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      Marcus Rashford MISSING from Man Utd’s travelling squad for Tottenham clash as Alejandro Garnacho covers up

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      MANCHESTER UNITED ace Marcus Rashford has again been left out of the squad as Ruben Amorim’s team travelled to Tottenham for a crunch Carabao Cup clash.Alejandro Garnacho was recalled by United manager Amorim after he left both the Argentina international and Rashford, 27, out of the team that beat Manchester City on Sunday’s derby.Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho has been recalledCredit: ZenpixGarnacho was left out of the Man Utd squad that beat Manchester CityCredit: ZenpixHowever, there was no sign of Man Utd ace Marcus RashfordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeA lot of Man Utd players travelled to Stockport train station via coachCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes took off for Tottenham for the quarter-final clash with TottenhamCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford hinted that he will leave Man Utd soonCredit: GettyGarnacho, 20, had a snood pulled over his mouth and wore a black beanie hat before the trip to north London and Thursday’s quarter-final clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.A lot of the Red Devils’ players travelled to Stockport train station by coach after gathering at the airport car park.However, Rashford was unaccounted for at the Manchester giants’ rendezvous point.Rashford outlined his wish to leave United in an interview on Tuesday, having reported unwell for training on Monday. Read More on Man UtdUnited players were given Tuesday off by Amorim. England international Rashford told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”Nevertheless, in a press conference before Wednesday’s training session, Amorim confirmed that both Garnacho and Rashford would be in contention to return to the squad against Tottenham.Amorim said: “If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see see at the end of training.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Of course [I expect a reaction]. I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.”Amorim was quite vague when explaining Garnacho and Rashford’s omission from the 2-1 victory against City but insisted it wasn’t due to a disciplinary matter.Man Utd player ratings: Amad Diallo experiences greatest moment of his career but Diogo Dalot doesn’t do enough vs CityThe Man Utd boss said: “It is important to say why, it was not a disciplinary thing. Next week, next game new life, they are fighting for their places.”But for me it is important the performance in training, the performance in games, the way you dress, the way you eat, they way you engage with your teammates, the way you push your team-mates. “Everything is important in our context in the beginning of something when we want to change a lot of things, when people in our club are losing their jobs, we have to put the standards really high.”For that, they have to fight for their place in the team and today the team we proved we can leave anyone outside the squad and manage to win if you play together.”I’m going to say again it was not a disciplinary thing. It’s the small details. You can see the games like I see, there are some things that have to change. “But it is a new life, it’s not a disciplinary thing, it’s the performance in training, the performance in game and then I have to change, to choose players.”If it was disciplinary, I would say that here and it will be a bigger problem but it was not that. “It was just that I want to improve my players and you understand that for so long, for example with Rash, we tried a thing and it doesn’t work. Let’s continue to do the same thing or try something different?”So it’s as simple as that. If they train well with the talent they have we will be so much better with them. Both of them. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But they have to work hard, they do, today they trained really hard so it’s a good thing. New week, new life, let’s see the next one.”According to the Manchester Evening News, this is the full squad for the trip to Spurs: Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Dalot, Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Lindelof, Evans, Martinez, Malacia, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Hojlund, AmadMan Utd will face Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in north LondonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeManager Ruben Amorim and other Man Utd players drove to the train stationCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd beat Man City on Sunday in the derby at the EtihadCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHarry Maguire and co will face Tottenham in the quarter-finalsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd star Casemiro was seen at the train stationCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Julen Lopetegui’s dad Jose dies aged 94 as West Ham confirm manager has returned to Spain for funeral

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI will take charge of West Ham on Saturday despite having to return to Spain following the death of his father this week.The Hammers manager, whose side face Brighton this weekend, is back in his home country after his dad, Jose, passed away on Tuesday aged 94.West Ham have confirmed Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend his dad’s funeralCredit: GettyJose Antonio Lopetegui passed away at the age of 94Lopetegui’s coaching staff are taking training during his absence, though the ex-Wolves manager will be back on Friday to hold a pre-match press conference.The 58-year-old travelled to Spain for three days during the November international break to spend time with his dad.Jose Antonio Lopetegui died after suffering from health problems this year, according to Spanish outlet AS.A West Ham spokesperson: “West Ham United can confirm head coach Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father, Jose, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Julen, his family and friends, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this time.“Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”Dad Jose, who was one of 11 siblings, was a renowned stone lifter and somewhat famous in Basque sport.Most read in FootballStone lifting is a traditional sport that involves lifting heavy stones onto the shoulder to test strength and endurance.It is known as “Harri-jasotze” in the Basque County and all eight Lopetegui brothers regularly competed.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starAt the Circo Price in Madrid, Jose was able to lift 182 kilos to the astonishment of the crowd.The eight brothers attempted to set a record of each lifting 188 kg at the same time, but were persuaded not to by their wives, who considered stone-lifting to be a rural pastime not befitting of their new statuses as urban businessmen.Jose was also a seasoned boxer in his youth.Lopetegui’s former club Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League, also said: “Sevilla FC expresses its condolences to Julen Lopetegui and his family on the death of his father.”The West Ham manager has been under intense pressure due to a poor start of the season.But he has also had to deal with striker Michail Antonio suffering a horror car crash and also the passing of his father.Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s side drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 16 games this season.The Spaniard took over from David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer. More

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      Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall as they announce stunning redevelopment plans next to stadium

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      ASTON VILLA have pledged to build the Premier League’s largest ever BEER HALL.Club chiefs have revealed plans for a “bold regeneration” project of Villa Park ahead of the club’s 150 anniversary in January 2025.Aston Villa to build Premier League’s largest beer hall in ‘The Warehouse’Credit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla have launch plans a ‘bold regeneration’ project of Villa Park and its surroundingsCredit: X @AVFCOfficial‘The Warehouse’ will become the largest beer hall in the PremCredit: X @AVFCOfficialAccess to the beer hall will be free to ticketed supporters on matchdaysCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe multi-million pound renovation project, planned to launch in Christmas 2025, will feature a centrepiece named ‘The Warehouse’.It will become the largest beer hall in the Prem and access will be free to ticketed supporters on matchdays.Villa see The Warehouse as the Midlands’ premier concert venue for events but also want to attract boxing nights too.Fans can enjoy a pint while watching large flat-screens and enjoying state-of-the-art LED lights for pre-match enjoyment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere will also be an expanded plaza in the North Grounds, with the aim of amplifying the matchday atmosphere.Villa’s president of business operations Chris Heck labelled the project as “transformational” in an aim to deliver “the best matchday experience in the Premier League.”The development is expected to take 12 months to complete.The club aim for the regeneration project to mirror Villa’s rise on the pitch in the last five years under the ownership of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVilla have vowed to build the fan experience zone of the futureCredit: X @AVFCOfficialClub chiefs plan to make The Warehouse the Midlands’ leading concert venue away from matchdaysCredit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla beat Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years last season.But Unai Emery’s side’s form has somewhat dropped in the Prem this term as they sit seventh in table.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadHowever, they sit fifth in the Champion League standings and therefore remain on course to qualify for the next stage of Europe.Villa have come under fire from supporters with season ticket price hikes and for closing off areas to match-going supporters and transforming them into extra-cost sections.The Midlands club last season shelved plans to redevelop the North Stand and take the stadium’s capacity beyond 50,000.But Heck insists the new world class venue will include a 3,500-seater hub outside the ground.The North Ground developments are due to open by Christmas 2025Credit: X @AVFCOfficialIt will also help Villa align with Premier League financial fair play regulations, with the significant extra revenue raised through a boost in footfall.Heck said: “This is a transformational project, well on its way to completion for next season. “We want to create the best matchday experience possible in the Premier League, so we’re giving our fans an open space to do what fans do best – come together to celebrate the players, the game and the lifeblood of this community.“And the strategic decision to utilise this space as a world-class entertainment venue adds another pivotal piece to climbing the financial fair play mountain.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everything we do is designed to make this Club one of the best in the world, on and off the pitch.”The Warehouse will also host player receptions.The plaza will connect Villa Park stadium with The WarehouseCredit: X @AVFCOfficialVilla hope boxing events could even be held outside the stadiumCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe new club shop was opened earlier this seasonCredit: X @AVFCOfficialThe Midlands club last season shelved plans to redevelop the North Stand and take the stadium’s capacity beyond 50,000 More

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      Why Marcus Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fit but £325k-a-week Man Utd ace must first choose between cash or career

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      MARCUS Rashford is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Marcus Rashford has admitted he is ‘ready for a new challenge’Credit: GettyRashford could be a good fit at Arsenal under Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyRashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEven so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.READ MORE SUN STORIESRashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. More

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      Chelsea and Josh Acheampong finally end contract stand-off as England wonderkid signs five-year deal

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      CHELSEA’S contract stand-off with Josh Acheampong has ended after the England wonderkid signed a new five-year deal.Enzo Maresca was desperate to tie the 18-year-old down on fresh terms following several dramatic months.Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong has signed a new five-year dealCredit: GettyAfter a Carabao Cup cameo at the start of the season, Acheampong was frozen out by Chelsea after failing to agree an extension.Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all reportedly keen on signing the versatile defender, whose deal was due to expire in 2026.But a breakthrough in talks came last month, allowing Acheampong to return to Chelsea first-team training.He then played all 90 minutes of the 3-1 Conference League win in Kazakhstan against Astana on Thursday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd now, the Athletic reports he has now put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with a bumper pay rise.It’s reckoned Acheampong was presented with a clear vision for his development to the starting XI, with the teen previously unsure of the route following Todd Boehly’s £1.2billion spending spree.Another injury to captain Reece James has freed up a space for the England U20s star on the right.While his ability to play centre-back could come in handy with Wesley Fofana also crocked.Most read in FootballAcheampong could now celebrate his new deal with a starting spot in Chelsea’s final Conference League group game against Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.The Blues have already qualified for the next stage and know that a draw is likely good enough to finish in top spot.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testAcheampong burst onto the scene in May with his Premier League debut from the bench in a 2-0 win against Tottenham.He played a big role in Chelsea’s U18s becoming Southern Champions last term too.And the whiz will be hoping that more senior appearances will soon result in a call-up to England’s U21s. More

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      ‘He is right’ – Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’

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      RUBEN AMORIM insists Marcus Rashford is going nowhere and told him: You’re already in the right place for a new challenge.The Manchester United striker effectively admitted the time had come to move on in a stunning interview after he and Alejandro Garnacho were axed for Sunday’s derby.Ruben Amorim reckons Marcus Rashford ‘is right’ after the Man Utd star’s transfer exit commentsCredit: GettyYet manager Amorim says the door is far from slammed on Rashford’s Old Trafford career – and he is convinced there is still a future for him at his boyhood club.The United chief admitted: “I think he’s right – we have a new challenge here, and it is a tough one, for me the biggest in football.“We are in a difficult situation and this is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so THIS is a new challenge, a big one.”If Rashford was to move on, the only serious chance of matching his £350,000-a-week wages would be at Paris St Germain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOtherwise it would mean a hefty drop to his basic salary…or heading for the footballing wilderness of Saudi Arabia.Yet for Amorim, it isn’t an issue he will have to address, because he intends to keep Rashford.He added: “Of course, because this kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.“I have not spoken to him yet, because yesterday I gave a day off to the lads. But he is our player and ready for the next game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“What I want is to take the best stuff of Marcus Rashford as the player, so I don’t talk about the future, I just talk about the present.“I want the best of each one of them and that is the key point for me, I just want to win and to help the team be better.’It doesn’t look good’ – Roy Keane tips Marcus Rashford for Man Utd transfer exit after he is DROPPED for City clash“We are better with Marcus, that is simple and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past. That’s all.”Amorim’s main focus is on tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup trip to Spurs – and he expects a reaction from both Rashford and Garnacho if they feature.He said: “Of course I do – I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.“We have one more training session, but it’s the same situation of all the other players. If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see at the end of that.“My focus is to have all the players in the best that they can be to prepare for each game. There is no ‘if, if, if’ at this kind of club, it is just Tottenham so let’s focus on this game.”Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

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      Five clubs Marcus Rashford could join after bombshell transfer revelation Man Utd star ‘wants a new challenge’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD sensationally threw his future into doubt by revealing he is ready for a “new challenge”. The boyhood Manchester United fan and player was dropped for his side’s 2-1 win at the Etihad against rivals City.Marcus Rashford sensationally threw his Man Utd future into doubtCredit: GettyAnd that came amid speculation the club are ready to sell the England international. Now in an interview with journalist Henry Winter, he said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.READ MORE IN football “I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”He had previously been linked with the Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain when his deal was due to end in 2023.However, he stayed at Old Trafford after extending his contract last year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever his future is now up in the air, with new manager Ruben Amorim axing him from last weekend’s Manchester derby.Rashford, 27, was left out of the squad for Manchester United’s victory over Manchester City along with Alejandro Garnacho.The omission has come amid speculation that he could be sold by the Red Devils.Sky Germany have reported that Man United “would sell” Rashford by the summer at the latest.It is also claimed that the club are “open to top offers” during the upcoming January transfer window.With Rashford’s future on the line, here SunSport looks at five teams he could join.PSG The French champions have been heavily linked with Rashford over the past few seasons. And PSG are yet to fully replace Neymar on the left-wing, opening up the opportunity for Rashford to do so. Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Bayern Munich The German giants were linked with Rashford earlier in the season, just after the summer window. England skipper Harry Kane could help tempt over Rashford but he would have heavy competition in Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry. Barcelona The Spanish champs reportedly turned their attention to Rashford after missing out on the signing of Nico Williams last summer. Barcelona are stocked up on wide options but with Robert Lewandowski now 36, Rashford’s ability to play centrally could be key. Arsenal The Gunners have never shied away from signing stars from rivals, recently Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling from Chelsea. And if Rashford wants to remain in the Premier League, a move to Arsenal under Mikel Arteta could attract the forward. Chelsea An outsider could be a move to West London – like Rashford’s former United team-mate Jadon Sancho did last summer. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut, Chelsea are well served on the left with Sancho, Joao Felix and Pedro Neto all playing on that flank this campaign.However winger Mykhailo Mudryk is also currently suspended and faces a potential ban of up to four years after failing a drug test. More

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      Mykhailo Mudryk banned from training with Chelsea team-mates as fresh details emerge on shock drug scandal

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK is unable to train with his Chelsea team-mates as fresh details surrounding his drug scandal emerge.The Ukrainian has been provisionally suspended from football and faces up to a FOUR-YEAR ban after failing a doping test.Mykhailo Mudryk is unable to train with his Chelsea team-mates amid his drug scandalCredit: GettyMudryk – who could end up costing the Blues £88.5million – provided a positive result for an A-sample in late October. The winger and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of the B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it also comes back positive.Mudryk is believed to have tested positive for meldonium, a banned metabolic substance similar to insulin.It can apparently allow the body to “use oxygen sparingly and quickly restore energy to prepare for new loads of physical stress.”READ MORE IN football Meldonium is widely used in Eastern Europe and has been on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.Tennis star Maria Sharapova was banned for 15 months after testing positive for meldonium at the Australian Open that same year.According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Mudryk is unable to train at Cobham due to his provisional suspension.Mudryk categorically denies intentional wrongdoing and passed a test in August and has a specialist law firm dealing with the matter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe positive A-test occurred on international duty and it’s reported the player believes contamination caused the result.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been kept in the loop but is not dealing with the matter day-by-day. ‘I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsMaresca referred to Mudryk as ill and it is understood the forward did return from international duty sick.The maximum punishment he faces is a four-year ban but Paul Pogba had his reduced to 18 months and is eligible to play again in March. Sharapova had her two-year suspension reduced to 15 months.Mudryk has made 15 appearances this season, with three goals all scored in the Europa Conference League. The positive A-test occurred on international dutyCredit: Getty More