Looking for Soccer News?

New Manchester United signing Cristiano Ronaldo has been granted an early release from international duty, Portugal confirmed on Thursday. 

The striker, 36, is yet to feature for the Red Devils after moving back from Juventus for a second spell at Old Trafford last week. 

But he will now have extra time to prepare for his return to the Premier League due to the yellow card he picked up against Ireland. 

What was said? 

"Cristiano Ronaldo was excused from his stay with the national team on Thursday," the Portuguese Football Federation explained in a statement. 

"The yellow card he saw against Ireland, as it was the second in this qualifying phase, forces him to serve a one-match suspension, which will take place against Azerbaijan. 

"This morning, the national team captain formed part of the group of players who carried out regenerative exercises in the hotel." 

Portugal's hero

Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening against Ireland, missing an early chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. 

The visitors took full advantage and led for almost the entire second half following John Egan's strike just before the break.

Just when it looked like the Boys in Green would be taking a famous victory, however, the United star sprung into action. 

Two headers in the dying minutes changed the course of the game and gave Portugal their third win of the qualifying campaign, consolidating their position at the top of Group A.

His first goal, moreover, put him clear as the highest scorer in men's international history.  

But the forward paid a stiff price for celebrating his 96th-minute winner, picking up a yellow for removing his shirt and ruling himself out of contention for Tuesday's visit to Azerbaijan. 

The upshot, of course, is that Ronaldo will have more than a week to prepare for his second United 'debut', with the Reds returning to action in the Premier League on September 11 against Newcastle United.

Further reading 

All products featured on our site are independently chosen by us. When you purchase something through the links provided, we may earn a commission.

If you grew up in the '90s, you'll have loved tuning into Channel 4’s Football Italia on a weekend. Since then, Italian football has remained something of a romance for many fans.

In the modern age, Italy is still the home of defensive masterpieces and chess-like tactics – though gone are the days of door-bolt football. Recently, Italy are playing some fantastic and flamboyant football, even taking home the Euros title this summer under the management of Roberto Mancini. 

These 12 books are written by authors who have discovered something unique and special in Italian society and realised how it translates into their football. After reading them, you may want to book a ticket to Italy to find out what all the fuss is about for yourself.

Tim Parks writes with wit and realism about his adoptive country, Italy, in a season-long account in which he traveled both home and away to support every Hellas Verona match. The book documents all the highs and lows of a Serie A season that went right down to the final whistle, whilst shedding light on the not always pretty side of Italian fan culture.

Get it from Amazon for £7.99

Italy’s Ultras are known globally as some of the most violent football fans the world has to offer. Tobias Jones digs deep to discover where the political thuggery ends and the passion for football begins. In his discovery of the darker side of football, he discusses not only the big clubs such as Juventus and Roma, but smaller ones like Catania and Cosenza.

Get it from Amazon for £7.99

Calcio (meaning ‘football’ in Italian) is one of the most successful books out there on Italian football. John Foot is a professor of Modern Italian History so he really knows his onions. Written in the aftermath of Italy’s World Cup victory that saw Zinedine Zidane’s swan song red card, Calcio tells the humorous story of Italian football from 1890 to the present day.

Get it from Amazon for £11.99

Irish journalist Paddy Agnew moved to Rome in 1985 in pursuit of Italian football and has lived there ever since, assimilating himself so well that he’s now a commentator for national TV station RAI. His fascinating book, Forza Italia, is filled with interesting knowledge from how Berlusconi went from AC Milan owner to Prime Minister, to how Maradona became the “uncrowned king of Naples”. 

Get it from Amazon for £10.55

Joe McGinniss’s classic book follows the small club Castel Di Sangro, “a team and a town with no aspirations, just a passion for the game”, as they rose to the top of Serie B in their inaugural season against seemingly impossible odds. It’s described as a modern football fairytale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Get it from Amazon for £9.34

Swedish loudmouth Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s autobiography is fantastic for so many reasons, it transcends categories at times. Taking after his idol Ronaldo as one of the few players audacious enough to represent both AC and Inter Milan at the San Siro, Zlatan tells the story of how he managed to win over Milan’s Ultras with heart and humour.

Get it from Amazon for £8.19

Andrea Pirlo is one of the finest footballers of his generation, a true gentleman and icon of the game. He was awarded man of the match in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory over France. The Italian playmaker tells his story in his own words and candidly takes the reader behind the scenes at three of Italy’s biggest clubs - Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus.

Get it from Amazon for £7.79

Carlo Ancelotti has been touted as one of the most underrated successful managers in recent history. Free from touchline histrionics, Ancelotti has steered many teams to success and won titles both domestically and in European competitions as a player and manager. In his autobiography, Carlo Ancelotti gives leadership and managerial advice that can be applied in everyday life as well as on the pitch.

Get it from Amazon for £9.34

Herbie Sykes gives insight into the Italian football dynasty of Juventus who are still owned by the Agnelli family, despite the fact their name has been synonymous with corruption and match-fixing for 100 years. This book explores the scandalous history of Turin’s greatest club, warts and all.

Pre-order on Amazon for £9.67 (release 21 October 2021)

Legendary Italian player Gianluca Vialli partnered up with sportswriter Gabriele Marcotti to create an analysis of football itself. They compare Italian Calcio with the English game to see what similarities and differences come from the two football-mad countries, and if “the national stereotypes of Italians as passionate, stylish lotharios and the English as cold-hearted eccentrics still hold true when they kick a ball around?”

Get it from Amazon for £9.52

Zonal Marking is an incredibly well-researched book that strips apart national footballing identities over the years to see what they have contributed to the modern game. It gives a good analysis of the tactically advanced Italian league in the 90s and how we can still see echoes of it across the game. 

Get it from Amazon for £8.99

Coach Gernot Rohr defended his decision of not inviting Union Berlin’s Taiwo Awoniyi for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde.

The former Liverpool forward has been in fine scoring form in the 2021-22 campaign – finding the net five times in his last five matches for the Iron Ones across all competitions.

Even at that, he was not found worthy to be called up for the assignments against the Lone Stars and the Blue Sharks.

Having in mind that the three-time African champions would be without their England based stars against Cape Verde on September 7 in Mindelo, the German tactician was queried on his decision to leave out the Bundesliga star.

In his defence, the former Burkina Faso and Niger Republic handler claimed his team already had four centre forwards and as such, there was no place for Awoniyi.

“There are people calling for Awoniyi while also there are those calling for other players,” Rohr told the media during Thursday’s press conference.

“We can only bring three centre forwards, we have already [Victor] Osimhen, we have Paul Onuachu, we have [Terem] Moffi who is doing well in Lorient and we even have Kelechi [Iheanacho].

“So, which one do you want me to bring out to put in Awoniyi?”

Victory over Liberia will boost Nigeria’s chances of picking a ticket for Qatar 2022, and Rohr warned his side against underrating Peter Butler’s side.

“We played against them in a friendly in Monrovia two or three years ago, and from that team, they still have some players,” he continued.

“Also, we watched their three friendly games in June. They played in Tunisia twice and the one other game in Algeria.

“They have some players playing in big clubs like [Oscar] Dorley playing in Slavia Prague and [Allen] Njie in Switzerland.

“They have a good centre forward [Kpah] Sherman playing in Malaysia. So, I think we know them and I have talked to my players that they are a good team and we should never underrate them.”

Colombia will be out to give their Qatar 2022 World Cup hopes a shot in the arm when they travel to face Bolivia in a CONMEBOL qualifier at Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz on Thursday.

Watch Bolivia vs Colombia on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Los Cafeteros sit fifth in the race for next year's tournament but will hope to use this year's third-place Copa America finish as a springboard to move up the table against La Verde.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.

Team news & rosters

*denotes uncapped player

Cesar Farias has called up four uncapped faces for his first post-Copa America squad, as his side look to spring a surprise in the CONMEBOL race to Qatar, having last played at the World Cup almost three decades ago at USA 1994.

La Verde have not beaten their visitors in a match since 2003, when they ran out 4-0 winners in this very stadium, thanks in part to a hat-trick for Joaquin Botero.

Predicted Bolivia starting XI: Lampe; Bejarano, Haquin, Jusino, Fernandez; Saavedra, Justiniano, Villarroel, R. Vaca; Alvarez, Chura.

*denotes uncapped player

Having secured a bronze-medal finish at the Copa America despite winning only their third-place playoff in regular time in the knockout stages, Reinaldo Rueda is out to make the most of his second tenure in charge of his home country.

Prior World Cup qualifications with Honduras and Ecuador show he knows the way - and even with seven uncapped players, his squad, led by Radamel Falcao, has plenty of talent on hand.

Predicted Colombia starting XI: Ospina; Medina, Munoz, Murillo, Tesillo; Cuadrado, Barrios, Cuellar, Diaz; Borja, Falcao.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Kenya and Uganda registered a 0-0 draw in their first 2022 World Cup encounter in Group E at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday.

It was Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic's first competitive match since he was appointed the Cranes' head coach, while Kenya's Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee was overseeing another game since he failed to qualify for the 2022 African Cup of Nations edition in Cameroon.

Kenya - with Kenneth Muguna dominating the midfield in the opening minutes - came close to breaking the deadlock in the fifth minute when Bandari's Abdallah Hassan missed the target from close range as his header flew slightly over the bar.
 
Micho was forced to make a change in the eighth minute when Vipers SC defender Halid Lwaliwa - while tussling for the ball with Michael Olunga - was injured and replaced by Enock Walusimbi.
 
After initially awarding Uganda a penalty at the half-hour mark when Joseph Okumu brought down an opponent at the edge of the box, the centre-referee - after consultation with his assistant, changed his mind and gave Uganda a free-kick which Tout Puissant Mazembe's Joseph Ochaya failed to convert.
 
Yanga SC's new signing Khalid Aucho was the first player to be booked with a yellow card in the 40th minute as Muguna and Richard Odada - who was making his Harambee Stars debut - impressed in the midfield.

Emmanuel Okwi, Uganda's captain, was taken off in the 44th minute but returned after medical attention.
 
The Cecafa giants ended the first half without a goal, although Kenya dominated the midfield as Olunga was capably kept at bay by Express FC's Murushid Juuko.
 
Okwi was replaced by Smouha SC's Derrick Nsibambi in the 46th minute following an injury that was sustained late in the first half.
 
Three minutes after the hour mark, Okumu became the second player to be cautioned after he blocked Milton Karisa who was through on goal.
 
Micho made substitutions in the 66th minute as CF Montreal's Mustafa Kizza took Ochaya's place while Ibrahim Orit came on for Moses Waiswa.

Kenya's Mulee effected changes in the 70th minute by removing Muguna - who was outstanding in midfield - and Hassan as Boniface Muchiri and Duke Abuya came on.
 
Masoud Juma made a run down the left-wing and delivered a cross that was about to meet Olunga, but Juuko, as was the case in the first half, managed to outshine the Kenyan as he cleared the danger in the 75th minute.
 
After replacing Lawrence Juma in the first half, Eric Johana was withdrawn in the 77th minute and his position was taken by Tusker's Jackson Macharia.
 
The neighbouring rivals were unable to break the deadlock in the remaining minutes, including the three added after regulation time, and will now have to focus on the upcoming qualifiers after beginning the journey with a draw.

Kenya XI: Ian Otieno, Joseph Okumu, Eugene Asike, Daniel Sakari, Eric Ouma, Richard Odada, Lawrence Juma, Masud Juma, Kenneth Muguna, Abdala Hassan, Michael Olunga

Subs: James Saruni, Joseph Okoth, Eric Johanna, Duke Abuya, Patilah Omutiti, Harun Shakava, Boniface Muchiri, Jackson Macharia, Frank Onyango, Henry Juma, Siraj Mohammed, Bolton Omwenga.

Uganda XI: Charles Lukwago, Dennis Iguma, Isaac Muleme, Halid Lwaliwa, Murushid Juuko, Joseph Ochaya, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Moses Waiswa, Milton Karisa, Emmanuel Okwi.

Subs: Ismail Watenga, Joel Mutakubwa, Innocent Wafula, Gavin Kizito, Aziz Kayondo, Ibrahim Orit, Richard Basangwa, Steven Mukwala, Yunus Sentamu, Mustafa Kizza, Enock Walusimbi.

Tanzania held DR Congo to a 1-1 draw in the 2022 World Cup qualifier played at the Tout Puissant Mazembe Stadium on Thursday.

The Leopards drew first blood courtesy of Dieumerci Mbokani, but the East Africans ensured the spoils were shared thanks to a screamer from Simon Msuva.

The first real chance fell for the hosts after just seven minutes when the Taifa Stars failed to clear a corner and the ball was eventually played to Araba Akolo, but he skied his effort with the goalkeeper well beaten.

In early proceedings, the hosts looked comfortable as opposed to the East Africans who struggled to get in the final third.

Some 16 minutes into the game, the Stars capitalised on a defensive lapse to get into the danger zone. Feisal Salum passed the ball to Reliant Lusajo who was in a good position, and the latter's first touch allowed Salum to take a shot which narrowly missed the target.

Manula was called to action in the 20th minute after a good cross from the left found Akolo unmarked, but the Simba SC goalkeeper was equal to the task and made the save

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 23rd minute. Cedric Bakambu managed to get past his marker and beat the goalkeeper with his cutback, and Mbokani, was in the right position to tap home from six yards.

It was a wake-up call for the Stars and five minutes later, they managed to get just outside the danger zone. Lusajo's fierce strike, however, was parried away by Joel Kiassumbua in the Leopards goal for an unfruitful corner.

Tanzania pulled level in the 35th minute when the hosts left Msuva unmarked from 35-yards and he unleashed a rocket that hit the inside of the crossbar before bouncing in the net.

After the pause, Tanzania came back more composed and keen on getting the second goal. They tried to push forward whenever they got an opportunity.

However, it was the hosts who threatened again in the 51st minute. A good cross from the left was headed in by the dangerous Akono, but the goalkeeper put it out for a corner.

 In the 65th minute, Manula had to be alert to deny substitute Bangala who was left with acres of space just outside the danger zone. The latter picked his spot, but the custodian dived on time to save it for his teammates.

Shortly after, the Taifa Stars won a free-kick on the edge of the box, it was well brought in but Msuva had a difficult task guiding the ball home and it went out for a goal-kick. 

From there on the hosts looked the better team, but despite late pressure by the Leopards, the Stars held on to collect a vital point away.

DRC XI: Joel Kiassumbua, Glody Ngonda, Marcel Tisseron, Araba Akolo, Samuel Moutoussamy, Dieumerci Mbokani, Yannick Bolassie, Amale Mukoko, Christian Luyindama, Cedric Bakambu, Mangolo Mremba.

Tanzania XI: Aishi Manula, Clement Nickson, Erasto Nyoni, Job Dickson, Feisal Salum, Reliants Lusajo, Simon Msuva, Hussein Mohamed, Mzamiru Yassin, Novatus Dismas, Shomari Kapombe

La Liga needs to see Real Madrid pull off the signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, says Raul Albiol, with the Spanish top-flight still counting the cost of losing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Two men with 11 Ballons d'Or between them once illuminated a division stacked with world-class talent, but both are now plying their trade elsewhere - with Ronaldo back at Manchester United following three years at Juventus and Messi severing his career-long ties with Barcelona in order to join PSG.

While two all-time greats have left opposing sides of a fierce Clasico divide, the draw of life at Santiago Bernabeu or Camp Nou remains strong and the expectation is that World Cup-winning forward Mbappe will end up in the Spanish capital at some stage.

What has been said?

Former Madrid defender Albiol, who is now with Villarreal, has told AS when asked if Mbappe would be a welcome addition in La Liga: "I would like to see him in the league, he is a great player, world-class and I think players like this are needed in the Spanish League after the departure of Cristiano and Messi - it is important that they come. 

"And important for Real Madrid, which is a team that I have played for."

What is the latest on Mbappe?

Another transfer window has closed for business, meaning that no deal will be done between Real and PSG this summer.

The Blancos did, however, put a €220 million (£189m/$260m) offer on the table before the latest deadline passed, with a statement of intent made by those in the Spanish capital.

Said advances were ignored in Paris, with there still a desire on the part of those at Parc des Princes to get a prized asset tied to a new contract.

Mbappe is, however, due to hit free agency in the summer of 2022 and will be free to speak with any suitors from January, meaning that a change of scenery could still be on the cards.

Real are waiting with open arms, as are Albiol and the rest of the Spanish top-flight, with another superstar attraction required in Spain in order to capture the imagination.

Further reading

Victor Lindelof claims to be embracing the added competition for places that Raphael Varane will provide at Manchester United, with the Swede aware that there will always be "very good players" at Old Trafford.

A Sweden international centre-half may be a victim of that talent pool, with a World Cup winner drafted in from Real Madrid to challenge for his position in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans.

French star Varane got the nod alongside club captain Harry Maguire in a 1-0 win at Wolves prior to the international break, but Lindelof is ready to scrap for his spot and will not be backing down from a fight.

What has been said?

Lindelof, who has taken in 163 appearances for United, has told FotbollDirekt of Varane's arrival in Manchester: "It’s great, I play in one of the world’s biggest clubs and they have very good players.

"We will have a competitive situation and I only see it as positive that we have got a good player in the squad."

What will Ronaldo bring?

Along with Varane, United completed deals during the summer transfer window for Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The latter has helped to raise morale on and off the field in Manchester, with Lindelof among those that is looking forward to working with a five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

He added on Ronaldo: "Of course, you feel it, it is clear there is a very good atmosphere in the club and everyone is looking forward to getting him into the team. It will be fun and I think he will add a lot. 

"I think the squad looks very good. It feels good, we have a good atmosphere in the team and the Premier League is always a tough league.  

"But we will do everything we can to win the title. That is the goal."

What role will Lindelof play?

Lindelof appeared to have cemented a place alongside Maguire prior to Varane's arrival but, having struggled with a niggling back complaint in recent times, may be set to get more breathers than he would have liked this season.

He said of his fitness: "I have played a lot the last two years and last year I had big problems with my back and played with pain.  

"My back feels good now, there will probably be no problems, but I do not think I will play 50, 60 matches."

United, who have taken seven points from their opening three games in 2021-22, will be back in Premier League action - with Ronaldo in line to make his second debut - when playing host to Newcastle on September 11.

Further reading

Mikel Arteta has insisted that he's "very pleased" with Arsenal's transfer business over the summer while talking up £16 million ($22m) signing Takehiro Tomiyasu's versatility.

Arsenal invested £145 million ($200m) in new players in the last transfer window, more than any other club in the Premier League, with Arteta reinforcing his squad with young talent as he continues to oversee a long-term project at Emirates Stadium.

Tomiyasu, Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, Albert Lokonga and Nuno Tavares all arrived on permanent deals, and the Gunners boss is delighted with the financial backing he has received from the club.

What's been said?

Arsenal also cleared out plenty of deadwood, with Joe Willock and Willian moving to Newcastle and Corinthians respectively and the likes of Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreira and William Saliba heading back out on loan.

Arteta has told the club's official website of his satisfaction after the closure of the summer market: "It was a really complicated market. We had a lot of things to do, I think we had 16 or 17 transactions in total, which is a lot.

Pressed on whether they deliberately targeted younger players with experience in Europe's major leagues, the Spaniard added: "Yes, different experiences, some had experience in the league, so abroad, and some have been coached in other ways, but they are players we have followed for a long time that we knew could fit in the model we are trying to implement at the club. So we are pleased."

Arteta added on how he plans to integrate the new signings: "Again, it is 16/17 changes to the squad - it is a lot. You have to blend them all together, some of them haven't even trained with us yet because they have still to come in the next week or so.

"As quick as possible. We have a good group, they will help them to adapt as quick as possible and get them to work with us and see when we can integrate all together."

Arteta on Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu was the last man through the Emirates entrance before the transfer deadline, with the Gunners reportedly seeing off competition from arch-rivals Tottenham to sign the 22-year-old from Bologna.

Arteta says Tomiyasu had been on Arsenal's radar for some time, and he is confident that the Japan international will add a new dimension to his defensive ranks.

"Again, we followed him for a while. We needed a full back who could be very versatile, can play as a centre back, can play in a back three, Tomi has this capacity," he said.

"He is 22 years old but he has some really good experience in Serie A and at international level and with the qualities we are looking for."

What's next?

Arsenal have started their latest campaign with three defeats, including a 5-0 rout at the hands of Manchester City last time out, but Arteta will hope they can get back on track when they play host to newly-promoted Norwich City on September 11.

Further reading

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Edelbert Dinha has compared the squads of Zimbabwe and South Africa as he feels the Warriors are more experienced than Bafana Bafana.

The two neighbours meet in a 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier Group G match at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Friday.

Bafana are on a rebuilding phase and travelled with some players who are less experienced in international football.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have familiar faces in their squad including captain Knowledge Musona, Kaizer Chiefs’ Khama Billiat, former Orlando Pirates midfielder Nyasha Munetsi, who is now based in France together with Lyon striker Tino Kadewere.

“I saw Bafana selected a youthful squad but our situations are different,” Dinha told Sowetan Live.

“We want to use these World Cup qualifiers to get ready for Afcon, that’s why we picked experienced players... those players will be at Afcon.”

The Warriors were, however, forced to drop five players who ply their trade in England headlined by Aston Villa’s Marvelous Nakamba.

Zimbabwe is one of the countries on the UK coronavirus red list which saw the players subjected to stringent Covid-19 regulations. 

Despite the players failing to report for national duty, Dinha, a former Zimbabwe international, is not worried the development would weaken the Warriors.

“Yes, we’re going to miss Nakamba and other UK-based [players] but I think we have enough depth to soldier on without them,” added Dinha.

“Our squad is balanced... it’s made up of experienced players, so I believe we’ll cope without these UK-based guys.”

Apart from Nakamba, also absent for Zimbabwe is ex-Everton and England youth international Brandon Galloway who turns out for Plymouth Argyle.

Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura is also unavailable together with Macauley Bonne of Ipswich Town, Sunderland’s Ethan Kachosa and Luton Town’s Admiral Muskwe.

Zimbabwe are bidding to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever in their history from this group which also includes Ghana and Ethiopia.

South Africa, on the other hand, have appeared at the quadrennial global football showpiece three times before. 

Chelsea have officially announced Saul Niguez's squad number at Stamford Bridge, with the Spain international midfielder taking the No 17 jersey in west London.

The 26-year-old has arrived in English football on a deal that includes the option for a permanent transfer in 2022.

Saul takes the shirt that has been vacated by Chelsea's new No 8, Mateo Kovacic.

What has been said?

A statement on the Blues' official website says: "The Spanish midfielder moved to Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day in a one-year loan from Atletico Madrid, with an option to make the move permanent next summer.

"He will play for Chelsea with the No 17 on his back, the same squad number he wore for Atletico during his first two campaigns as a regular there, after breaking into their senior team as a 20-year-old, in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

"That means his Blues debut will be his first match in that number since the 2016 Champions League final between Atletico and their city rivals Real Madrid.

"The most recent player to wear that number for Chelsea was Mateo Kovacic, another midfielder who initially arrived on loan at the Bridge from a Madrid-based club, in his case Real. The Croatian wore it for three seasons before switching to the No 8 for us this season, just as Saul did for Atletico in 2016.

"Saul will become the third Spaniard to take that squad number for Chelsea, as it was also worn by Pedro during his first season at Stamford Bridge, having previously belonged to right-back Albert Ferrer from 1998 to 2001."

Who else has worn No 17 for Chelsea?

Kovacic wore No 17 for the Blues across three seasons, having taken that jersey from Charly Musonda upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro spent one season with that number on his back in 2015-16, with two notable names preceding him.

Mohamed Salah made 19 appearances for Chelsea, with eight of those coming as the club's No 17 in 2014-15.

Having previously filled 15 for the Blues, the Egyptian forward inherited a new number from Eden Hazard.

A Belgian superstar snapped up from Lille in 2012 was initially handed 17, before eventually proving himself worthy of the No 10.

Prior to Hazard, World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit was among those to wear 17 for Chelsea in the Premier League era.

Further reading

AC Milan have revealed Olivier Giroud has tested positive for Covid-19, with the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker now in self-isolation.

The World Cup-winning frontman is a new arrival following a summer switch to San Siro from Stamford Bridge.

Early progress is about to be stunted, with the 34-year-old being forced onto the sidelines.

What has been said?

A statement from the Serie A club on their official website reads: "AC Milan announces that Olivier Giroud tested positive following a swab performed at home. The local health authorities were immediately informed. The player is fine but must remain in isolation.

"It should be noted that Olivier has not had contact with the rest of the team since the match against Cagliari."

How has Giroud fared at Milan?

After nine years in England with London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, Giroud headed to Italy in July with a two-year contract agreed in Milan.

Giroud's vast experience is being put to good use by the Rossoneri, who already have 39-year-old Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic on their books.

Giroud has netted two goals in as many Serie A appearances for Milan, and will hope to figure again when a return to domestic action is made against Lazio on September 12. Milan have a Champions League trip to Liverpool on the cards afterwards.

Further reading

Barcelona are ready to hand Ronald Koeman a new contract if he meets their 2021-22 targets, Goal can confirm.

Koeman replaced Quique Setien in the Camp Nou hot seat following Barca's disastrous 2019-20 campaign, putting pen to paper on a two-year contract.

The 58-year-old guided the Blaugrana to their 31st Copa del Rey triumph last term and they've made a steady start to the 2021-22 season despite wholesale changes to the squad over the summer, with Joan Laporta set to reward him with a new deal if he continues.

What are the terms of Barca's offer?

The Barca president submitted a conditional extension offer to Koeman in August that guarantees the Dutchman a longer reign at Camp Nou provided he meets certain performance criteria over the next 11 months.

Laporta expects Koeman to continue handling the pressure that comes with the managerial hot seat, meaning he must remain a picture of composure in front of the press regardless of whether his position is called into question.

He will also have to deliver consistent results while sticking to the club's 'Cruyffista philosophy', with Barca's performance in their 4-2 win against Real Sociedad on the opening weekend of the new campaign considered to be a solid blueprint to follow.

Koeman has been told that subsequent displays in the 1-1 draw at Athletic Club and 2-1 win at home to Getafe fell below the required standard, and that he should aim to stick to a 4-3-3 formation going forward.

Puig set for central role

Laporta has also instructed Koeman to give La Masia academy graduate Riqui Puig a central role in his plans, with the 22-year-old having found himself on the fringes of the action over the past year.

Koeman has used Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets ahead of Puig, but will have to find a place for him as the current season progresses or else his position could come under threat.

What could Barca achieve in 2021-22?

Koeman has a huge task on his hands to live up to Laporta's expectations this term after seeing a number of key players leave the club during their bid to reduce their overall wage bill in the summer.

Club legend Lionel Messi was the most notable departure, with the 34-year-old joining Paris Saint-Germain after being told his contract wouldn't be renewed, while World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann has been sent back to Atletico Madrid in a €40 million deal (£47m/$34m).

Barca were able to bring in Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia, Luuk de Jong and Memphis Depay, while future prospects Ansu Fati and Pedri are expected to step up to a new level with the help of experienced performers such as Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique.

Further reading

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has defended Percy Tau's recent transfer to the Egyptian football powerhouse from English side Brighton and Hove Albion. 

The Bafana Bafana international's move to Al Ahly was met with a lot of criticism from some people including legendary South African striker Benni McCarthy, who described it as a massive step down in his career.

Tau signed a four-year deal with the reigning Caf Champions League winners last week after playing just three Premier League matches for Brighton.

Mosimane, who coached Tau at South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns between 2013 and 2018, has refuted views that the 27-year-old attacker's move is a step back in his career and he also insisted that Al Ahly are bigger than Brighton.

“It’s been four years since he [Tau] left South Africa and he hasn’t played the same way he used to play here, and I don’t think Brighton gave him the respect he deserves,” Mosimane told Radio 2000.

“Percy Tau was not in Brighton’s plans at all, they didn’t even use him during the pre-season.

“By the way, are Brighton bigger than Al Ahly? Al Ahly is a bigger team. Sorry but we just came back from the [Fifa] Club World Cup."

Al Ahly scooped their second bronze medal at the Club World Cup finals after they defeated Brazilian side Palmeiras in the third-place play-off match under the guidance of Mosimane in January this year. 

The Red Devils, who have won the most Egyptian Premier League titles (42) and a record 10 Caf Champions League trophies, have a rich history.

They are also among the most successful clubs in the world as they are second in terms of international titles won with 23 trophies, behind Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, who boast of 26 trophies. 

On the other hand, Brighton have never won a major trophy having been FA Cup runners-up in 1983 and they have been campaigning in the Premier League since 2017.

Tau is currently part of the Bafana squad which will take on Zimbabwe and Ghana in the 2022 Fifa World Cups qualifiers this month.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas hopes Real Madrid star Karim Benzema could return to the French club one day.

Benzema began his career at Lyon back in 2004 and spent five years on their books before being snapped up by Madrid for an initial fee of €35 million (£30m/$41m).

The France international has since established himself as one of the top centre-forwards in Europe and recently signed a contract extension at Santiago Bernabeu, but Aulas still believes that he could retrace his steps in the future.

What has been said?

“Karim has never played at Groupama Stadium before," Aulas told reporters. "The future will tell us if, when he ends his career, there is a possibility of strengthening the ties. 

"He has had an exceptional career at Real Madrid and in the French team. It is a great source of pride because he is a child of OL."

Benzema's history with Lyon

Benzema played in 148 games in all competitions for Lyon, scoring 66 goals. The powerful striker also recorded 26 assists while helping the Ligue 1 giants win four successive league titles and the Coupe de France.

What has Benzema achieved at Real?

Benzema has reached even greater heights at the Bernabeu, adding three Liga titles and four Champions League crowns to his CV among a whole host of other major honours.

The 33-year-old has found the net 281 times in 562 appearances for Madrid including two at the start of the 2021-22 campaign, and currently sits third in the club's all-time top scorers' list.

Further reading