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      Serge Gnabry tests positive for coronavirus on eve of Bayern Munich’s Champions League opener vs Atletico Madrid

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      SERGE Gnabry has tested positive for coronavirus on the eve of Bayern Munich’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid.
      The club’s Twitter page announced the German had caught the virus.

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      Serge Gnabry has tested positive for Covid-19 a little over 24 hours before Bayern’s first Champions League gameCredit: AFP or licensors

      Bayern say he is doing well and is self-isolating.
      The club conducted tests after a training session on Monday.
      Gnabry trained with his team-mates, so it is unclear whether more positive cases may arise.
      No other positive cases have been announced since the news of Gnabry’s positive test broke.

      German outlet Bild report that the club will release another statement later in the evening.
      The positive result comes just a day before the defending champions open thier campaign against Atletico Madrid.
      Leroy Sane is also injured, leaving manager Hansi Flick with limited options of who to play out wide.

      Inside Bayern Munich’s Champions League celebrations as Davies pulls out dodgy dance moves and Wags party night away More

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      Why is Cristiano Ronaldo not playing for Juventus against Dynamo Kiev tonight and when will he return?

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      JUVENTUS begin their Champions League campaign with a difficult trip to Ukraine to face Dynamo Kiev.
      The Old Lady is desperate to end their long wait for a European trophy, with their last triumph coming way back in 1996.

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      Juventus are without Ronaldo for their trip to UkraineCredit: Reuters

      But they will have to find a way past the Ukrainian champions without Cristiano Ronaldo who sits this Champions League opener out.
      Why isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Juventus?
      Ronaldo will hope this is finally the year he can inspire the Turin-based side to end their long wait to lift Big Ears again.
      Juventus have been runners-up in the Champions League three times since the turn of the century.
      And this year they’ve been put in a group with Barcelona, Ferencvaros and Dynamo.

      Ronaldo played for Portugal in their draw with France during the international break and was expected to feature against Sweden.
      But the former Man Utd and Real Madrid star returned a positive test for Covid-19 and left Portugal’s training camp.
      He is currently self isolating and has reportedly displayed no symptoms.

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      Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture on Instagram of him relaxing by his pool during isolationCredit: instagram.com/cristiano
      Ronaldo travelled from Portugal to Turin on a private air ambulance – but hit back at suggestions he’s broken protocol in the process.

      CR7 said: “I did not break any protocol.
      “They’re saying that I broke Italian laws but it’s all a lie.
      “I spoke with my team and we have the responsibility to do things right.
      “Everything was done with authorisation. Principally for the Italian man (Italian sports minister Vincenzo Spadaforo) whose name I’m not going to say, it’s a lie, I abided by all the protocols.”

      When will he return to action?
      Ronaldo is definitely out for the game against Dynamo Kiev after returning a positive test on Tuesday, October 13.
      It looks likely that he will also miss the Serie A clash against Verona on October 25.
      And his long-awaited meeting with Barcelona and Lionel Messi could also be in doubt, as Uefa protocol requires a player to test negative seven days before a game. 
      To play in the clash with the Catalan giants, Ronaldo will need to test negative for coronavirus by Wednesday, October 21.
      If he doesn’t, he’s likely to make his Juventus return at Spezia on November 1.

      Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Italy after testing positive for coronavirus More

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      PSG vs Man Utd: Live stream FREE, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TONIGHT’S Champions League clash in Paris

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      MANCHESTER UNITED face Paris Saint-Germain tonight in a mouth-watering Champions League group game.
      The French champions will be out for revenge following the controversial last minute Marcus Rashford penalty saw United beat them on away goals in the 2018/19 competition.

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      Marcus Rashford will have happy memories of the Parc des Princes after his winning penalty there in 2019Credit: AFP

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      Edinson Cavani will not make a debut against his former club after not travelling with the squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Man Utd flop Angel Di Maria, who reportedly hates the club so much he turns the TV off whenever they are playing, is fit to start for Paris Saint-Germain.
      18 months ago the Argentine wildly celebrated PSG’s two goals at Old Trafford and taunted the home fans during their 2-0 first leg Champions League win.
      Man Utd will also meet 2017 Player of the Year Ander Herrera, who is likely to receive a much warmer reception from his former team-mates and coaches.
      But new Red Devils signing Edinson Cavani will not have a fairytale return to the French capital after the Uruguayan was ruled out by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

      What time does PSG vs Man Utd kick off?
      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time – 9pm in Paris.
      It will be held at the Parc des Princes, Paris.
      While PSG matches have been held with fans this season, the French capital is now under a 9pm curfew and this match will therefore be played behind closed doors.
      What TV channel is PSG vs Man Utd on and can I live stream it?
      PSG vs Man Utd will be live on BT Sport 2.
      Coverage commences at 7pm – one hour before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.
      How do I watch PSG vs Man Utd for free?
      Can I listen on talkSPORT?
      Team news

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      Man Utd could be a bit short in the centre-forward role with Cavani out and Mason Greenwood a doubt after being left out of the squad to face Newcastle with an unspecified fitness issue.
      Alex Telles may be in line for a European debut after joining from Porto on deadline day while Solskjaer will need to decide whether to stick with first choice David De Gea or give Dean Henderson European experience.
      PSG have a somewhat lengthy injury list with Mauro Icardi, Juan Bernat, and Thilo Kehrer all out and Marquinhos, Marco Verratti, Julian Draxler and Danilo Pereira serious doubts.
      Latest odds
      PSG 3/5

      Draw 16/5
      Man Utd 21/5
      *Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Monday, October 19. More

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      Chelsea vs Sevilla: Live stream FREE, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Champions League game TONIGHT

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      CHELSEA face Sevilla tonight as they look to get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start.
      Frank Lampard’s men have won just two of their first five Premier League fixtures and threw away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Southampton on Saturday.

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      Timo Werner’s goal was not enough to earn Chelsea victory over SouthamptonCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Visitors Sevilla had put themselves among the early LaLiga frontrunners but will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss at Granada over the weekend.
      What time does Chelsea vs Sevilla kick off?
      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time.
      While some European ties will be played with fans, this game at Stamford Bridge will be behind closed doors in accordance with current UK law.
      Chelsea have never played Sevilla before.
      What TV channel is Chelsea vs Sevilla on and can I live stream it?
      Chelsea vs Sevilla is live on BT Sport 3.
      Coverage commences at 7.15pm – 45 minutes before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

      Can I watch Chelsea vs Sevilla for free?
      Team news

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      Our predicted Chelsea line-up to face Sevilla
      Edouard Mendy is in the squad, raising hopes among Chelsea fans that he will be fit to replace Kepa following his horror show against Southampton.
      Thiago Silva is available after missing the Saints match with jet lag while Hakim Ziyech could get his opportunity to impress after coming off the bench against the Saints.
      For the visitors, Luuk de Jong and Lucas Ocampos will be expected to return after being left out for the game against Granada.

      Karim Rekik could make his Sevilla debut following a summer transfer from Hertha Berlin.
      Latest odds
      Chelsea – 10/11
      Draw – 5/2
      Sevilla – 14/5

      *Odds from Ladbrokes correct as of Tuesday, October 20 More

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      Barcelona vs Ferencvaros: Live stream FREE, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for TONIGHT’S Champions League game

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      BARCELONA kick-off their Champions League group stage campaign with a home game against Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
      Lionel Messi and Co will be hoping for a convincing win over the visitors as they look to banish memories of their embarrassing 8-2 quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich in August.

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      Messi drew a blank as Barcelona crashed to a 1-0 defeat against Getafe last time outCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      The visitors meanwhile were unbeaten in the qualifying stages and are appearing at this stage of the tournament for the first time since 1995/96.
      When is Barcelona vs Ferencvaros?
      This Champions League group stage clash will be held on Tuesday, October 20.
      Kick-off at the Nou Camp is at 8pm BST.
      Sadly no fans will be in attendance.
      What TV channel is Barcelona vs Ferencvaros on and can I live stream it?
      You can catch this game live on BT Sport ESPN.
      Coverage begins at 7.30pm.
      If you’re a BT Sport customer, download the BT Sport app to stream wherever you are.
      EE phone subscribers can also get a FREE three-month trial to BT Sport mobile, allowing them to watch all of the group stages without paying a penny.
      Simply text SPORT to 150 – you can cancel at any time.

      What is the team news?
      Both Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jordi Alba are out for the hosts as they look to get back to winning ways.
      Samuel Umtiti has an ongoing knee issue and is a huge doubt, while Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho could come back into the starting XI.
      Despite El Clasico later in the week, Ronald Koeman is expected to field a strong side including Messi.

      Former Liverpool goalkeeper Adam Bogdan looks set to be in the visitors squad, but Denes Dibusz will likely get the nod between the sticks.
      Match odds
      Barcelona to win – 1/14
      Draw – 10/1
      Ferencvaros victory – 40/1
      Both teams to score – 6/4
      *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Lionel Messi ‘could be playing better’, says Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman following captain’s failed transfer request

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      RONALD KOEMAN reckons Lionel Messi needs to step up his performances following his failure to seal an exit from Barcelona in the summer. 
      However, the Nou Camp boss insists his skipper is ‘happy’ in the team despite his highly publicised attempts to leave, according to BBC Sport.

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      Ronald Koeman thinks Lionel Messi needs to improve his performances for Barcelona Credit: EPA

      Koeman, 57, who has been charged with the task of reclaiming Barca’s place as champions of Spain, believes his skipper’s form could be much better. 
      The Argentinian, who was on target 31 times last term and matched Thierry Henry’s record of 20 goals and 20 assists in a single season, has so far netted just one LaLiga goal this term for Barcelona. 
      Ahead of Barca’s Champions League group game against Ferencvaros tonight, Koeman told BBC Sport: “I don’t have any complaints or doubts about his effort.

      “Right now his performances could be better. 
      “On a day-to-day basis, he’s happy and wants to play and be the team’s captain.”
      Messi, 33, was at the centre of a dramatic transfer saga that dominated headlines ahead of the deadline day window.  
      The Argentina playmaker had become exasperated by his club’s failure to retain their LaLiga crown and angered by Barca’s disastrous semi-final exit from last season’s Champions League 

      And the six-time Ballon d’Or winner was rumoured to be in line for a sensational reunion with his ex-Barca mentor and boss Guardiola, amid talk of a Manchester City move. 

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      Messi, 33, has scored once in four LaLiga appearancesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      However, the move never transpired and Messi, who is reportedly a free transfer target for City next year, publicly declared his intent to stay. 
      Messi, who is in the final year of his current contract with Barcelona, will go up against Real Madrid with his team-mates on Saturday. 
      And the El Classico fixture will be followed by a tantalising Champions League group game clash against Juventus next Wednesday where the Argentinian will face-off against old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

      And with the Serie A title-holders likely to prove stiff competition Koeman reckons Barcelona will face a battle to win Europe’s most prestigious club trophy. 
      The former Netherlands coach added: “When you’re at Barcelona you always want to be there fighting for trophies, be it in La Liga or Europe.
      “We aren’t the favourites, but we can go far.”

      Lionel Messi trains with the Barcelona squad More

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      Eto’o blasts ‘disrespectful’ France Football for listing him in 10 top best right-wingers ever with Messi and Beckham

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      SAMUEL ETO’O has hit out at ‘disrespectful’ France Football for naming him in their top ten right-wingers of all time.
      The legendary Cameroonian striker played the majority of his iconic career up-front and he is not happy being labelled a right-winger alongside David Beckham and Lionel Messi.

      Samuel Eto’o was fuming over his inclusion as a right winger in France Football’s nominees for greatest footballers of all time

      France Football run the historic Ballon d’Or award but bizarrely cancelled it this year because of coronavirus.
      And in its place they are attempting to collate the best XI players of all time.
      The formation is a 3-4-3 with a pool of iconic final nominees for the panel of 170 international journalists to choose from.

      But having whittled each position down to a list of ten, France Football’s editorial staff have come in for some flack from ex-Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan star Eto’o.
      Having seen himself included as a right-winger, Eto’o tweeted: “Thank you but I played one or two seasons on the right yet I have 25 years of career as a centre-forward.
      “The lack of respect @FranceFootball.
      “WHATEVER!”

      Eto’o was joined on the list by nine other iconic superstars of the ages.

      Beckham and Messi lined up next to Manchester United legend George Best, Liverpool hero Kevin Keegan and Brazilian icons from the 50s, 60s and 70s Garrincha and Jairzinho.
      Stanley Matthews completed the list of historic names with his career that spanned from 1932-1965.
      Before more modern stars from the early 90s and beyond were included.
      Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Holland magician Arjen Robben and Portuguese poster boy Luis Figo completed the list.
      Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski was in line to scoop this year’s Ballon d’Or after leading his team to an incredible Bundesliga and Champions League double.

      Patrice Evra eats cooked chicken in bizarre ‘upgrade’ to infamous video of Man Utd legend licking raw meat More

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      Watch Bruno Fernandes shout at Alex Telles for not passing quickly enough as Man Utd fans hail him as ‘captain material’

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has been hailed as ‘captain material’ after footage emerged of him shouting at Alex Telles for not passing quickly enough.
      The playmaker, 26, transformed United’s midfield after signing from Sporting Lisbon last January and is set to skipper Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side for the first time against Paris Saint-Germain this week.

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      Bruno Fernandes has been hailed as ‘captain material’ after footage emerged of him shouting at Alex Telles for not passing quick enoughCredit: Manchester United FC

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      Fernandes appeared frustrated with Telles in training Credit: Manchester United FC

      And fans reckon he is the perfect man for the job after a clip showed Fernandes criticising new left-back Telles, 27, in training.
      It came after Telles – who arrived from Porto this summer – was intercepted in a passing drill, which Fernandes took exception to.
      The pair were former league rivals in Portugal.
      But United fans were full of praise for Fernandes as he took leadership on the training ground.

      One said: “Bruno Fernandes is 100% captain material. Losing his cool with Alex Telles for not moving the ball on quickly enough.
      “These are the levels we need!”
      Another said: “Doesn’t matter if he gets the armband. Guys influence is visible.
      “He has a winner mentality and anyone that fails to get on the level will just be dropped.”

      Tbh, you actually need players like this in the team. Especially if the players are good enough to hold others to higher standards. https://t.co/ic5buMVUJs
      — wolf in cheap clothing (@wxlfpvp) October 19, 2020

      He was a brilliant captain for Sporting..
      — scott laird (@kisscheeks) October 19, 2020

      He is a winner and on a different level to anybody at the club and is apart from Cavani, enjoy him while we can can’t see him being at club long far too good for us.
      — Andrew J. Naismith (@Gonk83) October 19, 2020

      Doesnt matter if he gets the armband. Guys influence is visible. He has a winner mentality and anyone that fails to get on the level will just be dropped. Love ir
      — theARTofBokkaBoom (@BokkaBoom) October 19, 2020

      The team-mates were training ahead of United’s opening Champions League group stage qualifier.
      But they will face French champions PSG without new striker Cavani and regular captain Harry Maguire.
      Cavani has only just become available to play following his two-week self-isolation period after travelling to England and has been left behind to work on his fitness.
      Solskjaer started Maguire for the game at Newcastle – with the England defender even getting on the scoresheet.
      But with the ex-Leicester ace clearly desperate for a breather, he has been left at home for the PSG game.

      Edinson Cavani joins Man Utd in training for the first time More