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      Mikel Arteta hails ‘positive’ Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang talks as Arsenal skipper is all smailes after Tottenham axe

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is all smiles again after sorting out his differences with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.Now the Gunners’ 13-goal top scorer is ready to lead his team in Thursday’s crucial Europa League clash with Olympiacos.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been all smiles back in Arsenal trainingCredit: Getty
      Aubameyang, 31, had a face like thunder when he was left out of the team for Sunday’s North London derby after turning up late.
      But the superstar striker has buried the hatchet with his disciplinarian manager following heart to heart talks this week.
      Arteta confirmed: “We talked, everything has been resolved in a really positive way and now we move forward.
      “He has trained really well for the last two days and he was smiling as usual, which is what we always expect from Auba. So it’s all good.”
      With Arsenal defending a 3-1 lead from last week’s first leg in Athens, Aubameyang’s presence against the Greek champions could be vital.
      Arsenal team-mate Mohamed Elneny insisted: “We are all so happy to have Auba with us because we all know he is one of the best players we have.
      “He’s our captain and he is always there for us, supporting us on and off the pitch. He’s an amazing person and one the kindest players to speak to about anything.
      “He’s always happy, always laughing and he brings so much positive energy to the team.”
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      But while Aubameyang is back in line for an Arsenal return, he will be forced to sit out Gabon’s African Nations Cup qualifier in Angola a week on Monday.
      Thomas Partey will also be prevented from playing for Ghana in South Africa next week due Covid restrictions.
      And Arteta is far from happy with the forthcoming international fixture list which could involve three games in the space of six days for his weary players.
      He explained: “We are the ones who have to pay the players and look after them, so it’s the international teams who have to adapt to what we want.
      “We have some players with significant workloads and our priority is to win these next two games against Olympiacos and West Ham and then we will see what happens with international duty.
      “Three international games in six days is too much and this year I think it becomes something really dangerous with the amount of minutes these boys have played in such a short time with no preparations.
      “I don’t think it’s right but the decisions have been made and the games are going to be played, so it’s just about how we protect our players in the best possible way.
      “We will tell the federations about the state of our players and try to maintain an open discussion to manage the load in the best possible way.
      Mikel Arteta is hoping to see out his revenge mission on OlympiacosCredit: Getty
      Aubameyang cut a lonely figure on the bench on SundayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “Those who are going to be in red zone countries won’t be able to play those fixtures, but the rest we have to allow them to go if they are fit.
      “Some might be able to play in one game and not the next so there is still a lot to figure out.
      “We will stick to all the protocols we have to allow our players to travel when they are safe and our doctor is in constant communication with the Premier League and the federations.
      “But it’s not too simple.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Arteta responds to Aubameyang being dropped for reporting late for the North London derby More

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      Robert Lewandowski OUT for England clash as Bayern Munich block striker from joining Poland team for World Cup qualifier

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      POLAND face being without three of their biggest stars against England — including Robert Lewandowski.Bayern Munich are currently blocking striker Lewandowski from featuring in three World Cup qualifiers which includes the Wembley trip on March 31.
      Goal machine Robert Lewandowski is set to miss the clash with EnglandCredit: EPA
      Marseille have told Arkadiusz Milik he cannot travel to the game either, while Krzysztof Piatek is also being stopped by Hertha Berlin.
      Poland’s first qualifier is away to Hungary a week today, followed by a home game with Andorra on March 28.
      They travel to London three days later. The loss of these three attacking players would be a massive boost for England boss Gareth Southgate as Poland are their strongest rivals in the group.
      And Lewandowski illustrated why he would be such a miss for the Poles on Saturday when he drew level with Schalke legend Klaus Fischer as the second-highest scorer in Bundesliga history with 268 goals.
      The Three Lions later travel to Warsaw on September 8.
      Only the top team qualifies automatically for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
      Meanwhile, Wales’ James Lawrence is also sweating on his involvement for their World Cup qualifiers.
      The seven-cap defender, 28, plays for St Pauli in the Bundesliga second division.
      Marseille’s Arkadiusz Milik has been told he can’t travel to the gameCredit: AP

      Under current German quarantine regulations, Lawrence would have to self-isolate for 14 days when he travels back from the UK to Germany after the international break.
      Lawrence is in limbo and waiting to hear from the Government ahead of Wales meeting up in Cardiff on Sunday.
      The former Anderlecht centre-back was named in caretaker boss Robert Page’s 31-man squad on Monday.
      Wales face Group E clashes against Belgium next Wednesday and the Czech Republic on March 30, as well as a home friendly with Mexico in between.
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      If Lawrence is unavailable, the setback could hit his  hopes of being in Wales’ final squad for the Euro 2020 finals this summer.
      Wales are well stocked with centre-back options with Tottenham’s Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham of Bournemouth, Luton’s Tom Lockyer and  Ben Cabango of Swansea all in Page’s squad.
      Versatile  Ben Davies, Ethan Ampadu and Chris Gunter are also options if the Dragons opt to play three defenders at the back.
      England boss Gareth Southgate explains how he’ll deal with having so many talented No.10s More

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      Sergio Aguero open to stunning free transfer to a Premier League rival if Man City do not extend frustrated star’s deal

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      SERGIO AGUERO is keen to stay in the Premier League next season — as fresh doubts over his Manchester City future emerged.The club’s all-time leading goalscorer, 32, is out of contract this summer and is yet to hear anything about a new deal for next term.
      Sergio Aguero wants to stay in the Premier League if he leaves Man CityCredit: Getty
      He played the final 15 minutes of the comfortable Champions League win over Borussia Monchengladbach in Hungary this week.
      But at the end of the game he was heard telling goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor ‘They don’t pass me the ball’.
      Aguero is frustrated after struggling for game-time since returning to fitness last month — although he has featured in their last three matches.
      And sources close to the player also say he is worried his glittering ten-year City career may be sliding towards a disappointing end.
      He would like to stay at the Etihad but if no offer is forthcoming, he is open to  joining another club in England.
      Boss Pep Guardiola said he would start to think about the future of Aguero in the upcoming international break.
      But he also warned it could be the end of the season before anything is decided  — as he wants full focus on their push for silverware.
      That has led to both Barcelona and  Paris Saint-Germain registering an interest in taking him on a free transfer in the close season.
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      Yet Aguero loves playing in the Prem and after missing such a long spell due to injury and illness would like to stay here.
      The Argentine’s camp are awaiting offers and know Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel was an admirer when he was at PSG.
      It throws up the possibility that the legend — who hit 257 goals for City — could line up against them next season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rio Ferdinand says Man City should go for Erling Haaland over Harry Kane as he’s younger and cheaper More

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      England boss Gareth Southgate looking at Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford shows how far Leeds have come, says Bielsa

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      MARCELO BIELSA believes Gareth Southgate’s interest in Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford shows just how far Leeds have come. A regular at Elland Road in their first season back in the top-flight, the Three Lions boss has been keeping tabs on the Whites duo. 
      Patrick Bamford is set for an England call-up with Luke Ayling narrowly missing outCredit: Reuters
      Marcelo Bielsa feels England’s interest proves how well Leeds are progressingCredit: Reuters
      While right-back Ayling looks set to miss out when Southgate names his squad tomorrow, Bamford is in line for a first call up. 
      The third-highest English scorer with 13 goals, Bamford could take the Whites’ contingent to two alongside midfielder Kalvin Phillips. 
      In the early 2000s, Nigel Martyn, Jonathan Woodgate, Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith and Danny Mills were all regulars in the national set up. 
      And Bielsa said: “It’s recognition for the players first of all. Second, it’s recognition for the project of the club, the structure of the squad to compete in the league. 
      “Competing in the Premier League is what opens up possibilities. 
      “So it’s an achievement that makes the players proud and shows the proposition that the club put forward is the correct one.” 
      Ayling’s versatility put himself on Southgate’s radar. 
      And Bielsa added: “He’s one of the players that has shone the most in our team.
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      “He’s a player that can play out wide or in the center, in a back four or back three.
      “He has the capacity to attack and good aerial game. He has a good management of the ball and first pass.
      “All of this analysis, anyone who watches him regularly can make.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd ‘register Raphinha transfer interest with Solskjaer planning move for 24-year-old Leeds winger in summer’ More

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      Gary Lineker to get checked for dementia as he calls for heading ban in training

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      GARY Lineker has said he will get extra checks for dementia and wants heading banned from training at all levels.The Match of the Day host, 60, revealed co-stars Alan Shearer and Ian Wright fear the effects after years of playing.
      Gary Lineker called for heading to be banned from training at all levelsCredit: Getty
      Research shows ex-pros are 3.5 times likelier to die from a brain disorder than the general public.
      Lineker scored more headed goals for England than any other player.
      He said: “I’ll have my triannual test this summer and ask if there’s anything they can establish around the brain.
      The Match of the Day host revealed he and co-stars Alan Shearer and Ian Wright fear the effects of dementiaCredit: BBC
      Lineker scored more headed goals for England than any other playerCredit: Getty

      “Because I don’t see how, given the circumstances, any footballer wouldn’t be worried about it.”
      He added: “If I’d known what I know now, I would have certainly limited the amount of heading I did.
      “It’s hard to imagine the game without heading, but maybe it’s worth trialling.”
      Gary Lineker suffers from such bad arthritis that he’s been forced to quit golf as he can’t hold a club
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      in Soccer

      Chelsea strikers running out of time to hit goal trail, warns Tuchel ahead of Atletico Madrid showdown

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has warned his struggling strikers they are running out of time to start delivering goals.Chelsea have scored just 13 times in the 12 games since the German took over as boss — with six of those coming from midfielders Mason Mount and Jorginho.
      Thomas Tuchel has warned his misfiring strikers that the clock is tickingCredit: Getty
      It will be the ideal time for Timo Werner to step-up for the BluesCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
      Both are suspended for tonight’s Champions League last-16 second leg with Atletico Madrid, meaning it would be the perfect time for goal-shy Timo Werner to step up.
      Tuchel, whose side lead 1-0 from the away leg, said: “We create enough chances and half- chances to win games. 
      “We had by far enough chances, touches in the box and deliveries against Leeds to win this game comfortably with two goals.
      “If you arrive at elite football at the highest level then there is no time to perform. The time simply doesn’t exist.
      “You are simply in a competition with other players in your team.
      “There is no time to get four or five matches in a row to score regularly. That simply does not exist.”
      Chelsea’s strikers have scored just three times between them since January, with £48million man Werner managing just two goals in his last 26 games.
      And their attacking problems deepened with Tammy Abraham ruled out of tonight’s clash at Stamford Bridge through injury.
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      Tuchel insists every other department in his squad is firing on all cylinders, helping Chelsea climb to fourth in the Premier League on the back of a 12-game unbeaten run including Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Leeds.
      He has rejigged his strikers to try to find a solution and admits it may have hindered rather than helped.
      Tuchel said: “Then it is clearly my fault and I take responsibility for changing.
      “At the same time, if we put the goalkeeper in goal, we expect him to perform in that match.
      “If we put the defensive line-up, then we expect the line-up to have a clean sheet and not just one in every three matches.
      “We try to put them in a good mindset.
      “We are pushing them and they’re working hard against the ball with the whole team, so this is also a point.
      “We did some changes because we needed to adapt.
      “The results are not crazily bad. We need to be more precise and focus better on our decision-making, the technique, how to finish — and these are the points that we work on.
      “Our strikers are very aware of that and they have the highest demands of themselves. We are not pointing fingers to make this clear.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Jude Bellingham’s England call-up set to be blocked by Dortmund but FA hopeful stance will change

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      DORTMUND last night warned the FA they will block Jude Bellingham from linking up with the England team.Midfielder Bellingham, 17, was set to be selected in Gareth Southgate’s senior squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
      Jude Bellingham is still waiting to discover whether he can link-up with EnglandCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate desperately wants the 17-year-old Dortmund star in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiersCredit: PA
      The England camp were on Monday assured by officials at Dortmund that they would be okay to pick Bellingham.
      They believed he would not have to quarantine for 14 days when returning to Germany after the three matches.
      But after speaking to their local health officials, Dortmund have altered their stance.
      And they insisted they would not allow Bellingham to join up with the England squad or Gio Reyna with the United States.
      However, Southgate could still select Bellingham in the squad.
      The FA believe the situation is fluid and could change in their favour.
      In Germany, there is not an overall countrywide ruling over quarantine.
      Each region decides on its own health laws.
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      Southgate names his squad on Thursday for the qualifiers.
      Bellingham has 22 starts for Dortmund since his £30million move from Birmingham last summer.
      He made his senior Three Lions debut in November’s 3-0 friendly win over Ireland.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Borussia Dortmund players in tears laughing at Jude Bellingham’s awful singing for initiation to new club More

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      in Boxing

      Dillian Whyte cashes in on Alexander Povetkin bout as Gibraltar government commission £2 coin

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      DILLIAN WHYTE is already bang on the money for his Gi-brawl-tar rematch with Alexander Povetkin.To commemorate the bout, the Gibraltar government has commissioned a £2 coin featuring the pair that was minted on Tuesday.
      The Gibraltar government have commissioned a £2 coin with Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin minted on one sideCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      The two heavyweights are the only boxers to feature on any sterling currencyCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      Dillian Whyte’s former maths teacher Isaac Awuley attended at Tower MintCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
      The two heavyweights are the only boxers to feature on any sterling currency — and Jamaica-born Whyte is the first black person to receive the honour.
      Whyte was unable to leave his Portugal camp to attend the striking of the first coin.
      But his former head teacher and a handful of pupils from his old school, Lilian Baylis in South London, did attend at Tower Mint.
      Whyte, 32, lost the August clash against the Russian after a brutal fifth-round KO.
      But he demanded a rerun from promoter Eddie Hearn the second that he regained his consciousness.
      The bout has since been postponed three times as 41-year-old Povetkin, a former world and Olympic champion, recovered from Covid-19.
      Whyte is looking for revenge after being brutally KO’dCredit: Mark Robinson
      Dillian Whyte endured defeat when the pair first met in AugustCredit: Mark Robinson

      The pay-per-view clash was moved from Wembley to Gibraltar when travel restrictions between Portugal and the UK would have forced Whyte to quarantine for ten days in a designated hotel before the must-win clash.
      To boost Whyte’s camp, he has added Harold ‘The Shadow’ Knight to his training team.
      The American coach helped Lennox Lewis exact rematch revenge on Oliver McCall in 1997, and then Hasim Rahman in 2001 — as well as being in his corner during a string of world- title defences.
      Dillian Whyte says he’s going for the knockout and isn’t considering a loss against Alexander Povetkin More