LIONEL MESSI has suffered a bone contusion that needs more analysis, but it is an injury that could keep him out for PSG’s next few games.
The Argentina star, who has had a tough start to life in Paris will miss the trip to Metz, but could also be unavailable for their Champions League clash with Manchester City.
But transfer news still rolls on with Arsenal set to make a bid for Noa Lang.
Meanwhile European giants Juventus and Barcelona are both blundering to draws.
And Ronald Koeman has come under fire at Barca for playing Gerard Pique as a STRIKER.
Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso will no longer take the knee before games, with the Spaniard preferring to point to the No Room for Racism badge on his sleeve.
Lionel Messi’s slow start at Paris Saint-Germain continued on Sunday, despite the Ligue 1 side scoring an injury-time winner over Lyon.
The Argentine star was subbed off in the second half and brushed past manager Mauricio Pochettino’s offer of a handshake.
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HUNGARY’S STADUM BAN FOR RACISM
Hungary have been handed a two-match stadium ban and a massive fine after fans racially abused England’s stars, writes CHARLIE WYETT.
Fifa have dished out the punishment – which includes a £160,000 fine – due to the trouble in the stadium during England’s 4-0 win in Budapest on September 2.
Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were among the players racially abused while fans also threw objects onto the pitch during the match,
Supporters will be banned from the World Cup qualifier against Albania on October 9 while the second match ban will be suspended for a period of two years.
In a statement, Fifa said “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a ban and a substantial fine on the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) in relation to the racist behaviour of numerous supporters during the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying match between Hungary and England on 2 September 2021.
“After analysing and taking into consideration all the circumstances of the case, specifically the seriousness of the incidents (racist words and actions, throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, blocked stairways), the Committee decided that the MLSZ would play its next two home matches in Fifa competitions without spectators, the second match being suspended for a probationary period of two years.
“In addition, the Committee imposed a fine of CHF 200,000 (£160,000).”
FURNITURE’S NOT A KEEPER
Fans have been left stunned after former Brighton and Arsenal goalkeeper Maty Ryan started selling his furniture online.
Ryan, 29, moved to Brighton in 2017 on a five-year deal after the club was promoted to the Premier League for the first time.
He was the No1 stopper until December last year when he lost his first team place and eventually went out on loan to Arsenal for the remainder of the season.
But after he moved to LaLiga club Real Sociedad in July, the Australian keeper has stuck his second-hand belongings from his flat overlooking Brighton beach up for sale via his Twitter page.
He tweeted pictures of the items for sale.
And the Aussie wrote: “Four years old. One double bed, one L-shaped sofa and one circular glass table with four dining table chairs.
“Kept in good condition. Currently in storage, pictures attached. Contact email below for any interest/inquiries.”
Guðjón Arsenal Kristjánsson replied: “Mate you earn £50k-a-week and you’re selling your furniture for shop money.”
Daniel Watson said: “Surely this is a p*** take?! Making millions each year and trying to sell a few pieces of furniture via Twitter.Just donate them man!!”
And Arsenal fan Mkhitozil joked: “Can I take the couch. Loan with option to buy?”
WHY HE’S IN A MESS
Lionel Messi is yet to prove his worth at Paris Saint-Germain following his summer arrival – here JAKE LAMBOURNE assesses the potential reasons.
PERSONAL PROBLEMS
Despite arriving to the country in August, Messi, his wife Antonela and their three children, are yet to find a permanent residence to live in.
They are currently staying at the Royal Monceau, a five-star hotel which is said to be setting him back a whopping £17,000-A-NIGHT.
NOT THE MAIN MAN
Messi was undoubtedly the top dog in Catalonia, but Neymar and World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe are the top two players at the club.
This was highlighted when the duo stayed on the pitch against Lyon when looking for a winner, while right-back Achraf Hakimi replaced Messi.
INJURY
But one explanation that Messi was hooked could be due to him possibly being injured. But Pochettino declared that he was substituted for tactical reasons and that Messi was ‘okay’ as he walked to the dugout.
HOMESICK
During his emotional press conference last month where he announced he will be leaving Barcelona, he declared he wanted to stay. But La Liga regulations prevented Barca from re-acquiring their all-time top goalscorer’s services.
TUCHEL’S TRANSFORMED RUDIGER
Rio Ferdinand believes Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has become the best centre-back in the Premier League under Thomas Tuchel.
But the Manchester United icon’s high opinion of the Germany international, 28, does not reflect this season’s Prem stats.
Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “Since Tuchel has come I think he’s arguably been the best centre-back.
“I think him and [Ruben] Dias would have been close but the effect he has had on his team has been immense.
“Under Frank [Lampard], it was evident he wasn’t Frank’s cup of tea. He didn’t really like him.
“There were rumours they were trying to put him in the market to be sold.
“In Germany, he’s always been highly thought of.
“But when the manager doesn’t rate you and you can feel that, I don’t care who you are your confidence takes a beating and it’s hard to perform.”
RIO DENIES RIFT AS HE URGES OLE TO CALL HIM
Rio Ferdinand has sought to dampen talk of a rift between himself and Manchester United gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
And the Old Trafford hero insists ‘it’s all love’ with the Red Devils chief whilst urging Solskjaer to call him.
The Norwegian, 48, whose side will play West Ham in the League Cup on Wednesday night, recently dismissed the ex-Three Lions ace’s observations on Cristiano Ronaldo and Phil Jones.
However, the former Red Devils centre-back has opted to ease any tension following some public exchanges between the pair.
On his most recent Vibe with Five show, Ferdinand, 42, said: “He came for me, I can’t believe it!
“When I see Ole, I’m going to give him a big hug. I’m going to shake his hand and say, ‘it’s all love, I love you, man!’ I’m his biggest fan.
“Some stuff is said in the heat of the moment, and you get things wrong here and there. It’s a phone call, man, just call me.
“Ole’s at the wheel, it wasn’t happening until I said it. I’ve got no beef, I’ve got no beef with anyone at Man United.”
DORTMUND FIGHT TO KEEP BELLINGHAM AND HAALAND
Borussia Dortmund boss Marcos Rose is determined to keep Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham at the club.
He said: “The two boys are currently players with us.
“We are happy to have them and anything else is just rumours. In the summer, we will see how it goes for both players.
“But I will do everything to ensure they stay. Tie them down (to new contracts)? No idea (what the future holds), let’s see.”
LEX IS MORE
Inter Milan are desperate to flog Alexis Sanchez to cut their wage bill, reports claim.
The 32-year-old is one of Inter’s highest earners on a salary of around £115,000-a-week despite not being a regular starter at the club.
Despite playing 30 Serie A games for Inter last season, scoring and providing seven goals as they lifted the Scudetto, the Italians don’t think he is worth his wages, Inter Live report.
In addition to this, the winger spent most of the summer injured, and has only recently returned to action, further frustrating the club’s hierarchy and fans.
‘IMMENSE’
Rio Ferdinand believes Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has become the best centre-back in the Premier League under Thomas Tuchel.
Hesaid on his YouTube channel: “Since Tuchel has come I think he’s arguably been the best centre-back.
“I think him and [Ruben] Dias would have been close but the effect he has had on his team has been immense.
“Under Frank [Lampard], it was evident he wasn’t Frank’s cup of tea. He didn’t really like him.
“There were rumours they were trying to put him in the market to be sold. In Germany, he’s always been highly thought of.
“But when the manager doesn’t rate you and you can feel that, I don’t care who you are your confidence takes a beating and it’s hard to perform.”
VAR VA VOOM
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane hopes that compatriot Paul Pogba, who has entered the final year of his contract, stays at Old Trafford for a ‘long time’.
He told TV2: “It is of course his decision, but of course I hope he stays here for a long time.
“He is a fantastic player, so undoubtedly I hope he stays.”
GUNNER HAPPEN?
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he is open to a sensational return to management after three years out.
The 71-year-old, who is currently Fifa’s Chief of Global Football Development, departed North London in 2018 after 22 years in charge of the Gunners.
But in a recent interview with the Telegraph, Wenger has declared he hasn’t ruled out a return to the dugout, admitting: “Overall we have to accept that our days come to an end at some stage.
“I don’t rule it out, but I am completely focused (on Fifa) and I don’t worry too much about the rest.
“There are always people who say ‘You are too old’ so at the time, maybe I thought they were right.
“But I am in good shape and I have not completely decided not to do it anymore.”
TELL ME MORE
Manchester United full-back Alex Telles is on the verge of a first-team return.
The injured star, who is yet to feature at all this season, told the Red Devils’ club media: “I feel good.
“Things happen in football. I wasn’t very happy about that [the injury] but I took advantage of the situation by working harder.
“I feel better than before, I feel better prepared and stronger, physically and mentally. I’m much better and I’m thrilled to be back.
“Whenever I get the chance to play, I’ll give everything for Manchester United to win the lot.”
ON THE BOX
DAZN are reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to buy BT Sport and take over their Premier League broadcasting rights, according to reports.
The streaming service, owned by billionaire Sir Leonard Blavatnik, broadcasts sporting events all over the world and now want to establish a foothold in the UK.
In July, DAZN signed a five-year-deal with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn’s company Matchroom to cover their events.
Chairman Kevin Mayer was asked whether DAZN could buy BT Sport this week, to which he answered ‘possibly’, and went on to add that they ‘would love to have the EPL’.
Now The Financial Times claims that ‘an agreement between the two companies could be struck within weeks’.
RING RIO
Rio Ferdinand has sought to dampen talk of a rift between himself and Man United gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
On his most recent Vibe with Five show, Ferdinand, 42, said: “He came for me, I can’t believe it!
“When I see Ole, I’m going to give him a big hug. I’m going to shake his hand and say, ‘it’s all love, I love you, man!’ I’m his biggest fan.
“Some stuff is said in the heat of the moment, and you get things wrong here and there. It’s a phone call, man, just call me.
“Ole’s at the wheel, it wasn’t happening until I said it. I’ve got no beef, I’ve got no beef with anyone at Man United.”
BONE TO PICK
Lionel Messi suffered a ‘bone contusion’ in his left knee against Lyon on Sunday, PSG have confirmed.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino raised eyebrows as he substituted the 34-year-old, with Messi himself looking frustrated.
But it turns out that the former Barca ace had picked up a knock, and is now being assessed by PSG doctors.
Credit: Rex QAT’S OUT THE BAG
James Rodriguez is on the verge of a surprise loan move from Everton to Qatar’s top flight, according to reports.
Italian football expert Fabrizio Romano claims the Toffees outcast is wanted by Qatari club Al-Rayyan.
Romano says transfer discussions between the club and representatives of the Colombia forward are ongoing.
And it is claimed the Goodison Park side, who play QPR in the Carabao Cup later, are waiting for a decision from the player.
It is thought that talks are currently focused on the wage details surrounding a potential temporary switch.
MESSI STATE
Former Paris Saint-Germain star Jerome Rothen has slammed Mauricio Pochettino for substituting Lionel Messi in Sunday’s win against Lyon.
He told RMC Sport: “There was a total misunderstanding. We saw it, Lionel Messi wanted to stay on the pitch. Pochettino made his decision in his heart and conscience.
“Where I find it completely inappropriate on the part of Pochettino, it’s that he’s never been like that with the other stars of the team. Since he arrived, whether it was Neymar or [Kylian] Mbappe, he always left them on the pitch, even when they were bad.
“He has always protected them unlike other players like [Angel] Di Maria, [Leandro] Paredes, [Mauro] Icardi. Then, Lionel Messi arrives, in terms of status and aura, Messi is much superior to Neymar and Mbappe.
“We are talking about Lionel Messi, the best player on the planet. He has a special status. We must avoid misunderstandings with your top player, especially from his first start at the Parc des Princes.
“There are so many signs that are not good. It’s a big mistake from Mauricio Pochettino, he should have left him on the pitch. I don’t know what he played. Did he want to mark his territory? I do not hope, because there, he is completely crazy. We do not cry genius there.
“You are going to put your best player on your back. It leaves traces, this kind of event. And the image is terrible. He made a serious mistake. Pochettino crashed there.”
SILVA LINING
Thiago Silva’s stunning performance for Chelsea against Tottenham had John Terry wanting to get in on the action too.
The 36-year-old veteran put in a stellar shift in the heart of the defence and managed to get on the score-sheet during the Blues 3-0 win over Spurs.
And Terry, 40, wished he was right next to the Brazilian bossing the game as he did in his heyday.
After his MOTM display, which helped catapult the Blues to the top of the Premier League table, Silva took to Twitter to thank the club.
Terry, was one of the first to respond, full of praise for Silva while also revealing it would be a dream to play with him.
Terry gushed: “@thiagosilva What a player, I wish I had the pleasure to play alongside you mate. LEGEND.”
TARGET MARQ-ED
Chelsea tried to sign PSG captain Marquinhos this summer, according to reports.
RMC in France claim that the Blues had been willing to offer as much as £85million for the 27-year-old.
But PSG were having none of it, however, and the Brazilian wasn’t interested in leaving either.
Making the move to the European champions could have seen Marquinhos reunite with former partner and Selecao team-mate Thiago Silva.
Credit: Getty FOR BLIMEY
Nottingtham Forest have unveiled former Swansea boss Steve Cooper as Chris Hughton’s successor on a two-year deal.
Upon announcing the appointment, Forest chief executive Dane Murphy said: “Steve was our first choice as head coach and we are delighted to have secured his services. His record of developing young talent is exceptional.
“Steve knows what is required to be successful in the Championship and has a proven track record with Swansea.
“We have reduced the age of our squad over the summer and Steve is the ideal coach to blend a team to start moving us up the table.
“On behalf of the owner and the Board, we welcome Steve to the club and look forward to providing every support he needs to be a success at Nottingham Forest.”
‘SAGNA VIBES’
Arsenal fans have likened new signing Takehiro Tomiyasu to former Gunner Bacary Sagna.
Tomiyasu – a £20million arrival from Italian side Bologna – made his debut for the north Londoners in their 1-0 victory over Norwich earlier this month.
But the Japan international got Gunners fans wagging their tongues with a stellar display against Burnley last weekend.
The 22-year-old had the most touches out of any Arsenal player, 79, and won 100 per cent of his duels with Burnley’s attackers.
And to top it off, he made five recoveries and five clearances.
The Emirates faithful were thrilled by what they saw of their new full-back, who some reckoned showed similar qualities to the beloved Sagna.
One said: “Don’t know if it was the style of the game, but Tomiyasu reminded me of Sagna today.
“So defensively solid, kept it simple with passing and you almost overlooked how good he was.”
CASH-ING IN
Aston Villa defender Matty Cash is on the verge of being called-up by Poland after applying for a passport.
The Slough-born full-back, 24, is eligible to represent Poland through his mum and could accept the call from manager Paulo Sousa.
Cash’s dad Stuart – a former player with Chesterfield – told Polish outlet SportoweFakty his son has applied for a Polish passport.
He said: “We are in the process of collecting the necessary papers for Matty to obtain Polish citizenship.
“We started this process a few months ago, it should be finished soon. We are cooperating with the Polish branch in London on this matter.”
ALL GONE RON
Barcelona fans are calling for boss and club legend Ronald Koeman to be sacked after playing Gerard Pique as a STRIKER.
The Spanish club are struggling for goals after allowing star forwards Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann to leave in the summer.
Barca needed a 90th-minute equaliser against Granada on Monday evening to secure a 1-1 draw and maintain their unbeaten start in LaLiga.
A late goal from defender Ronald Araujo spared Koeman’s blushes but the manager was still heavily criticised for the team’s woeful performance.
KoemanOUT was trending on Twitter throughout Monday evening and many were perplexed as to why Pique was playing up front.
The Spanish defender was brought on in the 75th minute and did make an impact, controlling the ball in the box for Gavi, 17, to assist the goal.
Credit: Reuters DOM THE ONE
Man Utd are interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, according to reports.
It’s believed the Red Devils will try to sign the France international, 24, if Paul Pogba leaves Old Trafford next summer.
According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, Man Utd want to ‘protect’ themselves from losing Pogba, 28, at the end of the season.
Pogba’s current deal expires in June and it’s unclear at this stage whether he will put pen to paper on a contract extension.
And rumours suggest the Premier League side have identified Ndombele as a potential replacement for the World Cup winner.
KANE CONTINUED
Jamie O’Hara added: “When it was [Steven] Bergwijn, [Lucas] Moura and [Heung-min] Son up front, we sat in, we were composed, we soaked up the pressure and tried to hit teams on the counter attack.
“Harry Kane has come back and he’s trying to do everything. For some parts of the game he’s playing as a holding midfielder!
“They are doing too much, we need you to play up front and where things can happen. I feel like he’s slowing things down for us a little bit at the minute.
“You can’t criticise him for what he is and what he’s done for the football club, but at the moment he’s not playing very well for us.”
KANE’S NOT ABLE
Former Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara says he preferred watching his old club when Harry Kane WAS NOT playing.
Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara said: “It’s a tough one for me as Harry Kane is Mr Tottenham, in my opinion, but I look at his body language and look at the way he’s playing and he’s not playing very well.
“I kind of enjoyed Spurs at the beginning of the season when he didn’t play.
“I know that sounds bad because he is a great player and he is someone who you need in your team, but he’s come back into the team and we can’t win.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
