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Arsenal have confirmed that Hector Bellerin sustained a serious knee injury during the Chelsea clash on Saturday and will therefore be sidelined for between six and nine months.

The Spaniard, making his first start since mid-December, went down in pain under no contact and it was clearly more than just a knock. He was stretchered off and will undergo surgery for the injury in the coming days, however his rehabilitation is expected to consume the remainder of the season.

Bellerin’s misery may be matched by that of Unai Emery, who has consequently been left short of quality options at right-back – Stephan Lichtsteiner is past it, Carl Jenkinson isn’t good enough and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, while full of potential, isn’t a natural defender.

Look away Arsenal fans! American Soccer Fan is back to troll more fans at the London Stadium in the video above…

The 23-year-old’s huge setback took the glint off an otherwise perfect 90 minutes from the Gunners, who were excellent from back to front as they emerged 2-0 victors over their London rivals, with Laurent Koscielny and Alexandre Lacazette getting on the scoresheet.

Despite being a bit of a scapegoat for Arsenal in previous years, Bellerin has come a long way under Emery – he has chalked up five assists this season, according to Transfermarkt – however his bad luck means he won’t be able to contribute any further to the Spaniard’s first season.

Here’s how the Emirates Stadium faithful reacted to the news on Twitter…

Leeds United could finally get rid of Tyler Roberts by signing Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz.

What’s the story?

According to Chilean publication Red Gol, Marcelo Bielsa was interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer, and reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that is still the case now ahead of the January transfer window.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT in recent days about the rumours surrounding the Chile international, journalist Pete O’Rourke has said: “The thing for Blackburn fans is, although he is out of contract at the end of the season, they do have an option on his contract. I’m sure they will take that up.

“So no need to panic for Blackburn Rovers. But you look at Blackburn, third in the Championship table and with Brereton Diaz scoring the goals, they could be going for promotion right now.

“So if they were to win promotion, it would only enhance their chances of keeping Brereton Diaz.”

The end for Roberts

Wales international Roberts has endured a nightmare start to the top-flight campaign thus far, scoring just once and providing only one assist for Leeds, and he has quite a dismal record of just nine goals in 103 games for the club.

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has previously insisted that the Welshman hasn’t shown enough in the Premier League to convince Bielsa that he’s cut out for this level – he managed just one goal in 27 top-flight appearances last season, and even that came in the penultimate game against Southampton.

Abgonlahor said: “For me, he is not good enough for Leeds or Premier League level. He has some decent touches and gets in good positions, but his passing and decision-making keeps letting him down.

“It must be frustrating to watch for Leeds fans as moves keep breaking down when Roberts is on the ball. It’s shocking how often that happens. I don’t see him as the answer for Leeds, even though Marcelo Bielsa has a lot of faith in him.”

In Brereton Diaz, Leeds could sign someone who is similarly versatile to Roberts in that he can play through the middle on his own, out wide or just behind a central striker.

Dubbed a “wonderful talent” by his manager Tony Mowbray, the 22-year-old enjoyed his most prolific campaign to date in the Championship with Blackburn last term, bagging seven goals and providing five assists in 40 league games.

This season has seen him net a whopping 19 goals in just 23 league games, firing Rovers well into the hunt for an automatic promotion spot in the Championship.

While the Chile international seems to be on the up in terms of his career, Roberts appears to be on the decline, and it seems like the perfect time for the Whites to finally axe the Welshman.

The forward signed by Thomas Christiansen could finally be offloaded with the prospective signing of the £9m-rated Brereton Diaz.

Meanwhile, Victor Orta could solve a big issue at Leeds by signing this colossus…

Shelley Nitschke top scored for Australia with 44 and grabbed two wickets to seal their second consecutive win, as they beat South Africa by 24 runs in St Kitts

Cricinfo staff07-May-2010Australia women 155 (Nitschke 44, Poulton 39, Loubser 3-22) beat South Africa women 131 for 7 (du Preez 53, Nitschke 2-21) by 24 runs
Scorecard
Mignon du Preez’s half-century was in vain•Getty ImagesShelley Nitschke top scored for Australia with 44 and grabbed two wickets to seal their second consecutive win, as they beat South Africa by 24 runs in St Kitts to qualify for the semi-final. Nitschke struck seven fours in her 32-ball knock and was supported by Leah Poulton (39), with whom she added 58 for the second wicket in quick time. From a comfortable situation at 101 for 2 in the 12th over, Australia slid to be bowled out for 155 after seamer Shabnim Ismail and offspinner Sunette Loubser bagged three wickets each.The South African reply began in encouraging fashion with the openers adding 33 but a three-wicket burst from Australia in the middle overs proved decisive. South Africa were 70 for 2 in the 13th over and still in with a chance but went on to lose the next three wickets for six runs, which hurt their prospects. Mignon du Preez remained unbeaten on 53, smacking four fours and two sixes, but her side fell significantly short to lose two games in a row.

Real Madrid have been forced to wear last season's away kit for their clash with Valencia on Saturday – here's why.

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Real to wear last season's away kitPlaying Valencia on the roadCan extend lead at top of La LigaWHAT HAPPENED?

Real face Valencia on Saturday night and will hope to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points with a victory. However, they have been forced to raid the wardrobe and find last season's away kit to wear during the game, due to a bizarre coincidence.

AdvertisementTHE EXPLANATION

Real are wearing their purple away kit because both their away and third kits this season match the black Valencia shorts and socks. As a result, because their home kit is white, as is Valencia's, they have been forced into the remarkable step of wearing last season's strip instead.

Getty Images DID YOU KNOW?

Real won the reverse fixture in thumping fashion, as they ran out 5-1 winners at the Bernabeu, thanks to a pair of braces from Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, and a strike from Dani Carvajal. They will be out to repeat the trick this weekend.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

After facing Valencia, Real are back in Champions League action against RB Leipzig on Wednesday in the second leg of their round of 16 tie. Real have a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Stuart Barnes, the Bangladesh A coach, said that his side’s dismal performance at the Shafi Darashah tournament was down to the lack of first-class exposure

Mohammad Isam12-Aug-2012Stuart Barnes, the Bangladesh A coach, has said that his side’s dismal performance at the Shafi Darashah tournament was down to the lack of first-class exposure. Barnes, however, avoided commenting on the drama that surrounded the captain Shahriar Nafees being sent back home due to misconduct before the third group game in Bangalore.The second-string Bangladesh side started off the four-day competition on a positive note when they drew the opening game against Baroda Cricket Association XI but lost the other two group games – against KSCA Colts by five wickets and KSCA XI by 155 runs – to be eliminated from the group stage.Barnes had ten international cricketers at his disposal, which included seven who have played Tests for Bangladesh. But the players showed their lack of first-class match experience, failing to grind it out over a period of four days.”What I saw in India reflected the number of one-day matches compared to four-day matches that the players play here [in Bangladesh],” Barnes told ESPNcricinfo. “The batsmen need patience, discipline, and be mentally tough enough to be within their batting plan because their job is to bat all day. But in order to get to that point where they need to know how to bat all day, they need to practice it in matches domestically.””I was impressed with one or two aspects because it was clear to me that some were trying to do things differently. But the probability said that, because of the number of one-day matches that they play here, they weren’t just going to be able to switch to the different skill-set needed for four-day cricket. It was disappointing not to win any games but that was a fair reflection that they don’t know how to play the longer game yet.”One of the weaknesses that Bangladesh batsmen showed consistently during the tour, according to Barnes, was against offspin bowling. Bangladesh lost half of their wickets to offspinners. “We lost in different wickets, for different reasons. We lost 49% of our total wickets to off-spin, which surprised me initially but when you look at it closely, there aren’t many off-spinners in Bangladesh. The only difference in the wicket was the offspinner managing to get more bounce. We lost for skill reasons more than anything else,” he said.Doubts were raised about the atmosphere in the dressing room after the captain, Nafees, was sent back in the middle of the tour. Barnes, who was involved in the decision-making, did not comment on the issue. During the second game, Nafees had expressed his anger towards the Umpires after his dismissal, later to be warned by the match referee.”It’s important to have an environment that encourages players to learn, and not just about skills but about playing in different parts of the world. That incident was unfortunate but I won’t speak about it until I talk to my board directors here,” Barnes said.According to newspaper reports, some players also showed dissent towards the trainer during the A team’s camp in Khulna before they headed to India, but the team management didn’t inform the BCB nor take any disciplinary actions. “I had quite a big squad to work with in Khulna. My job as coach is to challenge players, observe how they react to being challenged. I’ve mentioned before that I’m very keen on fitness to improve but that doesn’t happen in a one-day series. I experienced different reactions of players to all my challenges. I am thick-skinned and it was just interesting to see how they react. I didn’t take anything personally. I’m looking for players who think on their feet quickly,” he said.The 42-year-old Englishman was impressed with Mominul Haque, Naeem Islam, Shahadat Hossain and Enamul Haque Jr for trying to take a different approach while batting. He told the batsmen that with their high strike-rates in first-class cricket, all they need to do is bat a little bit longer to increase their batting averages.”I honestly believe every player wants success. But the question is what the success looks like to them individually. Is it to improve their batting average over the next two years, by five runs. What I stressed to all the batters, their strike-rates suggest that if they bat another 20 balls per innings, their average would go up very easily. I believe players are motivated by different reasons,” he said.Bangladesh A’s next assignment is against the West Indies High Performance team in September. They will play a four-day game, three one-day matches and two Twenty20 games.

An insider at Tottenham Hotspur has now dropped some insight on their new signing Charlie Sayers.

The Lowdown: Sayers signs

As confirmed on Tuesday afternoon on the official website of the Spurs faithful, Sayers has now joined the Academy from Southend United on a scholarship programme.

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The North London club were reportedly ‘impressed’ with the young left-back, who has spent the last few weeks on trial with them, as per Lilywhites insider John Wenham.

He had played in six matches for Southend in the National League earlier this season, before making his debut for THFC’s U18s (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Wenham on Sayers

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham has now given some insight into Sayers, and claims that he could be promoted to the U23s soon:

“I knew he was going to sign as soon as he captained the Under 18s last week.

“We wouldn’t have given him the armband if he was still on trial.

“From what I understand he’s already trained with the Under 23s as well.

“Everything else I have heard about him is really exciting. He’s already played for Southend’s senior side.

“He can carry that experience into the Under 18s and he will be looking at a space in the Under 23s too.

“Dennis Cirkin left and joined Sunderland in the summer and we haven’t replaced him.

“So, is there a chance for him to go even further straight away? I wouldn’t rule it out.

“This is a really exciting move and I can’t wait to follow Sayers’ development.”

The Verdict: Bright future

The fact that he is only 17 years of age and could be promoted to the U23s already suggests that Sayers has a bright future on his hands.

Having already played senior football with Southend, he would have learned a lot from his experience, and playing in those physical games will only speed up his development.

If the Englishman can now impress with the U23s as well as the U18s, he should certainly catch the eye of Antonio Conte, who could use some cover for Sergio Reguilon at left-back, given that Ben Davies has been playing as a central defender in his new system.

Nonetheless, Sayers is a player that you can see coming through the Academy and into the senior squad at a later date.

In other news, find out which ‘unique’ ace could be leaving Tottenham in January here!

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has dropped an injury update concerning Pascal Struijk.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Whites’ trip to Manchester City on Tuesday evening, the 66-year-old Leeds manager revealed that, despite recovering from a hip injury, the 22-year-old missed the 3-2 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday with a fresh injury to his knee – something that will keep the former Netherlands youth international sidelined this evening.

On the current condition of Struijk, Bielsa said: “He’s not going to be available. Pascal’s injury is not very frequent. An explosive movement made two bones in his feet collide together.

“That does not generate an injury, nor an articulation or muscular. It has the effect of a knock on his bone. That generates pain. Until that pain disappears it’s going to prevent him from playing. Sincerely, in my whole career, I have never seen an injury like that.”

Fans will be terrified

Considering that Struijk is becoming an increasingly important player within Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad at Elland Road, coupled with the fact that the Whites are currently in the midst of a rather severe injury crisis, the news that the defender will once again be out of action against the reigning Premier League champions on Tuesday night will undoubtedly terrify fans of the club.

Indeed, over his 12 league appearances so far this season, the £8.1m-rated man has made an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 1.4 clearances and has won 3.8 duels per game.

These returns have seen the centre-back average a SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him as Bielsa’s 14th-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, with fellow centre-backs Robin Koch and Liam Cooper also currently out of action due to injury, as well as defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips, Bielsa has once again been left with very limited options in the heart of his defence for the trip to the Eithad, something that does not bode well whatsoever for Leeds’ chances of getting anything out of the game.

In other news: Bielsa must now unleash “predatorial” £16.5k-p/w LUFC dynamo, he’d give Pep nightmares

How to watch Celtic vs Rangers in the Scottish Premiership in the US as well as kick-off time and team news.

Celticwill host Rangersin a top-of-the-table clash in theScottish Premiership on Saturday.

Watch Celtic vs Rangers live on Fubo today!

The hosts have already claimed two victories in the Old Firm derby this season and Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou is gunning for a third one. They have won their last 15 matches across all competitions and have been in sublime form since the new year.

They currently lead the table by nine points and another victory over the weekend would be a giant stride towards lifting the championship. They boast of a perfect record at home, winning all 15 matches at Parkhead, and are the favourites in the derby this time around.

Meanwhile, Rangers continue to chase their arch-rivals and despite winning their last 10 league matches, they are still lagging behind in the title race. Although a win would reduce the deficit, they will not have their fortunes in their hands. It will be a tough afternoon at Parkhead as there will be no away fans in the stands following a mutual agreement between the two clubs.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the US as well as how to stream live online.

Getty ImagesKick-off timeGame:Celtic vs RangersDate:April 8, 2023Kick-off:8:30 am EDTVenue:Celtic Park

The game is scheduled for April 8, 2023, at Celtic Park. It will kick off at 8:30 am EDT in the US.

AdvertisementGettyHow to watch Celtic vs Rangers online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.N/A

CBS Sports Network, Fubo

In the United States (US) it will be available for streaming via CBS Sports Network and Fubo.

GettyTeam news & squadsCeltic team news

Celtic will miss Liel Abada, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston with injuries whereas, Reo Hatate remains doubtful as he is nursing a hamstring problem.

However, they will be boosted with the return of Aaron Mooy and Greg Taylor.

Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, and Daizen Maeda are likely to form a three-man attack.

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

Hart, Bain, Siegrist, Hazard

Defenders

Jenz, Carter-Vickers, Bernabei, Juranovic, Kobayashi. Montgomery, Taylor

Midfielders

Mooy, Turnbull, Abildgaard, O'Riley, Robertson, McGregor, McCarthy.

Forwards

Furuhashi, Maeda, Jota

Rangers team news

Rangers also have a few injury issues and will miss Kemar Roofe, Tom Lawrence, Steven Davis, Filip Helander and Nnamdi Ofoborh.

However, Nicolas Raskin might recover in time to make it to the matchday squad.

Allan McGregor will keep his place in goal and will be shielded by a back four of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic.

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

McGregor, McCrorie, K. Wright, McLaughlin

Defenders

Tavernier, Goldson, Barisic, King, Devine, Davies, Yilmaz.

Midfielders

Lundstram, Hagi, Jack, Matondo, Kamara, Sands, S. Wright, McCann, Arfield, Lowry, Tillman, Cantwell, Raskin

Forwards

Colak, Kent, Morelos, Sakala.

Head-to-head record

Date Result Competition

26/02/2023Rangers 1-2 CelticLeague Cup02/01/2023Rangers 2-2 CelticPremiership03/09/2022Celtic 4-0 RangersPremiership01/05/2022Celtic 1-1 RangersPremiership17/04/2022Celtic 1-2 RangersFA CupENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty ImagesUseful links

Celtic team page

Live soccer on TV in the U.S.

Rangers team page

Only one player from outside Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund makes the top 20, but who are the best options for your Ultimate Team this year?

Getty20Leon Goretzka – Bayern Munich – CM – 84The now 24-year-old Goretzka rather burst onto the FUT scene back in 2018 with a slew of special cards, and he hasn't looked back since. Another slight upgrade this season sees one of the most balanced midfielders in the game get even better. With only six in-game stats below 75, standing at 6'2" with a 4* weak foot, expect Goretzka to be in every other team you face this year.AdvertisementGetty Images19Kingsley Coman – Bayern Munich – LM – 84Another of the young players expected to lead Bayern into a bright future, wing wizard Coman's slight upgrade this year suggests he's on the right track. Plenty will be annoyed to see his skill moves drop down to 4* but with pace to burn and excellent dribbling stats, he's still going to be dangerous.Getty18Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund – RM – 84The saviour of English football started last season as a silver card, but he's now going to be one of the most dangerous widemen in the game. Plenty of pace, incredible dribbling stats, 5* skill moves and a 4* weak foot, plus he was born in the year 2000 so the existential crisis he'll trigger in older opponents will give you a psychological edge. ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty17Julian Brandt – Borussia Dortmund – CAM – 84This is a very nicely well-rounded card. An upgrade after last year's Team of the Season and a switch infield from the wing means Brandt feels like a brand new player, and he looks like a perfect attacking fulcrum. Lanky, with 4* skill moves and weak foot and good creative and attacking stats across the board, he looks an excellent option behind your strikers.

Goals from Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero sealed victory for La Albiceleste in their final game of the 2022-23 season

An Argentina team missing Lionel Messi laboured to a 2-0 friendly victory over Indonesia on Monday.The world champions stroked the ball around without much resistance from the off, but were blunt in front of goal. However, La Albiceleste would enter the interval 1-0 up thanks to a long-range stunner from Leandro Paredes.

Indonesia, currently 149th in the FIFA world rankings, did not go down without a fight, though. On the stroke of half-time, Emiliano Martinez was called into a reaction stop to prevent Ivar Jenner grabbing an equaliser from close range, while Elkan Baggott's looping header drew an even better save from the goalkeeper.

Argentina reasserted control in the 55th minute, when Cristian Romero rose high to nod home Giovani Lo Celso's whipped corner. They saw the game out fairly comfortably from there, with Pratama Arhan's long throws only sporadically giving them something to think about.

GOAL rates Argentina's players from the showpiece friendly at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

Not entirely absent from the action. The Aston Villa man was forced into one decent save on the stroke of half-time and had to stretch to keep Baggott's header out. A fine display.

Nahuel Molina (6/10):

Got up to support attacks constantly. Was beaten once, but he was otherwise solid.

Cristian Romero (7/10):

Even in this lowest-of-stakes friendly, his love for the physical side of the game shone through. He didn't give Indonesia's forwards an inch and scored a powerful header.

German Pezzella (6/10):

Wasn't as involved as his defensive partner, but nothing too worrying.

Facundo Medina (6/10):

Potentially the most comfortable afternoon he'll ever have in his career. Spent the majority of the game camped out in the Indonesia half before being subbed with a clean sheet secured.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Exequiel Palacios (6/10):

Laid off Paredes for his stunning opener. A few good moments, but the least involved of his side's starting midfielders.

Leandro Paredes (8/10):

Began strongly and capped off a fine first half with an unstoppable strike into the top corner that would have beaten any goalkeeper. His side's pass-master throughout.

Giovani Lo Celso (7/10):

Busy in the opening exchanges and provided the corner that Romero crashed home with his head.

Getty ImagesAttack

Nicolas Gonzalez (4/10):

A little disappointing. Wasn't involved enough and was replaced by Garnacho.

Julian Alvarez (5/10):

Fluffed two straightforward chances in the first half. Faded after the break.

Facundo Buonanotte (5/10):

Handed his international debut. Showed quick feet to round the keeper before the break, but couldn't score.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):

Tried to forced his way into the game, but very little came off for him. On the end of one crunching tackle that would have had Manchester United fans holding their collective breath.

Marcos Acuna (6/10):

On the ball a lot after coming on.

Lucas Ocampos (5/10):

Not a great deal to report.

Guido Rodriguez, Thiago Almada & Giovanni Simeone (N/A):
Padded their cap collections with a five-minute cameos.

Lionel Scaloni (6/10):

Shuffled his pack a little and the performances of Paredes and Lo Celso will have given him something to think about going forward. The capacity crowd in attendance certainly sounded like they enjoyed the World Cup holders coming to town, too.