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      Eden Hazard suffers ANOTHER injury to knee as £150m flop set to miss time – his 18th setback since joining Real Madrid

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      REAL MADRID flop Eden Hazard’s injury hell has continued with a knock to his left knee.This marks Hazard’s 18th setback since joining Real from Chelsea for a club record £150million fee in 2019.
      Real Madrid ace Eden Hazard will be sidelined with another knee knockCredit: Getty
      Eden Hazard has suffered his 18th setback at Real MadridCredit: Rex
      The reigning LaLiga champions announced that the winger will be “under observation” before confirming the amount of time he will spend on the sidelines.
      Real issued the following statement: “After the tests carried out today on Eden Hazard by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with patellar tendinosis in his left knee and is under observation.”
      Hazard was considered as one of the best players in the world following 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances for Chelsea.
      The 32-year-old was also crucial in Belgium’s stunning 2018 World Cup campaign that saw them finish third.
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      However, the forward has failed to live up to expectations in the last four years at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      In fact, the Belgian has only managed seven goals and 11 assists in just 73 appearances.
      Hazard’ stint with Los Blancos has been marred by a raft of injuries.
      During his first season, the attacker suffered a hamstring injury, bruised ankle, hairline crack, fibula fissure and an unidentified knock.
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      The ex-Lille star then sustained two unidentified knocks, four different muscle injuries and a bout of Covid-19 in the 2020-2021 campaign.
      Last season, the 2015 Premier League Player of the Year dealt with a hamstring injury, muscular problems, abdominal influenza and fissure of the fibula.
      Hazard’s injury hell continued this term with an ankle injury in January and another knee knock he sustained just now.
      The forward has only managed one goal and one assist in seven matches across all competitions this season.
      His contract runs out in 2024 and he is reportedly considering his future following links with Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr. More

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      Man Utd flop Adnan Januzaj follows Isco out of Sevilla and joins Istanbul Basaksehir in shock loan transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Adnan Januzaj has followed Isco out of the door at Sevilla and joined Istanbul Basaksehir on loan.Januzaj joined Sevilla on a free transfer last summer after his contract at Real Sociedad came to an end.
      Adnan Januzaj has joined Istanbul Basaksehir on loanCredit: Twitter @IstanbulBasaksehir
      Januzaj is under contract at Sevilla for another three yearsCredit: Twitter @IstanbulBasaksehir
      The former Man Utd wonderkid penned a four-year deal.
      However, a move to the six-time Europa League winners hasn’t exactly gone to plan.
      Sevilla sit 13th in LaLiga and just two points above the relegation zone.
      And Januzaj has made just six appearances this term, failing to score or assist.
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      As a result, the 27-year-old has joined Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir on loan.
      Januzaj is the latest high profile star to leave Sevilla, following ex-Real Madrid ace Isco.
      Isco had his Sevilla contract ripped up just months after joining in the summer from Real Madrid.
      The five-time Champions League winner is without a club following the collapse of a free transfer to Union Berlin.
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      Everton are said to be keen on Isco.
      Januzaj was linked with a return to the Premier League in the summer.
      West Ham were said to be keen on Januzaj, with the Hammers under the management of David Moyes.

      Januzaj played under Moyes at Man Utd and Sunderland.
      His first game in Turkey could come on Saturday against Alanyaspor. More

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      Vinicius Jr stages anti-Nike protest with dramatic kit change as Cristiano Ronaldo issue repeats itself

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      VINICIUS JR let his boots do the talking as he ramped up his protests against Nike.The Real Madrid superstar revived memories of tricky moments for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Nike deal – by CHANGING footwear against Valencia.
      Vinicius Junior played in no-logo boots during the goalless first of a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid over ValenciaCredit: Getty
      The Brazilian winger then put on Nike-sponsored footwear as he hit the stylish second goal in Real’s comfortable LaLiga winCredit: Getty
      The Brazil winger played a goalless first half in blacked-out boots.
      Then he dazzled in a white pair emblazoned with his sponsors as he netted a classy clincher in a 2-0 LaLiga win.
      The 22-year-old is battling to end a ten-year arrangement with Nike.
      But there’s no clause allowing for the deal to end early, leaving the player and the brand at loggerheads.
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      So his actions on Thursday appear to be a radical step-up in his fight with the American sportswear giant.
      Real legend Ronaldo, now with Al-Nassr, is Nike’s most famous name.
      But the company courted controversy by cropping out an adidas logo and replacing it with a Nike Swoosh in an ad featuring Ronaldo as a boy.
      And the former Manchester United frontman, 37, also defended son Cristiano Jr against trolls criticising the lad for wearing both Nike and adidas in the same picture.
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      Vinicius Jr has likewise long been associated with Nike, initially when a Flamengo whizkid in 2013.
      But at least his two-pair protest coincided with Real sparking into life.
      Marco Asensio arrowed a glorious top-corner opener and soon after that Vinicius outpaced a defender to slot a clinical second goal.
      Victory leaves Carlo Ancelotti’s men five points behind Barcelona and six above third-placed Real Sociedad. More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Gabriel ‘sends Vinicius Jr into next week’ as he gets red card for brutal challenge at Real Madrid

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      FORMER Arsenal star Gabriel Paulista caused a huge melee after taking a wild kick at Vinicius Jr.The Brazilian defender was in Valencia’s defence as they headed to the Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid tonight in LaLiga.
      Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista was not letting Vinicius Jr get awayCredit: ITV
      The ex-Arsenal ace took a wild kick at fellow Brazilian Vinicius JrCredit: Getty
      Gabriel sparked a wild melee as he was sent-off against Real MadridCredit: Getty

      He played a key role in shutting out the Champions League holders during the first half before things quickly went pear-shaped.
      Marco Asensio finally broke the resistance seven minutes after the restart as he fired past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
      Then, just moments later, it was 2-0 as Vinicius Jr produced a brilliant solo effort.
      But just as it seemed things could not get any worse for Valencia then Paulista saw red after taking aim at his compatriot with a punt that sent his rival “into next week”, according to the commentators.
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      Vinicius had the ball out on the left flank and was going nowhere when the 32-year-old decided to boot the Madrid forward high up into the air after he had knocked the ball past him.
      Players from both teams instantly raced over as the referee gave the ex-Gooner his marching orders.
      Fortunately Vinicius Jr, who appeared to escape unhurt, was one of the first to confront Paulista as a host of his team-mates joined while Valencia’s team tried to stand up for and then get their man away.
      But even when Paulista had made it to the touchline he still had to get past fellow Brazilian Eder Militao – who had gone off injured earlier for Madrid – before making it to the changing-room.
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      Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will have been a relieved man after witnessing two of his most-trusted stars limp off before this nasty episode.
      Los Blancos, who defeated Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in last season’s final, face the Reds again in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 at Anfield on February 21.
      However, they could be sweating on the fitness of their talisman striker Karim Benzema as well as Militao.
      The 35-year-old, who was forced to pull out of his country’s World Cup squad through injury, pulled up after accelerating clear of the defence on the hour mark.
      He then left the field with what appeared to be a right hamstring problem.
      Militao was forced off after just 36 minutes at the Bernabeu after falling to the turf in agony.
      Initial reports are claiming that he has damaged his right groin or that it could be a potential adductor injury.
      Despite the double blow, Madrid were still able to close the gap on Barcelona to five points at the top of the table after the 2-0 triumph.
      No-one will have been surprised at what the outcome wasCredit: ITV More

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      Karim Benzema and Eder Militao BOTH go off injured for Real Madrid two weeks before Liverpool Champions League clash

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      REAL MADRID have suffered a DOUBLE injury scare ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash with Liverpool.Los Blancos, who defeated Jurgen Klopp’s side in last season’s final, face the Reds again in the first leg of the last-16 at Anfield on February 21.
      Karim Benzema has provided Real Madrid with an injury scareCredit: Getty
      Defender Eder Militao also came off injured for the Champions League holdersCredit: Getty
      However, they could be sweating on the fitness of their talisman striker Karim Benzema.
      The French star limped off in tonight’s LaLiga clash with Valencia.
      And defender Eder Militao was also forced off during the same game.
      Brazilian Militao was forced off after just 36 minutes at the Bernabeu after falling to the turf in agony.
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      Initial reports are claiming that he has damaged his right groin or that it could be a potential adductor injury.
      But it will be French striker Benzema that will have boss Carlo Ancelotti feeling the most anxious.
      The 35-year-old, who was forced to pull out of his country’s World Cup squad through injury, pulled up after accelerating clear of the defence on the hour mark.
      He then left the field with appeared to be a right hamstring problem.
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      Despite the double blow, Madrid were still able to close the gap at the top of the table.
      Second half goals from Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior sealed a 2-0 win over Valencia.
      They now trail leaders Barcelona by five points after 19 matches. More

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      Barcelona 18 SECONDS late to submit paperwork for LA Galaxy star and face nervous wait to see if they can sign him

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      BARCELONA reportedly face missing out on a transfer for a Major League Soccer prodigy after submitting the paperwork for the transfer 18 SECONDS late.LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo, 21, was set to join Barcelona Atletic – the club’s B team – on deadline day in a £3.2million ($4m) transfer.
      Julian Araujo is awaiting a verdict on whether he can join BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona football director Mateu Alemany revealed the 18 second paperwork discrepancy cost see the deal collapseCredit: Getty
      However, a computer error meant the necessary paperwork to complete the deal was not submitted until 18 seconds after the deadline had passed.
      Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany explained the situation ahead of the team’s clash with Real Betis.
      He said: “It is true that it could not be done due to a system error. It was for 18 seconds, we will see what FIFA says.”
      Mexican journalist Kery Ruiz added context to the situation on Twitter: “Right now, Julian Araujo is a player for the LA Galaxy. They took a long time yesterday to start the paperwork.
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      “They wanted to sell Bellerín first. They entered documents and allege that the system did not let them upload files.
      “That’s why he’s a few seconds late. This is explained to Fifa today.”
      He later added that while the club are hopeful of a deal going through, the club’s board expect to be left disappointed due to exceptions rarely being made.
      Araujo is an American-born Mexican international who plays at right-back for Galaxy.
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      He made 33 MLS appearances last season, registering five assists as their season ended in the quarter-final play-offs against eventual winners LAFC.
      Gareth Bale, who recently retired, scored in the play-off final and the shootout to help the club win the trophy, though he did not feature in the clash against Galaxy due to a leg injury. More

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      TV viewers left absolutely baffled as Barcelona star Araujo ‘DISAPPEARS’ after being tackled mid-game against Real Betis

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      BARCELONA defender Ronald Araujo DISAPPEARED after being tackled mid-game against Real Betis.The Catalan giants are having an incredible domestic campaign, where they are sitting pretty at the top of LaLiga after 19 games.
      Ronald Araujo held off the challenge of Willian Jose before being bundled overCredit: Twitter / @OptusSport
      The Barcelona ace fell in front of the digital advertising boardCredit: Twitter / @OptusSport
      Araujo’s body started to fadeCredit: Twitter / @OptusSport
      The ref stoof over the 23-year-old, who couldn’t be seen on TV at this pointCredit: Twitter / @OptusSport
      Xavi’s men are eight points clear of defending Spanish and European champions Real Madrid, although Los Blancos do have a game in hand.
      Barca extended their lead at the top of the Spanish top flight with a 2-1 away win over Real Betis.
      Ex-Leeds ace Raphinha opened the scoring and Robert Lewandowski doubled Barca’s lead ten minutes from time.
      Betis did pull a goal back with an own goal through Jules Kounde, but a William Carvalho red card in added-time secured the three points for the visitors.

      In the game, a funny moment occurred where Barca defender Araujo DISAPPEARED after being tackled bey Betis forward Willian Jose in the 80th minute.
      The 23-year-old Uruguay international took a tumble in front of the advertising board and his body flickered before going invisible, leaving TV viewers baffled.
      One fan said on the moment: “He kinda phased in and out at first… and then disappeared completely. What the heck.”
      Another said: “Nah i’m pretty sure Araujo got deleted mid-game.”
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      The reasoning behind Araujo vanishing is because of technology.
      Asked in the Reddit thread if the ad panels are green screen, used to show different ads to viewers based on country or region, a user explained: “The theory is more or less correct.
      “But these are virtual overlays placed on the TV feed and then it shows a targeted ad depending on the region the game is being broadcasted to.
      “There’s no green screen trickery going on though. People in the stadium can still see the ads on the led boards.”
      A similar incident happened in Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw with Reims recently.
      Sergio Ramos temporarily lost his head while stood near the goal and in front of the advertising boards. More

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      Erling Haaland’s agent admits she ‘can’t say no to Barcelona’ as she teases £1BILLION transfer to La Liga from Man City

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      ERLING HAALAND’S agent has admitted that she “can’t say no to Barcelona” as she teased a future £1BILLION transfer.The Norwegian hotshot, 22, has taken the Premier League by storm since his arrival at Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
      Rafaela Pimenta took over super-agent Mino Raiola’s business empireCredit: Twitter
      She has teased Erling Haaland moving to Barcelona in the futureCredit: Getty
      He has scored 31 goals in 27 appearances for the Cityzens already and is one of the most-sought after strikers on the planet.
      Haaland and a host of other footballing stars were rocked in May 2022 when their super-agent Mino Raiola passed away aged 54.
      But before the Italian died, he had asked his close ally, Brazilian lawyer Rafaela Pimenta, to take over the reins of his business.
      Now she is the one who looks after the best interests of Haaland and the rest of the iconic names the company has on-board.
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      This week she sat down with Spanish publication AS to discuss the future of the hotshot – and she could not help hinting at a future to switch to LaLiga as she highlighted her and Raiola’s good relationship with Barcelona and their president Joan Laporta.
      Pimenta said: “I always say that Laporta can’t ask me for anything in football, he’s not fair, because he knows I’m going to say ‘yes’.
      She did move to quickly ease the fears of City fans as she insisted that he is “married” to the club, whom he is under contract to until 2027.
      And then she revealed what she thought Haaland’s transfer value was, and with so many additional aspects including fans, digital content, notoriety and sponsors, she believes it tops the £1BN mark.
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      Primenta added: “I know that nobody is going to pay 700 million for a player, but I am very clear that the value that Erling adds when he arrives at a club is immense, at least 1,000 million.”
      For 18 years, Pimenta was Raiola’s right-hand woman – working by his side and learning the ropes.
      She was entrusted as a vital cog in his affairs, as well as a brain to lean on for advice.
      Their paths first crossed in around 1998 at launch event for a small Sao Paulo club called Guaratingueta, which she helped set up with Brazilian legends Rivaldo and Cesar Sampaio.
      At the time, she was also a university professor of international law when she was lured into the world of football.
      While before that, Pimenta worked for an antitrust team set up by Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
      But the chance meeting between Pimenta and Raiola was the beginning of a fruitful relationship – and they would go on to work for 18 years together, before his untimely death. More