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The trophies haven’t always followed, but West Ham United have had some truly sensational players represent them over the years.

You’ve got the historical greats, like Bobby Moore, Billy Bonds, and Geoff Hurst, as well as some more modern ones.

Declan Rice, for example, or Dimitri Payet before him, and going back a little further, the livewire that was Paolo Di Canio.

All three made an enormous impact on the club during their time in East London, and Nuno Espírito Santo has someone in his squad today who should be spoken about in the same way.

Di Canio, Payet and Rice's West Ham careers

Starting in chronological order then, Di Canio joined West Ham in January 1999, and while there were some questions over the move for his rash behaviour, and the fact he had just been banned for 11 games for pushing a referee, Harry Redknaap justified the move by simply stating that the Italian could “do things with the ball that people can only dream of.”

Over the next four and a half years, the Roma-born icon would rack up an impressive tally of 50 goals and 19 assists in 139 games for the club, with his strike against Wimbledon in March 2000 later being named the league’s goal of the decade.

While he left to join Charlton Athletic following the Irons’ relegation in 2003, Di Canio made a lasting impression in East London and continues to call the fan base his second family.

Another maverick star who the East End fell head over heels for during his time in the capital was Payet.

The French magician joined the club from Marseille in the summer of 2015, and it didn’t take long for him to announce himself, providing the assist for Cheikhou Kouyaté from a well-taken free kick on his debut against Arsenal.

He ended that season with an outrageous tally of 12 goals and 15 assists in 38 games, which was enough for him to be named the Premier League Player of the Year at the 2016 London Football Awards, shortlisted for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and named West Ham United Player of the Year.

However, things would sour the following season, when, in the new year, he refused to play after making it clear that he wanted to return to Marseille, which he eventually did for around £25m.

Finally, the only academy product of the three, Rice was well and truly one of West Ham’s own.

He made his senior debut for the club in a Premier League game against Burnley in the 16/17 season, and over the next six years would go on to amass 244 more for the club, as well as becoming the captain in the summer of 2022.

His crowning achievement in claret and blue came the following summer, when he led the club to their first European title, beating Fiorentina in the Conference League final.

Unfortunately, he then left to join Arsenal a couple of months later, but he did at least bring in around £105m in the process.

In all, it’s impossible to deny that Di Canio, Payet and Rice are three of the very best players to have represented West Ham in the modern era, although another name might have to be added to that list.

The West Ham star emulating Di Canio, Payet and Rice

Now, while neither the results nor performances have been all that great this season, West Ham still have several incredibly talented players in their squad.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, when it comes down to someone who could emulate and be looked at in the same way as the three icons mentioned above, only one player comes to mind: Jarrod Bowen.

The 28-year-old joined the Hammers from Hull City in January 2020, and while there was some excitement around his transfer, it didn’t feel like it would be such a seismic one at the time.

After all, while his first six months at the club certainly weren’t bad, they also weren’t anything special, as in 13 appearances, he scored a single goal and provided four assists.

Things improved slightly the following year, as he recorded 14 goal involvements in 40 appearances, but it was the season after that, the 2021/22 campaign, when it became clear just how special a player he is.

For example, in 51 appearances, the “unplayable” winger, as dubbed by Thomas Frank, scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.64 games, which was also enough to see him earn his first senior England cap.

However, it was the year after that in which his defining moment as a West Ham player came, as in the 90th minute of the Conference League final, he made a perfectly timed run, and under all the pressure in the world, scored the winning goal to send East London into delirium.

Since then, the firm fan favourite has continued to improve, and since being given the captain’s armband last year, it’s hard to think og what else he needs to do to cement himself as a West Ham legend.

Ultimately, while he might not get the same recognition outside the fan base, it would be fair to say that Bowen is well on his way to becoming one of the Hammers’ greatest ever – if he isn’t there already.

West Ham are brewing homegrown Diouf in exciting 18-year-old at Rush Green

The incredibly exciting youngster could be a future star for West Ham.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 7, 2025

Manchester City are now reportedly willing to launch a stunning £100m+ move to sign a young talent who’s been compared to Lamine Yamal.

Guardiola: Man City "had everything" in Sunderland win

Say it quietly, but we might just have a Premier League title race on our hands. After Arsenal slipped up against Aston Villa, courtesy of a dramatic Emi Buendia winner, Man City took full advantage. The Citizens shoved Sunderland aside in vintage fashion as goals from Josko Gvardiol, Phil Foden and a Ruben Dias stunner sealed all three points.

Arsenal’s lead at the top has now been cut to just two points and Pep Guardiola couldn’t hide his delight at full-time, telling reporters: “It had everything. It was one of our best performances of the season, against a great team, considering what they have done so far.

“Definitely [pleased to get a clean sheet], as they don’t concede much. One action from Ruben [Dias] when he lost the ball and they had a chance, but the rest of the match we were composed. We created a lot.”

The Spaniard, a title veteran, also assured reporters that there’s still a long way to go before the season concludes, saying: “Many things are going to happen still. It’s down to the way we play, not how many points behind we are. It’s the way you perform. The players are not stupid, consistency doesn’t come from one result.

Man City now most interested in signing "pacy" £40m+ Arsenal target club chiefs love

The Citizens could get one over on their title rivals.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 6, 2025

“In the last 9 to 10 games, we have been good. We have suffered a lot but we have to learn from it so it doesn’t happen again. When you score five goals against Fulham, you are doing good things.”

Back in their groove on the pitch, City are now reportedly willing to send shockwaves away from the action with a stunning bid to sign Chelsea’s Estevao Willian.

Man City willing to launch Estevao offer

According to reports in Spain, Man City are now willing to launch an offer to sign Estevao worth as much as €120m (£105m). The Brazilian has enjoyed a sensational rise since arriving at Stamford Bridge and is now recognised as one of the best young players in the world.

The 18-year-old recently stole the spotlight from Yamal when he scored an excellent solo goal against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge and that only added credit to Gus Poyet’s comparison between the two.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has also been full of praise for the teenager, dubbing him “special” earlier this season. Everything is pointing towards a generational star that Man City should be desperate to sign.

Chelsea hatch Mykhailo Mudryk plan in 'carefully considered' roadmap to rescue career

Not that it wasn’t before the short-lived return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United, but the centre-forward berth has been an even bigger problem in the years since.

Indeed, the 2022/23 season saw Anthony Martial score just nine times in all competitions, including just six in the Premier League, while January arrival Wout Weghorst netted just twice following his surprise switch from Burnley.

The following campaign saw an injury-hit Martial score just twice himself in all competitions, while new man Rasmus Hojlund did fire 16 times, albeit with just ten of those coming in the league.

Hojlund then followed that up with ten goals across all fronts last term, with just four of those coming in the top-flight. £36.5m arrival Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, netted seven times, of which only three were in the league.

The fact of the matter is, United simply don’t have a proven goalscorer to rely upon, with the recent defeat to Everton highlighting why that man Zirkzee – who hasn’t scored a league goal for almost a year – just isn’t the solution.

The latest on Joshua Zirkzee's future

In the absence of Benjamin Sesko – who himself has scored only twice following his £74m switch from RB Leipzig – it was Zirkzee who got the nod against the Toffees, having featured for just 90 minutes in total all season prior to that.

Rusty or not on his first start of 2025/26, the Dutchman looked painfully out of his depth at times, so at odds with the rampant speed and physicality of Premier League football.

There were moments of quality, including two well-guided headers and an inviting cross across the box, but the 24-year-old was largely ineffective up against the wily James Tarkowski, notably losing the ball 12 times from just 35 touches.

Provided a rare opportunity to flourish, the former Bologna man showcased just why he has been a bystander to proceedings for much of the campaign so far, further throwing into doubt his long-term future at Old Trafford.

Indeed, the latest reports have suggested that the 6 foot 4 enigma might have already said yes to joining AS Roma on an initial loan deal in January, having previously been named Serie A’s Young Player of the Year back in 2023/24.

While United’s options in attack will be limited even further by Amad and Bryan Mbeumo’s upcoming AFCON commitments, it would not be a surprise for Zirkzee to depart upon their return in the New Year, with seven goals in 55 total games for the club making for grim reading for any centre-forward.

There is a talent in there, with his fleet of foot and silky touch sparking comparisons to a figure like Dimitar Berbatov, although in United’s current period of flux under Ruben Amorim, they desperately need an out-and-out goalscorer.

Thankfully, INEOS have already signed one.

Man Utd's "homegrown Osimhen" can replace Zirkzee

With Sesko and Matheus Cunha both sidelined, it was stark how little attacking depth United had in reserve, with Mason Mount the only real senior forward for Amorim to turn to on the bench.

Bryan Mbeumo

6

Casemiro

3

Bruno Fernandes

2

Benjamin Sesko

2

Harry Maguire

1

Matthijs de Ligt

1

Mason Mount

1

Amad

1

Matheus Cunha

1

While 18-year-old starlet Shea Lacey was featured in the matchday squad, there were eyebrows raised at the decision to overlook his academy colleague, Chido Obi, with Zirkzee ultimately playing the full 90 minutes.

Obi was parachuted into the first-team set-up as a drastic measure last season, amid United’s injury crisis, having made eight senior appearances in total 2024/25, albeit without scoring.

Frustratingly for the 17-year-old – who did score on the post-season tour against Hong Kong – he hasn’t been seen since in the senior set-up, with Amorim suggesting that he had been promoted “too soon” last term.

There’s no denying that Obi did look raw, not least on his solitary start against Brentford, but he also showed flashes of his undeniable talent, having come close to converting from the angle in the FA Cup clash with Fulham at Old Trafford.

Signed from Arsenal in the summer for 2024, the free-scoring forward has ripped it up at youth level in recent times, scoring 32 times in just 21 U18 games for the Gunners, as per Transfermarkt, while following that up with 12 goals in ten U18 games for United.

With five goals in 13 this term in the age group above, Obi is again showing just why he deserves a second chance under Amorim, with the teenager representing the orthodox centre-forward option that Zirkzee simply isn’t.

Described as a “homegrown Osimhen” by Arsenal content creator Will Balsam, the Danish youth international might be the perfect understudy to Sesko, rather than Zirkzee, with Amorim’s set-up demanding a more mobile, dynamic option to run the channels.

Of course, Amorim is wise to be careful with the development of such a talent, but at a time when a string of centre-forward signings haven’t worked out, why not dip into Carrington again?

Not Lammens: Man Utd flop is becoming their biggest liability since Onana

Manchester United have a player who has massively failed to deliver at Old Trafford since his transfer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2025

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O Botafogo visita o Audax Rio neste sábado (24), pela décima rodada do Campeonato Carioca. A bola rola a partir das 16h (de Brasília), no Estádio Nilton Santos, com transmissão da Band, do Bandsports e do Canal GOAT.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Audax Rio x Botafogo
10ª rodada do Campeonato Carioca

Data e horário: sábado, 24 de fevereiro de 2024, às 18h (de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Onde assistir: Band, do Bandsports e Canal GOAT

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

AUDAX RIO
Anderson Max; Ramon, Igor Silva, João Victor e Paulo Victor; Miticov, Romarinho e Bruno Paulo; Acácio, Fabinho Polhão e Edilson. Técnico: Luciano Quadros.

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BOTAFOGO
Gatito Fernandez; Mateo Ponte, Bastos, Alexander Barboza e Hugo; Danilo Barbosa, Marlon Freitas, Tchê Tchê, Eduardo e Savarino; Júnior Santos e Tiquinho Soares. Técnico: Fabio Mathias (interino).

Tudo sobre

BotafogoCampeonato CariocaOnde assistir

The Dodgers can’t stop making deals.

Just days after signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal, the World Series champions handed out another big contract—this one to utility man Tommy Edman.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Edman’s deal with the Dodgers is another five-year agreement that will pay him $74 million, and includes a sixth-year team option.

They say the rich get richer, but this is getting ridiculous.

While Edman is far from the biggest superstar or biggest contract on the Los Angeles roster, his new deal is another clear statement from the team that they are making a run at dynasty status.

Acquired at the trade deadline from the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman quickly proved a pivotal part of the Dodgers lineup through the homestretch of the regular season and their run to the World Series.

After batting .407 with 11 RBIs in the team’s playoff series against the New York Mets, Edman was named NLCS MVP. He added another home run and a .294 average against the Yankees as the Dodgers took home a championship ring.

He also urged the middle order to show more fight after Bangladesh failed to bat out 50 overs in any of the three ODIs

Mohammad Isam08-Jul-2025Bangladesh ODI captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz rued the lack of big partnerships that could have sustained the visitors in their 286-run chase after they went down by 99 runs in the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. With the loss, Bangladesh squandered the ODI series 2-1 after having lost the preceding Test series as well.Mehidy said that while Sri Lanka banked on a 124-run fourth-wicket stand between Kusal Mendis and captain Charith Asalanka after they were in a spot of bother, Bangladesh failed to stitch a similar stand.”When [Towhid] Hridoy and Jaker [Ali] were batting together, I still believed we could win the game,” Mehidy said. “We just couldn’t put together partnerships like Sri Lanka. They had a big partnership after they lost three wickets for 100 runs. Partnerships in the middle overs are crucial. We got a couple of 40s, but winning is hard without these partnerships in ODI cricket.”Related

Kusal 124 forms the centrepiece of Sri Lanka's series victory

Hridoy, who top-scored for Bangladesh with 51, had stands of 42 with Parvez Hossain Emon and 43 with Mehidy. However, none of the batters could carry on after getting starts.”We are getting out soon after getting set,” Mehidy said. “We can’t keep the momentum for too long. We have to work on it. When I was batting with Hridoy today, we nearly grabbed the momentum. Then I got out. Momentum is required for a partnership. Strike rotation is important in a partnership. We have to play more low-risk cricket, not the high-risk cricket we are playing.”Another area of concern, according to Mehidy, is Bangladesh’s failure to bat out the 50 overs in any of the three games. They were bowled out in 35.5 overs in the first ODI in Colombo, 48.5 overs in the second, and 39.4 overs in the third.Towhid Hridoy top-scored for Bangladesh with 51•AFP/Getty ImagesThe Bangladesh captain felt the middle order, including himself, needed to be more responsible. Mehidy, who now bats at No. 5, was guilty of throwing away his wicket in two of the three matches. On Tuesday, Mehidy, who struck four fours and a six in his 25-ball 28, holed out to long-on at a critical stage of the chase.”It is a concern for the team that we couldn’t bat 50 overs [in any of the matches],” he said. “It would have helped us if we had batted properly. Our middle-order batters need to take more responsibility. I couldn’t play a lot of balls, too. It would have been better [if I had done so]. We have a lot of room for improvement. We have a lot of cricket in front of us.”My dismissal put the team under pressure. I was trying to stay in touch with the run rate. I was looking for at least a boundary per over to meet the required run-rate. I didn’t want to put that pressure on Towhid Hridoy. I tried to take a calculated risk, but I couldn’t execute that shot properly. If I had, it would have gone for six.”Hridoy scored his second half-century of the series but failed to carry on. Mehidy said the other batters didn’t offer Hridoy enough support to enable him to accelerate when he was set at the crease. “I think he could have batted at a faster rate, but he couldn’t do it as we kept losing wickets,” Mehidy said. “Whenever he needed momentum, there was a setback. I won’t blame him for today’s defeat. If we could support him in a partnership, he could have batted at a faster rate. It is hard for a batter to bat in this type of situation.”Mehidy, however, said he would still back his batters playing their natural game, despite the setbacks in this series. “We could have hit more fours and picked up more singles,” he said. “It is also a matter of emotional control. Everyone likes to play cricket in certain ways. Our top order likes to play with a bit of risk. They like to find boundaries. I can’t stop them. It will make the situation difficult in the team. We are trying to back every player’s strength.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed what he thinks is the "most important tool" behind his longevity after plying his trade across Europe and now in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese icon is showing no signs of slowing down, even at 40, as he continues to chase down records with Al-Nassr and on the international stage. He has set himself the mind-boggling target of reaching 1,000 career goals before hanging up his boots, and he is just 51 short of reaching that total.

• Still breaking records at 40

  Ronaldo's career has been built on microscopic attention to detail, be it his diet, post-match recovery or gym sessions. And this rigorous discipline has helped him maintain his gold standard even at 40. Since joining Al-Nassr, he has scored 105 goals in 118 appearances, clinching back-to-back Golden Boots in the Saudi Pro League. In this campaign, he is again one of the contenders with five strikes already in as many matches.

  What’s remarkable is that Ronaldo’s hunger remains insatiable. And to fuel that undying desire for success, Ronaldo revealed his secret formula. In a revealing new video shared by WHOOP on their social media platforms, Ronaldo disclosed that sleep and a regular routine are his 'most important tools'.

  “Sleep is the most important tool that I have," he said. "To be consistent with the time that I go to bed and that I wake up. I mean, like example, I go to bed around 11-12 and I wake up around 8.30. It is my routine. It is the most important thing that we have probably in terms of health-span."

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• Two targets that are still pushing Ronaldo

  Ronaldo has long claimed that his target is to score 1,000 career goals, and people believe he might actually do it. Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson, who shared a dressing room with Ronaldo during his early days at Old Trafford, insisted the legend’s story is far from over. Speaking to GOAL, Simpson was emphatic that Ronaldo could play well into his mid-40s.

  "I don’t think you can write him off," he said. "As long as he is scoring goals, as long as he doesn’t get any injuries, then it wouldn't surprise me because it’s him. I know he wants 1,000 goals. And I think he wants to play with his son."

  The Portuguese wants to build an enduring legacy that can withstand the test of time, as Simpson added: "Playing with your son, that’s probably one of the biggest targets that you can go for once you have won everything. Sharing a pitch with your son must be some feeling. You look at those targets. He does set targets and you look at those – 1,000 goals and play with his son – does he do those and think ‘right, I’ve done it all now’? I don’t know where you go after that. He’s just a phenomenal person, player. What he’s done for the game, it’s unbelievable."

• Getty/Instagram
  

  Following in his footsteps

  Ronaldo has never hidden his dream of one day sharing the field with his eldest son, Cristianinho. The 14-year-old is already turning heads in Al-Nassr’s youth setup, and according to his father, he’s progressing faster than he did at the same age.

  "When I was his age, he is a little bit bigger and stronger," he said. "I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me. Let’s see if he has the hunger. The hunger is the most difficult."

  For a man who has conquered Europe’s toughest leagues, lifted five Champions League trophies, and carried his nation to European and Nations League glory, Ronaldo’s next challenge is deeply personal as he is battling time to continue long enough in the game to share the same dressing room with his son.

  "I would like it, I would like it," he had admitted. "It's not something that keeps me up at night, but I would like it. We'll see. It's more in his hands than in mine."

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• Unfinished business in the Middle East

  Ronaldo's spell in Saudi Arabia has produced individual accolades, but team success has remained elusive as he continues to chase domestic and continental glory. Riding on Ronaldo and Joao Felix's strong form, Al-Nassr have had a bright start to their league campaign and will look to build on their early momentum when they face Al-Hazm this Sunday. 

Celtic are in action in the quarter-finals of the League Cup this weekend as they prepare to take on Partick Thistle to battle it out for a place in the semi-finals of the competition.

The Hoops thrashed Falkirk 4-1 in the last 16 of the League Cup earlier this season, thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston, and Dane Murray, along with a Liam Henderson own goal.

This clash with Partick Thistle will provide Brendan Rodgers with a chance to rotate his side, which could see Arne Engels handed a rare chance to impress.

Why Celtic should be worried about Arne Engels

After selling Adam Idah to Swansea City for a deal worth up to £7m, £1.5m less than they paid Norwich City for him last year, the Hoops should be worried that Engels is the next big-money signing to ultimately flop at Parkhead.

The Belgium international, who signed for a club-record fee of £11m from Augsburg last year, has only started two of the club’s five matches in the Scottish Premiership this season, and was an unused substitute against Kilmarnock last time out.

Engels has failed to score a goal and provided one assist in seven appearances in all competitions this season, after a return of ten goals and 13 assists in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt.

The 22-year-old midfielder has found himself out of the side and potentially clinging onto his career at Parkhead, and it is because of the summer signing of Benjamin Nygren.

Why Benjamin Nygren could end Arne Engels' career at Celtic

The Sweden international, who sometimes played as a striker before his move to Celtic, was compared to legendary centre-forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he was 16.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Nygren is Swedish and also has a lanky build, which is why it is not a surprising comparison, but he has established himself as a central midfielder at Parkhead, rather than as a centre-forward like Ibrahimovic.

Despite mainly playing as a right winger for Nordsjaelland in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt, the £1m (£1.3m) signing has locked in a spot alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in central midfield, which was the slot that Engels filled last term.

As you can see in the table above, Nygren has scored three goals and created 3.2 chances per game across five outings in the Premiership so far this season for the Hoops.

Engels, however, only scored two non-penalty goals and created 1.7 chances per game across 34 appearances in the top-flight for the Hoops last term, per Sofascore.

These statistics suggest that Celtic have improved their midfield by signing Nygren for £1.3m to replace Engels in the XI because of the quality that he has already provided as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

This is bad news for the Belgium international because it will now be difficult for him to break back into the starting line-up unless he is able to improve on his performances from last season and on Nygren’s this term.

If he cannot oust the Sweden international from the midfield before the January transfer window or next summer, there could be a decision to be made on his future, as there was with Idah when it was clear that Rodgers did not fancy him as the first-choice number nine moving forward.

Worth more than Tounekti: Celtic are brewing the new Reo Hatate at Parkhead

Celtic have a brilliant midfield star who could be the club’s next Reo Hatate in the middle of the park.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 16, 2025

Therefore, Nygren, once compared to a legendary striker, may be the player who ends Engels’ career at Parkhead if he continues to impress in midfield for the Scottish giants.

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A principal torcida organizada do Palmeiras comunicou nesta segunda-feira (8), que vai buscar o ônibus do Palmeiras na Academia de Futebol mais uma vez nesta próxima quarta-feira (9), horas antes da bola rolar no Allianz Parque para Palmeiras x Atlético-MG, pelas oitavas de final da Libertadores 2023.

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+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Além do tradicional corredor alviverde que já virou rotina em jogos decisivos do Verdão dentro de casa, a maior organizada do clube também planeja outra surpresa para os mais de 40 mil palmeirenses que vão empurrar a equipe nos 90 minutos diante do time de Luiz Felipe Scolari.

A concentração do corredor está marcada para às 19h (horário de Brasília), na frente da Academia de Futebol, e o ônibus com a delegação deve partir para o estádio restando um pouco mais de duas horas para a bola rolar no Allianz Parque.

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+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Os ingressos para Palmeiras x Atlético-MG estão esgotados desde a última sexta-feira (4) e o Verdão conta com o apoio da torcida para segurar a vantagem que construiu em Belo Horizonte e garantir a sua vaga entre os oito melhores times do continente.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick provided a worrying update on wonderkid Lamine Yamal's injury as he could not guarantee that the teenager would feature against Real Madrid in the season's first El Clasico later this month. Yamal suffered a relapse of his groin injury while featuring in Barca's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week.

Barca hit by Yamal injury crisis

After featuring for Spain in the September international break, Yamal missed three weeks of club football due to a groin problem. He returned to action against Real Sociedad in La Liga, where he appeared in the second half and then played the full 90 minutes against PSG in the Champions League. However, following the European clash, Yamal felt discomfort in his pubic area once again and now the club has confirmed he will miss the next 2-3 weeks of action.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFlick provides worrying update

Flick was quizzed on Yamal's fitness at a pre-match press conference on Saturday and feels that Yamal could be set for even longer on the sidelines. Speaking to reporters, the German coach said: "I spoke with him today, it's better but it's not good. This is the situation with Lamine. With this injury, it's not so easy to know [when he will return]. It's not easy to say 'OK he can play in two, three or four weeks…' or if he's able to play the Clásico. This is not possible. We have to wait. We must manage his load. He trains with the recovery team and [spend] the next weeks with them. We go step by step. We have to see how the evolution is."

Flick defends his criticism of Spain boss Luis de la Fuente

After Yamal picked up the injury on national duty, Flick accused Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente of "not taking care" of the teenager. The German manager has now defended his earlier comment by saying: "I want to protect my player, support him, this is what it is. A lot of things happened. This is, for me, done. I have no bad things about this situation. I know it from the other side. It's not easy for me. It's not easy for [De la Fuente]. I must protect my player; this is the reason I made it a little louder than normally I want to do it. I don't regret this. "Now, the important thing is managing this together. The players, the clubs and the Spanish Federation [RFEF]. We have to manage it together."

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Getty ImagesHow many matches will Yamal miss?

Yamal won't be linking up with the Spain national team for their World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria later this month. He will also miss Barcelona's upcoming clashes against Sevilla, Girona and Olympiacos. It now remains to be seen if the winger will fully recover in the next three weeks and take the field against Los Blancos.