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Lionel Messi's 21-year association with FC Barcelona came to an end on Thursday after the club announced that the Argentine won't be signing a new contract. In a statement released by the Catalan giants, they confirmed that the 34-year-old will leave the club this summer. 

The Argentine star's latest deal expired this summer but he was expected to commit to a new contract ahead of the new season. Messi was set to accept a deal that would see his weekly wage reduced by 50 per cent. But the club's financial situation made it impossible for them to register him for the new season without drastically reducing their wage bill. 

Messi is arguably the greatest player to have graced Barcelona. He appeared in 775 matches for Barcelona since making his debut in 2004 and scored 670 goals. Out of those 670 goals, 472 were scored in La Liga which is the all-time highest in the league's history.

The Argentine attacker has scored a total of 48 hat-tricks for Barcelona. He has scored the most number of hat-tricks in La Liga's history (36). In the UEFA Champions League, Messi has scored as many hat-tricks as Cristiano Ronaldo (eight).

Brazil is looking to defend its Olympics title on Saturday but faces a tricky task against Spain in the gold medal game in Tokyo.

Watch Brazil vs Spain on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

The 2016 champion is looking to win only the second men's football gold medal in its history, while Spain is also hoping for a second triumph, having last won the tournament in 1992.

Ahead of the game, Goal has the details of how to watch the men's Olympics soccer tournament on TV, how to stream online, team news and more.

TV channel, live stream and how to watch

In the United States, this year's Olympics soccer games can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV.

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

Team news and rosters

Richarlison is the current top scorer at the Olympics with five goals and has his sights set on the Golden Boot.

Matheus Cunha has two goals for Brazil so far in Tokyo, but Paulinho is the only other player to score on the roster as it has scored just one goal in the knockout stage.

Brazil needed penalties to defeat Mexico in the semi-final, winning 4-1 in the shootout to advance to the gold medal game.

Predicted Brazil starting XI: Santos; Arana, Carlos, Nino, Alves; Guimaraes, Luiz; Richarlison, Claudinho, Paulinho; Antony.

Unai Simon started in goal at the European Championship and remains between the posts for the Olympics. If he can keep a clean sheet in the final, he may beat Brazil goalkeeper Santos to the Golden Glove.

Pedri was also a member of the Euros squad and has played more than any other player in Europe since the start of last season.

Predicted Spain starting XI: Simon; Cucurella, Torres, Garcia, Gil; Zubimendi, Pedri, Merino; Asensio, Oyarzabal, Olmo.

Recent results

Mazatlan president Ricardo Salinas Pliego says Liga MX side could sign both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Teams are on alert as Messi has become available after Barcelona confirmed he will not sign a new deal and although Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as the favourites to land him, the Mexican side's chief is optimistic.

The president posted a poll on Twitter asking fans if his side should go after Messi or former player-turned-politician Cuauhtemoc Blanco this summer.

What has been said?

"I am thinking of inviting Messi to collaborate with Mazatlan," he wrote before sharing the survey.

When one sceptical follower expressed doubt that Mazatlan could get the Argentina star, Salinas Pliego replied: "I have plenty to bring Cristiano Ronaldo as well."

He then posted images from outside the club's stadium, adding: "They are already getting Lio Messi's jersey ready there at the Kraken. Such nerves!"

What is Mazatlan?

The club is based in the northwestern state of Sinaloa in Mexico and is owned by Salinas, one of the richest people in Mexico with a net worth of over $13 billion (£9.37b)/.

Mazatlan was only founded in 2020 after Monarcas Morelia relocated, making its Liga MX debut last season and finishing14th in the table in the Apertura campaign.

The team then came in 13th in the 2021 Clausura.

Benat San Jose's team is off to a good start this season, winning the first two games of the Apertura, beating Cruz Azul and Pachuca.

Further reading

Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden will be out for "a while", says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Foden left England duty on crutches as he missed the Euro 2020 final due to injury, while De Bruyne is also dealing with an injury suffered during the tournament with Belgium.

The England midfielder is expected to miss both the Community Shield and the start of the season, while De Bruyne may be back in time to face Tottenham in City's first Premier League game.

What did Guardiola say?

“Phil will be out for a while, a tough injury, we have to be careful with it," Guardiola said. 

"Kevin still is out. I think he will come back a bit sooner than Phil apparently. But both are still out for a while.”

Guardiola went on to say: “Today, the managers in the big clubs, there are many internationals – we cannot work. We are here to handle the team spirit as well as possible, that time when you have four or five weeks to prepare.

“Half of the team is out and we don’t complain. It’s a pleasure to play the Community Shield. I’m lucky in the sixth season and my players know what they’ve to do.

“So difficult, the schedule is crazy, so tough.”

Guardiola on Grealish

While Foden and De Bruyne are set to miss time, City have recently added another midfield star in Jack Grealish.

Upon his unveiling, Grealish revealed how excited he is to play alongside De Bruyne and Foden, saying that the former is up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among the world's best.

But Guardiola, who confirmed the club's interest in Harry Kane on Friday, says the former Aston Villa midfielder isn't quite ready to start as he'll need time to adjust to life at the club.

“He’s not ready to start - one week training alone - but he’ll travel and be on the bench and we’ll see what happens," Guardiola said.

“Normally top players adapt quick to physicality, he has to understand. Maybe I’m wrong and we cannot help him - but I’ve a feeling he knows what he has to do.”

Further reading

AFC Bournemouth manager Scott Parker has confirmed rejected offers from other clubs for the services of Arnaut Danjuma this summer.

The Nigeria-born star was not included in the matchday squad as the Cherries kicked off their 2021-22 Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Friday.

Danjuma is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool after he scored 17 goals in the second division last term and Bournemouth narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion in the play-offs

When asked if the 24-year-old will still be at the club by the end of the transfer window, Parker said per Tribal Football: “Well, I don't know about that. I can't commit to that.

"I think it's been well-documented, while we're in a transfer window, one of your best players, you understand you're vulnerable in that. We've rejected a bid from another club. I don't know whether that other club will come back, I don't know whether other clubs are around it. So I can't be committal on that.

"What I do know is that I'm going to take it as at this present moment in time, Arnie is our player. I want to do the best by Arnie, get him fit, get him up to speed and while he's here and while he's in our building, we will be using him."

Parker was immediately appointed as Bournemouth coach on a three-year deal after he departed Fulham in June.

The former England midfielder said he is looking forward to working with Danjuma at the Vitality Stadium following his recovery from a foot injury.

"Danjuma is back training. He's come back from the slight issue he's had with his foot," Parker continued.

"He's been back on the training field doing light work and then over the last couple of days has been back in with the team. So, positive on that sense. Hopefully there isn't a real reaction and we move forward.

"Arnie's a player of huge quality. I understand the position we're in, second season in the Championship, a little bit vulnerable: an offer may come that's acceptable to the football club and Arnie may not longer be here. But if he is here we have a player who can really help us in this division.

"We're going to need more, definitely. We all understand what financial pain Covid has brought to football clubs. But I think it's fair to say the squad will need a bit more in terms of depth for a relentless division."

In Danjuma's absence, Denmark international of Nigerian origin Philip Billing has stepped up with a goal in each of the Cherries' last two outings.

He scored the third goal in their 5-0 thrashing of MK Dons in the League Cup on July 31 before grabbing their second goal against West Brom on Friday.

Manchester United will no longer be available on Football Manager following a settlement between the club and games company Sega.

The Premier League club took legal action over the use of their name and logo in the game.

Instead of allow the issue to go to court, both sides have come to an agreement that will see the Old Trafford's club name changed in the game.

What has been said?

"Manchester United and Sega have agreed a settlement to amicably resolve their trade mark dispute relating to Football Manager," a statement on the game's website read.

"Both parties are pleased to resolve this matter to their mutual satisfaction."

Are Man Utd no longer in the game?

Players can still technically manage the Red Devils in the new edition of the game.

But instead their name will be changed, according to a post on Football Manager's official Twitter account. 

"From FM22 onwards, the Manchester United football club will be named ‘Manchester UFC’ or ‘Man UFC’," it said.

"These name changes have been made purely to settle the dispute on a no admissions basis.

"SEGA and Sports Interactive maintain that they do not need a licence to use the ‘Manchester United’ name but have made the change as a gesture of goodwill so that both parties can move on."

Has this happened before?

United are not the first team to demand they be taken out of Football Manager.

Last year's instalment of the game saw Juventus pulled out and renamed Zebre because the Serie A side had signed an exclusive deal with Konami.

Further reading

Toluca will look to keep their table-topping start to the new Liga MX campaign firing when they travel to face Club Tijuana at Estadio Caliente.

Watch Club Tijuana vs Toluca on fuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Los Diablos Rojos are two from two across the opening weeks of the new Apertura season and must now make the trip to take on Los Xolos, who are still looking for their first points.

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

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (US), Liga MX matches can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (watch with a 7-day free trial).

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

Team news & rosters

With two defeats in their first two games, Los Xolos will be relishing the return of Jonathan Orozco from Mexico duty at the Gold Cup - but this match might come too soon for his return to action.

Benny Diaz then will likely get the nod between the posts to start for the hosts, while Vladimir Lorona's Tokyo 2020 absence means Eduardo Tercero will likely fill in at right-back once more.

Predicted Club Tijuana starting XI:  Diaz; Tercero, Guzman, Rak, Lozoya; Ruiz, Pavez, Rivera; Barbona, Manotas, Castillo.

Los Diablos Rojos remain untroubled by the international scene, with no players on duty at either the Gold Cup or the Olympics - and a big win over Tigres last time out has showcased their credentials going forward.

After missing out on a start in his first two games, Michael Estrada could be in line to start up front, while Luis Manuel Garcia will remain the rock at the back for the visitors.

Predicted Toluca starting XI:  Garcia, Lopez, Ortega, Barbieri, Torres; Baeza, Vazquez; Sambueza, Castanesa, Canelo, Estrada.

Last five results

Head-to-head

Percy Tau has been heavily linked with the Brighton & Hove Albion exit door over the last week, with the South Africa forward rumoured to be attracting the interest of Egyptian giants and reigning continental champions Al Ahly.

On one hand, there’s logic behind the potential switch.

Tau appears to have lost his way in European football, having played a limited role for the Seagulls in their battle against the drop after returning from his loan deal midway through last season.

A switch to Ahly would also afford him a reunion with Pitso Mosimane, a coach who has meant more to his career than any other.

It was under Mosimane that Tau enjoyed his rise to prominence while the duo worked together at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The forward honed his craft under the South African forward, and was a PSL champion in 2014 and 2018.

He was also influential—in 2016—as the Brazilians conquered the continent and won the Caf Champions League for the first time in their history.

Mosimane and Tau stood together at the pinnacle of African football, sharing their career highlight together.

Since then, their fortunes have gone in different directions.

Mosimane moved to Ahly and has cemented his status as the most successful African coach on the planet, winning back-to-back Champions Leagues, impressing at the Club World Cup, and winning a swathe of other honours.

Tau, by contrast, secured his move to European football in 2018—signing for Brighton—but was unable to make his mark at the club due to work permit issues.

He’s subsequently represented the likes of Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge and Anderlecht on loan, but managed just three league appearances with the Seagulls last term after being recalled from his loan deal.

It was an overwhelmingly disappointing return for the forward, who had been tipped for great things by Brighton boss Graham Potter upon his return to the club.

“We’re pleased to be able to welcome Percy to the club and begin working with him," Potter told journalists. "I know he's a player whose progress many of our fans have followed in recent seasons.

“We too have closely monitored his performances in Belgium in the last three years,” he added. "He’s been playing at a really good level, particularly with Bruges and Anderlecht where he has been involved in the Champions League, and his next step is to show he is ready to make the transition into the Premier League.

“He brings some different attributes and qualities to the group and he wants to take the next step in his career.”

That, ultimately, didn’t happen, and Potter appeared strangely reluctant to throw Tau into the mix either when Brighton were still battling to stay in the division, or once their Premier League safety was secured.

While Potter was understanding about allowing Tau to represent South Africa in the Spring—risking quarantine in the process—he was unwilling to allow the forward to join David Notoane’s Olympic squad, with Brighton refusing to sanction his release.

This appeared to indicate that the Prem club were planning to integrate Tau more successfully into the side and make him a more prominent figure during the 2021-22 campaign.

Certainly, the Bafana forward appeared to believe that he was destined for big things this season—and the optimism was fuelled by his stunning goal against Luton Town in a recent friendly.

However, rumours of a move to Ahly—swelled by public acknowledgement from Pitso Mosimane—appear to kibosh any hopes of Tau finally making an impact in England.

It risks being a disastrous move for the forward who, at 27, really needs to be looking at leaving his lasting legacy in European football, not stepping down to a lesser environment.

He’s been made to wait so long to finally enjoy a full season at Brighton—and for both him and his supporters to find out if he can cut it at this level—then it would be a bitter disappointment for him to leave now and to never know if he could have been good enough for the top.

Admittedly, a move back to Egyptian football from Europe hasn’t been a death knell for the careers of the likes of Ahmed Hegazy or Ramadan Sobhi, but they were difference cases altogether, and Tau must resist the allure of a Mosimane reunion in order to make his case at Brighton.

If the Seagulls have decided that Tau isn’t the man for them—and this isn’t beyond the realms of possibility considering how he was overlooked by Potter last term—then he must seek a move to one of Europe’s bigger leagues, rather than stepping back to Africa so soon in his career.

Tau’s movement off the ball, his footwork, his technique, and his eye for goal, all set him apart as one of the continent’s most eye-catching widemen today, and a player who could have a lot to offer a team competing against some of Europe’s tougher defences.

A switch to Egypt, where there have been issues about player payment, crowds being able to attend games, and television rights, would represent a premature regressive step for a player who—let’s not forget—only left Africa three years ago.

Tau must give it at least five more months at Brighton—unless the club state otherwise—and assess his options in January.

By virtue of their upset victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup Final, Leicester City will have the honour of opening the incoming Premier League season.

The Community Shield is a weird little quirk of the traditional fixture calendar. No one is quite sure how seriously to take it: typically, for the bigger side, it is viewed before the fact as merely an extension of the preseason schedule, while for the weaker it is a legitimate chance at silverware.

Of course, based on the result, those outlooks can (and often do) switch around.

Manchester City, against whom the Foxes will strive, are always competitive, regardless of the circumstance. That’s what happens when you boast backup options most other clubs would fall over themselves to have as starters. Leicester, despite their impressive recruitment so far this summer, do not have quite the same depth.

Regardless of their differing estates though, both clubs will offer a glimpse into what the new season holds. Winning the Community Shield will not ultimately decide their destinies, but it should be fascinating nonetheless to see in what direction these sides are tending.

How soon is the Vardy-to-Daka torch-passing?

For Leicester, there are question marks at both ends of the pitch.

The signing of Patson Daka was an example of the sensible decision-making that has underpinned their rise. It is expected that he will, in time, replace Jamie Vardy as the leader of the line for the Foxes; getting him in now affords Brendan Rodgers the option of easing him into the responsibility.

The initial signs have been good though.

In Leicester’s 3-3 draw with Queens’ Park Rangers last weekend, the Zambian was electric after coming on for Vardy, scoring a goal and winning a penalty, which fellow substitute Kelechi Iheanacho converted, in just over half an hour of action. Both involvements showcased the searing acceleration that makes him so dangerous in the final third too, providing the Foxes with the menace they often lacked whenever Vardy was unavailable.

Indeed, considering the Englishman has himself failed to trouble the back of the net so far in preseason, it would not be a huge surprise to see Daka start against Manchester City.

It would be quite the statement of trust from Rodgers, of course, and it is worth noting that the 22-year-old has only started one preseason game so far: the goalless draw against Burton Albion. Still though, if the Shield is just a glorified friendly, then why not? It would, if nothing else, provide a verdict on the readiness of the former Salzburg man.

Ndidi at centre-back: wacky experiment or something more

The other point of intrigue lies with Wilfred Ndidi.

The Nigeria international’s influence on the club’s play is well documented by this point, and there remains the prospect that he could depart the King Power Stadium this summer still.

However, the purchase of Boubakary Soumare from Lille, as well as Rodgers seeming fascination with the idea of the 24-year-old as a centre-back, suggest there could be a different remit for Ndidi this season...particularly in light of Wesley Fofana's latest injury setback.

The tough-tackling midfielder featured in defence on a couple of occasions last season, with mixed-to-negative results. (The two legs against Burnley were particularly instructive as to the success of the idea). Against QPR, he was again deployed in the back three.

While it might simply be a temporary measure to account for the absences of Johnny Evans and Timothy Castagne, it is a little more difficult to explain using him there ahead of actual centre-backs like Daniel Amartey and Filip Benkovic in preseason.

Ndidi is no stranger to playing centre-back, of course; he played there at youth level for Nigeria, only converting to a defensive midfield role when he moved to Genk. Could it be that Rodgers has a bee in his bonnet about this? Or is it simply a matter of convenience?

Whichever the case is, the Community Shield should offer some insight into the Leicester boss’ thinking, as well as its viability at a decent level.

What do Grealish rumours mean for Mahrez?

Among his prospective tormentors in the late Wembley afternoon will be winger Riyad Mahrez.

Gradually, the Algeria international has won Pep Guardiola’s trust at Manchester City. Last season, he earned 39 starts, up from 28 and 35 in his first two seasons at the Etihad, and now looks to have gained a fuller understanding of what the Spaniard requires of him tactically.

He would no doubt have expected to push on even more and stamp his personality on this City side. However, the club’s signing of Jack Grealish puts the pressure back on.

If the Aston Villa man comes in either as an advanced central midfielder or as a left winger, it would see both Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden become direct competitor’s for that right wing spot Mahrez seemed to have made his own.

It is also worth noting that the former Leicester man is now, at 30, nominally on a downward trajectory physically. However, a strong performance in the Community Shield would send a message to Guardiola, as well as to the other competitors, who have both yet to feature in preseason due to extended post-Euros breaks.

Mahrez gets a head start, essentially; his ability to seize it could really set the tone for the upcoming season.

Kaizer Chiefs striker Samir Nurkovic’s agent Dajan Simac has disclosed that Al Ahly are interested in his client and that Amakhosi are also open to selling him. 

The Serbian marksman is one of the top strikers on the continent having played a key role in helping the Soweto giants reach the 2020/21 Caf Champions League final, where they lost to Al Ahly. 

Egyptian giants Al Ahly were credited with an interest in Nurkovic in the early stages of the 2020/21 season, but the reports of interest cooled off during the campaign.

Simac has now confirmed that Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane, who was in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns between 2012 and 2020, is interested in Nurkovic although a transfer would be impossible at the moment. 

“Pitso is interested but it’s not realistic [that Nurkovic can join Ahly] at the moment. There are many other clubs who’re interested but at the moment we’ve nothing on the table [in terms of official offers],’’ Simac told Sowetan.

“I think in the next two weeks something is going to happen. I have also talked with Bobby [Motaung - Chiefs football manager] and he’s not a greedy guy.

"He said to me ‘listen, I’d be happy if Samir stays but when we have an offer that satisfies us, then we’re going to listen’.

"We’re all patient.’’

Simac did indicate that Nurkovic will not push for a move away from the Naturena-based giants with his current deal with the club set to expire at the end of June 2022. 

“Samir is really comfortable… he likes to continue playing for Chiefs. He’s not pushing me. I am his agent, so he could say ‘hey listen I want to move’, but no, he’s not doing that,’’ he said.

“I spoke to him today [yesterday], telling him that let’s wait. I have made him aware that he must focus on his job at Chiefs and he’s willing to do that. If the move happens, it happens and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”

The player-manager went on to state that his client enjoys playing under Stuart Baxter, who was reappointed Chiefs in June this year. 

“New coach Baxter and Samir have a very good relationship. When Baxter arrived, Samir’s performance changed for the better compared to under previous coach Gavin Hunt,’’ the Croatian added.

Nurkovic has hit the back of the net 20 times from 63 appearances across all competitions for Chiefs since joining the club from Slovakian club KFC Komarno in July 2019.

Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku is eyeing a winning start to the Ligue 1 season which gets underway on Friday.

At Stade de la Meinau, the Racers are set to open their campaign with a home clash against Angers on Sunday.

It is one of three home matches in waiting for Julien Stephan’s outfit in August, their only away fixture set against Paris Saint Germain on matchday two.

“These last two years, we have not started the season very well. We will play three home games during the month of August. It’s up to us to take as many points as possible,” Djiku said at the pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

“The coach wants us to establish our forward play and counter-pressing. He arrived with his playing plans. We have to have fun and keep going.

“Angers are a rough team that makes few mistakes. They have a solid and experienced central defence with [Romain] Thomas and [Ismael] Traore.”

With the last meeting between the two sides ending in a 0-0 draw at Stade de la Meinau, Strasbourg will be hoping the return of their fans, following a coronavirus-forced absence, spurs them to victory this time around.

Last term, the Racers won only four of 19 home matches, drawing five other games and losing 10.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to have the fans back again. We can’t wait to play in a full stadium. We saw last year, without them we were in trouble,” Djiku remarked.

Ahead of the new season, the Ghanaian has been heavily linked with a possible move away from Strasbourg, with fellow Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennes and La Liga fold Cadiz mentioned as possible destinations.

The transfer speculation has been fuelled by his fine performances last term, where he made 30 league appearances, involving 29 starts.

“I want to be as consistent as possible. I want to perform well throughout the season by helping the team to be as strong as possible,” the 26-year-old added.

In September, Djiku is expected to join Ghana’s squad for their 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Ethiopia and South Africa.

Jean Kouassi scored a goal as Wuhan Zall settled for a 1-1 draw with Tianjin Tigers in Friday’s Chinese Super League clash.

The Cote d’Ivoire international gave his team an early lead in the keenly contested affair.

Nonetheless, a temporary loss of concentration saw the visiting side grab an equaliser as the match ended on a no winner no vanquished note.

Heading into the Chinese elite division clash staged at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre, the Tigers had gone on a miserable run of four matches which ended in defeats.

On the part of the hosts, they have failed to record any win in their last 12 games across all competitions.

From the very blast of referee Jingyuan Jin’s whistle, Wuhan Zall began the Chinese top-flight fixture on a blistering note as they dominated ball possession while the Tigers preferred to defend.

Their ascendency paid off in the 16th minute after Ivorian star Kouassi put the ball past goalkeeper Fang Jingqi, thanks to an assist from Chinese defender Zhao Honglue.

That effort was the 26-year-old African’s fifth strike in the ongoing 2021-22 campaign.

They almost doubled their advantage a few minutes later, however, Anderson Lopes could not connect to a cross from Li Hang.

On the stroke of half-time, the visitors levelled matters through Ba Dun having been teed up by Piao Taoyu.

In the second half, both teams attacked brilliantly but neither team could not get the much-needed winner as they picked up a point each.

Former Hajduk Split and Shanghai SIPG star Kouassi was in action from start to finish for Li Xiaopeng’s men.

With this result, Wuhan ar in the sixth position of Chinese Super League Group B after garnering seven points from 11 matches played so far.

For Tianjin Tigers, they sit at the base of the log with six points from the same number of outings.

Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo's return to Manchester United after their outing at the 2020 Olympic Games is unknown, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The duo played a part in the Elephants' unsuccessful campaign in the men's football event in Tokyo.

Diallo provided an assist that helped Franck Kessie score the winning goal in their 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in the group stage while Bailly opened the scoring in their 5-2 defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals.

The duo are back in Manchester following their trip to Japan but they are expected to undergo mandatory quarantine in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Ahead of their last pre-season friendly match against Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday, the Norwegian boss gave an update on Bailly and Diallo.

“Yes of course when you go into these tournaments during pre-season it’s always difficult,” Solskjaer told the club's website.

“I don’t know exactly the day they’ll be back with us after the quarantine, but they’ll be ready and better off for playing these games.”

Ivory Coast were eliminated in the last-eight stage with Brazil and Spain set to battle in the final on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will begin their 2021-22 Premier League season against newly-promoted Leeds United on August 14.

Following the arrival of Jadon Sancho last month, Solskjaer stated that the club will sit with Diallo to discuss his future for the new season.

"We think about every single player and the club's best pathway – what’s best for this season, what’s best for the future. Amad's enjoying the Olympics and we’ll sit down towards the end of the window to see how we are," the Norwegian coach said. 

“Of course, with Elanga, a decision on him is a big one. There’s Marcus and his injury status, so we’ll make a decision on Amad when he comes back and sit down with him.” 

The 19-year-old signed a five-year deal from Atalanta in January. 

According to reports, Bailly - who recently signed a three-year contract extension - is expected to seek clarification with the club management to discuss his future with the imminent arrival of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

Florian Thauvin's move to Mexican side Tigres will help boost Liga MX's reputation in Europe, says Santos Laguna centre-back Matheus Doria.

France international Thauvin joined Tigres UANL from Marseille this summer, signing a five-year deal.

The switch reunites the 28-year-old with Andre-Pierre Gignac, who joined the Liga MX team from Marseille six years ago.

What has been said?

Fellow ex-Marseille man Doria is happy to see another European player choose Mexico and believes that the stream of players making such moves will only benefit the league.  

"Many people [in Europe] have the wrong idea, they say the Mexican League is easy, but you see that there are several players who came from Europe and it cost them a lot," Doria, who could come up against Thauvin when the two sides meet this weekend, told Medio Tiempo.

"The level is good, the league is fast, dynamic, it is fierce on the pitch and I think Flo [Thauvin] has many conditions. He has already tried it and he has the characteristics that people like here in Mexico and I think it will go well for him."

He added: "Gignac already tried it in Mexico and Flo, a player that already tried everywhere in the world and has potential, was a world champion, will contribute to the league.

"I'm happy to be able to play against them and hopefully I can go out with victory and make jokes with them.

"It is good that they are in Mexico and that the people of Europe see a different view of Liga MX, which has players, not as they say."

Which other Europeans moved to Mexico?

Thauvin is just the latest in a long line of players who have been swayed by Mexican clubs in recent years.

Jeremy Menez is another compatriot who chose a similar path, joining Club America in 2018 before returning to France the following year.

France Under 20 international Timothee Kolodziejczak and Algeria striker Andy Delort both spells at Tigres before returning to Ligue 1.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United talent Ravel Morrison had a year on loan at Atlas, joining from Lazio in 2017.

Plus ex-Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen moved to Monterrey two years ago and has 21 goals from 65 games to his name.

Further reading

SuperSport United head coach Kaitano Tembo has revealed pre-season concerns about two of his players, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Gamphani Lungu, ahead of the start of the new season next weekend.

According to the coach, Ditlhokwe will miss the season opener after engaging in the Cosafa Cup. Lungu was part of Zambia's contingent in the regional tournament, but the coach did not reveal whether he would be available for the PSL first game.

"After our last game against Chippa United, Ditlhokwe went straight to Botswana camp to prepare for the Cosafa and so he was never given a resting period, especially for someone who played week in and week out. I thought they would try and manage him a little bit better, but we can not control that because it is difficult," Tembo told the media.

"Lungu also went to camp with Zambia but the good thing is that he did not go further in the tournament and that allowed us to give more days to refresh. That is the only setback but now they are back in the fold and we are trying to integrate them into our culture. 

"Sometimes when players go, they do different things, but when they come back, we always try to bring them back into the squad and make sure they understand how we do things

"I am quite happy they are here now. Unfortunately,  Ditlhokwe will miss the first game of the season. We will give him a little more time to rest."

Tembo also explained how their pre-season programmes have been running even when they are missing players who were part of the U23 South Africa team in Tokyo. Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams and Luke Fleurs are the players who took part in the global competition.

"The Olympic guys came back on Saturday, so I gave them four days to try and recuperate and spend time with the families," he added.

"You know it will be a long season and we are preparing not just for the first game. What is important is their recovery, they need to be fresh in order for them to avoid injuries.

"Look, the preparations have been going on well even though we did not have a complete squad for different reasons. We had three players who were participating in the Olympic Games while Lungu and  Ditlhokwe were participating in the Cosafa Cup.
 
"They delayed them from joining the team and they only came last week and the Olympic guys joined this week but we are quite happy with what we have done especially working on the players' mental toughness, physical conditioning, tactical and technical issues and playing friendly games. 
 
"We have also assessed some young players that we feel will be part of the first team next season. It gave us time to assess them and see where they are."

SuperSport United will face Golden Arrows on August 14 in the MTN8 quarter-final encounter.

Manchester United have been dealt a massive blow with striker Marcus Rashford set to miss the start of the season as he undergoes shoulder surgery.

The 23-year-old had a busy summer with England at Euro 2020, but the Red Devils will have to begin their club season without him.

Goal has what you need to know about how long Rashford could be out for and what games he is set to miss.

Why is Rashford injured?

Rashford is currently recovering from surgery, having dealt with a muscle tear in his shoulder since November 2020.

The England international had been struggling with various issues for the better part of two years and the shoulder operation should help him in the long-term.

What has been said? 

Manchester United confirmed the decision for Rashford to undergo surgery in July, with the statement reading: “Following consultation between Marcus, the manager, club medical staff and specialists, Marcus will undergo surgery imminently to resolve his shoulder injury. He will now focus on his rehabilitation in order to return as soon as possible."

Rashford himself posted on his social media, saying: "To guarantee I can play this game as long as possible I need to listen to my body. Everyone has an opinion but no one knows my body better than me.

"Physically my 100% just wasn't possible [without surgery].

"It's been a hard one but I'm coming back physically and mentally stronger. Thank you for all of the kind messages."

When will Rashford be fit again?

Rashford was meant to return to the club for pre-season training in July after a three-week break after the conclusion of Euro 2020, but he will now miss the start of the season.

Man Utd did not confirm a return date for the forward, but his surgery means that he will likely be out of action until October.

It means he could miss up to seven Premier League games for the Red Devils, but could be fit in time to face rivals Liverpool on October 23 at Old Trafford.

The Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures have not been announced yet, as appropriate draws still need to take place to determine the schedule, but Rashford is set to miss out on some European group stage action.

Games that Rashford could miss

Singer Ed Sheeran has been included in Ipswich's squad list for the 2021-22 season.

The 30-year-old Grammy Award winning singer has been given the No. 17 jersey by the League One side and will be included in the official team photo for the season.

Sheeran is an Ipswich supporter and is also the main shirt sponsor for both the men's and women's teams. 

What did Sheeran say?

“This is bonkers really, isn’t it! When Ipswich told me I thought they were joking but I love the idea," Sheeran told the club's website.

“I think this is going be a great season and I’m honoured to be a part of it.

"I just hope this squad number is only ceremonial because I want to see us promoted and that’s not going to happen if I’m playing!"

Why did Ipswich include Sheeran in the squad list?

The club's CEO Mark Ashton explained that they came up with the idea after seeing the singer wear the No. 17 shirt in a TikTok concert this summer.

"Having Ed involved is fantastic for the football club," he said.

"We saw pictures of him wearing the 17 shirt when he was at the club to perform his Euro 2020 TikTok concert so Paul and I spoke about it and we agreed to offer Ed the chance of that squad number.

"It’s our way of thanking him for his support and we look forward to welcoming him to Portman Road this season."

Further reading