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Patrick Bamford is in line to make his England debut after being included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in the team.

The Liverpool full-back was left out of the team for Euro 2020 but Gareth Southgate has brought him back into the picture.

Alexander-Arnold could feature in the clashes against Hungary, Andorra and Poland.

Who is in and out of the team?

Alongside Alexander-Arnold and Bamford, goalkeeper Nick Pope and Jesse Lingard have been named in the 25-man list.

Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Ben Chilwell, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford have all been omitted.

Manchester United winger Mason Greenwood, who has not been part of the squad since violating Covid-19 restrictions after his debut last September, has also been left out.

When do England play?

The Three Lions visit Budapest to take on Hungary on September 2 and host Andorra at Wembley three days later.

Then, on September 8, they will face Poland in Warsaw.

Further reading

The Japanese national football team are all set to start the final round of their campaign to qualify for the 2022 World Cup with two key games against Oman and China in the upcoming international break. 

While the game against Oman is a home fixture on September 2, they were slated to fly to China to take on the Dragons on September 7. However, travel restrictions in China due to Covid-19 meant the game had to be shifted to Doha, Qatar. The middle-east nation has been an oasis for continental football amidst the pandemic , hosting the AFC Champions League last year and more. 

Interestingly, while China rue the loss of a home advantage, Japan will be quietly glad thanks to their past record in Doha. The Samurai Blue  have always done well in Qatar, especially in the last 10-15 years. In many ways, Japanese football aficionados consider Qatar to be an auspicious land for them in footballing terms. 

It all started back in 2011 with the AFC Asian Cup which was held in Doha. Japan were searching for their fourth Asian Cup title but had a tough challenge on their hands with teams like Australia, South Korea etc looking strong. And the Socceroos , specifically, were a pain for Japan having beaten them in key matches like the 2006 World Cup group stage and then the World Cup qualifiers in 2009.

As fate would have it, Japan would end up playing Australia in the final of the 2011 Asian Cup. And Japan would beat them in a landmark result, with Tadanari Lee scoring the winner in extra-time. The significance of that result was that Japan have never lost to Australia since that game at the Khalifa International Stadium. The two teams have met seven times since and Japan have won four and drawn three. Many consider that final to be the turning point in the rivalry between Japan and Australia, shifting the upper-hand in Japan's favour.

Then there was the 2016 AFC U23 Championship which was also held in Qatar. For Japan, it turned out to be another memorable Qatar trip, with Makoto Teguramori's men winning the title with a perfect record, winning all their games. In the final, they defeated a strong South Korean side 3-2 with Takuma Asano, who currently plays for VFL Bochum in the Bundesliga, scoring a brace. 

And many of the stars in the current Japanese team will have these memories fresh in their minds, having been a part of the two aforementioned squads. The most prominent among those who won the U23 Asian title in 2016 would be Liverpool's Takumi Minamino who is expected to be a key figure in Japan's squads for the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Others in the Japanese national team fray from the 2016 team are Asano, a forward, FC Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, Naomichi Ueda (Nimes defender), Shoya Nakajima (contracted to Porto) and Musashi Suzuki (Beerschot VA). There could also be representatives from the 2011 Asian Cup title winning squad too. Maya Yoshida (Sampdoria defender) and Yuto Nagatomo (played for Marseille last season) also were part of the Japan team in the second round of the qualifiers. 

Japan, who enjoyed a memorable campaign in the 2018 World Cup where they reached the Round of 16 and almost pulled off a win over Belgium, will be looking to go one better in the 2022 World Cup, given that it is being held in Doha - a lucky city for them. And what better way to start their campaign to book a World Cup ticket to Doha with a winning start against Oman and China.

As Europe's elite football clubs get set to embark on a new Champions League campaign, there will be a moment to reflect on the season just gone.

UEFA will be handing out individual awards to some of the best players from the 2020-21 season, with plenty of prestige associated with the continental accolades.

So what are the UEFA awards and which players are nominated for them this year? Goal has all the details.

What are the UEFA awards?

The UEFA awards are a set of annual prizes given to individual players and coaches in recognition of their performances over the previous season.

Usually announced at the Champions League group stage draw ceremony, there are also categories devoted to the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.

Winners are decided by a jury, which comprises the 32 coaches of the teams that competed in the 2020-21 Champions League group stage and 55 journalists from UEFA's 55 member associations.

Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players.

You can see all the nominees below.

UEFA Men's Player of the Year nominees

The three men's Player of the Year nominees come from the Premier League, with Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne competing with Chelsea duo Jorginho and N'Golo Kante.

Jorginho is considered a frontrunner for the award having helped Chelsea to Champions League glory while also clinching Euro 2020 with Italy.

UEFA Women's Player of the Year nominees

All three of the nominees for the women's Player of the Year award are drawn from Barcelona, who won the Women's Champions League, the Superliga Femenina and the Copa de la Reina.

UEFA Men's Coach of the Year nominees

Italy coach Roberto Mancini figures in the top three after guiding the Azzurri to European Championship success, while Thomas Tuchel's maiden Chelsea campaign, in which he won the Champions League, earned him a nomination. Pep Guardiola is the final nominee after steering Man City to the Premier League title.

UEFA Women's Coach of the Year nominees

Luis Cortes' trophy-laden season with Barcelona sees him in the nominees, with Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson and Chelsea boss Emma Hayes completing the line up.

Goalkeeper of the Season nominees

Defender of the Season nominees

Midfielder of the Season nominees

Forward of the Season nominees

Women's Goalkeeper of the Season nominees

Women's Defender of the Season nominees

Women's Midfielder of the Season nominees

Women's Forward of the Season nominees

Europa League Player of the Season

Manchester United have confirmed that Scott McTominay is set for an unspecified lay-off after the midfielder was a surprise omission from Scotland's squad for the September international break.

The Red Devils star, who impressed in their season opener against Leeds United, was restricted to a short spell off the bench against Southampton in their second game of the campaign.

Now, United have revealed that McTominay has had an operation for a groin issue that has hampered him across pre-season, leaving him sidelined for the near-future.

What has been said?

“Scott has undergone surgery for an ongoing groin injury that was causing significant pain when playing,” the Red Devils confirmed in a club statement.

“Having tried all other treatment options in pre-season, surgery was deemed necessary to resolve the issue.

“We hope to have him back soon.”

McTominay poised to miss busy September

The absence of their midfield workhorse is a blow for United, who look set for a jam-packed start to the autumn, with league, cup and European clashes all on the agenda.

They will discover who they will face in the Champions League group stages this week, while they have been drawn against West Ham in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Premier League clashes with Newcastle, the Hammers once more and Aston Villa also await following this weekend's game with Wolves.

Scotland issue pair of maiden call-ups

In McTominay's absence, coach Steve Clarke has called on Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson, who has earned a first call-up into the senior international set-up following his impressive form.

St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark, a key member of the Perth outfit's Cup double success last term, is also a maiden inclusion in the squad, while uncapped Motherwell shot stopper Liam Kelly, also makes the cut.

Kenny McLean also returns after missing out on Euro 2020 through injury, while Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Arsenal's Kieran Tierney headline the Premier League contingent.

Further reading

Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting is delighted after his four-goal haul helped the Bavarians to a 12-0 demolishing of Bremer SV in the DFB-Pokal on Wednesday.

Apart from his treble in 27 minutes, the Cameroon international also contributed three assists as the Bundesliga giants recorded their widest margin of victory since 1997.

Although the 2021-22 season is just two weeks old, the African star is already five goals short of his best Bavarian goals tally since he joined them from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, and he is impressed by his recent feat.

"Whether you get a lot of game time or not, when you get the chance, you must give your all. Every game is important,” Choupo-Moting told the club website.

“We gave it our all from the first minute to the last, that's why the game went so well for us. There were many positive things. It was a successful evening for us.

“I think it's the first four-goal haul in my professional career. A nice thing, definitely. But the most important thing is that it was a lot of fun today and we won the game emphatically and deservedly.

“Of course, I'm happy about every goal and every assist. In the second half, I was the first to set up a goal for Jamal and the others also had a go.

“I think it's nice when it's spread out like that. The most important thing in football is to enjoy your work and then, of course, try to do what the coach tells you to do.

“We still need a bit of time to perfect that. But today there were a lot of positive things. I am very, very positive and happy."

Manager Julian Nagelsmann lauded the 32-year-old for his man-of-the-match performance. 

"Choupo did very well and also defended super," he told reporters. 

"I give him credit for defending so well with the status he has. Regardless of whether you get a lot of playing time or not, you have to step on the gas.

"There were a lot of nice combinations and good things. It was a nice evening. It was a lot of fun that we won the game clearly. There were a lot of positive things in it, even if it still takes a little time to perfect things." 

Bayern Munich earned their largest winning margin in all competitions since 1997 when they defeated DJK Waldberg 16-1 in the DFB-Pokal.

Choupo-Moting will hope to be handed his first German top-flight start of the current campaign when Nagelsmann’s men welcome Hertha Berlin to the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter has insisted Njabulo Ngcobo and Austin Dube will need time to adjust before getting their respective opportunities to represent the team.

On Wednesday, Amakhosi registered their first win in the PSL after emerging 2-1 victors over Baroka FC. At the FNB Stadium, Njabulo Blom picked Khama Billiat for the first goal. Daniel Cardoso scored the second after connecting a Sifiso Hlanti cross.

The visitors scored their lone goal courtesy of Denwin Farmer's volley after a corner taken by Nhlanhla Mgaga. But the hosts held on to bag maximum points.

What was said?

"Both Dube and Ngcobo have been excellent [in training] since they came in," Baxter told the media as quoted by iDiskiTimes.

"Do you buy two players that have never played together and just throw them in together? I don’t think so. But Dube got a bit of taste [on Wednesday]. You throw one on and he has a great game and you think maybe he deserves a bit more.

"It is where we are but I am delighted with the pair. They are learning how we play and are learning what it is like to be a Kaizer Chiefs player."

'Dolly was fantastic'

Meanwhile, Baxter was impressed by Keagan Dolly with the Bafana Bafana international having produced a Man of the Match performance on his full debut for the Soweto giants. 

"Keagan went in tonight, did a great job. Fantastic. Really pleased for him. I didn't think he would last as long as he did. The change when he came out was purely tactical. Because it was going long and I got the centre-back in, Anthony [Akumu]," he added.  

"Some of the lads have been out for a long while, some of the lads who need to know how we play. They'll get there. I still think we've got 30 percent on top of what we showed tonight. And certainly, we've got 30 percent more to improve our attitude in managing the game."

Amakhosi are currently third on the table. They started their campaign with a goalless draw away to TX Galaxy. Their next league assignment will be away to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Former Harambee Stars midfielder Ismael Gonzalez has completed a move to Spanish fourth-tier league side Real Murcia.

Real Murcia announced Gonzalez's signing on Wednesday after the midfielder's contract with Las Palmas in the Second Division ended.

"The Real Murcia CFSAD, reports that it has reached an agreement with Ismael Gonzalez Said Athuman, 26-years-old, to form part of the first team for the 2021/2022 season," the club announced.

"Ismael is a player with experience in Segunda B and even in the Segunda Division, where he has played six games with Las Palmas. 
 
"The new player has also been an international with the Kenyan national team. As a footballer, he is a defensive midfielder who can also play as a central defender. He stands out for his physical power and his positioning. From Real Murcia we want to congratulate Ismael for betting on our project, wishing him the best of luck in this new stage that begins with us."
 
Although he has recently not enjoyed national team call-ups, especially under Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee, Gonzalez was part of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations contingent that took part in the 32nd edition in Egypt.

Orlando Pirates have announced the arrival of Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah and Ghanaian marksman Kwame Peprah.

Ndah and Peprah have joined the Soweto giants from Akwa United and King Faisal respectively as the club reinforces its squad in the current transfer window. 

Pirates released the following statement on the official website on Thursday afternoon:

"Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of two players – Olisa Ndah, who joins from newly crowned Nigerian Premier League champions Akwa United and Kwame Peprah from King Faisal Football Club in Ghana," a club statement read.

Ndah was considered to be among the top central defenders based in Nigeria and he was one of Akwa as they clinched the 2020/21 Nigerian Professional Football League title. 

"Olisa Ndah is a 23-year-old defender who joins the Mighty Buccaneers having formed part of an Akwa United squad that lifted its maiden Nigerian Premier League title last season. The towering central defender was widely regarded as one of the finest players in the Nigerian Premier League last season," another statement read.

The dreadlocked player, who was part of the Super Eagles team which faced Mexico in an international match last month, will compete with the likes of Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Happy Jele, Sandile Mthethwa, and Thulani Hlatshwayo for a place in the Bucs starting line-up.

While Peprah was one of the most outstanding players in the Ghanaian Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign - scoring 12 goals in 29 games for King Faisal. 

"Peprah on the hand, is a striker who joins having had a stellar individual season for the Babes, as the club is affectionately known. The Ghanaian produced a goal tally return of 12 goals and 10 assists in his 29 appearances for his club this past season," a statement concluded.

Only Diawisie Taylor of Karela United scored more gals than Peprah, who is a Ghana under-23 international 

Speaking about the signings, club administrator Floyd Mbele said:

“We are proud to announce the signings of Olisa and Kwame. I would like to personally thank both Akwa United and King Faisal Football Club for the professional manner that they handled these transactions.”

Both players have signed three-year deals.

Reece James has revealed that he did not want to play at right-back during his Chelsea academy days, but admitted that it helped him realise his dreams of turning professional as a teenager.

The Blues star has made his name over the past few seasons as one of the most promising defensive talents in the British game, with Champions League glory and Euro 2020 silver-medal honours to match.

But now, the England international has acknowledged that he bristled for several years at the decision to move him from his original midfield position during his youth at the club's Cobham base.

What has been said?

"When I first arrived at Chelsea, I was a striker but then moved to midfield for a couple of seasons," James told the club's website.

"Then, when I was about 15, I found myself playing right-back because there were better players in midfield. I hated it for maybe two or three years and never wanted to play there!

"But one day it just clicked and I started loving it. I think the penny just dropped that I wouldn’t be playing midfield anymore and this was my new position.

"[Then] I signed my first professional contract when I was 17. I wanted to be a professional ever since I was a young boy here. I was over the moon."

James on "dream" debut

Just under two years on from his first senior game for the club, the 21-year-old was on hand to net for the Blues in victory against Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend.

James also found himself on the scoresheet when he made his bow in a 7-1 Carabao Cup rout of Grismby in September 2019, and admitted that it could not have been a finer occasion.

"It was a dream come true to make my debut at Stamford Bridge and to score as well," he added.

"Every time I went to Stamford Bridge as a kid I always wondered what it was like to walk out with the crowd cheering and that was the day I did it."

The bigger picture

James will hope to be among Gareth Southgate's plans for September's Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers when the Three Lions boss names his squad later this week.

Having come up agonisingly short at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, England will be out to bounce back on the road to next winter's showpiece tournament.

Before then however, James will have his eyes firmly upon another potentially season-defining early doors clash when Chelsea face Liverpool this weekend.

Further reading

Harry Kane could still make a move away from Tottenham in future windows, says Chris Waddle, but only if he can get an exit clause written into a contract that prevents his valuation from remaining at £150 million ($206m).

That is the price that Daniel Levy is said to have been demanding this summer, with Manchester City unable to do business at that mark after already breaking the British transfer record in a £100m ($137m) deal for Jack Grealish.

Kane has, as a result, stated that he will be remaining in north London, with Waddle expecting discussions to be held regarding fresh terms for a player that will turn 29 when another market opens for business in 12 months time.

What has been said?

Former Spurs winger Waddle, who spoke to Goal via SpaceCasino, said when quizzed on whether Kane could get a move in 2022: "I wouldn't be surprised if they sit down with Daniel Levy and say 'here's a contract until you're 34-35'. 

"They pay him well, it's not about money, Harry's issue was all about trophies. Would you buy a player for £100m if they did an agreement now and said we'll agree it for next year that you can go for that? It's still a heck of a lot of money for a 29-year-old. 

"We don't know how long Harry will play. He might go to 35-40 or he might stop at 33. He has had a lot of ankle injuries, and they do catch up with you. 

"For Tottenham, I think they'll sit down for a new contract. If he disagrees with that, that is where he has to put in that he'll stay for another year and leave for a certain price. He will want that put in a contract."

Has Kane missed his chance?

The England captain has remained loyal to Tottenham throughout his senior career to date, with a record that has delivered 221 goals for the club deserving of greater reward.

Spurs, though, are under no pressure to part with a prized asset, regardless of his desire to chase down major honours elsewhere, and Waddle has pointed out that "verbal agreements" will get Kane nowhere for as long he continues to deliver on the field.

He added: "It's great news for Tottenham and the fans. It was lined up, he wanted to go. 

"I've learned in football that you can't have verbal agreements, it isn't possible. If he had it in his contract when he signed that he's allowed to leave for £60-80m, it would have happened. His agent has been naive. 

"So Tottenham have said 'if Jack Grealish is going for £100m, we want £150m'. That basically priced him out of the market. He will be 29 next summer, he's a top centre-forward - he scores goals, he creates chances - he's an ideal fit for Man City when you watch them play. 

"They obviously aren't going to push the boat out that much and for Tottenham it's great news. I think Harry just wants to get down to business now and start scoring goals again."

Could Kane force the issue?

The 28-year-old is currently tied to terms through to 2024, when he will turn 31, and it could be that he decides to start running that deal down in order to get the move he wants.

Waddle admits that stance could be taken, with it difficult to see how his valuation is going to dip when goalscorers of his pedigree remain in such high demand.

The ex-England international said: "I think he could do that. Harry is a Tottenham fan, he has been there a long time and the one big thing on his mind will be the fans. I don't think he ever wants to leave under a cloud where people can say he has treated the club badly. 

"I understand his reasons for wanting to go, I understand that players want to win trophies. With Harry, as he gets older his value has got to depreciate. If you're Man City and saying the deal is dead now but next year we might come calling - it might be Man United, it might be Chelsea, it might be someone else - he has got to get an agreement with Daniel Levy, because that is going to be hard work.

"If he gets 25 goals this season and has another stormer, Spurs will still say that they want £150m. 

"How much is [Bayerm Munich striker Robert] Lewandowski worth? And he's 33. There is talk him moving next season, not this season. They are quoting £40-50m for a 34-year-old.

"Tottenham will think that as long as he is scoring goals and playing well, we are happy. There needs to come a point, though, where he either signs or is sold. I wouldn't like to see him leave falling out with the club."

18+, begambleaware.org

Further reading

Gor Mahia assistant coach Sammy Omollo insists Burundi international Jules Ulimwengu was let go because he was not helping the team.

The attacker finished the 2021/22 Football Kenya Federation Premier League with eight goals, finishing as K'Ogalo's top scorer. According to the former immediate Posta Rangers coach, it was not enough for him to stay at the club for another season.

'Ulimwengu's contribution was zero'

"Many people are questioning why we have let the player leave, but to be honest, he was doing nothing to help the team, not a quality player as some believe," Omollo told Goal on Thursday.

"Yes, he scored eight goals but he would have easily grabbed 20. From the technical aspect, he was not the kind of player we needed. His contribution to the team apart from the goals was zero. 

"It was a joint decision because we want to have a better team for the new season."

Why was Okello axed?

Apart from Ulimwengu, South Sudan striker Tito Okello was also shown the door. He managed five goals in the league and as many in the FKF Shield Cup, which, according to the former Harambee Star, was not enough.

"How can you score just five goals in the league while you are the main striker in the team?" Omolo posed the question.

"Yes, he might have given his best but it was not enough for the club. We need a striker who can consistently score and help the team meet the set objectives. We believe Okello would have scored more, or done a lot to convince us to retain him but it was not the case."

Gor Mahia finished the season in the eighth position with 45 points but will represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup after winning the Shield Cup.

They have a task of replacing their former captain Kenneth Muguna, who left for Azam FC in the Tanzania Mainland League, Charles Momanyi who is set to be unveiled at Tusker, and Clifton Miheso who is a free agent. 

Chelsea are confident that Sevilla's Jules Kounde will end up at Stamford Bridge this summer but their approach is conditional on Kurt Zouma moving to West Ham.

With the Blues having found a verbal agreement to sign the 22-year-old, they also know the terms that the Liga side will agree on.

Meanwhile, Zouma's talks with West Ham over a £26 million ($36m) move have been smooth on the club side. However, they have been fraught with issues surrounding both the agent's fees and who pays for their services, which is threatening to derail both transfers.

What will Kounde cost?

Reports have suggested Kounde will cost £42m ($58m) plus bonuses, but sources close to Goal expect the fee will be higher.

The France international has a €90m (£77m/$106m) release clause, but Chelsea are expected to be able to negotiate a cheaper fee of around €60-€65m (£51m/£56m).

What are people saying about Kounde?

Sevilla have finally acknowledged that they have spoken to a club, thought to be Chelsea, about selling Kounde.

“It is true that there was an offer for Kounde that we turned down,” club president Jose Castro explained to reporters on Wednesday.

“Right now there is no concrete offer for the player. If it comes, we will look at it as we always have done. If we have to [sell], we will do, as long as those resources can be re-invested in the club to keep improving and expand our trophy cabinet.

“While the market is open, anything can happen. We have players who could leave. Anything can happen this time of year until the 31st. It is a window where there have been few moves in most clubs, but not in ours.”

Privately, Thomas Tuchel is known to have mentioned Kounde's name when reassuring other players in his defence about their roles.

This comes amid contract talks over new deals for centre-backs Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Trevoh Chalobah.

It is expected that Christensen will sign but the talks could go beyond the transfer window despite him having less than 12 months left on his current deal.

In Rudiger's case, there are fears that he will wind down his contract to field offers in January over a free transfer, given his next deal will be the last big one of his career.

Chalobah is largely expected to sign a new five-year deal after breaking into Tuchel's first-team, despite Kounde's likely arrival.

Further reading

Although Anthony Nwakaeme has represented Trabzonspor for only three seasons, the Nigeria international has been honoured with a statue in Turkey.

The monument was erected in Trabzonspor – the city where the 32-year-old striker’s club is based.

It depicts Nwakeme – in a Trabzonspor jersey - trying to kick a ball, with arms outstretched - although with a cap of club legend Ahmet Suat Ozyazci.

Adem Birsen who is the brain behind the image claimed the construction took less than six months while explaining the motive behind it.

"We wanted to make a bust of Nwakaeme, we wanted the very intelligent man to identify with Trabzon,” he said, as per Naija Footballers.

“We made it with the cap of our legendary name Ahmet Suat Ozyazcı. It was a long construction process in 5-6 months.

“We had it done with a special sculptor. We love and admire him very much. If Fenerbahce has Alex, we have Nwakaeme.

“We love him very much, he should continue to score, he is our everything."

After three seasons with Israeli top-flight side Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Nwakaeme joined the Super Lig side in August 2018 for an undisclosed fee.

In his maiden season at the Medical Park Stadium, he scored 10 goals in 27 league games.

In the following campaign, he stepped up by netting 14 times and providing seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions as the Black Sea Storm narrowly missed out on winning the Turkish elite division diadem – finishing in second place behind eventual winners Istanbul Basaksehir.

His eye-catching displays have seen him getting linked to Fenerbahce in the summer of 2020, albeit, Nwakeme vowed to see out his contract with Trabzonspor.

The Super Eagle began his professional career with Vejle Football Academy in 2006 before moving to Romania to represent Universitatea Cluj.

The forward scored eight goals in 37 appearances in his first spell with the side before leaving to sign for Petrolul Ploiesti in 2012.

He returned to Universitatea Cluj in 2013 before he teamed up with Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Ra'anana in the summer of that year after only featuring 10 times and scoring two goals for the Red Caps.

On the international scene, he made his Nigeria debut against Algeria in November 2017 but has not been given a further invitation to the national team.

After a summer jam-packed with international football action in Euro 2020, Copa America and the Olympics, Europe's showpiece domestic club competition returns with the Champions League.

The group stage draw will determine which clubs will face each other in the opening stage of the competition, potentially shaping the trajectory of the tournament as a whole.

Chelsea are current defending champions after defeating Premier League rivals Manchester City in the last season's final, adding a second Champions League trophy to their collection.

Other European heavyweights in Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Manchester United will also be gunning for this year's continental prize.

Goal has everything you need to know about Champions League group stage draw for 2021-22, including when it is, how to watch it, which teams are involved and more.

Contents

When is the Champions League 21-22 group stage draw?

The Champions League 2020-21 group stage draw will take place on Thursday August 26, 2021.

It will be held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Draw proceedings will commence at 5pm BST (12pm ET).

As is tradition, UEFA will also use the occasion to present awards to the best players, teams and coaches of the 2021-22 competition.

Which teams are involved in the Champions League 21-22 group stage?

The Champions League group stage draw will involve a total of 32 teams - 26 automatic qualifiers and six from the qualification path.

Qualified teams are divided into four pots: Pot 1 contains the title holders, the Europa League winners and the champions of the top six national leagues based on UEFA country coeffients. The remaining three pots are populated according to a team's UEFA club coefficient.

You can see the confirmed teams that will be part of the draw in the table above.

When does the Champions League 21-22 group stage start?

The Champions League 2020-21 group stage begins with matches on Tuesday September 14 and Wednesday September 15.

There will be a total of six gameweeks in the group stage, with the last series of matches taking place on Tuesday December 7 and Wednesday December 8.

How can I watch the Champions League group stage draw?

UEFA's official website will broadcast the draw ceremony live and that can be accessed here.

If you can't watch the draw, Goal will also run a live blog containing all the biggest moments and key information from the draw as it takes place.

Kaizer Chiefs winger Keagan Dolly says he is grateful to the Amakhosi family for helping him settle quickly at the Naturena-based giants. 

The 28-year-old player was very influential on his full debut for the Glamour Boys as they claimed a 2-1 victory over Baroka FC in the PSL on Wednesday evening.

Dolly had made substitute appearances against Mamelodi Sundowns and TS Galaxy as he built his match fitness having joined Chiefs last month after parting ways with French side Montpellier HSC.

"Firstly I want to thank everyone who helped me through my journey," Dolly told SuperSport TV.

"When I got back, I was a bit unfit and my teammates and the technical staff really helped me a lot in coming back to full fitness."

Dolly's combination play with his former Sundowns teammate Khama Billiat caused problems for the Baroka defence.

The left-footed player feels that they should be proud of their performance as Chiefs secured their first win of the current season.

"Even though I'm not there yet, the boys made it easy for me. Tonight, you could see we are working hard off the field and it showed in patches, especially in the first half," he continued.

"We stuck to our basics and we kept it simple and we kept moving. I think in certain patches we forgot the basics and started panicking.

"But I think we should be proud of ourselves. We got the three points and we created opportunities that we could have scored more goals from," he added.

"There's a lot to take from this game. The season is still long. We just need to stick to the process."

The former Ajax Cape town star indicated that familiar faces made him feel at home at Amakhosi where he has reunited with some of his Bafana Bafana teammates 

"Like I said it was easy to come back into the team. There are a lot of people I've worked with in the past. In Bafana and previous teams," he said.

"I didn't feel like I was a new boy coming into a new team. I slotted right in and that made it easy for me and it shows on the field."

Chiefs' next match is against Mamelodi Sundowns in a PSL encounter on September 12.

Former Zesco United striker John Makwatta could join a club in Bahrain after training with AFC Leopards.

The former Kenyan Premier League top scorer had been linked with a return to the den after parting ways with the Zambian champions, but it seems that move would not materialise because of an unnamed club in the Middle East.

"After training with us for some time now, it seems he is not entirely keen on signing with AFC Leopards as he is strongly considering an offer from a club in Bahrain," a source at AFC Leopards told Goal on Thursday. "The club was ready to bring him back, but you know when offers are many, the player has the luxury of choosing the one that suits his interests better.

"He has not revealed the club in Bahrain that is interested in him, but for sure that is where his mind is at the moment."

Makwatta left Timu ya Ziko where he did not feature prominently as the Ndola club won the Zambian Super League title. He had joined them in 2020 after scoring 13 goals in half a season for AFC Leopards but ended up not replicating his Premier League form with Zesco United.

AFC Leopards had hoped to sign the former Ulinzi Stars striker in order to replace Elvis Rupia, who is set for a move to Tusker. Rupia, who scored 17 goals in the just-ended season, is among more than 10 players that will soon be unveiled by Tusker who are equally set to part ways with 10-12 players.

Makwatta is among the Kenyan players who are currently free agents but are expected to make moves in the current transfer window. Francis Kahata, who left Simba SC after two years with them, is another free agent who has been linked with a move back to his former club Gor Mahia.

Cliff Nyakeya, Clyde Senaji, Said Tsuma, Benjamin Ochan, and Hansel Ochieng are the other free agents who are expected to make moves. Senaji, just like Rupia whose contract at AFC Leopards ended at the same time, is also linked with a move to Tusker.

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojevic, believes his charges have to stretch beyond limits if they are to defeat Kenya in their forthcoming Fifa World Cup qualifier. 

The two East African neighbours will meet in the 'Migingo Derby' on Thursday, September 2 at Kasarani. They were pooled in Group E of the qualifiers alongside West African giants Mali and Rwanda as well, with the top team qualifying for the third qualifying round.

Why is Micho wary of Harambee Stars?

"Kenya’s advantage is that they are just coming to the game in very high spirits. They are still in a very competitive mood as they just concluded their league," Micho said as quoted by Football256.

"As such, we need to stretch ourselves beyond our limits to match their level of competence. We need to have a little optimism and self-belief. For the 90 minutes, we have to throw everything on the field for the team to get a positive result. We need to respect Kenya as our opponents, but our ability should be a bigger threat.

"We shall address all that in our last polishing touches, and we hope it will make the difference if those small details can be on our side, and we shall be victorious."

What are Cranes' plans?

Uganda have already left for Ethiopia on Thursday morning where they are scheduled to play the hosts in a friendly on August 29 at Bahir Dar Stadium.

They have been boosted by the arrival of forward Abdul Lumala who joined the team on Wednesday and is part of the squad that has left for Ethiopia.

Uganda Cranes preliminary squad

Goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa (Express FC), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), Simon Tamale (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Nafian Alionzi (URA FC)

Defenders: Enock Walusimbi (Express FC), Innocent Wafula (Mbarara City FC), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Eric Ssenjobe (Police FC), Azizi Kayondo (Vipers SC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Murushid Juuko (Express FC) Garvin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), Hassan Muhamood (Police FC), Denis Iguma (KCCA FC)

Midfielders: Nicholas Kasozi (Kyetume FC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (Express FC), Shafik Kuchi Kagimu (URA FC), Ali Abubaker Gift (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Abdu Lumala (Pyramids FC)

Forwards: Richard Basangwa (Vipers SC), Steven Dese Mukwala (URA FC), Patrick Henry Kaddu (RS Berkene), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Unattached), Yunus Ssentamu (Vipers SC), Jude Ssemugabi (Mbarara City FC), Martin Kizza (Express)