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The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has delivered a major update on Aston Villa star Emi Martinez ahead of the international break.

What’s the story?

The goalkeeper of course was part of a Villa duo along with Emi Buendia who made the trip with Argentina for their games during the last international break, which saw them having to then head back to Croatia and miss the game against Chelsea in the Premier League.

Now, Preece has revealed what the current plan at Villa Park is, and whether Martinez (Buendia hasn’t been called up) could face something similar this time around.

Writing initially on Twitter, he said: “International call-ups are mind-bending at the minute as Christian Purslow & Johan Lange fight for a solution involving Emi Martinez who, as it stands, will miss fixtures vs Wolves & Arsenal. An #avfc round-up here involving Nakamba, Traore & others.”

Then, in a follow-up article for The Birmingham Mail, Preece added: “As it stands, Martinez will miss Villa’s first two games after the international break due to the current 10-day quarantine rule which is still in place in the UK, although there is hope that a new five-day quarantine rule will be approved as a compromise.

“Chief executive Christian Purslow and sporting director Johan Lange are now awaiting to see if the UK Government relax their quarantine rules for international players, with FIFA, the FA and the Premier League sending a joint letter to the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a bid to find a reasonable solution.

“If Villa are unsuccessful then it’s hoped Martinez will once again pull out of Argentina’s final match with Peru in order for him to return in time to face his former club Arsenal at the Emirates on Friday, October 22, with Martinez again expected to be available just hours before kick-off.”

Villa fans will be worried

Without Martinez for that game at Stamford Bridge back in early September, Villa boss Dean Smith was forced to turn to number two goalkeeper Jed Steer.

And while Steer didn’t exactly put a foot wrong in that clash against the Blues, he couldn’t stop Thomas Tuchel’s side running out as 3-0 winners in a game that was tight for most of it.

Martinez’s return since that game has seen them keep back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League, including the antics that he pulled to put off Bruno Fernandes in injury-time of Villa’s 1-0 win against Manchester United just last weekend.

The Argentine is a massive presence in between the sticks, and brings a sense of intimidation to opposition strikers that unsurprisingly just can’t be matched or replicated.

Missing him for one game against Wolves would be bad enough, but being without him against his former club Arsenal would be a huge blow. Villa fans will surely be very worried at Preece’s latest update.

Meanwhile, this Villa star is now attracting interest from Man City…

Liverpool have been handed a major boost ahead of their return to Premier League action this evening…

What’s the latest?

The Merseyside giants will be looking to keep the pressure on league-leading Manchester City, who they defeated 3-2 in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, as they welcome their red arch-rivals to Anfield later today.

Jurgen Klopp appears to have a fully fit squad to choose from and now, he has been gifted an even bigger boost as Manchester United are set to be without as many as five first-team stars for this huge encounter.

As revealed by Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick in his pre-game press conference on Monday afternoon, the visitors will be without Edinson Cavani, Scott McTominay, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane and Fred.

“Rapha [Varane] didn’t train with the team. He was on the pitch with one of our rehab coaches. But with regard to injured players, we have the same situation that we had in the last two games,” he revealed.

Huge for Klopp

This is great news for Klopp and co as at least four of those five players would normally be part of Rangnick’s starting lineup, if fit.

Shaw and Varane are two key members of the German’s backline, particularly the latter, who is leagues apart from £80m flop Harry Maguire, whilst the English left-back has been in fine form in recent months.

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Meanwhile, both McTominay and Fred – dubbed ‘McFred’ by the Old Trafford faithful – have often been the main pairing at the base of the engine room for Rangnick, and his predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Only four players have featured in more league minutes than the duo this campaign.

Cavani, however, has played a bit-part role following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has recently missed two of their last five matches in the English top-flight.

There’s no doubt that the Uruguayan can still cut the mustard at this level – having scored ten goals in only 13 league starts last term – and on his day, he poses a big threat and it also leaves the visiting cast of United without another frontline option.

With Liverpool needing to pick up further points to maintain their position in the title race, they will certainly feel buoyed by the prospect of facing a much weaker United team later this evening.

Klopp must be buzzing.

AND in other news, Forget Salah: Klopp must unleash £54m-rated Liverpool “monster” today, he can terrify Man Utd…

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will be without one of his standout performers since the 41-year-old’s arrival last month on Sunday as they host Midlands rivals Leicester City.

What’s the latest? 

Speaking in his press conference, Gerrard confirmed that left-back Matt Targett will face a late fitness test before the Villa boss makes a decision on whether or not to include the 26-year-old against Leicester.

The 41-year-old said: “Matty Targett will probably struggle for this game, but we’ll make a late decision on him.”

The defender was taken off in the 67th minute during the Midlanders’ clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night due to a head injury and therefore faces a race against time to be available to face the Foxes.

Leon Bailey is a confirmed absentee for the game, with Gerrard also sweating on the fitness of Danny Ings (Birmingham Live) as Villa face the prospect of being without several valuable players this weekend.

Gerrard will be gutted

Villa have been excellent during Gerrard’s short time at the helm, winning twice and losing narrowly to Manchester City. One of the key factors to the former Liverpool captain’s instant success has been the performances of Targett at left-back, who has been a standout performer in the last couple of games.

The 26-year-old was rated 8.1 by SofaScore in Gerrard’s first game, a 2-0 win over Brighton, and then scored the opener in their 2-1 triumph at Crystal Palace last week.

This is a stark contrast to his start to the campaign under former manager Dean Smith, where the defender’s performances were under par, particularly against Watford on the opening day as he was withdrawn at half-time after a tricky test against Ismalia Sarr.

Villa do have a natural replacement in Ashley Young, but the 36-year-old has started just one Premier League game at left-back this term, also being deployed as a winger and central midfielder on occasion.

However, the £900k-rated veteran has also vastly improved under Gerrard, recording his two assists to date this season against Brighton and Crystal Palace.

It appears that Targett won’t beat the race against time to be fit for the Leicester clash, which is a significant blow to Gerrard, who will be gutted if he has to do without the 26-year-old. Villa fans shouldn’t panic though, as in Young they have a vastly experienced replacement to fill in at left-back.

In other news – Forget McGinn: Gerrard must stick with £52k-p/w Villa beast dubbed “better than Pogba”

Antonio Conte is reportedly very keen on signing Adama Traore for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Off the boil

There is no doubt that Traore has gone off the boil this season after his six goal and 12 assist haul in the 2019/20 term, with no goals or assists so far this campaign (Transfermarkt).

He can still be a right menace on his day, as Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to claim that he is ‘undefendable’ after an impressive display against Liverpool at Molineux back in March, and he still averages the most dribbles per game (4.7) out of any player in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, Traore is a unique asset despite his lack of numbers in terms of end product, and so it is no surprise at all to see Spurs interested in his signature.

The Latest: Conte keen

As per The Daily Telegraph, Conte is very keen on a move for Traore, and is a long-term admirer of the Wolves machine.

They cite that the North London club tried to get him on loan in the summer transfer window when Nuno Espirito Santo was still in charge, and now Conte wants Daniel Levy to table an offer that would make the Wanderers think about selling him.

Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold has also claimed that Fabio Paratici is ‘a fan’ of Traore, and so it is a move that certainly looks possible.

The Verdict: Makes sense

Given that Traore is used to playing in a preferred formation should be natural to him.

He is a player that Conte likes, and so the Italian manager will surely already have plans to get the best out of him and suit his style of play, perhaps in the right-wing back role that Victor Moses thrived in at Chelsea.

Nonetheless, with his superior dribbling ability, Traore would offer the Lilywhites something different and more direct going forward, and at 25 years of age, still has a lot of room for improvement.

Of course, he needs to work on being more ruthless in front of goal, but it is no less exciting to see what Conte could do with him on and off the field.

In other news, find out which THFC player Conte is particularly in awe of here!

A number of West Ham supporters are ecstatic after centre-back Kurt Zouma was pictured training outside on Friday.

The Hammers have enjoyed another excellent season to date, proving that last term was no fluke as they look to finish in the top four in the Premier League.

David Moyes has been tested in the injury department of late, however, with Zouma and Angelo Obgonna both out injured, having been the go-to centre-back pairing.

While Obgonna is expected to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee problem, Zouma’s situation looks far more positive, acting as a big boost for West Ham.

On Friday, the club’s official Twitter account shared images of the Frenchman back on the training pitches, suggesting his return to the fold is not too far away.

West Ham fans love Zouma latest

These Hammers fans reacted in delighted fashion to the news on Twitter.

“ZOUUUUUUUUUUUMA”

Credit: @connorahumpage

“Things you love to see big Zouuuuuu is back let’s go lad”

Credit: @DannyMeates8

“TITLE CHARGE IS BACK ON!”

Credit: @billy_grimmel

“What a sight”

Credit: @samthomas97_

“Never needed a player as much as we need Big Zou rn”

Credit: @yshealthyv2

“Zouuuuu I’m so happy we got our main man back”

Credit: @JackSeaward69

In other news, some West Ham fans are excited over a transfer claim that has emerged. Read more here.

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Jefferson Montero finalised a loan move to West Brom from Swansea on deadline day as Baggies boss Darren Moore made multiple additions to his promotion-pushing side – the Swans, meanwhile, must have forgotten to put out the welcome mat and made zero signings, instead letting four leave.

The Ecuadorian has bags of pace and a decent end product but hasn’t started a game under Graham Potter this season, making all of his league appearances off the bench.

Entering the fray just before the hour mark against Birmingham on Tuesday, the winger teed up Oli McBurnie for his side’s second but just days later he’s no longer a Swansea player.

Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video below…

The 29-year-old arrived at the Liberty Stadium in 2014 from Mexican outfit Morielo and has gone on to make 84 appearances for the Welsh outfit, chalking up two goals and 14 assists.

Despite that pretty dismal return, the 64-cap international offered a different dimension to the Swans attack and the decision let him go, particularly to a promotion rival, seems a bizarre one.

Swansea have also offloaded Wilfried Bony and Tom Carroll for the remainder of the season, who will join Al Arabi and Aston Villa respectively.

Here’s how the Liberty Stadium faithful reacted to Montero’s exit…

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted over an official club message regarding midfield enforcer Fabinho.

Jurgen Klopp’s side continued their fine start to the 2021/2022 campaign with another Champions League victory as they saw off La Liga giants Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Indeed, a late penalty dispatched by superstar forward Mohamed Salah earned Liverpool all three points in an entertaining 3-2 win at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

The Reds now top Group B with three wins out of three, scoring 11 goals in the process, yet a club message draws attention to the second half performance of defensive midfielder Fabinho against Atletico.

Liverpool’s international came on for Naby Keita and put in an assured display, winning the majority of his ground duels and completing 95% of his passes (SofaScore).

In a tribute to his outing, Liverpool’s official club account have heaped praise on Fabinho, simply stating he ‘bossed it’ against Diego Simeone’s men.

In response, many Reds have flocked in full agreement whilst lauding the Brazilian themselves – find all of their best verdicts down below.

Liverpool fans flock to Fabinho post…

“Best Cdm in the league right now”

Credit: @Andyjm0509

“Best DM itw”

Credit: @Jesusfreak2005

“Baller, Liverpool second best player after Salah these past two seasons”

Credit: @tebogo_twice

“Class and brilliance”

Credit: @kinanee_samson

“Boss man”

Credit: @GargantuanReds

“Yeees the boss of bosses”

Credit: @mugemastephen

“An absolute game changer”

Credit: @Asuu16572372

“Legendary”

Credit: @LFCFrancis

In other news: ‘Pls pls pls’, ‘Outrageous’, ‘I beg you’…Fabrizio Romano’s ‘behind the scenes’ transfer news has many Liverpool fans excited, find out more here.

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is available for his side’s huge Premier League clash with Manchester City, journalist David Lynch has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Biggest game of the season

The Reds take part in one of the biggest games in Premier League history on Sunday afternoon, heading to the Etihad for a top-of-the-table clash.

Just one point separates City and Liverpool currently and Jurgen Klopp’s side know that victory will put them in pole position to win a second title in three seasons.

Fabinho picked up a head injury in Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Benfica in the Champions League, leading to concern over his involvement in the weekend action.

The Latest: Fabinho passed fit

Lynch has allayed those fears, however, confirming in an article for Anfield Watch that the Brazilian is fit for selection:

“It was still feared that Fabinho might fall foul of concussion protocols subject to further examination. However, it is understood that the Brazilian ultimately did not require further treatment, other than to the minor cut he sustained.

“And, with the club’s medical staff confident a concussion was avoided, he has been given the all clear to train ahead of this weekend’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.”

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The Verdict: Vital news for Liverpool

This is an enormous boost for Liverpool, with Fabinho arguably the world’s best defensive midfielder currently, averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the league this season and being hailed as ‘world-class’ by Thiago.

His presence in front of the defence is absolutely vital, with his influence in the spine of the team almost as big as Alisson’s in goal or Virgil van Dijk’s at centre-back – Klopp doesn’t have another natural number six to call on.

Fabinho is a shoo-in to start on Sunday and he will have a massive job on his hands extinguishing the threat of the many creative players City boast in central areas, from Bernardo Silva to Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.

In other news, Liverpool are eyeing up a move for a defender this summer. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United target James Tarkowski wants to move to St James’ Park during the January transfer window, The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards says. 

The lowdown

The journalist reported as far back as 9 October that the Burnley defender was expected to become one of the first signings of the new regime. Tarkowski is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt but, significantly, his £50,000-per-week contract at Turf Moor expires at the end of the season.

Newcastle and Burnley are currently level on 11 points, with both sides in the Premier League relegation zone, although the Clarets have two games in hand.

The latest

In addition to his compatriot Kieran Trippier, Edwards has said that Tarkowski is keen to join the Magpies.

He tweeted: “I wouldn’t get Trippier printed on the back of any #nufc shirts just yet but this looks like a goodbye to me. As for Tarkowski, he’s not exactly playing his best games for Burnley at the moment. I’m told he also wants to come to #nufc but Burnley very reluctant to sell”.

The verdict

It isn’t all that surprising that Tarkowski would want to make the switch. While Burnley are in a marginally better position right now because of their games in hand, he could be looking at the trajectories of the respective clubs.

Sean Dyche’s side flirted with relegation last season, ultimately finishing 17th, and they’re hovering in dangerous territory at the moment. Newcastle, on the other hand, have recently become one of the richest clubs in world football and will hope to assemble a squad this month which can charge up the table.

If they do survive this time around, they can begin to think about establishing themselves as a top-half club in the next couple of seasons. Why wouldn’t Tarkowski want to be part of that prospective revolution?

In other news, a journalist has revealed the latest on this Newcastle midfield target

Antonio Conte could form a devastating duo at Tottenham by signing RB Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi and partnering him with Son Heung-min.

What’s the story?

According to Sport1, both the Lilywhites and fellow Premier League club Newcastle have made contact with Salzburg over potentially signing the Germany international.

The report added that many of European football’s biggest sides are also interested in luring him away from Austria, so Fabio Paratici’s task has gotten that much harder.

Imagine him and Son

The £18m-rated Adeyemi, who has been praised as “brutal” by Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle, has enjoyed an outstanding start to the current campaign, firing in 14 goals in 21 games in all competitions, including three goals in four Champions League outings.

The 19-year-old’s performances for the Austrian club has already earned senior international honours, and after watching him impress as a substitute during Germany’s victory over Armenia earlier this year, national team boss Hansi Flick said: “He’s already shown at the start of this season that he can be ice cold in front of goal. He did really well today when he came in.”

With Conte seemingly looking to employ a back three at Spurs, having some genuine pace and movement up front will be crucial to the way the north London side attack, and Adeyemi has that in abundance.

As per Sofascore, he completes 2.3 dribbles and takes 2.7 shots on average per match, but rather encouragingly, he has also shown a real creative side to his game, averaging an impressive 1.2 key passes per match in the Austrian Bundesliga.

The combination of pace, finishing and directness could see Adeyemi form a scary partnership alongside Son in Spurs’ attack.

Meanwhile, this Spurs star was disappointing vs Vitesse…