BRAZIL stars Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles have reportedly been ruled OUT of the World Cup with injuries. The Arsenal star suffered a knee injury against Cameroon, while the Manchester United left-back also hobbled off in the 1-0 defeat.
But Brazil have been handed boost with Neymar set to return to action.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar suffered ankle ligament damage in Brazil’s opening game against Serbia which fans feared would rule him out of the whole tournament.
But a video went viral last night of the Brazilian magician doing some muscle work in the gym – trying to regain fitness for the knock-out stages.
One side that will not be in the last-16 is Uruguay having lost out to South Korea on goal difference and forward Edison Cavani took out his frustration by PUNCHING a VAR monitor after the game.
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Gabriel Jesus statement
Brazil shared a statement confirming Gabriel Jesus’ injury will not allow him to play in the 2022 World Cup.
A Brazil statement read: “As announced by the Brazilian FA after the game against Cameroon, players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus underwent tests on Saturday morning.
“Accompanied by the Brazilian National Team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, they underwent an MRI on the right knee that confirmed the injuries and the impossibility of recovery in time to participate in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“The coordinator of the Brazilian National Team, Juninho Paulista, is in contact with the sports directors of Arsenal and Sevilla to define whether Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus remain with the squad in Doha to continue the treatment or return to their clubs”
Ronaldo tempted by Chelsea
Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Chelsea after his dramatic departure from Manchester United.
Ronaldo has had two major offers from Saudi Arabian clubs Al Nassr and Al Hilal earlier on this week.
But reports suggest that the Blues’ owner Todd Boehly has held talks with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s super agent Jorge Mendes.
And the Portugal international is “tempted” by the move
‘Polish Mourinho’
Poland manager Czeslaw Michniewicz has been getting World Cup advice from Jose Mourinho, Max Allegri, Steven Gerrard and Xavi on how to beat the French, writes SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
Michniewicz has been revelling in his ‘Polish Mourinho’ nickname after pulling off a defensive master class to steer his nation through to the last 16 in Qatar.
He said: “When I hear all the criticism, I can only smile. Because all the teams who were not defensive and let their opponents score easily in the group stage are already back at home and watching on TV.
“We were good at defending and our reward is a game against the world champions. If we can win against France, we could become the next champions.
“The comparisons with Mourinho are out of date but I will just tell you that football is all about winning trophies and being successful.
“I have spoken with Mourinho, Allegri, Xavi, Steven Gerrard, Fabio Cannavaro and all the other coaches who have helped to prepare my players so well for this tournament.
“And I hope this is not my last chance to thank them from the bottom of my heart. We always dreamed of leaving the group phase and we don’t care about any opinions of our team.
“The fourth of December in Poland is Barborka, the miner’s national holiday, and we will do our best to celebrate the day with victory against a wonderful opponent”
New FA chair
Debbie Hewitt, the Football Association’s first female chair, combines a strong business background with proper football knowledge, writes SunSport’s Dan King.
Hewitt, 59, remains on the board of Visa Europe and other blue-chip firms.
But among the interesting things to emerge from a reception at the British Embassy in Doha was the fact that the lifelong Liverpool fan also knows the words to England’s 1982 World Cup song “This Time (We’ll Get It Right)”.
Maybe the FA have done just that by appointing someone who sees what needs to be done AND has the skills and experience to do it
Credit: Splash
Ready to Go
Kick-off is steadily approaching as Holland and the US look to become the first country to book a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
After a crazy week of group stage football, can the last-16 keep up with the drama?
Follow every twist and turn with our live text commentary here.
Staying Put
Gabriel Jesus will stay put with the Brazil team for now while his injury is assessed.
Reports this morning suggest the striker will miss the rest of the World Cup – but it is not clear how severe his knee problem is.
ESPN’s James Olley reports: “Gabriel Jesus is expected to remain with the Brazil squad in Qatar for the time being while the full extent of his injury is determined. Further updates expected in due course.”
Lee’s Big Role
LEE CARSLEY has played a key role in preparing England for today’s last 16 clash with Senegal, writes SunSport’s Dan King.
The Under-21 boss was given the task of scouting the African champions and presenting his findings to Gareth Southgate and his backroom team.
Southgate has consistently given opportunities to fellow English coaches to be part of the senior set-up.
In 2018, then Under-21s manager Aidy Boothroyd joined the team for the World Cup in Russia just weeks after leading the Three Lions to victory in the Toulon Tournament.
Last summer, Newcastle assistant head coach Graeme Jones came on board and proved a popular and effective member of the group.
Senegal Blow
Senegal have suffered a World Cup blow with manager Aliou Cisse ill on the eve of their round of 16 clash with England.
The 46-year-old has been unwell for the last couple of days and did not take his side’s pre-match press conference.
Start your engines
Poland striker Arkadiusz Milik reckons there’s only one way to stop Kylian Mbappe tomorrow – and it involves a motorbike.
The French forward has been in outstanding form this tournament and will be looking for his fourth goal of the World Cup against Poland.
Milik said: “How do we stop him? With scooters!
“He is one of the best players in the world and he is so fast that it will be difficult to keep up with him without a motor bike.
“So we need to play collectively and have very good co-operation because no-one will be able to stop him on their own.”
Van Gaal on the defence
Louis Van Gaal had to launch another staunch defence of his tactics ahead of this game with criticism in Holland of his negative, dull style.
And he has made clear he is wary of the threat the US pose.
The ex-Man United boss said: “The USA is a very energetic squad, with physically strong players and that is tough for any opponent and you can tell that from their results.
“I think that they have evolved well. It’s typically American I would say, that they evolve rapidly and have many players in top European clubs so it goes without saying they would perform and achieve these results.”
Line-Ups
Holland are unchanged from the team that beat Qatar as they look to get through the USA.
While Christian Pulisic starts after sustaining a blow while he scored against Iran. The USA make two changes with Walker Zimmerman and Jesus Ferreira in for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Timothy Weah
Holland: Noppert; Timber, van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, de Roon, de Jong, Blind; Klassen, Gakpo, Depay
US: Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; Musah, Adams, McKennie; Ferreira, Weah, Pulisic
More goals, Cody?
It could be a fairly tight and competitive encounter between Holland and the US in today’s afternoon last 16 game.
One who could make the difference is PSV star and Manchester United target Cody Gakpo, who has three goals in three games so far. The teams will be revealed soon.
Guess Siu
Harry Maguire has included the recently-departed Cristiano Ronaldo in his five-a-side team.
The centre-back is enjoying a good tournament in the World Cup and said he would still include the Portuguese star despite his messy exit from Manchester United.
Maguire told England’s Youtube Channel: “Stonesy [John Stones] at the back. I’d go for Harry Kane up top, whenever we play five-a-side he’s top goalscorer every time.
“I’d put Cristiano [Ronaldo] in there. Those two together, you’ve won the game already. I’d put myself in there. And then I’d go with a midfielder, I’d go with Declan Rice. He protects everything doesn’t he.”
Hero Concern
Pele has been moved to palliative end-of-life care in hospital, according to reports.
The footballing icon, 82, is said to no longer be responding to chemotherapy as he battles with bowel cancer.
Pele was taken into hospital on Tuesday and now Folha in Sao Paulo state he will no longer be subjected to invasive tests or treatment.
The three-time World Cup has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment since September 2021.
Read more on the developing story here.
Bell of the Ball
Emmanuel Petit has declared himself a fan of rising star Jude Bellingham after his brilliant World Cup performances.
The former Arsenal midfielder told Midnite: “I love Jude Bellingham. He’s the mix between Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. He’s very mature, and his body language on the pitch is tremendous.
“He can do so many things on the pitch so for me, he’s one of the best players [in his position] in the world right now.”
The Special 1,000
Lionel Messi is set to play his 1,000th game in professional football when Argentina take on Australia today.
The 35-year-old genius is arguably the best player of his generation and continues to stun fans weekly even at the later stage of his career.
With 778 games for Barcelona and 53 matches for current club PSG, his 169th cap for Argentina today will lead to the big milestone.
The magician has had a mixed tournament so far, scoring a brilliant goal against Mexico last week before missing a penalty against Poland.
Telles’ Pain
Alex Telles looked devastated as he left the pitch against Cameroon yesterday.
The Manchester defender, on loan at Sevilla, had his head in his shirt as a knee injury left his limping off as he was subbed.
Reports this morning suggest both the full-back and Gabriel Jesus are set to miss the rest of the tournament for Brazil.
‘I fear England the most’
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has admitted fearing England “the most” in the World Cup knockouts.
The former midfielder thinks his native France will not want to play against the Three Lions.
Speaking to Midnite, Petit said: “I fear England the most. There are four teams that are different for me, there’s England, Brazil, Spain and France. They’re the teams that have shown something different.
“Gareth Southgate has received so much criticism recently but I have confidence in him. England have improved and it’s very difficult to win big tournaments. I’m not sure if Southgate will still be England’s manager after the World Cup but it’s time for England to make a point and he is doing the right things.”
Time After Time
THE clampdown on time-wasting at the World Cup has resulted in over TEN HOURS of additional time being played in the group stages in Qatar.
And research by Midnite can reveal that in total that has meant 640 minutes of stoppage time have been played already in 2022’s World Cup.
That equates to enough time for seven full 90 minute matches being played, which would be enough to contend a whole group consisting of four teams, with a game to spare.
That has already surpassed the amount of added time played at Russia 2018 throughout the entire tournament, in 18 fewer matches played.
Dutch Courage v American Dreams
It’s the first last-16 clash this afternoon as Holland take on the USA from 3pm.
It is set to be first ever competitive meeting between the sides after five friendlies previously.
In that collection, the US only have one win (4-3 in 2015) but will be hoping to extend that record this afternoon.
Gregg Berhalter’s side have impressed at this tournament and escaped a difficult looking group.
They and Holland are one of only five nations yet to taste defeat across the ridiculously bonkers group stages.
With Louis Van Gaal looking to drag his nation to the first ever World Cup, do they have enough to get past America? And will Cody Gakpo score again?
Jesus Wept
Brazil pair Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus have been ruled OUT of the World Cup, according to reports.
The Arsenal star suffered a knee injury against Cameroon, while the Manchester United also hobbled off in the 1-0 defeat.
Telles was withdrawn early in the second period on Friday, while the Arsenal man came off 10 minutes later.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the pair will play no further part in Qatar, with South Korea to come on Monday in the last-16.
The Elite Club
Xherdan Shaqiri joined an exclusive club last night by scoring against Serbia.
The former Liverpool ace was on target as his country won 3-2 to secure a place in the round of 16. Shaqiri, 31, became just the third player to score at the last three World Cup finals in a row.
The only other two to have matched that feat are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Shaqiri, now of Chicago Fire in MLS, was part of Switzerland’s squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa aged 18.
He failed to score that time around, receiving only 12 minutes of action – but he has put that right since in Brazil, Russia and now Qatar.
Rashford MUST start tomorrow
Jack Wilshere has come out batting for Marcus Rashford to get a start against Senegal tomorrow.
Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice after multiple players put themselves in the frame with an impressive second-half showing against Wales.
Wilshere exclusives says in the Sun: “Marcus didn’t play for England for 16 months from that final to the Iran game but he is right in the groove now and I would definitely start him against Senegal tomorrow.
“When we played against Australia [in 2016, on Rashford’s debut], Marcus didn’t actually have that good a good game but he had the knack of doing something special even if he was slightly off his game.”
Read Wilshere’s rave review of the Manchester United star here.
Southgate’s Handbrake
England fans should not expect to see teams stuffed with attacking players anytime soon, according to pundit Graeme Souness.
He said in the Mail: “We got a little insight into how Gareth Southgate’s football brain works — and how he sees football — when England played Wales this week.
“With the greatest respect to Wales, if you couldn’t be proactive that night, then whenever could you be? We’re talking about a game which had as little jeopardy as you’ll ever get in tournament football. The only risk England had of not qualifying that night was by losing 4-0.”
“Don’t expect to see England minus the handbrake any time soon unless they’re chasing a game. Don’t expect to see a great deal of [Mason] Mount, or anything of [James] Maddison.”
England vs Senegal referee confirmed
El Salvador chemistry professor Ivan Barton is set to be in charge for England’s World Cup last-16 clash against Senegal.
Barton, 31, impressed with his officiating in Germany’s 2-1 loss to Japan.
And has now been rewarded with the chance to ref at his first ever World Cup round of 16 tie.
SunSport have all the info needed for England vs Senegal
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