Blow for Brighton! Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati facing three months out after suffering serious injury against Nottingham Forest

Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati is staring at a lengthy period on the sidelines after suffering serious injury with Brighton against Nottingham Forest.

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Fati limped out against ForestWill be out for three monthsJoins lengthy injury list at BrightonWHAT HAPPENED?

Roberto de Zerbi has been handed a double blow before they face AEK Athens in the Europe League on Thursday as the Spanish forward joined Tariq Lamptey in the treatment room. Fati limped out during the first half at the City Ground during a slender 3-2 win over the Tricky Trees after lasting for just 21 minutes and could be out for three months. He was replaced with Joao Pedro who made the most of the opportunity by scoring a brace for the Seagulls.

AdvertisementWHAT ROBERTO DE ZERBI SAID ABOUT FATI & LAMPTEY

Speaking to reporters ahead of the AEK fixture, De Zerbi informed: "Ansu and Lamptey are both injured. We've lost them for a long time. The focus is on the players who can play tomorrow. We will have enough to compete. I don't know if we will win but we will fight to win the game.”

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De Zerbi has several reasons to fight for a win, despite going to Greece with a depleted squad, as three points on Thursday evening might propel them to the top of Group B given Marseille drop points against Ajax. However, it will be a tough task for the Premier League outfit as they will be without Danny Welbeck, Solly March and Pervis Estupinan apart from the recently injured Fati and Lamptey.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BRIGHTON?

Brighton will have to be on their toes when they take on the Greek side as they were beaten in the reverse fixture by 3-2 at the Amex Stadium back in September. However, they are unbeaten in their last six matches and if they continue their rich vein of form, De Zerbi's troops could avenge their earlier defeat.

Premier League permutations: The race for Europe and what Leicester, Leeds & Everton have to do to avoid relegation

All the key outcomes and results required as we enter the final weekend of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

The 2022-23 Premier League has been a rollercoaster of emotion and excitement, but the race is nearly run, with European spots to be decided and dreaded relegations confirmed on the final day.

Fans of Manchester City can pop the champagne, but at the other end of the table there will be a nail-biting 90 minutes ahead for Everton, Leeds and Leicester City, with two of the three certain to suffer relegation today.

Here, GOAL takes a look at all the Premier League permutations as the 2022-23 season comes to a conclusion.

GettyPremier League table (as of May 28)

# Team MP W D L GD Pts

1Manchester City (C) (UCL)372854+62892Arsenal (UCL)372566+40813Manchester United (UCL)372269+14724Newcastle (UCL)3719135+35705Liverpool371999+28666Brighton3718811+20627Aston Villa3717713+4588Tottenham3717614+4579Brentford3714149+115610Fulham3715715+35211Crystal Palace37111115-94412Chelsea37111016-94313Wolves3711818-224114West Ham3711719-124015Bournemouth3711620-333916Nottingham Forest3791018-303717Everton3771218-243318Leicester378722-183119Leeds3771020-273120Southampton (R)376625-3724AdvertisementGetty ImagesLeicester City relegation picture

Leicester will be relegated to the Championship just seven years after winning the Premier League if any of the following plays out on the final day:

Leicester fail to win against West Ham OR Everton win against Bournemouth.Leicester City fixtures

Date Match Kick-off time

May 28Leicester vs West Ham4:30pm BST (1:30pm ET)GettyLeeds United will be relegated if…

Leeds United could be heading back down to the Championship this weekend in the event that:

Leeds fail to win against Tottenham. OR Everton win against Bournemouth. OR Leicester win against West Ham (goal difference unlikely to be a factor here…) OR Everton draw against Bournemouth AND Leeds win against Tottenham by two or fewer goals.Leeds United fixtures

Date Match Kick-off time

May 28Leeds United vs Tottenham4:30pm BST (11:30am ET)ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyWhat about Everton?

Everton will be relegated from the Premier League for the first time in their history if any of the following play out:

Everton lose to Bournemouth AND Leicester or Leeds win against West Ham or Tottenham respectively. OR Everton draw against Bournemouth AND Leicester win against West Ham OR Leeds win by three or more goals against Tottenham.Everton fixtures

Date Match Kick-off time

May 28Everton vs Bournemouth4:30pm BST (11:30am ET)

Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami in ‘super crack’ mode as Tata Martino hails impact of Argentine superstar in booking U.S. Open Cup final berth

Lionel Messi was in “super crack” mode for Inter Miami as he helped the club into the U.S. Open Cup final, says Tata Martino.

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All-time great already delivered Leagues Cup gloryNow preparing for another shot at silverwareImmediate impact made in the United StatesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine superstar had to be at his talismanic best once again in order to see the MLS outfit remain on course for a second trophy triumph during his short time in the United States. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has already delivered Leagues Cup glory – with 10 goals recorded through seven appearances in that competition.

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Messi was not on target in a U.S. Open Cup semi-final clash with FC Cincinnati, but he did provide two assists – including one deep into stoppage-time – before seeing Inter Miami prevail on penalties to set up a final showdown with the Houston Dynamo.

WHAT THEY SAID

Martino was full of praise for Messi following another match-altering contribution in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Cincinnati, with the Argentine coach saying of his fellow countryman: “He has a response for every moment, no matter the circumstances. And today he showed it more as a conductor and not a finisher, and you saw that with the pass late in the match [to Leonardo Campana]. He makes difficult plays look easy. It was an assist of a super crack.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The term ‘crack’ in South American culture is reserved as a compliment for those that are considered to have displayed elite skill and mentality. Messi certainly fits that mould and is now preparing for a shot at what could be the 45th trophy win of his record-breaking career.

'Never, ever leave!' – Rob McElhenney sends half-time message with Wrexham getting obliterated by Stockport as he shows support to manager Phil Parkinson

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has sent a half-time message to the club's fans, after seeing his side concede three goals to Stockport County.

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Wrexham 3-0 down at half-timeMcElhenney sends defiant messageLost the game 5-0WHAT HAPPENED?

The League Two side went into half-time against Stockport 3-0 down. Isaac Olaofe opened the scoring when he managed to beat defender Ben Tozer to a low ball and knock it into the net. Tozer then committed an awful howler, simply watching a pass go beyond him to allow Olaofe to double the hosts' lead. Ex-Barcelona youth academy star Louie Barry then put his team in an even more comfortable position when he lashed into the Wrexham net.

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Wrexham have made a point of making late comebacks, and previously scored twice in injury time to rescue an incredible 5-5 draw with Swindon Town earlier this season, and McElhenney believed that all hope was not lost.

However, they went on to lose the game 5-0.

WHAT THEY SAID

McElhenney posted on Twitter at half-time: "Phil’s enthusiasm in the locker room will be off the charts. But never, ever leave a Wrexham game. Come on you reds!"

Things only got worse for Wrexham in the second half, though, as Olaofe completed his hat-trick and then Barry set up Paddy Madden to make it 5-0 towards the end of the match, bringing an end to the Welsh team's four-game winning run.

Neither McElhenney nor co-owner Ryan Reynolds made any further comment on social media after the game.

Coach Phil Parkinson, however, was critical of his team and felt they were second best all over the field, saying: "We were sloppy in everything we did and we've got to take our medicine today."

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Wrexham face Crewe Alexandra in League Two next week.

Man City vs Liverpool: Who are their greatest African players?

Ahead of their showdown on Sunday, GOAL rank the 10 greatest African players to play for the Premier League title contenders

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images10Ali Benarbia

Manchester City pulled off a coup when they recruited Algeria’s Benarbia from Paris Saint-Germain in 2001, with the North African having won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award two years previously.

He was influential as the Sky Blues won promotion to the Premier League under Kevin Keegan, but struggled to impose himself in the top flight.

He also represented AS Monaco, Bordeaux and Martigues, and was named Algerian footballer of the year in 2002.

AdvertisementGetty Images9Wilfried Bony

Bony was previously Africa’s most expensive player ever, costing Manchester City £28 million when he moved from Swansea City at the beginning of 2015.

However, he struggled for game time due to injuries and increased competition from Sergio Aguero and Iheanacho, and departed on a season-long loan to Stoke City on transfer deadline day as his Etihad Stadium career came to an end.

He subsequently moved back to Swansea City, and is currently with Eredivisie club NEC Nijmegen.

Getty8Emmanuel Adebayor

Adebayor has often been a polarising figure in world football.

It seems that, as soon as he starts to get the fans on his side, he does something that conjures up the ire of his supporters.

He has represented a host of high-profile clubs, including Spanish giants Real Madrid and Arsenal, among others, and departed the Gunners for Manchester City in 2009 for a fee believed to be about £25 million, making him, at one point, Africa's most expensive player.

He remained at the Etihad Stadium until 2011, when he joined Tottenham Hotspur.

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Getty7Bruce Grobbelaar

The Zimbabwe stopper is remembered as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers in history…and is certainly the most successful.

He was a key man in one of Liverpool’s greatest sides, winning six titles and three domestic cups during his time at Anfield.

He was influential as the Reds won the European Cup in 1984, putting AS Roma’s strikers off with his infamous bandy legs in the final shootout.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami chasing another Argentine! Tata Martino keen for reunion with Houston Dynamo defender Franco Escobar

Inter Miami are in pursuit of Houston Dynamo standout defender Franco Escobar as they look to bolster their defense.

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Inter Miami chasing Franco EscobarArgentine played under Tata at Atlanta UnitedHerons boss keen for reunionWHAT HAPPENED?

According to Cesar Luis Merlo, the Herons are looking to bring Escobar to South Beach to shore up their defensive issues. Tata Martino is looking to reunite with Escobar, who he won the 2018 MLS Cup with at Atlanta United.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Herons defense has been a focal point of frustration during preseason, conceding sloppy and unnecessary goals across the seven-game stretch. In total, their goal-differential during the span was minus five, with 13 goals conceded.

Adding Escobar to the mix would immediately bolster the right-back position, while also allowing either 28-year-old or DeAndre Yedlin to insert as a right center-back in a back-three formation if needed. Martino opted for that in the first five games of preseason, but switched to a back-four for their final two games.

He has been a standout defender for the Houston Dynamo since arriving last January from LAFC. He made 41 appearances, scoring three goals in 2023.

DID YOU KNOW?

Alongside Escobar on the Atlanta United team that won the 2018 MLS Cup under Martino was current Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan – to this day – has commanded the largest-ever transfer fee for the league.

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Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

The Herons open their 2024 season against Real Salt Lake Wednesday evening. USMNT Olympic hopeful Diego Luna will look to lead the Western Conference side to victory over the 2023 Leagues Cup champions and Lionel Messi.

Arsenal to move for Mykhailo Mudryk?! Gunners among clubs linked with shock transfer for £89m Chelsea flop

Arsenal have been linked with a surprising move for struggling Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk in the summer.

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Mudryk originally wanted by ArsenalSigned for Chelsea but has struggledGunners interested alongside JuventusWHAT HAPPENED?

The Ukraine international was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2022 for a staggering fee worth up to £89 million ($113m) including add-ons. Thus far Mudryk has come nowhere near living up to that price tag, with his most impressive showings arguably coming on his debut against Liverpool and during pre-season this term. Despite an underwhelming start to his Chelsea career, Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing him to north London, according to Spanish outlet .

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The report notes that Chelsea will listen to offers for the 22-year-old winger, with a primary objective being a loan transfer to build up his development. However, the Blues could be interested in a permanent sale, where Arsenal and Serie A giants Juventus are listed as potential suitors. That said, Chelsea would look to recoup a significant portion of that £89m investment which, as the report acknowledges, would be difficult given Mudryk's recent performances.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal, of course, were once seen as the primary location for Mudryk before his eventual switch to Chelsea. Mikel Arteta is thought to be a big fan from his Shakhtar playing days and only neglected to sign him after being usurped by the Blues' mammoth offer at the 11th hour. Videos had even been circling of Mudryk praising Arteta and wearing an Arsenal shirt.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MUDRYK?

Chelsea may hope their north London counterparts do them a favour as they did when signing Kai Havertz for a staggering £65m ($82m) last summer, and pay over-the-odds for another struggling forward. However, that eventuality would require Mudryk to build on his sorry tally of four goals in 26 appearances this term.

Manchester United's Europa League-winning side – Who were the players and where are they now?

The Red Devils have not won any trophy since their Europa League triumph in 2017

It has been more than five years since Manchester United last won a trophy. Under Jose Mourinho's tutelage, the last piece of silverware came to Old Trafford on May 24, 2017, as the Red Devils beat Ajax 2-0 to lift the Europa League title.

Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were on target for the Premier League club as they picked up a comfortable win against the Dutch side.

Since Mourinho's departure, United are yet to win a trophy.

Which players last won a trophy for Manchester United and where are they now?Julian Finney / Getty Images SportSergio Romero – Goalkeeper

The Argentine goalkeeper joined Manchester United from Sampdoria in 2015 and spent six seasons at the club. Last season, Romero joined Italian Serie B side Venezia and in 2022, he signed for Boca Juniors.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAntonio Valencia – Right-Back

The former Ecuador international joined Manchester United from Wigan Athletic in 2009 and played at the club for 10 seasons. After leaving the Red Devils, he played in Mexico and Ecuador. He retired from professional football in May 2021.

Getty ImagesChris Smalling – Centre-Back

The English defender joined Manchester United from Fulham in 2010 and spent 10 years at the club. In 2019, he was sent on loan to AS Roma and ahead of the 2020/21 season, Smalling made his move permanent with the Serie A club.

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Getty ImagesDaley Blind – Centre-Back

The Dutch full-back joined Manchester United in 2014 from Ajax and spent four seasons at the club. In 2018, he returned to Ajax where he currently plies his trade.

Keep, loan or sell? The players Arsenal should allow to leave in the 2023 summer transfer window

Some big name players could be on the way out of the Emirates Stadium following their impressive campaign under Mikel Arteta

All the talk surrounding Arsenal as we head into the summer transfer window revolves around who could come into the club to help build on the fine 2022-23 season Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed. But who could go out is equally important, with the Gunners looking to try and raise some extra funds to spend over the coming weeks to help with the next stage of the rebuild.

There are doubts surrounding the futures of several players, from experienced stars such as Granit Xhaka and Kieran Tierney to youngsters like Charlie Patino and Arthur Okonkwo. 

So what should Arsenal do when it comes to potential outgoings this summer? GOAL takes a look…

Getty ImagesSELL: William Saliba (if he doesn’t sign a new contract)

Even the notion of Arsenal selling William Saliba this summer seems ridiculous. But with the centre-back set to enter the final year of his contract, it could become a distinct possibility should a new deal not be agreed pretty quickly.

Hopefully a new deal gets signed swiftly and doubts over Saliba’s future are quickly put to bed. But if it can’t be agreed before the end of the window, then it makes sense for Arsenal to sell, albeit very, very reluctantly.

A player like Saliba being allowed to leave on a free transfer simply can’t be allowed to happen. It would be awful to watch the defender walk away for nothing in 12 months time. So if a contract can’t be agreed this summer, the sensible option is for Arsenal to sell while they can still get a relatively high price and then reinvest that money getting someone else in.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSELL: Granit Xhaka

Ideally, this wouldn’t really even be a matter of debate. Given how important Xhaka has been to Arsenal over the past couple of years, on and off the pitch, the sensible thing for the club to do would be to keep him for a season when Champions League football will be on the agenda.

But with his contract running down and the offer of a long-term deal on the table from Bayer Leverkusen, a return to Germany is an appealing one for Xhaka and his family.

A deal between the clubs has yet to be agreed, but given his years of service and the fact Arsenal are planning to spend big in midfield this summer, the expectation is that he will be allowed to go if a suitable agreement can be found. Providing Arenal get the players they want in the window, then selling is probably a good move for all parties. 

GettyKEEP: Thomas Partey

There have been some suggestions that Partey could potentially be moved on this summer following his drop in form over the final weeks of the campaign. But with Xhaka set to leave, it would be far from wise to allow Partey to go at the same time given the amount that has to be done elsewhere in the squad.

Partey’s form may have dropped during the run-in, but it must be noted he was exceptional for the vast majority of the season. Hopefully he will come back after the summer and get back to his best.

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GettySELL: Kieran Tierney

This does feel like the right time to sell Tierney. As good as he is and as popular as he is, it’s just very clear he does not fit Arteta’s system and needs to move on. There will be plenty of interested parties, including Newcastle, and Arsenal should be able to get a very good price for the left-back.

That money can then be reinvested to help fund some signings that do fit the long-term project in north London.

The Lionel Messi clause! New York Red Bulls include cheeky small print in MLS 'Holiday Pack' ticket deal in case of meeting with Argentina superstar's Inter Miami

New York Red Bulls are offering their fans a deal for tickets to next season's MLS opener – but the promotion comes with a Lionel Messi clause.

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NYRB announce promotion for ticketsOffer involves first home match of new seasonDeal won't apply if it's against Inter MiamiWHAT HAPPENED?

The MLS side sent out an email to fans offering tickets to their first home game of the 2024 season as well as the derby with rivals New York City. However, reports there is a special detail in the email that states that: "If RBNY plays Inter Miami CF in the home opener, each home opener ticket will be replaced with a ticket to RBNY's 2nd home match."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The decision to exclude Lionel Messi's Inter Miami team from the deal likely means the club will increase the ticket prices when the Florida side come to New York. There has been a huge demand for tickets to see Messi in action and fellow MLS team Columbus Crew have already said their tickets will go up from their usual $40 to between $382 and $679 when they meet Inter Miami at home next season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi's presence in the United States last season resulted in many fans reselling their tickets for much higher prices than they initially paid. He scored 11 goals for Inter Miami after joining the club in July, but only one of those came in MLS.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

The fixture list for the 2024 MLS season is expected to be released before the end of the calendar year. The campaign will then likely commence around late February or early March.

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