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A potential exchange deal could be on the cards for Arsenal as we move towards the January transfer window, with manager Mikel Arteta and co reportedly weighing up the possibility of signing another winger.

Arsenal without Bukayo Saka until March after injury update

As recently confirmed by Arteta, star forward Bukayo Saka is set to be out for more than two months, meaning he won’t return till around at least March in what is a real blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes.

Agent travels to England as Arsenal eye January move for £50m Barcelona ace

His departure from the Camp Nou is a distinct possibility next month.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 27, 2024

In some better news for Arteta, Raheem Sterling’s knee injury isn’t as bad as first thought, but there is still no official timeline for the Englishman’s return, with Arsenal deploying Gabriel Martinelli on the right against Ipswich Town on Friday.

“The news with Raz, I think it’s better,” said Arteta on Sterling’s condition compared to Saka.

“We have to see this week how he evolves. But we expected the knee injury to probably take longer than actually the way the knee is evolving in the last few days. So, hopefully that’s good because we need him.”

In the meantime, Arsenal continue to monitor potential new wide options for January, as Saka’s presence will be very hard to replace – even if the likes of Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz can play in the Englishman’s position.

The likes of Barcelona’s Dani Olmo, PSG outcast Randal Kolo Muani and Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman have all stood out as wingers linked with January moves to Arsenal in the last week, with new potential transfer targets emerging on almost a daily basis.

Now, a report by MilanLive has mentioned Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze as an option.

Arsenal could offer Jakub Kiwior in swap deal for Samuel Chukweuze

The Italian news outlet claims that Chukwueze is of serious interest to Arsenal, and he would command a price tag of around £17 million if the Gunners wish to strike an outright permanent deal.

However, there is also an opportunity to sweeten the move by offering defender Jakub Kiwior in a potential swap deal.

The Poland international did a solid job filling in for Gabriel Magalhaes when the Brazilian was out injured, but he’s since been relegated back to the bench for Arsenal’s last three Premier League games.

MilanLive claims the Rossoneri are big fans of Kiwior, and that we should watch out for a “possible cross-deal” involving the 24-year-old and Chukwueze.

5 players who could leave Arsenal this January

A number of players could be on the move this winter…

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 17, 2025

“He’s positive, he believes in what he does. He understands what the team has to do on the pitch. He’s a quality player,” said former Milan boss Stefano Pioli on the Nigerian attacker.

“I’m very happy for him because he’s been through a difficult time. From the outside looking in, everything seems rosy but the boys are experiencing significant pressure. He believed in it and worked hard, which pleases me, the club and the team.”

Kiwior has been called a “sensational talent” during his time at Arsenal, often doing his job when required, but it is hardly a secret that he’ll struggle for minutes ahead of the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, William Saliba and Gabriel.

Prince William, the future King of England, has generated a "TV stampede" as broadcasters desperately try to snap him up as a pundit.

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• Passionate Aston Villa supporter
• Talked football ahead of Champions League clash
• Impressed fans and broadcasters

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The heir to the British throne, who is 42 years of age, impressed fans with his tactical acumen and knowledge of the game when featuring on TNT Sports ahead of his beloved Aston Villa’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

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• THE GOSSIP

  A video of the Prince discussing football quickly racked up over a million views on social media, with TNT, the BBC, Amazon Prime and Sky Sports all reportedly keen to line William up for future television work.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  claims that Prince William is "100 per cent" up for doing more punditry work, if said opportunities can be worked into his busy royal schedule. Villa will see their Premier League meeting with Newcastle on April 19 screened live by Sky Sports, before gracing the BBC when facing Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 26.

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• WHAT A ROYAL SOURCE SAID

  A royal source told : "Prince William absolutely loved the experience and would 100% be up for doing it again. He is a passionate football fan and has really enjoyed following Aston Villa's success this season.

  "He's definitely hoping some of their good fortune rubs off on the England team for their remaining World Cup qualifiers. William believes the beautiful game has the power to bring communities together and is really pleased his appearance has had such a positive reaction."

Whilst West Bromwich Albion’s main priorities at this moment in time rest on appointing a new manager, the January transfer window will also obviously be on the club’s mind.

After all, the Baggies will need some new recruits here and there to ensure they can sustain a battle for the rest of the season to be in and around those Championship playoff spots, regardless of who Carlos Corberan’s successor ends up being.

Whilst the rumour mill is very active in throwing out names in that regard, it is also going into overdrive with some rumoured incomings on the pitch at the Hawthorns, with this exciting loanee touted to make a move to the West Midlands.

West Brom make enquiry over Championship star

As per a fresh report by the Daily Mail Online, West Brom have made an enquiry about snapping up Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas, who is known to Championship fans already for some standout moments on loan at Stoke City this season.

Sheffield United are also named as an onlooker keen on adding the 19-year-old winger to their ranks this month, but the Baggies could hold an advantage in this tussle.

Koumas’ father Jason was a beloved figure for the promotion candidates when he dazzled defences on a regular basis as a maverick in the middle, with those at the Hawthorns now hoping his son can be equally as spellbinding in attack if a move does materialise.

It remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool will cut short the Stoke deal to allow West Brom to swoop in, but if a deal were to happen, Koumas’ addition might well have the same impact as Mikey Johnston’s arrival in through the door last January conjured up.

What Koumas can offer West Brom

The teenager will obviously hope he has a bright future at Anfield ahead, but in the here and now, the 19-year-old would love to make a step up the division and show the Baggies what he’s made of in the midst of a promotion push.

In a Stoke camp that has underperformed to the point where a managerial dismissal took place, the raw Welshman has still managed to stand out with an encouraging four goals and two assists tallied up from 29 appearances, which included this acrobatic effort against Bristol City sailing in back in October.

Koumas could also take to the pressure of playing for a team near the top of the Championship table in his stride, having scored on his senior debut for the Reds after lighting up many a youth pitch for his boyhood employers, with Jurgen Klopp labelling his contribution as “wonderful” to watch.

Of course, he won’t walk straight into the side, with the likes of Johnston shining in recent weeks in attack after he was once just a loan punt himself.

Now, he’s a consistent performer for his side week in week out after penning a permanent deal last transfer window, with nine goals and four assists amassed from 42 games.

There would have been some anxiety in the air that the Republic of Ireland international would be a flop, having put in some solid but unspectacular numbers for Celtic with 13 goals and 12 assists tallied up in Glasgow, but he would ultimately explode into life in England.

At least in this instance, it’s known that Koumas can perform at the level – and with the added plus that he can play all across the attacking positions – this will surely be an addition the new West Brom boss will love working with.

West Brom could hire Wicky alternative who "lives in the West Midlands"

West Bromwich Albion could now appoint this manager to replace Carlos Corberan.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 7, 2025

Arsenal scouts are now obsessed with a “fantastic” young midfielder after his impressive performances this season, according to a report.

Arsenal still within reach of Liverpool

Although Liverpool are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of the Premier League title, securing a 5-0 victory at West Ham United yesterday, a nine-point gap is by no means insurmountable for Arsenal in the second half of the season.

However, Mikel Arteta may have to bring in some reinforcements this winter in order to give his side the best possible chance of catching Arne Slot’s men, and the manager is believed to be keen on signing a new striker.

Randal Kolo Muani is on Arteta’s list of targets, with the Frenchman’s future at Paris Saint-Germain still uncertain, while a move for Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen is also being plotted, although a deal will not come cheap, with a £66m fee being touted.

Signing a new striker appears to be a priority for the Gunners, given the number of targets that have been identified, but Arteta still continues to cast his eye on players in other positions, who could make a more long-term contribution to the club.

One such player is Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Arsenal scouts said to be wowed by the Lille midfielder and ‘enamoured’ with his talent, having put in some very impressive performances so far this season. There may be stiff competition for Bouaddi’s signature, however, as he is on the radar of a number of top European clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

In 2023, the youngster broke a record by becoming the youngest player ever to play in a European club competition game, making his debut at 16 years and 3 days old. As the starlet does not turn 18 until October, a move to England is not possible in January, but he could leave Lille at the end of the season.

Arsenal hold talks for "magnificent" £40,000-a-week ace to replace Tierney

The Gunners are eyeing a potential bargain next summer.

By
Ben Browning

Dec 30, 2024

One for the future

The young Frenchman has added to his Champions League experience this season, making five appearances in the competition, no mean feat considering he is still just 17 years old. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has given an overview of the maestro’s abilities, saying he is a “midfield controller”, while also likening him to Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and describing him as “fantastic”.

Bouaddi is very much one for the future and it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal make a move for him at the end of the season, but Arteta’s more pressing concern will be strengthening his squad this January. With Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka now out injured, Arteta may have to strengthen his attacking options heading into the second half of the season, if his side are to have any chance of catching Liverpool.

Bayern Munich have reportedly moved ahead of Liverpool and Real Madrid in the race to sign Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who'll be sold for £50m

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• Kompany keen on signing Huijsen this summer
• Bayern ahead of Liverpool and Madrid in the race
• Bournemouth centre-back has £50m release clause in his contract

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to a report from TeamTalk, Bayern Munich have overtaken Real Madrid and Liverpool in the race to sign Bournemouth's star centre-back Dean Huijsen, with head coach Vincent Kompany desperate to work with the youngster.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bayern are reportedly working "very hard" to complete the deal in the coming weeks, hoping to sign him early in the transfer window, which opens officially on June 1. Kompany, who has been tracking the player since his time at Burnley and during the defender's loan at Roma, has made him a top priority for this summer.

  While the Bavarians prepared to offer a lucrative five-year contract, Real Madrid have been reported of having a keen interest in the Bournemouth centre-back and remain a major contender. The 19-year-old has admitted his dream is to play for Madrid, making them a serious threat in the race for his signature. Despite this, Bayern want to ensure they remain ahead in the race by becoming the first team to make an official offer for the Spaniard.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bayern Munich are poised for a significant summer of change, with key transfers already on the horizon. Club legend Thomas Muller has confirmed that this will be his final season at the Allianz Arena. Additionally, Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, could join Muller in departing the club.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?

  Kompany is experiencing a decent season at the helm for Bayern in his debut season in the Bundesliga. The Belgian head coach looks set to reclaim Bayern's throne in the league, as they currently lead rivals Bayer Leverkusen by six points. They are supposed to face Inter in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, April 8.

Rangers are looking to strengthen their team in what remains of this transfer window, but they could also be prepared to sell a £27,000-a-week first team player in the process, according to a recent report.

Rangers transfer news

It’s been an up-and-down start to 2025 for the Gers, as they started the year off with an excellent performance and victory over arch-rivals Celtic, but followed that game up by dropping points on the road at Hibernian and Dundee. That has resulted in pressure building on Philippe Clement, but the club are remaining behind their manager for now.

7 players who could be Rangers' new Steven Davis

Rangers are still looking for an heir to club legend Steven Davis, but who could fit the bill one day?

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 13, 2025

Rangers’ CEO Patrick Stewart has come out and backed Clement in public and, in the process, has also revealed that the club wants to sign a new centre-back in this transfer window: “The January window generally isn’t a particularly fruitful window. Most selling clubs do not want to sell their best players. We have no intention of selling the players that are performing on the park at the moment, and why would we expect any other club that’s challenging for trophies to do so.

“All of that said… I think there are a couple of scenarios where it can be really effective. Firstly, where a club has suffered injuries such as we have – particularly a centre-back – it is an opportunity to make a reactive signing. This is a position we’ve been looking at since December, and so we have been active in discussions.”

One defender they have their eye on is Burnley’s Hjalmar Ekdal, as Rangers have made an approach to the centre-back. The Clarets are expected to loan out the player this month, but the Gers are not the only team interested, as Stoke City, QPR and Middlesbrough have also made approaches for Ekdal.

Rangers could now sell frustrating forward this month

While the Gers look to add a new defender to their squad, a departure could occur from Ibrox this month, as Football Insider reports that Rangers could look to sell striker Cyriel Dessers amid interest in his services.

Dessers, who earns £27,000 a week at Ibrox, joined Rangers in July 2023 from Italian side Cremonese. The 30-year-old made a very good impact in his first season in Scotland, as he scored 16 goals in 35 Scottish Premiership games, and he scored two goals in Europe.

The Nigeria international has been among the goals once again this season, but he has been in and out of the side under Clement, starting 11 games in the league so far. The forward has found himself on the bench in recent games, and now Football Insider are reporting that Rangers could “sacrifice” Dessers this month.

It states that the Rangers man is wanted by Italian club Cagliari after his previous success in Italian football. Dessers has become a frustration to Rangers supporters with his performances, and there is now a “real possibility” he is sold before the close of this transfer window. Hamza Igamane is seen as the first-choice striker at Ibrox, and this means Dessers has slipped down the pecking order and therefore could be free to leave.

The 20-year-old midfielder overshadowed the likes of both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the Eastern Conference showdown

A moment of brilliance from U.S. international Benjamin Cremaschi was all that separated the Columbus Crew and Inter Miami Saturday afternoon, as the came away with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Wilfried Nancy's men. In a battle between the two lone unbeaten MLS teams through Matchday 8, the South Beach side came out on top – despite a relatively dominant performance from Columbus.

Miami are now the last unbeaten team in the league, with Saturday marking the first loss of the campaign for the Crew – despite a record home crowd of 60,614.

A first-half diving header from Cremaschi, delivered off a stupendous cross from Marcelo Weigandt 30 minutes into the match, was the lone goal – despite numerous attempts from each side. The majority of the game was with the ball on the feet of the Crew – Nancy's team had 59.6 possession and Miami barely found themselves with it at their feet.

Two key opportunities for Columbus, a wide-open shot from Diego Rossi and a header from Jacen Russell-Rowe, were some of their best chances. But the Crew lacked a clinical final touch all match. They created chance after chance, but only managed a mere three shots on target despite 15 total shot attempts. Miami had just two on target off of six attempts.

In second half stoppage-time, Hungarian forward Daniel Gazdag had a fantastic chance to draw level, but his brilliantly-timed run ended with a wide-open shot slipping off his boot and dragging wide. The new $4.5M forward couldn't prove to be the difference.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, was kept quiet all evening long by MLS veteran and standout midfielder Darlington Nagbe. The former U.S. international was the best performer on the pitch and barely let the Argentine out of his sight. Luis Suarez, too, lacked influence in the game.

A standout performance from Cremaschi at the No. 10 earned Miami three points, while some terrific defensive play from the likes of Sergio Busquets, Noah Allen and Gonzalo Lujan helped protect the lead.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

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• Goalkeeper & Defense

  Oscar Ustari (6/10):

  Very composed under pressure, played his line well and his positioning was spot-on throughout the match.

  Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):

  Fantastic assist for Cremaschi's goal, but was exploited defensively on more than one occasion.

  Gonzalo Lujan (7/10):

  Slid into a central role with ease. Looked composed and as if he belonged.

  Noah Allen (7/10):

  Not a center-back by trade, he was very composed and rarely found himself committing a mistake. A very well-rounded performance.

  Jordi Alba (7/10):

  So, so smart off the ball. Positioning throughout the evening was stellar, and he was one of Miami's best attacking threats.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Yannick Bright (6/10):

  Struggled to win or maintain possession in the middle of the park, but was constantly breaking up Columbus attacking opportunities.

  Sergio Busquets (7/10):

  Tasked with playing a very defensive game, he held his own against Darlington Nagbe – which is all you can ask of him in that scenario. Good performance.

  Benjamin Cremaschi (8/10):

  Incredible header for Miami's opener. Was terrific all match, and a physical presence that caught Columbus off guard.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Tadeo Allende (5/10):

  A few decent chances, but he was never on the same page as Suarez or Messi. Lacked urgency and quick wit on the ball.

  Luis Suarez (4/10):

  Was removed early in the second half after struggling to make any sort of impact. He struggled to keep up with the tempo of the match.

  Lionel Messi (5/10):

  Relatively quiet, he had some truly impressive moments on the ball, but his usual impact was missing. An unusual showing from the maestro – a testament to those defending him.

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  Subs & Manager

  Maxi Falcon (N/A):

  Locked in once introduced. Played just 13 minutes, but helped secure the clean sheet.

  Telasco Segovia (6/10):

  Relatively nonexistent despite logging 22 minutes + stoppage.

  Tomas Aviles (5/10):

  Played as a midfielder, he was a liability once brought on to the game.

  Fafa Picault (N/A):

  Helped stretch the game late on the counter, but was not on the pitch long enough to make a lasting impact.

  Javier Mascherano (6/10):

  Defensively, Miami were resilient, composed and fantastic off the ball. However, they lacked an idea going forward, and struggled with maintaining any sort of possession beyond 10 or so passes. Mascherano couldn't figure out how to get by the Crew defense, or find a way to get Nagbe off of Messi. It's a massive result for Miami, but the Argentine was outcoached by Nancy.

The Premier League has seen some of the game’s greatest goalscorers grace the top level of English football. But it isn’t just strikers who have got on the scoresheet, as there have been a few goalkeepers who have put themselves into the history books by netting at the other end.

Whether they have gone into the opposition’s penalty area in desperate search of a late goal, blasted one from their own box or simply cleared the ball on a windy day, there have been six occasions where goalkeepers have scored in the Premier League.

Here, we have taken a closer look at those goalkeepers and their moments in the spotlight.

The 10 best goalkeepers in the world right now (ranked)

Who’s the world’s best shot-stopper?

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By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 15, 2024

1

Peter Schmeichel

Everton v Aston Villa, 2001

Peter Schmeichel made history in the 2001/02 season when he became the first goalkeeper to score in the Premier League.

Schmeichel was playing for Aston Villa at the time, and the Midlands side came into the match unbeaten in the league. However, that run was ended in this game, as Villa were on the wrong side of a 3-2 defeat.

Goals from Steve Watson, Tomasz Radzinski and Thomas Gravesen put Everton in a comfortable 3-0 lead. Mustapha Hadji pulled a goal back for Villa with 19 minutes to go, and it wasn’t until the 90th minute when Schmeichel came up for a corner, and when the ball managed to find him in space, he slotted it home to make it 3-2, but it wasn’t enough for Villa to get anything from the game.

At the end of October, Villa found themselves at the top of the Premier League, but a run of 1 win in 11 games saw them fall out of the title race, and in the end, they finished in eighth, making it seven consecutive seasons of finishing in the top 10.

2

Brad Friedel

Charlton v Blackburn, 2004

Three years after Schmeichel, Blackburn Rovers’ Brad Friedel became the second goalkeeper to score in the Premier League.

The Addicks were in control of the game until the final moments as Carlton Cole and Jason Euell had given Charlton a 2-0 lead. However, Andy Cole gave Rovers some hope in the 74th minute, slotting into an empty net.

Then, in the final minutes of the game, Friedel got Blackburn level, as he went up for a corner and slotted the ball home with a left-footed shot from the centre of the penalty area.

Unfortunately for Friedel, this unexpected moment of delirium was short-lived, as Charlton went up the other end and scored in injury time, as Claus Jensen’s 25-yard strike was enough to beat the United States international.

10 times outfield players have gone in goal

Following Olivier Giroud’s recent heroics, Football FanCast has taken a look back at ten times outfield players have had to go in goal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 14, 2023

3

Paul Robinson

Tottenham Hotspur v Watford, 2007

In 2007, Paul Robinson got on the scoresheet in a Premier League game. Tottenham secured a 3-1 victory over Watford on the day, with Robinson on hand to help Spurs on their way.

Jermaine Jenas gave Spurs the lead in the 41st minute, and they managed to find a second in the most unlikely method. Tottenham had a free kick five yards outside their own penalty box with Robinson taking it; he hoofed the ball up the pitch, and it managed to not only bypass the Watford defence, but also the head of Ben Foster as the former Leeds ‘keeper notched from 80 yards.

Hossam Ghaly then netted Tottenham’s third of the game before Darius Henderson scored a consolation goal, meaning Robinson couldn’t collect a clean sheet to cap a perfect afternoon’s work.

The 2006/07 season was relatively successful for Spurs, as they finished fifth in the Premier League and reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, the semi-finals of the League Cup and the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

The 9 best super subs in Premier League history

Who has made the greatest impact from the bench?

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 27, 2024

4

Tim Howard

Everton v Bolton, 2012

The fourth goalkeeper to make the Premier League scoring charts was Tim Howard, who achieved the rare feat while playing for Everton.

The USA international scored in the Toffees’ 2-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park in January 2012. Howard gave Everton the lead from his own area as he lofted the ball long, and while it bounced 30 yards from Bolton’s goal, the wind took hold, and it helped it fly over ‘keeper Adam Bogdan.

Unfortunately for Howard, David N’Gog got the Trotters back on level terms before Gary Cahill hit a first-time shot past the American, which secured Bolton a much-needed victory.

5

Asmir Begovic

Stoke v Southampton, 2013

Asmir Begovic fortuitously netted in Stoke City’s 1-1 draw against Southampton in November 2013.

Not only did the Bosnian score, but he managed it 13 seconds into the match. The goalkeeper received the ball and decided to kick it long to get his team up the pitch, and while it cleared the Southampton defence, it also passed goalkeeper Artur Boruc to give the Potters the lead.

Stoke were not able to keep hold of that lead, as Jay Rodriguez levelled the match for the Saints to earn a draw.

The 2013/14 Premier League season was another strong campaign for the Potters, even though Tony Pulis had left and was replaced by Mark Hughes. Stoke finished ninth in the table, reaching 50 points, finishing six points behind Southampton in eighth place.

Who is Hilario? A look at England's new goalkeeping coach

Hilario is set to join Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions setup after many years at Chelsea as a player and coach.

By
Barney Lane

Dec 9, 2024

6

Alisson

West Brom v Liverpool, 2021

The last goalkeeper in the Premier League was Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, whose dramatic header came in 2021 as they secured a 2-1 against West Brom at The Hawthorns.

Hal Robson-Kanu gave the Baggies a lead in the contest before Mohamed Salah brought the visitors back level. Liverpool had a corner in the final moments, which Alisson decided to come up for. Not only did the Brazilian create havoc, but he rose the highest to nod home a winner and keep Liverpool’s faint top-four hopes alive.

Alisson’s winner was the first time that a goalkeeper had scored in a competitive game for Liverpool. The Reds would go on to secure Champions League football as they finished third in the Premier League.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor is "not concerned" about Lauren James' hamstring injury but has admitted she cannot put a timeline on her return.

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• Chelsea boss Bompastor "not concerned" by James injury
• But admits there is no timeline for Lionesses star to return
• Also provides updates on Girma & Kerr fitness

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  James withdrew from the England squad in between the Lionesses' two April fixtures against Belgium, having come off at half time in the first of those matches with a hamstring issue. Chelsea last week confirmed that the winger "will be out for a period of time" with the injury but did not specify how long for, raising concerns among England fans ahead of this summer's European Championships.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  James' absence has come at particularly tough timing for herself and Chelsea, too, as it meant the 23-year-old missed the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Sunday, which the Blues lost 4-1. As well as the second leg of that tie on Sunday, Bompastor's side have four Women's Super League outings remaining in their season, as well as an FA Cup final against Manchester United next month. It's unclear at this point if James will be able to be involved in any of these games.

• WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

  On Tuesday, Bompastor admitted she couldn't give a timeline for James' return, but did say she wasn't "concerned" by the blow. "I think she'll come back quite well from that injury," she said. "It just takes time because hamstrings in women's football are sometimes quite big injuries, but I think Lauren will be fine. It's difficult to put a timeline [on it], because everyone is different and in the rehab I think everyone can react in a different way. But I'm not concerned about LJ. She will be back. It's just a question of time."

  Bompastor was speaking in a press conference ahead of Chelsea's squad WSL clash with bottom side Crystal Palace on Wednesday, for which she confirmed the squad will be the same as the one that faced Barcelona. That is with the exception of centre-back Nathalie Bjorn, who will be "managed". Fortunately, that coincides with the return to fitness of Naomi Girma, who made her injury comeback at the weekend. "I don't think she will be fit enough to play 90, but she's fit enough to start the game, if she has to start," the Blues' boss added of the United States star.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  That means that Sam Kerr is still not back from her ACL injury, either. The striker sustained the devastating blow in January of last year and has been working through a long rehab ever since. When Chelsea added her to their Champions League squad ahead of the knockout stages, fans were hopeful that it was a sign that the Australia international was almost ready to return. However, when asked if Kerr will play at all this season, Bompastor couldn't be sure.

  "It's a difficult one for me to say, because again, everyone is different," she said. "Everyone reacts differently. So Sam is progressing in her rehab but I don't have enough elements to say if we will see her this season. Hopefully, yes, but it's difficult for me to say."

Simone Inzaghi admits a player like Lamine Yamal is “born once every 50 years”, with the Barcelona wonderkid starring against Inter.

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• Teenager continues to break records
• Illuminating European stage
• Barca's sights set on first final in 10 years

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  At just 17 years of age, Yamal continues to illuminate the grandest of stages. His outing against Inter was his 100th for Barca in all competitions – having made his senior breakthrough at 15.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The youngster netted another stunning goal in his latest appearance, helping Barca to a thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter that means there is still all to play for in their Champions League semi-final.

• WHAT INZAGHI SAID

  Inter coach Inzaghi told afterwards of trying to contain the hottest of prospects: “I’ve never seen a player like Lamine Yamal in the last eight or nine years. We had to put three on him and, obviously, spaces opened up elsewhere.

  “He caused us huge problems, as we had to double up the marking every time, it wasn’t enough, so by tripling up we’d leave gaps elsewhere and were forced to sit deeper.

  “Fortunately, he too lost some intensity over time, as Barcelona too have played many games this season. It was a very good second half performance.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Yamal has become the youngest player to score in a Champions League semi-final – taking that record from Real Madrid’s former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Kylian Mbappe.