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Andy Robertson has signed a new contract at Liverpool that will keep him at Anfield through to the summer of 2026.

The 27-year-old Premier League and Champions League winner - who has taken in 177 appearances for the club - was already tied to the Reds for another three years, but has now agreed to an extended stay on Merseyside beyond that point.

He has become the latest senior star to commit his long-term future to Jurgen Klopp's side, with Alisson, Fabinho, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk already penning fresh terms.

What has been said?

Robertson, who is expected to recover from ankle ligament damage in time to make a first competitive appearance of 2021-22 at home to Chelsea on Saturday, has told the Reds' official website: "Obviously when the negotiations started and it looked as if my future was going to be here longer term than what it was, then I think it’s no secret that I’m happy at this club.

"I want to stay at this club for as long as possible and to extend my stay, it’s always a happy time for me, for my family. We’re settled here, we love everything about this football club and I’m glad that the journey is continuing.”

He added: "When you sign for a massive club, I still remember the day as if it was yesterday when I signed here and obviously you have ambitions to become a regular player for Liverpool, to win trophies for this club, to do everything else but the way it’s gone has been excellent.

"But since the very start of my career I’ve always been one to look forward: that’s in the past, that’s something that I can sit down with the people who want to listen to me when I’ve hung up my boots and retired and I can tell them all the stories that we’ve already made.

"But I’m certainly one, and I know a lot of people in this training ground just now are people to look forward and people [who want] to create more history, more stories. Hopefully people get bored of me when I’ve retired and I can sit down for hours and hours and tell them about all the stories! 

"They’re certainly building up but I want to make more and obviously hopefully starting with this season. We want to achieve more, we want to bring hopefully more trophies, more happiness to this club. 

"The only way of doing that is by working hard and having the same application that we have done since day one."

Who is next in line for a Liverpool contract?

With Robertson committing to fresh terms, attention can now shift to getting more deals over the line.

Liverpool have been quiet in the transfer market this summer, with French centre-half Ibrahima Konate their only notable addition.

The Reds have been busy, though, tying down key men and hope there will be more positive news to report on that front in the coming weeks.

Mohamed Salah is next in line for a new deal, with contract talks ongoing with an Egyptian superstar.

His current deal is due to expire in 2023 but, after hitting 126 goals for Liverpool through 215 appearances, an improved agreement is in the pipeline.

Further reading

The 13-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions AFC Leopards have received a shot in the arm after 748 Air Services Limited donated Ksh. 700,000 for their pre-season preparations.

Ingwe finished the 2020/21 campaign in the fourth position after collecting 48 points from the 32 matches they played.

The Patrick Aussems-led charges won 15 matches, drawing six and losing 11, and went on to score 37 goals, conceding 31 in the process. Their financial situation has been dire and the money is a timely boost for the team.

With the 2021/22 campaign set to begin on September 26, early preparations for teams will be vital and it is the reason why Leopards are aiming at ensuring they start theirs soonest.

What has been said?

"Our Chairman Mr. Ahmed Jibril made a contribution of Ksh. 700,000 to AFC Leopards. The donation was delivered to AFC Leopards Chairman Dr. Dan Shikanda. With this contribution, the team’s infrastructural commitment in their preparation for the upcoming league will be secured," 748 Air Services confirmed on their official social media platform.

The team also managed to reach the final of the FKF Shield Cup where they lost to their bitter rivals Gor Mahia in the shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Why the donation is welcome to Ingwe

The financial situation at the club means several players are set to leave after the end of the season.

Elvis Rupia, who is their star player, is hunted by champions Tusker FC. The towering attacker did not want to extend his contract with the local giants, and the former Wazito and Nzoia Sugar striker emerged as Leopards' top scorer in the just-concluded season with 17 goals. 
 
Clyde Senaji, another player whose contract with Ingwe ended in June, is also among the new players set to be unveiled at Ruaraka. Senaji, a utility player who can play as a central midfielder or a centre-back, had been linked with KCB, but he is now all but set to return to Tusker.

The club was also fined Ksh. 6 million by the FKF for failing to honour their league match against Gor Mahia on July 31.

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma has stated they are determined to make it difficult for teams visiting FNB Stadium, starting with their first PSL home game of the season against Moroka Swallows on Wednesday.

The Soweto giants started their campaign with a 0-0 draw against TS Gallaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday and ahead of their first fixture of the season, Bvuma believes they must use home advantage to win their matches.

What did Bvuma say?

“We need to dominate our home game, we need to win our games [at home], we need to make FNB Stadium a tough hunting ground for our opponents, we need to make sure that teams are scared to come and play there, so I feel like it is important that we show it when we play against Maroka that we mean business,” Bvuma told media ahead of the game.

“We will welcome them and we will be looking forward to making sure we show them that this is our home ground, and it should be a lesson to other visiting teams that it will not be easy to get a win against us at FNB.”

On what they know about Swallows, Bvuma said: “We only watched them once this season, the opening game which they won, which is good for them and last season we collected two points from them, and of course we will like to take maximum points from them.

“We want to make sure we get maximum points from them on [Wednesday], we know it will not be easy but that is our target, we want maximum points this time around.”

How ready are Kaizer Chiefs?

On how ready Chiefs are for the game, Bvuma explained: “Everyone is looking sharp to the match, we are all looking sharp and ready for the game on Wednesday.

“We are looking forward to the new season and make sure we create our new memories and make sure we win our matches, and to our supporters, we missed maximum points from the opening match but let them keep supporting us, and they will not be disappointed, we will give them a win.”

Bvuma has further revealed his delight at getting the nod to start in goal ahead of veteran and captain Itumeleng Khune, Brandon Peterson, and Daniel Akpeyi, during their game against Galaxy.

“It was great to start in goal in the first fixture because it shows I have been working hard, and the coach decided to pick me for the opener and I am grateful for being chosen to start the season as the goalkeeper,” Bvuma continued.

“It is not my first time starting an opening league game; I remember in the 2019-20 season I started when we played against Highlands Park where we won the game 3-2 so it was not the first time to start the season as a goalkeeper."

On picking up a point from the game, Bvuma said: “Well, of course, I can’t say I am happy because as Kaizer [Chiefs] we are always fighting for maximum points which is three points but it did not happen, we did not get our points, but it is okay, it is part of the game, at least we took a point, a point is better than nothing.”

Bvuma on keeping a clean sheet

On keeping a clean sheet, Bvuma said: “For me, the main thing is to make sure that the team wins, that is my number one, a clean sheet will come after because I know the most important thing is to win the game, even if we win the game like 2-1, 3-2, the most important thing is for the team to win, so that us my number one.

“Of course a clean sheet is important for the goalkeeper and of course I am happy for keeping a clean sheet but we didn’t win, so it doesn’t feel that great.

“We have been looking sharp especially in training, this was the first game of the season in the premier league, I am very happy with the way we have been training and the way we have been preparing for the games, am I just looking forward to the next game, so we can show what we have been doing in training."

West Ham United manager David Moyes believes Said Benrahma struggled in his first stint at the club because 'he did not realise he is part of the team."

While on-loan from Brentford, the Algeria international played 30 league matches for the Hammers, scoring just once, and assisting six.

However since joining the club permanently at the start of the season, the attacker has been in good form for the Londoners, already netting twice in as many matches, and providing two assists as well.

His latest contribution was on Monday night against 10-man Leicester City at the London Stadium, where they won 4-1.

Benrahma needed just 26 minutes to make a major impact, when he passed the ball to Pablo Fornals, who easily found the back of the net.

Ayoze Perez was sent off 14 minutes later but West Ham had to wait until the 56th minute for the second goal.

The Desert Fox pounced on a Michail Antonio pass to ensure his name was on the score sheet before the provider bagged two goals in the 80th and 84th minutes to ensure his team claimed a huge win.

Leicester scored their lone goal in the 69th minute courtesy of Youri Tielemans.

"I think Said [Benrahma] needed to take stock and settle in and realise he had to be a team player as much as an individual," Moyes said as quoted by FootballLondon. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"I think that he had not realised that he is part of a team and we have to do all the right things together and because of that he's actually getting these goals, he's making goals, which is what we brought him for."

The Hammers started their campaign with a 4-2 win away to Newcastle United. As a result, they are currently top of the table with maximum points.

The next assignment for them will be at home against Crystal Palace. The latter started the season with a 3-0 loss away to Chelsea before being held to a goalless draw by Benrahma's old side Brentford, who were high in confidence after a 2-0 win against Arsenal in their opening fixture.

Gareth Bale, who is enjoying a fresh start back at Real Madrid this season, has been included in the latest Wales squad to bring any talk of international retirement to a close.

The 32-year-old hinted ahead of Euro 2020 duty that he could be writing the final chapters in a career with his country that has delivered 96 caps.

He has, however, "got the bug back" and national team coach Rob Page expects a talismanic figure to remain part of his plans through to the 2022 World Cup.

What has been said?

Page, who guided Wales to the last-16 of this summer's European Championship, has told Sky Sports of having a happy Bale available: "It's great news. You want all your players playing competitive football when they come on camp.

"To get any of your players playing week in, week out is a bonus, but when you've got Gareth playing now and finding he's got the bug back again, which I saw in some of his performances for Tottenham at the back end of last season, is great news for us."

Pressed further on whether he ever discussed the retirement talk with Bale, Page added: "Not at all.

"He's got a hunger to play week in, week out for his club and he's got an absolute hunger and desire to play for Wales, and as long as I can see that in his performances then there's going to be no issues whatsoever."

How long will Bale play on for?

A man that became the most expensive player on the planet when joining Real in 2013 is only tied to a contract at club level through to next summer, with many suggesting that he could hang up his boots then.

Page, though, is confident that an ambitious performer will extend his career beyond that point - especially as the next World Cup in Qatar will not take place until the winter of 2022.

He added: "As a player, manager, you want to be part of a World Cup. The boys will go down in history if they qualify. Of course he [Bale] is going to want to be a part of that.

"He's no different, but to do that you just can't turn up and play for Wales. You've got to give it your best and play for your club. There's no argument there, he's ticking all the boxes."

Wales, who are set to take in a friendly date with Finland on September 1, have qualifying clashes approaching against Belarus and Estonia - with three points taken from their opening two games in Group E.

Wales squad in full

Goalkeepers: Hennessey, Ward, A Davies.

Defenders: B Davies, Gunter, Rodon, Ampadu, N Williams, Lockyer, Lawrence, Norrington-Davies.

Midfielders: Ramsey, Allen, J Williams, Wilson, Brooks, Morrell, Smith, Levitt, Thomas, Colwill.

Forwards: Bale, James, Moore, T Roberts, Johnson.

Further reading

Barcelona have been handed a welcome boost by the sight of Ansu Fati returning to full training.

The 18-year-old has endured a wretched run on the injury front of late, but a long road to recovery is finally coming to an end.

Ronald Koeman is not in a position to welcome the highly-rated forward, who topped the 2021 Goal NXGN poll, back into his plans just yet, but an imminent return is on the cards.

How long has Fati been out for?

The Spain international, who saw fitness setbacks dash his Euro 2020 dreams, has been stuck on the sidelines for nine months.

His last competitive appearance for Barca was brought to a close at half-time on November 7, 2020.

He was replaced by Lionel Messi in a 5-2 win over Real Betis, and has subsequently seen a six-time Ballon d'Or winner head through the exits at Camp Nou.

When could Fati return to action?

Barcelona will not be rushing a prized action back into their starting XI, with his ongoing recovery being handled with care.

Koeman has suggested that it could be after the September international break before Fati figures for the Blaugrana.

The Dutch tactician has said: "Ansu is still recovering from his injury, he is improving. 

"It’s always difficult to say when but if everything goes well in 2-3 weeks let’s see if he can be available to train with the group. And to play games? Probably after the international break."

If all goes to plan, Fati could come back into contention for a trip to Sevilla on September 11.

Any other concerns at Barcelona?

While Fati, who has been working on an individual programme for several weeks, has been welcomed back into the full senior fold, others missed out on Tuesday.

Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay worked away from the rest of the group.

A Netherlands international midfielder picked up a calf problem in pre-season, while his fellow countryman - who was snapped up as a free agent over the summer - sustained a slight ankle knock in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Athletic Club.

Further reading

Chelsea have been offered Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez as Thomas Tuchel considers bringing in a further new addition this summer.

The 26-year-old could be available on a temporary deal for a sizeable loan fee, with that option being of more interest to the Blues than a permanent transfer.

vetegarAtleti have a good relationship with Chelsea and are looking to free up some space on their wage bill to help fund a move for Hertha Berlin star Matheus Cunha.

What is Saul's situation at Atletico?

Saul had a difficult 2020-21 season under Diego Simeone despite Atleti winning La Liga, with the Spaniard having lost his automatic starting spot at Wanda Metropolitano.

He has become increasingly surplus to requirements at the Madrid club and his agents have been targeting a move to one of England's top clubs this summer.

Saul earns €7 million (£6m/$8m) a year at Atleti and those wages would need to be covered in full by a loan club.

The 26-year-old has a €150m (£128m/$176m) release clause, although Chelsea could negotiate a vastly reduced option to buy at around €45m (£38m/$53m), should they push ahead with a loan move.

Will Chelsea complete a loan move for Saul?

Chelsea could push ahead with a loan move for Saul, despite them needing to offload more players on the fringes of the first-team, with Tuchel not overly concerned about the size of his squad.

Indeed, many who were out on loan last season are still in place at Stamford Bridge at the start of the 2021-22 campaign, although there is confidence that moves can and will be arranged before the transfer window closes.

The likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ethan Ampadu have been training with the first team but it now seems that they could be moved on once again.

Tiemoue Bakayoko, Ross Barkley and Danny Drinkwater, meanwhile, have been training in a separate group and using the academy building at Cobham Training Centre.

In Bakayoko's case, a loan move with an option to buy is being discussed with AC Milan but the others have found their options limited.

Chelsea are also in contract talks with Trevoh Chalobah, who has impressed during pre-season and at the start of the new campaign, while Ike Ugbo is having his medical at Genk on August 24 despite late interest from Marseille.

The Premier League side will earn €3.5m from the transfer and a further €2m if the Belgian side qualify for the Champions League group stages.

As for other incomings, Chelsea are weighing up a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde but it could hinge on the future of Kurt Zouma, who is attracting interest from West Ham.

Further reading

Former Kenya international Innocent Mutiso believes it will be difficult for Tusker to make it into the group stage of the Caf Champions League, but have a better chance of making it to the same stage in the Caf Confederation Cup.

The Brewers will represent the country in the continental competition after ending Gor Mahia's four-year dominance domestically.

The former winger believes the best chance the Ruaraka-based charges have of performing well on the continent is by making use of home-ground advantage.

Why will it be tough for Tusker in the Champions League?

"Yes, Tusker have a good squad and a quality one for that matter and it is the reason why they won the league and the right to play in the continental assignment," Mutiso told Goal on Tuesday.

"However, the main concern is on the experience of the squad, most have not played in that level before and it will be a tall order for them to get in the group stage of the competition.

"The best they should do is ensure they win their first preliminary round against Arta Solar 7. A home win will be vital; then in the second preliminary round it will not be easy and at least they will drop in the Caf Confederation Cup where they can get in the group stage."

'Mr. Fix It will help the team'

Mutiso has further explained the impact coach Robert Matano will have on the team as he prepares them for continental duty.

"I call him 'Mr. Fix It' because he is experienced and knows what to do to get results," he continued.

"He has been in the continental assignments before, he is aware of what to expect. So I believe, even if the road to Caf Champions League group stage will be tough, he can help the team to do well in the second-tier competition."

Meanwhile, Tusker's preferred players set to be signed and unveiled have been revealed.

On top of the list is AFC Leopards' Elvis Rupia, who did not want to extend his contract with the local giants. The former Wazito and Nzoia Sugar striker emerged as AFC Leopards' top scorer in the just-concluded season with 17 goals. 

Clyde Senaji, another player whose contract with Ingwe ended in June, is also among the new players set to be unveiled at Ruaraka. Senaji, a utility player who can play as a central midfielder or a centre-back, had been linked with KCB, but he is now all but set to return to Tusker.

Ex-Kitwe United's Teddy Osok, Charles Momanyi from Gor Mahia, Shami Kibwana of Kakamega Homeboyz, Kalos Kirenge from Namungo of Tanzania, Patrick Matasi, who left St George SC of Ethiopia recently, Brian Bwire and Daniel Sakari of Kariobangi Sharks, John Njuguna of Ulinzi Stars, and Tyson Otieno are the other players set to be given contracts by the Premier League champions.

"I can say they are all our new players," a source at the club told Goal.

"We have had talks with each one of them and they all agreed with our terms of contracts and what remains is to unveil them before our pre-season."

When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho at Manchester United in 2018, fans were elated.

The Manchester United legend got off to a strong start as manager of the club, registering six Premier League wins in a row, as the Red Devils looked to achieve a top-four finish.

A chant sung by Red Devils supporters - 'Ole's at the wheel' - has become synonymous with the optimism which initially accompanied Solskjaer's appointment.

It is another addition to the Premier League side's already impressive songbook , and Solskjaer will hope that he can live up to the expectations by returning the club to the heights of the English and European game.

What are the lyrics to 'Ole's at the Wheel'?

Ole's at the wheel,
Tell me how does it feel,
We’ve got Sanchez, Paul Pogba and Fred,
Marcus Rashford, a Manc born and bred,
Duh du, du du du du du!
Duh du, du du du du du!
(Repeat)

Sung to the tune of "Waterfall"  by iconic Manchester band The Stone Roses , the chant originally paid tribute to players Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba, Fred and Marcus Rashford.

Sanchez left the club in 2020, joining Inter on a free transfer,  with the Chilean  subsequently revealing that he wanted to leave Old Trafford after his first training session.

Now, following the acquisition of Jadon Sancho, the chant has been adapted and has already been aired at the start of the 2021-22 season, before the England international made his first start for the club. 

Ole's at the wheel,
Tell me how does it feel,
We’ve got Sancho, Paul Pogba and Fred,
Marcus Rashford, a Manc born and bred,
Duh du, du du du du du!
Duh du, du du du du du!
(Repeat)

What is the story behind 'Ole's at the Wheel'?

It may come as a surprise that the iconic 'Ole's at the Wheel' song was originally crafted for ex-boss Mourinho.

United completed a shock 2-1 away victory against Juventus in the 2018-19 Champions League group stage, prompting supporters to gather outside the Allianz Stadium and chant the name of their former manager: "Jose's at the wheel!"

The Red Devils' form deteriorated under Mourinho towards the halfway point in the campaign and he was eventually dismissed following a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in December 2018.

The Mourinho-specific chant never really took off with United supporters amid the turmoil heading into the festive season, but everything changed when fan favourite and club legend Solskjaer was appointed manager on a then-interim basis.

United fans backed Solskjaer from the start, already having loved him from his days as a player when he famously scored the last-minute winner in the 1999 Champions League final against Barcelona and helped the club win a historic treble.

From that moment on, he has enjoyed a cult-figure reputation at Old Trafford and etched himself permanently in the United history books.

Solskjaer's managerial reign began with an impressive winning streak in the Premier League as well as a return to form for Pogba, who was much maligned under Mourinho. When the Red Devils knocked Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League, chants of "Ole's at the wheel" became even stronger and stronger, with confidence growing in the Norwegian and his ability to return the club to the peak of their powers.

And, with the chant having been shelved after Sanchez's switch to Inter, it is now emerging once again, with the addition of Sancho fitting the lyrics perfectly.

Martin Odegaard has been cleared to begin life as a permanent addition at Arsenal, following his £30 million ($41m) transfer from Real Madrid, while Kieran Tierney and Alexandre Lacazette are back in full training.

The Gunners have stumbled out of the blocks in 2021-22, suffering back-to-back Premier League defeats, with untimely injury blows and positive Covid-19 tests doing Mikel Arteta's cause few favours.

An opportunity to get back into a winning habit will present itself in a Carabao Cup second-round clash with West Brom on Wednesday, with a number of senior stars in contention to figure in a fixture that could act as a warm-up for a meeting with Manchester City on Sunday.

Is Odegaard available?

In an availability update on the club's official website, Arsenal have said of Odegaard: "Martin has now received full clearance to play and is available for selection."

What about Tierney and Martinelli?

The Gunners suffered a 2-0 derby reversal against London rivals Chelsea last time out, with Scottish full-back Tierney and Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli failing to last 90 minutes.

Positive updates have, however, been offered on their fitness setbacks.

Arsenal have said on Tierney: "Kieran has returned to full training after suffering from cramps in his thigh on Sunday."

They added on Martinelli: "Gabriel has returned to full training after suffering from lower leg cramps on Sunday."

Who else is back in training?

Arteta will be in a position to shuffle his pack against West Brom, and against City if no further knocks are picked up before a trip to the Etihad Stadium is taken in.

Arsenal have said of Hector Bellerin: "Hector was unavailable for Sunday’s match with a tight thigh. Hector is back in training and being assessed ahead of Wednesday’s match."

On French striker Lacazette, they said: "Alex is now back in full training after testing positive for Covid-19 and has returned to full training ahead of Wednesday’s match."

An update on Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes read: "Gabriel sustained an injury to his right knee with the Brazilian Olympic Squad. Gabriel is progressing well and is now back in training with the squad."

Willian, who is edging towards a return to his native Brazil at Corinthians, is also fully recovered from a bout of coronavirus, as is Icelandic goalkeeper Alex Runarsson.

Who is missing for Arsenal?

While senior stars are being absorbed back into the fold, £50m ($69m) summer signing Ben White, England U21 forward Eddie Nketiah and Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey remain unavailable.

Arsenal said of White: "Ben tested positive for Covid-19 last week ahead of the Chelsea match and will not be available for Wednesday’s match. Ben’s health and fitness will be continually monitored ahead of the weekend.

They added on Nketiah: "Eddie sustained bruising to his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea on 1 August. Eddie is working hard with the medical team and is aiming to be back in training in early September."

And finally, on Partey: "Thomas sustained an injury to ligaments in his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea on 1 August. Thomas is working hard with the medical team and is aiming to be back in training by the end of August."

Further reading

Federico Valverde has signed a contract extension at Real Madrid that includes a €1 billion (£856m/$1.2bn) release clause, Goal can confirm.

Valverde has spent the last six years of his career on Real's books, having initially been snapped up from Uruguayan outfit Penarol as a teenager in 2016.

The 23-year-old has established himself as a key member of the Blancos' squad during that period, and he has now been handed a bumper new deal that will see him remain at Santiago Bernabeu for the foreseeable future.

What are the terms of the contract?

Valverde was already tied to Real until 2025, but Goal understands that he has agreed to renew that agreement by an extra two years.

In addition to being given a significant pay rise, the Uruguay international has also seen his original €500m (£428m/$527m) release clause doubled, with an official announcement of the contract expected later on Tuesday.

Who else have Real tied down?

Valverde is the latest in a long line of first-team stars to have committed to fresh terms at the Bernabeu this summer as the club continues to prioritise keeping the core of the current squad intact.

Luka Modric signed up for one more season just before the expiration of his last deal, Nacho Fernandez and Karim Benzema have been tied down until 2023, Dani Carvajal has extended through to 2025 and No.1 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has penned a new five-year agreement.

The Real board value Valverde just as highly as those five men, and he is more than happy to spend the prime years of his career in the Spanish capital, despite having attracted interest from a number of other top clubs in recent months.

Valverde's Real record

Valverde has 104 appearances to his name across all competitions for Real so far, and has also recorded five goals and six assists.

The midfielder has won three major trophies during his time at the Bernabeu, including one La Liga title, and supporters will hope he can help Carlo Ancelotti's side pick up more silverware in 2021-22.

Further reading

Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers despite being yet to make his debut for Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi hasn't seen a single minute of competitive action since helping Argentina beat Brazil in the Copa America final on July 11, but has still been making plenty of headlines due to a surprise change of location at club level.

The 34-year-old was forced to bring his 21-year career at Barcelona to an end last month due to the club's ongoing financial struggles, and he subsequently joined PSG on a free transfer, but supporters are still waiting to see the six-time Ballon d'Or winner make his first appearance.

What's the situation?

Messi was unavailable for PSG's first three Ligue 1 games of the 2021-22 campaign, but has been training with the rest of the squad as he continues to build up his fitness following his summer holidays.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has said that the Argentine could be handed his maiden outing for the club away at Reims on Sunday , which marks their last fixture before the international break comes into effect.

Scaloni calls up Messi

Despite the fact that Messi is still getting back up to speed physically, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has called up the ex-Barcelona superstar for his side's latest set of World Cup qualifiers in September.

If Messi does indeed join up with his country for their games against Venezuela, Brazil and Bolivia, he could be a major doubt for PSG's next set of matches later in the month due to the fact that Argentina and Brazil are still on the 'red list' for travellers under the French government's current coronavirus rules.

Who else has made the Argentina squad?

PSG could also be sweating on the availability of Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes, who have been called up alongside Messi as Argentina seek to move one step closer to Qatar 2022.

Elsewhere, Juventus talisman Paulo Dybala has returned to the international fold after a two-year absence, with Aston Villa duo Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia also included.

Inter's Lautaro Martinez has made the 30-man squad after shaking off an injury, and Tottenham's newest signing Cristian Romero is also still in Scaloni's plans following his move from Atalanta.

Argentina's World Cup qualifying squad in full: 

Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Emiliano Martínez, Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rull.

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Acuña, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Juan Foyth, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Germán Pezzella, Lisandro Martínez,Nicolás Tagliafico

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Guido Rodríguez, Nicolás Domínguez, Emiliano Buendía, Alejandro Gómez.

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás González, Ángel Correa, Paulo Dybala, Julián Álvarez, Joaquín Correa.

Further reading

Anthony Martial has "gone backwards" at Manchester United, claims Rio Ferdinand, while Phil Jones has been told that he should have left Old Trafford "ages ago".

With the summer transfer window still open, there is plenty of speculation to be found regarding potential comings and goings in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad.

France international forward Martial has been the subject of regular rumours, with the 25-year-old still struggling to convince as a central striker in his seventh season with the Red Devils.

What has been said?

Ferdinand is among those looking for much more from Martial, with the former United defender telling his FIVE YouTube channel: "I think the most frustrating thing about him is that he’s actually gone backwards from when he first signed.

"If you’re a player and you look at when he hit the scene with the two goals against Liverpool and you think to yourself, 'Wow what have we signed here?'. He’s not really hit those heights since.

"As a player I’d love to be able to get inside his head and spend time with him. Everyone thinks they can affect someone with a conversation.

"You’d be saying to him, 'Are you actually happy with what you’re doing, are you happy with your trajectory of how it’s going?'.

"Talent wise, from what I’m told from people, I remember Michael Carrick first went in and saw him and said, 'Rio, this kid could be one of the best players on the planet easy, some of the stuff he does in training takes your breath away'.

"But sometimes there are players who are great in training but don’t replicate enough in games. I hope he’s not going down [that route].

‘He’s still young enough to change it by the way but I don’t know what he needs, a rocket, or he needs someone in the changing room to be getting hold of him and demanding standards every single day and every single game."

Does Jones have a Man Utd future?

Another of those to have seen their future called into question is versatile England international Jones, with the 29-year-old failing to make a competitive appearance for United since January 2020.

Ferdinand added on his former team-mate, who has been at Old Trafford since 2011: "He’s taking up a youth team player’s position in that squad right now.

"He’s had too many injuries… I was in the same team as Phil Jones, he came from Blackburn as a young kid, everyone was saying he was going to be this great player.

"Huge potential but injuries have absolutely annihilated his career and then confidence issues at certain times as well.

"He’s never been able to fully establish himself in the team. Whether it’s injuries, lack of form, lack of confidence.

"I think he should’ve gone ages ago. He should’ve gone before Chris Smalling went. Find a new club and play some football.

"I am baffled at how he’s still been given a new deal at the club given his past few years at the club. It just doesn’t make sense to me how you get a new deal.

"I remember back in the day you’d have to do some absolute graft to get a new deal. You’d have to be putting in performances, you’d have to be a vital member of the team. Phil Jones isn’t that."

Further reading

Thierry Henry has insisted that Kylian Mbappe is not "lacking respect" for Paris Saint-Germain amid ongoing links with Real Madrid and is ultimately hoping that he chooses to remain in France.

Mbappe's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with the 22-year-old yet to show any sign of extending his current contract beyond its June 2022 expiry date.

Goal has reported that Real are preparing to test PSG's resolve with a big-money bid for Mbappe, whose commitment to the collective cause at Parc des Princes has been called into question, but Henry feels the whole situation has been blown out of proportion.

What's been said?

The former France and Arsenal forward has told Amazon Prime of his compatriot's situation: "I don't know what is happening with Kylian Mbappe.

"We can always speculate and say a lot of things. Me, what I see is that he is still there, that he is training, he is walking, he is running and he is trying to create chances for his team-mates.

"He scores, I know that well. He is a player who is also honouring his contract, he is doing nothing bad and he is responding on the pitch, so be happy.

"Like I often say, with an exceptional player we are always looking for the little things wrong. I hope that he will stay at PSG, I hope that he will be good and we will see after for what the future will bring him because it is normal to evaluate things.

"But is he lacking in respect towards someone? No, I have not yet seen that. He is there, he is present and he is even playing well."

PSG's stance on Mbappe

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi remains confident that Mbappe will commit to fresh terms at Parc des Princes, with it his belief that the World Cup winner has no reason to depart following Lionel Messi's arrival at the club on a free transfer.

The Qatari businessman feels any other club would be a step down for Mbappe, as he said after Messi's unveiling earlier this month: "His future is clear. He said it himself, he wanted us to have a competitive team.

"Well, we have the most competitive in the world right now. So there is no excuse for him now. He can't do anything else but stay."

Mbappe's achievements at PSG

Mbappe has racked up 174 appearances for PSG in all competitions since moving to Parc des Princes from Monaco in the summer of 2017.

The France international has recorded 133 goals and 63 assists, while also helping the French outfit win 10 domestic trophies and reach their first Champions League final.

Further reading