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Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to an injury update regarding winger Trezeguet on social media.

The 26-year-old went off in the closing stages against Liverpool on the weekend, with the club now confirming the Egyptian will now have to undergo surgery as a result.

Trezeguet, who netted twice against Fulham earlier this month, suffered knee ligament damage at Anfield in the 2-1 defeat.

He collided with Trent Alexander-Arnold but couldn’t continue and now looks likely to miss the rest of the campaign.

Villa, who are thought to be after a new wide addition in the summer, now have just Bertrand Traore and Anwar El-Ghazi as senior available wingers.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news on their official Twitter page on Monday evening, which, as to be expected, received plenty of interaction from hundreds of Villa fans.

This is what some had to say, with one describing the update as ‘rotten’.

“I’m gutted….”

Credit: @avfck1eran

“Heartbreaking stuff. Get well soon Trez!”

Credit: @AVFCJono

“He’s had some rotten luck this season, the head injury, hamstring injury, covid and now this. Can never fault his effort.”

Credit: @BandanaSavos

“Devastated”

Credit: @otvillayouth

“Ah man, was hoping it wasn’t as bad as what was rumored. Damn it.”

Credit: @VillaMarkPGH

“I want to cry”

Credit: @clairej0nes

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to club’s Villa Park plans, find out more here. 

Steve Bruce will surely be vexing the international break after Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough revealed that Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis is injured.

That’s according to Sky Sports, who quote Baraclough as confirming that he will make a late call on whether or not Lewis will face Italy on Thursday night.

Northern Ireland begin their Group C campaign with a trip to Roberto Mancini’s Gli Azzurri in hopes of securing their first appearance at a World Cup since 1986.

Lewis is one of only three players listed in Baraclough’s squad who is a Premier League regular, making his experience in Italy vitally important.

The Toon full-back has earned 18 previous caps for the Green and White Army, and played 23 times in the English top-flight under Bruce since a £15m move from Norwich City in September.

But Lewis is a major doubt to play in Parma on Thursday night after missing training this week with a groin injury.

“We’ll decide in Italy whether we take the risk with Jamal,” Baraclough said.

“He hasn’t trained, so it’s something he’s had back at his club and we knew that coming into this camp.”

If Lewis had carried the groin problem into the international break, it would help to justify Bruce’s decision to leave the 23-year-old an unused substitute of Newcastle’s last three Premier League games.

But with Lewis now on international duty and a key part of Baraclough’s Northern Ireland squad, it is out of Bruce’s hands how much or how little the full-back plays.

Bruce will surely be vexing the lack of control he has over one of his players, knowing that Lewis featuring against Italy – or next week in a friendly with the United States before a World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria – could see the defender aggravate his issue and face a lengthy spell in the treatment room.

Newcastle have already lost a key part of their side for the remainder of the season in Isaac Hayden, after the midfielder was confirmed to have sustained a serious knee injury during last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Hayden is not currently thought to require surgery but will play no part in United’s fight for survival, removing the option whom Bruce has relied on more than all bar one of his squad with the 26-year-old featuring for 1,946 of a possible 2,610 minutes in the top-flight this term.

Only goalkeeper Karl Darlow (2,250) has played more minutes in the Premier League this season than Hayden, while Lewis (1,827) registers in third ahead of Callum Wilson (1,816).

Lewis may have been out of favour in recent weeks, potentially due to his groin injury, but being sidelined for a lengthy period will come as a blow for Bruce.

AND in other news, Newcastle have landed a huge boost ahead of facing Tottenham…

A number of Liverpool fans have been calling for Roberto Firmino to leave this summer, having been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.

The Brazilian has been a wonderful player for the Reds, becoming one of the poster boys of the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield and winning both the Champions League and Premier League.

Firmino leads the line in his own unique way, pressing relentlessly off the ball and proving to be selfless on it, dropping deep and allowing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane space in behind.

The 29-year-old may have contributed a huge amount for Liverpool down the years, but he hasn’t been himself for a sustained period now.

Firmino’s performances have dropped off for around a year, and for the first time, there are now real question marks about his place in the team, especially with Diogo Jota now such an influential member of the squad.

According to El Gol Digital [via TEAMtalk], Atletico are eyeing up a move for the Liverpool star, potentially viewing him as a replacement for Luis Suarez.

Liverpool fans call for Firmino to leave

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to talk up the idea of Firmino leaving, with many now believing it is time for him to move on.

“Swap deal for Felix + £40M-£65M”

Credit: @Umin01253591

“Yessssssss Suarez is coming home”

Credit: @paulo060802

“Sell him please”

Credit: @kieranfn18

“Swap for Felix”

Credit: @skratzz

“Please I beg”

Credit: @MDHanif_7

“Atletico Madrid interested in Firmino, $71M should be good deal imo”

Credit: @LFCSai7

In other news, Liverpool have been tipped to make a double signing this summer – find out more here.

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting after it was suggested the Gers supporters were responsible for a recent spike in positive coronavirus tests in the Glasgow region.

The Gers’ status as Premiership champions was confirmed the Sunday before last after Celtic could only manage a 0-0 draw with Dundee United. That led to thousands of jubilant fans pouring into the streets of Glasgow to celebrate – breaking coronavirus regulations in the process.

There has been a recent spike in cases in the Glasgow area in recent days, and Scotland’s chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith has suggested the large gathering of supporters could have led to the increase (planetradio.co.uk) – even though clinical director Jason Leitch has revealed it is far too early to tell whether the celebrations had an effect on the numbers (The Scottish Sun).

The Gers fans, clearly, are far from happy with suggestions they are to blame. They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“At Xmas they said it would take weeks to see the spike from Christmas gatherings. It suits their narrative and agenda to make the comparison here”

Credit: @g_trader_

“Big bad rangers but no spike in December when thousands went to hampden”

Credit: @DavidMo44520864

“I think it’s scandalous, never heard this narrative after the bheasts lockdown behaviours”

Credit: @TidRangers

“All very predictable I’m afraid. They will ramp up the numbers again in the coming days when they work out the true timescale of exposure to symptoms presenting, to testing, recording results and inclusion in the data being provided for daily briefings.”

Credit: @ElPedro1872

“It’s really scary the way this country going, basically nearly every news media is running with a story that’s so unbelievable if thought out but it’s Scotland where the media is only too willing to print lies especially if it’s about Rangers and it’s fans.”

Credit: @Theprovocateur2

“Anybody else think that the news that Rangers fans caused a spike in covid is just a complete fairytale? So if we consider cases rose on Tuesday which was 2 days after the celebrations in George Square, symptoms (if any) would not have presented so soon”

Credit: @joe_black1509

In other news, Rangers fans slam this Union Bears statement.

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of this afternoon’s Scottish Premiership encounter with Hamilton.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Jermain Defoe is suffering from a calf injury and may undergo a scan to determine the extent of the damage.

The 38-year-old centre-forward only played for 28′ minutes against Ross County after replacing Alfredo Morelos in the second half and has been absent from the last two matchday squads.

The result started the 54-time Scottish champions’ latest three-game winning streak which they will look to extend when they travel to New Douglas Park to take on Brian Rice’s side on Sunday.

However, they will have to do so without the injured Defoe, who was the club’s top goalscorer in the league last season, which leaves Gerrard with a dilemma upfront after Morelos’ stamp on Ryan Porteous means he’s suspended.

Kemar Roofe started against St Johnstone having made a full recovery from injury, yet he looked rather short of any real confidence in front of goal, whilst it doesn’t seem Cedric Itten is trusted to lead the line and the least said about Greg Stewart, the better.

Indeed, the three-cap Swiss international has made top-flight 19 appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season and has four goals and one assist to show for his efforts, but the majority of those appearances (17) have come by way of brief cameos off of the bench.

Last season, Defoe scored 13 goals in 20 league appearances to help Rangers mount a title challenge, only to see Gerrard’s side fall short at the final hurdle.

The striker has scored two goals and provided one assist in eight Premiership appearances in this campaign and Gerrard will no doubt be hoping that the veteran will be available for their clash against Kilmarnock as Roofe himself faces a two-match ban.

The 28-year-old has been hit with a notice of complaint by the SFA after his tackle on Saints midfielder Murray Davidson and he could soon find himself on the sidelines.

This could mean the relatively inexperienced Itten is thrown in at the deep end at the top of the pitch for only his seventh start of the season at some point.

AND in other news, Rangers may rue not re-signing Billy Gilmour from Chelsea…

Norwich City defender Max Aarons is reportedly a transfer target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich interested in securing a deal for the talented full-back.

What’s the word?

Norwich will reportedly hold out for a fee up to £35 million for the full-back, with the 21-year-old valued at £18 million according to Transfermarkt.

He has been an ever-present figure in the Norwich side and appeared in all 34 of the Canaries’ Championship fixtures to date this season.

He has found the net in a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday and claimed assists in the games against Reading, Middlesbrough and Rotherham United.

The stock of Aarons is rising all the time and Norwich legend Darren Huckerby described him as a “special player” with an “unbelievable future.”

It loks like Canaries Sporting Director Stuart Webber faces a battle to keep the talented youngster at Carrow Road.

Tie him down

Norwich are in a commanding position to secure an automatic return to the Premier League, and it is vital that they keep hold of a player with the quality of Aarons with the long-term future of the club in mind.

The full-back has just over three years left on his existing deal and it remains imperative to tie him down to a long-term contract.

Keeping players like Aarons would enable the Canaries to ditch their reputation as a yo-yo club and allow them to look to establish themselves in the top flight once they return.

The club has sold a host of academy graduates in recent years that includes the likes of James Maddison, Ben Godfrey and Jamal Lewis, but they may need to hold onto their up-and-coming stars to take them to the next level.

Canaries’ fans will be hoping that Aarons will go on to star in the Premier League for Norwich in the very near future.

Read more, Spurs face Everton competition for Norwich starlet Max Aarons

After being ruled out for the past few weeks through injury, Jack Grealish is closing on a return to first team action with Aston Villa, and it’s come at the perfect time just before their Premier League clash against Tottenham.

The England international hasn’t played for Dean Smith’s side since missing the game against Leicester back in mid-February, and in his absence, Villa just haven’t been the same.

Grealish has been the team’s main source of creativity, registering 12 assists in the Premier League alone. That’s not to mention the six goals he’s scored in the competition as well.

Without him in the side, Villa have struggled badly for both performances and results, with just three goals in their past five games in the Premier League – that run has seen them pick up just five points out of a possible 15.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live Sport, former Villa player Kieran Richardson raved about Grealish and what he brings to the table, saying: “He’s a phenomenal talent. When I was there playing he was coming through and you could see from the get-go he was a top, top player.

“The way he can just ghost past players, he’s so strong, he rides challenges. Even if you knock him down he’ll get back up and keep going, he won’t shy away from anything. He’s very confident on the ball, he’ll take the ball whenever he can. He’s a top player and the way he’s built as well, he’s massive, his legs are absolutely massive. Even when I first saw him I was like ‘This guy’s a unit’.”

With The Athletic’s Gregg Evans claiming that Villa will make a late call on the midfielder, Smith must surely unleash the 1.8m-tall (5 foot 10) star on Spurs tonight.

As well as his ability, Grealish’s return could provide a much-needed lift to the rest of his teammates and get them firing too.

Meanwhile, Villa are making a big mistake over signing this midfielder…

Many Crystal Palace fans have flocked to a tweet from Eagles news Twitter account @cpfc_xtra which has relayed The Independent’s claim that Palace are ‘considering a move’ for Mainz centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. 

The 6’3” attacker has scored 10 goals in his 17 appearances for Mainz in all competitions this term, which is more goals than any Eagles player has scored thus far in the 2020/21 campaign. 

It’s claimed that the Bundesliga side ‘would demand a sizeable fee’ for the 23-year-old if they were to sell him, with the Frenchman currently valued at £13.5m, per Transfermarkt, with over two years remaining on his Mainz contract. 

So, how have these Crystal Palace fans been reacting to this transfer news?

Many fans of the south London club replied to this tweet to share excitement over this transfer claim, indicating that they’d like to see Mateta lining up at Selhurst Park in the future.

“Please, he is such a baller”

Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

“Him and Ozan Tufan would be an upgrade”

Credit: @ExhilaratingEZE

“Would be amazing”

Credit: @cpfcjude

“Would definitely take that for the right price”

Credit: @BenM_CPFC

“Yersssssssss”

Credit: @CiaranCPFC

“I am begging”

Credit: @EBERZEE

“Pleeeeeease”

Credit: @AdAmCpFc91

In other news, many Crystal Palace fans bashed Andros Townsend over his performance versus Manchester City.

Such is the nature of English football during December, the games just come thick and fast, and for Nottingham Forest, Wednesday night gives them the perfect opportunity to finally put things right.

Chris Hughton’s side have endured a wretched run of results over these past few weeks, with no win in five (including four defeats), and not even managing to find the back of the net once.

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Their opponents on Wednesday, Norwich, are flying high in second in the Championship table, and are level on points with first-placed Bournemouth but having played a game less.

With the game at Carrow Road, all signs point to it being another difficult night for Forest, but if Hughton makes some bold calls in his team selection, there could well chance of an early Christmas miracle.

After dropping yet another clanger at the weekend, Hughton could make his first big decision by benching regular number one, Brice Samba, and instead bringing in Jordan Smith for his first game of the season.

The back four could remain unchanged, with the Forest boss admitting in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game that Scott McKenna is still having trouble with his ankle and is likely to miss out the trip to Norwich.

One enforced change Hughton will have to make is in midfield, with Ryan Yates of course being suspended following his red card last time out, and that could see Samba Sow start from the off.

After a particularly disappointing display at the weekend, the Forest manager may also consider dropping Anthony Knockaert from his starting line-up, with Joe Lolley and Sammy Ameobi taking up the wide spots.

Predicted XI: Smith; Christie, Worrall, Dawson, Ribeiro; Sow, Cafu, Arter; Lolley, Taylor, Ameobi.

Meanwhile, Hughton must surely consider unleashing this “elite” Forest talent.

For Leeds United, this hasn’t exactly been the easiest of periods to negotiate.

They headed into the busy festive period without a number of their defenders. Liam Cooper picked up a problem in the thrashing at Old Trafford and thus, joined both Robin Koch and Diego Llorente on the treatment table.

There were massive fears when that happened. After all, he was their only senior centre-half that was still fit. Fortunately, Leeds have done a stellar job and in rotating between a three-man and four-man defence, have now yielded clean sheets in successive games with Burnley and West Brom.

Their clash against the Clarets was a back to the wall job but against the Baggies, Marcelo Bielsa’s men were unrelenting in a 5-0 romp at the Hawthorns.

Had West Brom fans been able to attend, they would have been running for the exit door within half an hour. Though, for all of the wonderful sweeping attacking football, the job that Leeds’ defenders did to put them on the front foot cannot be ignored.

Specifically, we’re talking about the performance of Pascal Struijk. The Dutchman has found game time hard to come by at Elland Road and consequently, his talents haven’t been overly clear.

Though, we’re now starting to see what all the fuss is about. In two matches now, Struijk has been impenetrable at the heart of their defence. Against Burnley he was immense but when they travelled to the Midlands, he was faultless.

The centre-back didn’t have a lot to do but when he did, it was done to perfection. Struijk won a colossal six aerial duels, which was one more than the lively Kalvin Phillips and he prevailed with 95% of his passes – also more than Phillips.

The 21-year-old was a pillar of solidity, taking command of possession on 124 occasions – an incredibly high number.

If anyone questioned whether Struijk has what it takes to perform on a consistent basis in the Premier League, those concerns have been battered away in the last two outings.

Bielsa has never been one to drop a player unnecessarily so it will be interesting to see what he does with the Dutchman once Koch and Cooper are fit again.

At the moment, he is surely undroppable.

AND in other news, Forget Traore: Leeds must swoop for “explosive” outcast who bullied Alioski this year…