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Vinicius Junior limped out of Brazil’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Colombia, making him a serious doubt to face Lionel Messi and Argentina.

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Blancos star forced off in first halfStruggling with a thigh complaintNo risks will be taken on fitnessWHAT HAPPENED?

The Real Madrid forward helped tee up Gabriel Martinelli for a fourth-minute opener in his latest international outing, but had to be replaced before the half-hour mark was reached. Vinicius hobbled from the field as Joao Pedro took his place.

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The talented 23-year-old has been struggling with a thigh problem this season, with another muscular complaint in that region being picked up. Vinicius will not be pushed to breaking point, with his La Liga employers keeping a close eye on events in South America, and it is unlikely that he will line up against arch-rivals Argentina on Tuesday.

WHAT THEY SAID

Vinicius told when asked for an update on his fitness: “Same injury as last time, I had a bump and felt it a little later. Tomorrow I'm going to do tests and see how it goes. I think it's difficult (playing against Argentina) from what the doctors said. We're going to try everything.”

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A brace from Liverpool star Luis Diaz saw Colombia battle back from a goal down to claim an impressive 2-1 victory over Brazil. The Selecao are now sat fifth in the CONMEBOL qualification table, with only seven points picked up from five games.

Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice has sent out a message to supporters ahead of next summer's European Championship finals.

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England suffer disappointing North Macedonia drawRice remains upbeat despite resultsMidfielder set for busy period with ArsenalWHAT HAPPENED?

England completed their Euro 2024 group-stage campaign on Monday with a disappointing draw away at North Macedonia. However, the result did ensure the Three Lions finished the group stage unbeaten after claiming six wins and two draws from eight games. Gareth Southgate's side topped Group C, meaning they will be in pot one for the draw for next year's tournament along with Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal and Spain.

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England will head to Germany as one of the pre-tournament favourites after cruising through qualification. Southgate can also boast an impressive squad that contains star names such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, with the three Lions hoping to go one better than Euro 2020 when they finished runners-up to Italy.

WHAT RICE SAID

Rice has also emerged as a key player for Southgate and is clearly looking forward to the finals next summer in Germany.

"Unbeaten in qualifying, ready for the Euros. Thank you England fans for the support this year," Rice wrote on Instagram stories after the win over North Macedonia.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RICE AND ENGLAND?

Rice has played a starring role for Arsenal this summer after his big-money from West Ham and has said he knows he must continue to impress if he is to be part of England's Euro 2024 squad for next summer's tournament. Meanwhile, England will look to fine-tune preparations for the finals in March when they take on Brazil in a friendly at Wembley.

Manchester United loanee Facundo Pellistri scored his first goal for Granada against Barcelona – matching a unique record in the process.

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Granada draw 3-3 against Barcelona Man Utd loanee Pellistri scores and assistsMatches Eto'o record from 2000 WHAT HAPPENED?

Pellistri made his loan move from the Red Devils to Granada on the final day of the January transfer window, and he justified his signing with a goal and assist in just his second game in La Liga. The 22-year-old teed up Ricard Sanchez for the first goal and scored the second with an instinctive finish at Marc-Andre ter Stegen's far post.

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Pellistri's contributions helped Granada take home a point from the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys as the game ended 3-3. Pellistri also became the youngest player (22 years and 53 days old) to score and assist in a La Liga game against Barcelona since Samuel Eto'o did so for Mallorca against the Catalan side in 2000, as per OptaJose.

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The Uruguayan player will likely be in action with Granada again when they take on Almeria in a bottom-of-the-table clash on Sunday, February 18. Pellistri will hope that United boss Erik ten Hag has been watching his fast start to life in La Liga, as he will surely still have ambitions to return to Old Trafford and make the first-team grade.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has stated her errors against the Netherlands will "haunt" her despite her side's eventual comeback victory on Friday.

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Earps makes error vs NetherlandsEngland come back to win 3-2Earps distraught after gameGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 30-year-old shot-stopper had already conceded an opener from Juventus ace Lineth Beerensteyn in the 12th minute, before spooning another shot from the Netherlands player into her own net ten minutes before half-time.

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England would go on to win the game 3-2, thanks to goals from Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone, although Earps was visibly distraught during her post-match interviews following her error in the first half.

WHAT EARPS SAID

Speaking to ITV after the game, Earps said: "The girls were unbelievable. To come back like that, unbelievable. The subs came on and impacted the game. I'm just sorry that my performance has cost the team tonight. That [the second goal] will haunt me for a long time. I've really let the team down today.

"I'm really gutted, really, really gutted. It could've been a really special night at Wembley. The team were unbelievable. The girls were phenomenal. I'm a competitor and when it isn't good enough, it isn't good enough. I can only apologise to my teammates."

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Earps will now be hoping to put tonights performance behind her, as she prepares for a crucial clash against Scotland on Tuesday 5 December. The Lionesses are currently third in Group 1, but could leap-frog Belgium in second if results go their way next week. Friday's result means they can still technically qualify, but chances of progression are now slim.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been given Grand Theft Auto makeovers as anticipation for the sixth instalment of the video game builds.

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World's best players reimagined as GTA charactersMessi gets moody look in Miami-based gameSixth edition set for 2025 releaseWHAT HAPPENED?

Rockstar Games' trailer for the latest release of the hit video game got fans around the world excited, with some reacting in very creative ways. One particularly imaginative response came from X user Don Shelby, whose reimagining of the world's greatest football stars as characters from the games went viral. Messi, who, coincidentally, now lives in Miami where the game is set, is portrayed as a quiet loner, who moodily roams the Magic City in a bomber jacket over a simple white T-shirt. Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is a suave, medallion-wearing crook sporting retro aviators.

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The game has become hugely popular since it was first released in 1997, with each new edition eagerly anticipated by fans. Rockstar Games have struggled to contain with a number of leaks of footage and trailers from upcoming releases, but on the flip-side, fandom has unleashed some creativity where we are treated to images such as Golden Boy Jude Bellingham looking as relaxed on the Miami crime scene as he is on the field for Real Madrid.

DID YOU KNOW?

Vinicius Junior, Neymar and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were among the other footballing icons to be transformed into GTA characters. Over the course of its 26-year history Grand Theft Auto, has become the most profitable entertainment product of all time. The previous edition, released in 2013, generated sales of more than $7.7 billion (£6.3bn) for the game's publishers.

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WHAT NEXT FOR GRAND THEFT AUTO?

Although the game will sadly not contain any of the brilliantly re-imagined football icons when it is released in 2025, it will feature a female lead character for the first time. Whether players are given an option to watch MLS' new star attraction, Messi, at Inter Miami remains to be seen.

Alisha Lehmann has sent a “missed you” message to former Aston Villa team-mate Ramona Petzelberger after being reunited in WSL action.

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German star left Villans in 2022Swiss ace still in West MidlandsCrossed paths in WSL actionWHAT HAPPENED?

German midfielder Petzelberger spent two years with the Villans between 2020 and 2022. Lehmann made her own move to the West Midlands during that time, with the Swiss star joining Villa from domestic rivals West Ham in 2021.

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While the pair spent only one season together at Villa, they clearly struck up a close bond – as native German speakers. They may not be on the same team anymore, but their paths continue to cross in English football.

DID YOU KNOW?

Villa’s latest WSL outing saw them take on Spurs, with Lehmann and Co were celebrating at the final whistle as they savoured a 2-1 win. There was time for some brief reunions afterwards, with Lehmann and Petzelberger posing for a picture together.

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WHAT NEXT?

There will be opportunities for the two friends to lock horns again in the near future, with Lehmann – who has rekindled her relationship with fellow Villa star Douglas Luiz – working on a contract through to 2026 that includes the option for a further 12-month extension.

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface as a potential summer transfer option to reinforce the attack.

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Chelsea want Leverkusen's BonifaceGerman side will demand at least €40mBlues eyeing Flamengo's Pedro as an alternativeWHAT HAPPENED?

According to Chelsea have identified the 23-year-old as a key target in their quest to bolster their forward options. Boniface has emerged as a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen this season, showcasing his prowess with 10 goals and seven assists in 16 Bundesliga appearances, along with four goals and one assist in five Europa League outings.

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However, Leverkusen have shown no inclination to entertain offers for Boniface, especially considering his importance to their squad. The German club value the 23-year-old striker at €40 million (£34m/$43.28m), viewing him as a cornerstone of their future plans. Moreover, with Boniface contracted until 2028, Leverkusen hold a position of strength in any potential negotiations, which means that Chelsea would need to make a substantial financial offer to secure his signature.

DID YOU KNOW

Chelsea are also reportedly keeping a close eye on Flamengo striker Pedro. However, while the London club may be interested in acquiring the Brazilian forward, Pedro finds himself facing criticism from his own club's fans.

According to a report from , Pedro's recent performance in the match against Boa Vista did little to appease the disgruntled supporters. Despite scoring a goal during the game, Pedro faced boos from the fans when he was substituted off the pitch as he squandered multiple goal-scoring chances in the first half alone. To compound matters, Pedro failed to convert a penalty, adding to the frustration of the Flamengo faithful.

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While reports of Chelsea's interest in Pedro have surfaced, both the player's representatives and Flamengo have denied any knowledge of such inquiries earlier this week. However, O Dia persists in its claim that Chelsea are indeed eyeing the talented striker. Whether this interest leads to a formal approach remains to be seen in the coming months, although the Blues' priorities are believed to be Napoli's Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney of Brentford.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been named Premier League Player of the Year at the London Football Awards for a second time.

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Midfielder reclaims award previously won in 2022Inherits prize from team-mate Martin OdegaardSpurs & Palace also boast winners on the nightWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international scooped the same prize back in 2022 when on the books of West Ham. He completed a big-money transfer to Emirates Stadium last summer and has quickly become a talismanic presence for the Gunners.

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Rice’s efforts have been recognised with a prestigious individual gong, with the 25-year-old pipping club colleague William Saliba, ex-Hammers team-mate Jarrod Bowen and Tottenham rivals Guglielmo Vicario and Pedro Porro to first place.

WHAT RICE SAID

Rice has said of his time at Arsenal: “Since the moment I walked through the doors, I’ve loved every single minute of it. Obviously I was at West Ham for 10 years – it’s such a big change in environment, life, different manager, different players, and my thing was to just go there and be myself. As time’s gone on, as games have gone on, I’ve just tried to be confident and do the best I can for the team and so far we’re doing really well. Thirteen (games) to go, but hopefully we can have a good end to the season.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Elsewhere, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was beaten to the Manager of the Year award by Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou, while Vicario took home the Goalkeeper of the Year award and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise won Goal of the Year for his spectacular strike against Luton.

Wolves manager Bruno Lage has admitted that Adama Traore could be involved in his plans for next season once the winger returns to the Premier League club after his unsuccessful loan spell at Barcelona.

What’s the story?

As per Birmingham Live, the Old Gold manager has revealed that he will open the door for the Spaniard to return to his squad next term.

The 46-year-old said of Traore: “I don’t have any problem with him, he’s a good professional. It’s about him. There are a lot of things in question and we need to understand what is best for the club and what is best for the player.

“If he starts the season with us, it’s one more player. He would need to work hard and I am here to help him to be better.”

The more likely scenario is that the 26-year-old moves on, with just one year remaining on his current contract at Molineux whilst rejecting past extension offers.

However, it would be an unlikely turnaround for Traore if he were to be reintegrated into Lage’s squad.

Traore return could benefit Wolves

It is no secret that Wolves have struggled for goals this term, with Lage’s side the Premier League’s fourth-lowest scorers with just 36 goals in as many matches.

Adding to their front line will undoubtedly be a priority, with a lack of goals in all probability costing the West Midlands club a European place, but the return of Traore could be timely.

Regardless of whether or not the Spaniard will be reintegrated into Lage’s squad for next season, the winger will depart Molineux for less than the fee for which he arrived.

Having joined from Middlesbrough in 2018 for £18m, the £46k-per-week dynamo will either leave this summer for a cut-price fee given the one year remaining on his contract or else depart for free next year.

Granted, with just one goal this season for Wolves and a mere 11 in 154 appearances for the Black Country outfit, plus 18 assists, the 26-year-old isn’t exactly a goal machine.

However, since Traore’s departure for Barcelona, Lage’s men have lost 10 of their 16 matches, which suggests that the Spaniard’s presence certainly makes a difference.

Hailed as “unplayable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Traore’s return will provide little risk for Wolves.

The winger can either leave for a cut-price fee or return to the squad for a season and leave for free. Either way, Lage certainly seems to want him at Molineux and would surely welcome the winger back with open arms to try and add a fresh impetus to an attack which needs it.

AND in other news: Wolves handed huge boost as early Norwich team news emerges, Lage will be delighted

Gabby Agbonlahor has been reacting to some Glasgow Rangers injury news that he has now heard ahead of the Europa League final on Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Rangers team news

Speaking to the media before the Gers’ 3-1 win in the Premiership on Saturday, Giovanni van Bronckhorst admitted that he is hopeful that Kemar Roofe will be ready to play in the European showpiece after missing out on the Light Blues’ last few games through injury.

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Ianis Hagi was included in the club’s photoshoot for the match against Eintracht Frankfurt, and the Romanian has hinted on Twitter that he could also be available.

The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Aston Villa and England striker Agbonlahor – who regularly contributes for Sky Sports – has claimed that it would be a ‘big boost’ to have both players back for the final and would be ‘exciting’ for everyone at Rangers.

The 35-year-old said: “100 per cent, that would be a big boost. I’m sure Van Bronckhorst will want as big of a squad as possible.

“There are a lot of good players in that squad. I can’t pick between Rangers and Celtic in terms of quality of players.

“Van Bronckhorst will be happy to have the players back and then he will make a decision on who deserves to start and what formation is best depending on how Frankfurt play.

“It’s exciting for everyone involved with Rangers.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Rangers fans will certainly have their fingers crossed that both Roofe and Hagi can play a part in what is a huge fixture for the Ibrox club.

The duo have contributed three goals and one assist between them in the Europa League already, while they have also ranked highly among their team-mates in terms of average shots per game (WhoScored).

With Alfredo Morelos injured, the Light Blues will need to find a cutting edge from somewhere against Eintracht Frankfurt, and these two could help to provide it.

In other news, find out what ‘bizarre’ update has left these Gers podcasters fuming