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India international and Hyderabad goalkeeper Subrata Paul is hoping to get back into the national team with his performances in the upcoming season. 

Talking to Indian Football on Instagram on Friday, the 33-year-old goalkeeper stated his desire to play one more AFC Asian Cup representing India. 

"I thank all my teammates. Without you, I am nothing. So please keep supporting me. I want to play one more Asia Cup. It will sound funny but I want to.

"Our respected national team coach (Igor Stimac) says if you have an Indian passport, you are eligible to play. I have that. I feel I have a lot to give the country. If (Gianluigi) Buffon can play at that age, I can. I have time and I have belief in myself that I can play.

"That (playing for India) has been my motivation until now. If I feel I have nothing to give to my country, I will pack my bags and stop playing football. I have full respect for the national team coach. If he thinks I am good enough, he will call. I am focused on my work. He called someone who had already retired (Anas Edathodika), so that is a motivation for me. Then why not me? That is my motivation," the goalkeeper reasoned. 

During the long conversation online, the former Mohun Bagan goalkeeper also touched upon the unfortunate incident of the death of footballer Cristiano Jr 16 years ago/ The striker collapsed on the field following a collision with the goalkeeper in a Federation Cup final between Dempo and Mohun Bagan in 2004 and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Subrata was initially suspended from football before FIFA gave him a clean chit and allowed the player to return to action. 

Recollecting the terrible turn of events, the custodian said. "I learnt from my mistakes. I have seen so many bad times and good times but I have stayed positive. 

"At that time, I had just joined Bagan. And that incident happened. It is very difficult for me. My close friends and well-wishers always supported me. I also saw people change. I was a young kid, I had nothing in mind, I was getting into depression, I couldn't go outside my house. People were looking at me like I was guilty. I was suspended from for more than three months. 

"Slowly I recovered. Finally, I got a clean chit from FIFA and then everything was alright. The challenge was then coming back into the game. I challenged myself. My place was taken by someone else. From that period, I knew who is my best friend and who is my friend. I don't have enemies. It was early on in my career."

Subrata succeeded in taking his place back in Indian football and continued to be the first choice at the clubs he signs for. After three years with Jamshedpur, the veteran custodian has moved to Hyderabad ahead of the 2020-21 season. He has been around for so many years now but believes the art of goalkeeping hasn't changed all that much.

"When I started playing football in the late 1990s, goalkeepers used to be only shot-stoppers. Even now they are doing the same thing, but are very good with their feet. This is the only thing that has changed, everything else is the same. My advice to the younger generation is to focus on technique. If you are looking to reach the highest level, you have to be good with your feet, so work on your feet," he advised. 

William D'Avila, the agent of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, has admitted that the Nigerian has set sights on winning the Capocannoniere award for the highest goalscorer in Serie A.

The 21-year-old arrived at the Campania capital from Lille for €50 million after long negotiations which saw him change agents.

The current recipient of the Capocannoniere is Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, who scored 36 goals in the recently-concluded season, equalling the league record set by Gonzalo Higuain while with Napoli in 2015-16 and Gino Rossetti of Torino in 1928-29.

Osimhen netted 18 goals for Lille in all competitions in his only season at the club, winning the club’s Player of the Season award and was named as the best African player in Ligue 1.

"He wants to win the top scorer and become the strongest striker in Italy,” D'Avila told Naples-based Radio Marte.

“He obviously wants to win the championship, as well as go as high as possible in the Champions League and the Europa League.

"I am very happy that he has been signed by Napoli, it is a great operation, very satisfying for him but also for Napoli. He has taken on a top striker who will score many, many goals, next season we will have a lot of fun watching Napoli play.

"The most important thing for the boy was the feeling. When you play a season like last year, every coach can tell you what you want to hear but another thing is to build a feeling. With Gattuso this thing came out during the first chat. Osimhen is convinced that he will be able to score many goals with him. "

D'Avila refused to go into details over why Osimhen switched agents, and simply stated the former Wolfsburg player is focused on the task ahead, also confirming he will start training with the squad whenever Napoli’s Champions League journey ends.

The Partenopei played out a goalless draw with Barcelona in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie and will hope to shock the Catalan giants at Camp Nou on Saturday night.

“I don't know and I don't want to talk about what happened with the old agents,” D’Avila continued.

“Osimhen contacted me and trusted me for the transfer from Lille, there were various clubs on the table and of course we discussed with them. We chose the Napoli because we think that from a strictly sporting point of view it is the most interesting solution for him, also because historically those who arrived here in his role have scored many goals. We are so happy with the choice we made.

"He and his girlfriend have been with my assistant in town this week and have already found a home. It was important that he find everything ready. He will join the team when he returns to train after the Champions League is over."

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has admitted he may have to leave the club to find more playing time after a season in which he struggled to secure regular minutes.

The Uruguayan made a major impact at the Emirates in his first season with the club after joining from Sampdoria in the summer of 2018, making 50 total appearances in 2018-19.

But that number decreased to 39 in the 2019-20 campaign, as the 24-year-old also saw his Premier League starts drop from 24 to 17.

That has led Torreira to ponder his future, as he was unable to sufficiently impress new manager Mikel Arteta after the Spaniard took over in December.

The midfielder has been linked with a return to Italy, with AC Milan and Torino mooted as potential destinations. In May, Torreira's agent lent credence to that talk by saying his client "would love to return to Italy."

Speaking to radio station Sport 890 in his native Uruguay, Torreira has confessed that he was unhappy with his playing time in 2019-20 and may be forced to leave the Gunners.

“I have to think thoroughly about my future. I have a contract with Arsenal and I have to respect it,” the midfielder said. “Obviously, if I were to leave, I would do it for the best possible destination. We have to be calm and wait.”

“Last season I played continuously, this one less so,” he continued.

“This year has been more complicated: I have lost continuity and confidence. I do not like this. At this age I need to play to be called up for the national team.

“Transfer rumours? I don’t know anything right now. I need to rest because it was a very long season, I got injured, then there was the coronavirus. 

“I have a contract with Arsenal, but if I have to change in the future it will be a decision I make for my own good.

“Every player looks for a team where he feels important. We will see what happens in the future.”

Torreira did not get off the bench on Saturday as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to win the FA Cup.

The launch of FIFA 21 on October 9 isn't the only source of excitement for gamers everywhere.

The all-new PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X consoles are also set for release later this year, which gives gaming publishers a small conundrum - some users might be holding back on buying FIFA 21 for their current consoles if they're instead eyeing up the newest version of their console.

Fortunately, to save users from purchasing FIFA 21 twice for two different consoles, EA has announced details of their Dual Entitlement feature.

Goal has everything you need to know about Dual Entitlement, how it works with FIFA 21, and more.

What is Dual Entitlement?

With a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, Dual Entitlement allows users to upgrade their copy of FIFA 21 on Playstation 4 to Playstation 5, or from Xbox One to Xbox Series X for free.

This Dual Entitlement offer will be available to users throughout the whole of the FIFA 21 season and up to FIFA 22, so players can upgrade their game to the new system freely within that timeframe.

How does Dual Entitlement work with FIFA 21?

Users who have bought FIFA 21 for PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will be able to upgrade their copy should they purchase the next-generation console (PS4 to PS5, or Xbox One to Xbox Series X) in the future.

Physical copies of FIFA 21 also allows users to download and play the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions with a disc drive.

However, for users who plan on purchasing a disc-less console after owning a console with a disc drive, their physical copies of FIFA 21 cannot be used to upgrade to discless consoles via Dual Entitlement.

Players can also only use Dual Entitlement for FIFA 21 for the same console. For example, Dual Entitlement upgrade can only be used when upgrading from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, and from Xbox One to Xbox Series X.

How long can I use Dual Entitlement for FIFA 21?

Gamers can use Dual Entitlement to upgrade FIFA 21 for use on a next-generation console until the launch of the next iterations of the series.

This means that users can upgrade through Dual Entitlement until the release of FIFA 22 (which is expected to be around autumn of 2020).

Can I move my FIFA 21 game progress?

Yes - and no.

Your Ultimate Team and Volta progress will be able to be carried over to the next-generation console.

Other modes such as Online Seasons and Career Mode, however, can't be transferred.

"All progress you make or content you acquire within FIFA 21 Ultimate Team (including players, items, coins, FIFA Points, match record, and leaderboard placement), as well as all progression in VOLTA FOOTBALL will transfer from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 and back, or Xbox One to Xbox Series X and back," said EA Sports.

"Progress within all other modes including Online Seasons, Co-Op Seasons, Career Mode, Pro Clubs, etc. will be specific to the console you are playing on and won’t transfer between consoles."

Simba SC have come out to clarify it was not easy for the club to finish the 2019-20 campaign with three trophies.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi set history in Tanzania by winning three titles in one season – the Community Shield after beating Azam FC 4-2, the Mainland Premier League after collecting 88 points and the FA Cup after gunning down Namungo FC 2-1 in the final.

The club’s CEO Senzo Mazingiza has now come out to state many thought it was an easy achievement but warned it was not the case.

“We started the season badly after sacking our coach Patrick [Aussems] in November and this really affected the team to regain back their rhythm,” Mazingiza told the club’s official website.

“After sacking the coach, we lost the rhythm and flair of our game and it was difficult for us for a few days before we regained our style back and started to win matches, it was the turning point because the players responded quickly despite losing the coach.

“The league was also tough as every team was working towards beating Simba, we encountered tough moments, especially when the league took a break owing to Covid-19, the team was doing very but when we resumed, we did not hit back as expected and also at first playing minus fans before we got the chance to have them [fans] back again.”

Mazingiza continued: “Our fans also played a very key role to push the team, they attended almost every match we played and it was a good gesture from them, I want to dedicate the trophies to them, they also deserve to celebrate as the team did.”

On the team’s plans for next season, where they will also take part in the Caf Champions League, Mazingiza said: “We will take a look at the report from the technical bench and then act on it, we will do what the bench is demanding to have.

“We have also sealed the signing of two players, but we will make the unveiling very soon, maybe in the next two days. But all in all, we need to sign like five good players so that we can have a good run in the Champions League.”

Simba will now face Namungo in the new season's curtain-raiser on August 26.

Goalkeeper David Robert Mapigano has revealed his goal for Gor Mahia against Bandari FC in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) remains his best moment. 

In the game played at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on January 25, the Tanzanian's goal-kick beat his opposite number Justin Ndikumana in the Dockers' goal to hand K'Ogalo the lead.

The match ended 3-0 in favour of the champions and the custodian says it remains a memorable moment. 

"My best moment at Gor Mahia was when I scored a goal from a goal kick," Mapigano revealed after signing for the 2014 Tanzania league champions.

"It was my happiest moment in life because it has never happened in my entire playing career; and my role model Tim Howard also did [in the 2-1 loss against Bolton Wanderers when his wind-assisted clearance beat Adam Bogdan in goal during the 2011/12 English Premier League season].

"I have achieved a lot with Gor Mahia which I am proud of and I felt it is high time for me to leave. 

"It is my desire to replicate my achievement with Gor Mahia here at Azam."

The 23-year-old is optimistic about helping the Chamazi-based side get to the top of the table in order to play in the continental assignments.

"I am just from playing in the continental assignments with Gor Mahia and I need to give my best at Azam to help the team get to the top," Mapigano added.

"I promise to give my best and try to push the team and ensure we achieve great things together, in that when I leave my mark will remain forever.

"Azam is a big team and many players know it; in short, I did my extensive homework before joining the team."

The former Gor Mahia custodian has also revealed his role model in East Africa and thanked the fans for their support, promising to give his best.

"Ivo Mapunda remains my role model, as a matter of fact, I have been following him religiously," he continued.

"I feel privileged to have played with him at Simba U20 and later on, I played for Gor Mahia, a team Mapunda played for. Right now, I am joining Azam, the team Mapunda also played for.

"I am delighted to play for the teams my role model once played for.

"I appreciate the support received from Azam fans, without them I could not be here, and this includes the officials because they are club fans as well.

"Mine is to promise the fans, management, and everyone associated with the team that I will give my best."

Turkish side Besiktas have reportedly enquired about the availability of Kenya international Michael Olunga.

The towering Olunga, who currently turns out for Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol, is the leading goal scorer with nine from eight matches in the J-League.

According to media reports in Turkey, the Istanbul side have turned their attention to signing the former Gor Mahia forward with coach Sergen Yalcin keen to strengthen his striking department.

“Olunga, who transferred to Kashiwa Reysol in 2018 is being monitored by Besiktas and could be signed this transfer window,” the reports stated.

Olunga signed for Reysol on a two-year deal worth Ksh300million two seasons ago, a deal that saw him earn more than Ksh15million per month, making him the first Kenyan footballer to professionally play in Japan.

The deal to Reysol saw Olunga end a loan spell with Spanish side Girona and also terminate a contract with top Chinese club Guizhou Zhicheng.

In a recent interview, former Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr told Goal how he almost sealed a transfer for Olunga to England.

“He [Olunga] was interested to go to England and I asked a friend who said he’d be interested having a look at the player,” Kerr told Goal from his base in South Africa where he handles Baroka FC.

“But that is it because he already decided to go to Japan, it was to happen two years ago but now the deal could not be sealed because he opted to sign in Japan.

“It was to happen at [Bolton], I got a chance for him at Bolton but he went to Japan, that is it, nothing much to say, I know [Olunga] is happy he went to Japan, he chose Japan for his career.

“Bolton would have loved to have a look at him but he was signed by Reysol, so whilst Bolton would have invited him, he had already picked his destination as Japan, I don’t think this is a story, because it never happened anyway.”

Asked on how he managed to secure a trial for Olunga at Bolton, Kerr explained: “It was a conversation I had with my friend as I do for many players I know could add value to a team.

“I’ve recommended players to may clubs that I believe they can add value to their teams all over the world, but then that is all I can do, my work is to recommend then the club can act, and it was the same case with Olunga.

“I’ve recommended [Olunga] and other players to people I know and who trust my opinions in the game across Asia, America, and Europe.

“Just recently, a team in the USA asked my opinion on Kenneth [Muguna] of Gor Mahia and I told them I think he can be a good acquisition to any squad, I am always asked by agents for African players to play even in Asia.”

Paris Saint-Germain have a major injury crisis on their hands ahead of their Champions League match with Atalanta and now one more name can be added to the list of injuries: Thomas Tuchel. 

The club have announced that their manager suffered a sprained ankle and a broken bone in his foot during PSG's training session on Thursday night.

"Thomas Tuchel was the victim last night of a sprained left ankle with a fracture of the fifth metatarsal during a sporting session," PSG said in a statement on Twitter.

Tuchel will still be present on Wednesday when PSG face Atalanta in a quarter-final showdown in Lisbon, but several of his side's top performers are in doubt for the game. 

Chief among the club's injury doubts is star striker Kylian Mbappe, who suffered an ankle injury during PSG's Coupe de France victory over Saint-Etienne on July 24.

Mbappe was facing a three-week absence after the injury, which would not give him sufficient time to recover for the match against Atalanta.

Earlier this week, Tuchel said he was unclear on Mbappe's status but that he did "not expect too much" in terms of the 21-year-old being ready for the game.

Mbappe, though, is not the only injury doubt for the match after Marco Verratti suffered an injury in training on Tuesday.

"[Verratti was] the victim of a severe shock yesterday in training," the club announced, "with a significant right calf contusion resulting in muscle damage which will be assessed in the next 72 hours."

In addition, left-back Layvin Kurzawa is out for the game with a thigh muscle injury, while Thilo Kehrer will also miss out after suffering a bone fracture near his ear.

PSG reached the last eight of the Champions League after overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16, with two Neymar goals helping the Ligue 1 champions to a 3-2 aggregate victory. 

Atalanta, meanwhile, blew past La Liga outfit Valencia with a 8-4 win on aggregate in the last 16.

The Serie A outfit, though, are likely to be without star man Josip Ilicic for the PSG match, with the forward having not featured since the 2-2 draw with Juventus on July 11.

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids says they are looking for nothing but to get their first match under the belt as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) next weekend.

The Buccaneers are looking to fight for PSL honours as the 2019/20 PSL campaign is set to restart next week following a forceful halt in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Davids explains they have been training for a month and his troops are feeling the spirit of football now that they are back to training on the field.

“We’ve been training for close to four weeks now. As the days get closer to the first match of course the excitement builds up,” Davids said in a video posted on Pirates Twitter account.

“The team is excited to get back on the field and getting into match competition time. Of course, from a physical point of view being in lockdown, we had the zoom sessions to keep fit.

“Then the lockdown regulations allowed our players to do individual running on the road but not in a team setting that really affected their physical state and of course their mental state not being able to get out of the house.”

After their clash against Masandawana was called off in March, Pirates were forced to train in isolation and the former Maritzburg United mentor explained their new training methods.

“Now that we have started to train for about four weeks and of course getting that feeling back (training as a team” going into smaller groups it really had a positive impact on the players – being able to get outside again,” he added.

“And of course now that we really getting close to match time and being able to train fully with the team has brought that spirit back.

“The spirit of football, the spirit of togetherness and we really raring to go and get the first match under our belt.”

Coach Josef Zinnbauer’s men sit fourth on the log with 40 points, eight points behind top of log leaders and arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Although they share the same position with SuperSport United but separated on goal difference, the Soweto giants are gunning for a second win over the reigning PSL champions.

Ajax have expressed an interest in a loan move for Ryan Sessegnon but they face a wait to see if the 20-year-old will be made available.

The Dutch champions are targeting attacking reinforcements and have earmarked the out-of-favour England under-21 international, who has found life hard since joining Tottenham last summer.

Initial struggles under Mauricio Pochettino were only made harder when Jose Mourinho took over, leading to only 12 appearances since making the £25 million ($33m) move from Fulham.

Mourinho has yet to express his opinion over Sessegnon's future, which will be pivotal to whether he can consider a move to Eredivisie. The north Londoners face a lean summer, despite talks to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton for £15m ($20m).

Erik ten Hag faces a gap in his attack having seen Chelsea activate a £37m ($48m) release clause to sign Hakim Ziyech in February and could deploy Sessegnon in a wide attacking role.

Indeed, his versatility could make him a useful option for either club as Sessegnon has experience playing in any role on the left-hand side, including full-back.

Tottenham are currently light at left-back, with Danny Rose tipped to depart and Jan Vertonghen having already confirmed he'll leave the club after his contract expired at season's end.

Barcelona have also previously enquired about taking Sessegnon on loan due to a lack of funds available to strengthen their squad, but Mourinho threw out their request.

Meanwhile, Ajax await a firm start date with a proposal to resume Eredivisie play on September 12 on the table.

Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte has ruled that professional football should be stopped until at least September 1, while Ajax director Edwin van der Sar has been heavily involved in the plans with KNVB director Eric Gudde supporting the proposition put forward by the clubs.

The Dutch giants have previously looked to top English talent in the past as they expressed an interest in Chelsea star Mason Mount before he went on loan to Frank Lampard's Derby County in 2018-19.

Napoli will have to "climb Everest" if they are to overcome Barcelona in their Champions League last-16 tie this weekend, says Gennaro Gattuso.

Following a 1-1 draw in Italy back in February, Barca have a narrow advantage due to the away-goals rule ahead of the return game at Camp Nou on Saturday.

The Blaugrana have been disappointing since the restart – they surrendered a two-point lead in La Liga to finish five adrift of eventual champions Real Madrid – leading to speculation over head coach Quique Setien's future.

However, Napoli boss Gattuso still considers overcoming Barca to reach the quarter-finals in Lisbon to be one of the toughest challenges his team could face.

"They are used to winning and I know that when you get used to winning you always want to do it. Tomorrow we have to climb Everest," Gattuso said on Friday.

"In recent months I have heard many jokes, like 'Barcelona are not in shape', but if you go and watch them there are some players who put on a show.

"We know it will be a very difficult match for us. We know what kind of team awaits us and we know we will have to make a great performance, both technically and tactically, and maybe that won't even be enough.

"We know we're facing great champions. You need a great game to come out with a good result."

Gattuso provided a positive update on the fitness of Lorenzo Insigne, who limped off during last weekend's victory over Lazio with a groin injury.

"Yesterday he trained at 50 per cent. Today he was at 100 per cent with the team," said Gattuso.

"I want to know he feels 100 per cent tomorrow. If he is not, he will not be on the pitch from the first minute. If he is at 100 per cent he will play and help us make a great game."

Napoli will be looking to secure a shock in Europe after their domestic season did not live up to expectations. Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as manager in December and replaced by Gattuso, who could only lead his side to a seventh-place finish in Serie A.

SuperSport United have announced the promotion of South Africa under-20 international Gape Moralo from the club's reserve team.

The 20-year-old sensation caught the eye of Matsatsantsa first-team head coach Kaitano Tembo while playing for the Tshwane giants in the Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC).

Matsatsantsa released the following statement on Friday with their 2019/20 PSL campaign set to resume next week having been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

A club statement read: "SuperSport United Football Club technical team has promoted MDC prospect Gape Moralo to train with the first team."

"The youngster joined the SuperSport Development Academy two years ago from the School of Excellence that is based in Elandsfontein, Kempton Park."

Moralo is looking forward to playing in the South African top-flight league after excelling in the reserve league, MDC.

"It's my second season in the MDC this year, the MDC is very competitive. I haven't had a chance with the PSL," Moralo told the club's official website.

"But I'm definitely sure the standard is very much higher compared to the MDC. This I can tell when I train with the first team."

SuperSport lost the services of their captain and central midfielder Dean Furman, who decided not to renew his contract with the club and returned to the United Kingdom (UK) two months ago.

Moralo will fill the void left by the Bafana Bafana international and compete with the likes Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule and Jamie Webber in central midfield. 

"I share the same position with Sipho Mbule and Jamie Webber. The two have been with the first team longer than me and they are obviously experienced," he said.

"I think what motivates me is the fact that being there is not a right but a privilege. 

"It can be taken away at any moment provided I'm not doing well. That is what keeps me working hard and fighting for my position."

Moralo will be hoping to make his professional debut when SuperSport take on Bloemfontein Celtic in a PSL encounter next week Sunday.

The encounter is scheduled to take place at Bidvest Stadium which will be Matsatsantsa's home ground in the Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) which will be hosted by Gauteng.

Frank Lampard admitted that Chelsea may have to start the 2020-1 Premier League season without the services of Christian Pulisic, one of several Blues stars stricken with injury. 

Pulisic opened the scoring for Chelsea in Saturday's FA Cup final against Arsenal but was unable to complete the 90 minutes at Wembley, falling victim to a hamstring injury at the start of the second half with the game poised at 1-1. 

In his absence, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted his second of the afternoon to give the Gunners victory, although the Blues were already assured of European football next season after finishing fourth in the league. 

Pulisic had already been confirmed as a casualty for Chelsea's visit to Bayern Munich on Saturday in the second leg of the sides' last-16 clash, and Lampard believes that he faces a race against time to regain fitness before the Londoners begin the new season in mid-September. 

"With Pulisic it’s touch and go for the start of the season. We have to treat it right," the Chelsea manager explained to reporters on Friday.

"He has been fantastic although had a couple of these injuries this season. In the big scheme when Pulisic reflects on the first season, I think his improvement levels coming here, when you think of his goals and assists being the best of his career in the first year in the Premier League.

"From where he was at the start and how he was playing in restart he should be very happy because that is down to his work.

"We will get him fit and ready. If he misses the first part of the season, the first one or two games, then we will have a firing Christian hungry for restart."

As well as the United States international, Chelsea are missing a host of big names as they seek to overturn a formidable 3-0 deficit against the Bundesliga champions. 

Cesar Azpilicueta and Pedro both joined Pulisic in succumbing to injury during the FA Cup final, while Willian was left out of Chelsea's 23-man travelling squad amid speculation that the Brazilian will soon sign a contract with Arsenal. 

The Blues are boosted by the return of N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who Lampard affirmed are both ready to start at the Allianz Arena should they be needed.

"They are fit to start, both. With Pulisic we are looking at around a six week injury, Azpi hopefully three weeks," he added.

"Pedro is moving on but his injury is hopefully six weeks - he had an operation earlier in the week. Willian’s injury is improving but not right for this game.

Cesc Fabregas has paid tribute to the “football brain” of Francis Cagigao after seeing Arsenal take the surprise decision to part with their head of recruitment.

After more than two decades in north London, a top talent spotter is being allowed to leave north London.

Those at Emirates Stadium are looking to freshen things up behind the scenes, with technical director Edu leading that process.

It has been revealed that 55 members of staff have been made redundant by Arsenal, although those leaving the club’s scouting department do not form part of that.

The Gunners are merely looking to move in a different direction, with Mikel Arteta overseeing what the Premier League giants hope will be an exciting new era.

There will be casualties along the way, with Cagigao among those to have been informed that their services are no longer required.

That call has shocked many, with a man who has spent 24 years unearthing hidden gems now being forced to open a new chapter in his career.

Fabregas, who is among those that Cagigao took to north London, has paid tribute to a man who oversaw a lot of positive work behind the scenes at Highbury and Emirates Stadium.

The Spaniard, who swapped life in Barcelona’s academy system for that at Arsenal in 2003 and went on to become club captain over the course of an eight-year spell, posted on social media: “Thank you for the 24+ years of devotion, respect, loyalty and love you gave to Arsenal.

“Nothing would have been the same for if you didn’t spot me at 15 years old.

“I wish you all the very best for the future. Your next team will be very lucky to have your football brain.”

Current Arsenal stars Hector Bellerin and Gabriel Martinelli are among Cagigao’s other notable success stories.

His contact book was considered to be the envy of many in world football, with his importance recognised by many at Arsenal.

The Gunners have, however, moved towards a more agent-led approach to transfers in recent times – with deals for David Luiz and Cedric Soares considered to be an example of that, while the Gunners are also looking to snap up experienced Brazil international Willian as a free agent.

Quique Setien says the thought that Saturday's Champions League last-16 clash with Napoli could be his last as Barcelona head coach has not crossed his mind.

Setien only replaced Ernesto Valverde in January but has had to contend with questions about his future early in his reign.

The 61-year-old, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, insisted before Real Madrid were crowned LaLiga champions last month he "does not spend a minute" thinking about whether he could lose his job.

Barca and Napoli will do battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League at Camp Nou in a tie locked at 1-1 after the first leg in February.

Setien says he has not even pondered whether he could be sacked if the Catalan giants crash out.

"It has not crossed my mind at any time that tomorrow is my last game. We have prepared for the game thinking that we are going to continue," he told the media on Friday.

Ousmane Dembele (hamstring) is not ready to return to face the Serie A side, but Antoine Griezmann (thigh) was named in the squad.

Setien feels Barca have benefited from a break following the conclusion of the domestic season.

He added: "When we finished the league, it was with a positive mindset. Both the players and myself needed a break because after so many consecutive matches it really took its toll on us.

"But I think now we have had sufficient time to prepare for this match; to recuperate physically, take a few days off and come back with a renewed energy that has allowed us to have some very good training sessions and prepare in the best way possible."

Setien says the Blaugrana are prepared to adapt if their game plan is not working in the decisive encounter.

He said: "We have thought about everything and assessed for a long time which was the best option to play this game. We have taken a variant that does not mean that we cannot change it at some point in the game.

"They are a team that can hurt us with the ball, combines well, has greatly improved in possession, is very disciplined defending. It will be a game with alternatives."

Former Orlando Pirates defender Siyabonga Sangweni has shared a piece of advice to midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu, saying he must not focus too much on the number on his back.

The former Stellenbosch player has been handed jersey No.21 jersey at the Buccaneers and ‘Nsimbi’ says the 24-year-old must never forget that he will compete against quality players under coach Josef Zinnbauer.

Sangweni used to wear the same jersey number during his stay with the Soweto giants where he earned his legendary status.

“The number that is written on the shirt is just a number. It means nothing,” Sangweni told Isolezwe.

“I trust that Zungu will know that what’s important is to do well and excel because he will be competing against top-quality players.

“He should also know that Pirates have players that are at the top level because Pirates are a big club,” said Sangweni. 

The No.21 jersey was also worn by Sangweni's younger brother Thamsanqa, who failed to live up to the expectations during his time with the Buccaneers. 

Zungu made his name in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with the top-flight newcomers Stellenbosch and managed to catch the eye of the former African champions with his stellar displays under coach Steve Barker.

He is yet to feature for the Sea Robbers since his arrival due to injuries but prior to that, he amassed 17 appearances for the Cape Winelands-based club as well as providing a single assist before moving to Pirates in January.

Former AmaZulu boss, Barker, however, previously said the hard-tackling player was not mentally ready to earn a big move to the 2018/19 PSL runners-up.

It is unclear if Zungu will feature in the remaining matches of the season as league football returns next week.  

The Soweto giants will visit Mamelodi Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium in a match which is expected to give an indication as to where the league trophy will go. 

Sundowns are second on the PSL standings, four points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs but Pitso Mosimane's men have a game in hand. 

Pirates, on the other hand, are in fourth position and eight points off the pace with seven more games still to play for them.