Mbappé out for 10 days after a thigh injury in Tuesday’s Atalanta clash.
Real Madrid have confirmed that Kylian Mbappé sustained a left thigh injury during their 3-2 Champions League victory over Atalanta. The French striker, who scored the opener, was substituted in the first half after experiencing discomfort, later diagnosed as his second muscle injury of the season. Initial reports suggested a minor issue, but medical tests revealed a more significant problem, sidelining Mbappé for up to 10 days. This time frame rules him out of Saturday’s crucial La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano and raises doubts about his availability for the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18 in Qatar. Real Madrid stated, “His progress will be monitored.” With key matches ahead, Carlo Ancelotti faces a challenge in managing his squad amidst injuries. A win against Vallecano could temporarily put Madrid atop La Liga, pending Barcelona’s result against Leganés on Sunday.
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1867200229541314812
Lookman makes the 5-man shortlist for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award.
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named among the final nominees for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, marking his first inclusion in the prestigious shortlist. The Atalanta winger enjoyed a stellar year, delivering impressive performances for both club and country. The 27-year-old contributed three goals and an assist in seven games for the Super Eagles during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. On the club front, Lookman achieved a historic feat by scoring a hat-trick for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final. This season, he has continued his fine form, amassing 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions. Lookman will compete for the award against Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Ronwen Williams. The CAF Awards ceremony will take place on Monday at Le Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
https://twitter.com/nigeriastories/status/1867308359101059291
Højlund inspires Man United to a comeback win over Viktoria Plzen.
Norwegian striker, Rasmus Højlund scored twice to help Manchester United secure a 2-1 comeback win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday. Plzen took the lead early in the second half when Matěj Vydra capitalized on a defensive error by United goalkeeper André Onana. However, substitute Højlund equalized in the 61st minute, tapping in a rebound after Amad Diallo’s blocked effort. Højlund completed the turnaround in the 88th minute, finishing off a low free kick from Bruno Fernandes to hand Plzen their first defeat in the competition. The victory marked United’s third consecutive Europa League win, keeping them unbeaten after six games and moving them to fifth in the standings with 12 points, bolstering their chances of automatic qualification. United face Manchester City next in the Premier League on Sunday before hosting Rangers on January 23.
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1867293702613328327
Marc Guiu shines in Chelsea’s convincing 3-1 win against Astana.
Chelsea secured their place in the Conference League last-16 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Astana in freezing conditions. Enzo Maresca’s youthful team took control early, with Marc Guiu capitalizing on his efforts to score a composed opener in the 14th minute. Just four minutes later, Astana’s Aleksandr Marochkin inadvertently doubled Chelsea’s lead by turning the ball into his own net under pressure from Guiu. Renato Veiga brought Astana back into contention, heading home in the 39th minute after finding space in the box. However, Marin Tomasov restored hope for the hosts with a stunning strike from just inside the box right before halftime. Despite a more resolute Astana in the second half, the game ended goalless after the break. Chelsea, fielding six teenagers during the match, now sit atop the group and avoid a play-off tie.
https://twitter.com/theeuropeanlad/status/1867259002163171395
The Flamingos secure a massive 9-0 win over Niger Republic in the WAFU B U-17 Cup.
Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos, delivered a stunning 9-0 victory over Niger Republic in their second match of the WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup in Ghana on Thursday. Aishat Animashaun opened the scoring in the 5th minute, converting Mary Mamudu’s precise cross. Shakirat Moshood doubled the lead with a spectacular 35-yard strike in the 17th minute and scored again six minutes later from Animashaun’s assist. Janet Akekoromowei added two quick goals in the 33rd and 42nd minutes before completing her hat-trick with a header moments later. Moshood also secured her hat-trick just before halftime, making it 7-0. In the second half, Moshood added her fourth in the 59th minute, followed by Peace Effiong’s thunderous long-range effort in the 79th minute. With 14 goals in two matches, the Flamingos now prepare to face Cote d’Ivoire on Monday, aiming to extend their dominance.
About yesterday! in Accra 📍
FULL TIME: Nigeria 9-0 Niger
Shakirat Moshood named the Player of the Match 👏🔥#WAFUBU17GirlsCup #SoarFlamingos pic.twitter.com/GVLYuLRxjA
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) December 13, 2024