Manchester City faced Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup, and fans eagerly anticipated Kevin De Bruyne’s return. Despite the optimism surrounding his comeback, De Bruyne was not even on the bench for the match. Journalist Joe Bray from the Manchester Evening News clarified that there was no setback; rather, it was a strategic decision to keep De Bruyne out of the game and focus on his participation in training. As Manchester City arrived in Saudi Arabia, De Bruyne had finally returned to training, prompting joy among fans. Expectations of his immediate eligibility for selection were dashed when…
Author: hepcnomads.com.ng
In the Carabao Cup match between Chelsea and Newcastle United on Wednesday night, concerns arose as Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernandez was substituted off after only 30 minutes, raising the possibility of another injury setback for the Blues during the holiday period. Initially positioned in the center alongside Moises Caicedo for the quarterfinal clash, Fernandez’s early exit prompted Mauricio Pochettino to bring on Armando Broja. The abrupt substitution fueled worries about potential injury troubles for Chelsea, a team already grappling with various fitness concerns. Reports from Sky Sports indicated that Fernandez was not feeling well, and after being taken off, he…
Newcastle United faces a potential setback ahead of their League Cup quarterfinal clash with Chelsea on Tuesday, with key players Fabian Schar and Joelinton nursing injuries sustained in the recent victory over Fulham. Manager Eddie Howe is working to assemble the strongest possible team for the crucial encounter. In a press conference on Monday, Howe provided updates on Schar and Joelinton, noting that while scans didn’t reveal anything “too bad,” their availability remained uncertain. Expressing the significance of potentially missing Schar, Howe stated, “To miss Fabby would be a big blow.” Additionally, striker Alexander Isak sat out the Fulham game…
Today, Manchester City’s pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta gained momentum as the Brazilian delivered a stellar performance against Wolves, showcasing his brilliance in a 3-0 victory. Linked with a potential move to City, Paqueta’s impact was evident as he played a pivotal role in all three goals. Despite City dropping points in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace yesterday, Paqueta’s standout performance for West Ham captured the attention of City fans. The disappointing result for City has raised concerns among supporters, prompting speculation about potential moves in the January transfer market. Paqueta’s display against Wolves was described…
Real Madrid and Chelsea continue to express interest in acquiring the services of Kylian Mbappe. Despite persistent rumors surrounding Mbappe’s future at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and his reluctance to sign a contract extension last summer, both Real Madrid and Chelsea remain keen on securing the French sensation. While Liverpool has reportedly reconsidered pursuing Mbappe, Real Madrid appears to be the frontrunner for his potential destination, although Chelsea’s financial strength could give them a competitive edge. Even as Mbappe has committed to staying in Paris for the current season, the allure of top European clubs persists. Real Madrid, a long-envisioned destination…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has raised the possibility of midfielder Kalvin Phillips leaving the club in January to secure regular first-team football. The 28-year-old England international, who joined City from Leeds for £42 million 18 months ago, has struggled to secure a consistent spot in Guardiola’s lineup. Guardiola acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the January transfer market, emphasizing that his focus remains on the current squad. However, he hinted at potential changes if the midfield options become limited, especially in the absence of Rodri due to injury or suspension. While Guardiola expressed uncertainty about Phillips’ future at City, last week,…
Pep Guardiola’s frustration is palpable as Manchester City’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, according to pundit Neil Lennon. Lennon, who provided commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live during the Etihad Stadium clash, pinpointed Guardiola’s likely discontent with his team’s inability to secure a clean sheet. The match witnessed City take a 2-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis. However, the defensive resilience expected from a team of City’s caliber crumbled when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the net for Palace. The frustration peaked as Michael Olise’s late penalty secured a draw for…
Manchester City’s failure to secure a victory and the subsequent 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace is primarily attributed to their own mistakes, with Rico Lewis asserting that the team has no one else to blame. Despite Jack Grealish and Lewis providing a two-goal lead, Crystal Palace managed to make a comeback through Jean-Phillippe Mateta’s penalty on the 76th minute and Michael Olise’s 95th-minute spot kick. The defensive vulnerabilities of Manchester City are evident as they have conceded 12 goals in their last six games, raising concerns about their ability to maintain solidity at the back. The draw against Crystal Palace…
The head of the Saudi Pro League, Michael Emenalo, has expressed interest in acquiring Manchester City’s midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, for a potential move to Saudi Arabia. During the summer transfer window, numerous European players, including Riyad Mahrez, made transfers to clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Now, Emenalo, a prominent figure in the league, has identified De Bruyne as a significant target for a potential arrival in the Middle East. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Emenalo discussed the caliber of players who have joined the Saudi Pro League and expressed openness to considering high-profile players like Mo…
Manchester City is set to assess Erling Haaland’s condition on Friday, but Pep Guardiola casts doubt on his readiness for the Club World Cup due to a recent foot injury. Haaland missed the last two games and skipped the Champions League clash in Belgrade, opting for treatment in Marbella before returning to the club. Guardiola acknowledges the severity of Haaland’s injury and suggests a swift return is unlikely. While the Norwegian striker is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia with the team for the Club World Cup, City plans to let Haaland decide when he feels fit to play. Guardiola,…