Match story
- Manchester City fired more attempts (16 vs 12 shots).
- Chelsea was more accurate in front of goal (42% on target vs 25%).
Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-2 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 35 stage in the 2020 season. The match was played at Etihad Stadium in Manchester. A. Taylor officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Manchester City vs Chelsea meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Manchester City and Chelsea. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 7 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-2 in Premier League. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 35 stage in the 2020 season. The match was played at Etihad Stadium in Manchester. A. Taylor officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Manchester City vs Chelsea meeting in Premier League with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Manchester City and Chelsea. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Premier LeagueRecorded meetings: 7 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Stoke City could give George Hirst his debut against Southampton this weekend as they put him through a medical today. The post Stoke City Aiming To Get Star Registered For Southampton Game appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have set their sights on Carlos Baleba (Picture: Getty) Manchester United are reportedly on the cusp of signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. Baleba has been firmly on United’s radar for well over a year having caught the eye across a impressive three-season spell at the Amex Stadium. It was uncertain if the Red Devils would step up their efforts to further strengthen in midfield after securing the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. United had also been on the verge of a total agreement to land Atalanta midfielder Ederson last month, only for a proposed move to Old Trafford to break down. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. But according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United chiefs are fast ‘closing in’ on Baleba to become their third addition in central midfield of the window following Casemiro’s departure. It’s claimed United have submitted an initial bid in the region of £60million plus £5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old Cameroon international. Brighton are reluctant to sell at that price as things stand but the report states that discussions remain ‘amicable’, with all parties eager to find a resolution. More to follow. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Speaking to the BBC , Masters described the case as 'hugely complex' as he defended the length of time taken to reach a conclusion, but admitted it had taken 'longer than expected'.
Chelsea are preparing for the possibility of a blockbuster late departure, with Manchester City continuing to pursue Enzo Fernandez despite the Blues previously attempting to shut down the transfer saga. The Argentina international remains one of Chelsea’s most valuable assets, and the club are determined not to lose him cheaply. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add […] The post Chelsea target Enzo Fernandez replacement as Man City interest refuses to go away appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Jose Mourinho and Vinicius Junior spoke before the forward snubbed Arsenal (Picture: Getty) Jose Mourinho has lifted the lid on the frank conversation he had with Vinicius Junior to help persuade the forward to extend his stay with Real Madrid this summer. Vinicius had entered into the final 12 months of his previous deal with Madrid, meaning he would have been able to depart the Bernabeu on a free transfer at the end of this coming season. Arsenal were alerted to the precarious situation and made contact with Vinicius Junior’s camp over the winter after a second round of contract talks between the Brazilian and Madrid had collapsed. The Gunners grew increasingly optimistic of pulling of a sensational coup as the months wore on and remained hopeful right up until a fortnight ago, with Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely smitten’ with the idea of adding a genuine world-class talent to his title-winning frontline. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. But Vinicius would go on to sign a six-year deal with Los Blancos, tying him to the Spanish giants until 2026, forcing the Premier League champions to search elsewhere for attacking reinforcements ahead of next month’s transfer deadline. Vinicius made his return for Madrid in the side’s pre-season clash with Deportivo La Coruna last week and will be expected to feature prominently on Saturday when Mourinho’s men open their La Liga campaign away to Espanyol. In a wide-ranging interview with El Chiringuito’s Josep Pedrerol, Mourinho opened up on the role he played in coaxing Vinicius away from the clutches of Arsenal. The Brazilian has put pen to paper on a six-year contract in Madrid (Picture: Getty) Arsenal had been in talks with Vinicius since January (Picture: Reuters) Asked if Vinicius’ renewal was solely down to him, Mourinho replied: ‘No… what? Because of me? Pressed on whether he spoke to Vinicius, the Special One responded: ‘Obviously I talked to him, but Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid. ‘The only thing I told him was: “Vini, where do you want to go? You’ve only been in Brazil and you only know Real Madrid… You only understand Real Madrid when you leave. When you leave… that’s when you realise what Real Madrid is. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it.” {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Arteta says Community Shield statement win proves Arsenal are 'ready for it'","contentUrl":"https:\/\/videos.metro.co.uk\/video\/met\/2026\/08\/17\/7779755569864816200\/480x270_MP4_7779755569864816200.mp4","description":"Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal's desire \"to go straight again\" after Manchester City were overwhelmed 3-0 by the Premier League champions in the Community Shield.","duration":"T8M14S","height":270,"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/08\/17\/07\/110678029-0-image-a-8_1786947795231.jpg","uploadDate":"2026-08-17T07:22:17+0100","width":480} To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page window.addEventListener('metroVideo:relatedVideosCarouselLoaded', function(data) { if (typeof(data.detail) === 'undefined' || typeof(data.detail.carousel) === 'undefined' || typeof(data.detail.carousel.el_) === 'undefined') { return; } var player = data.detail.carousel.el_; var container = player.closest('.metro-video-player'); var placeholder = container.querySelector('.metro-video-player__up-next-placeholder'); if (placeholder) { container.removeChild(placeholder); container.classList.add('metro-video-player--related-videos-loaded'); } }); ‘I think what he has felt in terms of the group’s growth, the way we’ve been working and developing, has given him a very important feeling. ‘Vinicius is another machine – it’s a pleasure to watch him work. ‘We have a lot of quality.’ Mourinho returned for a second spell as Madrid’s m
Joe Cole won three Premier League titles at Chelsea (Picture: YouTube) Joe Cole has backed Manchester City to dethrone Arsenal this season unless the Premier League champions sign Victor Osimhen before the transfer deadline. Mikel Arteta’s side begin their title defence on Friday night when newly-promoted Coventry City, managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, visit the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners won the Premier League by seven points last season and look well-placed for another successful season after Sunday’s emphatic Community Shield win over Man City. It has been suggested that City, the dominant force in English football over the past decade, could struggle in their first season without legendary manager Pep Guardiola. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. But Cole has backed Enzo Maresca to win the Premier League in his first season at the Etihad Stadium unless Arsenal sign a new striker before the summer transfer window closes. Arteta is interested in bringing in a new No. 9 before the transfer deadline, with Arsenal heavily linked with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen. Viktor Gyokeres ended his first season at Arsenal with 21 goals in all competitions but Cole nevertheless believes the Sweden international must be replaced for Arteta’s side to go back-to back in the Premier League. Arsenal transfer target Victor Osimhen (Picture: Getty) Asked for his title prediction on the Dressing Room podcast, ex-England star Cole said: ‘I’ve been flipping and I’m going to put an asterisk on this. ‘I think Man City win the title if Arsenal don’t bring in a No. 9 because I still think that will be a problem for them. ‘So I’m going to go Man City to win the league ahead of Arsenal but if they bring in Victor Osimhen, I would flip it back. But as it stands I’m going for Man City.’ Mikel Arteta is hoping to retain the Premier League title (Picture: Getty) Ex-Premier League striker Carlton Cole added: ‘Arsenal have the best squad and if they get Victor Osimhen in they’re going to be flying, he could be top goalscorer if he comes.’ Cole won three Premier League titles at Chelsea and expects the Blues to greatly improve this season under Xabi Alonso. Chelsea finished just 10th last term but Cole has backed his former club to climb back into the Champions League places. Man City will try to dethrone Arsenal (Picture: Getty) ‘I’m going to go Chelsea in third place, I think they’re going to have a really good season,’ Cole added. ‘Not having any European football is massive, we saw how that helped Manchester United last season. ‘Chelsea have finally got some experience through the door as well. Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Estevao had relaxing summers to varying degrees, not hugely intense summers, so I think they will all be at it.’ Alonso’s first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea is a west London derby against Fulham on Monday night. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney says Arsenal are not only ‘favourites’ to win the Premier League but could ‘run away’ with the title. ‘Arsenal have the potential to run away with it but behind them we could see a lot of changes,’ Rooney said on Stick to United. ‘I think it’s unrealistic to think Manchester United are going to win the Premier League this year, I don’t think they will.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick says Arsenal are not actively seeking to sell homegrown talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri but that the Premier League champions would "consider" the "right opportunity" for both the players and the club. Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri - both 19 years old - have been linked with summer moves away, including to rival clubs in the Premier League.
Eli Junior Kroupi, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly were among the breakout stars who made their mark on the Premier League last season - but who will be next? BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked 13 players they believe are worth watching out for over the next few months. Manchester United's Shea Lacey is on the list...
Eli Junior Kroupi, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly were among the breakout stars who made their mark on the Premier League last season - but who will be next? BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked 13 players they believe are worth watching out for over the next few months. Bournemouth's Veljko Milosavljevic is on the list ...
Rice carried a troublesome injury for six months last season (Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire) Arsenal got over the line last season and ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title. But the draining campaign pushed the squad to its limits. 63 games across four competitions placed huge demands on the squad with five members of the group racking up more than 4,000 minutes of playing time. Only two players in Europe’s top five leagues managed more minutes for club and country than Declan Rice who was among the walking wounded at the World Cup. Bukayo Saka returned from injury in April to help finish the job but he too was not at full pelt during the summer. The effects of Jurrien Timber’s groin problem that first emerged in March are still lingering while the biggest blow has come in the form of a back injury for William Saliba with the France international facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Arsenal have added one of the league’s most robust midfielders in Bruno Guimaraes to the squad this summer and have relieved themselves of the sizeable weight of expectation they carried on their backs last season. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. After Sunday’s Community Shield cruise against Manchester City, the visit of newly promoted Coventry City awaits on Friday night. So who is ready for the battle ahead? When will William Saliba return from his back injury? Saliba carried a back issue into the World Cup, succumbing to the pain when he was forced off in the semi-final defeat to Spain. There was the immediate question of whether the centre-half would undergo surgery to address the issue with Saliba and Arsenal eventually deciding against it after consulting specialists and opting for their own ‘recovery programme’. Saliba back problem worsened during the World Cup (Picture: AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Saliba is currently in ‘rest mode’ according to Arteta with the centre-half unlikely to be involved in any form of training in the coming weeks. While surgery was ultimately not deemed necessary, there is still a long road back. ‘We haven’t been told exactly what the issue is. But back injuries by nature are complex,’ Stephen Smith, CEO and founder of Kitman Labs which specialises in injury welfare and performance analytics told Metro. ‘Surgery always carries its own risks and recovery burden so conservative management is always preferred. ‘Arteta describing his current situation as being in ‘rest mode’ is the right phase for him right now. With any back injury protocol, you need to allow any of the inflammation or tissue stress to settle before any progressive loading can begin. Then it will move from rest, to low load movement, to core and stability work before then beginning the football side of things before going all the way back into full training. ‘With something like that you are talking about a three-or-four-month timeline. That is typically what we see for a significant back injury.’ Jurrien Timber latest Timber’s absence from the team during the back end of last season was particularly troublesome. The Dutchman picked up a groin injury in the victory over Everton in March, an issue that was initially believed to be relatively minor. He had no further role to play in the league title-winning campaign, returning off the bench in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain only to withdraw from Netherlands’ World Cup squad a week later. Timber still some weeks off a return (Picture: Getty) ‘Typically you can detect the early stages of groin injuries that you can manage and play through which I think is what we saw for a while,’ Smith said. ‘Obviously, he wasn’t responding to that mixture of rest and management that they were providing. It wasn’t working.’ In June, he underwent minor surgery to address the issue and has been back in light training in recent weeks. ‘I t
Eli Junior Kroupi, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly were among the breakout stars who made their mark on the Premier League last season - but who will be next? BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked 13 players they believe are worth watching out for over the next few months. Hull City's Lucas Herrington is on the list...
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
Stoke City could give George Hirst his debut against Southampton this weekend as they put him through a medical today. The post Stoke City Aiming To Get Star Registered For Southampton Game appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have set their sights on Carlos Baleba (Picture: Getty) Manchester United are reportedly on the cusp of signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. Baleba has been firmly on United’s radar for well over a year having caught the eye across a impressive three-season spell at the Amex Stadium. It was uncertain if the Red Devils would step up their efforts to further strengthen in midfield after securing the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively. United had also been on the verge of a total agreement to land Atalanta midfielder Ederson last month, only for a proposed move to Old Trafford to break down. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. But according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United chiefs are fast ‘closing in’ on Baleba to become their third addition in central midfield of the window following Casemiro’s departure. It’s claimed United have submitted an initial bid in the region of £60million plus £5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old Cameroon international. Brighton are reluctant to sell at that price as things stand but the report states that discussions remain ‘amicable’, with all parties eager to find a resolution. More to follow. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Speaking to the BBC , Masters described the case as 'hugely complex' as he defended the length of time taken to reach a conclusion, but admitted it had taken 'longer than expected'.
Chelsea are preparing for the possibility of a blockbuster late departure, with Manchester City continuing to pursue Enzo Fernandez despite the Blues previously attempting to shut down the transfer saga. The Argentina international remains one of Chelsea’s most valuable assets, and the club are determined not to lose him cheaply. Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add […] The post Chelsea target Enzo Fernandez replacement as Man City interest refuses to go away appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Jose Mourinho and Vinicius Junior spoke before the forward snubbed Arsenal (Picture: Getty) Jose Mourinho has lifted the lid on the frank conversation he had with Vinicius Junior to help persuade the forward to extend his stay with Real Madrid this summer. Vinicius had entered into the final 12 months of his previous deal with Madrid, meaning he would have been able to depart the Bernabeu on a free transfer at the end of this coming season. Arsenal were alerted to the precarious situation and made contact with Vinicius Junior’s camp over the winter after a second round of contract talks between the Brazilian and Madrid had collapsed. The Gunners grew increasingly optimistic of pulling of a sensational coup as the months wore on and remained hopeful right up until a fortnight ago, with Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely smitten’ with the idea of adding a genuine world-class talent to his title-winning frontline. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. But Vinicius would go on to sign a six-year deal with Los Blancos, tying him to the Spanish giants until 2026, forcing the Premier League champions to search elsewhere for attacking reinforcements ahead of next month’s transfer deadline. Vinicius made his return for Madrid in the side’s pre-season clash with Deportivo La Coruna last week and will be expected to feature prominently on Saturday when Mourinho’s men open their La Liga campaign away to Espanyol. In a wide-ranging interview with El Chiringuito’s Josep Pedrerol, Mourinho opened up on the role he played in coaxing Vinicius away from the clutches of Arsenal. The Brazilian has put pen to paper on a six-year contract in Madrid (Picture: Getty) Arsenal had been in talks with Vinicius since January (Picture: Reuters) Asked if Vinicius’ renewal was solely down to him, Mourinho replied: ‘No… what? Because of me? Pressed on whether he spoke to Vinicius, the Special One responded: ‘Obviously I talked to him, but Vinicius has fallen in love with Real Madrid. ‘The only thing I told him was: “Vini, where do you want to go? You’ve only been in Brazil and you only know Real Madrid… You only understand Real Madrid when you leave. When you leave… that’s when you realise what Real Madrid is. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it.” {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Arteta says Community Shield statement win proves Arsenal are 'ready for it'","contentUrl":"https:\/\/videos.metro.co.uk\/video\/met\/2026\/08\/17\/7779755569864816200\/480x270_MP4_7779755569864816200.mp4","description":"Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal's desire \"to go straight again\" after Manchester City were overwhelmed 3-0 by the Premier League champions in the Community Shield.","duration":"T8M14S","height":270,"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/08\/17\/07\/110678029-0-image-a-8_1786947795231.jpg","uploadDate":"2026-08-17T07:22:17+0100","width":480} To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page window.addEventListener('metroVideo:relatedVideosCarouselLoaded', function(data) { if (typeof(data.detail) === 'undefined' || typeof(data.detail.carousel) === 'undefined' || typeof(data.detail.carousel.el_) === 'undefined') { return; } var player = data.detail.carousel.el_; var container = player.closest('.metro-video-player'); var placeholder = container.querySelector('.metro-video-player__up-next-placeholder'); if (placeholder) { container.removeChild(placeholder); container.classList.add('metro-video-player--related-videos-loaded'); } }); ‘I think what he has felt in terms of the group’s growth, the way we’ve been working and developing, has given him a very important feeling. ‘Vinicius is another machine – it’s a pleasure to watch him work. ‘We have a lot of quality.’ Mourinho returned for a second spell as Madrid’s m
Joe Cole won three Premier League titles at Chelsea (Picture: YouTube) Joe Cole has backed Manchester City to dethrone Arsenal this season unless the Premier League champions sign Victor Osimhen before the transfer deadline. Mikel Arteta’s side begin their title defence on Friday night when newly-promoted Coventry City, managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, visit the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners won the Premier League by seven points last season and look well-placed for another successful season after Sunday’s emphatic Community Shield win over Man City. It has been suggested that City, the dominant force in English football over the past decade, could struggle in their first season without legendary manager Pep Guardiola. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. But Cole has backed Enzo Maresca to win the Premier League in his first season at the Etihad Stadium unless Arsenal sign a new striker before the summer transfer window closes. Arteta is interested in bringing in a new No. 9 before the transfer deadline, with Arsenal heavily linked with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen. Viktor Gyokeres ended his first season at Arsenal with 21 goals in all competitions but Cole nevertheless believes the Sweden international must be replaced for Arteta’s side to go back-to back in the Premier League. Arsenal transfer target Victor Osimhen (Picture: Getty) Asked for his title prediction on the Dressing Room podcast, ex-England star Cole said: ‘I’ve been flipping and I’m going to put an asterisk on this. ‘I think Man City win the title if Arsenal don’t bring in a No. 9 because I still think that will be a problem for them. ‘So I’m going to go Man City to win the league ahead of Arsenal but if they bring in Victor Osimhen, I would flip it back. But as it stands I’m going for Man City.’ Mikel Arteta is hoping to retain the Premier League title (Picture: Getty) Ex-Premier League striker Carlton Cole added: ‘Arsenal have the best squad and if they get Victor Osimhen in they’re going to be flying, he could be top goalscorer if he comes.’ Cole won three Premier League titles at Chelsea and expects the Blues to greatly improve this season under Xabi Alonso. Chelsea finished just 10th last term but Cole has backed his former club to climb back into the Champions League places. Man City will try to dethrone Arsenal (Picture: Getty) ‘I’m going to go Chelsea in third place, I think they’re going to have a really good season,’ Cole added. ‘Not having any European football is massive, we saw how that helped Manchester United last season. ‘Chelsea have finally got some experience through the door as well. Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Estevao had relaxing summers to varying degrees, not hugely intense summers, so I think they will all be at it.’ Alonso’s first Premier League game in charge of Chelsea is a west London derby against Fulham on Monday night. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney says Arsenal are not only ‘favourites’ to win the Premier League but could ‘run away’ with the title. ‘Arsenal have the potential to run away with it but behind them we could see a lot of changes,’ Rooney said on Stick to United. ‘I think it’s unrealistic to think Manchester United are going to win the Premier League this year, I don’t think they will.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick says Arsenal are not actively seeking to sell homegrown talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri but that the Premier League champions would "consider" the "right opportunity" for both the players and the club. Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri - both 19 years old - have been linked with summer moves away, including to rival clubs in the Premier League.
Eli Junior Kroupi, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly were among the breakout stars who made their mark on the Premier League last season - but who will be next? BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked 13 players they believe are worth watching out for over the next few months. Manchester United's Shea Lacey is on the list...
Eli Junior Kroupi, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly were among the breakout stars who made their mark on the Premier League last season - but who will be next? BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked 13 players they believe are worth watching out for over the next few months. Bournemouth's Veljko Milosavljevic is on the list ...
Rice carried a troublesome injury for six months last season (Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire) Arsenal got over the line last season and ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title. But the draining campaign pushed the squad to its limits. 63 games across four competitions placed huge demands on the squad with five members of the group racking up more than 4,000 minutes of playing time. Only two players in Europe’s top five leagues managed more minutes for club and country than Declan Rice who was among the walking wounded at the World Cup. Bukayo Saka returned from injury in April to help finish the job but he too was not at full pelt during the summer. The effects of Jurrien Timber’s groin problem that first emerged in March are still lingering while the biggest blow has come in the form of a back injury for William Saliba with the France international facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Arsenal have added one of the league’s most robust midfielders in Bruno Guimaraes to the squad this summer and have relieved themselves of the sizeable weight of expectation they carried on their backs last season. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. After Sunday’s Community Shield cruise against Manchester City, the visit of newly promoted Coventry City awaits on Friday night. So who is ready for the battle ahead? When will William Saliba return from his back injury? Saliba carried a back issue into the World Cup, succumbing to the pain when he was forced off in the semi-final defeat to Spain. There was the immediate question of whether the centre-half would undergo surgery to address the issue with Saliba and Arsenal eventually deciding against it after consulting specialists and opting for their own ‘recovery programme’. Saliba back problem worsened during the World Cup (Picture: AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Saliba is currently in ‘rest mode’ according to Arteta with the centre-half unlikely to be involved in any form of training in the coming weeks. While surgery was ultimately not deemed necessary, there is still a long road back. ‘We haven’t been told exactly what the issue is. But back injuries by nature are complex,’ Stephen Smith, CEO and founder of Kitman Labs which specialises in injury welfare and performance analytics told Metro. ‘Surgery always carries its own risks and recovery burden so conservative management is always preferred. ‘Arteta describing his current situation as being in ‘rest mode’ is the right phase for him right now. With any back injury protocol, you need to allow any of the inflammation or tissue stress to settle before any progressive loading can begin. Then it will move from rest, to low load movement, to core and stability work before then beginning the football side of things before going all the way back into full training. ‘With something like that you are talking about a three-or-four-month timeline. That is typically what we see for a significant back injury.’ Jurrien Timber latest Timber’s absence from the team during the back end of last season was particularly troublesome. The Dutchman picked up a groin injury in the victory over Everton in March, an issue that was initially believed to be relatively minor. He had no further role to play in the league title-winning campaign, returning off the bench in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain only to withdraw from Netherlands’ World Cup squad a week later. Timber still some weeks off a return (Picture: Getty) ‘Typically you can detect the early stages of groin injuries that you can manage and play through which I think is what we saw for a while,’ Smith said. ‘Obviously, he wasn’t responding to that mixture of rest and management that they were providing. It wasn’t working.’ In June, he underwent minor surgery to address the issue and has been back in light training in recent weeks. ‘I t
Eli Junior Kroupi, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly were among the breakout stars who made their mark on the Premier League last season - but who will be next? BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked 13 players they believe are worth watching out for over the next few months. Hull City's Lucas Herrington is on the list...
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
.jpeg?width=1200&auto=webp&crop=3%3A2)