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Adnan Januzaj has backed fellow Belgian Eden Hazard to come good at Real Madrid, as the former Manchester United winger says he has "no doubt" that the former Chelsea star will thrive in Spain.

Hazard has suffered a string of injury issues since trading Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu, having failed to live up to his hefty price tag.

But Januzaj, now at Real Sociedad, says he expects Hazard to thrive in Spain.

Januzaj on Hazard

"Maybe people here in Spain do not know Eden well enough, but they will," he said in an interview with La Liga. "For me he is one of the best footballers in the world. I have no doubt."

'Silva is incredible'

Januzaj now calls David Silva a team-mate, with the Manchester City star moving to Real Sociedad this summer after a decade in England.

Silva has featured in 16 games for the club in all competitions as Real Sociedad sit fifth in La Liga.

"He is a player with a lot of technique," Januzaj said. "He is incredible for all that he has achieved in his career. How he thinks about the field, he is different from the rest.

"I play a bit like him. I see passes that others don't see. In the end, if you play with footballers who understand football like you, your understanding will also improve."

Comparing England, Germany and Spain

Januzaj's career has taken him all over Europe, having truly risen to prominence with Manchester United during his four-year spell with the club.

After scoring five goals in 63 appearances during his time at Old Trafford, he moved to Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland for loan spells.

In 2017, he joined Real Sociedad on a permanent deal, and has now made over 100 appearances for the Spanish club. 

"In England football is more physical," he said. "La Liga, as everyone knows, is much more technical. You have to play in smaller spaces with your head because other footballers are also very intelligent.

"In the Bundesliga, if you play for Dortmund or Bayern, you will always have the ball and 'kill' your rivals. In Spain, it is more balanced, more even. Every game is difficult because all the teams play and score.

"For me, it is the most difficult league, in my experience. Also the Premier League, but if you are in a team that plays football very well, you can have many chances. It is also good to play there."

Further reading

The world is still at the centre of the Covid-19 pandemic, but a FIFA international break is still scheduled for March 2021.

March will see the likes of UEFA and CONMEBOL participate in qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup, alongside some international friendlies.

But with Covid-19 still posing a dangerous threat, and cross-continent travel likely to contribute to yet another wave of the virus, could the international fixtures be delayed or simply cancelled? Goal takes a look.

Will the March 2021 international break be cancelled?

It remains to be seen whether or not the March 2021 international fixtures will be postponed or delayed, but the likes of Pep Guardiola have voiced their concerns about the ripple effects of playing such games as they require foreign travel, potentially leading to further spread of Covid-19.

"The only way to be protected from this virus is to stay at home and don't move, and social distance, and have no contact and not travel," Guardiola told reporters in a press conference.

"Now people are going to travel and players are going to their national teams, it's difficult enough to control it, so I think something is going to rise, unfortunately.

"I would like to guess or say it's not going to happen, but from experience it has already happened in two or three waves worldwide. So if you move you take a risk to be contaminated again, to get the virus again.

"I think the Premier League should be concerned about this, all the leagues [should be] concerned."

Despite the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine worldwide, distribution has been slow and it will take months for most of the population to achieve herd immunity, which is essential in order to take the next steps towards normalcy and regular life.

Nations League fixtures in September continued without disruption, despite the alarming numbers of total Covid-19 cases across Europe and beyond.

March 2021 international fixtures

March 2021 will see a mix of international friendlies and European qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.

CONMEBOL will also play World Cup qualification matches in March.

A mixture of competitive and non-competitive games will be played over the window of March 22 and March 31.

If travel restrictions are implemented to prevent teams from flying out to play games, the competitive fixtures - UEFA's European qualifiers - have the potential to be postponed or delayed until later in the year.

Standout fixtures include Wales vs Czech Republic, Belgium vs Wales, England vs San Marino, Spain vs Greece, Colombia vs Brazil, Argentina vs Uruguay and Brazil vs Argentina.

Several Champions League fixtures were forced to be changed to neutral stadiums in order to comply with local government travel guidelines.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says it is a "mistake" for athletes like LeBron James to discuss political issues as the AC Milan star says the basketball icon should stick to talking about sports.

James has spent the bulk of his career being outspoken about many non-sports issues, including the founding of his I Promise school as well as the More Than a Vote organization, which helped people cast their ballots during the 2020 presidential election.

The Los Angeles Lakers star was famously told to "shut up and dribble" by television personality Laura Ingraham in response to James' discussion of political topics.

What did Ibrahimovic have to say?

"[LeBron] is phenomenal at what he's doing, but I don't like when people have some kind of status, they go and do politics at the same time," Ibrahimovic told Discovery+ in Sweden. "Do what you're good at. Do the category you do. I play football because I'm the best at playing football.

"I don't do politics. If I would be a political politician, I would do politics. That is the first mistake people do when they become famous and they become in a certain status. Stay out of it. Just do what you do best because it doesn't look good."

What has James said about politics?

James was named The Associated Press’ Male Athlete of the Year in 2020 after leading the Lakers to an NBA title, marking the fourth time he'd claimed the award.

However, he went on to say he was more proud of what he did off the court in 2020 as part of the drive to support Black Lives Matter and other organizations fighting for equality.

“I still know what I do on the floor and obviously, I give everything to the game,” James told the AP. 

“But I can make a greater impact off the floor right now, more than I can on the floor. And I want to continue to inspire people with the way I play the game of basketball. But there’s so many more things that I can do off the floor to help cultivate people, inspire people, bring people together, empower them.”

James' I Promise School, which he opened in 2018, now has over 450 students in third through sixth grades while his affordable housing project for 50 families also recently broke ground.

The Lakers star's More Than a Vote campaign drew more than 42,000 volunteers to work at polling stations in November as James looked to aid black voters and young voters in getting to the polls.

Further reading

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking forward to facing AC Milan and former Red Devils striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Europa League round of 16.

The two sides were drawn together on Friday after advancing past the last 32 in their respective ties on Thursday. 

In addition to Ibrahimovic, Milan also feature on-loan Man Utd defender Diogo Dalot.

What did Solskjaer say?

"We just continue our tradition of picking difficult teams," the manager told Sky Sports of the draw. "[It's] a tie that feels like a Champions League game as well, which is good.

"I think it's important for our team to always have that demand and not feel that it's a given. And of course this is not a gimme – Milan, they're on the up, they've done really well this season.

"They've got some former friends of ours. The history of the club is fantastic so we're looking forward to [facing] them."

On Ibrahimovic, Solskjaer added: "It's incredible what he's done.

"When we think back when he was here, when he had a career-threatening injury and the way he's come back, the way he's played, the way he's moved AC Milan towards the top of the league again.

"And of course Diogo is there. So we know that we're in for a good fight but before then we have a few other games that we have to look after."

How has Ibrahimovic fared this season?

At 39 years old, Ibrahimovic has put together an extremely impressive season thus far, netting 16 goals in all competitions for Milan – including 14 in Serie A.

The Swede has helped Milan become a title challenger in Italy once again, with the Rossoneri currently second place in the table, four points behind city rivals Inter.

When will the tie take place?

Manchester United will host Milan in the first leg on March 11, with the second leg set for Milan one week later on March 18.

Who else was drawn together?

Aside from the showpiece tie between Milan and United, below are the other last-16 Europa League ties:

Ajax vs Young Boys

Dynamo Kyiv vs Villarreal

Roma vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Olympiacos vs Arsenal

Dinamo Zagreb vs Tottenham

Slavia Prague vs Rangers

Granada vs Molde

Further reading

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila secured a 4-3 victory over fellow PSL side Swallows FC on penalties following a 2-2 draw at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. 

Thabo Mnyamane opened the scoring just 18 minutes into the match as he netted his second goal in this season's Nedbank Cup.

The former SuperSport United forward beat Swallows goalkeeper Virgil Vries with a well-taken free-kick to make it 1-0 to Tshakhuma.

The Beautiful Birds were able to level matters through Sipho Sibiya after the Vhadau Vha Damani defence was exposed on the stroke of half-time.

Joseph Mhlongo set-up Sibiya, who headed past Washington Arubi to make it 1-1 heading into the half-time break - scoring his second goal of the campaign in the process.

It took just seven minutes for the hosts to restore their lead through Rhulani Manzini, who ended his six-match goal drought.

Mogakolodi Ngele was the provider as the Botswana international's cross was headed home by Manzini to make it 2-1 to Tshakhuma.

The goal did not deter the Beautiful Birds as they launched attacks and they managed to restore parity through Vuyo Mere.

The ball fell kindly for Mere in the box and he fired past Arubi to make it 2-2 in the 75th minute to ensure that the game ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time. 

There were no goals in extra-time with Vries denying Meshack Maphagule from the penalty spot after Joseph Molangoane was fouled in the box in the 104th minute.

Tshakhuma went on to win 4-3 on penalties with Arubi denying Musa Nyatama from the last penalty kick and Vhadau Vha Damani advanced to the quarter-finals. 

Meanwhile, Cape Town All Stars claimed a 5-3 win over their National First Division (NFD) rivals Cape Town Spurs on penalties following a 3-3 draw at Parow Park Stadium in Cape Town.

The first goal of the match was netted by Waseem Isaacs in the 17th minute as the former Stellenbosch FC striker scored his fourth goal of the season to make it 1-0 to All Stars.

Spurs fought back and piled pressure on Igugu Lekapa, whose defender Thabo Mokhele scored an own-goal to make it 1-1 in the 62nd minute.

The encounter ended in a draw in regulation time and extra-time followed with Junior Batista handing Spurs a 2-1 lead eight minutes into the first-half of extra-time.

However, Zaahir Witbooi levelled matters for Igugu Lekapa to make it 2-2 in the 111th minute, but Igor restored Spurs' lead to make it 3-2 to the visitors a minute later.

The match ended in a 3-3 draw after Ronaldo Maarman snatched a late goal with 11 minutes left in the second-half of extra time and the game went into a penalty shootout. 

All Stars went on to secure a 5-3 victory on penalties with Thabo Moloisane converting the last spot-kick for the hosts. 

Vincent Aboubakar scored and provided an assist to help Besiktas secure a 3-0 victory over Denizlispor in Friday’s Turkish Super Lig game.

The Cameroon international was handed his 20th league start and utilized the opportunity to increase his tally in the encounter.

The forward’s effort also helped the Black Eagles extend their unbeaten run to five games, having last suffered defeat in January against Trabzonspor.

Besiktas raced into the lead in the 22nd minute of the encounter when Cyle Larin fired his effort past goalkeeper Cenk Gonen.

Aboubakar then doubled the lead in the 38th minute with an individual effort, leaving Gonen with no chance.

The 29-year-old then set up Adem Ljajic to seal the victory a minute later as Besiktas frustrated every effort from Denizlispor to try and reduce the deficit.

The 29-year-old featured for 84 minutes in his 21st Super Lig game for the Black Eagle this season before he was replaced by Ajdin Hasic.

His teammate and the Republic of the Congo international Fabrice N'Sakala was on parade for the duration of the game.

Algeria international and on-loan Leicester City winger Rachid Ghezzal was an unused substitute for the Vodafone Park outfit.

The victory propelled Besiktas to the second spot on the Super Lig table after gathering 54 points from 25 games.

Aboubakar has now found the back of the net 12 times this season in 20 Super Lig games and provided two assists, amid other dazzling displays.

The forward has been with the Black Eagles since 2016 on an initial loan before the deal was made permanent after consistent impressive performances.

Aboubakar will hope to continue his sparkling displays in front of goal when Besiktas take on Yeni Malatyaspor in their next league game on March 2.

The 29-year-old attacker remains a key member of the Cameroon national team, having made 69 appearances for the Indomitable Lions.

Tanzania FA Cup defending champions Simba SC have advanced to the fifth round of the competition after a 3-0 win over second-tier side African Lyon at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Friday night.

The champions scored their goals through Ibrahim Ajibu, who scored a brace, and Perfect Chikwende.

Kennedy Juma, Gadiel Michael, Erasto Nyoni, Ibrahim Ame, Jonas Mkude, and Ajibu were the players who coach Didier Gomes opted to start in place of regulars Shomari Kapombe, Mohammed Hussein, Joash Onyango, Pascal Wawa, Taddeo Lwanga and Yassin Mzamiru.

Despite the changes, the Msimbazi-based charges opened the scoring after just 10 minutes thanks to Ajibu's strike.

In the 21st minute, Meddie Kagere had a chance to put his name on the score sheet when the hosts conceded a penalty. Zimbabwean Chikwende was brought down in the danger zone and the referee awarded the visitors a penalty.

However, the Rwandan failed to hit the target, and Lyon survived.

But it was not for long - in the 44th minute, Larry Bwalya unleashed a fierce strike that goalkeeper Bwanaheri Abdallah parried. The rebound went as far as Ajibu, who tapped home to double the advantage.

Lyon were lucky not to have conceded more in the first half as the reigning champions wasted chances. After the break, the second-tier side looked more organised, but it was Simba again who scored their third in the 63rd minute to advance.

Meanwhile, Kinondoni Municipal Council (KMC) FC defeated Kurugenzi FC 5-2 in another fourth-round game played at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Anthony Matteo scored a brace for the Tax Collectors while the remaining three goals were scored by Hassan Kabunda, Israel Mwenda and David Bryson.

The minnows scored their goals through Abiudi Mtumbuka and Gilbert Boniface.

Arusha advanced after eliminating Mashujaa FC by a solitary goal at Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha. The lone goal was scored by Yohana Kangulu in the second half after a goalless first half.

JKT Tanzania eliminated Mtibwa Sugar 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Kassim Hamis and Issa Rashid were on target for the Sugar Millers while Danny Lyanga scored a brace for JKT.

The overall winner will represent Tanzania in the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

William Troost-Ekong has shed some light on Watford's targets for the season, saying their aim is to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The Hornets are enjoying a run of impressive results, having now won their last four Championship games and have only lost one match in their last 10 league outings.

The performances have seen Watford climb to the third spot on the league table with 60 points from 32 games, behind Brentford and leaders Norwich City.

Troost-Ekong has played 21 league games for Xisco Munoz’s men since teaming up with the club from Udinese last summer.

The Nigeria international hopes the Hornets will secure the needed points during the regular season to secure promotion to the English top-flight without going through the playoffs.

“There is still a long way to go and we have to play Norwich and all the teams around us,” Troost-Ekong told the club website.

“I still think it's difficult to say how many points we will need for automatic promotion. In the past it's been between 75 and 90 points, so we want to reach that level before we start looking around at others.

“We've got a board up and just crossing off the wins we think we need. I know it's a cliche, but we are taking each game as it comes and the coach is hammering that into us. We aren't looking at any calculations.”

Watford will take on seventh-placed Bournemouth in Saturday’s Championship game and Troost-Ekong has urged his side not to underestimate the Cherries.

“It's a massive game. Everyone probably highlighted this game at the start of the season and it still feels the same,” he continued.

“Bournemouth are going through a rocky spell and they've had a change of manager, but we can't think like that as that's when banana skins come out.

“They are a quality team and every Championship game is hard. They have suffered some difficult moments, but they see this as a final as we do. If we win this game we can really get a gap between us. It's going to be a massive game.”

The Super Eagles vice-captain has described the atmosphere at Vicarage Road as ‘buzzing’ which is helping the players to mentally prepare for games.  

“The boys are really enjoying themselves. When a team is mentally strong it is easy to get up for games and get to your best level if you are feeling good," he added.

“There is a buzz around the place and you can see it every day at the training ground. Every day is an exciting day and everybody is believing what we are doing.”

Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Sofapaka have appointed Willis Obayi as the new assistant head coach.

Obayi is taking over the mantle from John Mururi, who parted ways with the 2009 Premier League champions in the recent past. The new assistant coach, who will be working under Ken Odhiambo, was serving Batoto ba Mungu as the captain before his new appointment.

"Sofapaka Football Club can confirm Willis Obayi new assistant club head coach," the club announced. "Obayi who has been serving as the club captain has been elevated to coaching capacity and will assist head coach Ken Odhiambo."

Obayi welcomed his elevation and said it would be a privilege to serve the club in the new capacity: "It’s such an honour to be elevated to such a position by the club's management. It clearly shows they have confidence and trust me to assist and lead," he said.

"I am still coming to terms with it. It’s such a privilege indeed, to be honest. This a new capacity that I am to grow and become better. It’s equally an opportunity to transit and when such opportunity come your way, you only have to step up, learn and grow and that’s what I am aiming at moving forward."

Obayi also explained what the appointment means for his career as he remains a registered player for the 2020/21 season.

"Well, I still feel I have some energy left to go, currently I am eligible to play in the current season and if the need arises to help out then I will step up and give my best on the pitch," he added.

Meanwhile, coach Odhiambo explained why he settled on the player to be his principal assistant.

"When need rose to fill the void, I felt there was no need to shop outside but groom one from within and upon carefully looking into all available options we settled on Obayi," the former Bandari head coach said.

"He has been incredible all through, he has vast experience plus he’s been a leader, aspects that only need to be natured. I have been keen on him, he has traits of a leader and one honest assurance is Obayi will make a good coach in future."

Obayi has been an active player for over a decade, having played for Sony Sugar, Chemelil Sugar and Sofapaka.

Mururi's exit is the latest high-profile departure at Batoto ba Mungu after former player and head coach John Baraza left after the 3-0 loss to AFC Leopards. Recently, captain Ellie Asieche exited and immediately joined FKF Premier league rivals Wazito FC.

Kenya striker Michael Olunga missed out on a chance to bag his first silverware since signing for Al Duhail SC after they lost 2-0 to rivals Al Sadd in the final of Qatar Cup on Friday.

The former Gor Mahia striker, who joined the Qatari side from Kashiwa Resyol of Japan, came on in the second half while they were trailing 1-0 and could not salvage a win for them as Al Sadd were crowned the champions at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

Striker Baghdad Bounajah was the hero for Al Sadd, who are coached by former Barcelona player Xavi, as he notched the two goals - the opener coming in the ninth minute and the second in the 77th minute as they lifted the trophy without conceding a goal.

Al Sadd started the match on a high note and it was not a surprise when Bounajah put them ahead, taking advantage of the ball that Duhail defender Ali Mal Allah had tried to clear from the penalty area and turn it into the back of the net.

Duhail tried to establish a foothold in the match but did could not succeed as Al Sadd players defended as a unit, denying them a chance to penetrate their defence and get an attempt on goal.

Sadd when into the break with the 1-0 lead and when the teams returned for the second half, Duhail continued to press looking for the equaliser but it was not forthcoming. This forced their head coach Sabri Lamouchi to pull out Karim Boudaif for Olunga.

Almost immediately after Olunga came on Al Sadd added their second goal as Bounajah beat Duhail’s offside trap and remained with only goalkeeper Salah Zakaria to beat, and he did the work with ease, as he rounded him before placing the ball to an empty net.

Olunga was then yellow-carded in the 80th minute after he fouled an advancing Al Sadd player and it even got worse for Duhail as Sultan Al-Brake was red-carded with four minutes left to the final whistle.

Duhail will now shift their focus to the Emir Cup where they are lined up to face Al-Shamal on Tuesday before they travel away to face Al Kharaitiyat in a Qatar Stars League match on March 7.

A 3-0 win against Wakiso Giants in a Ugandan Premier League tie at Mutessa II Stadium in Wankulukuku saw Express FC move top of the table on Friday.

George Ssenkaba, Charles Musiige and Godfrey Lwesibwa scored the goals that handed the big win to the Red Eagles over the Purple Sharks.

Ssenkaba, who had scored in the last two games, got Express the opener in the sixth minute as he tapped home from close range after a build-up that also involved Lwesibwa and Erick Kambale.

In the 10th minute, Express doubled the lead when Kambale beat his marker Joshua Lubwama and set Musiige through on goal. The forward managed to find the back of the net after beating Wakiso Giants' goalkeeper Samson Kiirya.

In the 52nd minute, Lwesibwa scored via a free-kick that deflected off Vianne Ssekajugo as Express sealed a big win and a clean sheet 

The Red Eagles have now amassed 22 points but their top position will be confirmed after Vipers SC and Onduparaka play on Saturday. The Purple Sharks remain 10th with 11 points.

Meanwhile, BUL FC condemned struggling Malaba Youth Development Association to a 4-1 loss in another Premier League tie at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe.

Moses Batali, Simon Oketch, Anwar Ntege, and Joseph Ssemajju scored for the Jinja club as Musa Esenu denied them a clean sheet with the only goal for the debutants.

Esenu gave MYDA the lead in the 16th minute before the goal was cancelled out by Batali in the added minutes of the first half. Oketch gave BUL the lead in the 81st minute before Ntege scored the third in the 86th minute.

Ssemajju scored the fourth in the fifth minute of added time as the game stretched to the 98th minute.

BUL, who have to shift focus to the next match against Onduparaka, had to do duty without head coach Arthur Kyesimira, who was sent off after a second booking for his continued verbal protests against the referees.

MYDA, who will play Wakiso Giants next, have now lost their ninth match as they remain deep in the relegation zone. BUL, on the other hand, are now 12th with 10 points.

Mauricio Pochettino says Neymar is "on schedule" with his recovery as the Paris Saint-Germain star moves closer to his return from injury.

Neymar limped off the field during a Coupe de France clash with Caen, with PSG later ruling him out for roughly four weeks.

The injury kept Neymar out of the first leg of PSG's Champions League battle with Barcelona, and he faces a race to be back in time for the second leg in Paris on March 10.

What did Pochettino have to say?

"Ney continues to follow the plan established by the medical staff," Pochettino said at his press conference on Friday.

"He is in a good emotional state, he is on schedule for his recovery."

PSG's injury issues

Neymar isn't the only PSG star currently dealing with an injury issue as the club is dealing with a number of absences.

Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes, Alessandro Florenzi, Marco Verratti and Mauro Icardi are also dealing with injuries, leaving Pochettino with some decisions to make, especially in midfield, ahead of a clash with Dijon this weekend.

"After training, we learned of the absences of a few players for tomorrow's game," Pochettino said. "We will learn more about the different possibilities.

"There is not much time, we know, and we will try to find the best possible solution in order to win this match."

He added: "It is true that the team lacked freshness and creativity in the final third against Monaco, who had defended well. A few days before, in Barcelona, we had been good in this sector.

"For tomorrow, we will find solutions and I think that the players who will be on the field will be up to it."

A tight title race

Entering Saturday's game against Dijon, PSG currently sit third in Ligue 1.

They currently sit four points behind league-leaders Lille, one point behind second-place Lyon and just two points ahead of fourth-place Monaco.

Further reading

Thomas Tuchel is impressed the impact two 34-year-old strikers, Olivier Giroud and Edinson Cavani, are having this season on Chelsea and Manchester United respectively.

Giroud scored an acrobatic overhead kick in Chelsea's midweek 1-0 Champions League win away at Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping Cavani will return from a minor injury to face the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

That meeting could see the Uruguayan go up against his former manager at PSG in Tuchel, and the German spoke of how impressive both strikers are behind-the-scenes.

What did Tuchel say?

"Look at them when they switch shirts; they are totally fit. Their fitness is key. He has zero body fat, same as Edi," Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference.

"Edi is a player like Oli, who as a No 9 is always concerned about the team, will suffer for the team, always ready to sacrifice, always ready to do runs to open spaces. This is the characteristic of them both.

"Then in the box, they are both excellent finishers, they are experienced, they don’t get nervous and they both have composure. So they are both top quality strikers, top quality No 9s and for me their fitness and self-discipline is key to their success."

What's the bigger picture?

Fifth placed Chelsea are six points behind Man Utd, despite being unbeaten in Tuchel's first six Premier League games.

Both teams are locked in a battle to finish in the top four. Arguably, the teams all the way down to eleventh place are battling to qualify for Europe, and Tuchel didn't play down what this match represents.

"Hopefully, we can win. This is what we go for," he added. "We know that it is a big challenge because of their unbeaten away record so far. We know what we are up against a team that can hurt you any second with individual quality and can hurt you any second with speed.

"They are a strong team away, they can defend very compact and they are very, very good in transition with their wingers and with Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Edi Cavani, Martial and whoever plays it will be a big challenge to defend all this, to defend counter-attacks. The implication is huge.

"If we get a win out of this game, it is huge for us and if they get a win, it is huge for them to increase the difference between us. Let's see. We are very aware today was not a day where we focus absolutely.

"Today was the day to also bring the group together to train on the pitch and from tomorrow, we will be totally focused on this game."

Chelsea will also face Liverpool, Everton and Leeds in the next fortnight, which could have a huge impact on the end of season league standings.

Further reading

Shanghai Shenhua have signed Christian Bassogog on a permanent deal from Chinese Super League rivals Henan Songshan Longmen.

The arrival of Bassogog who scored two goals in eight league matches last season, is expected to boost Choi Kang-Hee's team following the departures of Nigeria duo Odion Ighalo and Obafemi Martins.

Ighalo left the club last month after his loan at Manchester United while Martins was released two months after he returned to Shanghai in July 2020.

Bassogog joined Henan Songshan Longmen in 2017 from Danish club AaB and he described the club as home after a memorable four-year stay.

“It was a wonderful journey together, but all good stories have new chapters and today I am starting a new one. It is with a heavy heart but full of pride that I write to thank you and say goodbye,” the Cameroon striker wrote on Instagram.

“Four years ago, I arrived in Henan without knowing the club, the city or the country intimately and today I am proud to call this club, this city and this country "home".

“In Henan, I found love, support and companionship in a unique way. Through the good days and the bad, I discovered the kind of connection that I know will stay with me a lifetime and I want to say thank you. Thanks for the support on and off the pitch; Thank you for the support in my professional and personal rise.

“There are too many thanks to list but I have to say a special thank you to the President of Henan Jianye Football Club, the coaching staff, my teammates and the amazing supporters without whom I wouldn't be the man I am today.

“You have all been great and I am grateful for the privilege I have had to play a small part in the history of this great club and I wish you brighter days and know that you will be in my heart forever.”

The 2021 Chinese Super League season is yet to start with no commencement date disclosed, but Shenhua Shanghai will be aiming to surpass their fourth-place finish in the 2020 campaign.

Crystal Palace are hoping that Wilfried Zaha will get the chance to face former club Manchester United next week, with Roy Hodgson revealing that the winger is back in training.

The Eagles have been without their talismanic forward since taking in a trip to Newcastle on February 2.

Zaha has sat out three games with a muscle complaint, with Hodgson’s side coming unstuck in two of those fixtures before securing a dramatic derby win over Brighton last time out, and the hope is that a home date with Fulham on Sunday will be the last game that the talented 28-year-old misses.

What has been said?

Hodgson has told reporters when offering a fitness update on his most prized asset: “He was out on the field today, which was good.

“He was training with the rehabilitation specialist that we have.

“It was good to see Wilf out there running and playing with the ball. Muscle injuries you have to be very careful, so I will have to wait to get the clearance from the medical department to make sure his first sprints aren’t met with a new injury or a recurrence of the old injury.

“I’m rather hoping that by next week we’ll be seeing him back again. That’s my hope.”

What does Palace’s fixture list look like?

A visit from London rivals Fulham will be followed on Wednesday by the hosting of Manchester United.

Zaha will be eager to figure in that contest, with the Ivory Coast international having previously taken in a testing stint at Old Trafford.

He is now very much back to his best, with further transfer talk being sparked, but Hodgson will be wary of rushing him back into the fold.

If Zaha is not ready to face the Red Devils, then it could be that a comeback is made when taking in a short trip to Tottenham on March 7.

Any other issues for the Eagles?

Hodgson is not expecting to have any of his walking wounded available again for a meeting with Fulham, with Nathaniel Clyne set to miss out as he nurses a similar ailment to Zaha.

The Palace boss has added: “Jeffrey Schlupp and Connor Wickham took part in the early part of training with the team, after being with the rehabilitation specialists for a long period of time – but they didn’t join in with the more intensive session.”

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp admits that securing a top-four finish is going to be a “big challenge” for Liverpool this season.

The Premier League title holders have endured an injury-ravaged 2020-21 campaign, with inability to name a settled starting XI leading to uncharacteristic, but not all that surprising, inconsistency.

The Merseyside heavyweights sit sixth in the table at present, five points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots and with six defeats suffered through their last nine top-flight outings.

What has been said?

Quizzed on the Reds’ top-four chances, Klopp told reporters ahead of trip to Sheffield United on Sunday: “Big challenge, of course. You only have to look at the points; it’s not too far off but already it’s a distance.

“We don’t have to talk too much about that, the only thing we have to do is try to win as many games as possible and that’s what we’ll do.”

Who have Liverpool lost to?

The Reds have come unstuck against Southampton, Burnley, Brighton, Manchester City, Leicester and Everton since the turn of the year.

A run of four successive setbacks on home soil has been suffered for the first time in 98 years, while you have to turn the clock back to 2002 to find the last time they lost four in a row in the league.

The bigger picture

Liverpool do still have 13 games to take in this season, while remaining in contention for European glory after securing a first-leg advantage over RB Leipzig in the last-16 of the Champions League, but they remain without key men and with a top-four battle intensifying around them.

Former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports of the club’s efforts to secure a lofty finish: “They might not finish top four. It wouldn't be a surprise - it's actually more of a surprise if they did finish top four in the form they're in.

“But they'll have to look at this as an exercise. It's not gone well for them but how can they do in the Champions League? Can they win the Champions League and upset the odds and do something incredibly special on that front?

“This isn't a short fix. Liverpool's results up until the end of the season are going to be up and down.

“They're going to have some good results because they've got [Mohamed] Salah, [Roberto] Firmino and [Sadio] Mane to do incredible things but they're also going to have some really poor results, that is a fact. Because you can't change what's in front of you right now.

“Jurgen Klopp can't get a special formula or recipe to go, 'I'm going to change this, I'm going to be so bright and so clever and change it to a back three', it isn't going to change a thing.

“Klopp has got the hardest job at the moment because he hasn't got a partnership, none of them have played together, you've lost your captain for three months… he's got a really tough job.

“It will come, of course it will come, but just right now everything Liverpool do feels difficult. When you're in a team struggling for form, even the basics, simple passes, crosses, normally they'd find a man but they're not quite happening for them now. They have to get their confidence back.”

Further reading

Raul Jimenez is set to make a long-awaited return to action this season, claims Nuno, with the Wolves boss “totally confident” that the Mexico international will figure again before the 2020-21 campaign comes to a close.

The 29-year-old striker has been out of action since suffering a fractured skull during the Premier League meeting with Arsenal in November.

It has been a long road to recovery, but Nuno expects a talismanic presence to come back into contention at some stage this term.

What has been said?

Quizzed on the likelihood of Jimenez playing again this season, Nuno has told reporters: “I am totally confident. For sure. We have to be very aware of the circumstances and avoid any kind of contact. He has been able to participate in the initial part of the training sessions.

“Just him being with his team-mates is a big help for him, and for us. We are following the right protocols with no rush, but we're delighted Raul is getting better day by day.”

What happened to Jimenez?

During the game at Emirates Stadium on November 29, Jimenez suffered a sickening clash of heads with Arsenal defender David Luiz. He was given lengthy on-field treatment before being stretchered off and immediately rushed to hospital.

Surgery has been undergone since then, with tentative steps taken through a gruelling rehabilitation programme.

Jimenez has, however, always maintained that the plan is to earn a recall before the current campaign is out.

He has been working without a ball for some time as he builds up his fitness and sharpness, with the intention being to step things up again over the coming weeks.

How many games do Wolves have left to take in?

Nuno’s men have a further 13 Premier League games left this season. The first of those will see them travel to Newcastle on Saturday.

Manchester City, Liverpool, West Ham, Tottenham and Everton all figure on Wolves’ fixture list from this point, while a home date with Manchester United will be staged on the final day.

That meeting is due to take place on May 23 and Mexican frontman Jimenez – who has 48 goals for Wolves to his name – will be hoping to be back in the fold by then.

Further reading

Kariobangi Sharks have completed the signing of midfielder Ibrahim Kitawi in the ongoing short transfer window.

The 32-year-old makes a return to the team he left in January 2018 for Sofapaka, as coach William Muluya re-builds a team to challenge for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League this season.

"Ibrahim Kitawi is back," read a post on the Slum Boys' official social media sites on Friday.

"The attacking midfielder joins us for his second stint at the club."

The veteran midfielder has also played for reigning FKF-PL champions Gor Mahia, Tusker FC, Bandari FC, and Sofapaka.

Kitawi joins another midfielder Ibrahim Ochieng who joined the Nairobi-based team from Western Stima. 

The team, however, did not reveal the length of the contract handed to the young midfielder, who joins a fairly competitive department in the middle of the park.

The midfielder, who has been tipped to be a generational talent, has left Western Stima who were forced to rebuild after key players left for Gor Mahia and Wazitro before the current season began.

After starting the season on a bright note, the Eastlands club has failed to keep pace with the leading pack as they are fifth behind Tusker, KCB, AFC Leopards and Bandari. The next game for the William Muluya side will be a tie against the Bankers.

They are currently placed on the fifth position with 21 points from the 12 games they have played. Sharks have won six games, drawn three and lost three in the ongoing campaign. 
The Slum Boys have further scored 19 goals and conceded 15.

On their part, Western Stima have so far completed the signing of Isaac Mweru from Ugandan Premier League side Express FC, Geoffrey Ojunga from Gor Mahia Youth, Kennedy Odhiambo from Gor Mahia, Edwin Odhiambo was acquired on a loan contract from Wazito, goalkeeper Stephen Otieno from Wazito, Tony Castro from Nairobi Stima, Michael Luvutis who was unattached, Michael Karamor and Richard Aimo, both from Sofapaka.

They are in the 17th position after 13 games. The Kisumu-based team have collected just seven points after one win -that came against AFC Leopards, four draws, and eight losses.

Jurgen Klopp says he is excited about the prospect of welcoming Diogo Jota back into his Liverpool squad.

The Portuguese international is in line to make his first appearance in almost three months when the Reds visit Sheffield United on Sunday, having returned to team training at Kirkby earlier this week.

Jota has not featured since injuring knee ligaments in the Champions League draw away at FC Midtjylland back in December.

What's been said?

Speaking at a press conference ahead of this weekend's Premier League trip to Bramall Lane, Klopp told reporters: “Diogo trained now twice with the team, looks very good.

"He was out long term so we have to see what we can do with that, but in training he looks really promising.

“Yes of course it’s positive, very positive. The way he came back in training is very positive. We just have to make a decision about what makes sense for him, when does it make sense, all that."

Any other injury news?

Klopp also confirmed that midfield duo Fabinho and James Milner should return to training on Saturday, though it is unlikely that any risks will be taken with regards to their involvement at Sheffield United.

No decision has been made on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who suffered the tragic loss of his father, Jose, earlier this week. 

Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, is expected to miss at least six weeks after undergoing surgery on the groin injury suffered at Everton last weekend.

"The best-case scenario, I don’t know to be honest," Klopp said. "It’s not a quick one but of course we all hope there is still a possibility for him to play a few games this season, but we will see.”

How important is Sunday's game?

Liverpool know that anything less than a win in South Yorkshire, against the Premier League's bottom club, could spell the end of their fading top-four hopes.

The reigning champions, who have lost their last four league games and won only two of their last 11, sit sixth in the table at present, five points behind fourth-placed West Ham. They could also be overtaken by both Everton and Aston Villa, should those teams win their games in hand.

Further reading