Wales manager Chris Coleman has revealed he will be without Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey for the Dragons’ upcoming World Cup qualifier against Moldova. The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Liverpool, and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said he would not be fit until after the international break Coleman on Wednesday named his squad for the Moldova game in Cardiff on September 5, and said he expected Ramsey to be out for another three weeks. "When you've got a player as good as Aaron, take him out of any team and you are going to know about it,” said the Wales boss. "He is irreplaceable, he makes a huge impact for us. He is a great player and it's a shame he's not here. He's a loss to any team." Wales show … [Read more...]
Schweinsteiger: Manchester United will be my last club in Europe
Bastian Schweinsteiger has stated he will not leave Manchester United for another club in Europe, and stressed he is ready for action should the team need him. Schweinsteiger, 32, is yet to make an appearance for United since Jose Mourinho took over this summer. Sources have told ESPN FC that the midfielder remains a player United do not intend to keep, despite reports from Germany that he is set to stay at the club. The former Bayern Munich has taken to Twitter to elaborate on his future amid speculation of a move away from Old Trafford. A brief message to the amazing fans about my current situation. @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/Rf3jLKNwK4 - Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) August 24, 2016 He said: "MUFC will be my last club in Europe. I respect … [Read more...]
Hart ‘furious’ over Manchester City’s treatment by Guardiola
Out-of-favour Joe Hart is said to be furious at how he has been treated by Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, according to reports. Guardiola has dropped the England international for the opening three matches of the season, preferring Willy Caballero in goal, due to concerns over the England international’s ability with the ball at his feet. City are now set to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in a £17million move, which would see Hart be demoted further to third-choice stopper. According to the Daily Mail, Hart believes Guardiola decided he was going to replace him before the end of last season, but did not inform the player. The 29-year-old feels that he has now been left without sufficient time to secure a move elsewhere and now has a … [Read more...]
Jurgen Klopp hopeful Can injury not too serious
An injury to Emre Can threatened to sour Liverpool's evening following a comprehensive EFL Cup win at Burton but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp allayed fears over the midfielder. Can came off midway through the second half of Tuesday night's 5-0 victory after going to ground somewhat innocuously in some discomfort. The Germany international eventually regained his feet and was helped from the pitch, rather than having to be carried off on a stretcher, but immediately after the game it was too early to know the exact problem or its extent. Asked about Can, Klopp said: "I have no idea. He had a little pain in his ankle without any touch - I couldn't see any contact. "It was a long leg, then a little bit floppy and then he had pain. "But it is not that … [Read more...]
Sturridge at the double as Liverpool sink Burton Albion
Burton Albion had no answer to Liverpool as the Reds ran out 5-0 winners in the League Cup second round. Substitute Daniel Sturridge scored twice, while Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino were also on the scoresheet as Liverpool battered Burton Albion 5-0 to reach the League Cup third round on Tuesday. Jurgen Klopp's side, finalists in the competition last season, slumped to a disappointing 2-0 Premier League loss at Burnley on Saturday but an upset was never on the cards at the Pirelli Stadium. Origi put Liverpool ahead after just 14 minutes, tapping in from close range after Sadio Mane's trickery created a simple finish for the striker. Mane and Nathaniel Clyne then combined well for Firmino to double the lead before the break and an own goal from … [Read more...]
Michy Batshuayi scores twice as Chelsea edge past Bristol Rovers
Michy Batshuayi was at the double to fire Chelsea past Bristol Rovers in the League Cup, but the 3-2 scoreline was far closer than the Blues would’ve liked. A strong Blues line-up numbering five first-team regulars including Pedro and Nemanja Matic laboured against their League One opponents despite twice claiming two-goal leads as Michy Batshuayi scored either side of Victor Moses’ goal. Peter Hartley and Ellis Harrison, who fired the only goal of the second-half, gave Rovers hope of a famous upset against the Premier League giants and on more than one occasion they threatened an equaliser. But Eden Hazard and Oscar came on to reinforce Chelsea and the visitors eventually ran out of steam having given everything in pursuit of a prized … [Read more...]
Mamadou Sakho cleared of doping offence as World Anti-Doping Agency choose not to appeal Uefa verdict
Mamadou Sakho's doping affair has been brought to a close, with WADA saying it will not appeal against UEFA's decision to dismiss the case. The World Anti-Doping Agency will not lodge an appeal against UEFA's decision to dismiss proceedings against Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho after he failed a drugs test. Sakho tested positive for higenamine - a fat-burning drug - after his side's Europa League clash against Manchester United in March, and served an initial 30-day suspension. UEFA confirmed in July that it would not impose a further punishment on the France international after a consultation with the player's legal team and WADA-accredited laboratories, though there had been speculation that WADA itself could appeal against the decision following a … [Read more...]