Looking for Soccer News?

Kampala Capital City Authority fell to a 2-1 defeat to BUL FC in a Ugandan Premier League game at Kyabazinga Stadium on Friday.

Musa Esenu and Robert Mukoghotya scored for the victors while Charles Lwanga scored for the former champions in Jinja.

Brian Aheebwa would have opened the score in the 12th minute but he was flagged for offside after Herbert Achai had delivered a splendid cross for him.

Charles Lukwago was called to action in the 24th minute when BUL's Ibrahim Mugulusi' attempted to find the top corner with a clever shot.

The Crane's superb reaction ensured the score remained 0-0 even as the home side looked more dominant in the first 30 minutes.

Esenu scored the opener for the Jinja club in the 33rd minute to reward his teammates with a rather deserved lead, prompting KCCA's coach Mike Mutebi to make a change two minutes after they conceded the opener.

He introduced former Gor Mahia and Yanga SC's striker Juma Balinya for Moses Kalonzi.

The Kasasiro Boys could have equalised in the 45th minute when Keziron Kizito crossed the ball for Andrew Kigozi, who headed wide despite being unmarked by BUL's defenders.

Mukoghotya made it 2-0 for BUL in the 47th minute as they looked more assertive than the disjointed visitors after the break.

Mutebi made more changes in the 66th minute when he rested Bright Anukani and Kigozi and introduced Lwanga and Hasan Musana.

A combination between Stefano Mazengo and Juma Balinya could have produced KCCA's first goal but the former Police FC forward saw his shot saved by Lukwago, who was busier compared to his BUL's counterpart.

BUL conceded a penalty in the 81st minute but Aheebwa - who has had a good start of life at KCCA as he has scored seven goals - saw his kick saved to deny them a goal.

Then, just a minute before the 90 minutes elapsed, Lwanga headed into the net to deny BUL a clean sheet at home.

BUL FC Staring XI: Abdul Kimera, Jimmy Kulaba, Walter Ochora, Ramadhan Dudu, Godfrey Akol, Ibrahim Madoi, Robert Mukoghotya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Musa Esenu, Joseph Ssenujju, Fredrick Kigozi.

Subs: Mike Mutebi, Bithuman, Martin Aprem, Richard Wandyaka, Fredson Gwoto, Deogrocious Ojok.

KCCA FC Staring XI: Charles Lukwago, Samuel Kato, Peter Magambo, Hebert Achai, Moses Kalanzi, Bright Anukani, Keziron Kizito, Ashraf Mugume, Andrew Kigozi, Moses Aliro, Brian Aheebwa.

Subs: Hassan Matovu, Ali Miwrusi, Filbert Obenchan, Juma Balinya, Charles Lwanga, Hassan Musana, Mazengo Stefano.

Manchester City are writing history in English football, with their FA Cup victory over Swansea City in midweek extending their winning run to 15 matches in all competitions.

It’s an all-time English football record for a top flight team – a simply remarkable feat – and Tottenham Hotspur appear set to be the Prem favourites’ next ‘victims’ as they look to extend their streak.

Usually, Jose Mourinho’s side would be stern opponents for Pep Guardiola’s team, however, after a recent poor run—that reached a new low with their 5-4 FA Cup final elimination by Everton—will they really be able to stop the Cityzens?

Did you know you can stream live football matches using the Showmax Pro app?

Watch Premier League, Serie A and La Liga and more at www.showmax.com. Sign up!

Manchester City vs Tottenham: Team news

Kevin De Bruyne remains absent for City, and while the league leaders are doing fine without him, Guardiola will nonetheless be desperate to get his creative hub back into the side.

Sergio Aguero is unlikely to return for this one, while Nathan Ake remains absent.

Elsewhere, Guardiola has other concerns; Rodrigo was injured against Swansea City, but should he fail to recover, Fernandinho may not be able step in, as the Brazilian is suffering from a quad problem.

In defence, Ruben Dias sat out the Swansea game with illness, and it remains to be seen if he will be fit to recover in time.

For Spurs, Gareth Bale sat out against Everton after yet another setback, and remains a doubt, while Mourinho will also have to make a late call on Serge Aurier.

Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon will definitely miss out with injury, and the latter, in particular, represents a considerable loss for the Lilywhites.

Manchester City vs Tottenham: Key facts & stats

After their poor showing against Everton, Spurs will be desperate for any reasons for optimism ahead of their meeting with the league leaders.

Well, since Mourinho took over, they have at least won both of their fixtures against City, although sceptics may point out that both fixtures were in London, rather than at Eastlands.

In fact, City have a strong recent home record against Spurs, having won seven of their last 10 matches at home against the capital club—while losing only one!

Worryingly for the Lilywhites, they’ve won just one of their last six Prem away games, while you have to go way back to 1992 to find an away win for Spurs against a team leading the table at the time.

In the intervening years, Tottenham have lost 21 and drawn three against the league leaders…things don’t bode well.

Manchester City vs Tottenham: Predictions

While Spurs may take some encouragement from City’s extensive injury list, they’ve got problems of their own, not least a defence that’s short of confidence and missing some key personnel.

Despite the absentees, City have demonstrated already—during their ongoing winning streak—that they can hope with absent star men, even if they are of the calibre of De Bruye and Aguero.

With the likes of Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez likely to be let loose on this Spurs defence, Mourinho’s side could be in for another crushing defeat.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Ryan Sessegnon is leaving the door open for him to make another move away from Tottenham, with the versatile 20-year-old currently taking in a loan spell at Hoffenheim.

The highly-rated youngster, who is capable of filling defensive and attacking berths down the left flank, opted to head for Germany in October after finding game time hard to come by under Jose Mourinho.

He intends to make the most of a learning experience in the Bundesliga before heading back to north London and making a decision on whether to push for the exits once more.

What has been said?

“If [first-team football] is not going to be possible next season or in the future, of course I want to go back to a league or a club to regain that experience, and when the time is right to go back, we will see from there," Sessegnon told The Independent.

“Of course I would say to any young player: Try a different culture, a different league, a different language and don’t be afraid, because it is a great opportunity. You will come back a different person and a better player.”

Why did Sessegnon leave Spurs?

The former Fulham star saw just 12 appearances in all competitions during the 2019-20 campaign, with those outings seeing him restricted to only 341 minutes of Premier League football.

As a hot prospect that had been registering on recruitment radars across England long before Spurs came calling, Sessegnon requires regular game time in order to fulfil his potential.

He has taken in 16 appearances across all competitions for Hoffenheim this season, with two goals recorded along the way.

Is Sessegnon part of Mourinho’s plans?

The youngster claims to be in regular contact with the manager of his parent club, with a move to Germany made with the blessing of a Portuguese coach that still holds him in high regard.

Sessegnon has added: “The main message was ‘just go out and play’, that’s exactly what he told me.

“He saw it as a good opportunity for me to go out and just play, play, play, bring that experience back and then hopefully I’m ready for when I come back.

“When I scored my first goal he was in contact to congratulate me. Just here and there he drops me a little message to see how I’m doing, to see where I am with the injury and stuff like that. It was his birthday the other day and I dropped him a little message.”

The bigger picture

Sessegnon is tied to a contract at Spurs through to the summer of 2025.

The Premier League heavyweights have invested £25 million ($34m) worth of faith in him and will be hoping that he becomes a key part of their first-team plans at some stage in the near future – preferably in 2021-22 when he returns to England with added experience under his belt.

Further reading

Chippa United have announced the signing of former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni.

The Eastern Cape-based side has decided to strengthen their squad before the current window closes on Monday night, February 15.

Defender-come-midfielder Sangweni has rejoined the Chilli Boys following a short stint with Eswatini giants Mbabane Highlanders. 

Chippa also revealed that Athini Jodwana, who is a left-sided player, has returned to the club following a short loan spell at National First Division outfit Cape Town All Stars. 

The Chilli Boys released the following statement on Friday afternoon:

"We are proud to announce Athini Jodwana and Thami Sangweni as additions to the Chilli Boys squad for this season," a club statement read. 

"Jodwana, left-back/left-winger, returns to the team after a loan spell. Midfielder Sangweni has signed for the Club until the end of the season."

Jodwana enjoyed regular game during his time with All Stars as he made 11 appearances across all competitions this term and netted once in the process.

Chippa head coach Dan Malesela has decided to recall the 27-year-old player, who made just five appearances in the PSL for the Chilli Boys last season.

Malesela has also brought back Sangweni, 31, with the experienced player having played some of his best football under the 55-year-old tactician at Chippa in the past.

This will be Sangweni's third spell with Chippa having spent three full seasons with the club between 2014 and 2017.

The man nicknamed Thami was very influential in helping the team avoid relegation from the PSL in the 2016/17 season as the club captain and he was signed by Pirates in June 2017.

However, Thami made just three appearances in the PSL during his time with Pirates and he rejoined the Chilli Boys at the end of the 2017/18 campaign. 

Sangweni struggled for game time on his return to the Port Elizabeth side and he parted ways with the club midway through the 2018/19 season.

The former Bafana Bafana international will be hoping to help the Chilli Boys retain their status in the elite league this term and he could feature when they face Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday.

AC Milan want to sign Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz, with the 21-year-old having made a positive impact during his loan spell with the Serie A side.

Goal can reveal that Milan bosses are keen to make the loan move permanent and, although they do not have a purchase option, they are keen to discuss a transfer with Madrid.

While Brahim has always wanted to succeed at the Bernabeu, Madrid will now weigh up whether to keep him beyond the end of the 2020-21 campaign or sell for what would be a significant amount amid the coronavirus crisis.

How has Brahim Diaz performed at Milan?

Following his loan switch to Milan in September 2020, Brahim immediately took to life in Italy and has become an important member of Stefano Pioli's first-team squad.

He has made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and laying on two assists, although he has missed the last two Milan games due to injury.

While he isn't as influential as the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Hakan Calhanoglu or Rafael Leao, Brahim has still been heavily involved and boasts 17 completed dribbles in Serie A - a significant number given he has only played 700 minutes.

Why did Madrid loan him out?

Brahim joined Madrid from Manchester City in January 2019 although he was only used sparingly during his first two seasons at the club, making a total of 21 appearances.

With Zinedine Zidane's side already boasting an attack that includes Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, the decision was made to ship Brahim out on loan for the 2020-21 campaign.

The plan was to make sure the Spaniard was given more exposure to first-team football in one of Europe's top leagues, with Milan proving to be a perfect fit.

Despite being moved out of Madrid on a temporary basis, Brahim has previously claimed to have a good relationship with Zidane, telling Movistar Plus in November 2020: "Zidane and I have a special and mutual affection. The relationship between he and I is very good. Now that I am in Milan, we have less contact, but from time to time I receive a message from him."

What next?

Milan have informed Brahim's family that they want to arrange a permanent deal for him, with Madrid likely to consider a sale for around €30 million (£26m/$36m).

The forward's progression in Italy has not gone unnoticed in the Spanish capital, although with very few in the Madrid squad seen as being essential to their plans, the finances on offer may force the Spanish club's hand.

There is also the future of Zidane, which remains uncertain, and any potential replacement for the Frenchman will have their own ideas and may not consider it worthwhile to keep Brahim around.

For now, though, there will not be any significant movement on transfers, with a decision not likely to be made until at least March.

Brahim, for his part, is likely to be in Spain's squad for the Olympics in Tokyo, where he'll aim to convince his employers that he is good enough to remain at Santiago Bernabeu.

Should the decision be made to move him on, however, then the former Manchester City forward, who is contracted to Madrid until 2025, would be attracted by the idea of extending his stay in Milan

Further reading

Pep Guardiola says Ruben Dias should be fit for Manchester City when they take on Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend.

Dias missed the midweek game at Swansea with a fever but was back in training, Guardiola said.

The central defender has been a key player for the Citizens since joining the current English league leaders in the summer.

Does Guardiola have any other injury worries for Tottenham?

Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero returned to training earlier in the week as they work towards getting themselves back to full fitness.

Fernandinho is definitely out with a problem in his quadriceps.

Midfielder Rodri limped off in the win over the Championship side but has recovered and is likely to be back in the starting line-up on Saturday.

What else did Guardiola have to say?

Manchester City’s incredible winning run is no advantage in their bid to end the season with silverware, Guardiola has said.

The 3-1 FA Cup victory over Swansea on Wednesday was their 15th consecutive win in all competitions, setting a new record for most successive victories for an English top-flight side.

With nine straight wins in the Premier League alone, City have moved five points clear at the top of the table ahead of Saturday’s clash with Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham. 

“We are not [unbeatable]. The 15 games in a row does not help us be 2-0 up before the start of a game,” Guardiola said in his pre-match news conference.

“I said many times it’s nice, it’s good, it’s helped us where we are, in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Premier League - winning helps us but no more than that.

“We have to start again tomorrow and go onto the next one. It’s an important week with three strong teams. We try this short time with the recovery, see who they are, what we have done in the game when we played there, imagine what we can do to play better and beat them.

“This the only concern in these three days after the win in Swansea. It’s what it is.”

Why are Tottenham significant?

As well as the incredible winning run, City’s unbeaten streak stretches back a further seven matches to their 2-0 defeat to Spurs in November.

City dominated possession but were caught out by counter-attacking goals from Heung-Min Son and Giovani Lo Celso.

Both Son and Kane are available for the game at the Etihad Stadium and Guardiola is wary of their threat on the break and doesn’t believe their midweek tie at Everton will be a disadvantage, even with their 5-4 defeat going into extra time.

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called for the Europa League knockout rounds to be played over one leg after Manchester United’s away game at Real Sociedad was moved to Turin.

The first of United’s two-legged tie against the Liga side has been moved to Italy due to current travel restrictions imposed by the Spanish government over Covid-19, preventing the team from flying in for the game without the need for quarantine.

Real Sociedad's director of football Roberto Olabe hit out at UEFA over the ruling which saw the Spanish side have to find an alternative venue for next week’s game, claiming Manchester United had an unfair advantage - and Solskjaer agreed, adding that he would have backed it being a one-legged occasion.

What was said?

Solskjaer said: “With Europe, we hope it’s going to be sustainable. Different governments and the travel in Europe is difficult. It’s not a decision we made but when one game is in a neutral venue, it’s a disadvantage to the team that doesn’t have the home game. That’s out of our hands. We can’t say we’d go to Turin and play one game, I wouldn’t mind that at all, it would be one game less. 

“That’s what we did last season, we met somewhere neutral and made it a tournament. Of course, home and away - if we keep that going - we do have a little advantage and a disadvantage for Sociedad to have their home game in Turin. For me, I wouldn’t stand in the way.”

Where is the return leg being played?

While the first leg, which should have been played in San Sebastian, will be played at the Allianz Arena in Turin, Juventus’ home ground, the second leg will still be played at Old Trafford. 

Government ruling in the United Kingdom means elite sports people are exempt from the quarantine restrictions which are imposed on travellers flying into the UK from abroad. The exemption allows Solskjaer’s side to travel to Italy for the first leg and not have to quarantine on their return and similarly allows Sociedad to come across for the game.

What have UEFA said?

A statement from UEFA after the venue change was announced read: “UEFA would like to thank Real Sociedad and Manchester United for their close cooperation and assistance in finding a solution to the issue at hand, as well as the Italian Football Federation and Juventus for their support and agreeing to host the match in question.”

Further reading

Leicester defender James Justin has seen his season brought to an abrupt close, with an ACL injury forcing the 22-year-old onto the sidelines and under the knife.

The England Under-21 defender has been a model of consistency for the Foxes in recent times, with a regular role in full-back berths nailed down under Brendan Rodgers.

He was, however, forced from the field during an FA Cup fifth-round clash with Brighton and will not be seen again until the 2021-22 campaign.

What has been said?

“Sadly for JJ the scan hasn’t shown up so well,” Foxes boss Rodgers told reporters ahead of a meeting with Liverpool on Saturday.

“Massive blow for us. It looks like he’s done his ACL, which is a devastating blow for us.

“He’s been incredible. Whatever position he’s played, he’s been minimum 8/10.

“We hoped he would be okay. He’s in London with our doctor and trying to get all of the expertise in terms of the next step. I know the boy, he’s tough mentally, so he will come back.”

Rodgers added: “We’ve had it with Ricky [Pereira] and he’s come back fitter and stronger. That will be a source of inspiration for him.

“He was upset yesterday. He has been so robust for me. He has played nearly every game and performed to a really high level.

“He wouldn’t have been too far away from Gareth [Southgate’s] thoughts. A player who can play to JJ’s level would be great for any squad.

“He will likely have his operation soon and we’ll fight for him for the rest of the season.”

How had Justin fared this season?

The versatile defender has taken in 31 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign.

He has registered three goals and an assist in those outings, while helping the Foxes to nine Premier League clean sheets.

His efforts have contributed to Rodgers’ side sitting third in the English top-flight table, while also making their way through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and last-32 of the Europa League, where they will face Manchester United and Slavia Prague respectively.

The bigger picture

Leicester have been leaning heavily on a settled side this season, but do boast the strength in depth that allows them to rotate.

The Foxes have fielded three and four-man defensive units over recent weeks, meaning that Rodgers can mix things up to make the most of those at his disposal.

Further reading

Jack Grealish has been branded “Lionel Messi with a right foot” by Emi Martinez, with the Aston Villa goalkeeper claiming the talented midfielder is the best player he has worked with.

The Argentine shot-stopper spent 10 years with Arsenal before making a move to the West Midlands in 2020, but says he saw nothing in north London that lives up to his current colleague.

Grealish has become a talismanic presence for Villa, as club captain and a senior England international, and Martinez believes his value and ability is comparable to a Barcelona icon.

What has been said?

“He is the most talented player I’ve ever seen,” Martinez has told talkSPORT of Grealish.

“He never gives the ball away. When I see Grealish running, it’s always a shot on target or a corner for us. He will drive past two or three players.

“I just see Messi with a right foot when he has the ball. You can’t get the ball off him. He’s the most talented English player and I’m surprised he hasn’t played more games for England.

“Messi is Messi, he’s the best ever. But in terms of training, when Jack has the ball, people don’t want to tackle him, they respect him, he can finish, he can chop, he can do everything.

“When I train with Messi for the national team, it’s the same. Nobody wants to touch him, he chops people, he treats players like cones. I see that with Jack here.”

Pressed further on where Grealish would rank alongside the likes of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Martinez added: “He’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen, so I’d put him a step ahead of them.”

Why is Grealish so highly regarded?

Questions were once asked of whether an enigmatic playmaker boasted the physical and mental strength to cut it at the very top of the English game.

Grealish has silenced those doubters in style, with his efforts inspiring Villa to promotion back into the Premier League during the 2018-19 campaign.

He has not looked out of place among the elite, with international recognition and a lucrative new contract coming his way after helping Dean Smith’s side to survival last season.

The 25-year-old has kicked on again in the current campaign, to spark talk of further interest from elsewhere, with seven goals and 10 assists recorded through 22 appearances.

Further reading

Mauricio Pochettino has rejected suggestions that he has a Real Madrid release clause in his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Argentine was only appointed as successor to Thomas Tuchel at Parc des Princes on January 2 and is still finding his feet back at a club he once represented in his playing days.

The former Tottenham boss says it is his intention to spend “many years” in the French capital, with there no desire on his part to take the reins at Santiago Bernabeu any time soon.

What has been said?

“In my contract there is no clause for if Real Madrid call me,” Pochettino has told El Transistor.

“I'm happy at PSG and I hope I can stay for many years.”

How long is Pochettino’s contract at PSG?

The South American committed to a deal through to the summer of 2022 when taking charge of the Ligue 1 champions, and that agreement includes the option for a 12-month extension.

Pochettino has already tasted Trophee des Champions glory while at the PSG helm, with that success seeing him claim a first piece of silverware as a coach.

More is expected from him in the months ahead, with the dominant force in France looking to defend their domestic Ligue 1 crown while also securing a long-awaited Champions League triumph.

Have Real Madrid looked at Pochettino in the past?

The Liga giants have been heavily linked with the highly-rated coach for some time.

Pochettino has admitted that taking charge of Real would be a “dream”, but he has never been in a position to fill that post.

Whenever a vacancy at the Bernabeu has opened up, with questions currently being asked of Zinedine Zidane’s long-term presence in the Blancos dugout, the 48-year-old has always been tied to a contract elsewhere.

Further reading

Thomas Tuchel has explained Kai Havertz's ongoing absence and given an update on the fitness of the rest of his Chelsea squad.

Chelsea have had a prolonged period of playing a game every three days due to their participation in the FA Cup and an increasingly congested Premier League fixture list.

It has led to several small injury concerns in Tuchel's short time at the club and he issued an update, including one on £70 million ($97m) signing Havertz, who hasn't played in Chelsea's last four games.

Who is injured and for how long?

Havertz and Thiago Silva are aiming to return for Chelsea's trip to Southampton in eight days. Tuchel confirmed that Andreas Christensen's head injury sustained in the 1-0 away win at Barnsley was only minor and said that Timo Werner is ready to play.

"It was not concussion-related at all," Tuchel said of Christensen. "It was a headache, so we took him off.

"It’s too soon for sure for Thiago," continued Tuchel. "We are aiming for Southampton and trying hard, so let’s see if we make it but we cannot promise.

"It’s Friday and we still have three training sessions before the game. It should be absolutely okay for Timo [who suffered a dead leg against Sheffield United last weekend] to come back but maybe too close for Kai.

"I’m not sure if he’s out [of training] today but he will be missing this match as well."

When will Havertz realise his potential?

The Blues manager was then asked whether Havertz could reach the heights he did in Germany, having struggled for form after arriving in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen.

"I am pretty sure we will see that it takes its time and there are no short answers. If there was then I would go and talk to him to bring out his full potential," he said.

"What we know and what we can rely on is this potential in him. Every transfer and change of club is different, sometimes you need more time to adapt, sometimes it is quick, sometimes it is a process.

"All we can do is push him, support him and give him what he needs and we will figure this out.

"He had a really good start with us and I have the feeling that I see a guy who is self-aware, humble and incredibly talented.

"There are no doubts that he will show that, the sooner the better. Unfortunately, he has missed training and matches for us and hopefully he will come back in the next days as I am convinced he will have a big impact."

How are Newcastle shaping up for their trip to Stamford Bridge?

Callum Wilson is the highest-profile absentee from Steve Bruce's side and he will spend the next few weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Despite beating Southampton last weekend, the Magpies ended the game with just nine men and Bruce offered an update on the health of his squad.

"Fabian Schar has had an operation on his knee ligaments so it's eight weeks out for him," he said. "Javier Manquillo did his ankle ligaments so he could be a similar time out and Callum Wilson has got a tear to his hamstring so that could be six-to-eight weeks as well.

"Ciaran Clark will be available. Fingers crossed with Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez - they've both got a chance."

Further reading

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Fabinho will miss Liverpool's trip to Leicester on Saturday through injury.

But the Reds boss revealed that both Naby Keita and Diogo Jota are edging ever closer to a return, in what would be a major double-boost for the struggling champions.

Klopp was speaking at a press conference to preview his side's Premier League fixture at the King Power Stadium this weekend, a game which could have a significant bearing on the race for a top-four finish.

What's been said?

Klopp told reporters: "Fabinho will not be available. He has suffered a little muscle issue again and will be out for this game. I don't know at the moment [if he will be available for the Leipzig game on Tuesday], we will see.

"With Naby, it was a hamstring, a slightly bigger one. He is back on the pitch but not back with the team yet. He's in individual training sessions, hard training sessions, the final stages of his rehab. But still not there.

"Diogo is close, but not as close as Naby, for example. He's on the pitch as well, individual sessions, not the same intensity as you can imagine after a longer time in rehab. You have to train really intense before you can go back to team training.

"Two or three weeks, maybe? Probably the medical department will hit me now, but I think that's kind of possible to have him back in full training maybe, and then we will see how long it takes."

So who could play at centre-back against Leicester?

Klopp could give debuts to one or both of his new signings, with Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak having trained fully with their new team-mates at Kirkby this week.

Nat Phillips, who started the Reds' victory at West Ham two weeks ago, is another alternative, with the option of moving captain Jordan Henderson back into his favoured midfield role. 

"Obviously we had some sessions together where we could really work on the defensive setup," Klopp said. "That's really important.

"We have other players available as well. Nat Phillips did really well, together with Hendo and Fab. We have to find a solution, and all of them had the chance to show in training this week who is ready. I have to make a decision tomorrow."

How long have Keita and Jota been out?

Keita's last appearance for Liverpool came in the 7-0 win at Crystal Palace on December 19. That was the first and only time he has completed 90 minutes this season. 

He has managed just 11 appearances in all competitions this term, and just seven starts.

Jota injured his knee in the Champions League draw away to FC Midtjylland on December 9. The Portugal international had scored nine goals in 17 appearances prior to that, having joined from Wolves in a £45 million ($62m) transfer back in September.

What is the situation surrounding the top four?

Liverpool head into the game having won just two of their last nine Premier League matches, and under increasing pressure in the race for a Champions League qualification spot.

They sit fourth at present, three points behind Leicester in third and just one clear of fifth-placed Chelsea, who host Newcastle on Monday night.

Also within striking distance are West Ham, Everton, Tottenham and Aston Villa, all of whom are within five points of the Reds. Everton and Villa also boast two games in hand.

Further reading

Sevilla director of football Monchi says out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder Isco wants to leave the Liga giants - but his club have no interest in signing the Spain international.

Isco has rarely featured under Zinedine Zidane this season and has been linked with several other clubs, including Premier League side Arsenal, while Sevilla have also been rumoured to be interested.

Monchi said Isco's name had come up in discussions with Sevilla club president Jose Castro about possible transfer targets, but that they had no real interest in bringing him in.

What has been said?

Monchi told Estadio Deportivo: "The conversation lasted approximately 15 or 20 seconds. It is news that has come out, he asked me and I said no, that was all the interest in Isco.

"We do not live in a basement and read things, but I talk to the president or vice-president on a day-to-day basis, and there are things that jump out and the president asks me if that is true and I say 'Yes, yes, I have not told you', but it is not the case with Isco.

"It is a rumour, a logical rumour, because he wants to leave and here is a coach with who he played at a high level, but there is absolutely nothing, not a movement."

Asked if Sevilla might pursue Isco in the summer, Monchi said: "Fortunately in that position we have very interesting players. It is one of the positions on the pitch about which we can be calmer. In the positions that Isco can play, we have players here that will give us good performances."

What has happened to Isco?

The 28-year-old midfielder is a player of undoubted talent, but he has found himself out of favour under Zidane this campaign, playing just 15 games in all competitions, with only four starts and 497 minutes of total action. The only game where he has played 90 minutes or more was in the Copa del Rey, where Real were humbled by third-tier Alcoyano.

This has led to talk of a transfer away from Madrid, and he was linked with a loan switch to Arsenal in January - only for the Gunners to bring in his Real team-mate Martin Odegaard instead.

Sevilla are managed by Julen Lopetegui, under who Isco was a regular during his spell as Spain boss and in his brief stint as head coach at Santiago Bernabeu - however it appears, if Monchi's comments are to be believed, that there is little substance to this transfer talk.

Further reading

Sporting Charleroi striker Saido Berahino has revealed his intention to return to West Bromwich Albion to ‘prove a point’ after he left the Premier League club in a disappointing way.

Berahino recalled the beautiful atmosphere he enjoyed at the Hawthorns but he gave the details of his regrets which include a botched move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2015.

The Burundi international who has returned two goals in 13 games in the Belgian top-flight this season, said he has learnt some lessons and he is eager to reunite with the West Brom faithful.

"I’d like to return to England. I’m meant to be in my prime years now, and I have a point to prove,” Berahino told FourFourTwo.

“I’m not the person that people think I am. I know it’s not realistic at the moment because they’re in the Premier League, but I dream of going back to The Hawthorns. The way the fans took to me and chanted my name was unbelievable, and the way it ended was disappointing. I have regrets.

"I’m wiser now. I’ve learned to appreciate what I’ve been through. In my Twitter bio, there’s a quote: ‘For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?’ I was doing a Bible study when I found that sentence, and it hit home."

On his failed move to Tottenham Hotspur, Berahino explained his reaction after former West Bromwich Albion owner Jeremy Peace rejected a transfer offer from their league rivals.

He said he regret dragging the former club chief on social media and he is ready to apologise to him now.

"I scored 20 goals in all competitions and was named Players’ Player of the Year that season," he continued. "Then in August 2015, Tottenham made a bid for me. I’d been criticised for an interview where I said I’d like to move on to bigger things in the future – but whatever profession you’re in, if somebody offers you a promotion, you’d take it.

"I wanted to improve and play with top-quality players, fighting for titles like the Champions League – and I meant that with no disrespect to West Brom. I was disappointed with the way it was documented – that I didn’t want to be part of West Brom’s team any more. The players understood my situation.

"Under Mauricio Pochettino, with the players they had, it was the beginning of the new Tottenham. Being part of that would have been fantastic – it would have taken me to another level.

“But West Brom kept rejecting their offers, then when my agent told me the move was off, I was upset. I had so much anger towards one guy, West Brom owner Jeremy Peace.

"When you’re young, you don’t understand the business and how everything works. I didn’t take it well – I took it personally, then got myself involved in all sorts of bad things, tweeting that I’d never play for Peace again. I do regret that. As soon as I sent the tweet, it was all over Sky Sports News.

"My mum came into my room saying, ‘What are you doing? Get off that now! You don’t handle yourself in that manner, this is not you’. She was cross. I’ve never publicly apologised for my behaviour towards Jeremy Peace, but I’d like to do it now. He deserves that – we’ve never spoken since that period, but until then we’d had a good relationship. He’d given me a new contract at West Brom and done great things for my family. He changed my life."

Mikel Arteta remains confident that Arsenal can tie Folarin Balogun to a new contract despite the talented teenager continuing to run down his current deal.

As things stand, the highly-rated 19-year-old will be in a position to walk away from Emirates Stadium at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

The Gunners have been doing all they can to get fresh terms thrashed out, with Arteta claiming to have received plenty of encouragement from the American-born youngster regarding those talks.

What has been said?

“I’m still very positive that Flo is going to stay with us and it’s what we’re trying to do as a club, and it’s what I’m trying to do as a manager,” Arteta told reporters when quizzed on Balogun ahead of a Premier League clash with Leeds on Sunday.

“As far as I know from last week, the player wants to be here, so I’m positive. I think he’s made some big progress in a few months.”

Why are Arsenal so keen to keep Balogun?

The promising striker is another product of Arsenal’s famed academy system and he has been with the club since the age of eight, with his potential added to the youth ranks in north London back in 2008.

Balogun signed professional terms with the Gunners in February 2019, but that agreement is coming to a close.

Arteta is eager to get an extension in place after handing competitive minutes to a hot prospect this season.

Two senior goals have been scored in the Europa League, against Molde and Dundalk, with five total appearances taken in, but game time has dried up of late, with his last outing coming in a Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City on December 22.

Who has been linked with Balogun?

German giants RB Leipzig are reported to have been heading the queue for Balogun.

They are far from being the only side in the mix, though, with The Guardian reporting in January that 15 clubs have expressed interest in taking the youngster when his Arsenal contract expires.

The Gunners are eager to keep him off the open market, but the clock is ticking on efforts to find a solution that suits all parties.

Further reading

Wilfried Zaha has revealed that Ravel Morrison “moving like he was Ronaldinho” led to him confronting the former Manchester United midfielder during an England U21 match, with the team-mates becoming embroiled in an on-field bust-up.

Back in 2013, the Crystal Palace winger - who now represents Ivory Coast at senior international level - was a starry-eyed youngster looking to make a positive impression with the Three Lions.

One outing against Lithuania saw him line up alongside Morrison, who was a highly-regarded product of the Old Trafford academy system, but Zaha did not take kindly to his showboating during a 5-0 win.

What has been said?

“He was just getting me mad. He was moving like he was Ronaldinho and the rest of us were just no-one,” Zaha told the On The Judy Podcast of Morrison’s antics. “He was getting the ball and he was just doing tricks and the only time he passes it if he really needs to.

“We're just stood there with our hands on our hips while he's going past six Lithuanian players, and it's just like 'what are you doing?’.

“It was that easy - the team that we had, we had such good players and we can all do that, we can all hog the ball and go past all of them but we're not doing it. We're trying to be professional, play properly but he was just on his own thing.

“I just had enough, I was like ‘what are you doing?' and out of the blue he just pushed me. I'm like ‘are you dumb?’, so I pushed him back and it was just nonsense on the pitch then when you go inside the man is silent.”

What has happened to Morrison?

Once regarded as one of the hottest prospects in English football, the enigmatic midfielder has failed to fulfil his true potential.

United eventually tired of his antics and sanctioned a move to West Ham in 2012 but, after initial success with the Hammers, his spell in east London also toured sour.

Morrison, who is now 28 years of age, has become a footballing nomad since then and currently finds himself without a club.

He has represented Birmingham, QPR, Cardiff, Lazio, Atlas, Ostersund, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and ADO Den Haag, but has been unable to settle anywhere and showcase his full ability.

In contrast, Zaha has become a Premier League star at Palace. He also had a frustrating spell at Manchester United when lacking the experience to make a real impact, but has since shown himself to be one of the most productive wingers in the English top-flight.

Further reading