Football news LIVE: Dybala could miss World Cup after freak penalty injury, Real Madrid tipped to WIN… – The Scottish Sun

BRIGHTON midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to retire due to a health condition.
The 24-year-old is Brighton's record signing but was taken ill during the most recent international break.
The Zambia international had tests carried out, which have now identified a condition which has forced him to retire from football.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Google over the naming rights of their stadium.
Spurs' ground was built in 2019 and a deal over its naming rights is yet to be struck, with it believed that they are now in negotiations over a multi-million pound deal with Google.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from around the grounds…
Atleti also chasing Liverpool ace
Atletico Madrid are not satisfied with the capture of Antoine Griezmann, and are looking to further boost their attacking options.
According to Todo Fichajes, the LaLiga club have set their sights on Liverpool's in-form forward Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian's contract at Anfield is due to expire at the end of the season, and seemed a likely candidate to move on given his reduced role over the past couple of seasons.
However, the 31-year-old has been one of the Reds' more impressive performers so far this term, scoring six goals in his last five Premier League appearances.
According to the Spanish outlet, the centre-forward has been earmarked by Atleti boss as a 'priority' for the next campaign.
Atleti bring back Antoine permanently
Atletico Madrid have announced the permanent transfer of Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona until 2026.
The French star has been back on loan at Atleti for the past two seasons, returning to the club that he represented between 2014 and 2019.
Griezmann left Madrid for Barca three years ago, but his €120m move to the Nou Camp turned sour despite a promising beginning.
The 31-year-old rejoins Diego Simeone's squad permanently for a fee of €20m plus €4m in add-ons.
Hammers benefit from referee howlers
West Ham continued their return to winning ways with a 3-1 victory against Fulham yesterday – but there are strong arguments to suggest that NONE of the Hammers goals should have stood.
Trailing 1-0 to Andreas Pereira's early thunderbolt, the hosts hit back through a Jarrod Bowen penalty after the Cottagers goalscorer was adjudged to have fouled Craig Dawson at a corner.
Referee Chris Kavanagh had already warned both players for wrestling inside the area as they awaited the set-piece, eventually blowing up for a spotkick when they clashed for a fourth time.
However, replays show that the contact for the infringement in question was initiated by Dawson smashing his forearm into the Brazilian's face.
Former top referee Keith Hackett told the Football Insider: "For me, it’s great that the referee has come in but it should have been a free-kick to the defending team, not a penalty kick to West Ham."
The on-field and video officials added insult to injury in the second half by allowing a Gianluca Scamacca's goal to stand despite two handballs in the build-up; Michail Antonio's strike in injury time just contained the customary one.
Barca looking at United’s DD
Barcelona are interested in snapping up Diogo Dalot on a free transfer at the end of this season.
The Portuguese defender is out of contract at Old Trafford in June, and – while Manchester United have the option of triggering an automatic 12 month extension – there has not yet been any indication of the club renegotiating his deal.
Erik ten Hag said last week that he wanted the club to hold fire on offering any new contracts while he assesses his squad.
Dalot had been a bit part performer at United since his arrival in 2018, but this season he has cemented himself as the side’s first choice right-back, starting every Premier League game.
Scouts from Barca are understood to have been in attendance for some of those performances, and look keen to make a move should the Red Devils give them the green light.
Martinelli: I want to stay
Gabriel Martinelli produced another match-winning performance for Premier League leaders Arsenal at the weekend, and then told their supporters that he intends to remain at the club.
The Brazilian had been the subject of transfer speculation this month following news of Chelsea's interest.
But after scoring a 58-second opener for the Gunners against Liverpool, the 21-year-old indicated that he sees his future in North London.
"Of course I want to stay. We are talking. Let's see what is going to happen," Martinelli said.
Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu have gone on record with their desire to tie young stars Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba down to long-term contracts.
Ronaldo reaches 'a beautiful number'
What a difference a few days can make.
Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't hit a barn door in Cyprus on Thursday night despite the desperation of his teammates to set him up.
But yesterday at Everton, the Portuguese legend was on song and on target as he came off the bench.
Ronaldo's winning goal was the 700th of his club career, and this afternoon he has spoken via social media.
"700 club goals. What a beautiful number we’ve achieved together!" he Tweeted.
"Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, clubs, family and friends and, of course, my fans.
"United we continue!"
A 'difficult situation' for Denis
New Blues boss Graham Potter is set for crisis talks with Chelsea outcast Denis Zakaria.
The midfielder moved to Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day on the order of former manager Thomas Tuchel.
However, shortly after the Swiss international signed on loan, the German coach was sacked.
As a result, Zakaria hasn't played a minute of football for his new club, and is currently in – what Fabrizio Romano calls – 'a difficult situation'.
Potter is aware of the scenario that is developing, and is subsequently ready to talk to the 25-year-old to ease any concerns.
Chelsea have the option of signing the player on a permanent deal for £26m.
Jesus to be checked out
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus will be assessed by medical staff after finding himself on the receiving end of Kostas Tsimikas’s flailing arm during yesterday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool.
The Brazilian was floored shortly after half-time by the Greek defender, leading to teammates hurriedly calling for treatment.
Jesus was eventually given the green light to continue but Mikel Arteta afterwards admitted he would be looked at again as a matter of precautionary routine.
“I don’t know [how he is]. I haven’t been with the doctor yet but I’m sure they’re checking him,” Arteta told the press post-match.
“He seemed OK after the game. I don’t actually know what happened, but we will obviously assess how he is.”
Lampard pays tribute to Ronaldo
One of the greatest goalscorers in Premier League history has praised one of the best that the game has ever seen.
Frank Lampard watched Cristiano Ronaldo score the 700th goal of his club career to beat his Everton side yesterday, but still found the good grace afterwards to acknowledge the extraordinary achievement.
“It is outstanding,” admitted Lampard. “He is one of the greatest players to have graced the game, and in an era when we have had him and Messi. The comparisons between them doesn’t matter.
“They are both incredible players in football history. The numbers they have racked up are abnormal numbers that have become normal.
“When he was on 699, I wanted him to score in the Europa League the other night. But in the cold light of day you have to give him credit. It is amazing.”
Tottenham in talks with Google
Could Spurs soon be searching for goals at the Google Stadium?
According to The Athletic, Tottenham are in multi-million pound negotiations with Google over the naming rights of their stadium.
The North London club moved into their stunning new ground – built on top of the old White Hart Lane – in 2019.
At the time, owner Daniel Levy indicated that Spurs would be open to selling the stadium's name to the right company – and at the right price.
However, no deal has been struck – but that could be about to change following the emergence of talks with the world-famous tech giants.
More on Mwepu's devastating decision
Enock Mwepu has responded following the sad revelation that he has been forced into retirement due to a heart condition.
The Zambian star released a statement on social media saying that he had 'lived his dream' by playing in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old admitted 'sadness' at having to draw time on his playing career due to medical advice, but vowed to 'stay involved' in football 'in some capacity'.
Brighton's Mwepu forced to retire
Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu has been forced to end his football career due to the diagnosis of a hereditary heart condition.
The awful news shared by the south coast club this morning revealed that the 24-year-old's situation could worsen over time, putting him at high risk of suffering a potentially fatal cardiac event if he were to continue playing.
The Zambian midfielder was taken ill during the recent international break, and has spent time in hospital while tests were undertaken.
Club chairman Tony Bloom said, “We are all absolutely devastated for Enock. He and his family have had a traumatic few weeks and while we are just thankful he has come through that period, he has seen such a promising career cut short at such a young age.
“As a club we will give him all the love, help and support we possibly can to make a full recovery, and then as he decides on the next steps in his life.”
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi added, “I am so sorry for Enock. Before I arrived I looked at all the squad, and he was a player I was so excited and looking forward to working with. We will do everything we can to help him.”
Head of Medicine and Performance, Adam Brett explained, “It is a terrible blow for Enock, but he has to put his health and his family first and this is the right choice, however difficult it is to quit the game he loves.”
Breaking: Baggies sack Steve Bruce
West Bromwich Albion have this morning parted company with manager Steve Bruce.
The 61-year-old leaves the Hawthorns with Albion in the Championship relegation zone, having won just once in 13 league games this season.
Indeed, their winless run stretched to eight matches on Saturday with a drab goalless draw at home to Luton.
Bruce's backroom staff of Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and son Alex Bruce have also left the West Midlands outfit.
A statement on the West Brom website read: "The club would like to place on record its thanks to Steve Bruce and his coaching staff for their efforts since arriving in February.
"Under-21s coach Richard Beale will oversee first-team affairs on an interim basis, assisted by James Morrison and Gary Walsh.
"The process of recruiting a new Manager is now under way and an appointment will be confirmed in due course."
Blues nearing new Mount deal
Mason Mount is expected to finally put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at Chelsea.
The England international has just 20 months left to run on his current deal, and had been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
However, talks with the club's hierarchy have been progressing well since Todd Boehly's takeover of the Blues.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano indicates that all parties expect an agreement to be reached in the coming weeks.
Erik expects more from Antony
Antony has quickly settled into life in the Premier League, and – after his equaliser at Everton – he has now netted in each of his three appearances in the English top-flight since moving to Manchester United.
Yet manager Erik ten Hag is not yet satisfied, and told fans that they can expect more from the Brazilian winger in the weeks and month to come.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell about the £82m arrival, United’s Dutch coach said: “We have to expect more from him. He needs challenges, that’s why he came to the Premier League, he gets it here.
“He wants to play with the best players, the highest stress factors against the best players and from there on he will step up.
“That’s what you see: first weeks, he scored goals, he did good stuff, but also I saw a lot of room for improvement in his game.”
Mbappe unhappy with PSG role
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe is understood to be unhappy with the position he's currently being asked to play by manager Christophe Galtier.
Le Parisien report that the 23-year-old is a frustrated by his place at the top of PSG's attack, a role that sees him operate as a central 'pivot' for the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi, Carlos Soler and Pablo Sarabia.
Mbappe recently stated that he enjoys more freedom when playing wide for the French national team.
Following a frustrating goalless draw at Reims on Saturday night, the forward posted an image of himself on Instagram with the caption 'pivot gang'.
It is thought that the role he is currently being asked to play does not correspond to the promises he was made when he signed his bumper new deal in the summer.
United confirm status as comeback kings
Records tumbled at Goodison Park on Sunday evening, and this morning the history books are being rewritten.
Not only did Cristiano Ronaldo finally net a landmark 700th goal of his club career, Manchester United also sealed their status as the Premier League’s comeback kings.
In rallying from 1-0 down to win, the Red Devils claimed a 100th Premier League victory in matches where they have conceded the first goal.
It’s the most such wins of any club since the English top-flight was rebranded in 1992.
Ronaldo struck the winner on Merseyside after Antony had cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s early stunner.
Emirates flashpoint to be investigated
The Football Association are to investigate an incident that occurred during the second half of Arsenal’s 3-2 win against Liverpool.
With the score locked at 2-2, referee Michael Oliver awarded the Londoners a penalty with 15 minutes remaining when Thiago was adjudged to have fouled Gabriel Jesus.
The decision prompted a heated exchange among several players including Jordan Henderson, Granit Xhaka and Gabriel.
Once tempers cooled, Oliver moved to the touchline to inform managers Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp of something that was alleged to have been said during the melee.
An FA spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident that took place during the match between Arsenal and Liverpool. We are in dialogue with the match officials and will review the details of the incident.”
Bukayo Saka scored the resulting penalty, and league leaders Arsenal went on to take all three points at the Emirates.
Nerazzurri Inter City ace Ake
Inter Milan will make a fresh approach for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.
That's according to transfers expert Ekrem Konur, who reports that the Serie A giants are preparing an improved €30m for the Dutch international.
However, the Premier League champions have indicated that they have no intention of selling the 27-year-old in January when the transfer window re-opens.
Inter were one of several clubs linked to Ake in the summer, a list that includes the centre-back's former side Chelsea.
Good morning footy fans
Tearful Paulo Dybala could miss the World Cup after a freak injury when scoring Roma’s penalty winner against Lecce on Sunday.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho believes the Argentina striker has a “very bad” muscle problem that could keep him out until 2023.
Ex-Juventus hero Dybala, 28, pulled up clutching the left leg he had used to stroke home his 48th minute spot-kick.
Team-mates who had rushed to congratulate him soon showed their concern as he grimaced and continued to hold his thigh.
He hobbled off and was immediately substituted.
Mourinho said: “The injury looks very bad. I’d say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad”.
Chelsea have hired Dave Grohl’s personal physio Freddie Murray, according to reports.
The Blues have been on the lookout for a new medical team after sacking former head physio Thierry Laurent and medical director Dr Pablo Biosca last month.
Chelsea will work with Murray and his clinic Remedy on a consultancy basis and they will advise the club on its medical team and structures, report the Daily Mail.
In fact, Remedy have reportedly already begun to work with Chelsea stars and have been helping out the likes of N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana and the other Blues players currently out injured.
Murray, 40, is a former footballer turned physio and has helped out some big stars in and out of the game.
After retiring aged 28 he trained as a physiotherapist and worked for the QPR academy under Harry Redknapp.
Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany has confirmed Antoine Griezmann’s move to Atletico Madrid has finally been made permanent.
The forward has been with Diego Simeone’s side since the start of last season after securing a two-year loan.
A bizarre clause meant Atletico would have to buy Griezmann permanently for £35million if he played 30 minutes or more in over half their matches.
To get around it, Atletico have often sent the 31-year-old on as a sub after the hour mark.
Then reports emerged last week that Barcelona had accepted a fee of £17.5m – half the agreed figure – to put an end to the stand-off.
And today Barca chief Alemany confirmed at a shareholders’ meeting that Griezmann is now an Atletico player for good.
Dybala World Cup injury woe
Tearful Paulo Dybala could miss the World Cup after a freak injury when scoring Roma's penalty winner against Lecce on Sunday.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho believes the Argentina striker has a "very bad" muscle problem that could keep him out until 2023.
Ex-Juventus hero Dybala, 28, pulled up clutching the left leg he had used to stroke home his 48th minute spot-kick.
Team-mates who had rushed to congratulate him soon showed their concern as he grimaced and continued to hold his thigh.
He hobbled off and was immediately substituted.
Mourinho said: "The injury looks very bad. I'd say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad".
Diet of Haaland
Premier League scoring sensation Erling Haaland has taken the game by storm by feasting on a diet of hearts and liver.
The Man City striker, who bagged his 20th goal of the season at the weekend, lifts the lid on his Hannibal Lecter-style routine in a documentary.
The Norwegian series also reveals he only drinks water through a complicated filter system and tries to look at sunshine as soon as he wakes.
Showing off huge chunks of heart and liver from his butcher, he says:
“You (other people) don’t eat this, but I am concerned with taking care of my body.
“I think eating quality food that is as local as possible is the most important.
“People say meat is bad for you but which? The meat you get at McDonald’s?
“Or the local cow eating grass right over there? I eat the heart and the liver.”
No Foo-ling around
Chelsea have hired Dave Grohl's personal physio Freddie Murray, according to reports.
The Blues have been on the lookout for a new medical team after sacking former head physio Thierry Laurent and medical director Dr Pablo Biosca last month.
Chelsea will work with Murray and his clinic Remedy on a consultancy basis and they will advise the club on its medical team and structures, report the Daily Mail.
In fact, Remedy have reportedly already begun to work with Chelsea stars and have been helping out the likes of N'Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana and the other Blues players currently out injured.
Murray, 40, is a former footballer turned physio and has helped out some big stars in and out of the game.
After retiring aged 28 he trained as a physiotherapist and worked for the QPR academy under Harry Redknapp.
Man Utd hold on
Man Utd did just enough to hold on against Everton – winning 2-1 at Goodison Park.
It was Ronaldo with his 700th career goal to end the Toffees' winning run.
A nervy finish, but United will take it.
Saved by VAR
Everton have been saved by VAR.
Marcus Rashford appeared to have scored to put the game to bed and Man Utd 3-1 up.
However, Rashford was adjudged to have handled the ball.
Correct decision, in fairness, it ricocheted off Rashford’s home in a tackle with James Tarkowski, before the England star went round Jordan Pickford to score.
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