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Aston Villa have confirmed a major injury boost over Leon Bailey ahead of their Premier League encounter with Arsenal on Friday night.

Dean Smith’s side have been without the summer signing for the past three games in the Premier League after being forced off in the second half against Everton back in mid-September.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium, the Villa manager said: “Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore have both trained over the last couple of days and both will be available for the squad down at Arsenal.

“But we have to be aware that Bailey’s had a thigh injury for four weeks so we have to assess how much of a risk we take with him. We are building up their fitness, they will be in the squad, but we’ll have to assess where they are. They have both been out injured for a few weeks, so they are lacking minutes.”

The Jamaica international has had an injury-disrupted start to life at Villa Park, playing just 85 minutes of football in the Premier League, but even in that limited amount of game-time, he has shown exactly why Villa fans should be excited about their summer signing.

After coming off the bench to great effect against Watford on the opening day – he marked his Premier League debut for the club by setting up John McGinn’s goal and almost sparking a late comeback – the Jamaican flier showed just what he can bring to the table when he delivered another barnstorming cameo against Everton.

Having come on as a substitute once again, Bailey whipped in the corner which was turned in by Lucas Digne, before firing in a superb goal of his own to seal an impressive 3-0 win for Villa.

Speaking before the Midlands club officially confirmed the deal to sign the winger, Alan Hutton threw his backing behind a move for the Jamaica international.

He said: “I’m so excited to see this one. I’ve heard a lot about him over the past two or three seasons. He’s obviously still very young but he’s electric, he gets people off their seats. That’s what you want in a player.

“But what’s more impressive, 15 goals and 11 assists from wide areas in the German league. That’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of consistency you want from your wingers.”

The fact that he’s now back in the frame to play against Arsenal tonight is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing, especially at a time when Villa have fallen into a bit of a slump.

Meanwhile, Villa must start this £7.2m-rated gem against Arsenal…

Newcastle United have been dealt a major injury setback after their 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League…

What’s the latest?

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has dropped a devastating update on the Magpies’ injury situation following a number of knocks against on Monday night.

He tweeted: “Understand Callum Wilson’s injury is torn calf muscle & fears are period of months sidelined. Allan Saint-Maximin injury is also calf related, while Ryan Fraser has picked up a hamstring problem.”

Fans will be fuming

Newcastle fans will surely be fuming with this update, which comes as a major body blow to Eddie Howe’s side ahead of the January transfer window.

These knocks could also place an added emphasis on the need for quality recruitment to be completed next month, as the Magpies appear set to lose their main goal threat for a considerable portion of the campaign. Wilson has scored six goals in 14 Premier League starts, having netted 12 times in the division last term whilst also providing five assists for his teammates.

The English centre-forward is Newcastle’s top scorer, so Howe will be losing a significant goal threat from his side in the battle against relegation. Fans will be fuming as it could drastically weaken their chances of avoiding the drop this season.

There is also no guarantee that anyone who is signed in January will be able to come in and make an instant impact, whereas Wilson has already proven that he can score on a consistent basis for the Magpies at this level. This means that their top-flight survival could depend on a gamble in the market next month, which may concern supporters.

The update does not provide further details on the injuries to Saint-Maximin or Fraser, but they do not appear to be as worrying as the setback to Wilson. This could be seen as a glimmer of good news, but losing either of them as well for any period of time is a blow, particularly given the Frenchman’s goal against Manchester United on Monday, which highlighted the impact he can have in the final third and why fans will be gutted with his potential absence for a sustained period of time.

AND in other news, Forget Saint-Maximin: Newcastle’s “unplayable” beast who won 8 duels stole the show v Man Utd…

The hunt for Celtic’s new manager has been sprinkled with some extra spice over the last week or so. The Hoops hierarchy are still no closer to announcing Neil Lennon’s successor but they are discovering more about their options.

It has now been three weeks since Lennon left his post and the Bhoys are busy chipping away at their list.

Early speculation claimed it could be Rafa Benitez who takes on the job but the search for the Northern Irishman’s successor has taken many twists and turns since.

Last week, RB Salzburg manager Jesse Marsch revealed it was an honour to be linked with the hot seat. However, just a day later, German reporter Christian Falk said the following: “He will not be available in the summer for the job in Glasgow.”

Considering all he’s brought to Salzburg, this was a monumental blow to Celtic’s hopes.

What this twist has allowed, though, is for Celtic to get their priorities straight. One of the names linked in recent weeks has been Chris Wilder.

The 53-year-old left his role as manager of Sheffield United with the Blades sat rock bottom of the English Premier League. That may not bring much joy to Hoops supporters but his achievements prior to that are incredible.

Martin Keown described Wilder as the “messiah” of Bramall Lane, taking them from League One to the Premier League and nearly achieving a miracle in earning them European football.

Sheffield United ultimately finished ninth in the table last term, just two points behind Arsenal. This season may be one to forget but for everything he achieved previously, he must be top of Celtic’s wishlist.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-boupendza-mcgeady-marsch-mccarthy” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Wilder worked on a shoestring budget and importantly for the Hoops, he is pretty adept defensively.

The Blades conceded just 39 goals last term, fewer than Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Leicester City. For a Celtic side who have been so lacklustre in that part of their game this term, he could be game-changing.

The Glaswegians have shipped 14 more goals than Rangers in the league while they somehow let in 19 strikes during their six Europa League group games.

If there is any area they need to desperately improve in ahead of next season, it’s at the back.

Combine Wilder’s ability to work with minimal funds and achieve things above his station and it makes for an eye-catching appointment.

The likes of Roberto Martinez and Ralf Rangnick might be more appealing, but Wilder stands as the more realistic option.

AND in other news, Bankier missed Celtic’s next Van Dijk in £46k-p/w beast who “rarely makes mistakes”…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves, believes Nelson Semedo will become as good as Matt Doherty was at Molineux, especially once he gets this season out the way.

Both full-backs have struggled for consistency this season with Semedo not offering the same goal threat and assist potential as Doherty did for a number of years for Wolves, and the Republic of Ireland international has struggled for regular minutes at Tottenham Hotspur only starting 13 Premier League games.

In 302 games for Wolves, Doherty managed to get 28 goals and 41 assists as a wing-back, and he quickly became one of the most clinical defenders in the opposition box but has not settled into a full-back role under Jose Mourinho.

Speaking on Doherty leaving Molineux and his hopes for Semedo’s future, Bull told FFC exclusively:

“I’m not really surprised at his lack of matches because I think he’s been injured a few times, but he is a very good player and if you need an outlet player then he’ll push up on the right-hand side like a winger rather than a full back.

“It used to be as soon as Coady got the ball he would be looking for that 40-yard pass out wide to Doherty and he’d knock it into his path and all of sudden he’d be in a shooting position.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/exclusive-andreas-sondergaard-wolves-premier-league” title=”Exclusive! Andreas Sondergaard talks all things Wolves”]

“So, you know we were sad to see him go but Semedo has come in and I think if he can get this season out the way with, then I think he’ll be on the same level as what Doherty was.”

In 26 Premier League appearances, Semedo, who reportedly earns £77,000-a-week, has registered just one assist which could be down to the fact Raul Jimenez has been injured since November, but Wolves fans will be hoping for more next season.

The Portuguese international was seen as a good and equally player to replace Doherty when he joined Spurs, but the £37 million signing hasn’t proved his worth yet.

Everton are in a vulnerable position this season and have now found themselves in the relegation zone following their defeat in the Merseyside Derby, however, despite the struggles the club are still linked with transfer interests this summer.

What’s the latest

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Calciomercato), there are several Premier League clubs interested in signing Torino player Wilfried Singo, including Everton.

The report suggests that the club could make an offer for Singo, competing with Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Leicester to secure his signature this summer.

Better than Iwobi

The 21-year-old has been performing at a high level for his Italian club, and has been deployed in predominantly a right midfield position this season but can also play right-back.

Singo, who was hailed a “revelation” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, has become more of an attacking threat for his Serie A team this season scoring three goals and contributing four assists, winning the majority of his duels (58%), making 1.6 tackles and 1.4 clearances on average per game, proving he can impose an attacking threat as well as providing defensive qualities.

With that being said, the Ivorian national could be the perfect upgrade for Alex Iwobi this summer following a disappointing stint at Goodison Park over the last three years.

Iwobi has only scored seven goals in 91 appearances for Everton, and despite playing on the left compared to Singo on the right, the impact in comparison that the latter could provide for the club would be huge if he can emulate his performances for Torino on Merseyside next season.

Frank Lampard has been giving Iwobi his second chance in the team since arriving in January, becoming a consistent player in the team and despite scoring the winner against Newcastle United last month has otherwise not positively impacted the team to secure safety from relegation this season so far.

Everton may have competition to sign the in-demand £13.5m-rated star, and it could be much harder to add Singo into the team if they drop into the Championship this season and Premier League clubs make a move for him. Therefore, the Toffees boss will need to work hard to make sure that he can secure top-flight football in the remaining games.

AND in other news: Frank set for disaster on “fabulous” £5.1k-p/w gem, EFC supporters may not forgive him

Many Liverpool fans were excited to discover that their team are looking at bringing West Ham United defender Issa Diop to Anfield this month.

According to The Athletic, the 24-year-old is attracting interest from Merseyside amid their catastrophic injury outbreak in defence, with all four of their main options unavailable.

Diop has found himself out of favour this season, making just three Premier League starts and accumulating only 297 minutes of game time (Whoscored).

Both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have been ruled out for the foreseeable future for the Reds, while Joel Matip and Fabinho both picked up injuries before or during their 3-1 win against Tottenham on Thursday.

This leaves Liverpool with no established centre-backs to choose from, with the transfer window due to close in a matter of days.

Despite Diop’s lack of action this term, some supporters reacted in delight after the report emerged on Friday evening, with many making their feelings clear via @TheAnfieldTalk on Twitter. One supporter said it would be an “unbelievable” signing.

Diop links spark excitement

“Wouldn’t mind him actually”

Credit: @lfcfamz

“Taking him all day long”

Credit: @LFCfl_

“I’ll take him 100%”

Credit: @Alexlloyd1995

“Yes yes yes. Young, experienced and cheap”

Credit: @Kaspska171

“I like him, replacement Matip and Nat and Gomez and Lovren”

Credit: @kardphrom1

“This would be an unbelievable signing”

Credit: @Thiago6A

In other news, Rob Lee backs Liverpool to make huge January move – EXCLUSIVE.

Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero may be surplus to requirements at Manchester City but he’s certainly not short of new admirers. A number of major clubs across Europe have been linked with his signature and the latest side to emerge as front runners are Chelsea.

Under Thomas Tuchel, the Blues have made it through to the Champions League final but, with Timo Werner finding his feet in English football, the need for striking support is evident.

Fitting the Bill

Chelsea have striking options but Tuchel seems reluctant to have the faith in Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham that was displayed by former manager Frank Lampard. Werner is the big money signing and the German is the future but he’s struggled up front with just 12 goals in 47 matches so far.

Contrast that with Sergio Aguero’s record of 258 goals in 357 games for Manchester City. With Werner learning his trade alongside the Argentinian, he can develop into a more prolific striker.

Chelsea could use some attacking intent as they prepare to face Aguero’s Manchester City in the final of the Champions League. According to sports betting markets linked via asiabet, City are the clear favourites for the win at around Even Money. Chelsea are some way behind at 3/1 and Werner will be crucial if the Blues are to defy those odds.

Anyone interested in staking on that Champions League final will also find news updates and opinion pieces related to the game. Any readers of asiabet that are ready to make a move can also access some of the best offers and promotions available.

Chelsea are up against it and, if they fail, the club will be anxious for transfer reinforcements as they look to regroup for the new season.

Cutting Edge

That incredible return has made Sergio Aguero the leading goal scorer in the history of Manchester City Football Club. In his ten years at the Etihad, he helped City to claim a number of major trophies while picking up some individual awards of his own.

Aguero is a Golden Boot winner as the EPL’s top goal scorer and his best return came in the 2016/17 campaign when he scored 33 goals in 45 matches across all competitions.

There’s no doubting his ability but the only issue with Sergio Aguero surrounds his fitness. Injury has kept him on the sidelines on many occasions and, had he stayed fit, he would surely have passed the 300 club goal mark for his current employers.

He’ll be 33 in June and that fitness, along with reported wages of £200K per week, may be a concern but there still appears to be a queue for Aguero’s signature.

Where Next?

Chelsea are among a clutch of English Premier League clubs being linked with a move for Sergio Aguero this summer. West Ham, Everton and even Manchester United have been mentioned in connection with his signature.

Moving further afield, Barcelona may be a likely destination if the Argentinian decides to leave England behind. Barca are desperate to keep hold of their star man Lionel Messi but the main strikers Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele are struggling in front of goal.

If Messi were to link up with his Argentinian international teammate Aguero, he could be tempted to stay.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid and Juventus have also been mentioned as possible destinations but it seems that Chelsea and Barcelona are the current front runners. Sergio Aguero is far from finished as an attacking force but it will be fascinating to see where his career takes him next.

West Ham must pick Tammy Abraham over Olivier Giroud if they do business with Chelsea this summer, says former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Both strikers, 23 and 34, are currently being linked with a move to the London Stadium after being left out in the cold by Thomas Tuchel this season.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are ready to offer Abraham in any potential deal for Declan Rice. Meanwhile, Calciomercato.it (via Hammers News) claims West Ham could make a swoop for Giroud, who will be a free agent in the upcoming transfer window.

For Palmer, if it is a toss-up between the two, then Abraham is a no-brainer. The ex-Leeds United midfielder told TT in an exclusive interview:

“In terms of taking the club forward, you’d rather get Tammy Abraham, wouldn’t you? Young player who needs to leave Chelsea. If he’s not going to play, he needs to leave, he needs to leave.

“Of course, you’d always have somebody like Giroud in your squad and around your squad, but the future is the likes of Abraham. Even if they get him out on a season loan, Abraham’s the one they need to get.”

Even though he has not played regularly, Giroud has still shown his worth this season, scoring those four goals against Sevilla in the Champions League, for example.

Given the age factor, however, Abraham quite clearly one for now and the future, going for the England international instead might make a little more sense.