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Andrea Pirlo should have kept quiet rather than wade in on Napoli's successful appeal against their 3-0 forfeit defeat to Juventus and one-point penalty, according to Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Gennaro Gattuso's Napoli did not turn up for their game in Turin in October and were also docked a point by Serie A after arguing they were banned from travelling by local health authorities as Piotr Zielinski, Eljif Elmas and a member of staff had tested positive for Covid-19.

Juventus also reported two positive cases among staff a day before the game but made clear they intended to play the match at the Allianz Stadium.

Pirlo named a starting XI but the game did not go ahead due to Napoli's absence and was officially abandoned, but the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) ruled the Partenopei had ignored the coronavirus protocols in place, which state a team must fulfil an fixture if they have 13 available players, including a goalkeeper.

Napoli refused to drop the matter and took the case to the Italian National Olympic Committee's (CONI) Collegio di Garanzia dello Sport – the highest sports authority in the country – and it ruled in the club's favour on Tuesday, with the rescheduled game set to take place in 2021.

Pirlo appeared to take a swipe at the ruling this week, saying: "I'm sorry for the other teams who have travelled and lost points without saying anything, leaving and playing without those who had Covid-19. I'm more sorry for them than for us."

Napoli president De Laurentiis was not impressed with Pirlo's remarks and said he should stick to coaching instead of commenting on matters of law.

"Pirlo is not a lawyer by trade, he does not know certain procedures and does not know what has happened in terms of protocols," De Laurentiis told Radio Capital.

"Pirlo should be a coach and that's it, leave certain answers to his club representatives."

Jurgen Klopp has revealed he spoke to Mohamed Salah over the Egyptian’s frustration at missing out on the Liverpool captaincy for a game earlier this month.

But the Reds boss says Divock Origi is the player who really should have been upset with his decision.

Salah caused something of a stir when stating, in an interview with Spanish publication AS last week, that he had been “very disappointed” not to be handed the armband for Liverpool’s Champions League game away to FC Midtjylland on December 9.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, six years his junior, led the team out in Denmark, becoming the third-youngest captain in the club’s history, while Salah was on target in the Reds’ 1-1 draw.

Salah's former international team-mate Mohamed Aboutrika followed that by saying that Salah was unhappy at Anfield and that he could be sold. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with West Brom, Klopp was happy to clarify that there was no issue between himself and Salah.

“I was captain for a long time during my career, and I often thought what a heck of a job it was," Klopp said. "There were not a lot of benefits, just a lot of work with all the things around it.

“So I don’t feel the importance of being captain. Yes, we need one like Hendo [Jordan Henderson], that’s clear, but being captain for a game, I didn’t realise how important that can be for players. In this world, we make a big fuss about everything, and I didn’t realise it was that much a story for Trent or whatever.

“The rule here is, we have a players’ committee. Hendo wears the armband, and if he’s not playing then it’s Milly [James Milner]. If those two are not playing then it’s Virgil [van Dijk] and if all three are not playing, it’s Gini [Wijnaldum].

“If they all cannot play, then it’s usually the player who is longest at the club. And that was how I saw it in my understanding. Trent got it because he was longest at the club – professionally, not just his youth career.”

He added: “Somebody afterwards told me it would have been Divock Origi, but Div was on loan and stuff like that. That was my fault. I didn’t make it that complicated. It was just, ‘Trent is longest at the club, so he has the armband’.

“Of course I spoke to Mo about it afterwards. When I realised it didn’t work out that well [for him], I clarified it, and then he spoke about it again in the interview, which is not a problem for me.

“Yes, he was disappointed, but I didn’t do it on purpose. I just did what I did, and if I made a mistake then it was that Divock Origi was not the captain that day!”

Klopp appeared bemused that Salah’s comments to AS had caused such a response in England and was happy to address other issues raised in the interview – such as the fact the 28-year-old refused to rule out a possible move to Real Madrid or Barcelona in the future.

“When Mo answered the question, it was just that these clubs might be interested, and he wouldn’t rule it out,” he said.

“Imagine, if you ask any player in the world who isn’t playing for Barcelona or Madrid, and you ask them, ‘Can you imagine playing for them one day?’ and they say, ‘No, not for them, Spain is s***!’ or whatever.

“Why would he say that? All [Salah] said is, ‘We will see’ and that it’s in the club’s hands. That’s true, 100 per cent. It’s about the future.

“It’s really all fine. You obviously have not a lot to talk about, and that’s why we make a long story about one interview. That’s fine, but it doesn’t make it more important to me. Mo is a very important player for me, obviously, but the story around isn’t!”

Klopp did, however, point out that he could not understand why any player, let alone Salah, would want to leave Liverpool at this moment in time.

“We could all look for something else if we wanted to, but for me the only reason to leave Liverpool in the moment is the weather!” he smiled.

“What other reason could there be? This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We pay the money, maybe not the most in the world but we pay good, we have a sensational stadium with outstanding supporters all over the world. Our colours are red which is the nicest colour anyway, so where are the reasons?

“You cannot force people to stay. We never did, by the way. It’s all about timing, the right moment. We make changes and bring players in, and if a player wanted to go then we wouldn’t stand in the way. It’s just I don’t understand why they would want to.”

Asked if Salah’s single-mindedness – he also spoke of wanting to break “all club records” at Liverpool – made him difficult to manage, Klopp said: “It’s challenging, I would say, in a good way. That’s my job.

“The thing with footballers is they need to be extremely confident to play their best football. And being extremely confident, yes that makes you a special person, and not always the easiest to deal with every day.

“That’s the job. So far [with Salah] there was no problem, and I can’t see any problem in the future.

“Mo’s motivation level is really, really, really high, he keeps himself in a sensational shape, he works incredibly hard around his sessions – first in, last out, that kind of stuff. There’s nothing you can blame him for, to be honest.

“He knows exactly what he needs if he is to have a chance to break records. It’s all fine. These kind of interviews, which I heard now about, you make a lot of it, to be honest! It’s fine, but on a daily basis we don’t feel it.”

Liverpool could welcome back Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri to their squad for Sunday’s game with strugglers West Brom. The pair have resumed full training at Kirkby after muscle injuries.

Thiago Alcantara was also pictured training with his team-mates this week, but the Spaniard will not be risked this weekend as the Reds take all necessary precautions after his knee problem, which has kept him out for more than two months.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has hit out at his side's schedule, saying that having games against Arsenal and Aston Villa within a span of 48 hours hands an advantage to his side's title rivals. 

The Blues will be unable to play their strongest XI for both matches – against Arsenal on Boxing Day and Villa on Monday – which take place in a season that already features a condensed schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Man Utd have three days in between their two fixtures and both Liverpool and Tottenham have four days. 

Lampard lays the blame with both the Premier League and the broadcasters for not finding a solution that offers a fairer playing field to teams at the top of the table.

"It's two games in two days, 48 hours," Lampard said. "I'm not trying to be clever, it's an important point for us because there are other teams that are challenging at the top of the league that play two games in three days.

"Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool play two games in three or four days. It's counterproductive for the quality of the Premier League, it's a risk for players if they are going to play both games at top-end elite sport, everybody knows that.

"And I know clearly what happened with this one as well; the game's being broadcast live as they all are now. And we play Arsenal on Boxing Day, and our game with Man City now has been pushed to the Sunday (January 3).

"So the schedule meant that we couldn't play, and Aston Villa also wanted to play on the Tuesday, they wanted an extra day, and so did we. But we got overruled by both the Premier League and the broadcasters.

"I know in conjunction with each other, and this was bounced around, it got decided that we play twice in 48 hours when other teams that are challenging at the top of the league play twice in three days.

"I don't see how it's a fair playing field, I think it's wrong and it's not going to be the best for the players that play at the top level. Don't get me wrong, Aston Villa have the same problem. Us playing them, we'll both have the same problems.

"But I'm just saying we are not getting the same rest period that other teams are getting. It's not good even for the players to go out and train let alone play to a high level of 90 minutes. Everybody in the Premier League knows that."

Lampard has admitted that because of the schedule, he will have to field a heavily rotated side on Monday against Villa following the match against the Gunners.

"The broadcasters are looking for the best product, so yeah, I will have to rotate players," Lampard added. "I'll have to see off the back of Arsenal where players are; every individual is different.

"Christmas is normally the hectic time but the hectic time has been throughout this season and I understand it. So every little win you can get by using common sense to put a game that could be broadcast on a day to push it one day and broadcast it on another day, take those small wins to try to help player welfare.

"That's how I see it. This situation, 26th and 28th for us, when others are not, it's compromising the players if they are going to play those two games, and some may have to. I think it also compromises the competition because others don't have to do the same, and it's clear that it's not ample recovery time for top-level footballers.

"I have sympathy for the scheduling; I have sympathy for the difficult times if we can try to work together to find the best solution and sometimes there isn't one. Everyone loves football and wants the season to finish and the Champions League to continue and international football to continue.

"But when you have two teams that are asking for a game to be played one day later to try to get their best players on the pitch as fit as they can, why would you not do that? That surprises me."

Chelsea's pre-Christmas win over West Ham saw them rise to fifth in the table ahead of a busy schedule at the end of December.

Southampton centre-back Mohammed Salisu could make his Premier League debut against Fulham on Saturday, club boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has hinted.

The Ghanaian is still chasing his first appearance for The Saints since completing a move from Spanish La Liga outfit Real Valladolid in August.

An injury to first-choice Southampton left-centre-back Jannik Vestergaard has opened up a possible opportunity for the 21-year-old who faces competition from Jack Stephens for the slot.

With Vestergaard, The Saints have performed above expectations so far this season as they currently occupy the seventh position on the league table, above the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.

"I think we have seen the team at the top of the league [Liverpool] play for two months without [influential captain and first-choice centre-back] Virgil van Dijk and everybody said this was not possible, that you could not play without him. They are not really less successful than before, so everything is possible," Hasenhuttl said, as reported by Hampshire Live.

"Maybe the game will change slightly because Jannik with the ball has fantastic passes and solutions but we must adapt our game always to ever circumstance what is there - but we must trust in the other ones.

"Salisu is a completely different player. He is left-footed so a left-footed one makes it on the left a little different with the angle of how you play the ball.

"But we have Jack Stephens who is a very similar ball-player to Jannik. I have not decided yet what I will do," he admitted.

"We must have a look. We will not be able to make a one to one change as this is not possible."

Owing to an injury, Salisu teamed up with Southampton in training on the week of the kick-off of the Premier League season in September despite sealing his transfer a month earlier.

He made the matchday squad for the first time in a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, and has gone on to make the bench in the following three games, including a 1-0 loss to Manchester City last Saturday.

The youngster is expected to be handed a Ghana call-up for a possible international debut in March next year. 

Ajara Nchout says she could complete her move to a new club in the coming days if discussions sail through following her exit from Norwegian outfit Valerenga. 

The Cameroon international saw out her two-year contract with the Norwegian outfit in November on a high after she inspired them to a historic domestic double, including a first-ever Toppserien title.

The 27-year-old had arrived from Norwegian rivals Sanvikens at the Oslo-based outfit in December 2018 and helped the club to two runners-up titles in 2019 before a maiden double this year.

Besides winning her first career title, she finished as the top scorer of the 2020 Toppserien season, with 10 goals and bagged 14 times overall in all competitions, including the Champions League. 

Having since returned to Cameroon for holiday, the striker went on to confirm interests from some top European clubs, notably in Spain and France.

“The fans want to see me outside of Norway," Nchout was quoted by Cameroon tabloid, Kamer Power.

"I would like to point out that Norway is among the top five women's football championships. At the moment, I am in discussion with several clubs in Spain and France.

"In a week, we should be done. And if the negotiations are successful, we'll unveil my next destination. Rest assured it will be a great club," she concluded.

Before her move to Norway in 2018, Nchout started her career abroad in 2011 at Energiya Voronezh in Russia and later Rossiyanka before USA's Western New York Flash then Sundsvall in Sweden.

With rumours of interest from Atletico Madrid, a move to Spain could see the 2019 African Women's Player of the Year runners-up become the latest star from the continent in the Spanish top-flight.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has released goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba for failing to observe the coronavirus regulations.

Although Fufa did not specifically state Kajoba’s wrong, it went further to confirm the Vipers head coach will not be part of the pre-African Nations Championship (Chan) squad.

“Fufa has released one of the Uganda Cranes technical staff Fred Kajoba after not being able to observe the camp regulations at the team’s hotel in Kisasi which require all members of the contingent to follow the strict Covid-19 Standard Operations Procedures,” the federation announced on Friday.

“Kajoba will therefore not travel with the Uganda Cranes contingent on Monday 28th December 2020 when they fly out of the country for a pre-Chan tournament in Cameroon in preparation for the Chan finals that start mid-January 2021.  

“A replacement for the goalkeeping coach will be named by the Fufa executive in due course.”

The dismissal means the Venoms’ tactician will be missing a national assignment yet again after he was not available for a week-long training trip to Dubai in September.

Head coach Johnathan McKinstry picked goalkeepers Joel Mutakubwa of Kyetume FC, Nafian Alionzi of URA FC, and Police FC’s Tom Ikara for the continental bonanza and the trio are now set to work with another coach after the former Crane’s custodian was dismissed.

The squad also includes Ivan Bogere, Aziz Kayondo and Bobosi Byaruhanga who are part of the U20 national side.

They were key during the 2020 U20 Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Championship which they won and sealed a place in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Provisional Squad:

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

Defenders: Eric Ssenjobe (Police), Aziz Kayondo (Vipers), Derrick Ndahiro (SC Villa), Paul Willa (Vipers), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Mustafa Mujjuzi (Kyetume), Patrick Mbowa (URA), Murushid Juuko (Express), Muhamood Hassan (Police),

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

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

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and manager Tim Sherwood has hailed Wilfred Ndidi’s contribution to Leicester City since he returned from injury.

The 24-year-old midfielder suffered a groin injury at the start of the season which kept him out of action for about three months.

Ndidi returned from injury against Sheffield United on December 12 and helped the Foxes secure victory in the encounter.

Leicester City have won four of their last five games since the Nigeria international came back from the groin problem, including a 2-0 win over Tottenham last time out.

The Foxes’ impressive performances ensured their progress on the Premier League table to second spot after gathering 27 points from 14 games.

Sherwood has credited Leicester’s run of fine form to the solid defensive displays from the Super Eagles star and believes with the midfielder, Brendan Rodgers’ men can extend their winning form when they take on Manchester United on Boxing Day.

“They have got Ndidi back, I think he’s given them an injection of energy which they have been missing in that midfield area, to supplement Tielemans and Dennis Praet,” Sherwood told Premier League Production.

“Maddison’s come back to life because they’ve got their energy in the midfield area and if Manchester United fullbacks leave, Vardy would be sprinting in there, he would be hurting them and stretching them down the sides.”

Ndidi has been a consistent performer for Leicester City since he teamed up with the club from Belgian side Genk in 2017.

Last season, the Nigeria international played 32 league games for the King Power Stadium outfit to help them finish fifth on the Premier League table and secure a Europa League ticket.

In the current campaign, Ndidi has only made eight appearances across all competitions for the Foxes, including six in the English top-flight due to his injury problems.

The midfielder will be expected to be on parade when the King Power Stadium outfit takes on Manchester United.

Ndidi is also a key member of the Nigeria national team and has played more than 30 games for the West African side.

His recent injury problem forced him to miss the Super Eagles' last Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone but will hope to return to the side in their next outing in the campaign.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) chairman Mshindo Msolla is confident the team will be stronger in the second round of the Mainland Premier League.

Yanga hit the half-way mark unbeaten, a record only they enjoy, and Msolla has explained why he thinks the upcoming final round would even be better for them.

“Speaking with experience as a coach, I think the final round is going to be better because coach Cedric Kaze came when the first round was almost heading to the final mark and managed to do even better,” Msolla told Mwanaspoti.

“For now, the coach has fully understood the team and the players have also understood the coach and how he wants them to play. We will have the best team that is solid and is ready to play like a unit especially after the Chan break.

“As the administrators of the club, we are very happy on what the coaches, led by Kaze are doing and also we are satisfied with what the players have shown in the 17 matches that they have played.”

The official also lauded the support extended to them by the sponsors' GSM who played a key role in the acquisition of new stars.

Peter Mauya, Mukoko Tonombe, Tuisila Kisinda, Farid Musa, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Yacouba Sogne, Michael Sarpong and Carlinhos – although he has been battling an injury recently - are the new players who have had a great impact on the team.

“As one of the officials, I must accept that we must appreciate GSM for three things; the fact they accepted to sign players for this team is the main reason why we have such a quality squad,” he concluded.

“When we let go of a number of players, some felt we were doing away with a good team but the arrival of new ones has shown that we were right to make that decision.

“They have facilitated us to have the players in the best camp and have the best training facilities. This has made our players calm and to focus on producing results on the pitch.

“GSM have motivated the players and for that reason, they play hard knowing that something huge awaits them if they win a particular match.

“Our fans have also supported the team whenever they go for matches. Even if Yanga are playing away, you would see that 80% of the fans are for Yanga.”

From the 17 games, Yanga have won 13 and the rest ended in draws as they sit at the top with 43 points.

Gor Mahia have finally arrived in Algeria ahead of their Saturday, second preliminary round game in the Caf Champions League against CR Belouizdad.

The Kenyan champions left for North Africa on Thursday aboard Qatar Airways and connected to Algeria through Doha. The club has confirmed they have safely arrived in Algeria.

"After weathering a journey marred with challenges in securing a flight to Algeria, the team has safely landed in Algiers, the capital city of the North African country for [Saturday's] Champions League preliminary match against Belouizdad," the East African outfit communicated on their official portal.

Team manager Jolawi Obondo has stated the team is upbeat ahead of the game against the hosts.

"Though long, we have had the best journey so far," Obondo said.

"Much improved services from Qatar Airways. The stop-over was less than two hours in Doha. The boys are upbeat and we will take some rest before having a feel of the pitch."

Defender Philemon Otieno, who is the assistant captain, promised the team will give their best in the game.

"The journey has been okay and we thank God for that," the experienced captain confirmed.

"We are all fine and the mood is good, we are ready to give our best tomorrow [Saturday]."

Captain Kenneth Muguna is among the players who missed the trip owing to a rib injury.

Experienced midfielder Bernard Ondiek is also out with an injury, the same as John Ochieng'.

18-players left the country on Thursday night for North Africa.

The team en route to Algeria comprises mostly of local players as Ulimwengu and Tito Okello are the only foreigners available.

The match was rescheduled for December 26 after Gor Mahia had requested the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to push the game forward owing to travel technicalities. 

Gor Mahia squad:

Gad Mathew, Philemon Otieno, Michael Apudo, Charles Momanyi, Juma Andrew, Ernest Wendo, Sydney Ochieng, Samuel Onyango

Tito Okello, Jules Ulimwengu, Geoffrey Ochieng, Bonface Oluoch, Kevin Wesonga, Joachim Oluoch, Nicholas Omondi, Benson Omalla, Frank Odhiambo, Clifton Miheso

Technical Staff:  Samuel Omollo, Patrick Odhiambo, Jolawi Obondo, Willis Ochieng, Victor Nyaoro, Frederick Otieno

Officials: Dolfina Odhiambo, Gerphas Okuku. 

Nicholas Kipkirui was missing from Gor Mahia's 18-man squad that left the country for Algeria to play CR Belouizdad in the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League.

It raised eyebrows considering the fact he played a crucial role in helping K'Ogalo to advance. Specifically, he scored the goal that took K'Ogalo to the next round of the competition at the expense of APR Rwanda.

"Kipkirui is in a good condition and he has not been left out because of injury," a source close to the club told Goal on Friday.

"It is just that the winger requested to attend to some family issues and he was permitted. There is nothing serious that has put him out of the team. He will definitely be available for the second leg to be played in Nairobi."

Captain Kenneth Muguna is among the players who missed the trip owing to a rib injury.

Experienced midfielder Bernard Ondiek is also out with an injury, the same as John Ochieng'.

18-players left the country on Thursday night for North Africa.

Ernest Wendo, who has been looking a rejuvenated midfield maestro, is among the travelling stars that also includes Jules Ulimwengu. The Rwandan was consecutively on target against Ulinzi Stars and Tusker in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League and would hope he would find the back of the net on the continental stage.

The team en route to Algeria comprises mostly local players as Ulimwengu and Tito Okello are the only foreigners available.

With the absence of Muguna, assistant captain Philemon Otieno is expected to lead the team to get good results although they have had tough times whenever they face Northern African sides.

The match was rescheduled for December 26 after Gor Mahia had requested the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to push the game forward owing to travel technicalities. 

Gor Mahia squad:

Gad Mathew, Philemon Otieno, Michael Apudo, Charles Momanyi, Juma Andrew, Ernest Wendo, Sydney Ochieng, Samuel Onyango

Tito Okello, Jules Ulimwengu, Geoffrey Ochieng, Bonface Oluoch, Kevin Wesonga, Joachim Oluoch, Nicholas Omondi, Benson Omalla, Frank Odhiambo, Clifton Miheso

Technical Staff:  Samuel Omollo, Patrick Odhiambo, Jolawi Obondo, Willis Ochieng, Victor Nyaoro, Frederick Otieno

Officials: Dolfina Odhiambo, Gerphas Okuku

Atalanta are set to add Shakhtar Donetsk star Viktor Kovalenko to their squad, with the midfielder having already signed a pre-contract.

Sources have confirmed to Goal that Kovalenko, whose contract with the Ukrainian side expires in June 2021, has come to terms with the Serie A side. 

Kovalenko is set to join Atalanta at the conclusion of the current season, though it is possible that Gian Piero Gasperini's side will attempt to bring the midfielder in January.

The signing of Kovalenko is a coup for Atalanta, who have secured the Ukraine international despite interest from a host of other Italian clubs.

The 24-year-old came up through Shakhtar's youth ranks and has established himself as a key member of the squad, helping Shakhtar to four Ukrainian championships, four Ukrainian cups and two Ukrainian Super Cups during his time with the club.

Kovalenko made his debut for Ukraine's senior national team in 2016, taking part in that year's European Championships, and has gone on to earn 30 caps for his country.

Kovalenko, who can play multiple positions across midfield, has played eight league matches and three Champions League games this season, scoring four goals.

The midfielder will be the second recent addition for Atalanta, who also recently signed Danish international right-back Joakim Maehle from Genk.

Atalanta paid the Belgian outfit €10 million (£9m/$12m) for the 23-year-old, who will join the Italian club next month. 

Those signings could potentially offset the departure of Alejandro "Papu" Gomez, who appears to be on his way out of the club after a bust-up with Gasperini.

Gomez has been dropped from the squad for two straight matches, stemming from his refusal to change positions in a Champions League match earlier this month.

The departure of Gomez would be a blow for Atalanta, who have come to rely on the 32-year-old for creativity in recent seasons. 

Gomez has led the league in assists twice in recent seasons, but has now requested a move to either AC Milan or Inter. 

The two Milan sides currently sit first and second in the Serie A table, with Atalanta in seventh place, 12 points behind table-topping AC Milan with one game in hand over the Rossoneri. 

Ghanaian players have definitely not been left out of the Christmas festivities.

As Christians all over the world celebrate the holy day, Ghanaian footballers have taken to social media to send well-wishes and messages of love.

"May our hearts and homes be filled with all the joys & blessings of the festive season. Have a wonderful Christmas!" Black Stars and Vitoria Guimaraes left-back Gideon Mensah posted.

Amiens centre-back Nicholas Opoku, like Gyan and Boateng, kept it simple with his post which reads "Merry Christmas and season's greetings to all."

While France-born Strasbourg player Alexander Djiku decided to give away a signed Ghana jersey in the Christmas spirit following his international debut in October. Besiktas midfielder Bernard Mensah wrote "Merry Christmas to you all. +3 points".

Below are additional posts from Ghanaian footballers:

Brighton & Hove Albion's injured fullback Tariq Lamptey will be absent when the club faces West Ham United in the Premier League, club boss Graham Potter has revealed.

It will be the fourth time The Seagulls will have to do without the marauding right-back in a league games this season.

Brighton are set to come up against The Hammers in a matchweek 15 fixture at London Stadium.

“It [the injury] is not serious, it's just a slight problem with his hamstring," Potter said ahead of Sunday's game.

"The nature of how he plays, you have to be careful because you don't want him to be out for a number of weeks. So I am expecting him to be back pretty soon. He's recovering well.

“We haven't got a like-for-like replacement for Tariq, so you have to adjust as a team for another person coming into the team.

"The player that comes in for him will has different attributes and qualities. It's then up to us as a team to understand that and play to those."

So far this season, Lamptey has featured in 11 of 14 Premier League games played so far.

He joined The Seagulls in January after refusing a contract extension at Chelsea in his bid for regular playing time.

“The boss has been a big part of me settling so well too. He'll give you a call or stop and have a chat around the building to see how you are, he's really big on the empathy side of things," Lamptey recently said earlier this week, as reported by his club's official website.

“You're a person as a well as a player and he understands that well. He always knows what to say and it's fantastic when you have someone like that who you can talk to.

“You feel like they give you honest feedback and I'm lucky to have coaches around me like that at the club.”

Born to Ghanaian parents in the UK, Lamptey has been approached by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for a switch of international allegiance to represent the Black Stars.

He currently plays for England at U21 level. 

2020 was a mixed bag for Thomas Partey.

After a reasonably good individual year for Atletico Madrid, one of Africa’s brightest exports secured his dream move to Arsenal on Deadline Day.

The late move was celebrated by the majority of Gooners due to the Ghana star’s profile and rounded nature, which solved some of their midfield issues.

Some supporters felt the club should have prioritised signing a more creative player like Houssem Aouar but understood and accepted the arrival of Partey from Atletico.

Partey: The story of 2020

While Diego Simeone’s team appeared to have plateaued in 2019/20, Partey grew in popularity and was linked to some of Europe’s top sides, including Arsenal — the side he eventually joined — and Chelsea for a bit.

Regardless of Los Rojiblancos’ struggles, the West African was one of their best performers in the Champions League round of 16 tie against then-defending European champions Liverpool, who they eliminated 4-2 on aggregate.

Simeone’s team had actually struggled in La Liga before the lockdown but were top beneficiaries of football’s suspension in March. They were able to rally post-lockdown to win seven of their 11 top flight games to end joint-third in the league, a staggering 17 points adrift of Real Madrid.

Seemingly on the wane and struggling to compete with a weak Los Blancos and even weaker Barcelona, it seemed a good time for Partey to depart Madrid.

Arsenal under Mikel Arteta presented an interesting adventure. Having won the FA Cup beating Manchester City and Chelsea in the semi-final and final respectively and beaten the newly-crowned Premier League champions in the Community Shield, the Gunners switch made sense, in theory.

While Goal argued before 19/20 ended that a move to Arteta’s team was odd due to Arsenal’s lack of Champions League football and made a case for choosing Chelsea instead, the 27-year-old swapped Madrid for North London in early October.

Unfortunately, injuries have blighted the all-round midfielder’s time in England so far, while the miserable run of results heading into December have left Arsenal closer to the bottom three than the top four.

Partey’s quality has shone through in games he’s played, most notably at Old Trafford where he put on a masterclass along with Mohamed Elneny as the London giants beat Manchester United 1-0; whereas he’s drawn criticism in some parts over his decision to, more or less, substitute himself in the 2-0 derby defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at the start of December.

With a return date still unknown, the Ghanaian has certainly had a forgettable start at Arsenal and will hope for improved luck in the new year.

Partey: Any transfer rumours?

None. It’ll take the most dramatic turn of events to see a player chased by the club to consider leaving in January or even next summer.

Partey: One big ambition for 2021

Two months ago after the West African signed for the Gunners, the objective was certainly for the ex-Atletico star to increase the side’s prospects as they looked to return to Europe’s premier club competition.

Now, with the situation at the three-time Premier League champions apparently desperate, finishing in the CL spots will mark a brilliant first year for the midfielder, regardless of how faulty a start he might have had.

If qualifying via a top four league finish proves to out of reach, winning the Europa League — which guarantees an automatic slot in the continent’s prestigious showpiece — will equally suffice.

Either way, taking Arsenal into the Champions League for the first time since 16/17 will be massive for the Gunners who have fallen behind domestically and on the continent.

Partey: One big fear for 2021

On an individual front: if the injuries persist and the midfield man’s unable to play a significant part for the rest of the season.

For the club: if Arsenal miss out on European football totally and have to play 21/22 without any continental football.

The worst case scenario, which seems inconceivable, will be for the Gunners to suffer the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League.

The ominous challenges are coming thick and fast for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal these days, and the Gunners are set for another stern test this weekend when they host Chelsea in the Premier League.

London derbies are always feisty affairs, and even without fans, expect drama aplenty as the hosts look to end their winless streak and Chelsea seek the win to take them back into the top four.

Confidence is likely to be low for Arsenal after they were thumped 4-1 by Manchester City in midweek, while Chelsea will be buoyed by their comfortable victory over West Ham United.

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After consecutive defeats by Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Frank Lampard finds himself under more pressure as well, but it’s the Gunners—who could be just one point off the relegation zone by the end of the weekend—who are more desperate for the points.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Team News

Thomas Partey remains absent for Arsenal due to injury—a big loss for Arteta, whose midfield has looked chaotic at times since the Ghana powerhouse limped off against Tottenham Hotspur.

Without him, Arteta will likely plump for Mohamed Elneny and Dani Ceballos in the heart of the park.

Granit Xhaka is an option, after returning from suspension, but it remains to be seen if he can be risked again following his mindless sending off against Burnley.

Indeed, Arteta may risk losing certain portions of the Gunners fanbase if he restores Xhaka to the starting XI.

The coach may have a big decision to make about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well; the Gabon striker has been sidelined with a calf injury, but could he be rushed back to action as the goal-shy Gunners look to take the game to their neighbours?

After picking up a shin injury against City in midweek—marring an otherwise classy display—Gabriel Magalhaes is also a doubt for the Gunners, who may need to turn to David Luiz to partner Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney in the back three.

Lampard must make a decision about whether he sticks with Tammy Abraham—so impressive against West Ham United—or goes with Olivier Giroud against his former employers, while he also needs to decide if he’ll stick with the underwhelming Kai Havertz or reshuffle his midfield.

Full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell are unlikely to play, while Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are also doubtful despite making progress in their injury recoveries.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Key facts & stats

Chelsea have a fine recent record against the Gunners, having lost just two of their last 17 meetings against the Gunners (in September 2016 and January 2019).

They’ve won nine of those matches, including the same fixture last season, when Arsenal threw away a 1-0 lead with seven minutes to play.

The Gunners are in the midst of a miserable run, having failed to win in seven matches—a streak that’s included five defeats.

Only once before in Premier League history have they gone longer without a win—eight matches between November 1992 and January 1993—although it’s worth noting that Arsenal haven’t lost at home on Boxing Day since 1987 when they were defeated by Nottingham Forest.

Memorably, they defeated Chelsea in this same fixture in 2001 and will be hoping for a similar result this time around.

If Arteta is in two minds about recalling Aubameyang, he may be encouraged by the striker’s scoring record on Boxing Day. The Gabon hitman scored for the Gunners on both December 26th in 2018 and 2019, and would be the first Arsenal player since Thierry Henry to complete the hat-trick.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Predictions

As much as Arteta and his side may need all three points against Chelsea, it’s hard to see how they will get the better of the Blues.

With Partey out, and with Gabriel and Aubameyang doubtful, Arteta could be without his best defender, best midfielder and best striker, and considering the side’s overall toil at the moment, don’t expect any of the supporting cast to step up.

Under-fire Nicolas Pepe could be key, although a series of anonymous performances this season has raised questions about his desire to turn things around in North London.

A draw may be the best the Gunners can hope for, and even that could be far-fetched against a Chelsea side who looked so complete going forward against the Hammers.

Prediction: Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea

Ashley Cole is halfway through saying that Lionel Messi only scored one goal against Chelsea during his eight-year spell at Stamford Bridge when he realises that the Barcelona superstar actually never netted against his Blues.

So, how did he do it, then? Surely, the former full-back knows the secret to stopping arguably the greatest player in history?

"It wasn't just me!" a smiling Cole stresses during an interview with Goal as part of the Nissan UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour.

"That's been thrown about but the team effort was massive. When it came to stopping players like him, we had a great team understanding and togetherness at Chelsea.

"Our midfield was integral in that regard. It certainly wasn't just me. I wasn't blowing my trumpet there by pointing that out!"

Indeed, Cole proves nothing but humble as he picks his perfect player.

While selecting Brazil legend Cafu for his stamina, the former England international admits, "I thought I had a good engine but when I came up against him, I was left on my knees!

"I even later played against him in a charity game for David Beckham and I don't know how old he was at the time but he still had the stamina he had at 20 or 25 years of age! He was non-stop, a machine."

Then, in explaining his choice of Arjen Robben's left foot ahead of all others, Cole concedes, "I played against him for Roma and he absolutely destroyed me!"

Cole, though, was for many years the best left-back in the world, an excellent defender who was also fantastic going forward.

He enjoyed numerous memorable battles with Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese's stint in the Premier League, when he was primarily used as a winger by Manchester United.

"I was going to say David Beckham here, because I think he could put a ball on a sixpence, but I think I will go for Ronaldo," the 40-year-old muses.

"Ronaldo could go inside and out. Also, the quality of his right foot, the quality of his shooting from every angle and different ranges, the quality of his free-kicks with the bend he could get on the ball, he was fantastic.

"He was one you just couldn't give any space to. So, it was about being on the front foot, being aggressive and trying to get out to him and not let him get his head up and start doing the stepovers.

"It was about understanding that 'I can't let balls go in behind me.' I had to allow them go to his feet, but get out quick to him and stop him at source."

That tactic didn't often work against Ronaldinho, though. As Cole admits, sometimes he was just left awestruck by the fancy footwork of the Brazilian, whom he names as the most skilful attacker he ever faced.

"Even though I was in battles against him, sometimes I'd laugh to myself when he pulled off a crazy piece of skill or nutmegged someone," the Chelsea academy coach enthuses.

"Even as you're playing against him, you enjoy watching him play. The way he floated across that turf, doing stepovers, finding passes with every party of his foot... He was like a magician.

"You see a lot of players who feel like they have the skills but he was efficient, too; he did it in the right areas. He cut teams apart with his skill. He had everything."

Ronaldinho also scored three goals against Chelsea but, interestingly, not one during Cole's time at the club. The World Cup winner has that in common with former Barca team-mate Messi.

Not that Cole will take any credit for that coincidence, of course...