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      Chelsea in massive injury boost with keeper Edouard Mendy ‘set for shock return vs Sevilla’

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      EDOUARD MENDY could be about to hand Frank Lampard a massive boost by returning to fitness for Chelsea’s game with Sevilla.
      The Blues kick off their Champions League campaign at home to the Europa League champions on Tuesday night.

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      Edouard Mendy was unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League encounterCredit: Reuters

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      Kepa Arrizabalaga deputised against Southampton as Chelsea surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP or llicensors AFP or Licensors

      A thigh injury suffered by Mendy, 28, on international duty kept him out of the weekend draw with Southampton.
      It was thought the Sevilla clash would come too soon for the Senegal shot-stopper, but reports suggest he could return.
      The Telegraph detail how Mendy trained without issue on both Sunday and Monday.

      The decision over whether to risk the £22million keeper will rest with Lampard.

      The Blues boss will be keen to have his first-choice shot-stopper back in between the posts after identifying goalkeeper issues as the key source of his defensive woes.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga returned to the side on Saturday after Mendy’s convincing displays against Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
      It didn’t take long for the Spaniard to remind his manager why he was replaced.
      An underhit back pass from Kurt Zouma was compounded by Kepa’s weak reaction to Che Adams bearing down on goal, the striker netting to make it 3-2.

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      After the Southampton draw, Lampard pointed out that Chelsea are conceding fewer shots than most of their rivals – yet somehow failing to keep them out.
      He told reporters: “In terms of the goals conceded, yes I am aware of the stats.
      “The other stat is, since we have been here, we have conceded the second least shots in the Premier League behind Manchester City, so sometimes it helps you to narrow down some of the issues.
      “And the issues are that we don’t concede too many shots on goal, but when we do we concede goals.

      “It’s something we are aware of, we were aware of when you look at our recruitment.
      “More important than that, we work everyday with the players on the pitch to make sure we set up well to not concede many chances, but the chances we do concede we let in too many [goals] and that is something we work on specifically.
      “Of course, we want to concede less goals, as all teams do at the moment.
      “There are teams that are conceding lots of goals in the Premier League, we are all in a similar position in that at the moment. It will always be something we work on as well as our attacking play.”

      Frank Lampard says he is frustrated in Chelsea vs Southampton post-match press conference More

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      Watch Bruno Fernandes shout at Alex Telles for not passing ball quick enough as Man Utd fans call him ‘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 fast enough.
      The midfielder, 26, transformed United’s midfielder 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

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      Champions League could be moved to ‘final eight’ one-off mini-tournament from 2023 as Uefa begin talks

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      UEFA is ready to confirm end of season tournaments to find the winners of its three European competitions.
      But Euro chiefs are split on whether to introduce a ‘Final Eight’ or ‘Final Four’ format when the new schedule is confirmed for the 2024-25 season.

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      Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin has proposed a ‘final four’ format for the Champions LeagueCredit: EPA

      The success of July’s ‘one-off’ knockout tournaments, with Champions League quarter-final stages onwards played in Portugal, and Europa League in Germany has prompted Uefa’s way forward.
      The organisation’s President Aleksander Ceferin suggested on Friday that a ‘final four’ concept, with the semis and finals played out in a series of one-off ties, was the most likely option.
      Ceferin talked about a ‘week’ of football which would round off the club season and capture worldwide interest.

      But now Ceferin’s widely respected No 3, deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti, has raised the prospect of the tournament’s last eight stages being played out.
      Uefa – pushed by the influential European Club Association – recognises there is pressing demands for changes. 
      However, any format alterations will be on hold until the end of the next three-year TV contract cycle in 2024.
      Marchetti, though, said: “Everybody watched the final eight tournaments in August.

      A good rule is to never exclude something which proves valuable or has potential
      Giorgio Marchetti UEFA Deputy General

      “Single knockout matches obviously favour uncertainty and emotions. 
      “We received great feedback from clubs, broadcasters and other partners as well as from the fans. 
      “The circumstances made this format a must, but the result could not be better as well as the degree of satisfaction.”

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      Uefa’s format change could see Champions League and Europa semis-finals played as one-off tiesCredit: Reuters
      When asked if that implied a format change was now likely, Marchetti added: “A good rule is to never exclude something which proves valuable or has potential. 
      “We know there are many elements that need to be taken into account, such as calendar and organisational constraints, fans’ involvement, economic implications, but we will for sure study this format and its variations for our upcoming discussions.”
      Uefa will launch their new third-tier competition, the Europa Conference League – which includes a place for the winners of the Carabao Cup – next season.

      Uefa admit delayed Euros can’t go ahead as planned with format set to be changed and some host cities set for axe More

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      Edinson Cavani trains with Man Utd team-mates for first time after quarantine ends in time to face old club PSG

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      MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Edinson Cavani trained with his team-mates for the first time on Sunday.
      The Uruguayan finished a two-week quarantine period on Saturday and was hoping to make his United debut against his old club Paris Saint-Germain.

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      Edinson Cavani trained with his Man Utd team-mates for the first time on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The Uruguayan linked up with the squad for the first time since finishing quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cavani signed an eye-watering £200,000-a-week contract on deadline day after his PSG contract expired this summer.
      But due to Covid-19 rules, he had to lock himself away for 14 days after his move to England.
      That meant he missed out on United’s impressive 4-1 win at Newcastle on Saturday.

      But he was put through his paces at Carrington yesterday – however, he and Harry Maguire were left out of the squad for the Paris trip.

      United head to Paris for the Group H clash in what is their first European game of the season.
      Cavani would have felt “beautiful emotions” if he made his debut against his former team where he spent seven seasons between 2013 and 2020.
      He said before being left out: “I am going to experience an exceptional moment, that nobody thought would happen.
      “It will be an incredible thing, beautiful emotions.”

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      Paul Pogba, Brandon Williams and Nemanja Matic were among the stars involved in the sessionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      And the 33-year-old could now be ready to face his old club PSG tomorrowCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cavani’s former team-mate Kylian Mbappe will be hoping to build on his strong start to the campaign as he looks to push PSG one step further in Europe.
      And the French superstar said he will not hold back when facing his old strike partner.
      PSG were beaten in the Champions League final by Bayern Munich in August but will be optimistic their golden boy, who has netted four times already this season, can take them all the way this time round.

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

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      Former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet tests positive for coronavirus as Covid-19 rips through Club Bruges

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      FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has tested positive for coronavirus.
      The ex-Reds stopper is one of four Club Bruges staff members to contract Covid-19 as the virus rips through the Belgian club.

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      Simon Mignolet has tested positive for coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Bruges are scheduled to play Zenit Saint Petersburg away in the Champions League tomorrow but the news plunges the clash into jeopardy.

      Players Odilon Kossounou, Michael Krmencik and CEO Vincent Mannaert are the other three people to test positive.
      A club statement read: “On Saturday morning, the entire Bruges delegation was tested for Covid-19 in anticipation of the European match in and against Saint Petersburg.

      “Internationals Simon Mignolet and Odilon Kossounou and attacker Michael Krmencik tested positive.
      “CEO Vincent Mannaert also passed a positive corona test.
      “Last Thursday, the entire squad was tested via the Jupiler Pro League protocol, when everyone else tested negative.
      “The foursome will be quarantined with immediate effect and will therefore not travel to Russia. None of them show symptoms.”

      Bruges are also in Champions League Group F alongside Borussia Dortmund and Lazio.

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      But is unclear whether the positive results will affect tomorrow’s scheduled match in Russia.
      They are also top of the Belgian top flight and are scheduled to play seventh place Leuven on Saturday.
      Mignolet, 32, played both of his country’s recent Nations League games after ex-Chelsea goalie Thibaut Courtois was ruled out with a hip injury.
      The Red Devils lost 2-1 to England at Wembley before they beat Iceland by the same scoreline.

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      Kylian Mbappe warns Man Utd he won’t hold back when Edinson Cavani returns to PSG Champions League

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      KYLIAN Mbappe has warned Manchester United that he won’t hold back when his old teammate Edinson Cavani returns to PSG in the Champions League.
      The young superstar used to link up regularly with the new Red Devils striker during their days together in France.

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      The pair were just two parts of PSG’s dangerous attacking line-up Credit: Reuters

      But now they will be opponents on opposite sides during a mouth-watering clash on matchday one in the Champions League.
      Mbappe, 21, reckons it would not be weird to face his old attacking partner and says instead the Ligue 1 champions will be gunning for victory.
      According to Get Football News France, the French ace said on Cavani: “He is in a different team now, I wish him the best.
      “We are going to play against him and try to beat him.”

      Meanwhile, the Uruguayan forward says he will feel “beautiful emotions” if he makes his Man United debut against his former team.
      He said on facing PSG: “I am going to experience an exceptional moment, that nobody thought would happen.
      “It will be an incredible thing, beautiful emotions.”
      Cavani was a free agent when he joined United on deadline day, but has had to wait for his debut as he complied with the government’s 14 day self-isolation rules.

      It meant he missed the club’s impressive 4-1 win at Newcastle yesterday.
      Mbappe meanwhile will be hoping to build on his strong start to the campaign as he looks to push PSG one step further in Europe.
      Paris Saint-Germain were beaten in the Champions League final by Bayern Munich in August but will be optimistic their golden boy, who has netted four times already this season, can take them all the way this time round.

      PSG target Cristiano Ronaldo in sensational transfer as replacement for Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe next summer More

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      Man Utd boost with Icardi, Verratti and Kehrer major injury doubts for PSG ahead of Champions League opener

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to face a depleted Paris Saint-Germain side on Tuesday with Marco Verratti a doubt for the match.
      A trip to France’s capital kicks off the Red Devils’ Champions League campaign, with Thilo Kehrer and Mauro Icardi set to miss out.

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      Marco Verratti and Mauro Icardi could both miss Tuesday’s Group H showdownCredit: AFP or licensors

      PSG have confirmed a thigh issue for Verratti picked up during the international break.
      There are serious doubts over Icardi’s availability while he suffers from a knee problem.
      And Thomas Tuchel has admitted that a hamstring injury is set to keep German defender Kehrer out for ‘a few weeks’.

      The PSG coach was left bemoaning an injury crisis ahead of Friday’s match with Nimes.

      However, Les Parisiens dispatched their opponents with a 4-0 win, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe.
      Marquinhos and Julian Draxler missed the trip south and may return to face United.
      Likewise, new signing Danilo was absent due to being in close contact with Cristiano Ronaldo before he was diagnosed coronavirus.
      The midfielder is expected to start training on Sunday.

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      Ander Herrera is also cleared to play after testing positive for the virus.
      Former Everton flop Moise Kean started the victory over Nimes while Neymar was rested.
      And Tuchel has confirmed that the Brazil star will return for the Group H opener.

      He stated: “Ney doesn’t have any issue. We talked together, like I did with Kylian.
      “We had an honest discussion and I decided to let him rest today.
      “He will be with us tomorrow. He will train and get ready for the game against Manchester United. He will be on the pitch, for sure.”

      Watch Neymar humiliate Angers rival who shoved him with amazing ‘sombrero’ as Brazilian runs riot in PSG’s 6-1 win More

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      Ander Herrera among SEVEN PSG stars who will miss Man Utd game after testing positive for coronavirus

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      ANDER HERRERA will miss Manchester United’s visit to Paris after testing positive for coronavirus.
      The midfielder is one of SEVEN PSG stars who will be absent for next week’s Champions League clash.

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      Ander Herrera has tested positive for coronavirus and is one of seven PSG players who will miss the Man Utd gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Herrera swapped Old Trafford for the Parc des Princes on a free transfer in 2019.
      And he looked set to go up against former Man Utd teammates including midfield partner Paul Pogba – as well as replacement Bruno Fernandes.
      But Herrera will not be involved after contracting Covid-19.

      He is joined on the sidelines by Julian Draxler, Marquinhos, Marco Verratti, Thilo Kehrer and Mauro Icardi.

      New boy Danilo Pereira is also missing after coming into contact with Cristiano Ronaldo on international duty.
      The Juventus star has also tested positive for coronavirus.
      And PSG have some holes to gap for United’s visit  on Tuesday.
      They are also set to welcome back Edinson Cavani, who left on a free transfer and joined the Red Devils on deadline day.

      The Uruguayan striker admits he spoke with Herrera about life at United.
      And it was the Spanish midfielder’s glowing report which convinced Cavani to pen a deal with Solskjaer’s side.
      Cavani revealed: “I talked with Ander a lot, as well as others like Angel Di Maria, who I was also with at Paris.
      “It was genuinely getting to the last minute and I called Ander to have a chat.

      “I have a lot of admiration for Ander, for the kind of person he is and I had the feeling that his words were going to help me out, by telling me a bit about what it was like at United.
      “After I’d finished talking with him, we came to an agreement here with the club.
      “I hadn’t known him for too long. But we formed and enjoyed a close friendship during that time at PSG and today we are still very good friends.”

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