HOTTEST
THE CHAMPIONSHIP is the most exciting league in the world – and Sky Sports are showing more of it than ever this season. And even if you’re not a Sky subscriber there are other options available for fans to watch midweek and Bank Holiday fixtures if you can’t make it to a game. Leeds are […] More
AdvertisementContinue reading the main storySupported byContinue reading the main storyQuestions Mount for a French Soccer Federation in CrisisNike, the federation’s biggest sponsor, and European soccer’s governing body have contacted the federation about a scandal involving a young player at its elite academy.Noël Le Graët, the president of the French soccer federation, with the organization’s director general, Florence Hardouin.Credit…Miguel Medina/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesBy More
THE heavyweight rematch of the year is merely days away! Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury go toe-to-toe once again as they battle it out in Las Vegas for the WBC heavyweight crown. The world will be watching when Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury battle againCredit: AFP or licensors More than a year on from their […] More
ANDY CARROLL has offered to play centre-back for Newcastle when they face Brighton tomorrow.
The ex-Liverpool and West Ham striker has shaken off a hamstring injury to be fit for the clash at the Amex.1
Andy Carroll has offered to play centre-back for Newcastle amid an injury crisis at centre-back
But with the Magpies suffering an injury crisis in the centre of defence, Carroll has put his name forward to cover at the back.
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said: “He’s okay. He could play.
“Andy reminded me he has played centre-half before!
“It was a long, long time ago. I think he started as a left-back.“So Andy looks okay for Monday.”
Newcastle will be without centre-backs Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune against Brighton.That leaves just Federico Fernandez as Newcastle’s only senior centre-half.
Bruce acknowledged he may have to use right-back Emil Krafth in the middle.As well as their four missing centre-backs, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Paul Dummett and Allan Saint-Maximin are all doubtful.
“Most people accept you’re going to have one or two or three [injuries], but seven or eight is a huge number,” Bruce added.
“But we have to get on with it.“We knew there were going to be difficulties ahead, but not to this severity.
“We’ve had probably too many, so we will look and I will ask the question: ‘Is there anything we can do to improve?’
“We’ve had far too many, especially when we’re playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday – we can’t seem to cope.”Newcastle fan holds ‘Savage is a w*****’ sign live on BT Sport before Tottenham clash with red-faced pundit commentating More
PHILIPPE COUTINHO has returned to Barcelona training just 21 days after knocking them out of the Champions League.
Coutinho scored twice as Bayern Munich demolished the Spaniards 8-2 in the quarter-finals, with the likes of Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski also netting.3
Philippe Coutinho has returned to training at BarcelonaCredit: Instagram @fcbarcelona
3
Coutinho scored twice against Barca for Bayern Munich in the Champions LeagueCredit: Instagram @fcbarcelona
But as Bayern went on to win the entire competition, Barcelona went into turmoil.
Quique Setien was sacked and replaced by Ronald Koeman, with Barca also forced to pay Liverpool £4.5million for Coutinho’s Champions League win.
Star man Lionel Messi has also made shock exit demands to leave the club stunned.However, Coutinho is back in Catalonia and training with his new boss after Bayern opted against making his loan switch permanent.
Coutinho, 28, managed just 18 months at the Nou Camp after a £142million switch from Liverpool before his Bundesliga loan.
But with the likes of Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal also set to leave in a huge squad shake-up, Coutinho could now get a second chance under Koeman.
The Brazil international could yet be joined at Barcelona by ex-Liverpool teammate Georginio Wijnaldum.
He has entered the final year of his Anfield contract.And Koeman wants Wijnaldum to replace Ivan Rakitic, who has returned to Sevilla on a four-year deal.
Should Liverpool lose their Dutch international. they are expected to move for Bayern’s Thiago Alacantara.
He has told the Germans he wants out and is believed to have held productive talks with Jurgen Klopp despite late interest from Manchester United.3
Coutinho could get a second chance in Spain despite dumping Barca out of the Champions LeagueCredit: Manu Fernandez
Lionel Messi’s dad Jorge confirms for first time son is considering staying at Barcelona after positive talks with club More