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Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Rodrygo could become jealous of superstar team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid.

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Rodrygo upset by Ballon d'Or snubReal Madrid team-mates taking centre stageAncelotti admits situation could become problematicWHAT HAPPENED?

Rodrygo has cut a frustrated figure of late. The Brazilian has expressed his disappointment at being left off the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award despite winning La Liga and the Champions League last season. To make matters worse, he's had to watch team-mates Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius being named on the shortlist, with his fellow Brazilian the current favourite to lift the prestigious Golden Ball trophy.

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Rodrygo has also called for more recognition for his efforts after talk of a new 'BMV' frontline at Madrid. The Brazilian said he wants to "add the R of Rodrygo" in a post on social media which was subsequently deleted. Ancelotti has been asked about Rodrygo and says there is the possibility that the forward could become jealous of his attacking team-mates and the superstar status that Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham currently enjoy.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

He told reporters: "Of course, if it happens [jealousy], I'll detect it, but right now I don't think so. There's a very good and healthy atmosphere in the dressing room. There are players who will have more responsibility, like Vinicius, Rodrygo, the youngsters, who are not so young anymore.

"For him, it is a motivation to compare himself with these players [Vinicius, Mbappé, Bellingham]. For me, he is as important as the others. He doesn't tell me that he has a problem, he has never talked to me about this.

"He was not valued in the Ballon d'Or selection. He deserved to be in the top 30 without a doubt. I understand that he is upset. Someone has forgotten what he did in the Champions League, scoring against City and being important. It is a virtue that he is a wild card, that he can play in many positions and always do well."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID

Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Saturday against Real Sociedad. Bellingham is a doubt for the match due to injury, meaning Vinicius, Rodrygo and Arda Guler are expected to support Mbappe in attack.

Allen will not be replaced in the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots squad

Matt Roller07-Aug-2020Fabian Allen has been ruled out of the 2020 Caribbean Premier League after missing his flight from Jamaica to Barbados.Players, staff and officials were required to arrive in Trinidad two weeks before the start of the tournament on August 18, with a number of charter planes organised to fly them to the island.Allen, who was retained by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in last month’s draft, was due to reach Barbados on an internal flight on Monday, August 3 before boarding the charter to Trinidad, but was late to the airport and missed his flight.”Unfortunately there was some confusion with his understanding of the flight details and he missed the flight,” Allen’s agent confirmed to ESPNcricinfo. “We explored all possibilities, but due to the pandemic and travel restrictions in Trinidad, the charter flight on Monday was the only way he could enter the country.”ALSO READ: Walsh, O’Donnell step in after Patriots lose top coaching staffUnder Trinidad and Tobago’s tight lockdown rules, nobody is able to come in or out of the country other than on those charter flights, meaning Allen will not be replaced in the squad. Those involved in the tournament are currently quarantining in the Hilton hotel in Port-of-Spain, and all tested negative upon their arrival.Allen’s absence is the latest in a series of blows for the Patriots. He has been a revelation for them with the bat in the competition in the last two seasons, making 337 runs at a strike rate of 181.18. He has also chipped in with the ball, and took one of the CPL’s best-ever catches as a substitute fielder in 2017.The franchise’s head coach Simon Helmot withdrew from the tournament following a positive Covid-19 test and a clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore’s pre-IPL camp meant his assistant Malolan Rangarajan would also be unable to travel.ESPNcricinfo LtdLeft arm-spinner Dennis Bulli also withdrew following a positive test, and was replaced by Trinidad and Tobago legspinner Imran Khan. Rassie van der Dussen was unable to confirm his travel plans, with his place taken by Otago batsman Nick Kelly.ALSO READ: All CPL players test negative on arrivalThe other late withdrawals from the tournament were Afghans Qais Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Ahmad, who did not have the required transit visa to pass through the UK and board one of the CPL’s charter flights.Antum Naqvi, an Australian allrounder who has been part of Lahore Qalandars’ development programmes, will train with the Jamaica Tallawahs but is not part of their squad. Four members of the party that toured England for West Indies’ recent Test series have been added as replacement players: Shamarh Brooks and Keon Harding (Barbados Tridents), Jermaine Blackwood (Tallawahs) and Roston Chase (St Lucia Zouks).

Former England manager Sam Allardyce has criticised the timing of the hearing on Manchester City's charges for breaching financial regulations.

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Hearing into City case started this weekMany calling for relegation if found guiltyAllardyce unhappy with timing of processWHAT HAPPENED?

City face 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial fair play regulations and the process began this week. Many have called for the Premier League champions to be hit with a massive punishment, with some insisting they should be relegated if found guilty.

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The case is expected to drag on for a long time, but Allardyce feels it should have been wrapped up before the new season began, and he feels it will now be impossible for the club to be relegated in case of a guilty verdict.

WHAT ALLARDYCE SAID

"They've already put Man City in a position where they can't relegate them because they've let the season start," Allardyce told Footy Accumulators. "They can't relegate them on these charges alone, which is ridiculous. Why didn't they do it in the summer? Having the court case while the season's on is an absolutely ridiculous decision by the Premier League."

Should City be found guilty, Allardyce believes they will be struck with a points deduction at worst.

"If it's on the three counts then possibly 10 points maybe 12, if it's really big, maybe 15," he added. "People are talking about relegation, but if it’s just boiling down to those three, then it's a point deduction and they can live with that fine and will get on with it. Everybody will say it won't be enough and they (City) should be relegated. We won't really understand it because they won't release exactly what's happened behind the scenes.

“If there's no appeal after that and Man City have to take it on the chin, they will get on with it. If there's another appeal avenue, then Man City will exploit it if they're unhappy with the outcome because that’s their right.”

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While the case continues in the background, Pep Guardiola's team will hope to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season when they face title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

After going through the process of hiring a new manager and rebuilding the squad last summer, Todd Boehly’s Chelsea will have to repeat it all over again.

Mauricio Pochettino’s exit from Stamford Bridge was instantly a shock to many, including the players, and the owners now have the difficult task of proving that their decision was correct.

Therefore, it’s of utmost importance that whoever replaces the Argentine brings not only success but also entertaining football.

There is one manager target who’s proven he can provide just that while also having a track record of improving players, and one of those could be Noni Madueke.

Chelsea’s search for Pochettino’s replacement continues

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via CaughtOffside, Chelsea could look to make Enzo Maresca their new boss.

It’s reported that the Italian is desperate to jump at the chance to become the new manager at Stamford Bridge, with Romano saying he’s “super open and super keen.”

The Leicester City boss has already turned down an offer to join Sevilla, as his goal is to stay in the Premier League.

Yet if Chelsea do decide that he’s the best fit for the job, then a £8.5m release clause will have to be met.

Why Maresca could make Madueke unstoppable

Around the time of his £29m move from PSV, Madueke was regarded as one of the most promising forwards in Europe.

Football scout Jacek Kulig highlighted his incredible ability, stating that the forward “has the potential to become a world-class winger,” but unfortunately, his time at Stamford Bridge hasn’t been a breeze.

The England international has been in and out of the team all season, starting just 13 games but making 22 appearances, boasting an output of five goals and two assists.

Goals

5

Assists

2

Shots (per game)

1.4

Key passes (per game)

0.9

Successful dribbles (per game)

1.6

However, the man to fix his struggles and guide him towards extreme development could be Maresca, who’s been incredible at Leicester.

Despite losing the likes of James Maddison and Youri Tielemans, the Italian had the Foxes playing some fantastic football, dominating the ball and scoring the second-most goals in the division, all while also conceding the fewest in the league, which ultimately handed them the Championship title.

Yet, it is his influence on the individuals in his team that makes him so special, particularly the role he played in the development of 20-year-old Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

The youngster shares a similar profile to Madueke in terms of being a pacy, left-footed right winger who’s direct in his approach.

Leicester’s loanee played a huge role in the success of the team, scoring six goals and registering a fantastic 13 assists, which is the sort of output expected of Chelsea’s number 11.

Maresca’s system promotes wide attacking play, where the wingers are instructed to attack with intent and freedom, as shown by Fatawu's output, and if he can have such an impact on the Ghana international, it’s expected that similar results will occur with Madueke.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see that Boehly is keen to bring the former Manchester City coach on board, especially if he can transform players already at the club.

Chelsea in talks to seal "exciting" signing who'd "skyrocket" under McKenna

Chelsea could sign a rival for Cole Palmer.

ByTom Lever May 26, 2024

Gloucestershire maintain good form thanks to Chris Dent’s 87 from 52 balls

ECB Reporters Network04-Sep-2020Chris Dent smashed a career-best 87 to propel Gloucestershire to a convincing 30-run Vitality Blast triumph over Worcestershire Rapids at the Bristol County Ground.Making only his fourth T20 appearance in as many seasons, the left-handed opener dominated as the hosts raised a formidable 181 for 4 after being put in to bat. Ed Barnard took 3 for 44 to keep the visitors in the hunt, but James Bracey’s 39 not out reinforced Gloucestershire’s superiority.Bottom of the Central Group table without a win in five attempts, Worcestershire came up short on 151 for 9, their prospects of making the knockout stages all but over. Jake Libby top-scored with 33, but Ryan Higgins claimed 4 for 34 and Matt Taylor 2 for 26 as Gloucestershire kept the lid on things. Gloucestershire have now won their last three games and are hard on the heels of leaders Northamptonshire, who they face next in the short format.Dent clearly enjoys playing against Worcestershire. Having plundered a quickfire 60 in a winning cause at New Road five days earlier, the left-hander went on another run spree in Bristol, crafting an impressive half-century from 31 balls to afford Gloucestershire’s innings a super-charged start. He dominated progressive stands of 47, 33 and 45 with George Hankins, Ian Cockbain and Higgins for the first, second and third wickets respectively, striking two sixes and 11 fours and scoring all around the wicket to keep the pressure on Worcestershire’s bowlers.Eclipsing his previous best score of 63, made against Glamorgan at Cheltenham in July 2013, Dent no doubt had his sights set on attaining three figures when he attempted to hit Barnard down the ground and holed out to Brett D’Oliveira at long-on. Gloucestershire’s red-ball captain had faced 52 balls and, with Gloucestershire handily-placed on 148 for 4 in the 17th over, laid the foundations for a big score.Chastened in defeat to Somerset a day earlier, Worcestershire’s bowlers nevertheless mustered an improved performance, demonstrating resilience to bounce back after conceding 51 in the opening six-over Powerplay. Adam Finch bowled Hankins for 7 before Barnard took centre stage, inducing Cockbain to top-edge to cover for 18 and then bowling the dangerous Higgins for 17, before weighing in with the key wicket of Dent.But Bracey ensured the hosts finished with a flourish, smiting 39 not out from 20 balls, with a brace of sixes and a four, and sharing an unbroken stand of 33 in 3.3 overs for the fifth wicket with skipper Jack Taylor.The writing was on the wall when Hamish Rutherford, Jack Haynes and Riki Wessels all departed inside six overs, Worcestershire limping to 36 for 3 at the close of the Powerplay. Matt Taylor accounted for the openers, Rutherford and Wessels both offering leg-side catches to Tom Smith, while Higgins bowled Haynes via a bottom edge as the top order faltered.Charged with the task of rebuilding the innings, D’Oliveira and Libby tucked into spinners Smith and Graeme van Buuren, adding 57 in 6.5 overs for the fourth wicket to keep the reply afloat. George Scott broke the partnership, having D’Oliveira held at short fine leg for 26 in the 12th over, after which Ben Cox reverse-swept Higgins to short third man as Gloucestershire reasserted their stranglehold.Libby represented Worcestershire’s last chance, only to be run out for 33 by van Buuren’s throw from deep midwicket as the visitors lurched to 109 for 6 in the 16th over. The outcome was already a foregone conclusion by the time Higgins removed Dillon Pennington and Ross Whiteley in quick succession.

Abell, Craig Overton claim three wickets each on opening day

ECB Reporters Network15-Aug-2020Somerset delivered another dominant performance as they bowled Warwickshire out for 121 and replied with 80 for 2 on the opening day of their Bob Willis Trophy match at Edgbaston.Tom Abell’s side took immediate control against the Bears, who chose to bat and soon hit 15 for 3 in the face of a high-class opening spell of 7-5-4-2 from Craig Overton, who finished with 14-6-17-3 in superb work on a good batting pitch.Abell nipped out the tail with 3.2-2-4-3 while Somerset’s bowlers were backed up by razor-sharp fielding which included two direct-hit run outs from the skipper and Tom Banton.It was cricket bristling with purpose and confidence and, with two wins and 50 points already banked from their first two games, Somerset are strong contenders for a place in the Bob Willis Trophy final at Lord’s.For Warwickshire, it was a day to forget as the batting imploded and the bowling, apart from the excellent Olly Hannon-Dalby, toiled fruitlessly in the absence of the injured Liam Norwell and Olly Stone. To cap their joyless day, they also sustained another injury when Matt Lamb suffered a cracked toe while batting. Whether he will bat in the second innings remains to be seen.With confidence fragile after their collapse at Bristol last Tuesday, Warwickshire soon hit trouble after electing to bat. Overton swiftly removed Rob Yates, who edged a beauty to wicketkeeper Steven Davies, and bowled Sam Hain who played across a straight one.The last thing the home side needed was a self-inflicted wound but that’s what followed when Ian Bell called captain Will Rhodes for a sharp single. It was a decent call, a run was there, but Rhodes did not run hard enough and was beaten by Abell’s direct hit.Bell looked in good nick and added 34 in 11 overs with Lamb but departed in infuriating fashion when he tickled a Lewis Gregory delivery down the leg side to Davies. Lamb went on to 22 but succumbed to the last ball before lunch when Overton completed his morning’s work by bowling the batsman through the gate.That sent Warwickshire into lunch 65 for 5, after which Michael Burgess and Tim Bresnan took the score to 88 before the former played on to Gregory.Somerset were bowling more than well enough not to require gifts but another wicket was then donated to them when Alex Thomson played his first ball to square leg and embarked upon a single but Banton’s throw arrived before he did.That was two wickets in two balls. Two in three followed six overs later when Abell had Henry Brookes caught at first slip and Craig Miles pouched by the keeper. When, in his next over, Abell induced a nick from Hannon-Dalby, Bresnan, having again batted resolutely, was left unbeaten on 32 and Warwickshire were all out in 45.2 overs.Somerset’s reply was solidly launched by Ed Byrom and Tom Lammonby, who added 56 in 17 overs before both fell to Hannon-Dalby, caught at first and second slip respectively.

Bayern Munich have made an offer to sign one "very quick" Tottenham player for prospective new manager Vincent Kompany, coming after the Bundesliga giants snapped up both Eric Dier and Harry Kane.

Spurs players who could be sold this summer

Ange Postecoglou has publicly hinted that Spurs could be set to offload a few players this summer, amid reports that they're open to offers for over a dozen members of the Australian's squad (Paul O'Keefe).

Ange outlines Tottenham star as weak link as he eyes "perfect" £55.6m heir

The Australian has decided to sell him.

ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2024

The Lilywhites began 2023/2024 in rip-roaring form, with Postecoglou even recording the best-ever start made by a new manager in Premier League history. However, they tailed off towards the latter stages and missed out on Champions League football next season to top-four rivals Aston Villa.

Sheffield United 0-3 Tottenham

Tottenham 0-2 Man City

Tottenham 2-1 Burnley

Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham

Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham

Postecoglou has claimed that Tottenham need to undergo "drastic" change in the summer transfer window, as he looks to make them an elite English side and end their long wait for a piece of major silverware – with their last one coming in 2008.

"We need change. Change has to happen," said Postecoglou on Spurs' summer transfer window.

"You can’t want to alter your course and expect the same people are going to be on that. It’s just not going to happen. We’ve had two windows and we’ve had some development of players, for sure, but when I say we’ve still got a long way to go, that’s what I’m talking about.

"It’s impossible to say you’re going to have drastic change and yet expect everyone to be on that journey."

Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Joe Rodon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Richarlison, Tanguy Ndombele, Sergio Reguilon, Japhet Tanganga, Manor Solomon, Djed Spence and Yves Bissouma have all been rumoured as Tottenham players who could be sold this summer, with defender Emerson Royal also attracting interest from abroad.

The Brazilian has played second fiddle to star right-back Pedro Porro during Postecolgou's reign, but has done well to fill in for injured first-teamers when required. Royal has turned out at both centre-back and left-back to cover for the likes of Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, but it is believed he's up for sale.

Tottenham would accept bids of around £20 million for Royal this summer, and it is believed he is on the radar of Bayern as their club chiefs also close in on a new manager.

Bayern Munich eye Emerson Royal for Vincent Kompany with offer made

The Bavarians are close to sealing a deal for Kompany from Burnley, and they've decided he'll be the man to replace Thomas Tuchel (Jacob Steinberg). Bayern are hoping to wrap up his arrival by the end of this week, as per Steinberg, with the Germans already making moves for his potential first signing.

According to Trivela, Bayern have made an offer to sign Royal from Tottenham, who also has the option of a Saudi move. However, it is believed the South American would prefer to stay in Europe and will prioritise mental health over money when it comes to his next move. The outlet adds that Spurs' "very quick" defender is expected to depart N17, regardless of where he ends up.

Erik ten Hag has been told that he "was right to take on" Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United as the forward "didn't meet his standards".

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Ronaldo left Man United in November 2022Had a bitter fallout with Ten HagDutch manager backed by his ex-assistantFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo's second coming at Old Trafford had a bitter end as his contract was ripped up in November 2022 following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, in which he criticised Ten Hag and the club hierarchy. The decision to part ways with one of football’s greatest players was met with mixed reactions, but Ten Hag’s unwavering commitment to his philosophy saw him remain firm throughout the saga.

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Ten Hag has now received backing from his former assistant McClaren, who worked as the Dutchman's assistant in his first two seasons at the helm.

“I couldn’t fault his approach,” McClaren stated in an interview with “He really handled it very well. I said at the time he was the right man to go in. That was shown in the way he handled [the departure of Cristiano] Ronaldo. He [Ten Hag] came in with set standards. Set rules. Set way of playing. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play. He was rigid on that. Which the Dutch are. He knew that was what was needed. There could be no flexibility, no way the players could manoeuvre [out of that responsibility].

“This is what you had to do – or you didn’t play. And he took on Ronaldo, and quite rightly. Other managers have tried to adapt. Erik didn’t feel it was necessary to do that. [Ralf] Rangnick had tried and it hadn’t quite worked out and Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] the same. So he [Ten Hag] stuck to his guns and developed other players."

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McClaren also pointed to an incident involving Marcus Rashford, where the England forward was benched for being late to a meeting on a matchday. Despite the minor infraction, Ten Hag upheld his standards, sending a clear message to the squad.

"On instances like lateness for meetings [that] was well documented, the Wolves one, [when Marcus Rashford] was a minute or two late for a meeting on game day," he began.

"He [Ten Hag] put him on the bench. Granted he put him [Rashford] on and he scored the winner. Things like that were important. Discipline was important. Standards were important. Behaviour was important. Everybody knows that about United. That’s what he [Ten Hag] brought. Some people didn’t like that – that’s normal – but he never swayed from it. That’s his strength.”

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Since leaving United, Ronaldo has continued his illustrious career, now playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The Portuguese superstar has shown no signs of slowing down and has started the 2024-25 campaign in remarkable form, scoring five goals in his first six appearances for the Saudi club. Meanwhile, United will look to get back to winning ways against Twente in the Europa League after they were held to a stalemate at Selhurst Park by Crystal Palace.

Liverpool and FSG are reportedly intensifying their attempts to sign a Euro 2024 star this summer, who could cost more than £100m.

Liverpool transfer rumours

It promises to be a busy summer for new manager Arne Slot as he prepares for his first taste of Premier League football. Taking over from Jurgen Klopp is a daunting prospect, but it looks as if the club could back the Dutchman in the transfer market ahead of his first year on Merseyside, with a whole new off-field set up at Anfield secured.

Slot could also reunite with a number of players he has worked with previously at Liverpool. For example, the Reds have been linked with Newcastle United’s Yankuba Minteh who spent last season on loan at Feyenoord, whereas Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida may also be on the move to England over the coming months.

Another player who has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield is Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. Liverpool reportedly made recent contact with the star over a potential transfer, and there has now been a new update.

Joao Neves to Liverpool transfer update

According to reports in Portugal, relayed by Paisley Gates, Liverpool have made Neves their priority signing and are readying a proposal which could arrive in the coming days.

The Reds are intensifying their attack to sign the central midfielder, who is protected by a €120m (£102m) release clause in his Benfica contract. What Liverpool’s opening proposal will be remains unknown, however, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Benfica have no intention to negotiate below Neves’ release clause.

Neves looks set to feature for Portugal at Euro 2024, and should Liverpool somehow secure his services this summer, the Reds will be getting a player who Diogo Jota believes “has the quality and mindset to go really far”. Manchester United have also been linked with Neves, and their captain, Bruno Fernandes, is also a fan of the midfielder.

"It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not. He's a great player, I don't know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas. But he's an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional. He will have a bright future wherever he goes. I would really like to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him."

Therefore, Neves’ future will be one to keep an eye on over the summer, and with Liverpool seemingly readying a proposal, his displays for Portugal at Euro 2024 could be ones to watch for Reds supporters.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken gave a pessimistic view on Martin Odegaard's fitness as the Arsenal captain continues his recovery from injury.

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Odegaard injured on Norway dutyStill unavailable for selectionSolbakken gives update on midfielderFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Odegaard suffered an ankle ligament injury in the second half of Norway's win against Austria on September 9 and has since been unavailable for the Gunners. The midfielder said he was "scared" about the severity of the issue and it is not known how long he will be out for.

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The 25-year-old was unavailable for the Norway squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Slovenia and Austria, and Solbakken admits he had long known that he would not be able to call on Odegaard.

WHAT SOLBAKKEN SAID

"Far. He is far from being in the squad," he said at a press conference when asked about Odegaard. "We will see how far he gets during this national team break. I have known for quite some time that he was not relevant for this gathering."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR ODEGAARD?

The Gunners star will continue his rehabilitation while his national team-mates compete in the Nations League. First, though, Arsenal will meet Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.