Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino has called for patience with Christopher Nkunku after the summer signing finally made his debut for the Blues on Tuesday night in their Carabao Cup win over Newcastle United.

Nkunku, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig, has been sidelined with a serious knee injury since pre-season.

The 26-year-old finally featured in the Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge as he came off the bench with 20 minutes to play.

He scored a penalty during the shoot-out after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.When asked about the forward’s display, Pochettino said at his post-match press conference:

“We are talking about players that are young. Who arrive and suffer an injury, like Christopher.

“Now they meet the team and in the middle of the competition they need time to start to perform and to get the best form and sometimes everyone can judge you have recovered the player, but most important is in which form?

“The expectation is to see the best Nkunku and we need time for him to perform in the way that we expect. One thing is to be available another is to perform in the way we we expect.

“We will not put too much pressure on him day by day, and push him to arrive as soon as possible at his best to try to help the team.”

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, Alexandre Letellier, and his family were reportedly threatened by knife-wielding burglars during a raid on their home on Monday night.

According to a report by RMC Sport in France on Tuesday, the 33-year-old, along with his wife Chloe and their two children aged six and two, were confronted by four criminals demanding money and jewelry.

According to the report, Letellier’s wife was struck in the face during the raid.

The family was awoken by alarms at their Yvelines residence, close to Paris, around 2 am, after the burglars broke into their garden.

They immediately called the police but the criminals had infiltrated the property, holding the family at knifepoint.

Quick police intervention led to the arrest of three of the four criminals, including a 21-year-old adult and two 16-year-old minors. Placed in police custody by the Versailles judicial police, the suspects were found with stolen items from the house, and a knife was discovered at the scene.

During the arrest, a police officer suffered a knee injury.

Letellier, PSG’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and Keylor Navas, has played sparingly for the French champions since joining from Orleans in 2020.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement has seen a big improvement from Cyriel Dessers since he took charge of the Light Blues.

Dessers has struggled to get going at the Ibrox since a well publicised move from Italian club, Cremonese in the summer.

The 29-year-old has, however, scored four times in his last eight league appearances for the Gers.

The Nigerian striker also netted a superb goal in Rangers’ UEFA Europa League 3-2 away victory at Real Betis last week.

Dessers also featured for 90 minutes as Rangers claimed the Scottish League Cup for the 24th time courtesy of a 1-0 win over Aberdeen on Sunday.

“I don’t look at transfer windows from the past. My job is to get the best out of the players that are there,” Clement was quoted as saying by Rangers Review.

“Cyriel Dessers is improving; he scored last weekend and also on Thursday against Betis. It is my job to make choices, together with a board, of what we should do in January to strengthen the core.

“I also don’t think that after three months you can say with certainty that a player is good enough or not.”

Dessers will be back in action when Rangers host St Johnstone in a league clash on Wednesday.

Defending champions Manchester City will face off with FC Copenhagen in the Champions League last 16, while Arsenal will take on Portuguese giants FC Porto.

After both topping their respective groups, holders City will travel all the way to Denmark, and the Gunners will visit the Estadio do Dragao for the first legs in February.

Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich will tackle Maurizio Sarri and Lazio, while Real Madrid will be hoping that Jude Bellingham is still in great form when they play against RB Leipzig.

Real’s city rivals Atletico Madrid take on last season’s runners-up, Inter Milan, while Spanish champions Barcelona will have Victor Osimhen to deal with as they play Serie A winners Napoli.

Paris Saint-Germain will be hoping to scale through past Real Sociedad while Borussia Dortmund face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

The last 16 is played over four weeks at the start of 2024. The first legs will take place on February 13, 14, 20 and 21, with the second legs being played on March 5, 6, 12 and 13.

Champions League last-16 draw in full

Porto vs Arsenal

Napoli vs Barcelona

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Sociedad

Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid

PSV Eindhoven vs Borussia Dortmund

Lazio vs Bayern Munich

FC Copenhagen vs Manchester City

RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid.

Manchester United star, Sergio Reguilon could leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window against manager Erik ten Hag’s wishes.

Reguilon’s loan spell at Man United could come to an end in January, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly keen on signing the Tottenham Hotspur left-back.

The defender joined Ten Hag’s side on transfer deadline day in the summer as an emergency signing after Luke Shaw sustained a lengthy injury.

Reguilon has made 10 appearances for Man United so far and his performances have not been too impressive.

But Ten Hag is keen on keeping Reguilon at Man United for the remainder of the season, particularly with fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia not expected to be back from his knee injury until January.

However, the Dutchman may not get his wish as, according to The Mirror, Dortmund are interested in Reguilon’s services.

It was recently revealed that there is a break clause in Reguilon’s contract which would allow Tottenham to recall him in January.

Chelsea are prepared to sell at least three of their players in January, including Noni Madueke, who arrived at Stamford Bridge just a year ago.

Chelsea spent £450million during the summer transfer window on three new players but their manager, Mauricio Pochettino suggested the club may need to be active in January following their 2-0 defeat to Everton last Sunday.

The result against Everton leaves the Blues in 12th position in the Premier League.

They are already 18 points behind league leaders, Liverpool.Top of Chelsea’s wish-list is a new striker, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney among their targets.

But faced with Financial Fair Play restrictions, the west London club will not be able to spend as freely as they have done in the past windows without selling players first.

And according to ESPN, Madueke is among those who could leave Chelsea, having struggled for game time under Pochettino this season.

The report added that a loan move could also be possible should the right offer come in.

The other two players who are expected to leave Chelsea are Trevoh Chalobah and Ian Maatsen.

Chalobah has been linked with both Bayern Munich, Roma and Crystal Palace, while Maatsen has been linked with Borussia Dortmund.

Turkish football has been plunged into chaos after MKE Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca punched referee Halil Meler following the club’s 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor in the Super Lig.

The incident has led to the Turkish Football Federation suspending all leagues indefinitely. TFF chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi called the attack “a night of shame for Turkish football” and emphasised that “sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence.”

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino calling it “totally unacceptable” and stating that “violence has no place in our sport or society.”

Similarly, Turkey President Recep Erdogan condemned the attack and wished Meler a speedy recovery.

Mr Meler sustained several blows and suffered a minor fracture. He required hospital treatment, and his recovery is being monitored closely.

MKE Ankaragucu regretted the incident and apologised to the Turkish football community. Caykur Rizespor also condemned the violence and sent Mr Meler a message of support.

The TFF has vowed to take decisive action against Koca and Ankaragucu. Buyukeksi stated that “football matches are not a war” and that “(Ankaragucu) and its managers will be punished most severely.”

He added that the penalties will be determined in the coming days.

The TFF further emphasised that the attack was not an isolated incident and blamed “the irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees” for creating a climate of violence.

They also called for criminal proceedings against all involved.

Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, called for an emergency meeting to address the growing issue of violence in Turkish football.

Similarly, the Association of Active Football Referees and Observers of Turkey called on all referees to refuse to officiate matches until their safety is guaranteed.

The attack on Mr Meler has exposed deep-seated problems within Turkish football.

The coming days will be crucial in determining how the TFF and the clubs will address the issue and ensure the safety of referees and players.

Inter Miami have confirmed that they will participate in the Riyadh Season Cup.

Although this was revealed by Saudi Arabia officials on November 21, the MLS club insisted the reports were inaccurate.

However, on Monday, Inter announced that they will play Al-Hilal on January 29 and Al Nassr on February 1.

The second fixture could see Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo face each other once again in their storied careers.

“These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season.

“We’re excited for our group to get the chance to go up against teams with as much quality as Al-Hilal and Al Nassr,” Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson said.

Ireland’s fightback fell just short as Zimbabwe sealed a thrilling last-ball win in the T20 series opener in Harare.

Ireland posted 147-8 and the hosts needed nine runs from their final over – winning it with two from Blessing Muzarabani off the last delivery.

Captain Sikandar Raza starred for Zimbabwe, taking three wickets then scoring 65 to lead their run chase.Mark Adair became the first Irish bowler to take 100 T20 international wickets.

He struck twice as the visitors staged a late rally with the ball in what was the first of three T20 matches this week.

Three other Ireland bowlers – Josh Little, Craig Young and Barry McCarthy – also took two wickets for a side captained by Paul Stirling.

Former captain Andrew Balbirnie top-scored with 32 in Ireland’s innings, supported by Gareth Delany, who finished 26 not out, and Harry Tector who added 24.

Raza was supported with the bat by Wesley Madhevere, who scored 25, with wicketkeeper Clive Madande hitting 20

.Two further T20 contests between the sides will take place at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday and Sunday before three one-day games at the same venue on 13, 15 and 17 December.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take part in a three-nation tournament as part of their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Burkina Faso and Democratic Republic of Congo are the two other countries that will be part of the competition.

The tournament will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the Super Eagles will also camp ahead of the AFCON.

Burkina Faso and DRC are also among the 24 countries that will take part in the 2023 AFCON finals.

The pre-AFCON tourney will take place in January, 2024.

Cote d’Ivoire will host the AFCON from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

The Super Eagles will take Equatorial Guinea in their opening game on January 14.

Former Nigeria midfielder, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has said that Victor Osimhen deserves to win the CAF Player of the Year.

The winner of the prize will be announced at an event on December 11 in Morocco.

Osimhen is one of the favourites to win the prestigious individual award.

The Napoli striker will be up against players like Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi of PSG, and former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez.

“He [Osimhen] deserves it because for me, he was the most consistent player of last season. He deserves it,” Okocha said during a Bundesliga media round table.

Osimhen led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season, scoring 26 goals.

Arsenal on Tuesday night, opened a five-point gap at the top of the Premier League table after they beat Luton Town 4-3 at Kenilworth Road.

Declan Rice was the hero for the Gunners as he headed in a late goal in the 97th minute to seal three points.

Although the hosts began the game in strong fashion, it was Gabriel Martinelli who opened the scoring, tapping home Bukayo Saka’a low cross.

Gabriel Osho made it 1-1 five minutes later, but Gabriel Jesus put Arsenal in front just before the break.

David Raya’s errors allowed Luton to take the lead with goals from Elijah Adebayo and Ross Barkley.

But Arsenal found a response through Kai Havertz (60) to bring the game level again.

Declan Rice then rose highest to head in a goal that broke the hearts of home supporters.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen clinched the title of the Italian Footballers’ Association Footballer of the Year for his outstanding performance with the Neapolitans in the previous season.

The ceremony on Monday night featured various accolades, encompassing Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, and Goal of the Season.

Osimhen’s remarkable contribution of 26 goals was pivotal in securing Partenopei’s first Scudetto in 33 years.

This achievement has not only earned the Nigerian striker recognition locally but has also led to his nomination for prestigious awards such as FIFA Best and Ballon d’Or.

Furthermore, Osimhen earned a spot in the Serie A Team of the Year alongside notable players such as Mike Maignan, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Kim Min-jae, Andrea Bastoni, Theo Hernández, Stanislav Lobotka, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nicolo Barella, Rafael Leão, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Despite a challenging start to the 2023-24 season and recent injury setbacks, Osimhen has maintained an impressive goals-per-game ratio, securing six goals in 10 appearances after 14 games.

Victor Boniface is among the nominees for the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for November.

It is the fourth time Boniface will be nominated for the award this season.

The Nigerian striker won the award in August, September and October.

The 22-year-old provided two assists for Bayer Leverkusen in November.

RB Leipzig winger, Xavi Simons is the other player nominated for the award.

Simons is also nominated for the fourth time this season.

The 20-year-old scored twice for Leipzig in the month under review.

The other nominee is Freiburg midfielder, Merlin Rohl.

Rohl had two goal involvements in the two games he played last season.

Up to 27 players are close to being suspended for one Premier League.The affected players have accumulated four yellow cards already.

A fifth booking will automatically trigger a one-match ban.

Already, Manchester City travelled to Aston Villa without Rodri and Jack Grealish, who picked up their fifth yellow cards during the 3-3 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.

Those who collected five yellow cards in the first half of the season will miss one match.

It is now 14 fixtures in and the likes of Kai Havertz and Bruno Fernandes will be desperate to avoid another costly booking.

Here are all the players who have been shown four yellow cards:

Kai Havertz ( Arsenal )

Matty Cash (Aston Villa)

Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)

Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)

Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford)

Lewis Dunk (Brighton)

Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)

Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

Jordan Ayew ( Crystal Palace )

Jarrad Branthwaite ( Everton )

Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton)

Ashley Young (Everton)

Antonee Robinson ( Fulham )

Issa Kabore (Luton)

Tom Lockyer (Luton)

Marvelous Nakamba (Luton)

Bruno Fernandes ( Manchester United )

Sean Longstaff (Newcastle)

Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)

Orel Mangala ( Nottingham Forest )

Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest)

Anel Ahmedhodzic (Sheffield United)

Oliver Norwood (Sheffield United)

Jack Robinson (Sheffield United)

Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)

Rayan Ait-Nouri ( Wolves )

Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves)

Barcelona could terminate Robert Lewandowski’s contract at the end of the season, because of a games-played clause.

According to Sport, there is a break clause in Lewandowski’s deal with the LaLiga champions.

The clause states that if the Poland international does not start or feature for over 45 minutes in a game, in over 55 per cent of games this season, Barcelona have the option to terminate his contract worth millions.

Barca’s struggles this season have led fingers to be pointed, with Lewandowski’s occasional poor performance singled out.

With the forward earning a high salary at a club with well-documented financial troubles, the club may be looking to move him on.

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala will be back in the squad for Saturday’s Bundesliga match against Union Berlin, but the young talent is still not ready to play a full game.

Musiala suffered a muscle injury earlier this month and has been sidelined since. He also missed Germany’s final friendly games of the year against Turkey and Austria.

“We hope there’s no reaction. Then he’ll be in the squad, but it’ll be a brief appearance at most,” coach Thomas Tuchel said during a news conference on Friday.

Forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and defenders Minjae Kim and Noussair Mazraoui are also available.

The game at Bayern will mark the Bundesliga debut of Union’s new coach, Nenad Bjelica, who replaced long-serving Urs Fischer, who was dismissed in November.

Bjelica had his first game in charge in the 1-1 draw with Braga on Wednesday in the Champions League. With the result, Union extended their winless run to 16 consecutive games.But Tuchel stressed his focus is on his team.

“You can’t read too much into the game [against Braga] because there was an early red card. We’ll also look at games involving the clubs he’s coached previously.

“We have to concentrate on ourselves and do things better. We want to take it up a notch. The main attention is on us,” Tuchel said.

Bayern are second in the Bundesliga, two points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Tuchel also confirmed that Bayern will play a friendly game at Basel on January 6 before they resume their Bundesliga season following the winter break on January 12 against Hoffenheim.

Harrison Jalla, the chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, says Super Eagles cannot make much impact in the 2024 African Cup of Nations(AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire due to a lack of tactical skills.

Jalla said this in Lagos on Friday that the team had lost its self-esteem, struggling to beat countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

He said changes had to be made, and these changes had to be done early enough to avert a catastrophe when Nigeria would play at the AFCON 2024 in Cote d’Ivoire.

“Nothing has changed since Coach Jose Paseiro took over the Super Eagles. The team does not really lack talents both home and abroad, but what is missing is the managerial skills needed to harness its potential,” Jalla said.

He said the Eagles had not been able to secure a good coach and a manager since the death of Stephen Keshi.

QJalla stated, “Paseiro has no capacity to transform the team. He has done too much damage by his technical ineptitude. Nigeria cannot afford to carry baggage like Paseiro to the AFCON. The Super Eagles have lost their self-esteem and now struggle with countries like Guinea Bissau, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

“Nigeria should forget about anything positive from AFCON if Paseiro is still in charge.”

He added that the solution is to build a brand new Super Eagles with home base players as its nucleus. Jalla added that a full-fledged home base Super Eagles would have defeated Lesotho and Zimbabwe hands down.

Twenty-four countries will feature at the biennial competition, which kicks off on January 13 and ends on February 11, with Nigeria drawn against host country Cote d’Ivoire.