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Manchester United's preparations for the Premier League restart have hit a snag after they were beaten 2-1 by Championship side West Brom in a friendly on Friday.

The Red Devils lost the first of two matches against the Baggies at Old Trafford, before rallying to win the second contest 3-1.

Both games were played behind-closed-doors at the famous venue as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team prepares to take on Tottenham away on June 19 in their first league match since the coronavirus hiatus.

United put out two different teams across the two matches against West Brom, with Manchester Evening News reporting Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes played in midfield together during the opening defeat, with the Portuguese playmaker scoring and missing a penalty during the 90 minutes,

The first United team also included Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Daniel James, Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic.

In the second tussle which resulted in a Red Devils victory, Andreas Pereira scored a brace while Tahith Chong snared the third in a team that featured the first choice defence of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan Bissaka, Luke Shaw and goalkeeper David De Gea.

Odion Ighalo spearheaded the attack during the second 90 minute, with Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Fred and Scott McTominay also featured.

Pogba and Fernandes will likely feature in their first competitive match together when the Red Devils aim to extend their 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions against Spurs.

Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher feels the star duo will have to alter their individual games slightly to help ensure they thrive together in midfield.

"Without doubt, of course [Pogba and Fernandes can play together]. Great players can come together," Fletcher told MUTV's Group Chat.

"Somebody might have to sacrifice a little bit of something - that's part of being in a team, it's not an individual sport. When you play with a certain midfield, whether it's a midfield three, you adapt your game to complement each other.

"That's what I had to do at United. I was in the team with lots of different midfielders, lots of combinations and, if a certain midfielder was playing, I would try to take up positions to allow him to benefit and he would do things to allow me to benefit.

"It's all about being compatible and recognising the strengths of your fellow team-mates and how to get your best performance, but, ultimately, you might be sacrificing what you do best to allow someone else to excel, which helps the team win."

Saul Niguez insisted Atletico Madrid remains his "home" despite transfer speculation, revealing he has never spoken to any club over a potential move elsewhere.

Saul signed a nine-year contract extension with Atleti in 2017, though the long-term deal has not stopped rumours about the Spain international's future in the capital.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with the midfielder, as the club continues to rebuild under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Saul, however, claims he is unaware if anything has gone further than stories in the media.

The midfielder also made it clear that he is happy with his life in Madrid as he aims to help Diego Simeone's squad seal a top-four finish in La Liga this season.

"I see things on Instagram or in newspapers which you publish, but I haven't heard anything from any club," Saul told Radio Marca.

"I'm focused on finishing this season, achieving the objective [of finishing in the top four] and then dreaming about the Champions League.

"I have a long-term contract, which I signed because I want to stay here. I don't have any problem staying here because my family are here, it's my home.

"People say, 'come out and deny it', but then if you deny it and something happens, you look bad.

"I just stick to playing football and what has to happen will happen, I'm just focused on achieving Atletico's target, which is to be in the top four, and then try to get the most desired target of the season."

Atletico return to action on Sunday when they travel to Athletic Bilbao for their first fixture since the 2019-20 season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

They have not played since a 3-2 extra-time win over Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League round of 16 on March 11, a result that saw them eliminate the titleholders to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo recently claimed that Atletico should be rewarded for their victory over Champions League title-holders Liverpool by being handed the trophy if it is not possible to conclude the tournament this season.

Juventus head coach Maurizio Sarri was pleased with "unlucky" Cristiano Ronaldo after the superstar missed a penalty against Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Ronaldo rattled the post with a 16th-minute penalty as Juve drew 0-0 at home to 10-man Milan in the second leg en route to the Coppa Italia final on Friday.

Juve's Ronaldo scored a penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw away to Milan in February's opening leg prior to the coronavirus pandemic but he was unable to repeat the feat behind closed doors in Turin.

Speaking to Rai Sport following the first professional match in Italy since the Covid-19 outbreak, Sarri said: "I asked Ronaldo to take a more central role, he was pleased to try it out and he played the game he needed to at this moment.

"He probably isn't accustomed to missing a penalty, so hitting the inside of the post it could go anywhere and he was unlucky.

"I don't think playing him a few metres more one way or another is going to make a huge difference to such a strong player. Everyone had a strong opening 30 minutes and then faded away."

Serie A champions Juve will face either Napoli or Inter in the Coppa Italia final in Rome on June 17 and Sarri added: "Clearly after three months, getting back to the touchline and seeing the teams out there is a good sensation, even if it's not the same without the fans.

"I was very surprised and satisfied with our opening 30 minutes, as we moved the ball so quickly and totally dominated the game, even before the red card.

"After that, we slowly dropped our tempo, intensity and mental determination, but that is a risk in an empty stadium. We had been doing so well, playing one and two-touch football, but then we slowed down and lost some sharpness, focused more on individual moves and taking two touches.

"The positive is that we didn't allow the opponents to play at all. It's going to take a while to get the fitness and mentality back to 100 per cent. If you compare it to a pre-season game, it'd be early July, but this is worse than pre-season, because it was a much longer break.

"It'll take some patience, but the first 30 minutes I saw today was an excellent sign."

Simba SC have confirmed they will do all they can to make sure their midfielder Sharaf Shiboub rejoins the team for the remaining matches in the Mainland Premier League.

Like many foreign players, Shiboub travelled to his native country, Sudan, when the top-flight was halted in mid-March owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

While some of their foreign players, including Francis Kahata (Kenya), Meddie Kagere (Rwanda), and Clatous Chama (Zambia), have reported to training ahead of the resumption of the league on Saturday, Shiboub is yet to arrive in Tanzania.

Simba information officer Haji Manara has now assured fans they are doing all they can to make sure the midfielder arrives from Sudan “even if it means using a long route”.

“In the next two days, the club will come up with appropriate plans to get him back to make the squad full and ready to retain the title,” Manara is quoted by Daily News.

“We already succeeded to bring back Clatous [Chama] from Zambia even though he had to first fly to Ethiopia before coming here. We will probably use similar methods for Shiboub.”

Manara has also predicted a tough competition between Simba players when the league resumes.

“As you know, we are heading to the end of the season hence some players whose contracts are nearing completion would like to seize the chance to showcase their potential to have their contracts extended,” Manara continued.

“I have already spoken with the team’s manager who has assured me that morale among the players is high than before and people should expect massive competitions in the upcoming matches.”

He further said the club will sign new players under instructions from their head coach Sven Vandenbroeck.

“From next month, we will start bringing new players at the club, who will be needed by the coach to make the squad stronger for the upcoming competitions,” added Manara.

Manara has also asked Simba fans to follow the rules set up by the government ahead of their first match against Ruvu Shooting at National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Simba will be seeking to win a third straight league title and will be home and dry when they get 12 points more.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) will miss the services of their forward Bernard Morrison when they take on Mwadui in a Mainland Premier League match on Saturday.

The Tanzanian top-flight is finally set to make a comeback after it was halted in mid-March owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ghanaian player, who signed for the Jangwani Street-side in 2019 after leaving Orlando Pirates of South Africa, was among the players who were supposed to accompany head coach Luc Eymael to Shinyanga for Saturday’s clash but was missing in action.

Instead, the Belgian coach travelled with striker David Molinga and they have already linked up with the rest of the squad as they prepare for the first match after the resumption.

A Yanga official has now confirmed Morrison will not be involved in the match owing to personal reasons.

“[Morrison] was supposed to travel with coach Eymael for Shinyanga but he missed out owing to personal issues and his position was taken by [Molinga], he will not be available to play on Saturday,” the source told Goal.

Apart from Morrison, Yanga will also miss the services of injured captain Papy Tshishimbi, Ally Ally, and Erick Kabamba.

Yanga information officer Hassan Bumbuli confirmed the absence of the three players but said they had a good enough squad to win the game in Shinyanga.

“Our captain [Tshishimbi] is still recovering from injury and the game has come too soon for him while Ally and Kabamba will be ready for our next match,” Bumbuli told reporters.

“We are happy our coach [Eymael] has finally linked up with the team, and can now take charge from Boniface Mkwasa, who was assisting while he was still in Belgium owing to the Covid-19.”

On arriving in Shinyanga, Eymael told Goal he is ready to lead Yanga to a respectable position and also make sure they win the FA Cup.

“I arrived a tired man having to travel to Germany and then to Ethiopia where we had a four-hour stopover before connecting to Dar es Salaam, it is the reason I did not travel to Shinyanga on Thursday,” Eymael told Goal.

“I know the fans are not happy because we lost the friendly against KMC but my target, for now, is to make sure we get a good finish in the remaining matches and also win the FA Cup.”

Yanga are currently third on the 20-team league table with 51 points, 20 points fewer than table-toppers Simba SC while Azam FC are placed in the second position with 54 points.

The match against Mwadui will be staged at Kambarage Stadium on Saturday.

Barcelona head coach Quique Setien has confirmed that both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are fit to start Sunday’s Primera Division encounter with Mallorca on Sunday, though he has warned that the latter is unlikely to play the duration of the encounter.

While Messi has had a minor muscular complaint in the build up to the fixture, Suarez has been sidelined since January because of knee surgery that was expected to end his season.

The Uruguay international, however, has benefitted from the coronavirus break, which saw football in Spain suspended for three months, with play only returning on Thursday as Sevilla defeated Real Betis 2-0.

Barca will return to action on Sunday, but they should be able to play with two of their key men, according to Setien.

“Suarez is ready to be a starter, but he will not be able to play for the full 90 minutes,” he indicated at a virtual press conference.

“We’ll not take risks with him after five months, but it will be good for him to play and he will need games to be as strong as before his injury.

“Messi is there to play, he is perfectly fine. He has trained well and there is no problem.”

Setien, meanwhile, admitted that there is a juggling act to be performed with who needs game time and who needs rested, with the remainder of the Primera Division schedule set to be played out over a period little longer than a month.

“Messi and many of these players know how to slow down when necessary,” the coach confirmed. “For some players, the longer they are on the pitch, the better.”

The former Betis boss thinks that his side are well primed to attack the last 11 matches of the season, with Barca holding a two-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the league.

“I think this break has been good for us, especially in everyone's mind,” he said.

“It has given us time for reflection and analysis that has been very good for us, but other teams have also been able to do that.

“Real Mallorca have been able to freshen up themselves to bring their best level. 

“There are many things that can happen. We'll see if we will be better or remain the same."

The Premier League has announced that players’ names will be replaced on the backs of their shirts with ‘Black Lives Matter’ for the first 12 matches after the suspension to the season while a logo for the movement will be present on every shirt until the end of the season.

There have been protests around the UK targeted at social inequality in recent weeks, mirroring those that erupted in the U.S. following the death of George Floyd.

England international Jadon Sancho offered his support to the cause while playing for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, but the Premier League has announced that there will be a concerted effort made from its clubs and players to stamp out racism.

In a statement on the League’s official website , it said: “Premier League players from all 20 clubs have made the following statement:

“’We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed. This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether.’

“The Premier League stands alongside players, clubs, The FA, EFL, PFA, LMA, PGMOL and all those who oppose discrimination in any form.

“The League supports the players’ wish to have their names replaced by Black Lives Matter on the back of their shirts for the first 12 matches of the restarted 2019/20 season.

“A Black Lives Matter logo will also feature on shirts for the remainder of the season, along with a badge thanking the NHS for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.

“In addition, the League will support players who "take a knee" before or during matches.

“The Premier League believes there is no room for racism, anywhere #NoRoomForRacism.”

Following a three-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic, professional football is set to return to England with Aston Villa’s clash with Sheffield United next Wednesday, which will be followed by Manchester City’s encounter against Arsenal later that night.

Liverpool stand on the cusp of winning the title for the first time in the Premier League era, with Jurgen Klopp’s men only needing six points to get over the line.

Adil Khan's career may have been affected by injuries in the past but the Goan footballer is happy to have been able to make a strong comeback.

The 31-year-old has had more than one long-term injury setbacks during his football career but experience has taught him how to take care of his body. 

The India international, during an Instagram live session with The Football Dugout, said, "I had an issue of haemoglobin for some time. I struggled for a month or two while at the academy. We had a U-17 national team camp, a coach was to come to the academy to select players and I was unlucky. Doctors told me not to play, said I might get a stroke (if I continued to play football). So I missed that camp due to that."

He further added, "Then I started building muscles and got to know what exactly bodyweight training is. I used to feel like throwing up when trying to take food and that is when the doctors found out."

The Hyderabad defender picked up another ligament injury in 2015 and made a strong comeback again to the national team. He has turned out to become one of the first names on the team sheet in recent years. 

"I struggled to come back after the ligament injury (in my fourth season at the Sesa academy). I signed for Sporting in I-League but my rehab after surgery was not great. There was a growth inside my knee that was troubling me so I went for another surgery. That growth had damaged my meniscus. After a proper rehab, I played in the I-League in 2010 for Sporting and then got called up to the national team. That was my first comeback.

"It was difficult for me to leave football because it is my passion. I continued, scored goals, got a national team call up and picked up injuries again. I didn't know how to maintain (my body), I was young at that time. Then I realised it doesn't work like that. You train, and you take rest, your body needs it."

Adil Khan has played for Delhi Dynamos and FC Pune City before signing for Hyderabad last season. Despite the Nizam's terrible ISL debut, Adil was still a vital cog of the squad. The Goan has no regrets about his injury-hit career as he has proved his mental strength by making a strong comeback. 

"I struggled with injuries. Coaches, owners gave up on me. It was difficult for me to manage all things being a young player. I didn't have enough experience but it got better. Whatever happened, happened for a reason and I made a comeback. No regrets."

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda says there is absolutely no reason why they should be losing to Gor Mahia during the Mashemeji Derbies.

AFC Leopards are yet to beat their arch-rivals Gor Mahia since 2016 and Nyayo Stadium is expected to host the two teams next season.

Shikanda believes Ingwe would have built a team capable of making the fans fill the stadium and cheer them to victory by then.

“You know the sky is the limit and blue and white [AFC Leopards' colours] are the sky's colours and the question is why should we be losing while blue is at the top and green [Gor Mahia's colours] is at the bottom?” Shikanda asked during an interview with NTV.

“For the past few years, we have let down our fans and Kenyan football because we have not paraded a team that can make fans fill the stadium. 

“We are building a team that we know is a young one. We only need to see it mature by bringing in two, three or four players so that when this Mashemeji fixture comes, we will have done the necessary.

“Let me tell you, in the next Mashemeji Derby both home and away, we are going to fill Nyayo National Stadium.

“As AFC Leopards, we have to prove a point because every time we meet as officials of the club and listen to what the fans tell us we have to build a team that will make them proud.”

Shikanda also explained how he would want to help write the club's history during his reign.

“I want to be remembered for laying down physical infrastructure and making AFC Leopards play the kind of football that is desirable for the fans,” added the former star.

“Fans want to be entertained in a football match and when one travels from Western Kenya to Nairobi or to Mombasa let him feel the value for his money.

“It is all about entertainment.”

The official also spoke about his coach Anthony Kimani and the controversies that surrounded the signing of Elvis Rupia and John Makwatta.

“He [Kimani] is a good coach, he motivates the players and has always asked the boys to rally behind the team. He has been fighting to see the badge is fought for as he knows the importance of AFC Leopards' badge,” he continued.

“Before [Elvis] Rupia signed for Wazito FC, I made an approach and told him the platform we will offer is worthy than the money Wazito will give. He declined my offer and joined Wazito.

“When I was signing [John] Makwatta, Gor Mahia were offering him KSh2 million in cash while I had KSh600,000 but I told him the platform I will give him is worth more than the two million Gor Mahia were offering. 

“He had the Gor Mahia cash but he came to AFC Leopards instead.”

Former Kenya international midfielder Peter Opiyo has claimed African football administrators are lagging behind compared to their European and Asian competition on matters relating infrastructure.

Opiyo has played for Finish clubs SJK, FF Jaro, Jakobstads BK, where he was on loan, Al-Markhiya of Qatar and Altyn Asyr of Turkmenistan before he signed for Nairobi City Stars in 2020.

“Football in Europe is very different compared to Asia and Africa. Europe is far much ahead, and the quality of the game is really high. Most teams play a very fast passing game and the infrastructure is top-notch,” Opiyo told Nation Sports.

“The Asians are slowing catching up but African administrators are lagging behind and have a lot to do.”

Opiyo joined the National Super League (NSL) 2019/20 champions and helped them fight their way back to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

“Joining City Stars was a very easy decision to make. I loved the vision of the President [Jonathan Jackson]. We have not achieved this [promotion to the Premier League] by fluke,” he added.

“Our team consists of a talented squad, hard-working coach supportive management, and some passionate fan base. With this, we stand a chance of competing in the Kenyan Premier League and causing some upset.”

The 2013 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup winner with the Harambee Stars also revealed what he plans to do when he finally retires.

“I practice farming. I would wish to be a football agent and use my contacts to help expose talents. I have also thought of working as a physical trainer,” explained Opiyo.

Meanwhile, Ulinzi Stars striker Enosh Ochieng has named some key people who have supported him in his career.

“My father [Tobias Abonga Barasa] is my number one fan. He supported me by buying anything I needed to play football," the Stars' 2018/19 lead scorer told The Star.

“I would frequently accompany him to social halls where we would both watch live transmissions of the English Premier League [EPL] matches on TV. He did all this out of his love for the game.”

“Emma [Awuor, the wife] has always been there for me. She’s always happy and encourages me a lot to continue working hard while reminding me that it’s only God who knows the destiny of every individual.

“She and my dad are my top fans.”

The former Muhoroni Youth forward is drawing his inspiration from Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.

The chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 and secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, has revealed football activities in Nigeria will remain shut down.

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has been suspended since March following the spread of the coronavirus pandemic to the country.

The government only recently eased lockdown in three of the most affected states in the country, Lagos, Abuja and Ogun, and limited social gathering to 20 people.

Nigeria is one of the most hit in Africa, having recorded more than 14,500 cases while 385 lives have been lost to the pandemic.  

The Bundesliga and La Liga have restarted while the Premier League is set to return on June 17 behind closed doors having put safety measures in place.

The SGF, however, feels allowing football to be played without the fans will take away the excitement but assured the government will make a decision based on the stats available.

“I’m not sure we are excited about opening sporting activities in our country, particularly soccer [football], which attracts large crowds,” Mustapha told the media.

“If our guidelines say large gatherings are banned and not to exceed 20 persons except places of work, I don’t see the excitement if we allow soccer to return to an empty stadium.

 “A lot of European countries where these games have started are big businesses and they are doing it carefully and gradually.

“We are not excited about allowing sports to return, we will get there, but for now, we are concerned with the few activities allowed to reopen.

“We will continue to review the situation, know how we are faring, study the situation and know what next to do based on data, science and peculiarity of our environment.”

Last month, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) stated the domestic league in the country will only resume when the government gives its approval.

Plateau United currently lead the NPFL table with 49 points from 25 games while Rivers United and Lobi Stars are second and third.

Adamawa United, Kwara United, Jigawa Golden Stars and Nasarawa United are in the relegation zone.

Ivan Rakitic is seeking clarity over his future at Barcelona amid ongoing rumours linking him with a summer move.

The Croatian midfielder was reportedly offered the chance to join Paris Saint-Germain last summer as part of a deal that would have seen Neymar return to Spain, and he is said to be a potential target for Italian sides Inter and Juventus.

The 32-year-old’s contract at Camp Nou expires in 2021 and he has lost his regular place in the first-team this season, having started just 10 of the 21 La Liga games in which he has featured.

Although he would prefer to stay with the Spanish giants for at least another year, he says he is open to other offers and hopes to have everything cleared up soon.

“I'm not angry with anyone, I still have a great relationship with everyone at the club and I'm incredibly grateful for the time so far at Barca," he told Sport1.

“It's just that after the long time I've been here, people talk to me openly about everything. 

“I want clarity in which direction it is going. I now feel that we want to take a common path. 

“I have no problem with the fact that there have been many headlines around my name in recent years. 

“I am always open to discussions with those responsible and prefer it to being told about it through third parties. 

“I am still very happy at Barca. My wife also feels very comfortable in Barcelona.”

He added: “I don't want to look too far ahead. The people at the club know that Barca is the perfect club for me.

“I always sign a contract with the intension of fulfilling it. I still want that and I want to feel needed at the club.

“[Staying at Barcelona] is the plan. With the coronavirus crisis going on, a lot will be new for us players and for the Spanish clubs.

“If something bothers you, you have to talk, but the idea is that I want to stay here longer.

“My head and heart are clear at Barca.”

Asked if he wants to see out the remainder of his career at Barcelona or return to the Bundesliga, the ex-Schalke star said: “I'm open to everything, but I don't want to look too far ahead.

“Now I want to enjoy the moment after the hard time with the coronavirus pandemic. Everyone who knows me knows how crazy I am about football.”

Great Olympics general manager Oloboi Commodore disagrees with a suggestion to have the Ghana captaincy rotated among players.

Former Black Stars coach James Kwasi Appiah, who led the team from 2017 to 2019, recently proposed that Ghana follows the likes of Brazil in recent times to move the armband around multiple men.

Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew is the current captain of the team, having assumed the role under controversial circumstances ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt last year.

"I disagree with Kwasi Appiah to say that our Black Stars captaincy should be rotated," Commodore stated on Wontumi Radio.

"Let's take Portugal as example, will they allow someone to captain the team ahead of [Cristiano] Ronaldo? If Brazil are doing that, then it's a bad practice and we should not emulate that.

"Andre is a cup-winning captain, he has won a trophy for the country and that alone gives him the mark but as for the national team let's see whether he could be a good captain too."

Only a month to the last continental gathering in Egypt, the Black Stars were engulfed in controversy as Asamoah Gyan - Ghana's leading striker - was stripped of the armband by Appiah in favour of Ayew.

The displeased Gyan and he did not take the decision lying down, as he sensationally announced his retirement from international duty, and would only rescind his stance following a plea by national president Nana Akufo-Addo.

“Sometimes this captaincy issue comes as a result of poor communication from management members or certain people trying to push their own agenda," Appiah told Happy FM.

“Looking at our current situation, I will propose we rotate the captain’s armband and also a general captain appointed to speak on behalf of the players.

"Brazil and other countries have made it work, so we can also emulate them.

“We should be careful or else this captaincy row can affect the national team for years to come."

Inter Milan ace Kwadwo Asamoah was named deputy skipper of the Black Stars ahead of Afcon but the defender has not been called up for national duty since the tournament.

Recent reports have linked Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey to the armband.
 

Asisat Oshoala has deepened the confusion around Gaelle Enganamouit's retirement reports by delivering a contrary statement, claiming the Cameroon star was "misquoted".

Cameroon's Enganamouit has been without a club since she mutually parted ways with Spanish side Malaga in April 2019 after a recurring injury since 2016 left her struggling for playing time.

On Tuesday, June 9, which was her 28th birthday, she took to social media to announce her retirement from football, writing the “End Thanks for all” after informing close friends.

Several media outfits, including Goal, reported the development, which was further confirmed by tributes from teammate Ajara Nchout and coach Alain Djeumfa, Fecafoot and its president Seidou Mbombo Njoya.

Fecafoot president Njoya on Wednesday said: “I pay tribute to Gaelle Enganamouit, an exceptional indomitable player and lioness, who has just retired from sport. 

"It made us live memorable moments and helped promote Cameroonian and African women's football."

While the Indomitable Lionesses star was declining to comment, Oshoala, who was her former teammate at Dalian Quanjian in China, took to social media to refute the retirement report.

"Hello everyone, I followed the post of my friend Gaelle Enganamouit and the interpretations which followed," she wrote on Twitter. 

"Unfortunately, her message was taken out of context. She is in great shape, as we all know that she is still very much young and far from retirement. Thank you all for your support."

The Cameroon international was last part Cameroon's squad for the 2019 Women's World Cup but did not feature as they reached the Round of 16 in France.

On the global stage, she scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for the Central Africans and helped the nation to two African Women's Cup of Nations finals, and starred in their first Olympic Games in London 2012.

She also shone in their first Women's World Cup in Canada, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Ecuador to become the first African to hit three in a Women's World Cup match in 2015.

At club level, the former Rosengard and Avaldsness striker hugged the headlines, scoring the fastest goal in women's football history in 2012, after two seconds, for Spartak Subotica in Serbia.

Enganamouit shone brightly at Eskilstuna United in Sweden, where she scored 24 goals in 41 appearances, winning the Swedish Damallsvenskan top scorer award with 18 goals in 2015.

Her exploits saw the Cameroonian named 2015 African Women's Player of the Year, and got her nominated for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award in 2016.

Arsene Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, has painted a stark picture for many lower league clubs in England, warning that they face a difficult fight for survival due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Arsenal manager, who attained legendary status with the Gunners after a stint with the north London side that lasted 19 years, is well versed in the make up of English football.

Having looked at the situation, Wenger holds no fear for clubs at the top level, but is concerned about those in the EFL system, where wages represent a huge proportion of turnover and clubs rely heavily on matchday income that will be denied to them when football returns after the pandemic stoppage as fixtures will be played behind closed doors.

“It is very concerning because we live in a world today which is mainly focused on regrouping the elite and you know well the cases in England,” he told BeIN Sports. “In England, the lower leagues are dying. The Premier League will survive, I don't worry about the Premier League.

“You worry more out of the 92 clubs you have 65 clubs that lose money and behind closed doors, if they open up the stadium they lose money to play the game. It is absolutely where football has to rethink, how we can help these clubs to survive.

“We need an elite but we need a basis that young players have a chance to play and where we have to get these people to survive.”

After the liquidation of Bury earlier this season, which means that League One has been played with 23 clubs, Wenger has forecast that many more clubs could potentially go to the wall.

“I believe so, there are too many clubs in trouble and there is not enough money there to help them enough to survive. Then you get to a stage where a club with some professional players will not be capable to be professional anymore and we will lose plenty of clubs,” he said.

Indeed, the financial picture for the game worldwide is a concerning one.

“We calculated that overall football will lose 20% of income, football let’s say can make £45 billion ($57bn) in turnover in the world. The loss will be £10-14 billion that is approximately the amount that football will lose,” he said.

“That means that if you look at the wage structure in most clubs it is between 60-80% of turnover. So that means only the player's wages can sort that problem out.

“I would say that it has made the weak clubs weaker and the strong clubs stronger.”

Barcelona head coach Quique Setien has held discussions with Arthur over the midfielder's future, but is counting on him for the remainder of the season.

Arthur has made 23 appearances in all competitions during a campaign that has seen him sidelined due to injury, though that has not stopped speculation that he could be on the move.

The Brazil international has been linked with a switch to Juventus, potentially with Miralem Pjanic moving in the opposite direction.

Setien refused to discuss rumours over the 23-year-old's long-term future at Camp Nou, instead making clear he remains part of his plans ahead of a return to La Liga action.

Barca face Real Mallorca on Saturday following a lengthy break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which is also set to have an impact on the transfer market as clubs deal with the financial ramifications of the health crisis.

"It is true that we have talked about something, but not too much," Setien said when asked about Arthur at his pre-match media conference on Friday.

"The current circumstances are different from the usual ones and will affect the market.

"As for the players, I am clear that all those who are currently in the squad, I count on them and I need everyone because there are going to be many games.

"On outside speculation, I choose not to speak."

Arthur made clear his desire to remain with Barcelona back in April; he was previously suggested as a transfer target for Inter.

In a statement sent to Mundo Deportivo , he said: "There will always be speculation but, sincerely, my idea is very clear. The only option that interests me is to continue at Barcelona.

"I'm very secure and relaxed. I feel really well here and, plus, I'm grateful to the club and technical staff for their confidence. This is yet another reason to be totally clear that my only desire is to continue."

Frederic Kanoute believes the future is bright for Samuel Chukwueze but urged him to work on becoming more decisive for Villarreal.

Having impressed for the Nigeria U17 team at the 2017 Fifa U17 World Cup in Chile, the Nigerian was signed by the La Liga side from Diamond Football Academy.

Chukwueze impressed for the Yellow Submarine’s reserves in the third tier and that led to his promotion to the senior team by manager Javi Calleja.

Since making his debut in a Europa League game against Rangers – coming in as a replacement for Nicola Sansone - the youngster has been a regular in the Villarreal squad which earned him a Super Eagles call-up.

Asked about how the 21-year-old must do to justify his ratings during a LaLiga conference, the Sevilla icon underlined the importance of him getting more goals and assists as well as working very hard.

“Football entails the technical part, the physical part, tactical part and mental part as well which are very important,” Kanoute told Goal.

“And if he works very seriously and keeps a high level of discipline and work ethics, I think he is a kid that can be very impressive in the coming months and years for LaLiga.

“So all depends on him in terms of work and dedication he is going to put into his work and if he becomes a little bit more decisive – I mean scoring a bit more goals and assists.

“At the end of the day, they are going to look at his stats because it doesn’t matter if he can do three stepovers and dribble people, but if he doesn’t have an impact in the game for his team, then it’s going to be very difficult.

“He will learn that because - he is still young and an interesting player and I wish him all the best.”

Before football activities were suspended owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, Chukwueze boasted of 26 LaLiga appearances so far this term with three goals to his credit – two goals short of his personal best achieved in the 2018-19 season.

Kanoute’s sentiment was shared by African football great Samuel Eto’o during his visit to Nigeria in March.

“He is an incredible player who is growing in leaps and bounds and it’s just a matter of time,” Eto’o told  Goal.

“He is a quality player and he needs to score more goals, but he has the quality and ability to be more than just a goalscoring forward. Once he gets all of that he will be top.”