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      Chelsea plunged into goalkeeper crisis as Robert Sanchez facing weeks out and fans fume Blues ‘turning into hospital FC’

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      CHELSEA are in the midst of a goalkeeping crisis with Robert Sanchez set to be out for several weeks.The Spaniard was forced off with an injury in the latter stages of the 2-0 defeat to Everton last week.
      Robert Sanchez is set to be out for a few weeks with an injuryCredit: PA
      Djordje Petrovic will now be between the sticks for ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      He picked up the problem a few days earlier versus Manchester United and he is now set to undergo rehab on his knee.
      Reports suggest that Sanchez could miss all festive fixtures over the next month.
      Djordje Petrovic is now set to come into the side and he will start against Sheffield United tomorrow.
      The 24-year-old Serbian keeper was signed from New England Revolution in the summer for a fee of £14million and he has played just once so far.
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      Manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “When you suffer an injury and lose your No.1 keeper, it is a player we are going to miss but we have other players that are working hard to be ready when this type of thing happens.
      “Of course, very sad because we are going to lose a player for a few weeks.
      “I have faith in all my players and Petrovic arrived at Chelsea because we believe he has great potential.
      “He is young and came from different football in the USA but after four, five months working with us it is the moment for him to step up and feel good because we have the confidence and trust in him.
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      “Now it is about making his debut at Stamford Bridge and yes we really trust in him that he can perform in the way we want.”
      Meanwhile, Chelsea also revealed that Marc Cucurella and Reece James are both out injured.
      Cucurella is set to see an ankle specialist after a scan showed swelling around his joint.
      And James has suffered another hamstring issue and he is set to be out until March.
      They will join the likes of Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana on the sidelines.
      All the injuries have fans fuming, one said: “Slowly turning into Hospital FC.”
      Another added: “Chelsea full-back be healthy all season challenge.”
      A third wrote: “The injuries keep multiplying.”
      More reacted: “Who is not injured in this squad? Is Pochettino fit himself?” More

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      Chelsea facing transfer headache as Eddie Howe casts doubt over £35million deal despite obligation to buy

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      LEWIS HALL may be heading back to Chelsea after Eddie Howe could not confirm if the left-back will be a Newcastle player next season.Hall, 19, moved to Tyneside from Stamford Bridge on loan in August with the Magpies expected to make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign for around £35million.
      Lewis Hall could return to Chelsea next summerCredit: Getty
      But the youngster must hit certain performance-related criteria to activate the permanent switch, with Howe casting doubt on whether Toon want him beyond this season.
      Hall has only played 234 minutes this campaign, struggling for action despite Newcastle’s injury crisis.
      And with Dan Burn returning from injury and Tino Livramento excelling over the recent weeks, it is hard to see Hall featuring much over the coming weeks.
      In further blows to the Mags, winger Harvey Barnes and midfielder Joe Willock have suffered setbacks from their recovery from injury.
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      The pair won’t feature until 2024 having initially been on course to play again before Christmas.
      Newcastle host Fulham tomorrow on the back of three straight defeats.
      They were dumped out of Europe by AC Milan on Wednesday and, sat seven points off the top four, desperately need to get their campaign back on track.
      Howe said: “It’s going to be a big test of our ability to respond, our resilience.
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      “There’ll be a narrative that will be negative and we have to override that.
      “It can become more negative if you don’t react in the right way.
      “We can’t deny exiting Europe is a disappointment but we can control how we respond to it.
      “The mood is good, there is some pain and anguish, but that can’t stay around in professional football.”
      Tino Livramento has shone at St James’ ParkCredit: AFP More

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      Tottenham legend Teddy Sheringham tells Ange Postecoglou to beat Arsenal to top transfer target in January

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      TOTTENHAM legend Teddy Sheringham has urged Spurs to beat Arsenal to the signing of Ivan Toney in January.Spurs have found success since moving Heung Min Son to a No9 role but have struggled to blow teams away despite creating numerous chances.
      Sheringham has urged Spurs to move for a strikerCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      He thinks Ivan Toney would be the perfect fitCredit: PA
      Although they’ve scored in every game they’ve played this season, Spurs have only scored more than two goals in a game twice this season – against Burnley and Newcastle.
      And former striker Sheringham believes that Brentford’s Toney would be the perfect solution for them to become a free-scoring side.
      Toney is currently suspended for a gambling ban but will be free to play again on January 17.
      Brentford want £100million for the striker who is also being courted by Arsenal and Chelsea.
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      On bringing Toney to the club, he told Gambling Zone: “Everyone is talking about Arsenal getting Ivan Toney in January.
      “He seems to be the only player in the centre forward position that might be available in the next window. I would love to see Tottenham nick him off of Brentford and get there before Arsenal do.
      “Toney has got something about him. He carries himself well and can take on the mantle of being the main man at a club.
      “Everyone is suggesting that he could be the icing on the cake for Arsenal, but I think he could be a big, big player for Tottenham at this moment in time.
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      “He could spearhead Tottenham’s attack. Sonny isn’t really a centre forward. He loves to run in behind, but he doesn’t play like a centre forward – you need a focal point in your team.
      “You need that man that brings it all together. A player that can lead the line, stretch defences, hold the ball up and bring others into play. I see Ivan Toney as a player that is more than capable of doing that.”
      Sheringham also said that he’s delighted with the job Ange Postecoglou has done since taking over, but said he needs more squad depth if he is to fulfil his ambitions at Spurs.
      Sheringham said: “The future looks bright under Ange. He has Romero back now, Van de Ven will be back in the New Year and both of those players give you defensive stability.
      “A great season would see Tottenham get into a Champions League spot and win the FA Cup. That would be a great season. You can’t ask for more than that.
      “Winning the FA Cup on its own would be a great season, but the club will be looking at the financial rewards qualifying for the Champions League brings, which allows you to bring in better players.
      “For Tottenham to keep moving in the right direction and to give the club the best possible chance of qualifying for the Champions League, they need more quality. Without a doubt.”
      Spurs travel to Nottingham Forest tonight at 8pm.
      A victory move level on points with Manchester City in fourth but remain behind them due to City’s superior goal difference. More

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      Arsenal’s forgotten man ‘offered Emirates escape route’ by Spanish giants after playing just three games all season

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      VILLARREAL are interested in Arsenal star Cedric Soares, according to reports.The 32-year-old has been on the Spanish club’s radar since the summer and they are planning a January move.
      Cedric is on the radar of VillarrealCredit: Alamy
      A loan deal for the rest of the season and a permanent transfer have both been discussed with Villarreal.
      Should Cedric join the LaLiga side, it would see him become team-mates with ex-Gunner Francis Coquelin.
      Meanwhile, there is also interest from an unnamed Turkish club, claim ESPN.
      Cedric’s contract at the Emirates expires at the end of the season.
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      Arsenal are open to cashing in on him next month to avoid losing the right-back for free.
      Cedric, who is thought to earn close to £100,000-a-week, was initially set to leave in the summer but a move failed to materialise.
      The forgotten man is now surplus to requirements, having played just three times this season.
      He has fallen behind the likes of Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber in the pecking order.
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      Cedric made his first and only start this term in the 1-1 Champions League draw against PSV on Tuesday.
      The Portuguese international has played a total of 61 times for Arsenal since joining from Southampton in 2020.
      He spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham. More

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      Arsenal vs Brighton: Gunners look to leapfrog Premier League leaders Liverpool in thrilling Prem match – preview, teams

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      ARSENAL return to Premier League action with a blockbuster match against Brighton – and three points are vital.The Gunners should be well-rested as Mikel Arteta opted to leave several of his key players out for their dead-rubber Champions League draw with PSV.
      Eddie Nketiah scored in Arsenal’s draw with PSVCredit: Rex
      And the north London outfit will be determined to get back to winning ways in the league after their controversial Aston Villa loss.
      However, Brighton have a huge incentive of their own as a win would see them keep the pressure on the more high-profile European spots.
      Furthermore, the Gunners have lost their last THREE games to the Seagulls at home.
      Recent form
      Arsenal are without a win in two matches and are aiming to bounce back from just their second Premier League defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.
      Read more on Arsenal
      After their previous loss away at Newcastle Mikel Arteta’s side went on a six-match winning streak, so they will be aiming to do the same again starting with Brighton.
      Meanwhile the Seagulls have suffered from inconsistency lately.
      They have drawn four of their last seven Prem games but lost only once, to Chelsea, and they should be flying high after beating Marseille on Thursday to win their Europa League group.
      What is the team news?
      Mohamed Elneny is the latest Arsenal player to add to the injury list after suffering a hamstring strain against PSV.
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      And the Egyptian will sit on the sidelines along with Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Fabio Vieria (groin), Thomas Partey (muscle) and Jurrien Timber (knee).
      Gabriel Martinelli could also miss out after failing to make the midweek trip to Holland with an illness.
      Gabriel Martinelli will need to be assessed ahead of the matchCredit: Rex
      Elsewhere, Roberto De Zerbi will be also be forced to continue without some key men.
      Ansu Fati (muscle), Adam Webster (knock), Danny Welbeck (muscle), Pervis Estupinan (muscle), Solly March (knee), Julio Enciso (knee) and Tariq Lamptey (muscle).
      Ones to watch
      Gabriel Jesus has been in good form since returning from injury and his ability to find space and time in the box could be key to undoing Brighton.
      The Seagulls have tightened up their defence in recent weeks but have still found clean sheets hard to come by, despite the 1-0 win over Marseille.
      Martin Odegaard could play a key role and it will be interesting to see Leandro Trossard come up against his old team if Martinelli is unavailable.
      For Brighton Karou Mitoma could cause Ben White problems while William Saliba will have to keep a close eye on Joao Pedro.
      The striker has scored five goals in his last six games and has made 14 goal contributions in 24 games, including 11 goals.
      Gabriel Jesus has hit form since returning from injury
      Joao Pedro scored the winner against Marseille in mid-week
      SunSport prediction
      Brighton had Arsenal’s number the last time these two sides met at the Emirates with a 3-0 win in May.
      We expect it to be another tricky clash for the Gunners, 1-1.
      When is Arsenal vs Brighton?

      Arsenal’s huge Premier League fixture against Brighton will take place on Sunday, December 17.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 2pm GMT.
      Emirates is the chosen venue for this match and it can host approximately 60,704 fans.
      The Seagulls ran riot in north London when the sides last met in May.

      How can I watch it?

      Unfortunately, Arsenal vs Brighton will NOT be shown on live TV in the UK.
      This is due to it not being selected as a game that TV channels would cover.
      However, fans can tune into SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      Read more on The Sun
      What are the latest odds?

      Arsenal win 4/9
      Draw 7/2
      Brighton win 11/2

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      Liverpool vs Man Utd: Under-fire Ten Hag faces Klopp’s red-hot men in a momentous Prem encounter – preview, stream, TV

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      TIME is ticking for Erik ten Hag as his Manchester United side have been massively underperforming – and their next assignment is Liverpool at Anfield.The Red Devils were embarrassed by bottom-half Bournemouth last weekend after being thrashed 3-0 in front of their home fans.
      Manchester United went crashing out of the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Harvey Elliot fired Liverpool to the top of the Prem last weekendCredit: Rex
      And then things went from bad to worse for United as a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich saw them go crashing out of Europe just a few days later.
      As a result, Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford has come under serious scrutiny and SunSport understands Graham Potter is being lined up as a shock replacement should the Dutchman get kicked to the curb.
      But it could be a major turning point for the Red Devils gaffer should his side do the unthinkable and beat Jurgen Klopp’s men.
      However, title-chasing Liverpool haven’t lost in the league since September and they scored a demolition of goals when United last travelled to Merseyside.
      Read more on Man Utd
      Recent form
      A weakened Liverpool side were beaten 2-1 by Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League on Thursday in what was only the Reds’ third defeat of the season.
      Jurgen Klopp has taken his team back to the Premier League summit after winning three on the bounce, with a comeback victory over Crystal Palace last time out.
      They have lost just one Prem game in 16 and that came against Tottenham where they had two players sent off.
      As for United, they have been plagued by inconsistency throughout the season and were dumped out of Europe following a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
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      The Red Devils have lost three out of their last four matches including a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford in their last league fixture.
      What is the team news?
      Erik ten Hag will be desparate for some of his key men to return for this momentous Premier League fixture.
      The United gaffer is expected to be without; Harry Maguire (groin), , Amad Diallo (knee), Mason Mount (calf), Tyrell Malaica (knee), Christian Eriksen (leg), Casemiro (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Victor Lindelof (knock) and Anthony Martial (muscle).
      Bruno Fernandes is suspended after picking up five yellow cards this season while Jadon Sancho continues to be banished from the squad.
      Marcus Rashford is expected to return after a bout of illness and Luke Shaw, who was forced off against Bayern, should also be back in the side.
      Bruno Fernandes is suspended for this huge encounterCredit: Rex
      Ones to watch
      Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah have been in good form recently but Dominik Szboszlai could make the difference in the middle of the park.
      He has averaged two chances created per game in the Prem and produced two goals and two assists.
      Keeping Liverpool at bay is key for United and since Luke Shaw will be tasked with dealing with their biggest threat Salah, the left-back is one to watch for this clash.
      He missed months out due to injury but has shown no sign of rustiness despite his side’s poor form.
      Shaw could also be key going forward as his set-pieces and crossing ability always pose a potent threat.
      The midfielder might hold the key to unlocking Manchester United’s defence
      Luke Shaw has been in good form since his return from injury
      What the managers have said
      Klopp is expecting a “special” game at Anfield and he is not convinced by media headlines which criticise United.
      He said: “I never like when the headlines about United aren’t great before we play because it’s always like, ‘okay’.
      “It’s the game where you can put everything right. I don’t follow United closely enough to know exactly what’s the problem there.
      “But I saw Erik became Manager of the Month last month, I saw that they were the team in form result-wise in the last month.
      “How can it be all wrong? I just don’t understand it.
      “Yes, the 7-0 we knew that on the day it was a freak result, that happens once in a life and if it helps anybody for the next game, it’s the team who lost 7-0 not the team who won 7-0,” Klopp said.
      “That’s another thing. If you take it all out of consideration, we just play a football game against the rival, the historical rival of Liverpool FC at home at Anfield.
      “That in itself should make it a special game, that’s what I want to see from us, a special game. Really understand the situation and give your all, that’s all I need.”
      Ten Hag has ruled Maguire out and responded to a question asking if he felt he was under pressure.
      He replied: “I’m focussing on the process, making the team better and that’s my concern. That’s what I’m focussing on, the right thing, and that’s the team. There is no concern because I’m here to win and I have to make the team play better. Good is not good enough, we are inconsistent and I have to work on how the team will play.”
      On the 7-0 to Liverpool in their last visit to Anfield, he said: “No [not worried]. We will put out a team that can challenge and we’ll prepare them in the best way we can. We are confident we can put out a team that can win.
      “I haven’t seen last season we were scared there. It was a bad experience, but it’s not similar, you start again. Last year, the first half we played very decent and we got hammered just after half-time, then we collapsed.
      “That can’t happen but it’s last year, it’s a different team and different players for a part at least. We won’t ignore it, but we’ll be confident and we have to fight, challenge and go there with the idea, to prepare to win”
      SunSport prediction
      If recent form is to go by this should be a comfortable win for Liverpool, but this rivalry often springs up a surprise.
      However if United conceded first it could be a tough afternoon, 3-1 Liverpool.
      When is Liverpool vs Man Utd?

      Manchester United’s mouthwatering trip to Liverpool will take place on Sunday, December 17.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm GMT.
      Anfield is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 54,074.
      Liverpool pummelled United 7-0 when the sides last met in March.

      What TV channel is it on can it be live streamed?

      Liverpool vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 4pm on both channels – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Fans can also stream the action on NOW TV.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute action of entire match.

      Elsewhere, Liverpool have a few issues of their own, especially with Alexis Mac Allister whose injury is more ‘tricky’ than first thought according to Jurgen Klopp.
      Mac Allister is set to join Joel Matip (knee), Stefan Bajectic (calf), Andy Robertson (shoulder), Diogo Jota (muscle) and Thiago (hip) on the sidelines.
      Read more on The Sun
      What are the latest odds?

      Liverpool to win 2/7
      Draw 9/2
      Man Utd to win 15/2

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      Chelsea boss Pochettino ‘to bring £17.5m wonderkid into first-team training’ two years before transfer deal is official

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      CHELSEA are flying in wonderkid Kendry Paez for first-team training aged 16 – two years before he can complete his £17.5million arrival.Blues’ record buy Moises Caicedo is among those raving about his fellow Ecuadorian, who has already won five senior caps.
      Kendry Paez will arrive at Chelsea officially in 2025 and is here seen celebrating scoring a World Cup qualifying goal for EcuadorCredit: AFP
      Independiente del Valle midfielder Paez is the youngest debutant and scorer ever in the Ecuadorian top flightCredit: Getty
      But midfielder Paez can’t officially sign from Independiente Del Valle until he is 18.
      Chelsea agreed a big-money deal with his Ecuadorian club last summer.
      And Paez is due to arrive in London next week – ahead of practice at the the Blues’ Cobham training ground in Surrey.
      The Telegraph suggest it will be the first of three or four visits aimed at helping the teenager adjust to life in the UK.
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      Chelsea’s £115m midfielder Caicedo spotted Paez’s potential while the 22-year-old was at Brighton.
      The anchorman said then: “He’s a star. It’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth.
      “I’m very happy for him, for everything that he’s doing. 
      “All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible.”
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      Paez himself is delighted to get the chance to join other South American players at Stamford Bridge – under Argentine boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      After his move was finalised, he said: “I don’t feel pressure, I am focused on Independiente, on the Libertadores and trying to continue playing in the best way. 
      “To get there [Chelsea] I have to keep working, be focused on learning.
      “It will be something special to share things with players like Enzo Fernandez, with other special ones. 
      `It’s wonderful, but now I’m focused on Independiente del Valle. There are two years to go, I know it goes by quickly and I’ll keep doing my thing here.” More

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      Ex-Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong’s agent slams ‘nonsense’ claims star faked illness to miss Barcelona clash

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      BARCELONA star Frenkie de Jong’s agent slammed “total fake news” suggesting his client faked an illness to miss Wednesday’s Champions League game.Barca lost 3-2 to Royal Antwerp at the Bosuilstadion in their final match in the group stage which didn’t cost them as they still finished top of the table.
      Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong’s agent slammed rumours suggesting he faked an illnessCredit: Rex
      Barcelona star De Jong has repeatedly been linked with a move to Man UtdCredit: Rex
      However, De Jong couldn’t travel with the rest of Xavi’s side due to an illness.
      A report from RAC1 claimed the Blaugrana’s sporting director Deco spoke with the midfielder on the phone and doubted the legitimacy of the player’s excuse.
      However, the Netherlands international’s representative Ali Dursun lambasted those “nonsense” rumours and insisted his client is a “model professional”.
      Dursun told  De Telegraaf: “Total fake news.
      Read More on Football
      “It is the biggest nonsense that has been released around Frenkie in a long time.
      “The player is just sick. He has symptoms of fever and has been unable to travel and play.
      “This boy is a professional through and through. Just a model professional.
      “Just don’t touch Frenkie’s reputation, because he always delivers.
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      “There was no shouting over the phone as claimed, no question marks.
      “Things are being created now in a false way. The relationship with Deco is simply good and stable.”
      De Jong had been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United.
      United attempted to sign the 26-year-old in a £70million transfer last year in the summer, but Barcelona refused to let him go. More