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Chelsea fans were devastated to discover that their new signing Edouard Mendy picked up an injury while on international duty.

The 28-year-old recently arrived in Central London from French outfit Rennes for £22m and has only made one Premier League appearance, which was during his side’s 4-0 victory against Crystal Palace.

According to the Senegalese FA, cited by Sky Sports, Mendy suffered a thigh injury during training and could be out during a crucial run of fixtures for Frank Lampard’s side.

Chelsea are due to play Southampton after the international break on October 17th before they are due to face Sevilla in the first Champions League matchday of the 2020/21 campaign.

Kepa Arizzabalaga would be expected to step in for the injured Mendy but is not a popular figure amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful after making a series of calamitous errors in recent months.

The prospect of the £71m goalkeeper was almost too much to bear for these supporters down below, who made their feelings clear when they discovered the news.

Chelsea fans mourn Mendy’s expected absence

Former Preston player Chris Humphrey says that Glasgow Rangers target Daniel Johnson is one of the best players he has played with, and that he could be the difference for the Gers in their attempts to win their first Premiership title since 2011.

The Gers have been heavily linked with Johnson, with reports even saying that they had agreed a deal with the English side – that now appears not to be the case. The 27-year-old scored 12 goals and created a further eight last season in the Championship, and Humphrey believes he would be a fantastic addition to the Ibrox outfit.

He said: “I would put DJ up there as one of the best number 10s or attacking midfielders I have played with – and I’ve played with some really good players.

“He is unbelievable and in that league he would be unreal. He’d be good for Rangers in Europe as well. He is excellent technically, scores goals and has pace. He drives forward with the ball and can play a pass.

“His all-round game is phenomenal. I’d say he’s probably got the best left foot of any player I’ve played with. Above all else DJ loves his football and is a very good professional.

“If a deal went through then he would love the challenge of the Old Firm. He would thrive in that atmosphere when the fans are allowed back in.

“He can also play in the centre of midfield because he has the fitness. And if Daniel gives the ball away I’m wondering ‘what’s happened there?’. He very rarely gives the ball away.”

When asked if he could be the difference for the Gers this term, Humphrey, who is now the manager of Kendal Town said: “Yes, 100 per cent. Rangers have one hell of a manager to learn from if you are a midfielder that likes to attack.

“Who better to learn off for DJ? He is only 27, he looks about 50! But it’s a great age and he can still learn. Gerrard would take his game to another level.”

High praise indeed from a player who was able to not only play with him, but also got to see him in training every single day. As Brian Laudrup has said, the Gers could do with another creative player in the middle of the park, and Johnson looks like he could be that man.

It has been said that Preston would demand more than £4m for his services, but by the sounds of it, that would be a snip for the Jamaican.

Let us know what you think below!

Leeds United transfer chief Angus Kinnear has spoken out amid recent transfer rumours circulating the club and Brighton defender Ben White.

The 22-year-old was on loan at Elland Road last season and the newly-promoted club recently lodged a £22m bid for the centre-back, which the Seagulls rejected.

As per Leeds Live, Kinnear indicated that the Yorkshire outfit remain interested in White but are exploring other options if Brighton don’t budge. He said: “The reality is, he did a wonderful job for us, but he’s a Brighton player. They rate him very highly, I’m sure they see us as a rival.

“The conversations are continuing but we have to be respectful of Brighton’s position, that he is their player.

“We have two or three other names in that group in terms of that position, who supporters should be really excited about. I know emotionally it won’t have the same appeal as getting Ben back. But if it doesn’t work with Ben we’ve got some good cover lined up.”

White had only played twice for Brighton prior to being loaned out to Leeds a year ago but he had an excellent 2019/20 season at Elland Road, being ever-present in helping Marcelo Bielsa’s team to end their 16-year exile from the Premier League.

The Yorkshire club are far from alone in terms of transfer interest in the defender. According to The Sun, all of last term’s Premier League top six are keen on the 22-year-old, who is valued at more than £50m by the Seagulls.

Further to Kinnear’s comments about Leeds casting a wider net in their hunt for a centre-back, The Telegraph reported at the weekend that the Whites are interested in Freiburg’s Robin Koch, who according to O Jogo could be available for just £10.8m – a fraction of what Brighton are demanding for White.

With Leeds not putting all their eggs in the White basket, Brighton may feel that one contender in the race for the 22-year-old’s signature could soon drop out.

The Seagulls are sending a clear message that they won’t be intimidated into selling the defender on the cheap by slapping a £50m price tag on him, even though he has never played a Premier League game.

With transfer speculation surrounding the futures of Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy at the Amex Stadium, it is only right that Brighton take a no-nonsense stance with White, and that may be enough to convince Leeds to look elsewhere for centre-back reinforcements instead.

Brighton fans, are you proud of the club’s hardline stance on White’s future amid such widespread transfer interest? Comment below with your views!

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti probably has plenty of positions high on his agenda this summer but one role that shouldn’t be overlooked is out wide…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Toffees are interested in signing Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos after an impressive season in Spain.

It’s claimed that the Italian is aiming to revamp his midfield both centrally and out wide with both Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure potential targets too.

The reliable journalist claims the Argentine is an “exciting player” who the Merseyside outfit have long had an interest in – even under Marco Silva. He’s currently valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, so he won’t come cheap.

Brands amends

But if Everton truly want to launch an assault on those European places next season, it is names like Ocampos’ that they have to swoop in for.

Director of Football Marcel Brands produced a bit of a stinker last summer, splashing out a massive £34m on former Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi, who only delivered one goal in the Premier League all season.

Though this is a chance for the Dutchman to atone for his mistakes with Ocampos in another league to the Nigerian.

Per WhoScored, the 26-year-old has provided 18 goals and four assists whilst averaging 2.6 shots and 2.2 dribbles per game across the Spanish top-flight and the Europa League – the latter of which he has made the final for.

Ocampos is able to play anywhere along the front three too, so Ancelotti won’t be sort of uses for him. He’s pretty much the perfect all-round winger – pace to burn, dribbling skills and at 6 foot 3 a threat in the air, and from set-pieces.

He’s claimed to be playing with “confidence and swagger at the moment” which is something you won’t find in Ancelotti’s 12th-placed strugglers, therefore the Argentina international be the most welcome addition at Goodison Park.

AND in other news, Toffees could land an instant replacement for Djibril Sidibe…

أعلن الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر بقيادة البرتغالي كارلوس كيروش، قائمة أسماء اللاعبين المختارين للانضمام إلى معسكر الفراعنة استعدادًا لمباراة ليبيريا الودية.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع نظيره ليبيريا في المباراة الودية المقرر إقامتها في التاسعة مساء الخميس المقبل باستاد الجيش ببرج العرب.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لخوض مباراتي ليبيا في الجولتين الثالثة والرابعة من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لكأس العالم، يومي 6 و10 من شهر أكتوبر المقبل.

طالع أيضًا.. تأكيدًا لـ بطولات | رسميًا.. مباراة مصر وليبيا بدون جمهور

ووجه كارلوس كيروش المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر بوجوب حصول اللاعبين المختارين على راحة اليوم وغدًا قبل انطلاق معسكرهم ببرج العرب يوم الثلاثاء المقبل، شكره إلى الأندية على تفهمها لذلك وتجاوبها السريع. قائمة منتخب مصر لمباراة ليبيريا الودية

حراس المرمى: محمد الشناوي (الأهلي)، محمد أبو جبل (الزمالك)، محمد بسام (طلائع الجيش)، محمد صبحي (فاركو).

خط الدفاع: أحمد فتوح (الزمالك)، محمد عبد الشافي (الزمالك)، محمود حمدي  الونش  (الزمالك)، أيمن أشرف (الأهلي)، علي جبر (بيراميدز) – باهر المحمدي (الإسماعيلي)، أحمد توفيق (بيراميدز)، أكرم توفيق (الأهلي).

خط الوسط: حمدي فتحي (الأهلي)، عمرو السولية (الأهلي)، طارق حامد (الزمالك)، مهند لاشين (طلائع الجيش)، محمد مجدي أفشة (الأهلي)، عبد الله السعيد (بيراميدز).

خط الهجوم: محمد شريف (الأهلي)، مصطفى فتحي (الزمالك)، رمضان صبحي (بيراميدز)، ابراهيم عادل (بيراميدز)، أحمد زيزو (الزمالك)، أحمد سمير (طلائع الجيش).

MatériaMais Notícias

Nem tudo foi perfeito para o técnico Diego Aguirre neste sábado. Apesar da vitória do Atlético-MG por 2 a 0 diante da URT, que classificou o Galo para a final do Campeonato Mineiro pela décima vez seguida, o treinador teve que escutar as vaias do torcedor que compareceu ao Horto. Quando o placar ainda estava no perigoso 0 a 0, a torcida atleticana questionou a demora de Aguirre para fazer as alterações, o que só foi acontecer depois de Lucas Pratto abrir o placar.

– Achei que não era melhor fazer nenhuma substituição. Estava tudo bem no jogo, mas faz parte do futebol que queiram que eu troque um ou outro. Achei que o jogo estava controlado, as críticas naturais, por paixão e vontade de ganhar, o torcedor se manifesta. Ao longo de minha carreira, já transformei críticas em elogios e aplausos, e vai ser assim mais uma vez – falou o uruguaio.

RelacionadasAtlético MineiroAtleticanos comemoram vitória e 10ª final seguida no Campeonato MineiroAtlético Mineiro23/04/2016Atlético MineiroGalo desperta no segundo tempo, vence URT e está na final do MineiroAtlético Mineiro23/04/2016

Para Aguirre, o mais importante na tarde de sábado foi continuar tornando possível um dos objetivos atleticanos neste início de ano, que é levantar a taça do Mineiro.

– Se me perguntassem no começo da temporada, eu assinaria. Se me dissessem que estaríamos nas oitavas de final da Libertadores como primeiros do grupo, que estaríamos na final do Mineiro. Outra coisa não é possível fazer, não tem mais competição. Estamos alcançando o que queríamos – completou.

Falando em Libertadores, o foco do Atlético já está novamente voltado para o torneio continental. Nesta segunda-feira, a equipe vai embarcar para a Argentina e na quarta-feira faz o primeiro duelo das oitavas de final contra o Racing.

According to Le10Sport, Tottenham are interested in signing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves this summer.

What’s the word?

With the north London side heading into their first summer transfer window with Jose Mourinho in charge, all eyes will be on who the Spurs boss looks to bring in to reinforce his squad ahead of next season.

And according to French publication Le10Sport, Mourinho is eyeing up a move for Neves, claiming that the Lilywhites appear “only as the preferred track” for the midfielder.

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

The Portugal international had been linked with a move to Manchester United back in January, but it now seems as though Mourinho is keen to beat his former club to the punch this time around.

Midfield maestro

Spurs’ interest in Neves is completely understandable, especially given that Mourinho sang his praises even when he was manager at United.

Speaking after a 1-1 draw with Wolves, he said of both him and Joao Moutinho: “They press in midfield, these two Portuguese boys, they are both the kind of player that likes to bite, that likes to short distance, to press, they don’t give long time for you to have the ball, to turn, one touch, two touches, you don’t have much of that.”

The 23-year-old has fully settled into life in English football and the Premier League, and has the kind of overall package that would fit in well at Spurs. As per Whoscored, he has averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.6 shots per game, and it points to someone who is capable of affecting the game at both ends of the pitch.

Perhaps other than Moussa Sissoko, the north London side don’t have the kind of midfielder who is capable of breaking up play inside his own half, before becoming a major threat at the other end. It’s no surprise that Luis Castro, former manager at Porto reserves, said: “Neves has extraordinary mental qualities, to go along with technical and tactical skills. He is a player who has the ability to read and understand the game, and then react.”

With Christian Eriksen departing for Inter earlier this year, Spurs lost a player who could turn a game on its head with a moment of magic. According to Understat, from the 2014/2015 season, out of the total 44 times he has found the back of the net, the Denmark international has racked up a staggering 20 goals from 0utside the box.

Neves is built in that similar mould of finding something out of the top drawer, with four out of his six Premier League goals coming from outside the area. Having someone who can unlock the tightest of defences by unleashing an effort from long-range can prove to be the difference-maker. It’s exactly why Spurs would be so smart in bringing him to the club this summer.

Kevin De Bruyne, who has played a starring role in Manchester City’s side this season after coming back from an injury-ridden campaign, recently blasted the Euro 2020 format in a post-match interview after his native Belgium beat Cyprus 6-1. 

The Belgians qualified for Euro 2020 through finishing top of their qualifying group, beating the likes of Russia and Scotland to cement their place at the Championships next summer in a bid to take advantage of their golden generation and win a coveted international prize.

However, according to De Bruyne, the competition is already sucking the tension out of its group stage draw given the fact 12 cities throughout Europe will host games – with Wembley hosting the semi-final and final.

Judging by the format rules, Belgium already know who they are going to get – with Denmark and Russia looking like their Group B opponents due to the fact Ukraine and the Russians cannot play each other for geopolitical reasons.

Meanwhile, Belgium’s opponents will also have home advantage due to the fact they are both part of the 12 host nations.

De Bruyne, speaking to HLN Sport (via Daily Mail), labelled the competition a ‘disgrace’, stating:

“It’s a disgrace. For me this feels like competition distortion. Football has become more and more a business.”

As a result, City supporters had mixed reactions on social media, with a few confused about the format itself – and let’s face it, they aren’t the only ones:

City fans, do you agree with De Bruyne? Let us know in the comments below!

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes Nicolas Otamendi is often used as a “scapegoat”. The City icon has also praised the Argentine for his performances in the title-winning season of 2017-18.

What did he say?

Otamendi has had a tough start to this season and has found his position at centre-back under threat. As Vincent Kompany left and Aymeric Laporte got injured, the 31-year-old needed to step up. However, calamitous errors in the defeats to Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers have shone a light on his glaring frailties and lack of reliability.

However, Richards has defended the Argentine, claiming that he is used as a scapegoat for the club. The ex-City star told BBC 5 Live Sport: “I know he’s not played and he’s been going through a tough time,” he said.

“In these big games, this might be a game where he has a good performance and that can set his season up to have a great season.

“It’s a little bit difficult for him because where City are in the league, everything is under the microscope and I feel like sometimes he can be the scapegoat of Man City.

“Yes, he does dive in too much for my liking, but the season when they won the league they were calling him the General, he really had some really good performances. He just needs to get his confidence back and hopefully, it can be this Sunday.”

Proved his worth

There can be little doubt that Otamendi has had a tough demise over the past year. His shocking error against Norwich led to Teemu Pukki’s goal and three points dropped. Not long after this, the defender was unlocked at the back by Adama Traore twice in the game.

However, back in the 2017-18 season which Richards alluded to, Otamendi earned his way into the PFA Team of the Year and helped City drop just 14 points all year.

Otamendi has indeed been used as a scapegoat for City and yes he has had a tough time of late but, should be be selected in the starting XI on Sunday, he may have the perfect chance to redeem himself against Liverpool.

Nothing quite like a bit of nostalgia is there?

A look back at the past just to warm the heart and give you a chance to reminisce. Although thankfully you didn’t have to be too old to think back and take part in this debate.

As Chris Wilder pointed out the other day, the Blades have gone on a quite remarkable rise in the past couple of seasons. From near the bottom of League One to the top half of the Premier League in the space of three years.

Find out which Premier League newcomer is a future England boss in the making in the video below…

And it was those promotions that caused quite a bit of debate on Twitter. Famed Sheffield United YouTuber @IngoodNick17 asked the fans which of the two promotion seasons they enjoyed better, from League One to the Championship or from the Championship to the Premier League.

It was a close run affair, with the poll showing that 54% preferred the step up to the big time in the Premier League, but that doesn’t mean that those who preferred the first one didn’t put up any less convincing an argument.

Although both sides could agree on one thing, taking the opportunity to laugh at their Yorkshire rivals along the way.