Tottenham confirm Winks surgery/midfielder likely out for the season

Tottenham have this evening confirmed that Harry Winks has been forced to undergo surgery on a lingering groin problem.

Spurs vs Ajax

Mauricio Pochettino’s men are set to welcome Dutch giants Ajax to London tomorrow evening, for the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final tie between the clubs.

Spurs secured their spot in the final-4 of the competition by means of a hugely-impressive aggregate victory over Premier League rivals Manchester City two weeks ago.

After the North Londoners put Pep Guardiola’s men to the sword by a goal to nil in the tie’s first-leg on the 9th of April, a thrilling 4-3 defeat at the Etihad eventually saw Tottenham advance on away goals.

Mauricio Pochettino celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final second-leg match between Manchester City and Tottenham. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Tottenham downed

Spurs’ final warm-up ahead of their first-leg meeting with Ajax, though, did not go exactly according to plan.

The capital giants welcomed London rivals West Ham to the club’s new stadium on Saturday, in a crucial outing in their bid to secure a top-4 berth.

However, a dismal performance on the part of the hosts eventually saw Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham emerge with a 1-0 win, courtesy of Michail Antonio’s second-half strike.

Winks ruled out

The likes of Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko and Harry Kane missed out through injury on Saturday, with the trio’s respective absences having been sorely-felt by Tottenham.

As such, updates on all of Sissoko, Kane and Jan Vertonghen, who was also absent versus West Ham, were provided earlier this afternoon.

As per a statement on Spurs’ official website:

Sissoko and Vertonghen ‘trained with the squad today and will be assessed to determine their possible involvement’ versus Ajax.

Kane, Serge Aurier and Erik Lamela, though, are all set to miss out tomorrow night.

This left just Harry Winks, who has been suffering with a persistent groin problem of late.

The news on the English midfielder, though, provided a short time ago, is less than positive.

Winks was forced to undergo surgery, with the 23-year-old likely to be sidelined for the remainder of the season

Man United fans react to Kieran Trippier’s dismal showing vs Ajax

Kieran TrippierSupporters of Manchester United have taken to Twitter in their droves this evening, to react to Kieran Trippier’s latest questionable performance in a Tottenham jersey.

Spurs 0-1 Ajax

Mauricio Pochettino’s men welcomed Dutch giants Ajax to North London a short time ago, for the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.

The hosts secured their spot in the competition’s final-4 by means of a 4-4 aggregate victory over Premier League rivals Manchester City two weeks ago.

Tottenham’s final warm-up ahead of this evening’s clash, however, saw a hugely-underwhelming performance eventually result in the capital giants being put to the sword by West Ham on Saturday.

And Spurs’ lacklustre form subsequently carried into the 90 minutes tonight.

Other than a slight resurgence during the early moments of the second-half, the North Londoners were largely-dominated by Ajax, eventually culminating in another deserved 1-0 defeat.

Donny van de Beek bagged the only goal of the clash with 15 minutes gone, slotting home in confident fashion following a typically-sumptuous team move:

‘The true heir to Ashley Young’

While few of Tottenham’s stars managed to impress over the course of the 90 minutes tonight, one to have been singled out for particularly-heavy criticism throughout proceedings was Kieran Trippier.

English international Trippier looked some way short of the standard required of a player lining out in a Champions League semi-final, with his crossing in particular having left a lot to be desired.

As such, Manchester United’s fans have since taken to social media in their droves to provide their respective takes on the Spurs stopper’s performance, amid links with a move to Old Trafford of late

Tottenham fans single out Danny Rose for praise vs Ajax

Tottenham 0-Ajax 1

Tottenham hosted Ajax in their first semi-final leg this Tuesday.

Spurs will make the trip to Ajax for the return leg on the 8th of May.

Heading into the game there was a lot of talk that Harry Kane may be featuring as a picture of his kit was posted by Ajax.

However, when the team sheets were revealed it showed Lucas and Fernando Llorente leading the line as Heung-Min Son was suspended for the tie.

Mauricio Pochettino during Tottenham vs Barcelona

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 03: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Rose impresses vs Ajax

Spurs evening would then get off to a nightmare start.

After a dominant opening period, Ajax would take the lead in the 15th minute.

Mauricio Pochettino would then be handed another big headache as Jan Vertonghen had to come off in the 39th minute.

Tottenham would come out in the second half perhaps the brighter of the two sides.

However, while Spurs looked the better of the two teams for much of the second half, it remained 1-0.

Despite Spurs failing to beat Ajax at home, Spurs fans have been very impressed with Danny Rose’s display on Tuesday.

Playing in a pretty advanced role, Rose was arguably Spurs only decent player in the first half and carried on that display for the second 45 until he was subbed off.

Arsenal & Chelsea 2019-20 kits leaked on social media

Lucas Torreira

Arsenal 2019-20 away kit

New pictures of Arsenal’s 2019-20 away kit have been posted on social media by Footy Headlines.

The new Gunners kit will be a throwback to the club’s 1989-90 strip.

Adidas, who will make the kit after Puma’s contract with Arsenal expires, will blend dark blue sleeves with a main yellow panel on the Gunners away uniform.

The away kit will have a red trim around he collar and at the end of the sleeves.

Will this be Arsenal’s new home kit next season?

If so many Arsenal fans may be very happy.

Chelsea home & away kits leak online

From north London to west London.

Todo Sobre Camisetas have posted brand new pictures of Chelsea’s 2019-20 home kit and away kit.

The Blues home kit is eye-catching for a bright design on the shirt.

As for the Chelsea away kit, that’s rather plain being basically white with some blue and red trims.

Former Arsenal star urges club to sell Mesut Ozil/sign 4 players

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has pleaded with the Gunners to part ways with Mesut Ozil, in a bid to free up funds to sign other players.

Leicester 3-0 Arsenal

Unai Emery’s men travelled to the King Power Stadium earlier today, for the latest crucial outing in the club’s bid to secure a top-4 berth.

Arsenal headed into proceedings on the back of a dismal run of form over the last week, having fallen to back-to-back defeats at the hands of Crystal Palace and Wolves.

However, despite having been put to the sword 3 times in their last 4 league outings, the similarly-underwhelming form of all of Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United meant that a 3-point haul this afternoon would have Arsenal, at least temporarily, climb back into 4th in the Premier League table.

But, in typical Gunners’ fashion, a dismal showing on the road eventually saw the North Londoners downed by 3 goals to nil.

After Ainsley Maitland-Niles was sent for an early bath following a second yellow-card with just 36 minutes gone, Leicester took full advantage following the interval, courtesy of Youri Tielemans’ opener, and a late Jamie Vardy brace.

‘On his wage, that could bring in four players’

Arsenal’s latest loss, coupled with the point picked up by Chelsea at Old Trafford this evening, means that the capital giants now sit 2 points outside the top-4, with just 2 games remaining in the Premier League season.

And one individual who feels as though a key factor behind the struggles of Unai Emery’s men has been Mesut Ozil, is former Gunners’ hitman Kevin Campbell.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Express, Campbell urged the board at the Emirates to cut their losses on Ozil this summer, before suggesting that as many as 4 ‘functional, versatile’ players should be introduced to the club’s squad:

‘If it was up to me, he’d be gone.’

‘I don’t think he can contribute enough to Arsenal. With the set-up and the way the Premier League is going, I don’t think he does enough.’

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

‘Is he a wonderfully gifted player? Of course he is. But the way his talent is going, he doesn’t do enough for me.’

‘On his wage, that could bring in four players. And it might be four versatile players.’

‘On one person’s wage you get four opportunities to improve the squad, that must take priority.’

‘More functional players get the better of Arsenal and are undoing them.’

‘That should never undo Arsenal because the club should have that in abundance.’

‘Arsenal haven’t had that type of player in recent years and they need to get that back.’

Unai Emery on Arsenal’s top four hopes after Leicester hammering

Leicester 3-Arsenal 0

Arsenal’s top four hopes took a bit of a nosedive on Sunday.

The Gunners could have moved into 4th place with a win vs Leicester and just one point behind 3rd place Tottenham.

However, Unai Emery’s side would lose 3-0 thanks to a Jamie Vardy brace and a Youri Tielemans strike.

Arsenal would also go a man down in the 36th minute vs the Foxes as Ainsley Maitland-Niles was shown two yellow cards.

Emery didn’t believe the first foul was a yellow card:

 “I don’t agree with the decision because for me the key is the first yellow card and it’s very clear it was not [a yellow].”As quoted by Sky Sports.

Unai Emery

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on March 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Emery focused on Valencia

Emery was also asked about Arsenal’s top four hopes after they lost to Leicester.

Arsenal are still in the Europa League and will play Valencia in the semi-final.

Should they go on to win the competition, they will earn a place in next seasons Champions League.

This is something Emery seems to be more focused on now a top-four spot looks a bit more out of reach, although the Spaniard hasn’t given up hopes of a top-four finish.

“We are thinking in the present and the next match is Valencia, then we think about Brighton [next Sunday] and winning.

“At the beginning of the season, during the season and now, we know we have possibility in the Europa League also and in the Premier League we will play Brighton at home and try to win.” As quoted by Sky Sports

Jurgen Klopp explains Roberto Firmino’s absence before Barcelona

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has explained why Roberto Firmino was missing against Huddersfield Town.

Despite the Brazilian’s absence, the Reds netted five past the West Yorkshire club to move top of the Premier League.

Firmino’s injury will be a slight concern before Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final tie against FC Barcelona.

Klopp on Firmino’s injury vs Huddersfield

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool gestures as sleet falls during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield on March 10, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Roberto Firmino has picked up a slight muscle injury in training.

Fortunately, the German manager did not appear concerned about the 27-year-old’s injury.

He was replaced by Daniel Sturridge in the starting line-up this evening.

Firmino has been key for the Reds this term netting 16 goals in 46 appearances, including four in Europe.

Klopp said:

“It’s not a big thing.

“Actually, yesterday after training he mentioned a little muscle issue.

“We’ll assess it obviously.

“It’s not a big thing but was enough to leave him out today, that’s all.”

Inter Milan to offer Alexis Sanchez Manchester United escape route

Alexis Sanchez’s escape route?

Inter Milan could offer Manchester United outcast Alexis Sanchez an escape route this summer after a torrid time at Old Trafford.

Sanchez’s Manchester United career has certainly not gone as planned.

When leaving Arsenal, Sanchez was expected to be a marquee signing for United and would be key in the clubs push for another Premier League trophy.

Instead, Sanchez has become an outcast at Old Trafford, a shade of his former self.

In 43 appearances for Man United, Alexis has scored just five goals and assisted nine.

He even recently described just how difficult he’s finding it right now.

Now, having lost his place in the team and looking down and out, Sanchez could be offered a Serie A escape route this summer.

Jesse Lingard

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Jesse Lingard is replaced by teammate Alexis Sanchez of Manchester United following an injury during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on February 24, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Wage demands causing havoc

That is because according to the Independent, Inter Milan could move to sign Sanchez this summer.

Their report explains ‘Internazionale are willing to end Alexis Sanchez’s disaster of a spell at Manchester United.’

Though, there’s a big catch.

According to the Independent, Sanchez is currently earning roughly £500,000 a week if you include bonuses.

Those wages have supposedly ‘created a huge problem where sources close to the situation say there is “almost no market for him”.’

While Inter Milan are interested in a potential move, they have baulked at Sanchez’s wage demands.

As a result, Alexis would have to significantly drop his wage demands if a move is to happen.

To end their report on Sanchez, the Independent claim ‘player’s camp are considering whether it would be worth the cut.’

For now, Alexis will just have to bide his time but it would be no surprise if he left Old Trafford this summer.

Manchester United considering move for Everton’s Richarlison

One player who could replace Alexis Sanchez at Manchester United is Everton’s Richarlison.

The Brazilian has impressed in his first season at Goodison Park.

Now, Manchester United are said to be considering a move for him.

Ajax’s David Neres responds to Premier League move reports

David Neres Ajax

Where could Neres end up?

Ajax forward David Neres has responded to several links to Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton.

It’s safe to say that Neres has burst onto the scene during the current campaign.

Not only has Neres impressed in the Eredivisie, but the Brazilian has also been crucial in Ajax’s Champions League run.

Neres scored one of Ajax’s goals against Real Madrid and has been hard to handle for any team they’ve faced off against.

As a result of those performances, there has been talk of a move away from Ajax this summer.

Several Premier League clubs have been linked with a move, as have clubs all over Europe.

It was claimed earlier this month that Everton and Arsenal had both held talks over signing Neres.

Then followed reports which threw Liverpool and Manchester United into the fold.

Now, Neres has somewhat spoken out on his future.

TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 16: Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Juventus and Ajax at Allianz Stadium on April 16, 2019 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“We will see what the future holds…”

Speaking following the aforementioned reports, Neres claimed that he will have to see ‘what is best for me, my career and my family’.

Though, he did not rule out staying at Ajax by claiming he is ‘satisfied’ in Amsterdam.

“I have to see what is best for me, for my career and my family,” Neres explained to Voetbal Primeur, as cited by the Mirror.

“We will see what the future holds, but I have a contract here and I am satisfied here.”

While it could be great for Neres to stay at Ajax next season and build on the current campaign, several stars are set to leave this summer.

Both Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt are set to leave Ajax.

As a result, the Dutch giants would be much weaker and Neres could jump ship as a result.

Should he choose to do so, Ajax will no doubt get top dollar for a very exciting talent.

Jurgen Klopp responds to talk of Liverpool move for Lorenzo Insigne

Lorenzo Insigne

Could Insigne join Liverpool this summer?

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has responded to suggestions that the Reds could move for Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne this summer.

The Italian forward has been impressive for many years both in Serie A and on the European stage.

While Napoli have certainly not lived up to expectations, Insigne has still scored a respectable 13 goals and assisted seven.

As a result, there has been some talk about his future this week.

According to reports from Italy, Napoli are now open to the idea of selling Insigne for a pretty hefty fee.

As a result, several names have been thrown into the ring ahead of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool and Chelsea are two clubs who have been linked with a move.

Now, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has responded to those rumours.

Lorenzo Insigne Napoli Liverpool

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 03: Lorenzo Insigne and Simone Verdi of SSC Napoli celebrate the first goal of their team during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

‘We will not even try it’

Speaking at his press conference ahead of the clash with Huddersfield this weekend, Klopp ruled out any move for Insigne.

In fact, he claimed Liverpool will not even attempt to sign him.

‘We will not sign Lorenzo Insigne,’ Klopp explained, as quoted by the Mail.

‘He’s a very good player, and he has a long-term contract at Napoli. We will not even try it.’ 

Klopp went on to speak a little about Liverpool’s transfer plans this summer.

While he limited expectations, Klopp explained that Liverpool will keep their eye out for potential deals.

‘The team is pretty well balanced. Our plans are not for the public, that’s how it is,’ Klopp continued.

‘Will it be the biggest transfer window of Liverpool? No, but you’d have been surprised if I said yes.

‘Our eyes are always open. We always look. What happens will happen. It’s if and when so there’s nothing to say at the moment.’