Jamaica international Leon Bailey has vowed to not give up in the face of a difficult season at English Premier League (EPL) club Aston Villa.
The 24-year-old winger is back on the sideline for a third spell this term after leaving the field just before half-time last weekend. It appears the player picked up what looked to be an ankle injury. Aston Villa coach Steven Gerrard confirmed that the prognosis is not as bad as first feared but the player will still miss the team’s fixture against Burnley this weekend.
"Leon Bailey won't make the game," the manager told a news conference on Friday. "He left the pitch last week and unfortunately this game will come too soon. I don't think we're dealing with a serious issue... but he won't be at Burnley.”
The injury is the third for Bailey, who has had a stop-start season to life at the club, with a thigh injury previously putting him on the sidelines for weeks, on two separate occasions. For his part, the forward is determined to recover from his early setbacks and looks determined to return before the end of the season.
“This season has been very tough, but God gives the hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. The most important thing is to overcome all those obstacles in your way & never give up, that’s what makes you a solid/stronger individual,” Bailey posted via social media platform Instagram.
“I just wanna say I really appreciate all the love and support from everyone & I’ll be back VERY soon.”
Arsenal and Aston Villa technical staff charged by FA after altercation
Members of Arsenal and Aston Villa's technical teams have been charged by the Football Association over an altercation during their Premier League game last month.
The Gunners staged a remarkable 4-2 comeback at Villa Park on February 18, sealed by a dramatic own goal courtesy of their former goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
It came after earlier goals from Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko had helped the visitors draw on level terms, while Gabriel Martinelli added a fourth deep in injury time.
Celebrations were marred between a clash between Villa’s head of performance analysis Victor Manas and Arsenal's technical analyst Miguel Molina, and now the pair have been charged by the FA.
"Aston Villa's head of performance analysis, Victor Manas, and Arsenal's technical analyst coach, Miguel Molina, have been charged following their Premier League game on Wednesday 18 February," read a statement.
"It's alleged that Miguel Molina's behaviour and/or language during the 94th minute was improper and/or abusive and/or insulting, and that his behaviour in the tunnel after the final whistle was also improper."
Manas and Molina have until Friday to provide a response to the FA.
Rashford rubbishes 'nonsense' reports he is seeking £500k a week from Man Utd
Marcus Rashford has denied "nonsense" claims he is holding out for a huge £500,000-a-week deal to stay at Manchester United.
The England international, who has scored a career-best 27 goals in 44 games this campaign, is due to be out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of next season.
According to British publication the Daily Star, Rashford's United future is in limbo due to the ongoing sale of the club and his big wage demands.
However, the 25-year-old directly replied to the article on his personal Twitter page on Wednesday to deny that is the case.
"Just before this one starts to do the rounds! It's complete nonsense," he posted. "The club and make self [sic] have been respectful to one another, and that's how it will remain.
"My focus is purely on finishing as well as possible in the league and winning trophies."
Rashford added on Instagram: "Another non-story flying around about my advisors and me making demands. It's complete nonsense!
"My aim and the club's aims are to finish as high as possible in the league and to try and win a cup or two."
Rashford's goals tally this season has been bettered only by Kylian Mbappe (31) and Erling Haaland (42) among players across Europe's top five leagues.
He has spent eight seasons as part of United's first team since making his big breakthrough with two goals on his debut against Midtjylland in February 2016 as an 18-year-old.
Speaking last month, United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed the club are working on tying down the academy product to fresh terms.
"Of course [Rashford's new contract] is a priority," he said. "We are working on that. Just sit and wait. In the background. we are working hard."
Rashford missed England's two Euro 2024 qualifiers during the international window, but he is expected to be fit to feature against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Bayern Munich always favourites against Borussia Dortmund, claims Goretzka
Bayern Munich will always be favourites to beat Borussia Dortmund, with Leon Goretzka suggesting no team can face Die Roten at Allianz Arena and have the upper hand.
The two teams meet in their first game back from the international break in what could be the most decisive encounter of the Bundesliga title race this season.
Dortmund hold a one-point lead over their rivals, who dismissed coach Julian Nagelsmann and replaced him with former Black and Yellow boss Thomas Tuchel last week.
Speaking ahead of the crunch clash though, Goretzka insisted the visitors' advantage in the league table means nothing when they go to Allianz Arena, given the hosts' pedigree.
"We are ready," he told SportBILD. "We want the 11th championship in a row. To quote Kylian Mbappe, we are always favourites.
"When we play at home, there isn't a team we don't go into the game against as favourites. I think [the pressure] is great.
"I really enjoy these games. As a player, you don't want to be part of the team that can break this series [and miss out on another title win]."
Nagelsmann's departure, despite guiding Bayern to the title last term and the Champions League quarter-finals this year, is a gamble for the Bavarian giants.
But in Tuchel, they have a former Champions League-winning coach from his time at Chelsea, and Goretzka hopes he can help retain their Bundesliga crown.
"We all know and appreciate his successes," he added. "[We] have great respect for his achievements and experience."
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