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The French Professional League (LFP) has slammed Javier Tebas' recent comments about the division, describing the La Liga chief's criticisms as "outrageous."

Tebas spoke out after Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain on free transfers this summer. 

His suggestion that state-owned clubs like PSG were "as much enemies as the Super League" and that Ligue 1 was becoming a retirement home for veteran stars did not go down well with his counterparts in France.

What was said?  

"The Professional Football League would like to respond with determination to the latest statement by Mr. Javier Tebas about Paris Saint-Germain in particular and the situation of the Ligue 1 in general," a statement released by the LFP on Wednesday explained. 

"The comments made by the President of the Spanish Football League are not worthy of the institution he represents and which the Professional Football League has always respected.

"The Professional Football League therefore asks Mr. Javier Tebas to watch his outrageous statements.

"The Professional Football League and La Liga clearly do not share the same approach of what should be the inter-league relations. The Professional Football League does not want to be the 'muleta' waved by Mr. Tebas to hide the internal problems currently experienced by Spanish professional soccer.

"However, it would like to remind that the financial largesse that Spanish clubs have enjoyed for many seasons and which is at the origin of the current problems, is neither its responsibility nor that of Paris Saint-Germain. 

"On this subject, the Professional Football League has no lessons to receive in terms of financial control of clubs. It is undeniable that the LFP has played a leading role in this field at the European level with the creation of the DNCG, which is still today an effective regulatory model recognized by all.

"In conclusion, the Professional Football League advises Mr. Javier Tebas to return to more restraint. Each professional league must now work for the development of its championship and for the common good of European professional soccer, which must act as one in order to bounce back from the health crisis that has severely impacted its economy.

"The European leagues must unite to face the future threats concerning the international calendar. This is the meaning of the work of the French soccer leaders through their respective actions within the international soccer bodies (UEFA, ECA, World Leagues Forum, European Leagues)."

What did Tebas say?

After losing two of La Liga's most famous faces to PSG, Tebas hit out at the club's transfer policy this week. 

"PSG looks like the league of legends given the age of some players. La Liga has young players like Vinicius (Junior). The problem of PSG, we will solve it. What PSG are doing is as dangerous as the Super League," Tebas said.

"We will continue to grow despite the departure of Messi. We will work against the club states. These clubs are as much enemies as the Super League.”

It is not the first time that the Liga president has taken aim at PSG, having previously accused the club and Manchester City of "economic doping" and of being state-controlled teams. 

Further reading 

Indian Navy's football team overcame Delhi FC 2-1 in the Group C opener of the Durand Cup 2021 football tournament at the Mohun Bagan ground in Kolkata, on Wednesday.

Willis Plaza (21') gave Delhi the lead but goals by Shreyas VG (26') and Dalraj Singh (86') ensured three points for the regimental side.

The Sailormen currently top the group that also includes Indian Super League (ISL) teams Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters.

Plaza was at hand to beat Navy goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy after a good build up by Reinreithan Shaiza and Dawda Ceesay but the lead was shortlived as Shreyas cut through the Delhi defense to slot in Nihal Sudeesh's cross from the right.

Just before the break, Plaza could have put his side back in the lead but failed to beat Roy from close range after being found in the area by Brazilian winger Sergio Barbosa Jr.

Crossing over, it was until late in the match that Dalraj rose highest to nod in the winner from a flagkick to hand Indian Navy all three points.

Six points, by any name, with any flavouring, are just as sweet.

Put that on a hat, make it into a lapel pin, paste it on a t-shirt. Doing what is necessary has become the mantra under Gernot Rohr’s stewardship; sometimes, even less than that is required. Sometimes, the skill is simply in following Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous war strategy: never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.

Cape Verde were hospitable hosts in the extreme, not just offering up their porridge and a bed, but tucking their incredulous guests in themselves.

Struggling to create meaningful openings or create danger in and around our penalty area? Why, here’s two own-goal attempts – do as thou wilt.

It would have been rude, negligent even, to have turned down the first, as the hapless Kelvin Pires stitched up his own goalkeeper in the opening half. However, just in case Victor Osimhen got an attack of conscience at seizing upon another gift, Kenny Rocha did the honours himself after the break, again tossing a grenade in Vozinha’s general direction under no pressure whatsoever.

This time, the Napoli man did not even need to be present at the scene.

It was a game defined almost entirely by errors, unsurprisingly as the two teams mostly matched up in midfield.

That left the wide areas as the game’s premier battle zone: on both flanks, Nigeria had a 2v1 advantage against Cape Verde’s 3-5-2, and their measly haul of chances exclusively from that overload.

Early on, Shehu Abdullahi overlapped to take advantage of Dylan Tavares being drawn inside by Moses Simon, and his low cross was turned over the bar by Ahmed Musa.

Then, in the move that led to Osimhen’s equalizer, Jamilu Collins was in acres of space, and had the time to look up and measure a cross. With neither Nigerian full-back having a direct opponent, they were free to get forward and combine quickly with their winger.

Despite the numerical superiority, however, the Super Eagles themselves were not only vulnerable in wide areas, but were unable to break quickly into space.

This was a consequence of Rohr’s approach to tracking the Cape Verde wing-backs. Having the wingers tracking all the way back, even into the defensive line, is a dangerous tactic: forwards, conscientious though they may be, typically lack the defensive fundamentals of body shape and scanning.

This dynamic played out for the opener. Musa, fielded as the side’s No.10, was tasked with pushing up to help Osimhen pressure the hosts’ back three, and so the momentary underload in midfield allowed a quick switch down the Nigeria right.

Tavares arrived on Simon’s blind side and finished inside the near post.

While the Super Eagles largely coped with this for the rest of the match, it affected their own ability to threaten, as it left them without numbers in advanced wide areas following turnovers.

In one second-half notable incident, Kingsley Michael released Osimhen into the left channel, and after cutting inside, the Napoli striker played the ball infield to Musa.

The captain, expecting a run on his outside from Simon, dummied the pass and attacked the penalty area.

The trouble: the Nantes man was a good 35 yards back, having followed Tavares all the way into the defensive third, and was in no position (or state) to support the breakaway. It made for a drab affair on the whole.

Not that Rohr would have minded that, of course. He was, after all, without seven starters, and would likely have landed in Cape Verde considering a draw a good enough result. The replacements all were marked downgrades, as could no doubt have been anticipated—he has done little to integrate them in less critical situations, even when the opportunities have presented themselves.

Count this then as a bit of luck at a time when it was dearly needed.

This has become a bit of a calling card for the German coach: there is frequently some sort of happenstance at work on his side when the chips are down.

During the qualifying series for the 2018 World Cup, a tough group on paper quickly opened up as his opponents succumbed to managerial self-destruction. The same took place ahead of a crucial double-header against a highly impressive Libya side during qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Say what you will about the standard of football (there is plenty to pick over there), his aversion to change and unwillingness to evolve the side, or the lack of coherence in his decision-making.

All that is hard to stack up against a record of winning: it is better, as the saying goes, to be lucky than to be good.

South Africa Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has launched the "Return to Play — It’s in your Hands" campaign, saying Premier Soccer League fans will soon return to stadiums with priority given to those vaccinated.

Since March 2020, PSL teams have been playing inside empty stadiums due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But with some European countries opening doors for supporters at sporting events, efforts are now underway in South Africa to have football played before crowds. 

“Over the next few weeks, you [members of the public] will be exposed to creative ways of getting the vaccination message across, which will be premised on examples like: free entry tickets for the vaccinated at sport and entertainment events; games and performances prioritising the vaccinated; [and] taking the vaccine to the people,” said Mthethwa as per IOL.

“The greater the population of the ‘vaccinated’ the sooner the economy can be reopened and in the sport, arts and culture community, the quicker we can get back to watching our sports stars and creatives at the various venues.

“The one quick and trusted ingredient to attain that status is to maximise the population of the ‘vaccinated’. Government alone cannot raise the required numbers of the ‘vaccinated’ needed to reach what is known as herd immunity.

“The 'It's in your Hands’ campaign, which we are launching today, is therefore intended to kick-start the active mobilisation of community members to ‘take the jab’ in ever-increasing numbers. The medical experts have already eloquently extolled the virtues of vaccinating more and more people on a sustained basis.”
 
Mthethwa’s remarks come a week after Orlando Pirates also launched a drive for the return of supporters to football grounds.

Pirates together with other widely followed PSL teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns have had to endure playing without enjoying the home advantage created by their multitudes of fans.

Pirates interim co-coach Mandla Ncikazi received his first jab last week as he encouraged fans to get vaccinated and return to stadiums.

“I encourage all South Africans to go vaccinate. Let's save our country, let's get rid of this pandemic,” Ncikazi told Pirates media.

“It would be nice if everybody does this so we can see the spectators back in our fields and enjoy the game.”

Super Eagles stars including Kenneth Omeruo, Henry Onyekuru and Chidozie Awaziem joined Nigerians in celebrating their 2-1 victory over Cape Verde with their social media updates.

The three-time African champions maintained their 100% start to their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, thanks to Victor Osimhen’s equaliser and an own goal from Kenny Rocha Santos that sealed a crucial away win for them.

Nigeria now lead Group C with six points after two matches, three points above second-placed Liberia while Cape Verde and Central African Republic have a point each.

In their reactions, Gernot Rohr's men expressed satisfaction with their performance and 'the Naija spirit' they showed at the Estadio Municipal Aderito Sena.

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These days you don’t need to score a hat-trick to take home an official match ball as they are easily available to buy. At-home sports equipment is getting better and better and footballs are no exception.

The elite versions of these footballs have all been awarded the FIFA Quality Pro stamp of approval, which means they can be used in professional games. To get that FIFA approval they have to go through rigorous testing in a Swiss lab, meaning that only the best get the nod. So you really would see these exact footballs at the feet of Messi, De Bruyne and Griezmann.

However, if you don't fancy splashing out, the official replicas are a great way of getting that match-ready experience without the price tag.

With that in mind, here are eight of the best official match balls used by Europe's top leagues, clubs and competitions. 

England – Premier League: Nike Flight

The Nike Flight football uses Aerowsculpt technology which took eight whole years to develop. Its hypothesis was that if a ball is completely smooth then it gets lost in the air and goes off course. The patented moulding on the surface of the ball actually changes the ball’s relationship with the air, improving aerodynamics by up to 30 per cent compared to a traditional football. The budget Nike Strike uses a similar groove technology called AerowTrac.

Get it from JD Sports for £125.00 (elite) / £25.00 (budget)

This season, the Championship, League One and Two are using this Puma teamFinal ball. This ball will be seen rolling around grounds up and down the country and will hopefully be responsible for some memorable goals and matches. Both the elite and replica versions use Puma Air Lock technology to keep your ball inflated for longer.

Get it from Sports Direct for £80.00 (elite) / JD Sports for £15.00 (budget)

Uhlsport have created the Elysia Ballon match ball for Ligue 1 this season so two-thirds of the MSN trio can be reunited and score some incredible goals whilst in Paris. The elite version has 22 thermobonded panels and the replica has 32. Both versions are typically stylish in a navy blue with silver and orange colourway.

Get it from Pro:Direct Soccer for £84.00 (elite) / Decathlon for £29.99 (budget)

The Nike Flight was engineered for precision and created by four fused panels to create a larger perfect strikezone for Serie A’s top players like Andrea Belotti and Lorenzo Insigne. The Nike Strike Serie A edition is a great replica for those who feel an affinity with Italian football and want to show it off. The textured casing helps create a perfect spin on the ball whether you’re scoring at the San Siro or down the park. 

Get it from Nike for £119.95 (elite) / £24.95 (budget)

The Puma Accelerate has a textured surface to improve grip and aerodynamics. La Liga’s best players like Antoine Griezmann are loving the orange flame design which was inspired by Japanese anime.

Get it from Amazon for £104.49 (elite) / JD Sports for £25.00 (budget)

Puma’s signature ball for the Carabao Cup will be used the whole way through the competition, from the closely contested first round to the coveted final at Wembley Stadium. The durable rubber bladder is tried and tested so it retains its shape for a consistent ball flight.

Get it from Sports Direct for £80.00 (elite) / JD Sports for £15.00 (budget)

Europe – UEFA Champions League Final: Adidas Pro

Recreate your favourite moments from the 2021 Champions League final with these beautiful balls. Both versions feature the aspirational star design pattern, but the elite version takes this one step further and has 3D printed stars all over to improve grip. The colourway will have your head in the sky dreaming of winning the trophy with cloud white and solar red and yellow stars.

Get it from JD Sports £120.00 (elite) / £18.00 (budget)

Adidas’s iconic Uniforia was designed for the delayed Euro 2020 competition and was finally used this summer. Because this tournament was held across 12 culturally different cities the design had to incorporate elements from every place. The beautiful and colourful hashtag style design wraps around the ball which is seamlessly bonded to get a smooth trajectory and strike.

Get it from Lovell Soccer for £85.00 (elite) / £20 (budget)

Most balls will arrive deflated to help save on carbon emissions and packaging, so don’t forget to pick up a football pump.

Get one from Amazon for £3.99

Ronald Koeman has hit back at Miralem Pjanic's claims that he disrespected the Bosnia & Herzegovina international at Barcelona, stating that the club had "other players better than him".

The Blaugrana have loaned out the midfielder on a season-long deal to Besiktas, just one year after he made a major move to Camp Nou from Juventus.

Pjanic hit out at his treatment by Koeman earlier this month, indicating that the Dutchman restricted his opportunities - and now the former Netherlands boss has responded in kind.

What has been said?

"I think it's a bit of frustration on the part of the player that I understand," Koeman told Mundo Deportivo.

"But in our way of playing, in our ideas with the ball and without the ball, he has lost the battle with other midfielders, and nothing else.

"I wish him the best. It has been complicated. We have tried, we have tried and we have seen that there are other players better than him."

Pjanic aggrieved after exit

That Pjanic - once regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world game - is now plying his trade outside of Europe's top five leagues speaks to how far his stock has fallen under Koeman.

The 31-year-old played only half of Barcelona's games in La Liga last season, and played no part in their Copa del Rey triumph.

"I always wanted to play for Barca but I didn't expect the situation to get so complicated," Pjanic previously stated. 

Further reading

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has claimed Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Tusker tapped up their player Shami Kibwana.
 
On Tuesday, Kibwana signed with the Brewers to become their newest player, but his move has started to attract controversy after the claims made by his former club.

Shimanyula has threatened he will report the Ruaraka-based club to Fifa for allegedly tapping up the midfielder who has a running contract with Homeboyz.
 
The midfielder is among the players who travelled for a Caf Champions League game against Arta Solar 7 on Sunday.

"They have stolen my player and have taken him to Djibouti. He is a player I have been all along looking for, only to learn that Tusker have him," Shimanyula told Goal.
 
"Shami [Kibwana] has a running contract and was never given a release letter from us. I have contacted Obiny Tusker CEO [Charles Obiny] and he has begged that I should let them finish the Champions League game first. I have categorically told him that if they make the mistake of playing him, they will see the fire from us.
 
"They better fill the position with another player, and not Kibwana. Tusker should not look down upon Kakamega Homeboyz because we are a small team. I am writing a letter to Obiny and copying it to the Football Kenya Federation over the matter.

"This is a player we have been waiting to see at the training pitch only to learn that he is Djibouti-bound.  Tusker must stop this habit of tapping up players [every window], they did it against Vihiga United and they have now done it against us [Homeboyz], and we will not let this pass until justice prevails.

They always want to use shortcuts to sign players, we will follow the law and report to them to Fifa, and I want to warn them against using the player [Kibwana] in Djibouti, if they do they will face more problems.

"I am using my money, not like them who depend on money from alcohol [Tusker are sponsored by East African Breweries Limited]. That is like they have money they get easily, I am not getting my money easily as compared to them. I will show them what they have never seen. 
 
"Player tapping is very wrong. I was looking for my player only to read on Goal.com he has left for Djibouti. I am shocked that one can tap a player and travel with him, a star who still has a running contract until the end of this year with us.
 
"Had Kibwana's contract been within two months or three months of expiring, they would have negotiated with him."
 
Other players who have been signed by Tusker include, Brian Bwire, Dan Sakari, Teddy Osok, goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, Charles Momanyi, Kalos Kirenge, and Joshua Ibrahim.

East Bengal have confirmed on Wednesday that the club has agreed to mutually terminate Robbie Fowler's contract as head coach. 

The Red and Golds have appointed former Real Madrid Castilla coach Manuel 'Manolo' Diaz as the new head coach for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

More to follow...

Ahmed Musa has revelled in Nigeria’s defeat of Cape Verde in Tuesday’s Fifa World Cup qualifier as well as bagging his 100th international cap.

Gernot Rohr’s men brightened their chances of qualifying for Qatar 2022 by securing a 2-1 comeback win over the Blue Sharks at the Estadio Municipal Aderito Sena.

Gunning for their first win following an impressive 1-1 draw against the Central African Republic, Dylan Dos Santos put Bubista’s men ahead in the 19th minute after unleashing a left-footed strike past Maduka Okoye.

Nevertheless, the lead lasted for just ten minutes as Napoli star Victor Osimhen levelled matters having benefitted from a defensive error by the hosts.

The three-time African champions sealed maximum points in the closing stages of the keenly contested fixture after Kenny Rocha Santos played the ball into his team's net after goalkeeper Vozinha had left his position.

For his participation in Mindelo, Musa became an international centurion to join the likes of Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama in Nigeria's 100-cap club.

Buoyed by this double joy, the 28-year-old went to social media to express his happiness while showing appreciation to all who made it possible.

“I can't keep calm as we keep winning. Thanks to my family, my teammates, fans and not forgetting the NFF,” Musa wrote on Instagram.

“I want to specially mention it's my 100th cap for the team as well. It's an absolute honour & privilege to serve in this capacity.

“All of these wouldn't have been possible without you guys as there is no 'I' in the team. You guys rock. Thanks so much once again. Here's to more wins.”

Nigeria’s qualification campaign continues in October when they welcome the Central African Republic to the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Rohr’s side leads Group C with six points from two matches. For the Wild Beasts – who have just one point from two games – they sit at the base of the log.

Anything short of victory in Lagos will see them bow out of the race to reach the global football showpiece in the middle east country.

Musa will become Nigeria’s joint-most capped player alongside Yobo and Enyeama if he features in that encounter.

Ghanaian champions Hearts of Oak have been handed a major advantage in the Caf Champions League preliminary round following adjustment of their originally scheduled two-legged clash with Guinean side Club Industriel de Kamsar to a one-off decider in Accra.

The big first round showdown is now set for the Accra Sports Stadium on September 19.

The change, announced on the official website of the Ghana Football Association, has been necessitated by political instability in Guinea where the originally scheduled first leg fixture was due to be held.

“Accra Hearts of Oak SC will play CL Kamsar of Guinea in a single match on September 19, 2021 at the Accra Sports Stadium with the winner of the tie set to advance to the next stage of the 2021-22 Total Energies CAF Champions League,” the GFA announced published on Wednesday.

“The Organising Committee of the Competition has decided that the match which was scheduled to be played in Guinea this weekend will not take place in view of the political unrest in the country.

“The winner of this single match will qualify to the 2nd preliminary round of the competition. In case of a draw at the end of the regulatory time, the winner shall be determined by penalty kicks in accordance to the Laws of the Game."

Kamsar were due to host the first leg fixture on Sunday, a week before the return leg.

A coup d'etat last weekend, which saw the overthrow of Guinea's President Alpha Conde by soldiers, has momentarily rendered the country unsafe for football.

The situation also saw a late postponement of a 2022 World Cup qualifier between Guinea and Morocco in Conakry on Monday.

The GFA publication added: “In a letter sent to the General Secretary of the GFA, Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq) on the situation, CAF quoted the provisions of Articles 1 & 2.1 of Chapter XIII of the Regulations governing the competition which stipulate that the following shall applied: "1. In case of troubles, wars, forces majeure or internal situations in a country that may affect the security conditions during planning of a match, the Organizing Committee may take the following measures: 2. In two leg matches (home and away): 2.1 If the case concerns only one country, the federation will play its home match on a ground in another country, or a single game will be played on the opponent's field. Where appropriate, the Organizing Committee will determine the match venue.”

The winners between Hearts and Kamsar will face Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in the next round of the competition.

Premier League teams including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United will be without a host of star players this weekend after the row between English clubs and the Brazilian Football Association escalated dramatically.

FIFA, Goal can confirm, has informed clubs that the controversial 'five-day rule' will be imposed by the Brazilian FA, who are angry that players were withdrawn from the latest round of World Cup qualifiers.

That would prevent eight players from five clubs from featuring in this round of domestic fixtures, although it has emerged that Everton forward Richarlison will be allowed to play this weekend, due to the Toffees' strong relationship with the Brazilian federation. Richarlison was allowed to play for Brazil in the Olympic Games in Beijing earlier this summer.

Who is set to miss out?

Liverpool trio Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino are all impacted, and will be ruled out of the Reds' trip to Leeds on Sunday. Leeds winger Raphinha will also miss the game at Elland Road.

Manchester City duo Ederson and Gabriel Jesus will miss the trip to Leicester on Saturday, while Manchester United midfielder Fred is out of his side's home clash with Newcastle the same day. Fred will also, much to the Red Devils' annoyance, sit out their opening Champions League group clash away to Young Boys next Tuesday.

Chelsea are in the same position, missing veteran defender Thiago Silva for the games against Aston Villa and Zenit St Petersburg.

Other teams will also be affected. Tottenham will miss Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, and Aston Villa will be without Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia, all of whom were allowed to join up with the Argentina squad for this round of international fixtures - a move that led to the farcical scenes at the qualifier with Brazil in Sao Paulo, in which the players were threatened with arrest for an alleged breach of coronavirus rules.

In addition to the Brazilian FA, Chile, Mexico and Paraguay have also asked FIFA to apply the five-day rule, a move which will impact Wolves' Raul Jimenez, Watford's Francisco Sierralta, Newcastle star Miguel Almiron and the Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz.

What is the five-day rule?

The five-day rule is designed to protect international teams from unnecessary, club-influenced withdrawals.

Players who are not released for international duty can, in accordance with FIFA, be banned from featuring for their clubs for a five-day period following the conclusion of international fixtures. In this instance, that period covers September 10-14.

Premier League clubs had decided unanimously to stop players from appearing for their country in the latest round of international fixtures, if it meant travel to a red-list country, which would require a 10-day period of quarantine upon their return. FIFA, who are understood to be uneasy with the ongoing row, unsuccessfully lobbied the UK government to allow quarantine exemptions for players returning from international duty.

Should clubs refuse to adhere to the five-day rule, then Article 22 of FIFA's disciplinary code states that they will forfeit any game in which an ineligible player has appeared, and face a corresponding fine. Players, too, may be hit with sanctions.

How will the Premier League respond?

The Premier League is likely to take a dim view of the Brazilian FA's stance, and sources have told Goal that the league intends to lobby against the decision, and will strive to find a resolution.

That will be vital, with two further rounds of international fixtures to come before the end of the year, but as it stands their top clubs are set to be without a number of star men this weekend.

Further reading

Manchester City are facing a goalkeeper crisis, with first choice Ederson and understudy Zak Steffen ruled out of Saturday’s game at Leicester City.

The Premier League champions will be forced to select veteran third-choice Scott Carson, who completed a permanent move on a free transfer from Derby County in the summer.

Former England international Carson had been on loan at City for the previous two seasons and made his only appearance for the club against Newcastle at the end of the last campaign - after the title had been secured.

Why will Ederson be missing?

City were among five clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Leeds United who did not release Brazilian players for an international window.

Goal confirmed that Brazilian football authorities triggered a FIFA rule preventing players appearing five days after the window ends but the Premier League is expected to lobby against the decision and hope to find a resolution.

Striker Gabriel Jesus will also be affected by the ban, although midfielder Fernandinho was not called up for the South American World Cup qualifiers.

Players travelling to red list countries would have missed several games on their return because of a 10-day isolation period in the United Kingdom.

Why is Steffen unavailable?

Steffen confirmed that he has tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty with the United States national team.

The former Columbus Crew keeper, who said that he had received two vaccinations, is currently self-isolating in the US.

He will also miss the Champions League group opener against RB Leipzig on Tuesday, but Ederson will be available.

What are City's options?

Carson, 34, who is a hugely popular figure in the dressing room, is the next in line, although his start in last season's 4-3 win over Newcastle was his first Premier League appearance since May 2011.

City have three goalkeepers out on loan, with Republic of Ireland International Gavin Bazunu at Portsmouth, Kosovo international Aro Muric at Adana Demirspor and England Under-20 star James Trafford at Accrington Stanley.

Academy players Cieran Slicker, 18, and Mikki van Sas, 17, could be on the bench at the King Power Stadium.

Any good injury news?

Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne have both stepped up their training during the international break after missing the last two matches through injury.

Foden has not featured in pre-season or since the start of the campaign after suffering from a foot injury on international duty with England at Euro 2020 in July.

De Bruyne has also struggled with an ankle injury suffered at the European Championships, although it is too early to say whether they will be fit enough to face Leicester.

Further reading:

Swallows FC forward Ruzaigh Gamildien has described failing to sign for Kaizer as “disappointing” but is entertaining the possibility of ending up at Amakhosi’s Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates.

Discussions took place between Chiefs and Swallows to bring the 32-year-old to Naturena but nothing concrete emerged from the talks.

Now with Swallows set to meet Pirates in a Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, Gamildien says he will use the game to market himself.

“It is self-motivation. Everyone is watching when we play against these clubs and it is an opportunity for us to market ourselves to be able to join them in the future,” Gamildien told Sowetan Live.

“We also enjoy playing big teams because it takes the pressure off us. We’ve enjoyed playing against Pirates and we are looking forward to continuing with that this weekend.

“It wasn’t disappointing [failing to move to Chiefs]. It was just that it was not meant for me to go there.

“It was also not a point to prove but just to rub some salt in the wounds saying that I’m still going to be the same Gamildien whether I go there or not.”

Pirates will be facing a team that eliminated them from the MTN8 at the quarter-final stage.

It was Gamildien’s brace which sank the Buccaneers in a 2-1 result in favour of Swallows at Orlando Stadium in August.

The Soweto rivals are back at Orlando Stadium and Gamildien is keen on upsetting Pirates again.

“Good teamwork first of all, that’s what you can expect from us,” added Gamildien.

“They will be doing their homework on us and what didn’t work in the past. We are also trying to fix certain areas we are lacking and we have to continue with the current run that we have.”

Swallows go into this match on the backdrop of four unbeaten games this season.

After knocking Pirates out of the MTN8, the Dube Birds then edged Royal AM 1-0 in a league opener before a 0-0 away draw at AmaZulu.

They then secured another 0-0 draw but this time against Cape Town City in the MTN8 semi-finals, first leg. 

Former Bafana Bafana defender David Kannemeyer has predicted a draw between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, but has identified where Amakhosi could have an edge over their opponents.

The Gauteng giants cross swords at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday after having recorded similar results of a draw and a win in their respective Premier Soccer League games so far this season.

Kannemeyer, who played for both sides, expects a stalemate on Sunday but thinks Sundowns can draw lessons from the last game between the two sides in August.

Chiefs came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw after extra time in the MTN8 quarter-finals against Masandawana but lost via penalties.

Kannemeyer says Amakhosi’s strength on the transition between defence and attack could hurt the Brazilians whom he advises to learn from the last encounter between the two teams.

“Indeed, this is the biggest game of the weekend. I’d go for a draw… I have a strong feeling about that,” Kannemeyer told Sowetan Live.

“Like many, I see Downs and Chiefs as title hopefuls but I won’t just write Pirates off just like that.

“Sundowns are all about going forward but I expect them to be a little bit cautious on Sunday, because they know Chiefs can be a threat in transition.

“You saw how Chiefs turned things around in the MTN8, so for Sundowns that should be a lesson to always tread carefully when they go forward.’’

When Sundowns and Chiefs last met, it was the two giants’ first competitive match of this season.

Since then, Chiefs have gone to draw 0-0 against TS Galaxy and beat Baroka FC 2-1 in league games.

Masandawana on the other hand have edged AmaZulu 1-0 in a league game, were then held 0-0 away at Chippa United before a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows in an MTN8 semi-final, first-leg clash.

After Sunday’s match, Chiefs will then host Royal AM on September 18 while the Brazilians welcome TS Galaxy on September 19.

Amakhosi are bidding for a first league title since 2015 and Sundowns want a record-extending fifth straight championship crown. 

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Steve Komphela has claimed former Polokwane City head coach Luc Eymael disrespects black people and the truth has eventually come out.

In 2019, Eymael was being linked with a move to AmaZulu and Chippa United but Komphela, then serving at Lamontville Golden Arrows, said the controversial coach should not come to South Africa.

While engaging his followers on Twitter on Wednesday, Komphela maintained his stance on the Belgian, affirming he does not respect black people

At the time, an agitated Komphela felt South Africa would be stupid to allow Eymael to return and work in the Premier Soccer League.

"That one must not come to South Africa‚" Komphela said at the time. "I’m not being disrespectful‚ but Luc must not come to South Africa.

"This guy has disrespected people tremendously and this nation would be naïve‚ if not very close to stupid‚ if they were to allow such a man to come and work here.

"Why give the man the respect and resources that belong to our country when he thinks so little of us."

Eymael was fired by Yanga SC after he disparaged Tanzanian Football Federation officials and went ahead to refer to Yanga fans as monkeys in July 2020.

He, however, later defended himself saying he is not a racist.

Victor Osimhen’s two-game ban for violent conduct against Daan Heymans during a Serie A game against Venezia has been rescinded following a successful appeal by Napoli.

The Nigeria international was sent off during the first half of the Blues’ 2-0 victory by referee Gianluca Aureliano last month after he appeared to have hit Heymans during a corner kick.

That was the second time the former Wolfsburg and Lille man had been sent off since the commencement of his professional career.

He was issued a red card for the first time during a Uefa Europa League clash against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on October 29, 2020.

Subsequently, he was barred from featuring in his club’s league against Genoa, which the two-time Serie A won at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris.

“Napoli have successfully appealed to the Sports Court of Appeal to reduce Victor Osimhen’s suspension from two games to one,” a statement from the club website read.

“Given that the striker already served the first match of the suspension against Genoa, he will be available for selection this weekend.”

This decision is a big boost for Luciano Spalletti’s men who welcome Juventus to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Saturday’s blockbuster Italian elite division encounter.

Prior to this reversal, former Napoli striker Emanuele Calaio had opined that the punishment was extreme, insisting that the Super Eagle’s behaviour was natural.

"The expulsion to Osimhen? Already last year it was felt that the character of the Nigerian was a bit too steamy,” Calaio told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“A thick striker must also have the lucidity to be quiet in certain moments of the race. But the expulsion was excessive.

“In football, you also see much worse and without red cards. Aureliano was in confusion during the race also in the management of the cards against the Venezia players.

“Osimhen's behaviour was instinctive: he had been restrained and yanked, the defenders do everything to provoke. I also happened to push away the defenders because they kept my shirt.”

Should Osimhen get the nod to play against the Old Lady, the 24-year-old would be hoping to score his maiden goal of the season after he scored 10 goals in 24 Serie A matches during the 2020-21 campaign.

Bafana Bafana striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane has stated the win against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers on Monday at the FNB Stadium brought hope to a country that had no hope before.

Hlongwane scored the only goal of the game late in the second half to give South Africa their first win in Group G, and the 21-year-old has explained the impact of the victory on the nation.

"I’m happy about the win and I’m sure it will bring hope to the country at large because there has been no hope," Hlongwane told the media as per Sowetan Live.

"People have been watching the national team, but there was nothing good happening, it was always negative stuff all the time.

"I hope the win has brought joy, but the job is not done because there are so many games remaining in the qualifiers. In those games, we have to work and use it to our advantage."

Hlongwane would hope to be part of the national team set-up for a very long time after head coach Hugo Broos revealed his desire to build Bafana Bafana around youngsters.

"You know, one day you have to give [young players] the chance. You hear people say, 'coach but they are not experienced'," Broos said in an earlier interview.

"But when is a young boy experienced, when he does not play. So, one day you have to give him a chance and I will do that here, from the first day that I'm here in South Africa, to give the young players a chance.

"But they have to take the chance and I think I can take the example of Ethan Brooks. He had a very, very good game, so he took the chance."

Hlongwane's Maritzburg United - winless in the Premier Soccer League - will be in action on Saturday against Baroka and the striker has shifted focus from the national side to the club, hoping to produce a good result.

"Even here at Maritzburg, I have work to do and help the club because on Saturday we are playing,’’ he added. 

"The national team part is over and I’m here to focus on my club and do well so the team can progress."