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Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar will host a New Year's Eve party for approximately 150 people in Brazil.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, which has claimed over 190,000 lives in Brazil, the 28-year-old is putting together a celebration at his mansion in Mangaratiba that, according to reports, will last five days.

Agencia Fabrica, the company putting the party together, has dismissed claims that around 500 people will attend and insists that it will adhere to strict health and safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

A statement from the party organisers read: "Agencia Fabrica clarifies that it is the creator and producer of New Year's Eve event in the Costa Verde region, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, which will receive approximately 150 people.

"The event will take place in compliance with all health standards determined by public agencies. The company also clarifies that the private event, with exclusive access for guests and without ticket sales, happens with all licenses from the competent bodies necessary for its realisation."

Brazil has been hit hard by the pandemic, with only the United States suffering more deaths than the South American nation, while there have been over 7 million confirmed cases - the third highest tally in the world.

President Jair Bolsonaro has been dismissive of the severity of the virus, despite having tested positive for it several times. The right-wing leader is also sceptical about the vaccine that has been developed by Pfizer-BioNTech.

He said this month: "In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'We're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem.

"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they [the vaccine manufacturers] will not have anything to do with it."

Neymar has scored nine goals and registered three assists in 12 appearances this season for PSG. The former Barcelona star has been injured since mid-December and is expected to be fit to feature for the Ligue 1 giants in early 2021, with their first game of the year scheduled for January 6. 

Currently without a head coach but edging closer to signing former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, PSG will face Saint-Etienne and host Brest at Parc des Princes three days later.

Les Parisiens are third in the French top-flight, a point behind Lyon and Lille after 17 matches.

The Tanzania Football Federation have come out to clear the air over Lipuli FC’s dues that were to be paid for participating in the Azam Sports Federation Cup during the 2018/19 season.

Lipuli were defeated 1-0 by Azam FC in the final in May 2019, but the local FA has not fully paid the prize money owed to the finalists.

Acknowledging the outstanding debt, the TFF have explained why they have not yet paid the money, and when they intend to do so.

“The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) would like to shed more light following a letter doing rounds in the social media concerning the amount of money Lipuli FC would have earned after coming second in the Azam Sports Federation Cup,” the letter signed by the federation’s media officer Clifford Ndimbo and obtained by Goal read.

“It is true Lipuli FC were to get a total sum of Tsh10 million by virtue of being second runners up in the competition, but after communication with the finance office, TFF found out that Lipuli were in debt of up to Tsh4 million an amount that accrued from Lipuli’s transfer activities on foreign players in the 2018/19 season.

“TFF, regardless of the outstanding debt, had paid Lipuli FC an initial Tsh5 million that was part of the Tsh10 million prize money. With that in mind, it is clear now that TFF is owed by Lipuli FC Tsh1 million, money that will be paid in the near future.”

TFF also pleaded with club officials to desist from sharing official communication documents on unsanctioned forums.

“We would also like to request club officials to avoid the habit of sharing official letters on social media because, as part of the football fraternity, they have got an obligation of respecting regulations and precedence that govern soccer including the TFF regulations,” it added.

“Many clubs are in debt with TFF and the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) but the two institutions will not spread such matters to the public because such an act would contravene TFF’s regulations governing good conduct.”

Lipuli, alongside Ndanda FC and Singida United, were relegated last season.

In the current cup campaign Simba SC, Mtibwa Sugar and Azam advanced during the weekend's respective actions.

Chelsea dropped points for the fourth time in five Premier League games as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa in their final match of 2020. 

Frank Lampard will have been hoping for a response to their woeful 3-1 defeat to Arsenal and dropped big-money signing Timo Werner amid a goal drought, but the Blues were no more fluent against Dean Smith's side. 

Villa's hopes of keeping five consecutive top-flight clean sheets for the first time since September 1998 were ended 34 minutes in as Olivier Giroud struck, making it seven successive goalscoring appearances against the Villans in the Premier League for the Frenchman. 

But Anwar El Ghazi levelled with his fifth goal in as many games in the 50th minute and that proved decisive, while Chelsea were fortunate to not concede again when John McGinn hit the crossbar.

An entertaining start saw both sides threaten, Jack Grealish having a curling 18-yard effort turned wide by Edouard Mendy before Christian Pulisic lashed into the side-netting at the other end. 

Another opportunity was spurned by Pulisic just past the half-hour, though two minutes later Chelsea had the lead – Giroud sending a thumping header in from Ben Chilwell's inviting delivery. 

Villa levelled early in the second half when Matty Cash's cross found El Ghazi at the back post, and he steered home through the legs of Mendy, who probably should have done better. 

Chelsea's reaction was hardly emphatic and Villa went agonisingly close to a spectacular second, the ball breaking kindly for McGinn 30 yards from goal and his fierce effort cannoned off the bar. 

Lampard introduced the much-maligned Werner and Kai Havertz towards the end, though neither inspired an improvement in Chelsea's fortunes against a shrewd Villa backline.

What does it mean? Chelsea's slide set to continue 

Lampard's hopes of mounting a credible title challenge are seemingly diminishing by the day – they could be nine points adrift of the summit by the time they next play. 

To make matters worse, they have played more games than most teams around them and are showing few signs of improvement, with those big-money additions of Werner and Havertz still nowhere near the expected level. 

At this rate, Chelsea will struggle to even finish in the top four, whereas Villa continue to upset the odds as they are now five unbeaten in the league. 

Cash is on the money 

Grealish understandably gets a lot of the plaudits in this Villa team, and he was once again impressive, but right-back Cash arguably played an even more important role. Not only did he get forward to good effect, with the visitors' goal coming from one of his four crosses, he was also dependable at the back – his three tackles and two interceptions were team highs, while his total of five clearances was bettered only by Kortney Hause. 

Pulisic fails to inspire 

He was lively enough on the left flank and worked hard, his 10.8 kilometres covered second only to N'Golo Kante, but Pulisic just was not effective enough during proceedings. He should have done better with his early chances and he otherwise failed to produce a single key pass.  

Key Opta facts

- Chelsea have lost just one of their last 14 Premier League home games (W10 D3), with that lone defeat coming against Liverpool earlier this season.
- Since losing at Liverpool in July, Villa have only suffered one defeat in their last nine away games in the Premier League (W5 D3).
- Chilwell equalled his Premier League season-best tally of four assists, with the Chelsea defender already having as many goal involvements in this campaign as in 2019-20 (6 - 2 goals, 4 assists).
- Since his Premier League debut in August 2012, Giroud has scored more headed goals than any other player in the competition (32).
- Villa have shipped 51 Premier League goals away at Chelsea – only against Manchester City and Manchester United (both 53) have they conceded more on the road in the competition.

What's next? 

Chelsea have a fairly substantial break now until they return to action at home to Manchester City in a potentially thrilling encounter on Sunday, assuming it is not postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Pep Guardiola's ranks. Villa, on the other hand, have another tough task on New Year's Day, as they go to Manchester United. 

Uganda Cranes midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga has promised to deliver for the country in the African Nations Championship competition scheduled to start in mid-January in Cameroon.

The Vipers SC midfielder was one of the players who impressed as the Hippos won the U20 Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations Championship held in Tanzania. The youngster did not hide his joy after being included in the 25-man squad that left for West Africa on Monday afternoon.

"I am ready to give my all and perform to my best whenever given the chance to don the colours of the national team because I know by doing so, I am making many people at home proud," Byaruhanga said ahead of the departure.

"I am proud of getting this call-up, it is a special thing for me because there is so much talent in the group and everyone is giving their all. I feel proud and filled with joy upon knowing that I have a chance of representing my country at the Chan tournament.

"Above all, I am grateful to God, who has blessed me from day one, he deserves all the praise and honour and I pray he guides us so that we emerge victorious at Chan."

The young Venom has urged the Ugandans to rally behind the national team to give them motivation and confidence ahead of the game.

"I call upon all Ugandans to rally behind us as we take on the challenge because they are our biggest support and with them, we are able to face our opponents with vigour," Byaruhanga concluded.

On Monday, Uganda head coach Johnathan McKinstry named a 25-man squad for the upcoming mini-tournament in Cameroon ahead of the Chan. 

The pre-Chan tournament consists of Cameroon, Niger and Zambia, and will be played from January 1 to 7. 

McKinstry will lead the team alongside Livingstone Mbabazi and Abdallah Mubiru acting as his assistants. Hamid Juma has been selected as the leader of the delegation while the performance coach is Alexander McCarthy.

Sadiq Wasswa will take charge of the goalkeeper coaching responsibilities.

Geoffrey Massa is the team manager while Samuel Hassan Mulondo and Ayub Balyejusa will serve as the kit men.

Travelling Players:

Goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume FC), Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Tom Ikara (Police FC)

Defenders: Eric Ssenjobe (Police FC), Aziz Kayondo (Vipers SC), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Ashraf Mandela (URA FC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Mustafa Mujuzi (Kyetume FC), Patrick Mbowa (URA FC), Hassan Muhammad (Police FC)

Midfielders: Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC), Tony Mawejje (Police FC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC), Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Hassan Ssenyonjo (Wakiso Giants FC)

Forwards: Ben Ocen (Police FC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Vianne Ssekajjugo (Wakiso Giants FC), Joseph Ssemujju (BUL FC), Joakim Ojera (URA FC), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Stephen Mukwala (URA FC), Mohamed Shaban (Vipers SC). 

Bengaluru suffered their second defeat on the trot this season in Indian Super League (ISL) as they went down 0-1 against Jamshedpur on Monday.

The match witnessed end-to-end action throughout the 90 minutes and both teams had their fair share of chances but Jamshedpur came on top in the end thanks to Stephen Eze's goal.

The Blues head coach Carles Cuadrat suggested that his players fought tooth and nail till the very end but unfortunately could not get the desired result.

"It has been really physical but the last game against ATK Mohun Bagan was also very physical. We know that there are tough teams and we accept that. Like the last game, we fought until the end to get something but it was not possible."

Suresh Wangjam is one of the most hard-working players in the Bengaluru team this season but Cuadrat refuted suggestions that his team is dependent on the youngster, "We create chances with Sunil (Chhetri), Cleiton (Silva) and the number nines are doing their job, getting the space for the wingers. It is not about Suresh. He is a great player but we have more players in our squad who can provide us with goals."

The Blues have struggled defensively, especially on the left side, since Ashique Kuruniyan got injured in the Odisha match. Rahul Bheke played as the makeshift left-back in their last two games but has not been able to put up a satisfactory performance.

Cuadrat acknowledged that the left-back position has been a weak link for his team in their last two games but suggested that in the absence of a key player like Ashique, the other players need time to get adjusted.

"We have a situation with Ashique. We are missing a player who was doing really well. He was one of the best players for us and one of the best left-backs in the league this season. But we have to accept that and now try to look at other options. I gave some minutes to Ajith and wanted to try him in that position but it is a new competition for him and he has to get in slowly," said Cuadrat.

The Spanish coach revealed the half time talk he had with his team and suggested that the most important message was to not be frustrated with the missed chances.

"Football is a game of dynamics. When you score one goal you are closer to the second goal and when you are losing chances in the first half, I told them at half time to be positive and to try to be confident.

"When Sunil was missing a goal he was looking dejected, same with Cleiton and Kristian. I told them to keep working even if they missed chances. It is dynamic, whenever you are not scoring you get stressed," Cuadrat said. 

Ola Aina is comfortable and enjoying the new centre-back role he is playing at Fulham as they remain unbeaten in their last four Premier League games.

The 24-year-old, who primarily plays as a right wing-back, has been moved to the centre of the Cottagers’ defence where he partners Anglo-Nigerian centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo and Joachim Andersen in Scott Parker's new formation.

With 12 league games under his belt so far this campaign, Aina – who returned to London on a season-long loan from Torino in September – said he is ready to continue helping Parker’s team wherever he is positioned.

“Normally I would be playing a bit wider, a bit further up the pitch, but I’ve always said that I’ll put a shift in wherever I’m placed,” Aina told the club website. “I’m in a back three at the minute and I’m really enjoying it. 

"I feel really comfortable there.”

Despite their fine defensive run, Fulham still find themselves in the relegation zone with 11 points after 15 games, however, the Nigeria star thinks they are improving in every department.

“We all know how it was at the beginning of the season, so from that point to now, it just shows the hard work that we’re putting in, as well as the togetherness that we have,” he added. "I don’t think it’s only the backline you know, it goes throughout the team, it starts from the top.

“If it didn’t start at the top, then the opposition would get more chances on our goal, so the whole team has done well to get us these clean sheets.”

After avoiding defeat in their last four league matches, Aina also expressed his belief that Saturday’s goalless draw with Southampton is a decent result for them ahead of their next league outing against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.

They will be targeting their first win in exactly a month, when they defeated Leicester City 2-1.

Aina concluded: “There were a couple of VAR decisions that went in our favour, but it was just one of those afternoons with a lot of buts and ifs, like you said, but it’s good to get the clean sheet and build on from that.

“It’s big for us to be getting clean sheets, it shows we’re working well.”

Kelechi Iheanacho missed a penalty in Leicester City’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Monday.

The centre-forward was handed his second league start of the campaign against Roy Hodgson’s men but missed an opportunity to give the Foxes the lead.

The King Power Stadium outfit were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute of the encounter after James Tomkins brought down Luke Thomas in the box.

Iheanacho was given the opportunity to take the penalty but the Nigeria international missed the glorious chance, failing to fire his effort past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

The Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City has been postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak.

The Toffees were due to play host to Pep Guardiola's team at Goodison Park on Monday night.

However, the contest has now been called off due to a number of positive Covid-19 tests in the City camp. The match will be rescheduled, but it has not yet been decided when it will go ahead.

"Manchester City FC can confirm that this evening’s Premier League fixture at Everton has been postponed," a statement on City's website read.

"After the latest round of Covid-19 testing, the club returned a number of positive cases, in addition to the four already reported on Christmas Day. 

"With the security of the bubble compromised, there posed a risk that the virus could spread further amongst the squad, the staff and potentially beyond.

"Based on strong medical advice the Premier League, in consultation with both clubs, have decided to postpone the fixture.

"All positive cases involving players and staff will observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine. The first team training ground at City Football Academy will close for an indeterminate period, with the squad and associated bubble undergoing testing before any decision is made for training to resume."

The Premier League confirmed the news with a post on its website, which added: "This rise [in Covid-19 cases] has created uncertainty and the Premier League Board received medical advice that the match should be postponed.

"The Board agreed to rearrange the game as a precaution, and further testing will now take place tomorrow.

"The decision has been taken with the health of players and staff the priority.

"The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its protocols and rules, and the way in which all clubs are implementing them."

Everton are second in the top-flight after 15 matches and sit three points behind leaders Liverpool. City, meanwhile, are sixth having played 14 times and six adrift of the Reds.

Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany has dropped the biggest hint yet that Percy Tau could be set to return to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion in January.

Tau is on loan at Anderlecht from the Premier League strugglers, who have confirmed plans to bring the attacking midfielder back for the second half of the season.

As the Seagulls are currently flirting with relegation, manager Graham Potter sees Tau as a potential answer to their troubles, and Kompany appears resigned to losing one of the key performers in his Anderlecht squad next month.

“Yes, he could leave, and it will be up to the remaining players, and others, to make up for that departure,” said Kompany, as per Walfoot.

“Am I leaving the door open for him to stay?" the ex-Belgium centre-back laughed. "Even if there is a one percent chance that he will not leave, yes I will leave the door open.

"Anything can happen with the Covid, especially administratively, we know."

Kompany also moved to praise the forward's commitment despite the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

"I did not hesitate for a second to start him," he continued, "because I know very well that he always gives everything." 

If Brighton recall Tau, it would be the former Mamelodi Sundowns star’s first time to play in the Premier League after previous loan stints at Union Saint-Gilloise and Club Brugge.

The 26-year-old has already demonstrated that he deserves a run at the Seagulls after impressive outings during the three loan stints in Belgium.

He's scored four goals and weighed in with an assist in 14 league appearances so far.

His only assist came in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Beerschot, leaving Kompany lauding the Bafana Bafana man, who lasted for 84 minutes.

“Percy gave everything and worked well, I saw a good relationship between the attacking players," Kompany said. "Ok, he didn't score today, that's how it is."

Since Steven Pienaar left Sunderland in 2017, South Africa has had no interntional turning out for a Premier League side.

Mikel Arteta says he felt responsible for Arsenal's "draining, frustrating and painful" poor form, admitting he questioned himself every day during their recent winless run. 

Arsenal beat London rivals Chelsea 3-1 on Saturday to ease some of the growing pressure on Arteta, who recently celebrated a full year in charge. 

That followed a streak of seven Premier League games without a victory, with the Gunners' return of 14 points from 14 games their worst return at that stage of a season since 1974-75 when converted to three points for a win. 

Arteta's side still sit just six points above the relegation zone and the Spaniard has opened up on the mental anguish of going eight weeks between league victories. 

"Since I arrived here, first of all I had to analyse really well what was happening, what we can and cannot do. Obviously, results-wise, in the last few weeks we have all been suffering, I have been suffering. I feel very responsible for that," he told the media ahead of Arsenal's trip to Brighton on Tuesday.

"The worst feeling is because I want to do so well for this football club and at the moment we are in, I want to bring all my passion, the knowledge that I have, the right intentions to move as quickly as we possibly can as a football club. 

"In order to do that we need to win football matches, to be stable and win some time. When I don't, I feel like I am letting the club down and the people that work for us, and obviously our fans." 

Arsenal picked up just five points between the start of November and their weekend win over Chelsea, a run that included four successive defeats at Emirates Stadium. 

That equalled the north London side's worst top-flight run at home since 1959 and Arteta is grateful for the support he received during the concerning dip. 

"It is draining, it is frustrating and it is painful," he said. "At the same time, I know we have to fight our way back.  

"In difficult moments is when you see the right people, they give me a lot of encouragement because I see people that are willing to fight with me, with the people that we have here. It gives me energy every day to carry on doing it. 

"It is a 24/7 job. As well a lot of things externally, very challenging. A lot of issues and then when results hit you like that you can sometimes not find the right reasons to understand why we are losing football matches, when we produce what we produce. 

"It is a big headache. But as well it is the beauty of this game, to find ways of doing things in a different way. 

"My responsibility is to motivate the players as much as possible, to keep them united, to keep the team spirit alive, even when you are not winning matches.

"When you are frustrated and sad, you have to find all the time somewhere to do that.  

"My way has been my family and all the people that are here with me at the club, the board, [technical director] Edu, they have all been super supportive and that has helped me a lot." 

Arteta won seven club trophies during his playing days, including the FA Cup twice with Arsenal, before moving into coaching alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in 2016. 

The 38-year-old was appointed as Unai Emery's successor in December 2019, winning the FA Cup at the end of his first season in charge and the Community Shield at the start of the 2020-21 campaign. 

Asked whether he has found management more tiring than being a player, Arteta said: "The simple answer is managing. 

"Because you have a lot of people around you that you have to take care of. I always say you have 70 hearts in the training ground and stadium that you have to look after every day. 

"Every decision you make has an impact on their lives, their mood and the next day. So you are very aware of that and you get attached emotionally to them and I’m attached emotionally to this football club."

Frank Lampard has credited John Terry for his role in Aston Villa's "big uplift" in form as the ex-Chelsea team-mates prepare to meet in the Premier League.

Villa have emerged as surprise contenders for a spot in Europe after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Dean Smith's side have won eight of their 13 matches at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, and currently sit seven points behind first-placed Liverpool with two games in hand.

Their next test will see them take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with Lampard set for a reunion with Terry, who has served as Smith's assistant coach since October 2018.

The former Blues duo won three Premier League titles and the Champions League together as players, while also forming part of England's 'Golden Generation' at international level.

Lampard is certain that Terry's experience at the highest level has rubbed off on Villa's squad in recent months, and told Chelsea's official website: "I am sure John has an influence because he is in my opinion one of the greatest centre-backs to have played in the Premier League and for England, and in the world for a long period of time.

"He has an absolute wealth of knowledge of the game so his input will be invaluable to Dean Smith and all the staff. Their team are working hard and you have seen a real big uplift in them, and I am sure there is a lot work behind the scenes through John and all the staff there."

The 42-year-old tactician added on the threat Villa will pose his Chelsea team on Monday night: "They obviously added to their squad in a very good way in the off season.

"They have a good manager, good coaches and a good team with very good individual players who are playing well. They are in a really good time at the moment and I am not completely surprised by it, and it will be a tough match."

The Blues slipped to eighth in the top-flight standings after losing 3-1 against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium last time out but could move back into the Champions League places if they pick up a much-needed victory over Villa.

Lampard will start preparing his side for another top of the table clash afterwards, with Manchester City set to arrive at Stamford Bridge on January 3.

India’s Union Minister for External Affairs, Shri Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, visited the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar - a 2022 World Cup venue built by an Indian firm - on Monday evening. He was accompanied by Dr. Deepak Mittal, the Indian Ambassador in Qatar. 

His Excellency Hassan Al Thawadi and Nasser Al Khater, Chairman and CEO respectively of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC met the ministerial delegation at the stadium and took them through a full tour of the facilities including the pitch, competition areas and VVIP seating areas. 

Dr. Jaishankar is on a two-day official visit to the Middle-East nation. 

The high-ranking Qatari officials discussed with the Indian minister the sustainability features of the stadium and the working of the Advanced Cooling System which controls the ambient temperatures inside venue. 

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium was inaugurated recently on December 18, 2020, when it hosted the Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi in a high profile event on Qatar National Day attended by several dignitaries including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel.

The 40,000-capacity stadium will host seven matches till the Round of 16 stage during the 2022 World Cup and will function as the home of Qatar Stars League (QSL) outfit Al Rayyan. 

The stadium’s façade is glowing and is composed of patterns that symbolise different aspects of Qatar - the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. 

Interestingly, Qatar has a significant Indian expatriate presence with almost 25 per cent of the Middle-East nation’s population being Indians. 

“We were extremely pleased to host the Minister for External Affairs of the Government of India, H.E. Subrahmanyam Jaishanker at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan,” His Excellency Hassan Al Thawadi, who is also the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), said after Dr. Jaishankar’s visit. 

“As with all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadium projects, the launch of the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is a shining example of how we are continuing to deliver our vision for the tournament, through sustainability, health and safety, creating new economic opportunities for Qatari companies by forging global partnerships, and ultimately uniting Asia around the second FIFA World Cup™️ hosted on the continent.”

It must also be noted that SC, the organisation responsible for the delivery of the World Cup, had entrusted the task of building the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium to a Qatari-Indian Joint Venture between Qatar's Al Balagh Trading & Contracting, and India's biggest construction firm - Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T). 

This was the first time ever that an Indian firm has been involved in any capacity whatsoever when it comes to building infrastructure for a FIFA World Cup. 

“Qatar and India have shared a close relationship for centuries, through trade, culture, and people-to-people ties, and the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, built by Larsen & Toubro, is a symbol of this relationship and our shared history,” Al Thawadi further stated. 

“The stadium is also a representation of modern, cosmopolitan Qatar, where the Indian community is the single largest resident expatriate group and is an important contributor toward Qatar’s rapid economic development.”

Kai Havertz has "huge potential" according to Mateo Kovacic, who insists he has "no fear" for the "elegant" midfielder despite the struggles he has endured at the start of his Chelsea career.

Chelsea invested £70 million ($95m) in Havertz's talents during the summer transfer window. The Germany international committed to a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge after leaving Bayer Leverkusen where he had established himself as one of the most exciting young playmakers in Europe.

The 21-year-old has been unable to build on that reputation in the first half of the 2020-21 campaign. Havertz has only recorded four goals and four assists in his 19 apperances for the Blues to date and was dropped to the bench for the club's last two Premier League fixtures.

Kovacic started ahead of the ex-Leverkusen star during Chelsea's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal over the weekend with Frank Lampard now facing another selection dilemma ahead of a tough home fixture against Aston Villa on Monday.

Havertz is in line for a recall with Lampard set to ring the changes in the wake of his side's fourth defeat of the season, and Kovacic has backed his new team-mate to prove his doubters wrong once he adjusts to the demands of English football.

"I like Kai Havertz a lot," the Croatian midfielder told Chelsea's official website. "He is such a talented player. He is a great signing for Chelsea. He will be a huge player for Chelsea and for world football, I’m sure of that. 

"He has huge potential. He is such an elegant player. He just needs to learn to play in the Premier League, that’s all. It’s a difficult league with a huge tempo, and he will get used to it. Game by game he is getting better so I have no fear for Kai."

Kovacic also reserved special praise for Mason Mount, who has become one of the most important members of Lampard's squad during his first 18 months in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Mount and Havertz are both five years younger than Kovacic but he says he is eager to learn from the Chelsea duo as he seeks to advance his own career.

"Mason has a great desire to work, his attitude is great and he is very talented," he added. "It’s a normal thing he is doing so good because I saw last year his talent.  We like to talk. They can give me tips as well. They are both better goalscorers than me so I can look to them.

"It’s not about the age. Every player has his attributes. We talk and we can learn off each other. For me, I want to become better every game. I can still improve and be better in some parts of games which I’m trying to do. I can improve a lot and I’m sure I will be even better as the season goes on."

Ronald Koeman has claimed it will make no difference to Lionel Messi's Barcelona future whether Mauricio Pochettino takes over at Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou ever since he expressed a desire to leave the club in August 2020, only to exclusively reveal to Goal that he had decided to stay until at least the end of this season when his contract expires having been unable to force a transfer.

In a recent interview with Spanish television channel La Sexta, the Argentina forward said he "did not know" what he was going to do but suggested he would like to play in the United States at some point.

With former Tottenham boss and compatriot Pochettino heavily tipped to become the new coach at PSG, it has been suggested Messi and the Ligue 1 club could be a good fit, particularly with Neymar keen to reunite with his old team-mate, but Barcelona head coach Koeman does not think there is an automatic correlation between the two.

"I do not know if it is true about Pochettino to PSG," Koeman told a media conference on Monday. "If Messi decides his future, it will not depend on a coach.

"I did not see the [Messi] interview live, but I have seen it. I have always been calm with Messi and I will not be calmer because he said that he will decide at the end of the season.

"We'll see what can happen. I appreciate Messi's words because he is a very important player for the club and for football. Anyone likes to speak well of oneself. I'm still the same. I try to move the team forward, it is a year of transition and Messi is key to this process."

Barca are enduring a difficult season in La Liga and are in fifth spot, eight points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

Messi will miss his side's Liga clash with Eibar on Tuesday while he completes treatment on an ankle injury but Koeman expects him to return from a Christmas break as planned before they face Huesca on January 3.

"Leo had ankle discomfort, that's why we have given him two more days of vacation," Koeman explained. "The doctor has said that after a week without training he will be fine. Not having a Messi is big loss due to his quality and effectiveness. We lose a great player."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United will likely trigger the one year extension option on Edinson Cavani's contract and didn't rule out the striker staying on beyond the end of his current deal. 

Cavani signed a one-year deal with the option for a further 12 months on the final day of the summer transfer window, but Solskjaer thinks the 33-year-old has longer left in him.

“At the moment it looks like he has a few years left in him so I wouldn’t say anything else,” Solskjaer said. “He has made a great impact when he has come here. Let’s focus on improving everyone but he has a few years left in him.”

The arrival of the former Paris Saint-Germain striker was questioned by some but he has had a positive impact and was influential off the bench as United drew with Leicester at the King Power on Boxing Day.

Despite his performances, the Uruguayan has only started three games across all competitions, but Solskjaer is adamant his time as a regular starter will come.

“He is definitely a starter. You don’t classify a player of that quality as anything else. We have plenty of starters, more than 11. That is the thing when you are at Man United,” Solskjaer explained.

“You should believe and trust in yourself. I trust him. We have good competition for places. He will probably start more games than he will not start.

“When you think of the history of his career and the experience he has had, his personality from the chat I had with him and when I watched him before, it wasn’t in doubt that he could handle the No 7 shirt.

"He is so meticulous and professional, his habits and everything about him, shows why he has had the career he has. Even at the age he is now he is one of the fittest players we have got.”

With fixtures coming thick and fast Cavani could get his next start sooner rather than later as Solskjaer looks to tweak his starting XI to keep his side fresh over the coming weeks.

“It is good for the players to know we trust them to play in big games,” Solskjaer said about using 20 players over the last two games.

“They are here for a reason. They are here to contribute and over this period, they will all have to do that this season because it is going to be relentless. I hope that will stand us in good stead, yes.”

Ronald Koeman is relaxed about Lionel Messi being a “bit banged up in his ankle” as he expects the Barcelona superstar to be fit for the first game of 2021 against Huesca.

Barcelona issued an injury update about their Argentina superstar on Sunday, saying he would miss the game with Eibar on Tuesday on account of his ankle problem.

Doctors informed Koeman that a week away from training would be enough for Messi to return to the fold against Huesca on January 3.

“First he was a bit banged up in his ankle and that’s why he hasn’t trained and why he’s not ready to play tomorrow’s match,” Koeman said at his press conference on Monday. “That’s why we gave him two extra days off on vacation. 

“He will be back after the Eibar match. The doctors said a week without training would make him fit for a return after the match.”

While not having Messi available will be a blow to Koeman, he is expected to be able to call on Ousmane Dembele.

The France international has been beset by hamstring problems since making the move to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund, and the injury flared up again at the start of December. He has not featured since the loss to Cadiz on December 5, but has been training freely and is expected to be in the squad for the home clash with Eibar.

"The squad list we will give tomorrow after the training session, but he has been training with the team for the last several days," Koeman said of Dembele. "He was training well before the match with Valladolid, so in principal yes he will be in the squad tomorrow.”

Looking ahead to the game with Eibar, Koeman said: “They are a competitive team. They try to create pressure and go on the counter and we have to be playing well like we did in our last game.

“We have to be able to find space when the opposition creates pressure. We will have to play well otherwise it will be a very difficult match.”

Barcelona head into the game with Eibar eight points adrift of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the top of the table.