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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reveals his thoughts on the 2023 Ballon d'Or award after being asked to choose between Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson is facing three months on the sidelines with manager Jurgen Klopp admitting the defender’s pending shoulder surgery will be “a big loss” for the club. The Scotland captain sustained the problem on international duty against Spain but having been assessed on his return to Merseyside the club have decided an operation is the best solution – even if it means the 29-year-old faces a lengthy absence. “There is a little chance we could try without but talking to pretty much all experts it looks like surgery will be the best thing, especially in the long term definitely, and that means he is out for a while,” said Klopp. “You only see the real extent of injury when you have a look into it, like properly open (up the shoulder) and fix it – but my experience tells me around about three months. “That is a shoulder (injury), usually not a lot of times you say it was earlier but Robbo is a quick healer, that is true. “In this specific case we have to make sure the shoulder structure is stable, because the moment the boy starts all the normal contact stuff again the player has to be ready for that. “I don’t exactly when, but next Wednesday (or whenever he has the operation) we will know more. “In my experience you can train pretty quickly again but not football-specific because you have to be careful of challenges and all these kind of things so he will be out for a while. It is a big loss.” Robertson has played every minute of all eight Premier League matches this season and has been ultra-reliable for Klopp, having missed just five matches in 275 appearances in more than six years for the club. He is out for a while Jurgen Klopp on Andy Robertson It means the Scot’s back-up Kostas Tsimikas, who has made 65 appearances in just over three seasons and many of those as a substitute, could make only his second appearance in a Merseyside derby on Saturday. Other alternatives are the predominantly right-sided Joe Gomez, who has more experience, and 19-year-old Luke Chambers, whose only first team appearance was as an 89th-minute substitute in last month’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester. On the significance of Tsimikas being ready, Klopp added: “It always was like this. “Thank God it is not only Kostas we have for that because for the amount of games we have we would already be a bit short. “But we have Joe Gomez who can play the position, Luke Chambers and other young boys who show up in training quite frequently. “There is a lot of talent in there so you need options and that is clear. Kostas is definitely the most experienced in the position but he cannot play all the games from now on so we need other options as well and we have to make sure we make all of them.” Klopp could also field a midfield with no derby experience – Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all arrived in the summer – but the Reds boss does not believe that is a concern. “It is a special game no doubt but a high pressure game and they all played them. Macca played the World Cup with Argentina, Dom played Serbia recently in a super-important, high-pressure game so they are all used to the kind of game,” he added. “The exact game, not, but I cannot show them a movie of derbies and say that is how they should be. I don’t think we have to make it too big.” Liverpool have lost just one of the last 18 matches against their closest rivals – the behind-closed-doors one at Anfield in the Covid era in February 2021 – but Klopp is not thinking about their record. “It is rather uncomfortable if you tell me about my good record because it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We try to make sure we don’t think about these things but make sure we are ready, we understand the importance of the game and can’t remember one moment when I said ‘weekend derby’ and enjoyed this thought.” Read More Roy Hodgson sympathises with Newcastle over Sandro Tonali betting investigation Mauricio Pochettino believes Mikel Arteta is ‘one of the best’ ahead of London derby New state-of-the-art Bradford venue can help take barriers down, says ECB chief Pep Guardiola believes both Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi deserve Ballon d’Or Tottenham reveal Rodrigo Bentancur injury update as key midfielder nears return Victor Lindelof ready despite ‘exhausting’ experience with Sweden – Erik ten Hag

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson admitted he “feels sorry” for opponents Newcastle, who could lose summer signing Sandro Tonali to a lengthy ban depending on the outcome of an investigation into alleged betting offences. Eddie Howe on Friday confirmed his midfielder, who joined in a £55million move from AC Milan this summer, would be available for Saturday’s contest, where the injury-plagued Eagles will be boosted by the return of several key players. While Hodgson initially claimed not to have “any reaction at all” to the news Tonali could feature, he subsequently expressed some empathy surrounding the situation still unfolding at St James’ Park. He said: “It’s nothing to do with me. One way or the other, I feel sorry for him, I feel sorry for Newcastle facing this situation. “It must be a bitter blow to sign somebody that you believe in as much as they obviously do believe in Sandro Tonali, and then to find after paying a lot of money that maybe you can’t use him for a long period of time. “That must be a very difficult situation for Eddie Howe and [sporting director] Dan Ashworth, for the club to deal with. But it doesn’t affect us one way or the other, if Newcastle want to play him then good luck to him. If they decide they don’t, then that’s their decision.” Howe has already vowed that Tonali, who is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity, has a future at his club. Plans are in place for the Premier League to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of teams’ matchday shirts from the start of the 2026-2027 season, though it is understood betting companies will still be allowed to advertise on sleeves. The Eagles previously had a gambling company, W88, as their shirt-front sponsor but signed a multi-year deal with car company Cinch ahead of last season. Hodgson’s men still wear a betting brand on their sleeves, however, after the club announced a deal with Asian sportsbooks brand Kaiyun Sports in May. Hodgson said: “We know that gambling is a problem in our society, and we don’t really help it in sport because we promote betting. “I think it’s a problem that we should take more seriously perhaps than we have done. We’ve certainly made big strides with drugs, with alcohol, maybe gambling and betting will be the next subject to take on because I’m not just talking football, now I’m talking about society in general. Footballers still sometimes get caught up in it, and unfortunately for them when they do get caught up for it the punishments are very strict Roy Hodgson “So it’s not surprising with all the problems that gambling does bring to our society that footballers still sometimes get caught up in it, and unfortunately for them when they do the punishments are very strict.” Perhaps no one welcomed the international break as much as Hodgson, who had two more players, Jeffrey Schlupp and Jairo Riedewald, forced off in their goalless draw with Nottingham Forest last time out. The Palace boss should see midfield duo Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucoure return to his matchday squad this weekend alongside 19-year-old Brazilian summer signing Matheus Franca, healthy for the first time this season, though it is still too soon for Schlupp and long-term casualties Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze. Defender James Tomkins is now out with a calf injury. Read More Mikel Arteta showing he is ‘one of the best’ – Mauricio Pochettino New state-of-the-art Bradford venue can help take barriers down, says ECB chief Pep Guardiola believes both Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi deserve Ballon d’Or Tottenham reveal Rodrigo Bentancur injury update as key midfielder nears return Victor Lindelof ready despite ‘exhausting’ experience with Sweden – Erik ten Hag Jack Harrison says working with Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa has boosted him

Mauricio Pochettino highlighted his respect for Mikel Arteta and believes the Arsenal manager is “one of the best in the world”. Chelsea boss Pochettino faces off with his former Paris Saint-Germain team-mate for the first time on the touchline when the Blues host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. And the Argentinian lauded Arteta, who took Arsenal to a second-placed finish last season, and is not surprised by the Gunners boss’ success since becoming a manager in 2019. “We respect Arsenal, they are a great team,” Pochettino said. “They have Mikel (Arteta) who is part of my family. It’s going to be tough because they’re doing a great job with a great squad, they are a contender to win everything, the Premier League and the Champions League. “It does not surprise me with what he’s doing. He’s great, he’s really young, he’s improving every day and he can be one of the greatest managers in the world. I’m going to be proud to see him. “I think when you are a coach at Arsenal and the team is showing what they are showing it’s because you are one of the best.” Arsenal failed to finish in the top four during Arteta’s first three seasons prior to their title challenge last season, finishing eighth in both 2019-20 and 2020-21 and fifth the following season. And Pochettino credited Arsenal for showing their faith in Arteta and highlighted the strong relationship between club and manager which has allowed them to “fight for big things.” “At the beginning for him it was really tough. For maybe a year it was tough but it was a good thing that they put trust in him,” Pochettino added. “They gave him all the tools and really believed that he was able to rebuild. “I think you have to give credit to the club and Mikel because they have created a bond between each other which is really class and now the results after three or four years (have improved) and now at Arsenal they are fighting for big things.” Right-back Malo Gusto is in contention to start for Chelsea after he served a three-game suspension for a sending-off against Aston Villa. And Pochettino is happy with the new signing’s progress after he replaced Reece James in the XI after the Chelsea captain picked up a hamstring injury in August. Pochettino said: “I think he is really young but he is also really talented. Tomorrow he has the possibility to play. “It is difficult to judge because he is 19 years old and came from France and he needs time to adapt to a club like Chelsea where the history is to win and it’s not just about competing. “We are happy, we believe in him but give him time because I know he will perform in the way we believe he can. “He’s going to be good for the club for sure.” Pochettino said James’ availability will be assessed ahead of Saturday. Read More Jurgen Klopp knows Liverpool must shoulder the burden of Andy Robertson’s injury Roy Hodgson sympathises with Newcastle over Sandro Tonali betting investigation New state-of-the-art Bradford venue can help take barriers down, says ECB chief Pep Guardiola believes both Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi deserve Ballon d’Or Tottenham reveal Rodrigo Bentancur injury update as key midfielder nears return Victor Lindelof ready despite ‘exhausting’ experience with Sweden – Erik ten Hag

Pep Guardiola claims Erling Haaland deserves to win the Ballon d’Or – but so does Lionel Messi. Haaland has been nominated for the coveted prize after scoring 52 goals in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign. Yet City boss Guardiola has always maintained his former Barcelona talisman, who inspired Argentina to World Cup success in 2022, is the best player he has ever coached. Guardiola said: “I always said that the Ballon d’Or had to be of two sections – one for Messi and one for the others. “Haaland should win. We won the treble because he scored 52 goals but, of course, Messi – his worst season is the best of most players. Both deserve it. “Egotistically, I would say I want Erling because he helped us to achieve what we achieved, I would love it, but I won’t tell you it’s unfair if Leo wins. “It’s nice that many players for Man City will be there for the first time in many years and challenging for these trophies. That makes us so proud for our organisation.” Champions City are hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend after losing their two matches prior to the international break to Wolves and Arsenal. They face a tough challenge, however, with Brighton the visitors to the Etihad Stadium, and Guardiola has been highly impressed by their performances under manager Roberto De Zerbi. Guardiola said: “He’s converting Brighton into a top club. (Alexis) Mac Allister and (Levi) Colwill have gone but they continue to play at a good level. “Last season was really good too. They qualified for Europe and but for some decisions against them in the last games they could fight to be champions. “It is one of the toughest tests we have this season and we are going to try and go for it.” City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled for game time under Guardiola, this week admitted he needs to play more at club level to retain his place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024. That has increased speculation he could leave in January and Guardiola, speaking at a press conference on Friday, did not rule out that possibility. He said: “The transfer window is over, now we are here together. When we need a game with transitions or games with something with chaos Kalvin is perfect. “When there is something you need to do, there are still one or two players who can do it better. That’s the simple reason. “He will be here until winter. After, I don’t know what will happen because nobody knows once the window is open.” Guardiola admitted it was “so important” Rodri returned this weekend after the influential Spain midfielder was sorely missed during his recent suspension. Rodri incurred a three-match ban after being sent off following a confrontation with Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month. Guardiola said: “Rodri has to learn. We have to control our emotions and stand up and go. I’m pretty sure he will learn.” Read More Tottenham reveal Rodrigo Bentancur injury update as key midfielder nears return Victor Lindelof ready despite ‘exhausting’ experience with Sweden – Erik ten Hag Jack Harrison says working with Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa has boosted him Tom Curry counting on experience against South Africa for World Cup semi-final The World Cup final beckons: talking points ahead of England-South Africa Mikel Arteta hails career-long support of ‘big brother’ Mauricio Pochettino

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said Victor Lindelof had been “exhausted” but was ready to play in Saturday’s match at Sheffield United after his distressing experience in Belgium earlier in the week. Lindelof captained the Sweden side whose Euro 2024 qualifier against Belgium in Brussels on Monday was abandoned at half-time after two Swedish fans were shot dead before the game and another injured three miles from the King Baudouin Stadium. Ten Hag told a press conference on Friday: “A terrible situation, and I feel really sad for the victims, for all the relatives, family, friends of the victims in Brussels. It’s a crazy world. “Of course Victor, they had a problem, it’s a bad experience. As captain of the Swedish team, he had to stay in front and give statements. But he dealt well with it. “Of course he’s exhausted after this experience because also he didn’t sleep overnight. He returned, and yesterday he was back in training. He dealt with the situation. “Our thoughts once again were with Victor, with the victims and the victims’ relatives. Victor has energy and is ready to play this game.” United head into the match at Bramall Lane amid considerable talk about their ownership situation, with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim last weekend understood to have ended his attempt to buy the club, while INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly looking to purchase a 25 per cent stake. When asked about that situation, Ten Hag said he was “not involved in this”, adding: “Others in the club are dealing with this. “I am focusing on my team, on the coming block (of games), and I am focusing on the most important priority, the next game – it’s all about that.” In their last outing before the international break, United – currently 10th in the Premier League table – appeared set for a seventh defeat of the season in all competitions, and third in eight days, before a stoppage-time double from Scott McTominay secured them a 2-1 home win over Brentford. The visitors had taken the lead in the first half through Mathias Jensen in what was another questionable moment for Andre Onana, the goalkeeper signed from Inter Milan in the summer. While Ten Hag says Onana has to “step up”, he has reiterated his belief that the Cameroon international will come good and pointed to the example of some of United’s past goalkeepers. “He knows, we know, he will do much better and as every player who’s coming into the Premier League, you need an integration period, but he has to step up,” Ten Hag said. “Also, big United keepers like Peter Schmeichel, David De Gea, also they started not too good, and I think for Andre it is good to know a little bit from the history. “But we live now, we live in the future, and he has to make his future by giving better performances – and he will do, I’m sure. “He already showed that so many times in big clubs like Barcelona, when he was young, Ajax, Inter Milan, he was in the semi-finals and final of the Champions League. He’s a great player, and I’m sure he will give us performances and I’m sure we will have a lot of joy with him.” United have Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon available for the clash with the bottom-of-the-table Blades after injury lay-offs, and Sofyan Amrabat, despite him not being involved for Morocco during the international break. Jonny Evans, who sustained a knock while playing for Northern Ireland, also appears to be in contention – but Casemiro has been ruled out by an injury sustained on Brazil duty that Ten Hag has said is “not too bad”. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka remain sidelined while Jadon Sancho has been training away from the first team, with the club having said that is “pending resolution of a squad discipline issue”. Asked if there was any change to Sancho’s situation, Ten Hag said: “Everything has been said about it.” Read More Rodrigo Bentancur back in full training but weeks away from Tottenham return Jack Harrison says working with Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa has boosted him Tom Curry counting on experience against South Africa for World Cup semi-final The World Cup final beckons: talking points ahead of England-South Africa Mikel Arteta hails career-long support of ‘big brother’ Mauricio Pochettino Emma Raducanu to keep ‘provoking and asking questions’ of coaches on her return

Andy Robertson is likely to miss the rest of 2023 as he is set to undergo surgery on his injured shoulder. The Liverpool left-back will sit out Saturday’s Merseyside derby along with November’s trip to champions Manchester City and big December games against Manchester United and Arsenal. Robertson was injured in Scotland’s 2-0 defeat to Spain and missed their 4-1 loss to France on Tuesday. He is also set to sit out their last two Euro 2024 qualifiers, though Steve Clarke’s side have already booked their place in Germany next summer. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes it is in Robertson’s interest to go under the knife, explaining: “I think we go towards surgery. There is a little chance we could try without but talking to pretty much all experts it looks like surgery will be the best thing, particularly in the long term and that means he is out for a while. In my experience you can train pretty quickly again but not football specific so he will be out for a while.” Kostas Tsimikas, who signed a new contract in September, is likely to stand in for Robertson. The Greece international has only played four minutes in the Premier League so far this season. Joe Gomez and Luke Chambers are other alternatives Klopp namechecked and he added: “We need options and Kostas is definitely the most experienced but he cannot play all the games from now on.” Liverpool will be without the suspended Curtis Jones but Diogo Jota is available again after serving a one-match ban for his red card against Tottenham. Cody Gakpo faces a race against time to be fit after missing the draw with Brighton. The Netherlands forward is back in training. Read More Andy Robertson faces shoulder surgery and long lay-off Goalkeeper Liam Kelly says Scotland debut was “the best moment” of his life How Scotland qualified for Euro 2024 – and why Germany will be different

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Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is set for a long spell on the sidelines as he is to have surgery on a shoulder injury. The Scotland captain sustained the problem on international duty but having been assessed on his return to Merseyside the club have decided an operation is the best solution. “There is a little bit there, I think the decision is we go towards surgery,” said manager Jurgen Klopp. “There is a little chance we could try without but talking to pretty much all experts it looks like surgery will be the best thing, especially in the long term definitely, and that means he is out for a while. “I don’t know exactly how long but it is shoulder surgery so not exactly an easy one. “In my experience you can train pretty quickly again but not football-specific because you have to be careful of challenges and all these kind of things so he will be out for a while.” Read More Rodrigo Bentancur back in full training but weeks away from Tottenham return Jack Harrison says working with Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa has boosted him Tom Curry counting on experience against South Africa for World Cup semi-final

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The Jacksonville Jaguars played with their food a bit on Thursday Night Football and allowed the New Orleans Saints to erase a 15-point deficit. With the score

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