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Karim Benzema never imagined he would be among Real Madrid's top five goalscorers after surpassing Ferenc Puskas on Thursday.

The striker scored a brace as Madrid moved back within two points of rivals and La Liga leaders Barcelona with a 3-0 win over Valencia.

Benzema moved past Puskas (242 goals) and into fifth on Madrid's all-time list with 243, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo (451), Raul (323), Alfredo Di Stefano (308) and Santillana (290).

The Frenchman, who arrived at Madrid from Lyon in 2009, was happy with his achievement.

"I didn't imagine anything like this, I'm very happy. I've been working for a long time now and I always put it in to keep improving," Benzema said, via the club's website.

"I hope I can keep going. I'm very happy to be playing for this club."

Benzema's second goal was spectacular as he controlled a Marco Asensio pass brilliantly before unleashing a volley past Valencia goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

The 32-year-old said everything moved so quickly as he scored to make it 3-0, before Lee Kang-in was later sent off for Valencia.

"It wasn't an easy game due to the opposition who made it hard, but we won and didn't concede," Benzema said.

"It's very important because Valencia are a very good team. For the second goal everything happened so fast.

"It was a cross from Marco, I control it, I shot with the left foot and it went in. It looks easy, but you have to do it so fast."

Benzema has scored 21 goals in 38 games this season, with Madrid back in action against Real Sociedad on Sunday. Benzema is also now only the fourth player in Madrid's history to have hit 20-plus goals in eight or more seasons. 

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane singled out both Benzema and Eden Hazard for praise following the important victory over Valencia which keeps them within touching distance of Barcelona. 

"It was a great goal, for the move and the finish – I'm delighted for Karim's goals," Zidane said. 

"This was a really good game from Hazard. Physically, he was good and played 80 minutes. Sometimes you might think he's starting to look tired, but then he picks up the ball and sprints away."

Sochaux have announced the signing of Yann Kitala from Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon.

The DR Congo forward was offered a three-year deal having passed his medical at the French second division team.

According to Lyon, they received €300k for the deal, with a potential €500k in further bonuses while they have a considerable 35% profit sharing on the capital gain of a possible future transfer.

Kitala would be hoping to start a new life at Montbeliard’s Stade Auguste Bonal upon completing his loan spell at Lorient.

A Clairefontaine academy graduate who played alongside Kylian Mbappe, the Franco-Congolese joined Lyon in July 2013.

He was Lyon’s highest goal scorer in the French fourth tier for the reserve team in the 2018-19 season scoring 20 goals in 63 matches across all competitions before moving to Lorient on loan without an option to buy.

He made his debut with Lorient in a 2–0 Ligue 2 win over Clermont Foot on 14 September 2019. Overall, he played in 11 league matches and scored two goals.

Following this move, he becomes the 10th African in the Yellow and Blues team after compatriot Salem Mbakata, Mehdi Jeannin (Algeria), Adolphe Teikeu (Cameroon), Ousseynou Thioune (Senegal), Sofiane Daham (Algeria), Thomas Toure (Cote d'Ivoire), Amadou Dia N'Diaye (Senegal), Christophe Diedhiou (Senegal) and Abdoulaye Sane (Senegal).

Meanwhile, he took to social media to appreciate Lyon for all they have done for him while expressing his desire to start his new adventure as soon as possible.

“My heart club engraved for life. Thank you for everything,”

“New challenge. Very impatient to start the season and very proud to join Sochaux.

Sochaux was far from getting a promotion ticket to the French elite division having finished 14th in Ligue 2 last term with 34 points from 28 appearances.

Kitala played for Congo U20 in a friendly against England U20 on October 7, 2015, and is eligible to represent the country’s senior national team.

Cameroon will host the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, and should he prove his worth with his new French team, he could get an invite to the competition as the Leopards eye their third African diadem.

Marco Asensio was delighted his hard work paid off as he made a stunning return from injury in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Valencia.

Making his comeback from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Asensio scored seconds after coming on and then set up Karim Benzema's sealer at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Thursday.

Asensio, 24, was pleased to be back, with the appearance his first competitive club outing since May last year.

"I really wanted to return. It has been many months of hard work," the midfielder told Movistar. "I am very happy to play, to score and for the team's victory."

On his goal, Asensio added: "A lot of excitement and satisfaction, because there is a lot of work behind this. I am in the final stretch of the season."

Asensio also set up Benzema for the striker to complete his brace, the Frenchman's first touch setting up a spectacular volleyed finish.

Spain international Asensio lauded Benzema, who became Madrid's fifth all-time top goalscorer with 24, surpassing Ferenc Puskas (242).

"It was a great goal. He has made a great control and in general we have made a great match," he said.

Madrid's win saw them climb back to within two points of rivals and leaders Barcelona with nine games left to play.

"We have nine finals left that we have to win," Asensio said. "We are now focusing on the Real Sociedad match [on Sunday], which is the objective we have in mind."

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was delighted to see Asensio return to the pitch and make an immediate impact on the game. 

"This means a lot for him. We're happy to see him back on the pitch," Zidane said. "After so many months out, to come back and score a great goal in his first involvement makes me really happy.

"He was already happy just to get out on to the pitch and then he was able to score straight away, which shows he is already involved."

Madrid remain just two points shy of league leaders Barcelona with nine matches remaining in the coronavirus-impacted 2019-20 La Liga season. 

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane said he was "delighted" for Karim Benzema after the star forward surpassed Ferenc Puskas on the club's all-time scorers list.

Benzema scored a brilliant brace to inspire a 3-0 La Liga win over 10-man Valencia at Madrid Castilla's Alfredo Di Stefano stadium on Thursday.

After opening the scoring just past the hour-mark, Benzema completed the victory in stunning fashion with four minutes remaining – rifling a volley past Valencia goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen following Marco Asensio's 74th-mintue effort.

Benzema's two-goal display in the Spanish capital took his tally to 243 goals for Madrid across all competitions, leapfrogging club great Puskas (242) for fifth on the all-time list.

"It was a great goal, for the move and the finish – I'm delighted for Karim's goals," Zidane said after Madrid moved back within two points of leaders and rivals Barcelona.

Eden Hazard also impressed for Madrid – the Belgium star combining with Luka Modric to tee up Benzema for the opening goal in Madrid.

Injury and fitness have hampered Hazard's maiden Madrid campaign, but the former Chelsea attacker showed glimpses of why Los Blancos invested so heavily in the 29-year-old.

"This was a really good game from Hazard," Zidane added. "Physically, he was good and played 80 minutes. Sometimes you might think he's starting to look tired, but then he picks up the ball and sprints away."

Madrid remain within touching distance of Barca with nine matches remaining in the coronavirus-impacted 2019-20 La Liga season.

On the title race, Zidane said: "We know that it will be like this until the end, but today we can be happy because of what we've done in the game.

"They are the ones fighting; we have to enjoy and congratulate the players because it was a complete game and then think about the next game against Real Sociedad."

Barca will face third-placed Sevilla on Friday and Zidane added: "We depend on what we are going to do, knowing the situation. I'll watch the game, but I don't have the idea in my head that Barcelona will slip up; we have to think about ourselves."

Kelechi Nwakali made his long-awaited Huesca debut in Thursday’s 2-1 home defeat to Mirandes.

After completing a loan spell at Porto B, the Nigeria international joined the Segunda division outfit on a three-year deal from Premier League side Arsenal.

Since his move in September 2019, the 22-year-old has waited patiently for his maiden appearance – with his closest attempt an unused substitute role in the 3-1 triumph at Malaga on June 12.

However, he ended his wait as manager Michel brought him as an 83rd-minute substitute for Sergio Gomez.

Despite featuring for seven minutes, he could do little as his team bowed at home to the Reds at Estadio El Alcoraz.

After a goalless first-half in the Week 33 fixture, Alvaro Rey powered Mirandes ahead in the 62nd minute, but the hosts levelled matter through Rafa Mir eight minutes later.

Alvaro Pena handed Andoni Iraola’s team all points a stake with his 72nd-minute effort.

Cote d’Ivoire midfielder Cheick Doukoure who is on loan from Levante was an unused substitute by the hosts, while Ghana’s Ernest Ohemeng was not considered for action by manager Iraola.

This defeat marks a setback for Huesca who are chasing promotion to the Spanish elite division. They are currently fourth in the log after garnering 53 points from 33 outings – seven points below leaders Cadiz, while Mirandes moved to sixth.

Nwakali is pleased with his debut and assured that the Azulgranas will bounce back in their next outing.

“Thank God though it wasn’t the best result for the team we keep the focus on the next game,” he wrote on Instagram.

The ex-Arsenal player burst into limelight after captaining the Nigeria U17 team that paraded the likes of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze to win the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile.

His inspiring displays earned him the tournament’s Golden Ball ahead of Lille’s Osimhen and Mali’s Aly Malle. Nwakali’s stock rose after joining Arsenal on a five-year deal from Nigeria’s Diamond Football Academy.

After failed loan expeditions at MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto B, the youngster was shipped out of the Emirates.

Karim Benzema has surpassed Ferenc Puskas in Real Madrid's all-time scoring charts after scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Valencia.

The Blancos made it two wins from two since the return of La Liga by putting Albert Celades' side to the sword at an empty Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday night.

Zinedine Zidane's men came into the contest high on confidence following Sunday's 3-1 win against Eibar, during which Benzema failed to score despite playing the full 90 minutes.

The 32-year-old looked as though he might also be shut out by Valencia's defence for 60 minutes, before he produced an expert finish after being played through by Eden Hazard.

Marco Asensio doubled Madrid's lead before Benzema grabbed his second of the night with just four minutes left on the clock, controlling the ball in mid-air before turning to fire in an unstoppable volley past Jasper Cillessen in the Valencia net.

The experienced striker's latest double saw him move above the legendary Puskas as the fifth-highest scoring player in the club's history with 243 goals.

Benzema is also now only the fourth player in Madrid's history to have hit 20-plus goals in eight or more seasons, as he joins Cristiano Ronaldo, Alfredo Di Stefano and Raul in the Bernabeu's hall of fame.

Asensio, meanwhile, became the fastest scoring substitute for the Blancos since 2005-06, with his second-half effort coming just 31 seconds after he was brought on for Federico Valverde.

The Spanish forward volleyed a pin-point Ferland Mendy cutback into the far corner of the net in the 74th minute, which marked his first goal of the season after making a full recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.

Speaking after the match, Asensio admitted it was emotional to return to the pitch in such stunning fashion. 

"First of all, thank you, it's really so emotional coming on to the pitch and scoring such a quick goal," he said. 

"I'm really happy and want to thank all those that have helped me in this process. The team, the medical staff, those who have supported me from afar who have helped me. This is for all of them." 

Zidane's side moved back to within two points of La Liga leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona after securing another three points, with a tough trip to the Anoeta to face Real Sociedad up next on Sunday.

Watford striker Isaac Success will miss Saturday’s Premier League encounter against Leicester City because of a ruptured Achilles, coach Nigel Pearson has confirmed.

The English topflight returns after over three months in a hiatus owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Success, 24, who signed from Granada on July 1, 2016 in a record transfer fee, has played only five times in the EPL this term without a goal.

His injury means he will be added to a growing list of key Watford players to miss out on the Vicarage Road showdown, including Gerard Deulofeu and Daryl Janmaat.

During Thursday’s chat with club website, Pearson confirmed the development without indicating the length of time he will miss.

“Isaac Success has ruptured his Achilles. Deulofeu won’t be available this season, he’s got a serious knee injury with his cruciate. Janmaat won’t be available either,” he said.

“But everybody else more or less is available. We’ve tried to prepare the players at a pace which really does reflect very much where they are themselves.”

Nigeria’s Tom Dele-Bashiru and Senegalese star Ismaila Sarr are fit and could play a key role against Wilfred Ndidi’s team who are Champions League-bound.

“The players came back in good condition,” he continued.

“We had players who re-joined at different stages based on their own feelings, but during that time some of those players had one-to-one sessions so they were integrated back in.

“We’ve at least had the last two weeks where the squad has really been together, and it’s allowed us to work at a pace where we think we’re as prepared as we can be given the circumstances.”

Injuries could become more frequent due to the break in the season, but manager Pearson has expressed his satisfaction with how rapidly his men have returned to fitness.

“We have to understand there might be a greater injury risk,” he added.

“Having said that, I’ve been delighted with how the players have both returned to training and embraced the need for us to get back to a game situation as quick as possible given the circumstances we’re working in.”

Watford are in the relegation zone as they account for 27 points from 29 league outings so far, and victory over Brendan Rodgers’ men will see them move up the log.

Papiss Cisse scored three goals to inspire Alanyaspor to a 4-0 victory over Antalyaspor in Thursday’s Turkish Cup game.   

Football activities recently restarted in Turkey, including the Super Lig which has been suspended since March due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the country and across the world.

The Senegal international was handed a starting role in the game and shone to help his side return to winning ways after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in Saturday’s league match.

The 35-year-old wasted no time to announce himself in the encounter when he opened the scoring in the 15th minute.

Ceyhun Gulselam doubled the lead 10 minutes later after receiving a fine assist from Tasos Bakasetas before Cisse missed a glorious chance to score his second moment before the half-time break.

The Senegalese made amends after the restart when he found the back of the net in the 46th minute after benefitting from Salih Ucan’s assist.

Cisse then sealed the victory with a well-taken effort in the 49th minute to complete his brilliant showing at Bahcesehir Okullari Stadium.

The 35-year-old featured for 75 minutes before making way for Mustafa Pektemek while his teammate and the Democratic Republic of the Congo international Fabrice NSakala featured throughout the encounter.

Cisse has now scored 20 goals, including 16 in the Super Lig, and provided two assists in 30 appearances across all competitions in this campaign.

The forward started his career with Generation Foot academy and then joined Douanes Dakar in 2003 before moving to France to team up with Metz.

He has played for SC Freiburg, Newcastle United and Shandong Luneng before he signed for Alanyaspor in the summer of 2018.

Cisse will hope to continue his impressive performances and help Erol Bulut’s men maintain their winning form when they face Trabzonspor in a league game on June 22.

The forward has scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for Senegal and last featured for the Teranga Lions in 2014 against Botswana, missing last year's Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where the West Africans finished as runner-up.

Marco Asensio marked his long-awaited return by scoring with his first touch and Karim Benzema netted twice as Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 win over Valencia on Thursday.

Spain international Asensio has not kicked a ball in anger this season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury last July and only regained fitness during LaLiga's suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Asensio made up for lost time by showing sublime technique to double Madrid's lead in the second half of the contest at Madrid Castilla's Alfredo Di Stefano stadium.

Karim Benzema had opened the scoring from a wonderful team move just after the hour and rounded things off with a stunning second as Zinedine Zidane's men deservedly earned a win that moves them back to within two points of leaders Barcelona, with Valencia's disappointment compounded by a late red card for Lee Kang-in.

Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard had squandered presentable early chances when teed up by Benzema, the latter shooting straight at Jasper Cillessen when one-on-one.

Rodrigo Moreno almost made Madrid pay but his shot across goal was brilliantly tipped onto the left-hand post by Thibaut Courtois.

Rodrigo slotted home after 21 minutes, only for VAR spot an offside against Maxi Gomez, who deflected Carlos Soler's pass into his team-mate's path.

Both goalkeepers were busy again before the break, Cillessen denying Dani Carvajal after a jinking run and Courtois parrying away Geoffrey Kondogbia's long-range effort.

Madrid were completely in control after the restart, though it took until the 61st minute for the breakthrough to arrive.

Hazard picked up the ball on the left of the area and played a wonderful one-two with Luka Modric before teeing up Benzema, who arrowed his strike into the bottom-left corner.

Modric, who grew in influence after a quiet first half, brought the best out of Cillessen again with a long-range drive but there was nothing the keeper could about Asensio's goal.

Ferland Mendy fired a cross in from the left and Asensio sensationally guided home a first-time volley into the right-hand side of the goal.

Not to be outdone, Benzema put the cherry atop the cake with a delightful effort, lifting the ball over Hugo Guillamon before rifling a volley past a helpless Cillessen, with Lee sent off late on for kicking Sergio Ramos.

What does it mean? Asensio adds another dimension to title-chasing Madrid

It has been a frustration campaign for many but not least for Asensio who was injured in pre-season. Having the attacking midfielder back gives Madrid another weapon in their extensive arsenal as they attempt to overhaul Clasico rivals Barcelona at the top.

Benzema shines again for Madrid

Prior to LaLiga's unplanned break, Benzema was enjoying a fine campaign. The French striker was superb against Eibar and was even more influential here. His classy opening goal broke Valencia's resolve and he will have to argue the toss with Asensio as to who scored the best of the match. Benzema's fancy footwork gave Valencia's defence nightmares at times and, had his team-mates been more clinical, he would have had a couple of deserved assists, too.

Celades fails to react

The first half was sort of strangely brilliant in that the score could quite feasibly have been 4-2 to Madrid, with the game bright without properly bursting into life. It was a different story after the restart, though, with Madrid forcing Valencia to retreat deeper and deeper. Los Che coach Albert Celades did little to redress the balance and paid the price.

Key Opta Facts

- Karim Benzema has scored 243 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions, moving to fifth in the all-time top-scorer list for the club, above Ferenc Puskas.
- Marco Asensio scored just 31 seconds after coming as a substitute in this match, the fastest goal by a Madrid sub in LaLiga since at least 2006-07.
- Eden Hazard has made two assists in his past two games, as many as he had in his previous 15 matches for Madrid in all competitions.
- Against Valencia, Madrid had more shots on target without scoring (8/9) than in any other first half in all competitions under Zinedine Zidane.
- Valencia have lost 88 LaLiga games against Real Madrid, more than against any other opponent.

What's next?

Madrid are on the road with a trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday, while Valencia welcome Osasuna on the same day.

James Rodriguez deserves more "respect" from Zinedine Zidane, according to Faustino Asprilla, who says he would tell the Real Madrid boss to "eat sh*t" if he was in the midfielder's shoes.

James returned to Madrid last summer after a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich, with the goal of forcing his way back into Zidane's plans.

The Blancos signed the Colombian playmaker from Monaco for a reported €75 million (£68m/$84m) after he won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Unfortunately, he has been unable to reach the same high standards on a consistent basis at the Santiago Bernabeu, and has slipped even further down the squad pecking order this season.

James has been restricted to just 13 appearances in all competitions for Madrid in 2019-20, with questions now being asked over whether or not he has the drive to turn around his career in the Spanish capital.

The coronavirus outbreak caused La Liga to shut down temporarily in March, but Zidane's men were able to return to training in May as lockdown measures in Spain began to ease.

Madrid played their first fixture in three months on Sunday against Eibar at the Bernabeu, and James was named on the bench, with Zidane afforded the option of up to five substitutions due to new top-flight rules.

However, the 28-year-old had to watch on as Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Gareth Bale, Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde were all brought on ahead of him during the Blancos' 3-1 victory.

Asprilla doesn't understand why his compatriot has been pushed out of contention for regular minutes, and he thinks the former Monaco playmaker has been far too patient with Zidane.

"James isn't irresponsible," The former Colombia forward told Blu Radio. "He trains every day just like everyone else.

"The coaches say that all players are the same to give motivation to substitutes, but they have three or four who always play. At Real Madrid, there are players who come from lower down and who come up.

"Don't tell me that the top scorer of a World Cup is below Mariano or whoever in the pecking order.

"There's a need for a little respect. James is patient, but I would tell Zidane to 'eat sh*t'."

Marco Asensio marked his long-awaited return by scoring with his first touch and Karim Benzema netted twice as Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 win over Valencia on Thursday.

Spain international Asensio has not kicked a ball in anger this season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury last July and only regained fitness during LaLiga's suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Asensio made up for lost time by showing sublime technique to double Madrid's lead in the second half of the contest at Madrid Castilla's Alfredo Di Stefano stadium.

Karim Benzema had opened the scoring from a wonderful team move just after the hour and rounded things off with a stunning second as Zinedine Zidane's men deservedly earned a win that moves them back to within two points of leaders Barcelona, with Valencia's disappointment compounded by a late red card for Lee Kang-in.

Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard had squandered presentable early chances when teed up by Benzema, the latter shooting straight at Jasper Cillessen when one-on-one.

Rodrigo Moreno almost made Madrid pay but his shot across goal was brilliantly tipped onto the left-hand post by Thibaut Courtois.

Rodrigo slotted home after 21 minutes, only for VAR spot an offside against Maxi Gomez, who deflected Carlos Soler's pass into his team-mate's path.

Both goalkeepers were busy again before the break, Cillessen denying Dani Carvajal after a jinking run and Courtois parrying away Geoffrey Kondogbia's long-range effort.

Madrid were completely in control after the restart, though it took until the 61st minute for the breakthrough to arrive.

Hazard picked up the ball on the left of the area and played a wonderful one-two with Luka Modric before teeing up Benzema, who arrowed his strike into the bottom-left corner.

Modric, who grew in influence after a quiet first half, brought the best out of Cillessen again with a long-range drive but there was nothing the keeper could about Asensio's goal.

Ferland Mendy fired a cross in from the left and Asensio sensationally guided home a first-time volley into the right-hand side of the goal.

Not to be outdone, Benzema put the cherry atop the cake with a delightful effort, lifting the ball over Hugo Guillamon before rifling a volley past a helpless Cillessen, with Lee sent off late on for kicking Sergio Ramos.

What does it mean? Asensio adds another dimension to title-chasing Madrid

It has been a frustration campaign for many but not least for Asensio who was injured in pre-season. Having the attacking midfielder back gives Madrid another weapon in their extensive arsenal as they attempt to overhaul Clasico rivals Barcelona at the top.

Benzema shines again for Madrid

Prior to LaLiga's unplanned break, Benzema was enjoying a fine campaign. The French striker was superb against Eibar and was even more influential here. His classy opening goal broke Valencia's resolve and he will have to argue the toss with Asensio as to who scored the best of the match. Benzema's fancy footwork gave Valencia's defence nightmares at times and, had his team-mates been more clinical, he would have had a couple of deserved assists, too.

Celades fails to react

The first half was sort of strangely brilliant in that the score could quite feasibly have been 4-2 to Madrid, with the game bright without properly bursting into life. It was a different story after the restart, though, with Madrid forcing Valencia to retreat deeper and deeper. Los Che coach Albert Celades did little to redress the balance and paid the price.

Key Opta Facts

- Karim Benzema has scored 243 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions, moving to fifth in the all-time top-scorer list for the club, above Ferenc Puskas.
- Marco Asensio scored just 31 seconds after coming as a substitute in this match, the fastest goal by a Madrid sub in LaLiga since at least 2006-07.
- Eden Hazard has made two assists in his past two games, as many as he had in his previous 15 matches for Madrid in all competitions.
- Against Valencia, Madrid had more shots on target without scoring (8/9) than in any other first half in all competitions under Zinedine Zidane.
- Valencia have lost 88 LaLiga games against Real Madrid, more than against any other opponent.

What's next?

Madrid are on the road with a trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday, while Valencia welcome Osasuna on the same day.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident Manchester United fans will see the best of Paul Pogba when he makes his return to action.

The midfielder has made just eight appearances this season with foot and ankle injuries keeping him sidelined, but the break in action due to the coronavirus pandemic has given the 27-year-old time to fully recover, and he is fit and ready to play a part in the final few weeks of the season.

While there have been glimmers of his world-class talent, the Frenchman has struggled for consistency, but Solskjaer is confident United will start to see the best of the midfielder.

“Of course Paul has had his difficult season this year with loads of injuries, but I can see his mentality and focus now that he is fit, training and available, that he is ready to play again and to prove he has always had quality,” Solskjaer said.

“He is one of the best midfielders in the world so hopefully we can get that going as soon as possible.

“I want the same from Paul as from all the others - that we give our best, and Paul is one of the best midfielders in the world so we expect him to gradually improve as he gets more and more game time.

“Gradually over these next few months we can work him up back to his best. Paul has had a very good career. He is a World Cup winner and we want to have that leadership on the pitch as well.”

Aside from injuries to Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, Solskjaer has a fully fit squad to pick from for United’s first game of the restart, against Tottenham, and that has given the Norwegian a selection dilemma, particularly in midfield.

“I think I have got very good options, I am very happy with the squad,” Solskjaer said.

“The five of them any of them would be capable of playing a full season at Manchester United and being a regular so it’s given me not a problem but a nice challenge to choose and pick the right ones when they are in the right form when they are against the right opponents.

“Nemanja (Matic), Scott (McTominay), Fred have had a fantastic turnaround all of them. They have had a good season, Bruno (Fernandes) came in with a great impact and Paul getting back fit can only help us because he does have qualities that no one else has.”

Dimitar Berbatov has expressed his belief that Fred is already Manchester United's player of the season, while highlighting how his work in midfield "makes it much easier" for his team-mates to "go forward freely".

United invested £52 million ($65m) in Fred's talents in the summer of 2018, luring him away from Shakhtar Donetsk by tabling a lucrative four-year contract.

The Brazil international arrived at Old Trafford with a sterling reputation as an all-action midfielder capable of dictating the pace of games, but struggled to live up to expectations during his first full season in Manchester.

He initially fell out favour under Jose Mourinho, and was also unable to force his way into the plans of the Portuguese tactician's successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, leading to question marks over his future at the club.

Solskjaer ultimately decided to give Fred another chance to prove himself ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, and has since been rewarded for his faith as he has rediscovered his best form.

The 27-year-old has racked up 39 appearances for the Red Devils this season, with his superb technical ability and passing range on full display to help the club fight for success on both domestic and European fronts.

Berbatov has been hugely impressed with how Fred has been able to turn around his career at United, and expects him to continue playing a vital role in United's line-up when they get back on the pitch following the coronavirus-enforced break against Tottenham on Friday.

The ex-United striker told Betfair: "At first, Fred had a difficult time at United, getting used to the tempo, with the speed of the games and the challenges.

"It's not easy, coming from a different league, and sometimes he spent too much time on the ball and lost possession easily. Slowly but surely, however, his game has changed and he has become used to the Premier League.

"Fred's improvement reminds me of how Moussa Sissoko started at Spurs, people didn't rate him but now he's player of the season already and the fans love him.

"Patience pays off and, like Sissoko, Fred is proving that he has turned it around. He isn't getting much attention because Bruno Fernandes is still in the spotlight and Pogba is fit again, but Fred has his place there in midfield and if he is happy to not have the headlines but play regularly, I think he will take that.

"If you are an attacking player and you know that someone has your back, you are going to go forward freely and not be afraid to lose the ball.

"When you know you have Fred covering your back and you speak before the game, and have that understanding that your team-mate will be there for you, it makes it much easier as an attacking player to take risks and play those passes that can cause a lot of trouble."

Mikel Arteta says Mesut Ozil will be back in his Arsenal team when he proves he wants to perform at his top level.

The German was left out of the matchday squad for Wednesday night's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, with Arteta stating afterwards he had been left in London for ‘tactical reasons’.

Speaking to the press on Thursday night ahead of Saturday’s game at Brighton, Arsenal’s head coach expanded on his reasons for omitting Ozil from his squad and admitted he wants to see more from the 31-year-old in training.

“I have been very open with Mesut from day one,” said Arteta. “Since I joined I thought that he was fit and he was willing and he wanted to perform at the level he can do.

“The moment I see that he is ready again to do that, I will treat him like anybody else.

“I think I've been more than fair with him and I think he has responded in many games the way I want. That’s it.”

When asked why he believes Ozil has not been at the required level in training since the players returned from lockdown, Arteta added: “There's a lot that's happened to him in the last few weeks and I have to respect the time for every player. Sometimes they need a little bit of time.

“It's been a difficult preparation the last two months to get players ready and again, I'm the first one who wants Mesut at his best. I'm going to put him on the pitch when I think he can give his best.

“My conversations with Mesut will remain between me and him. What I can tell you is that it was a completely fine, honest and clear conversation. He was very well with me. There were no issues at all.”

Arsenal’s defeat on Wednesday night leaves them ninth in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton, eight points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea and five behind Manchester United in fifth.

With just nine games remaining in the league, it’s looking more and more unlikely that they will qualify for the Champions League - but Arteta isn’t ready to give up just yet.

“I said before that we started after the virus from a position that we have a lot of teams in front of us,” he said. “We have to go game by game.

“Last night is over and we have to learn from what happened. We have to analyse the game as it happened as well, and be fair on our analysis.

“You can see the difference at the moment, in the process, in terms of the squad. That takes a little bit of time to get there.”

Arteta added: “I think in the first 30 or 35 minutes [against City], we competed really well.

“We were a threat and we made it very difficult for them but at this level, when you give something to that kind of opposition they're not going to make any mistakes.

“From now on, game by game, it's still the same ambition and that's to win the next game. A lot of things are happening between them. Let's see what happens.”

West Bromwich Albion centre-back Semi Ajayi revealed he ‘can’t wait’ for his side’s Championship clash against Birmingham City on Saturday.

The English second-tier has been suspended since March due to the outbreak of coronavirus in England and across the world.

The Baggies last game before the league was forced into a hiatus was against Swansea City on March 7, where they played out a goalless draw.

West Brom are currently second on the league table with 70 points from 37 games, one point behind Leeds United and Ajayi feels his side can claim victory in the derby encounter at the Hawthorns.

“We’re all extremely excited for the game against Blues on Saturday. It’s probably the longest I’ve ever gone without playing a competitive game. The summer break isn’t even this long,” he told the club website.

“I’m looking forward to it massively. It helps that it’s a derby as well, our first game back. It’s a huge game and great opportunity for us to get our season back on track. We can’t wait.

“It means everything to get the opportunity to finish off the season. We’ve put in so much this season as a group and into being where we are in the table. The opportunity to finish the season and complete the job is massive for us all.

“Everyone is raring to go and eager to make the most of this opportunity. The focus is very much the same. If anything, the break from football for so long and having it taken away from us has made us all hungrier to succeed. It definitely has for me.

“We’ll be taking each game one at a time and going into each game giving our all. With the break being so long it’s pretty hard to have many thoughts on Birmingham because there’s no form to go off.

“That’s gone completely out the window because we haven’t played for three months. What we saw from them before the break might not necessarily be what we see from them on Saturday.

“The best way to approach the game is to focus on ourselves, which is what we would normally do anyway.”

Ajayi joined the Baggies last summer from Rotherham United and has been a consistent member of Slaven Bilic’s side in this campaign, featuring 37 appearances across all competitions.

The Super Eagles defender will hope to help his side finish atop the Championship table at the end of the season and secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Barcelona announced a three-week rest for Asisat Oshoala, beginning from Friday ahead of the Women's Champions League final stage scheduled to be held from August 21 to 30 in Spain.

Uefa had announced plans to complete the women's club competition for the 2019-20 season as a mini-competition from the quarter-finals in two Spanish cities - Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Following the Spanish Primera Iberdrola cancellation in May, Oshoala resumed individual training a few days later before she eventually joined her side for team sessions daily two weeks ago 

The cancellation saw Barcelona declared champions, having finished top after 21 matches without defeat to claim the first title in five years and Oshoala celebrated her first league diadem in Europe.

Besides her title feat, she has been a standout for Barcelona, scoring 36 goals in 36 outings in all competitions this season and finished the second league the highest scorer, with 20 goals in 19 games.

With Uefa's decision on Wednesday, the Catalans resolved to embark on a three-week break and scheduled to resume on July 13 - five weeks to their quarter-final showdown with Atletico Madrid.

After a face-off with Spanish rivals Atletico in August, Barcelona are expected to battle the winner between Scottish giants Glasgow and German champions Wolfsburg in the semi-final five days later.

Barcelona, Glasgow, Wolfsburg, Atletico, PSG, Bayern Munich and titleholders Lyon are the eight teams to feature in the knockout tournament at the San Mames Stadium and the Anoeta Stadium.

The reigning Spanish champions missed out on the title in 2019 following a 4-1 thrashing against Lyon in the final last year and Oshoala will be eager to inspire her side to title success this term.

The draw to determine the order of matches and the final match schedule will take place at Uefa's headquarters in Nyon on 26 June.

Kai Havertz "shouldn't consider any offer from Real Madrid", according to Dimitar Berbatov, who insists that Bayer Leverkusen "is the best place for him to develop and grow".

Havertz is attracting attention from some of the world's biggest clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, with his current employers well aware that they may have a fight on their hands to ensure a prized asset sees out his existing contract through to 2022.

Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with the 21-year-old, who is reportedly already being valued as high as €80 million (£72m/$90m).

Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro addressed the speculation surrounding Havertz's future earlier this week, admitting the Germany international could soon be looking to "take his next step".

Carro told Kolner Stadt Anzeiger: “You have to try to find a solution where the player's goal can be reconciled with ours. At the moment nobody can say for sure what will happen.”

Berbatov is not surprised by the amount of interest being generated by a player who has contributed 16 goals and nine assists to Leverkusen's cause this season, but he does not believe the talented playmaker should be seeking a move at this stage of his career.

The prospect of Havertz ending up at Madrid later this year worries the ex-Leverkusen striker, who has warned that very few players settle in quickly at Santiago Bernabeu due to the lofty expectations that come with playing for the world's biggest club. 

Berbatov told Betfair: "Kai Havertz continues to impress and he has attracted a lot of attention, including the attention of Real Madrid. For me, at the moment he shouldn't consider any offer from Real Madrid.

"It is a tough place to go and, if you are not prepared mentally for the high demands that they have there, then you are going to have a difficult time.

"Look at Luka Jovic and Edin Hazard. Thibaut Courtois was criticised at the start, Gareth Bale still gets booed and even Cristiano Ronaldo used to get booed, which was unbelievable.

"It is tempting to imagine yourself in the white shirt at the Bernabeu, but you need to be really prepared for the reality. Havertz is still very young, even if he stays at Leverkusen for one more year it will be good for his development physically, technically and mentally.

"Madrid have a big squad with great players and it would be difficult for him to play every game in my opinion. He is definitely a player for the future but he wants to be playing now, so Leverkusen is the best place for him to develop and grow.

"He isn't going to lose anything staying there, he is a starter now and playing regularly in the Bundesliga and people are taking note of him.

"I know Leverkusen, I know how they develop their players and the nurturing environment there. He won't lose anything staying there for another year, it will only be beneficial for him."

Nantes star Moses Simon believes Ligue 1 chiefs took the best decision bringing an early end to the 2019-20 season.

Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) had outlined plans to restart the competition in June with lockdown measures in France set to the lifted on May 11.

Nevertheless, French prime minister Edouard Phillipe claimed that such scenario was awkward, while revealing that no sporting activities will be allowed to take place untile September at least.

With that, the league organisers elected to call time on the competition at the end of April, with Paris Saint-Germain crowned as champions while Amiens and Toulouse were relegated to Ligue 2 after being cut adrift at the bottom of the log.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, PSG star Angel Di Maria, Strasbourg forward Abdul Majeed Waris, Ander Herrera amongst others were vocal in their opposition to voiding the season.

But the Nigeria international shares a contrasting view and feels LFP took the best resolution as that prevented more havoc being wreaked.

“For me, I think it is the best decision from them because when there is life there is hope and it is then you can think about playing football,” Simon told Goal.

“They know they cannot handle the pandemic, that’s why they stopped the league so it would be unfair to criticize them or to say that they made a mistake.

“What if they did not stop the league and things got worse? That would all be another serious issue.”

Simon who joined the Canaries from La Liga outfit Levante had a debut to remember at La Beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau.

After playing 30 games Christian Gourcuff's team, the 24-year-old was the club’s highest goalscorer with nine goals across all competitions, including five Ligue 1 goals and he registered eight assists – the highest in the team.

Consequently, he was named club’s Player of the Season having accrued 40 percent of votes in a poll conducted by the club’s fans.

Nantes finished 13th in the concluded season and the Super Eagles’ star feels his team would have ended on a high if play was continued.

“Yes, for sure we would have earned a place in Europe if the league was completed because we have all it takes,” he added.

He will remain with the Gourcuff's side until 2024 as Nantes made his move permanent.

Former Ghana coach Otto Pfister has explained his decision to snub Anthony Yeboah for Anthony Baffoe as Black Stars captain for the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final clash with Cote d'Ivoire.

After substantive captain Abedi Ayew Pele picked up a booking in the semi-final win over Nigeria and consequently became ineligible for the final showdown, assistant skipper Yeboah was ignored as the armband was handed to Abedi's roommate Baffoe, who had just joined the team ahead of the tournament.

Yeboah recently accused Baffoe of scheming to earn the captaincy and attributed the final loss to the 'unfair' decision. Baffoe, who missed a kick in what ultimately ended in an 11-10 penalty shoot-out defeat, has denied any wrongdoing.

“Team handling is one of the most difficult duties of a football coach. But in Ghana, it’s a special situation with this clan [sic] thing: there are the Ashantis and the Ga-Adangbe people, Kumasi people and Accra people,” German coach Pfister told Citi Sports.

“So I thought, to keep out this problem, and maybe it was a mistake, but I gave Tony Baffoe the captain’s armband because he was from Germany and he was out of this whole clan thing. That is why I gave him the captaincy.

“Baffoe also spoke French and one of the linesmen also spoke French. Just like Abedi who speaks English and French, but Tony Yeboah speaks English and German, and I had to make a choice so I chose Baffoe.

“But Tony Baffoe was also a great player; he played in Dusseldorf and also played with Metz in France. But beyond all that, he was the most neutral. He was absolutely neutral, that’s why I gave him the captaincy.

“But this was not why we lost the final. It was 28 years ago and I’m sorry to Tony Yeboah for this but I think it wasn’t such a big problem.”

The Black Stars won the Afcon title in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982, and were hoping to make it a quintuple of titles at the tournament in Senegal.

Ghana have since 1992 reached the Afcon final on two occasions with both ending in disappointment.