The Cameroon international, 29, has responded well to initial treatment and will still travel to America for the three-game Premier League Summer Series later in July, but his time will be spent on recovery.

It means Altay Bayindir, 27, is likely to be Ruben Amorim’s first-choice goalkeeper in pre-season.

There had been major doubts over the Turkey international’s Old Trafford future after he lost out to Onana for selection in the Europa League final in May, despite the former Inter Milan keeper’s own dip in form.

It remains to be seen whether Onana’s injury forces United into the market for another goalkeeper, while there was speculation at the end of last season they may look for alternatives.

However, Amorim said he trusted Onana, who returned for pre-season training in the belief he would remain first-choice despite making a number of high-profile mistakes since joining from Inter in a £47.2m deal in 2023.

Former England international Tom Heaton, 39, signed a new one-year extension this week.

United’s other goalkeeping options are 21-year-old Czech Republic youth international Radek Vitek, who impressed on loan at Austria side FC Blau-Weiss Linz last season, as well as Poland youth international Hubert Graczyk, 19-year-old Elyh Harrison and 22-year-old Dermot Mee. They were all named on the bench by Amorim towards the end of the campaign, but have no senior experience.

United open their pre-season campaign against rivals Leeds in Stockholm on 19 July.

They play West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton in the United States from 27 July to 3 August, before completing their preparations against Fiorentina on 9 August at Old Trafford.

United’s opening game of the new Premier League season is against Arsenal on 17 August.

The 25-year-old had sustained the injury during the first quarter of the decisive game seven of the NBA Championship play-off finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder last month.

Haliburton fell down without any contact as he attempted to drive to the basket and was in obvious distress as he was helped from the court during the game that the Pacers lost 103-91 to end their hopes of a first NBA title.

Confirming the point guard’s lengthy absence, Pacers president Kevin Pritchard said he hoped Haliburton “will be back better than ever”.

“The surgery went well,” Pritchard told WISH-TV.

“He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardise that now. So don’t get any hopes up that he will play.”

A two-time All-Star, Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 73 games during the 24-25 regular season and 14 points, 5.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds during the NBA Finals.

He had played the decider against the Thunder despite suffering a calf strain in game five of the finals.

Haliburton became the third high-profile player to suffer a ruptured Achilles tendon in the play-offs, following the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard.

A similar injury had also kept Kevin Durant out for a full season when he was hurt in the 2019 NBA Finals while playing for the Golden State Warriors.

Barcelona pulled off a late 4-3 comeback victory against Celta on Saturday evening to extend their lead at the top of La Liga, but there were immediate concerns amid the celebrations, given Lewandowski was substituted in the 78th minute.

The Polish veteran clutched his hamstring in pain, and on Sunday, Barcelona released a statement on their official website giving details on the injury.

“Tests carried out this Sunday have confirmed that first-team player Robert Lewandowski has an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left thigh,” they wrote – the semitendinosus muscle being one of three in the hamstring.

However, there is no indication when the 36-year-old will be expected back, with the statement adding: “His return to team training will depend on how the injury progresses.”

Barca’s next match is on Tuesday evening in the league, at home to Mallorca.

It seems unlikely that Lewandowski will be fit for the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid on April 26, and there will be doubts over his involvement in their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan, with the first leg on April 30 at the Nou Camp.

Lewandowski has scored 40 goals in 48 appearances so far this season, and is the top scorer for the Catalans in the current campaign.

Pau Victor, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres are all options for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick as he searches for alternatives to the experienced Lewandowski.

Barcelona are currently seven points clear at the top of La Liga, with second-placed Real Madrid playing on Sunday evening at home to Athletic Club, with a game in hand.

The 33-year-old, who returned from six weeks out with a thigh injury against Fluminense on Sunday, was handed a start against Atletico-MG on Wednesday.

The former Barcelona forward was wearing a special number 100 shirt to commemorate his 100th appearances at Santos’ Vila Belmiro stadium.

But, after gesturing towards the bench following Alvaro Barreal’s goal to put the home side 2-0 up, Neymar sat on the field to await medical attention.

It was quickly decided that he could not continue and a clearly-emotional Neymar was taken off the field on a buggy, holding the left-thigh area that had kept him out for the previous six weeks.

Neymar was consoled by his own team-mates, as well as former Brazil team-mate and Atletico-MG forward Hulk.

“It’s still too early to give any definitive answer, we don’t have a diagnosis yet,” said Santos coach Cesar Sampaio.

“Now we really have to pray that it’s not something that will keep him out for a long time.”

The former Paris St-Germain forward has made eight appearances for Santos and scored three goals since returning to the club from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

Neymar, Brazil’s record scorer, has not played for the national side since October 2023 – when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

The forward was named in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Colombia but was forced to withdraw following injury.

The Netherlands international, 23, limped off in the second half of Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle and has been undergoing tests to determine the extent of the injury.

Head coach Ruben Amorim will address the issue when he speaks on Wednesday before the crucial Europa League match against Lyon at Old Trafford.

But multiple sources have indicated to BBC Sport there is some doubt over whether Zirkzee can feature again this season owing to the severity of the injury.

The news arrives as a blow to Amorim before Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, with the tie evenly-poised at 2-2.

Zirkzee, who has scored seven goals for United since his arrival from Bologna in the summer, started at Newcastle, having scored in the first-leg draw at Lyon.

United have six Premier League games left, their final one against Aston Villa on 25 May.

If United reach the Europa League final, they will play in Bilbao, Spain, on 21 May.

The Brazilian was substituted in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Fulham at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday.

The former Lille defender has started 28 of Arsenal’s 30 Premier League matches this term, helping the club to the best defensive record in the division with 25 goals conceded.

Arsenal say the 27-year-old is aiming to return to first-team action in time for the start of next season.

“Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with the aim to be ready for the start of next season,” the club said.

Arsenal are second in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with eight matches remaining.

The Gunners face holders Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side visit north London on 8 April (20:00 BST), before travelling to the Bernabeu for the second leg on 16 April (20:00 BST.

The Norway striker scored City’s equaliser in the comeback 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

However, Haaland – who had earlier seen a penalty saved – was substituted in the 61st minute after injuring his left ankle.

Haaland, 24, was later seen leaving the ground on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

City released a statement on Monday saying they hope to have Haaland available before the end of the season and for the Club World Cup.

The statement read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that Erling Haaland has suffered an injury to his left ankle.

“The Norwegian striker sustained the injury during Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final victory away at AFC Bournemouth.

“Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist consultation to confirm the full extent of the injury.

“Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain a full prognosis. The expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.”

Lamptey was sidelined for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar due to injury.

He also missed Brighton’s recent 2-2 draw against Manchester City, having already sat out the previous match against Fulham due to suspension.

Speaking ahead of Brighton’s FA Cup quarterfinal clash with Nottingham Forest, Hurzeler expressed optimism about Lamptey’s recovery.

“Tariq will be out for a longer time – he has an ankle injury,” Hurzeler said.

“I think there’s a chance that we will see him back [before the end of the season]. He is a good healer, I have a big trust in my medical staff and in Tariq’s mindset to be back on the pitch as quickly as possible.

“There’s a chance that he will be back in several weeks,” he added.

Despite Lamptey’s absence, the Black Stars continued their impressive World Cup qualifying campaign, thrashing Chad 5-0 and defeating Madagascar 3-0 to strengthen their position at the top of Group I.

Palmer picked up the injury in training and was ruled out of Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.

That was the first time the Blues had played without him since April last year, when they were beaten 5-0 by the Gunners.

Maresca thinks it is unlikely Palmer will join up with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

“I don’t think [he will be fit for England] to be honest,” Maresca said after the Arsenal defeat.

“His injury is from yesterday’s session. It’s a muscular problem…

“He needs a scan and the scan is planned for Monday morning.”

As well as Parker, Chelsea were also without striker Nicolas Jackson and winger Noni Madueke on Sunday – and Maresca rued the absent trio.

“It’s a huge difference. The three players who have the most goals for us [are] Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, none of them were inside the pitch,” Maresca said.

“Two of them it’s already long term that they have been out. It’s normal that offensively that we can struggle a little bit.

“I think even until today we are second or third best attacking in the league. We’re doing well with the other players but we could do better with the players that are in this moment injured.”

Palmer has had a hand in 20 of Chelsea’s 53 league goals this season (14 goals, six assists), but has not scored for the past seven Premier League games – and Maresca thinks a rest may help him rediscover his best form.

“We don’t wish for a player’s injury but in Cole’s case at this moment, probably give him some rest physically and mentally it could be good,” added Maresca.

England play Albania on Friday in their first match under new head coach Tuchel as they start their qualification campaign for the World Cup in 2026, before playing Latvia at Wembley.

Neymar was due to make his Selecao return after a 17-month absence because of a knee injury which he sustained against Uruguay in October 2023.

But the 33-year-old has now had a further setback, ruling him out of the qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

“The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I won’t be able to wear the most important jersey in the world for the moment,” he wrote on Instagram.

“We had long conversations and everyone knows of my desire to return, but we agreed that it’s best not to take any risks and prepare as best as possible to completely eradicate the injury.”

Following a difficult spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Neymar moved back to boyhood club Santos in January and has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven appearances in the Brazilian top flight.

Only Cafu (142) has more caps for Brazil than Neymar (128) – who is his country’s record scorer with 79 goals, two more than Pele.

Brazil head coach Dorival Jr has also called up Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri for Manchester City’s Ederson and Flamengo defender Alex Sandro to replace team-mate Danilo.

Endrick, 18, has made 28 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions this season, scoring six goals.

He has made 13 senior appearances for Brazil and scored three goals.

The Germany forward will miss the remainder of the campaign after sustaining a hamstring injury during a winter training break in Dubai.

Havertz will have surgery on the issue and is not expected to return until pre-season.

“He was going to stop a shot after a set-piece and stretched the leg and he felt his hamstring,” Arteta said.

“We were having a great camp in Dubai, recharging, training, having some time off and connecting again with nature and a different environment.

“And then the injury happened in a very unexpected way, certainly. So it’s a big blow, obviously, because of the injuries that we have.

Havertz joins Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the sidelines, leaving Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and teenager Ethan Nwaneri as the side’s only recognised forwards.

Arteta has had to deal with a number of injury issues throughout the season, with the likes of Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori all missing lengthy spells.

In September, Manchester City captain Rodri said players were ‘close’ to going on strike to protest against the increase in matches due to revamped Uefa competitions and a Fifa Club World Cup.

A week later, he was ruled out for at least six months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

“We’ve had players who are injured who’ve played 130 games in the last two seasons so it’s an accident waiting to happen when you continue to load, load and load,” said Arteta.

“The intensity is at a different level and the demands in terms of minutes in this competitive environment is getting higher and higher and it’s a consequence of that.

“The amount of muscle and tendon injuries is higher than ever so there’s a relationship.

“We’re very limited and we’re training less than ever. There’s no time for training.”

With the transfer window now closed, Arteta says he would consider signing a free agent to ease the club’s injury crisis in attack.

“I’ll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there,” he said.

Are there ‘more muscle injuries than ever’?

Ben Dinnery, founder of Premier Injuries, says there has been a reduction in injuries this season compared to the previous campaign.

“The narrative is that injuries are going through the roof this season, but they are actually not,” Dinnery told BBC Sport’s Football News Show.

“In terms of time loss absence we’ve actually seen a reduction season on season over the same period compared to 2023-24 by roughly 13%.”

However, Dinnery says there has been an increase in muscle injuries such as hamstring strains.

“I’s the type of injuries [getting more severe] and the length of return to play that is taking a little bit longer,” said Dinnery.

“When we took the 2023-24 season in isolation, looking at the previous four on average, we’ve seen an increase in hamstring injuries, certainly at the severe end, by about 65%.

“By severe we mean hamstring injuries that are likely to keep a player out for more than 30 days. That isn’t an outliner, numbers this season are continuing on that trajectory.”

Switzerland international Akanji, 29, sustained the injury in Tuesday’s 3-2 Champions League knockout phase play-off defeat by Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium.

“He has surgery on Saturday. Eight to 10 weeks out,” manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday.

The groin injury suffered by Jack Grealish in the same first-leg match is less serious. However, Guardiola said he does not think the England international will be available for Saturday’s Premier League home game against Newcastle United.

On Grealish, Guardiola said: “It’s not as tough as what Manu [Akanji] has done, but I don’t know if he will be ready tomorrow.

“I don’t think so, but we will assess him.”

Akanji has started 20 of City’s 24 Premier League games this season, among 30 appearances across all competitions.

City, who lost key defensive midfielder Rodri when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September, are fifth in the Premier League – with last season’s champions 16 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Akanji’s injury comes after fellow defenders John Stones, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias only recently returned from absences.

“We only wish the best recovery for Manu [Akanji]. The effort he has done this season has been unbelievable,” Guardiola said.

“Him and Nathan [Ake] have played in difficult conditions. Help the team in [an] emergency. Helped in right-back.

“In the end the body said enough is enough.”

The Premier League club say the 25-year-old will require surgery and is expected to continue his rehabilitation into pre-season for the 2025-26 campaign.

Havertz’s absence will leave the north Londoners without a recognised striker for the remainder of this season.

The Athletic first reported a torn hamstring and that his season was likely to be over, external.

Arsenal said: “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.

“Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.

“Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.

“Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

Manager Mikel Arteta is likely to be asked about Havertz’s injury lay-off at Friday’s news conference before his side take on Leicester City on Saturday.

Striker Gabriel Jesus has also had surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, while star forward Bukayo Saka has had surgery on a hamstring injury sustained in December.

Gabriel Martinelli injured his hamstring last week in the Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle and is reportedly out for “more than one month”.

Havertz has made 34 appearances this season and is the club’s top scorer with 15 goals and five assists.

The addition of Havertz to that injury list will leave Arteta seriously short of goal scorers after the club were unable to sign attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window. The Spanish boss said he was “disappointed” with the lack of activity with an offer for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins rejected.

Rumours linking them to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson went nowhere.

Criticism had already been levelled at Arsenal even before these injury problems with many pundits and fans suggesting they needed a striker to maintain hopes of competing for a trophy.

Arteta said last week that Havertz might have to start every game for the rest of the season, adding that his other options to play in the position would be wingers Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal flew out for warm-weather training last Thursday after being knocked out of the EFL Cup by Newcastle in the semi-final. They were not involved in this weekend’s FA Cup fixtures following their third-round defeat by Manchester United.

Last season, after a similar break, Arsenal went on to win 16 of their next 18 games.

They are second in the Premier League, seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

The Athletic is among the outlets reporting the news ahead of the Gunners’ trip to face Leicester at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Germany international has been a crucial part of Arsenal’s attack so far this season, scoring 15 goals and registering five assists across all competitions.

His most recent goal came in Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of defending champions Manchester City at The Emirates earlier this month.

The injury is a bitter blow for the north London club’s title hopes, with their other star striker Gabriel Jesus also currently injured.

The Brazil international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee during Arsenal’s defeat against Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup.

Arsenal also look light out wide after injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

England international Saka has missed his side’s last seven Premier League fixtures after picking up a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in December.

Jesus’ compatriot Martinelli looks set to be out for the foreseeable future with a hamstring injury he suffered during the Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Newcastle.

The Gunners are currently second in the Premier League table, six points behind league leaders Liverpool.

They are still competing on two fronts after qualifying automatically for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The forward went down in concerning fashion during the first-half of Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Jesus was stretchered off the field and replaced by Raheem Sterling, and reports emerged on Tuesday that the Brazilian suffered an ACL injury, as first reported by The Athletic – which would keep him sidelined for a prolonged period.

“Not looking good at all,” Arteta said ahead of his side’s derby clash against Tottenham on Wednesday.

“But we need to review with the specialist and will have more information this afternoon.”

The Gunners’ boss added: “I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried straight after the game and we are very worried today.”

The suspected long-term issue is an untimely blow for Jesus and Arsenal, after the forward found goalscoring form towards the end of December – netting six goals in a span of four matches, including a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

Jesus’ absence also adds to the title challengers’ injury list, which includes the influential Bukayo Saka, alongside Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

As a result, Arteta is suffering with a shortage of attacking options, and the Spaniard confirmed the club are “actively looking” to bolster their ranks in the January transfer window.

“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad, that has been the same since day one,” Arteta said. “We are looking, we are trying. Let’s see what we are able to do.”

Arsenal sit level on points with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table, six behind leaders Liverpool – who have a game in hand.

Fofana, 24, has not played for Maresca’s side since suffering the issue against Aston Villa on December 1.

The Frenchman’s issue may be more serious than first thought, with Maresca stating that the defender missing the remainder of the season is now a possibility, in addition to fellow French defender Benoit Badiashile also being set for a period on the sidelines.

Maresca said: “Unfortunately, Wes (Fofana) will be out for a very long time and Benoit (Badiashile) will be out at least until February. The only two big (injury) updates are on Wes Fofana and Benoit. Unfortunately, he (Fofana) could be out for the season. We don’t know exactly if it will be for the entire season, he could be out for part of the season.

“Every time you ask me about Wes, I have said many times that I am in love with Wes. Wes is that kind of defender who can give you the chance to press and be aggressive, to leave him one-v-one with Ollie Watkins on the pitch.

“We did exactly the same with Benoit Badiashile before his injury one-v-one with Dominic Solanke on the pitch and they can deal with that. It is very difficult to find that kind of defender. Unfortunately, both are injured and we are trying to find a solution. But for sure, Wes is a huge loss.

“It was the first update (after the Aston Villa game), the first information we had. On making the test we realised it (Fofana’s injury) was worse than what we thought at the beginning.”

Maresca also confirmed that Fofana had sustained a torn hamstring, saying: “Yes (it is a bad tear). It is his hamstring and unfortunately, we are going to lose him for a while.

“I don’t think this injury can be compared with the rest. This one is muscular and I don’t think previously he had any muscular problem. It is a different kind of injury. He is a bit unlucky but he will be back, and he will be back hopefully the same as before his injury.”

Fofana has struggled to maintain fitness since joining Chelsea from Leicester City in the summer of 2022 with several serious injuries resulting in long periods out of action for the France international.

Successive knee injuries in 2022 forced him to be sidelined for much of his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

He underwent reconstruction surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in July 2023, forcing him to miss the entirety of the 2023/24 season.

While playing for Leicester in August 2021, Fofana sustained a broken leg during a friendly against Villarreal. This resulted in him missing eight months of action and the majority of the 2021/22 season.

Prior to the hamstring injury he sustained in December, Fofana had made 12 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this campaign, forming a burgeoning centre-back partnership with Levi Colwill at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.

The injuries have limited Fofana to making just 32 appearances for Chelsea.

The winger, 23, went off in the first half of Arsenal’s 5-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace on 21 December and left the stadium on crutches.

Saka is a key player for the Gunners and has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 games in all competitions this season.

Arsenal beat Ipswich 1-0 on Friday night in their first game since Saka’s injury and, speaking after the win that took them up to second place, Arteta confirmed the timeline for the England international’s recovery.

“He had a procedure,” said the Gunners boss. “Everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.

“I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.

“It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.”

Arsenal, though, have been handed a welcome fitness boost over Raheem Sterling, with the forward expected to return quicker than expected.

Before the match with Ipswich, Arteta had said the 30-year-old Chelsea loanee would be out for “weeks” with a knee injury.

However, the problem is not as bad as first feared and Sterling could be available for selection again soon.

“Yes, we have to see this week how he evolves,” added Arteta. “We probably expected the knee injury to take longer than it has evolved in the last few days. Hopefully that’s good news because we need him.”

Arsenal, who are six points behind leaders Liverpool in the table, are next in action on New Year’s Day when they visit Brentford.

The England attacker was forced off during Saturday’s 5-1 win against Crystal Palace and left Selhurst Park on crutches.

Saka, 23, has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists across 24 games in all competitions this season.

“It’s not looking good,” said Arteta. “He’s going to be out for many weeks.

“It is what it is. He’s injured, we cannot change it. We’re going to use this time now to help him.”

Arteta said he was “putting some ideas together” to deal with Saka’s absence and Arsenal had experience in coping without key players having lost captain Martin Odegaard to injury this season.

Asked whether Saka had “torn” something in his hamstring, Arteta replied: “Yes. Probably there are ways to prevent the injury.

“There are a lot of factors. We are looking at everything and what we can do differently.”

Arteta added Saka was “gutted” and “really emotional” after discovering the severity of his injury.

The Spanish coach also confirmed that Raheem Sterling is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury.

“He is going to be out for weeks,” said Arteta. “He needs some further testing tomorrow.”

The Gunners next face Ipswich at Emirates Stadium in the league on 27 December (20:15 GMT kick-off).

Dias, who suffered the injury in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester United, will miss the entire festive programme and potentially the FA Cup third-round tie with Salford on 11 January.

The 27-year-old also faces a battle to be fit for City’s crucial Champions League trip to Paris St-Germain on 22 January.

Dias has already missed seven games with a calf injury this season, adding to a defensive injury list that has seen John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Kyle Walker all ruled out at various points, while Ballon d’Or winner Rodri will miss the remainder of the domestic season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.

“It’s a muscular problem and he will be out for three to four weeks,” said Guardiola.

“After 75 minutes against United he felt something. But he’s so strong and wanted to stay on the pitch. Now he’s injured.”

Guardiola confirmed Stones, Akanji and midfielder Mateo Kovacic have all trained this week and could feature at Aston Villa on Saturday (12:30 GMT), but said goalkeeper Ederson was “a doubt” with an unspecified problem.

Amid City’s current run of one win in 11 games, surprise has been expressed about Guardiola’s use of youngsters James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly.

City made a point of keeping both players despite numerous loan options. Yet McAtee has made just two substitute appearances – coming on in the last minute on both occasions – while O’Reilly is yet to make his league debut.

But it seems they will stay at the club for the second half of the season, with Guardiola replying “I don’t think so” when asked if players might leave during the January transfer window.

Guardiola ‘honest’ with his feelings

Guardiola’s mood was so downbeat in the immediate aftermath of the United defeat it was easy to imagine he might conclude he was no longer capable of doing the job.

He gave his players a couple of days off afterwards and was brighter when he spoke to journalists in his scheduled briefing before the Villa trip.

“We’d just finished a game that we lost in the circumstances and I was not happy,” he said.

“I try to be honest about the feelings of my teams. We fell down six times [number of Premier League games without a win], we have to stand up seven. There is no alternative.

“I’m fine. I’m a normal person with feelings like all of us. When the situation is going well we are better but it’s normal. I would not go to the press conference if we were 1-0 up and expressing something that I didn’t feel.”

The 17-year-old, of Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean heritage, sustained the injury during Barcelona’s recent match against CD Leganés on Sunday.

Yamal suffered a blow to his right ankle, and Monday’s medical tests revealed a grade 1 injury to the anterior tibiofibular ligament.

A club statement said: “Lamine Yamal received a blow to the right ankle during the game against CD Leganés on Sunday.

“Tests carried out on Monday have revealed that the player has a grade 1 injury to the anterior tibiofibular ligament in the ankle. The player is expected to be out for 3 to 4 weeks.”

Yamal was substituted in the 75th minute, with Gavi coming on in his place. Barcelona has confirmed that the young winger will be unavailable for the next few weeks.

The talented forward has been a key performer for Barcelona this season, contributing six goals and 11 assists across all competitions.

Chelsea have not put an exact timeframe on James’ return and have not confirmed the outcome of this week’s scan. But it is understood that James may not return until the New Year, depending on how his recovery goes.

As well as providing James with the best possible rehabilitation programme, Chelsea are also aware of the mental battle James faces and will support him in every possible way.

That includes not putting pressure on him to rush back and attempting to minimise the focus on a set timeframe.

James was said to be devastated at his latest injury setback, having only played 654 minutes of football since being named Chelsea captain 15 months ago.

Head coach Enzo Maresca said that Chelsea do not want to put pressure on James, who last year gave an insight into the mental toll that his injuries place on him.

Writing on social media last December, after undergoing surgery on his hamstring, James said: “Since this injury I’ve had a good amount of support but significantly more hate and negativity. Believe me I don’t wanna be injured, I’m happiest when I’m playing football.

“Thanks to the understanding people that support me despite the highs or the lows, it goes a long way.”

Following confirmation of his latest injury last week, James wrote another message on social media that said: “This message is to the people that understand and have respect for what I’m going through… I appreciate you so much, your support and kind words go further than you could ever imagine.

“And just to touch on me… I’m doing okay, been better and also been worse. Another challenge ahead accepted. Eventually I’ll come out on top. Against all odds.

“Lastly, I’d like to touch on the festive period coming, these times are tough for everyone! I wish you all a happy and peaceful festive season.”

Chelsea play nine games in December, starting against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, during which time they will travel to Tottenham Hotspur and end the year with a trip to Ipswich Town.

Fatawu was withdrawn at halftime after experiencing discomfort in his knee.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed that the Leicester City player had “significant issues with his knee” and was not included in Ghana’s second game against Niger.

The 20-year-old took to Instagram to share news of his successful surgery, writing:

“All glory be to Almighty Allah. My surgery was successful, and I just want to tell you that I am okay and feeling good.

I want to thank everyone for your best wishes.”

Fatawu has registered 2 assists in 11 league appearances so far this season for Leicester City.

It remains uncertain whether Abdul Fatawu Issahaku will recover in time for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, where Ghana is set to face Chad and Madagascar.

The 32-year-old Brazil striker was substituted 86 minutes into the Saudi Arabian club’s 3-0 win against Iranian side Esteghlal in the Asian Champions League Elite on Monday.

“It felt like a cramp, only very strong. I’m going to have some tests and I hope it’s nothing too serious,” the Brazilian said on Instagram.

“It’s normal for this to happen after a year. The doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes.”

Neymar had a prolonged spell on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

He has played only seven matches for Al-Hilal since his move from Paris St-Germain in August 2023.

The visitors, already without six first-team players for the game, lost defender Manuel Akanji with a calf issue in the warm up.

Forward Savinho was then taken off on a stretcher in the 63rd minute of the game after appearing to hurt his ankle.

Guardiola also said defender Ruben Dias, who went off at half-time, is “struggling” sometimes.

“We have 13 players, we are in real difficulties,” Guardiola said.

“The guys that play, they finish most of them with problems and we’ll see how they recover.

“I think we are in trouble, because in nine years we’ve never been in the situation with so many injuries.

“The players make a step forward, more together than ever, and we will try to do this week in this short time of recovery.”

How long are Man City’s injured players out for?

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri is out for the rest of the season with injury

Defensive midfielder Rodri is out for the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September.

Attacking midfielder Oscar Bobb is also out long-term after fracturing his leg in August. Guardiola said at the time he would be out for “three or four months”.

Kevin de Bruyne, who missed five months of last season following surgery, is out with a thigh injury and while he was initially expected to be only out short term, Guardiola said recently that he “didn’t know”, external when he would be fit.

Full-back Kyle Walker is out with a knee injury with no date on a potential return, while forwards Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish have missed recent games with injuries. Guardiola said he did not expect, Doku to be fit before the November international break.

Prior to Wednesday’s game, Guardiola had named only seven substitutes against Southampton at the weekend and against Sparta Prague last week, with two goalkeepers included on the bench for the latter.

“Tomorrow we have two goalkeepers and Erling Haaland in the training session,” Guardiola said after the Tottenham loss.

“The rest, we don’t have anything else.”

Do Man City really have just ’13 players’?

Going by the squad list on Manchester City’s official website, it does appear that Guardiola’s claim is accurate.

Obviously he will be able to call upon youth-team players, but excluding those injured, these are Manchester City’s available first-team outfield players:

Defenders:

Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis, John Stones, Josh Wilson-Esbrand

Midfielders:

Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, James McAtee, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva

Forwards:

Erling Haaland

That adds up to 13 outfield players but includes Josh Wilson-Esbrand, who has not made a first-team appearance for the club.

How badly could it affect Man City?

Guardiola said in the build up to Wednesday’s game his main hope was to get through it without any more injuries.

Although they lost to Spurs, the young players in the Manchester City side showed promise and only a brilliant block on the line denied 19-year-old Nico O’Reilly scoring a late equaliser.

Manchester City are top of the Premier League, unbeaten in Europe but have failed to reach the League Cup quarter-finals, and Guardiola said recently if injured players don’t come back soon then his side will struggle to compete in multiple competitions.

“If these guys don’t come back as quickly as possible, we’ll struggle, because we cannot sustain with just 14, 15 players for the season,” he said.

“We need the players to come back.”

The Brazil international was hurt in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday and was replaced by Vitezslav Jaros after 79 minutes.

Liverpool do not expect Alisson to be back before the next international break, which takes place 11-19 November following a round of league games.

Prior to that, the Premier League leaders face top-flight matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa, while they play RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup.

Caoimhin Kelleher missed the game at Palace because of illness but is expected to replace Alisson in goal.

“It is quite clear then that he [Kelleher] is the number two,” said Liverpool boss Arne Slot following the game at Selhurst Park.

“Otherwise, the last time Alisson was injured I would have played Vit, but I played Caoimhin. So Caoimhin is the number two and did really well.”

Kelleher came in for Alisson when the 32-year-old had a spell out in September, playing in a league win against Bournemouth and League Cup victory against West Ham.

Liverpool’s first game following the November international break is at Southampton on 24 November, before they then face Real Madrid, Manchester City, Newcastle United and local rivals Everton.

Maguire was hurt in the first half of United’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday and was substituted at half-time, before leaving Villa Park in a protective boot.

“Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sideline for me but I’ll come back stronger,” Maguire posted on Instagram.

The 31-year-old was not included in Lee Carsley’s England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.

Maguire, who missed Euro 2024 because of a calf problem, has appeared nine times for United so far this campaign, scoring in the 3-3 Europa League draw against Porto on 3 October.

United are next in action at home to Brentford on 19 October.

The midfielder limped off during Norway’s Nations League win over Austria on Monday, 9 September.

Odegaard had gone down in pain after hurting his left ankle following a foul by Christoph Baumgartner midway through the second half.

He returned to Arsenal for an MRI scan and missed his side’s 1-0 win at Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.

“The scan showed some damage around the ligaments in the ankle so we are going to miss him,” said Gunners boss Arteta before his side play Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday.

“It’s something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months.”

Odegaard’s injury means the 25-year-old will miss the trip to Italy and his second-placed side’s visit to leaders Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

“He’s our captain,” added Arteta. “He’s been one of the biggest and best players in our team.

“Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves. It’s a big test for the team to see how able we are to show a different face.”

The 26-year-old appeared to suffer muscle discomfort after scoring in Sunday’s 4-1 league win at Girona and was substituted in the 61st minute.

Olmo, who signed from RB Leipzig for €55million, missed the first two games of their season due to registration issues but has played in all three since.

He has netted three goals in those appearances, with only Robert Lewandowski netting more so far (four).

Olmo’s injury is a blow to Hansi Flick’s side as they begin their Champions League campaign against Monaco on Thursday, having already made a perfect start to LaLiga, with five wins from five.

The Spaniard is set to miss at least six games up to the October international break.

The 21-year-old Norway international sustained the injury in a non-contact situation when he was turning.

City are set to assess the full extent of the injury and it is possible he will fly to Barcelona to have further treatment.

Bobb, who joined City from Valerenga in 2019, has impressed for Pep Guardiola’s side during pre-season and played 89 minutes of the Community Shield win against Manchester United.

With a number of City’s international players having only just returned to training this week, Bobb was expected to feature in their Premier League opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Bobb made 26 appearances for City last season and signed a new five-year contract in February.

Hojlund had given his side a 10th-minute lead when he burst onto Marcus Rashford’s first-time pass, outmuscled young defender Ayden Heaven, then beat keeper Karl Hein with a shot through his legs.

The Dane turned a low Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross wide from close range before seeming to experience a muscle injury after 15 minutes that meant he could not continue.

Yoro’s exit was equally innocuous. The 18-year-old defender, who only joined United from Lille 10 days ago, went down and needed lengthy treatment before he too called it a day.

Given the huge number of injuries that wrecked last season for manager Erik ten Hag, to lose two senior players in such a manner fewer than three weeks before United open their new Premier League campaign against Fulham at Old Trafford on 16 August is not ideal.

“We have to wait 24 hours and then we will hopefully know more,” Ten Hag told MUTV.

“We were very careful, especially with Leny. It is disappointing he had to come off but let’s be positive and see what comes out.”

Despite the bright start, the result was not to the Dutchman’s satisfaction either.

Gabriel Jesus levelled with a close-range finish after 25 minutes, which Ten Hag was certain should have been disallowed for offside, before substitute Gabriel Martinelli cut inside 17-year-old rookie full-back James Scanlon to score the winner.

United did triumph in a pre-arranged penalty shoot-out that followed, with Jadon Sancho scoring the decisive spot-kick to seal a 4-3 win.

Injury woe for Ten Hag

Ten Hag made the demands being placed on players this season a theme of his pre-match news conference, stating the campaign itself would be a “survival of the fittest” and that “it will happen” when talking of injuries.

The reality must have exceeded his worst fears as first Hojlund, then Yoro went down of their own accord.

Hojlund appeared to feel his groin before making his way straight down the tunnel. Yoro took the longer route after lengthy treatment but was walking exceptionally slowly and seemed to be in a lot of discomfort.

Victor Lindelof had also been ruled out with an injury ‘niggle’, so 20-year-old Rhys Bennett, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Stockport, took over as Harry Maguire’s defensive partner.

If injuries were the negative, the positive from the performance for Ten Hag was the performance of midfielder Mason Mount.

The former Chelsea man was one of the players who spent as much time on the treatment table as the pitch last season but in front of over 60,000 spectators, Mount probed in the manner of old and looked a genuine threat at times.

Arsenal in the groove

As was the case against Bournemouth four days ago, Emile Smith-Rowe was left out of the Arsenal matchday squad as negotiations continue over a proposed move to Fulham.

Riccardo Calafiori is expected to be confirmed as a new signing in the next 48 hours and with the likes of England duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka to join up once they return to London, Arsenal will eventually look a lot different to how they did here.

Yet, in patches, they showed a fluidity in possession their opponents could not match.

Much to his manager’s frustration, one move came to an abrupt end when skipper Martin Odegaard appeared to be taken out by Bennett without a free-kick being awarded.

Jesus looked particularly lively for Arsenal and Martinelli, who has only just returned following Copa America duty with Brazil, was a threat from the moment he came on, with 19 minutes left.

By that time Jonny Evans was the only experienced player in United’s defence and the Brazilian took advantage to win the game.

“One training session and he comes in and plays at that level,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “That’s the mentality of the team and individuals.

“Gabriel looks really sharp. He has changed a lot of things over the summer. You can see. The way he looks, his rhythm, his sharpness.

“You can see it in his eyes. There’s some spark there. Now he has a point to prove and that is good.”

What kind of pitch was Arsenal v Man Utd played on?

The game was played on a grass pitch grown especially for the game and will be taken out on Monday to prepare the stadium for other events due to be held.

While stadium officials said the move was cost effective, when asked about the environmental impact, they said attempts to find another party to take the pitch had so far proved unsuccessful.

The Arsenal winger, 22, has not been able to take part in training since reporting for international duty.

The Football Association said Saka had reported to St George’s Park earlier in the week with an injury.

Saka has returned to Arsenal, who play at title rivals Manchester City on 31 March, for “continued rehabilitation”, according to an FA statement. 

England face Brazil at Wembley on Saturday before hosting Belgium at the national stadium on 26 March.

Saka’s withdrawal is a setback for England boss Gareth Southgate.

England have just two more scheduled matches after this international break – against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 3 June and Iceland on 7 June – before their opening game of Euro 2024 against Serbia on 16 June.

The FA statement said no further replacements are planned as a 25-man England squad continue their preparation for games against Brazil and Belgium.

Saka has been in fine form for his club this season, with Arsenal top of the Premier League with 10 games to go and facing a two-legged Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

He has scored 16 goals for the Gunners this season – including 13 in the Premier League.

Saka has established himself as an important member of Southgate’s squad since making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2020.

In September 2023, Saka was named England men’s player of the year for the second season running.

He has 11 goals in 32 appearances for his country, including a hat-trick in a Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia in June 2023.

United’s £72m summer signing scored for the sixth successive Premier League game in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Luton Town.

The Danish 21-year-old will miss the home league game against Fulham on Saturday and FA Cup fifth-round tie at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Erik ten Hag’s side also travel to derby rivals Manchester City and host Everton over the coming fortnight.

“It is a small injury, two or three weeks. It is a risk in high-intensity training,” Ten Hag said on Friday.

“It’s not a big injury but he has to wait now.”

Hojlund has scored 13 goals in 30 appearances for United in all competitions since joining from Serie A side Atalanta on a five-year deal.

He failed to score in his first 14 Premier League games but has since hit form, scoring seven goals and contributing two assists in his past six.

Anthony Martial, United’s only other recognised striker, is sidelined following groin surgery.

Scott McTominay is the club’s second-highest goalscorer in all competitions this season, behind Hojlund, with eight goals.

United also lost left-back Luke Shaw to injury earlier in the week after he sustained a leg injury which could keep him out months.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are all also out.

“Of course [the injuries are] an issue but other clubs have this and we have to deal with this,” Ten Hag said.

“I have now the feeling we can deal with it better than in autumn. It is an issue with the depth of the squad.”

Hojlund’s double against Luton secured United a fourth successive league win to leave them sixth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

No extra pressure amid Ratcliffe arrival – Ten Hag

Ten Hag was speaking to the media for the first time since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a 27.7% stake in United, with the Dutchman denying the deal increases the pressure on his job amid Ratcliffe’s expectations for the club.

In an interview with BBC Sport earlier this week, Ratcliffe said his short-term ambitions are to help United qualify for the Champions League, with one of his long-term aims being knocking rivals Manchester City and Liverpool “off their perch”.

“No more pressure because we have the same ambition, we have the same targets,” said Ten Hag.

“We are very aligned. Their ambitions fit with the ambitions I have, with the ambitions I had when I came in.”

“We are in that project now. For me, I’m 18, 19 months in and I see [things] go in the right direction. We had setbacks in the second season but you see the team coming, you see the squad progressing and developing.”

United have won four in a row in the Premier League but remain five points adrift of the top four.

“We still have to catch up in the moment where every game is a final for us because we have to be in the Champions League. The players want this, the team want this but we have to believe,” Ten Hag added.

The 32-year-old, who had been out since April with a hip issue, returned to action as an 85th-minute substitute in Sunday’s 3-1 defeat in north London.

However, he experienced a muscle problem during his brief appearance.

Thiago is out of contract this summer and it is unclear if he will stay with the Reds beyond the end of his deal.

Since joining the club in 2020 from Bayern Munich, he has made 98 appearances across all competitions for manager Jurgen Klopp’s side but has struggled to stay clear of injuries in recent seasons.

Klopp could also be without Dominik Szoboszlai for the Premier League game against Burnley on Saturday after the midfielder aggravated a hamstring injury and missed the game at Arsenal.

Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah is also recovering from a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations last month.

Japan midfielder Wataru Endo is set to be available to Klopp after returning to the club following his country being eliminated from the Asian Cup after a defeat by Iran at the quarter-final stage.

Martinez limped off in the second half after attempting to shield the ball from Hammers defender Vladimir Coufal.

The 26-year-old was playing in only his third league game after more than three months out with a foot injury.

The club said he “is expected to be out of action for at least eight weeks”.

However he will not require surgery.

“We all wish Licha a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch later in the season,” a club statement added.

United boss Erik ten Hag said after Sunday’s victory that the injury “doesn’t look good” and described it as a “personal disaster” for Martinez.

Martinez missed the latter stages of the 2022-23 season after fracturing a metatarsal in April and suffered “an aggravation” to the injury at the beginning of this campaign.

He missed 22 games in total with his foot injury before making returning against Tottenham on 14 January.

Martinez limped off in the second half after attempting to shield the ball from Hammers defender Vladimir Coufal.

The Argentina international, 26, was playing in only his third league game after more than three months out with a foot injury.

“It doesn’t look good,” said Ten Hag.

“There is a bad concern. We have to wait for a few days for the diagnosis. He is very sad, very disappointed. We all feel really with him.

“First of all it is a personal disaster when it is really bad but also for the team it is really bad because he definitely brings us a lot.”

Martinez missed 22 games in total with his foot injury before making his return against Tottenham on 14 January.

A foot injury has kept 23-year-old Haaland out since the defeat by Aston Villa on 6 December, although few details have been given.

It had been hoped City’s top scorer would return for the Club World Cup in December but the injury has still not healed.

“It’s the bone. It needs time,” Guardiola said.

“With every injury you can do whatever you want but it’s a question of time.”

Norway international Haaland, who has scored 19 goals in 22 club games this season, had already been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League match against Newcastle, after which City have a 13-day break, when they will depart for warm weather training in Abu Dhabi.

If he misses the remainder of the month he will be absent for the visit to Tottenham in the FA Cup on 26 January and the league match at home against Burnley on 31 January.

“It’s fine but the doctors decided to stop for one week and maybe restart in Abu Dhabi,” Guardiola said.

“Hopefully at the end of this month he’ll be ready. It was a little bit more than we expected in the beginning.”

City are unbeaten in the eight games Haaland has missed, including their Club World Cup victory, and sit five points off Premier League leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.

But Guardiola said his side miss Haaland “a lot”.

“We need him,” Guardiola said. “Hopefully he can come back and play the last four or five months without a problem.”

Centre-back Manuel Akanji is likely to miss a similar period after he was forced off in the 18th minute of last week’s FA Cup win against Huddersfield.

“He will be some weeks out,” Guardiola said. “It’s not a big problem but until the end of the month.”

The England international, 25, suffered the injury during Sunday’s 2-0 FA Cup third-round win against Arsenal.

“Trent hyperextended his knee, so he has a little tear in the lateral ligament of his knee,” said Lijnders.

“He had a scan. He will be out for probably three weeks. It’s a big blow. We will really miss him.”

Lijnders added: “We will have to find new dynamics without him because he made our game flexible. Even in bad spells, he was the one putting the balls where we needed the difference.

“He will get some rest and then hopefully he can come back to where he was. Because this guy was decisive in all the games and was the one who created constantly for us from deep.”

Liverpool are three points clear at the top of the Premier League and host Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

They face Bournemouth in the Premier League on 21 January and play the second leg against Fulham on 24 January.

They meet Norwich or Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup fourth round on the weekend of 27 January before hosting Chelsea in the league on 31 January.

Alexander-Arnold, appointed club vice-captain last summer, has scored two goals in 25 games in all competitions for Liverpool this season.

Primarily a right-back, he has enjoyed success in midfield at times this season.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, while midfielder Wataru Endo is with Japan at the Asia Cup.

Lijnders said left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas should return to training at the end of the month as they continue their recovery from shoulder injuries.

Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is out with a hamstring problem, but captain Virgil van Dijk is fit to face Fulham after recovering from illness.

The District Chief Executive, Adu Adam, confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday evening.

He disclosed that the incident occurred when the police were called in to rescue a suspected motorbike thief from a mob attack.

According to him, policemen attacked with stones and machetes by an angry mob.

He added that the policemen responded by opening fire on the mob. The victims were rushed to hospitals in Walewale and Sandema.

The Greece left-back landed awkwardly after a touchline coming together with Bukayo Saka and his momentum saw him knock over Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool’s first-choice left-back Andy Robertson is already out injured.

Klopp told Sky Sports that Tsimikas’ collarbone was “definitely broken” and “he is out for a long time”.

Robertson sustained a shoulder injury that required surgery while on Scotland duty in October and is not expected to return until next month at the earliest.

Klopp said Tsimikas’ injury “massively overshadowed” a largely positive performance for his side against the Gunners.

“It is hard for us to swallow with the Robbo [Andy Robertson] situation,” Klopp said.

Klopp said he was not personally injured after being upended just inside the technical area.

He added: “I thought it wasn’t really a problem because I had no pain. I would happily give my collarbone and he would be fit again.

“I was completely fine in that moment. I thought Kostas was as well but he said ‘no it’s broken’.

“Of course that’s not cool directly in front of you when you are kind of involved. I wasn’t sure if I fell on him or how it happened.”

Arsenal winger Saka said his collision with Tsimikas was an unfortunate accident rather than the result of any malice.

“I heard he has gone to hospital and I want to apologise. I didn’t mean it of course,” Saka said.

“For me it was just a 50-50 and I’ve gone shoulder to shoulder with him. I didn’t see him but he must have taken a bad fall.

“I didn’t see that he went into Jurgen Klopp either. I was focused on running forward because I didn’t think it was a foul.”

The 25-year-old Argentina international missed the end of last season after fracturing a metatarsal in April.

He returned to action at the start of this season but United say he will be sidelined again because of “an aggravation” to the injury.

The club said Martinez “experienced the setback in our Premier League game against Arsenal earlier this month”.

They added: “It has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation.

“Assessment is ongoing to determine next steps.”

At a news conference on Friday, manager Erik ten Hag said: “It is very sad, for him and the team, because he was not 100% fit.

“I think it was a big difference, the Licha Martinez in the last games and the Licha Martinez we have seen in the last season.”

Martinez faced Wolves, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest before playing in a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on 3 September.

He went on to play in losses against Brighton and Bayern Munich but then missed wins against Burnley and Crystal Palace.

Martinez joined United from Ajax last July in a deal worth up to £57m and helped them finish third in the Premier League and win the Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils said Mount is expected to be out until after the international break because of a “small complaint” sustained in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Tottenham.

Mount joined United from Chelsea in June in a deal worth an initial £55m.

Erik ten Hag’s side will host Nottingham Forest on Saturday before travelling to Arsenal on 3 September.

England international Mount, 24, is also a doubt for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on 9 September.

Mount was given a starting place for United’s opening two Premier League games by Ten Hag but has struggled to make an impact.

He was substituted after 68 minutes of United’s 1-0 win over Wolves on the opening day and replaced by Christian Eriksen.

The midfielder was also withdrawn for Facundo Pellistri with five minutes remaining of United’s match at the Tottenham Stadium last Saturday.

Both Pogba and Vlahovic are returning from lengthy injury absences and were named on the bench in Serie A on Sunday after they took part in a friendly against a Juventus reserve team earlier last week.

Vlahovic, who had not played for Juve since October, came on for Mattia De Sciglio in the 65th minute of their shock home 2-0 defeat by Monza. Pogba, who has yet to play a game this season, was an unused substitute.

“Apart from [Leonardo] Bonucci who is still out, the only one who won’t be available due to a flexor soreness is Pogba,” Allegri told a news conference on Wednesday.

“Unfortunately when you’re out for a long time and you raise the intensity level, you get pain… Maybe in a few weeks, he’ll be in top condition.

“He needs his body to readjust and it will take some time, you have to navigate by sight in these situations. From here to the end we have to use him in the best possible way.

“Vlahovic will almost certainly play as a starter, for the others, I have to decide. [The game] can last 120 minutes tomorrow so the substitutions will be even more important.”

READ ALSO

• Chelsea complete British record £107m fee for Enzo Fernandez

• Juventus docked 15 points over transfer dealings

Juventus, who saw a 15-point deduction for false accounting plunge them from third to 10th place in Serie A in January, need to adjust to their new reality quickly, Allegri added.

“The club will see where we can defend [ourselves], [but] it must not be an alibi or an excuse, we have to go out there and do what needs to be done,” Allegri said.

“Maybe it’s the first time 15 points have been taken off the table, you were third and you go back down. Now we start again, [and] we have to manage [the situation] as best we can.

“The Italian Cup game has to be done in the best way, we will do our best.”

Juve resume their Serie A campaign on Tuesday at 14th-placed Salernitana.

Approximately 1.2 million fans are expected to visit the country during the tournament.

The opening ceremony will take place on November 20 at the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of the capital of Doha.

Following is a list of players who have been ruled out of the 20 November – 18 December World Cup through injury:

N’GOLO KANTE (FRANCE)

The Chelsea midfielder suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury that has restricted him to two appearances this season. He will be sidelined for four months after undergoing surgery.

DIOGO JOTA (PORTUGAL)

The Liverpool forward will miss the tournament due to a calf injury sustained in their win over Manchester City but the Premier League club’s manager Juergen Klopp said that he would not require surgery.

REECE JAMES (ENGLAND)

The 22-year-old right back injured his knee in Chelsea’s Champions League clash against AC Milan in October and looks certain to miss the tournament in Qatar after being ruled out for eight weeks.

ALEXANDER ISAK (SWEDEN)

The Newcastle United striker suffered a setback while recovering from a thigh injury and manager Eddie Howe confirmed he will not play again until after the World Cup.

PEDRO NETO (PORTUGAL)

The 22-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers winger will undergo surgery on an ankle injury sustained against West Ham United in October.

BOUBACAR KAMARA (FRANCE)

The Aston Villa midfielder suffered a knee ligament injury in September that will keep him out until after the World Cup.

ARTHUR MELO (BRAZIL)

Liverpool’s on-loan midfielder picked up a muscle injury in the build-up to a Champions League clash with Rangers in October.

RACE AGAINST TIME

The following players are injured but fighting to get fit and be considered for selection.

PAULO DYBALA (ARGENTINA)

AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho said the Argentina forward had suffered a “very bad’ injury when he tweaked a thigh muscle while converting a penalty against Lecce.

KYLE WALKER (ENGLAND)

The Manchester City defender had successful groin surgery in early October but the 32-year-old said he was confident he will fully recover in time to make the trip to Qatar.

KALVIN PHILLIPS (ENGLAND)

The Manchester City midfielder has been sidelined due to a shoulder problem but could return before the World Cup.

PAUL POGBA (FRANCE)

Pogba underwent surgery after he damaged his meniscus in training following his transfer back to Juventus.

Although Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri said Pogba may not play for the Italian side until after the World Cup, the midfielder has returned to training.

RONALD ARAUJO (URUGUAY)

The Barcelona centre back opted for thigh surgery in late September, saying he made the choice to go under the knife to return to 100 per cent “as soon as possible”.

ANGEL DI MARIA (ARGENTINA)

The Juventus winger is out until early November due to a hamstring injury which the club said would need around three weeks to heal.

Both England right-back Alexander-Arnold – who has an ankle injury – and centre-back Matip, who has a calf issue, came off at Arsenal on Sunday.

Winger Luis Diaz has been ruled out with a knee injury – also picked up against Arsenal – until December.

Liverpool lost 3-2 to the Premier League leaders at Emirates Stadium.

The result leaves the Reds in 10th place, 14 points off the top after winning just two of their opening eight Premier League matches.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have six matches scheduled between now and the end of October, including a home match with champions Manchester City on Sunday (16:30 BST).

They are already without midfielders Arthur Melo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita with thigh injuries, while defender Andrew Robertson has a knee problem.

Curtis Jones is back in training after a calf issue and could return against Rangers in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Accra-based club released a statement to confirm that the talented midfielder has begun his rehabilitation today.

Nurudeen had his surgery in South Africa, where he travelled last month to carry-out pre-surgery modalities.

“It is a joy to live to see this day. It all went well and I thank the team of Doctors for that wonderful work. This will bring me back to the field. Allah has been great to me,” he said as quoted by the club website.

The doctor, McCready, confirmed that the player will spend some time at the recovery ward before he starts his rehabilitation exercises. 

Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak are currently in Mali to face AS Real Bamako in the CAF Confederations Cup on Sunday, October 9.

This was after he was pushed to the ground from a palanquin during a Children’s Festival at Enyan Abaasa as part of the annual Akwambo Festival.

The incident happened Friday, September 9, 2022, when the Children numbering about 200 carried their Chief through the principal street of Enyan Abaasa.

Kasapa FM reports that as part of their annual festival, the children this time around also decided to carry their children’s Chief to make their festival unique to attract many people, especially the children.

So they made their palanquin using “Efiawura bag” and wood.

As the Children’s chief was being carried in the palanquin on processing with his retinue, a man who allegedly used to walk with the Paramount Chief of Enyan Abaasa, Osagyefo Kwamena Akonu X named Kweku Dadze from nowhere pushed the innocent little boy from the palanquin forcing him to crush on the tarred road and dislocating his shoulder and neck.

The suspect then took the palanquin away to the Chief’s Palace.

It is unclear what the suspect’s motive was for his reprehensible action.

The angry Children then carried their Chief on their shoulders but later the pains became worse so the parents of the victim quickly rushed him to the Enyan Abaasa Health Centre but were later referred to the Ajumako District Government Hospital.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

The case has been reported to the Enyan Abaasa Police Station and the suspect has been arrested.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Enyan Abaasa Youth Association, Kojo Ammisah, has condemned the act by the suspect.

He is, therefore, calling for an apology from the Chiefs of Enyan Abaasa and the suspect else the Youth of the town will distance themselves from all activities that will be carried in the Enyan Abaasa Community.

The inferno ravaged the market on the dawn of Sunday, July 31.

A fire officer, who is yet to be identified, reportedly suffered an injury and was rushed in an ambulance to the Police Hospital.

The Ghana National Fire Service in a statement, attributed the situation to the hazardous nature of the contents at the fire scene.

An unknown boiling substance, the statement indicated, hindered the men from advancing to the fire scene.

However, three fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to douse the fire.

This follows a fire outbreak at the Mile 7 market on Saturday dawn.

Attached below is a video of the incident:

The visitors were pinned down in a 1-0 loss as Mallorca end their La Liga winning run but before the game ended the Black Stars midfielder unfortunately met a ferocious shot from Thomas Lemar which sent him crushing down in the box.

The medical staff was prompted as they rush onto the field to provide aid before he was stretched off the field for further review.

His injury comes a few days after Thomas Partey suffered an injury in Arsenal’s game against Crystal Palace.

Baba, 26, was part of Ghana’s squad which secured qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after beating Nigeria to earn a spot through away goals rule.

The 31-year-old wants to prove to the fans he remains an elite-level striker after struggling with niggling injuries on his return to the gulf.

The iconic Ghana super star has been restricted to only eight starts for the Arabian Gulf League Champions in all competitions since he joined on loan.

The former Sunderland hitman has scored a disappointing six goals – a far cry of his immense quality where he notched 128 times during four trophy-laden years at Al Ain between 2011 and 2015.

And he has vowed to end his injury nightmare after being criticized by a section of the Al Ahli fans.

“It happens,” Gyan told the thenational.ae “Sometimes when things go wrong, people will talk, when things go right people will talk. I’ve been in this game for almost 15 years so I know how it works. It doesn’t affect me at all. I’m trying to fight with myself because a fit Asamoah Gyan knows what he can do on the pitch.

“I’ve been in very difficult situation in the past nine months, but I’m still trying to make sure I get back to my normal fitness. Definitely I’m going to get it. I don’t predict, but I believe I’m going to get there.

“What is important is that I’m on the pitch. When I’m playing there are many opportunities: I can head, I can shoot, I’m blessed to have this kind of quality. When I’m on the pitch I know what I can do. The most important thing is to stay fit. That is what I’m praying for every time.”

“Yeah, it’s very frustrating,” he said. “And sometimes I see some criticism here and there, but they don’t know what is going on. People say things that they don’t normally have to say. I try to sacrifice myself.

“Even [against Jazira] I was playing with pain, but nobody knew. It’s one of those things. I have to just get back to my scoring form. Even sometimes when you don’t play and when you score it changes everything as a striker. So I’m just trying to look sharper and get back to my old Asamoah Gyan.”

Asked if he believes he has time to do that this season, Gyan replied: “Definitely, because I have two and a half months to go. I’m just praying to God that I can stay fit. It’s been difficult for me, I haven’t had a pre-season camp with the team for a long time and I think this is what I’m lacking right now. But from next season I’m going to go for pre-season and prepare well for my body to stay active.” he told popular Dubai-based website thenational.ae.

Source: Ghanasoccernet.com