Compiled by Ranjika Perera
Injury update on N’Golo Kante
Thomas Tuchel has revealed that N’Golo Kante’s early exit against Liverpool on Saturday (28) came due to the same ankle injury that kept him out of the Blues’ previous Premier League clash with Arsenal.
The French midfielder started against the Reds but was replaced at half-time, following a chaotic first-half that saw the 10-men Blues hold on for a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
A challenge from Sadio Mane felled Kante, forcing an early exit, and now Tuchel has confirmed that he was removed after aggravating an existing knock.
Tuchel speaking after match, stated, “(It’s) nothing serious because he was back in training and, as you could see, he started today (Saturday). In winning the ball in this situation, the opponent fell on his ankle, (and) twisted it again. He immediately had the same pain as before the Arsenal game when he missed it. He was lacking the force to accelerate and we had to take him off.”
West Ham confirm Zouma
West Ham United have completed the £ 29.8 million (Rs. 8 b) signing of Chelsea and France defender Kurt Zouma, the Hammers confirmed on Saturday.
Zouma, 26, was left out of the Blues’ squad for the weekend clash against Liverpool as his move across London drew nearer. And he has now been confirmed as the Hammers’ latest arrival after signing a four-year deal at the club, leaving the door open for more transfer activity back at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham affirmed on their website on Saturday thus: “West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of France international Kurt Zouma until the summer of 2025. The 26-year-old central defender joins for an undisclosed fee from Chelsea, where he accumulated two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions’ League winner’s medal and one EFL Cup winner’s medal during a seven-year career.”
“A prodigious talent who boasts great pace, strength, technical proficiency, and the experience of 165 Premier League and 27 top-level European appearances, Zouma further strengthens Manager David Moyes’ top-of-the-table West Ham team ahead of their first-ever venture into the Europa League group stages.”
Daniel James to be loaned out
The Welsh winger was due to get a new contract after several clubs asked for him earlier in the window. But now the chasing pack has been told to make their offers, with Everton, Brighton, Leeds, and Crystal Palace all making their pitches. James could be loaned or even sold if the right approach comes in.
The former Swansea starlet will also want a say where he goes. Brighton boss Graham Potter is close to James while Leeds have tried for him twice before.
However Everton and even Palace have made inquiries. James, 23, famously and nearly joined Leeds in January 2019.
Vieira still looking for reinforcements
According to The Scottish Sun, Crystal Palace are out to make a major double swoop to end the transfer window, for Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard.
Patrick Vieira will make a raid on his former club for striker Nketiah, who previously spent time on loan at Leeds, while looking to make a move north of the border too.
The new Eagles boss has already added Will Hughes to his squad and is looking to put the finishing touches on before the deadline comes.
Liverpool condemned homophobic chants
Liverpool have condemned supporters who made homophobic chants during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday. A section of Reds fans aimed the homophobic chant “Chelsea rent boy” at Blues loanee Billy Gilmour during the Reds’ win over Norwich on the opening weekend of the season.
However, chants were heard at Anfield on Saturday, and the club have confirmed they will launch an investigation to root out those involved.
In a statement, the club said: “Liverpool FC (LFC) is disappointed by reports that a small section of our supporters were heard singing offensive songs during Saturday’s fixture with Chelsea at Anfield. The club strongly condemns these actions and will be investigating all reported allegations of abusive and/or discriminatory behaviour with the relevant authorities to identify perpetrators.
“LFC is committed to tackling abusive and discriminatory behaviour, which has no place in football or society. As part of its Red Together campaign, which encompasses all the club’s work on equality, diversity, and inclusion, LFC strives to be the forefront of the fight against all forms of discrimination both online and in-stadium to create an inclusive environment for all. The club would like to remind its fans of its code of conduct, which clearly outlines what it expects from all supporters visiting Anfield.”