important milestone on the road to 2022 and a triumph of the efforts of everyone involved to put on such a successful event during a global pandemic. The stadium and surrounding precinct are sure to be a source of pride for Al Rayyan Sports Club and everyone who lives in this historic city.

“As we look ahead to 2021, we look forward to unveiling more stadiums in the new year, as we ensure that all tournament venues are delivered well in advance of the big kick-off in 2022.”

Nasser Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said:“Tonight was an immensely proud occasion for Qatar and the people of Al Rayyan. It was also another opportunity to test our readiness for Qatar 2022, with thousands of fans enjoying the spectacle, despite the challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic. We look forward to developing the Qatar 2022 fan experience further next year when we host more major tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Arab Cup – events which are sure to excite football lovers in Qatar, across the region and around the world.”

Qatar have thrown open the fourth venue for the 2022 World Cup on Friday with the inauguration of the beautiful Ahmad Bin Ali stadium at Al Rayyan city. 

Incidentally, Friday is Qatar's National Day and it is only fitting that the stadium that symbolises various aspects of the Middle-East nation's culture was unveiled on this day. 

The stadium’s façade is glowing and is comprised of patterns that symbolise different aspects of Qatar - the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. A fifth shape – a shield – brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is relevant to the city of Al Rayyan.

To put it simply, Ahmad Bin Ali stadium is a venue that tells the story of Qatar in a spectacular way.

However, what is interesting is that there are Indian 'touches' all over the construction of the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium. 

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for the delivery of the World Cup, had entrusted the task of building the 40000-seater stadium to a Qatari-Indian Joint Venture between Qatar's Al Balagh Trading & Contracting, and India's biggest construction firm - Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T). 

Importantly, the fact is that this was the first time ever that an Indian firm has been involved in any capacity whatsoever when it comes to building infrastructure for a World Cup tournament. 

And the work carried out by L&T had come in for praise for much earlier when the venue achieved a significant health and safety milestone after becoming the first project site to complete 20 million working hours on two occasions without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). An LTI is an injury sustained by an employee that leads to loss of productive work in the form of absenteeism or delays.

The stadium has been awarded several glowing Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) ratings, thanks to the considerable sustainability and efficiency measures that have been embedded in the design to reduce the stadium's carbon footprint. 

"L&T is extremely proud to have been chosen by the SC along with our partner Al Balagh to deliver their World Cup vision for 2022. This is a big achievement in the company's history," L&T Whole Time Director & Senior Executive Vice President (Buildings, Minerals & Metals) MV Satish was quoted saying after the firm was announced as the main contractor. 

Satish also had revealed back then that his organisation's Indian engineering procurement construction (EPC) project delivery expertise will be the DNA of the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium project. 

"We were up against a tight deadline for the project and are proud that we completed it on time," said Satish later. 

They've definitely completed the project right on time, despite the challenges thrown up by the Coronavirus pandemic which brought the entire world to a standstill for most of 2020. And now, Qatar's latest jewel in their crown is shining bright, thanks to an Indian firm in no small part. 

The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium is set to host matches up to the quarter-final stage of the World Cup, following which it will function as the home ground of Qatar Stars League (QSL) outfit Al Rayyan SC. 

Qatar has inaugurated a new venue for the FIFA World Cup 2022 - the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium - on Friday evening. The stadium – will be the new home of Qatar Stars League (QSL) outfit Al Rayyan Sports Club. 

December 18 is always special for Qatar. It is the Qatar National Day and the 2022 World Cup final will be held on December 18 two years later at the Lusail stadium.

Goal provides you with 10 interesting facts about the stadium that hosted its first match in the form of the Amir Cup final between Al-Saad and Al Arabi.  

1)  Ahmad Bin Ali stadium is the fourth stadium in Qatar that is ready for for the global showpiece event in 2022 after Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City stadiums. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has now inaugurated four venues for the World Cup, with exactly two years left for the marquee event. 

2)  The Ahmad Bin Ali stadium is set to host seven matches up to the Round of 16 stage during the World Cup. 

3) The stadium symbolises different aspects of Qatar - the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. Its dune-like structures resemble the sand dunes that surround traditional desert tents. A fifth shape – a shield – brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is relevant to the city of Al Rayyan.

The SC was awarded the Stadium Design of the Year award for the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium Stadium at the 2016 World Stadium Congress in Doha.  

4)  The capacity of the stadium is 40,000. During the Amir Cup final, it operated at 50 per cent of its capacity. Fans were seated two seats apart and were required to present a negative COVID-19 test or positive COVID-19 antibodies test in order to enter the stadium.

5)  The stadium is a 30-minute drive from Doha and is also accessible by metro as it is within walking distance of Al Riffa Metro Station – on Doha Metro’s Green Line. It is situated in one of Qatar's most historic cities and is close to Doha on the way to some beautiful desert landscapes. The community in Al Rayyan will also be served the sporting complex around the stadium that includes six football training pitches, a cricket pitch, horse riding track, cycling track, gym equipment and an athletics track. 

6)  The venue's design, construction, management and energy efficiency are in line with the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD). As a result, GSAS Design & Build Certification (four-star rating), GSAS Construction Management Certification (Class A*) and GSAS Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Compliance Certificates have been awarded to the Al Rayyan stadium.

7) The stadium was constructed after demolishing the former Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. Most of the materials from the demolished stadium were used in the construction or were recycled. The project achieved a landfill rate of 90 per cent, given that they kept construction and demolition waste to a minimum. It is also 20 per cent more energy-efficient compared to other venues and uses 20 per cent less water, thanks to sustainable measures. 

8)  India's biggest construction firm, Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), along with Qatari contractor, Al Balagh Trading & Contracting have built the architectural marvel.  

9)  The stadium has achieved a significant health and safety milestone after becoming the first project site to complete 20 million working hours on two occasions without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). An LTI is an injury sustained by an employee that leads to loss of productive work in the form of absenteeism or delays.

10)  After the FIFA World Cup, its capacity will be brought down to 20000 and its modular upper tier will be removed and donated to a suitable footballing project overseas in developing nations. 

Kaizer Chiefs have not enjoyed their recent meetings with their Premier Soccer League (PSL) rivals Bloemfontein Celtic.

The two teams are set to meet in a league match on Saturday with Chiefs desperate for a win in order to snap their five-match winless run in the league. 

Amakhosi tend to struggle against Siwlele having recorded just one victory in their last six competitive matches, while registering two defeats and three draws in the process. 

Siwelele have a psychological edge over Amakhosi having thrashed the Soweto giants 3-1 in the last meeting between the two sides.

Sera Motebang (brace) and Victor Letsoalo inspired Celtic to a victory over Chiefs in a league match at Tuks Stadium in August 2020.

It was Amakhosi's heaviest league defeat in two years and the result also had an impact on how the team performed in their following matches.

Chiefs then went on a four-match winless run - recording three defeats and one draw and ultimately, they lost out on the PSL title on the last day of the season.

In fact, since the loss to Celtic, the Glamour Boys have won just two of their last 12 matches in the league. 

However, Chiefs can take heart from their last home match against Celtic in which the Naturena-based giants secured a 5-3 victory 12 months ago. 

It was a game which saw an Ernst Middendorp-coached Chiefs side show character as they came from behind three times to defeat a resilient Phunya Sele Sele team.

Now under the guidance of coach Gavin Hunt, Amakhosi should relish facing Celtic with the accomplished tactician having masterminded two wins over Siwelele last season. 

Hunt led the now-defunct Bidvest Wits to a 4-2 victory over Phunya Sele Sele in the first round league match, before guiding the Clever Boys to a 3-2 win in the reverse fixture. 

Furthermore, Chiefs can take encouragement from the fact that Celtic have struggled on the road this year. 

The Free State giants are winless in their last nine away matches in the league having registered three draws and six defeats.

This includes a 4-2 loss to Cape Town City in the Mother City which was their most recent game on the road. 

It is the perfect time for Chiefs to face Celtic at their home ground, FNB Stadium as they look to get their league campaign back on track.

Watford forward Isaac Success has resumed training ahead of their Championship game against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.  

The centre-forward has been on the sidelines since June after suffering a hamstring injury during a training session.

Success has taken to social media to reveal his delight to rejoin the rest of his teammates in readiness for their clash against the Terriers.

“Feels good to be back training with the team,” Success posted on Instagram.

The Nigerian forward has struggled to establish himself at Vicarage Road since teaming up with the side from Spanish side Granada in 2016.

Success has managed seven goals in 49 league appearances for Watford since he joined the club due to injury problems and loss of form.

The forward recently expressed disappointment in his inconsistent showings for the Hornets and promised to make a more meaningful contribution on his return from injury.

“It's been tough. It was painful, but it's football and it happens. I'm just trying to work my way back to the squad as I've missed playing with the team,” Success said.

“We need to get back to the Premier League as quickly as possible, so I'm looking forward to getting back and achieving our goals.

“I'm very excited. The last five months have been boring. I've done a lot of work and I know it's going to be an emotional first game back after six months out, but I'm ready for the challenge.

“Sometimes I feel disappointed with myself as I've got the qualities and everything a forward player will need.

“I need to do the right things and wait for my chance. I think I've got lots to offer the team. It's been disappointing not getting the chance [over the years] and being injured a couple of times when it was time for me to explode.

“I just need to keep working as there is so much more to come. It's time for me to deliver for the team and the fans as they have been waiting too long. The wait is now over.”

Watford are third on the Championship table after gathering 34 points from 19 games and will hope to secure all three points against Blackburn Rovers to boost their return to the Premier League.

Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer has been highlighted as a January target for French side Nice, Goal understands.

The Ligue 1 side are in the hunt for a new centre-back after seeing Brazilian veteran Dante suffer a cruciate ligament injury in November.

Nice confirmed on Friday that the 37-year-old has signed a contract extension, but he could be out for the remainder of the campaign.

"Yes, we are at work to recruit a defender," director of football Julien Fournier told RMC Sport. 

"It's easy to take a player but we are looking for specific characteristics and not just adding a player to the team."

Norway international Ajer fits that profile and the French club have been impressed by the 22-year-old, whose contract at Celtic runs until 2022.

Nice will have to match Celtic's asking price, however, which is thought to be around €13 million (£12m/$16m).

They could also face competition as AC Milan have been heavily linked to Ajer for several months.

Although a natural central defender, Ajer has been used at right-back on occasion at Celtic.

Ajer joined the Scottish giants from Norwegian side Start in 2016 and spent a brief spell on loan at Kilmarnock the following year.

He has made 153 appearances for the club in all competitions, helping them to three Premiership and League Cup titles as well as two Scottish Cups.

But Neil Lennon's side have had a difficult start to the 2020-21 campaign. They finished bottom of their Europa League group with just one win from six matches, having beaten Lille 3-2 in the final round of fixtures.

They are also second in the Scottish top flight with 10 wins from 15 games, leaving them 13 points behind fierce rivals Rangers, though Steven Gerrard's team have played two more matches.

Nice, meanwhile, also finished bottom of their Europa League pool and are 11th in Ligue 1 after a rough start to the season that saw Patrick Vieira fired from his role as coach at the start of December.

Nice won for the first time in nine matches on Wednesday when they beat Nimes 2-0.

Mikel Arteta admits that while he cannot fault his Arsenal team for effort, their current performances in the Premier League are "not good enough." 

The Gunners are without a win in all of their last six outings in the league, a run which included a timid North London Derby defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Tottenham. 

That awful form has seen them drop as low as 15th in the standings, just five points clear of the relegation zone with 12 games played. 

Arteta as a result has seen his position called into question just one year after taking over, and the manager is anxious for Arsenal to turn the corner. 

"We have faced one of the most challenging and difficult years in our history. We have made a lot of progress and implemented a lot of things that are working really well," the Spaniard signalled in an interview with Sky Sports. 

"The biggest highlights are the two trophies we won in this period, but at the same time, these last results in the Premier League have taken the gloss off the progress and all the work that we have done. And we know that it is not good enough.

"I have zero doubts what the players are trying to do. We are all united, we are all ready to fight against the cause.

"Things have been difficult, many different circumstances have put us in this situation - the amount of suspensions we are getting, the injuries, some of the chances, and the way we have lost football matches.

"But this is the reality and what you cannot fault is the spirit, the fight, and the togetherness around the team."

There was some cheer midweek at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal fought back to claim a point after going down to Southampton, a result that Arteta believes speaks volumes about the Gunners' spirit.

"Normally in difficult moments is when you see the real people, personal and professional, and it is a necessary thing to go through for a team, as well as a club," he added.

"I'm saying as a club as well, because in these moments is when you really see who we are. When things are going well, it is really easy to be supportive and being in the photograph."

"But when things are not going well, then that is when you have got to be prepared to do that - first of all, to defend our players as much as possible and give them confidence, and as I've said, they have to take on responsibility on the pitch and get the results that we need."

Arsenal are back in action on Saturday, when they visit Everton at Goodison Park.

Youssoufa Moukoko became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history on Friday with his first strike for Borussia Dortmund.

Moukoko became the German top flight's youngest debutant in November, coming off the bench for Erling Haaland against Hertha Berlin aged just 16 years and one day. 

The following weeks have seen him also break the records for the youngest Bundesliga start and the youngest player to feature in the Champions League, beating marks set by Nuri Sahin and Celestine Babayaro respectively. 

In six appearances for Dortmund, though, Moukoko, who came to the fore for his prodigious scoring rate at youth level, was still waiting for his first senior goal. 

That wait is now over as he provided an instant response for Dortmund after they fell behind against Union Berlin on Friday.

The youngster, who started his second consecutive Bundesliga game, was on target on the hour to equalise, just three minutes after Taiwo Awoniyi had fired Union into the lead. 

He breaks the record set six months ago by Florian Wirtz, who was 17 years and 34 days old when he netted for Leverkusen towards the end of the 2019-20 season. 

However, Union Berlin struck again on 78 minutes through Marvin Friedrich, who provided the winning goal in a 2-1 victory for the capital side. 

Dortmund are keen to get back on track after a rotten run of form which led to coach Lucien Favre losing his job this week, following a 5-1 home drubbing at the hands of Stuttgart. 

One of Favre's biggest legacies at the club was his promotion of young talent, with the likes of Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, Gio Reyna and Jude Bellingham all receiving ample chances to shine while teenagers; and now Moukoko is keen to become Dortmund's latest sensation.

"I can't do anything about being good at football," he said in an interview with DAZN. "The one who works harder gets rewarded in the end.

"It was always my dream to become a professional football player. And if you have that dream you have to chase it like a lion."

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has thanked medical staff in Germany fighting the Covid-19 pandemic by buying pizzas and distributing them across 13 hospitals.

The German international bought the pizza for the staff at Covid-19 intensive care units at 13 hospitals across 10 different cities in Germany, with 420 staff in total receiving the gift from the 27-year-old.

Rudiger said he wanted to express his gratitude to all the people fighting coronavirus on the frontline and thank them for the personal sacrifices they make in helping others deal with the illness.

"It is tragic how the situations in the Corona intensive care units have worsened again in recent weeks," Rudiger told Goal .

"The people who work there do an incredible job. For me, they are all men and women of honour!

"With this action I would like to say thank you above all, thank you to the many hospital employees who put themselves and their health on the back burner to help other people.

"For me, it was all about the gesture. You can't thank them often enough. However, you shouldn't just thank the staff this year, but every year - and not just during a global pandemic."

Rudiger has found himself on the outskirts of Chelsea's first team this season with Frank Lampard choosing Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma as his main centre-half pairing for the majority of the campaign.

The German centre-half - who was linked with a move to Tottenham in the off-season - has only made five appearances for the club this season, with four of those coming in the Champions League and only one in the Premier League.

Chelsea have had a mixed season to date with a 14-match unbeaten streak in all competitions recently snapped by consecutive defeats in the Premier League to Everton and Wolves.

The Blues have also failed to defeat a team in the top half of the Premier League table this campaign and have dropped to seventh in the standings - six points behind leaders Liverpool.

Lampard's side have a tough run through the Christmas-New Year period but do have three of their four matches at home in contests against West Home, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Taiwo Awoniyi found the back of the net in Union Berlin’s 2-1 victory over Youssoufa Moukoko’s Borussia Dortmund in Friday’s Bundesliga game.

Awoniyi teamed up with the Stadion Alte Foersterei outfit in the summer on a season-long loan from Premier League side Liverpool.

The Nigerian forward was handed his eighth league start and made the most of the opportunity to score his second consecutive goal for the Iron Ones.

Cameroon forward Moukoko also opened his goal account for the Black and Yellows, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the division.

 Awoniyi put Union Berlin in front in the 57th minute following an assist from Grischa Proemel after both sides failed to break the deadlock in the first half.

Moukoko then levelled proceedings three minutes later after receiving a timely assist from Raphael Guerreiro.

Marvin Friedric then sealed the victory in the 78th minute to help Union Berlin bounce back to winning ways after a four-game winless run.

Awoniyi featured for 86 minutes before he was replaced by Akaki Gogia while Moukoko played for the duration of the game.

With the result, Union Berlin moved to fifth on the Bundesliga table after gathering 21 points from 13 games.

Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, dropped to the fourth spot with 21 points from the same number of matches.

Awoniyi has now scored four goals and provided one assist in 11 appearances for Union Berlin since his arrival at the club.

The forward will hope to continue his impressive form in front of goal when his side take on Paderborn in a DFB Pokal tie on December 22.

Awoniyi has represented Nigeria at the U17, U20 and U23 but he is yet to get a chance to feature for the Super Eagles.

The forward recently revealed he would continue to give his best for his club while hoping to get a call-up to the national team.

Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA FC) suffered their second defeat of the season after going down 2-1 to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA FC) at Lugogo Stadium in Kampala on Friday.

The Kasasiro Boys went into the match against the Taxmen seeking to bounce back to winning ways having lost to SC Villa 2-1 in their last league outing, but they could not as URA scored two first-half goals to pile the pressure on coach Mike Mutebi.

KCCA had taken a deserved lead in the 26th minute through Brian Aheebwa before URA drew level courtesy of Benjamin Nyakoojo in the 31st minute.

However, four minutes later, URA should have made it 2-1 but Ivan Sserubiri missed from the penalty spot after his taken strike hissed over the bar.

But they did not have to wait long as they took the lead in the 36th minute after Shafik Kagimu met a cross from Joackiam Ojera to beat keeper Charles Luwango and make it 2-1, with the scoreline remaining the same at the half-time-break.

Ahead of the match, Mutebi had warned his charges to expect a tough challenge from URA, insisting they are a very difficult side to break down.

And despite welcoming to the squad youngsters Bright Anukani, Sadat Anaku, and Steven Sserwadda, KCCA never looked threatening from the onset and it was URA who dictated the pace despite playing away from home.

Kagimu should have scored the opener for the Taxmen, who are coached by Sam Ssimbwa, but after receiving a pass from Steven Mukwala, he fumbled with the ball to allow keeper Luwango take it away.

Mukwala was then presented with a great chance to break the deadlock but he unleashed a feeble shot which was easy for keeper Luwango to handle.

However, KCCA broke the deadlock after Aheebwa finished off a one-two move between Kigozi and Ssenyonjo, but it was short-lived as URA levelled matters through Nyakoojo, who headed home from a free-kick.

Five minutes later, Kagimu scored what turned out to be the winner, after meeting a pass from Ojera to make it 2-1.

KCCA, who were the champions two seasons ago before Vipers SC wrestled the title from them, looked a jaded side in the second half as they could not string passes together, with the URA defence, marshalled by Brian Majwega, Ashraf Mandela, and Arafat Galiwango, doing a great job at the back.

Meanwhile, Wakiso Giants managed a 2-2 draw against Bright Stars.