Compiled by Ranjika Perera 

* ‘FIFA 22’ rankings unveiled

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Lionel Messi has been confirmed as the best player in the upcoming ‘FIFA 22’ video game. Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is the second highest-rated footballer in the latest edition of the popular franchise while Messi’s long-term rival, Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo has to make do with being third overall.

PSG have a strong showing in the list of the best players in the game, with Messi’s team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Neymar being rated fifth and sixth respectively behind Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

* Ole: “I don’t pay attention to assists; it’s a social media thing”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has claimed that he is uninterested in how many assists Paul Pogba has delivered for Man United this season. Solskjaer has stated that he already considers the midfielder “a great passer” regardless of his achievements. The France international has enjoyed a record-breaking start to the new campaign, nabbing seven assists in his first four games. He is already on the way to the all-time Premier League season record of 20, held by De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.

Yet, ahead of his side’s return to Champions League action for the first time this term yesterday (14), Solskjaer has played down the raw numbers, instead wishing to draw more focus to the midfielder’s overall performances.

[caption id="attachment_161399" align="alignleft" width="422"] Goals or assists: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (on right) has claimed that he is uninterested in how many assists Paul Pogba (left) has delivered for Man United this season[/caption]

Speaking in pre-match press conference, Ole said, “Paul has come back in good shape. He’s worked really hard over the summer. He’s come back lean and fit. What does an assist consist of? A square pass to Bruno (Fernandes) and he puts it in the top corner? Or a great ball for Mason (Greenwood)? Paul has always been a great passer and he’s not got assists from his best passes this season. I don’t pay attention to assists; it’s a social media thing. But Paul has played well for sure.”

* Freak accident leaves Harvey Elliot with dislocated ankle

Harvey Elliott lays no blame on Pascal Struijk after the Liverpool midfielder suffered a serious ankle injury against Leeds on Sunday (12). Struijk was given a straight red for a tackle which resulted in Elliott being stretchered off and taken to hospital.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said his player had dislocated his ankle, but despite facing a lengthy period on the sidelines, Elliott has leapt to the defence of Struijk amid debate over the severity of the tackle.

However, Elliot said on social media, it “wasn’t his fault whatsoever!” He has also added that he is “absolutely devastated” to suffer the injury but has vowed to come back “faster, fitter, and stronger”.

Elliott will require surgery in the coming days while Liverpool thanked Leeds General Infirmary in a statement on Sunday. “Harvey, his family, and Liverpool FC would like to place on record their thanks to the paramedics and all the staff at Leeds General Infirmary for the care and treatment given,” the club said.

* Chelsea to investigate on abuse aimed at John McGinn

Chelsea have condemned the “totally unacceptable” abuse aimed at John McGinn and vowed to identify the supporter heard using “abusive language of a sectarian nature” on Saturday (11). Aston Villa lost 3-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on the weekend. Since the match, a video has been circulating on social media showing Scotland international McGinn going over to take a corner when the shouts from one fan can be heard.

Reacting to the video on Twitter, former Chelsea midfielder Pat Nevin said: “I’ve just received video of vile sectarian comments aimed at the fabulous John McGinn at Stamford Bridge.” Chelsea has since confirmed they will investigate the matter.

“We are aware of a video circulating on social media showing an individual using abusive language of a sectarian nature in the crowd at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour totally unacceptable and we condemn the language used. The club is working to identify the person involved and will take the strongest possible action against them.”