Manchester City attacker Phil Foden has undergone surgery to remove his appendix.

England confirmed the news on Sunday, ruling Foden out of the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine.

City subsequently announced that Foden would definitely miss next Saturday's crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Foden, who came on as a substitute in England's win over Italy on Thursday but lasted only 12 minutes, had been suffering from acute appendicitis.

No firm timescale has been given for the 22-year-old's return, though the UK National Health Service (NHS) guidance recommends at least a two-week recovery period.

Foden has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances for City this season.

Martin Odegaard is "pretty sure" he should have won a penalty for Norway against Spain after a fierce challenge from Rodri.

The Norway captain was wiped out inside the area by the Spain midfielder in an incident that sparked debate regarding the ongoing battle for the Premier League title.

There would have undoubtedly been winces at Arsenal having seen the Manchester City man clatter into their skipper, with the two sides going toe-to-toe to finish top of the league this season.

Despite the heavy challenge, no foul was awarded and that left Odegaard confused, though he stopped short of questioning the officials due to concern he would be issued with sanctions.

"I'm pretty sure I should have had a penalty. He's coming with his studs right on my ankle. But I'm sure I'll get punished [if I say any more]," he told TV2.

"I don't bother saying anything else about the referee. It's better not to say anything."

While Odegaard held back in his assessment, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken did not hold back on an incident he felt could have changed the course of the game.

"It is a clear penalty. He finishes the shot and you can't [foul him after]," he said.

"If I knock someone down after the ball is gone, then it's a penalty. I get a little bored of this.

"What I see here now [on the replay] is exactly what I saw from the bench. There was a bit of arrogance going on. That’s the way it is, but it's unbelievable."

Thomas Tuchel's arrival at Bayern Munich has already resulted in fresh transfer links with the Bundesliga giants.

One player said to be of interest to Bayern's new boss is one of his former Chelsea regulars.

However, Bayern could face competition from several Premier League clubs.

TOP STORY - FOUR-WAY TUSSLE FOR KOVACIC

Mateo Kovacic is said to be attracting interest from Bayern, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Calciomercato report that Bayern's new boss Tuchel, who replaced Julian Nagelsmann in a shock move on Friday, wants to bring in the Croatia international, who he coached at Chelsea.

However, according to 90min, Liverpool, City and United are also monitoring the situation, with Kovacic heading into the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

ROUND UP

- According to Calciomercato, Bayern could also look to sign Edouard Mendy from Chelsea.

- Fabrizio Romano has claimed Newcastle United are keen on signing Scott McTominay.

- Romano also says that Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in Southampton's  Romeo Lavia.

- GiveMeSport's Dean Jones reports that Tottenham will look to sound out ex-Bayern boss Nagelsmann should they sack Antonio Conte.

Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw has already prompted comparisons to Erling Haaland for her goalscoring exploits, and a Manchester City team-mate believes she can be the world's best player.

Jamaica striker Shaw has scored 26 goals in 23 games in all competitions for City this season, including 15 in 15 in the Women's Super League.

The 26-year-old has averaged a goal every 86 minutes in the league – not quite on par with men's star Haaland, who has scored every 76 minutes in the Premier League, but close enough for onlookers to note the similarities.

City manager Gareth Taylor did not shy away from comparisons between the "pretty remarkable" pair last week, explaining how both are "so mentally strong".

It is that quality that might yet make Shaw the world's best, with England defender Alex Greenwood backing her City colleague.

"I'm not surprised she's doing what she is doing, and she still has so many levels to go to, which is quite frightening to be honest," Greenwood told BBC Sport.

"I think she can be the best in the world if she wants to be. She has all the attributes to be the best in the world.

"I know how hard she works in training. It's the reason she's flourishing right now.

"She's been really strong for us, so we just need to keep feeding her, keep giving her the ball, and the rest she'll take care of."

Julian Nagelsmann was sensationally sacked as Bayern Munich boss on Friday and replaced almost immediately by Thomas Tuchel.

The 35-year-old German had guided the Bavarians to last season's Bundesliga title.

And Bayern have looked good in reaching the Champions League quarter-finals this term.

Nagelsmann previously led RB Leipzig, guiding the side to the Champions League and the 2021 DFB-Pokal final, before moving to Bayern in 2021.

TOP STORY – SPURS MAKE MOVE FOR NAGELSMANN

Sky Sports claims Julian Nagelsmann is open to Tottenham's advances as they seek talks following his dismissal as Bayern Munich boss.

Spurs may be in the market for a new manager with uncertainty over Antonio Conte's future. Football Insider claims Nagelsmann is Spurs' number one priority if Conte departs.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was also considering Nagelsmann in 2019 when he replaced Mauricio Pochettino with Jose Mourinho.

ROUND UP

- Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all circling for PSV midfielder Ibrahima Sangare, reports 90min. According to the report, the player's representatives have spoken to several Premier League clubs and he could be available for around £32million.

- Manchester United have joined the race for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic , who is being courted by Manchester City and Liverpool, according to Football.London.

- 90min claims Newcastle United have held talks with Marcus Thuram's representatives about a free agent move from Borussia Monchengladbach in the offseason. Thuram has already declared he will leave Gladbach when he contract expires at the end of the season, with Inter among a host of clubs interested.

- Chelsea are interested in signing ex-Leeds United man Raphinha from Barcelona, claims journalist Simon Phillips. The Blaugrana may be forced to sell players due to financial fair play regulations.

Bayern Munich have sensationally sacked Julian Nagelsmann, and Thomas Tuchel is in line to take over.

While not officially confirmed by the German club, widespread reports on Thursday suggested Nagelsmann had been dismissed.

Bayern sit second in the Bundesliga, one point behind Borussia Dortmund, and it is one of their rivals' former coaches who is favourite to replace Nagelsmann.

TOP STORY – TUCHEL SIGNS BAYERN DEAL

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tuchel – who was sacked by Chelsea in September – has already agreed to become Bayern's new coach.

Tuchel's first game would be against his former team Dortmund on April 1.

Bayern face Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals. Nagelsmann, meanwhile, is sure to be linked with plenty of high-profile job opportunities.

ROUND UP

- The Sun, citing a Sport Bild report, claim that Eintracht Frankfurt have placed an £88million (€99.7m) price tag on Manchester United target Randal Kolo Muani.

- The father of Brighton and Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister has informed ESPN no clubs are in concrete talks with his son, but that there are interested parties.

- According to 90min, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester City are all scouting Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior.

- Fabrizio Romano says that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool are interested in Florian Wirtz, though Bayer Leverkusen are confident of keeping hold of the youngster.

Former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure compared Mesut Ozil to his former team-mate David Silva after the Germany international retired from football.

Ozil announced the end of his 17-year playing career on Wednesday, with the 34-year-old having represented Real Madrid and Arsenal among others.

Speaking at a Football Black List event in London, Toure said it was unfortunate for the game to lose "another good player" but hopes there will be more like Ozil in future.

"For me, he was kind of a flair player, a little bit like [David] Silva," he said. "Very clever, the movement just between the lines. Very good and his last pass was top.

"Another good player has retired, but I think now players understand the level of the game is so high now and unfortunately Mesut will retire, but maybe we'll see the next one in the future."

Former Leicester City captain Wes Morgan also paid tribute to Ozil, remembering the "magical moments" he provided during his spell in England.

Ozil recorded 33 goals and 54 assists for the Gunners in 184 appearances in the Premier League before moving to Fenerbahce in 2020.

"He was great in the Premier League," Morgan said. "I know his Arsenal time probably ended not the way he wanted, but at the same time, we've seen some magical moments for him.

"I remember he came from Real Madrid and lit up the Premier League with his vision and his ability. He was a great player in the Premier League, fantastic to watch and hopefully he'll have a nice retirement."

Chelsea seem to have resigned themselves to making a major loss on Romelu Lukaku, who has only netted five times on loan at Inter this term.

According to a Football Insider report, the Blues are ready to move him on in at the end of the season, with Inter unlikely to try to extend his stay in Milan.

Chelsea spent £97.5milion to bring Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge in August 2021, but they are unlikely to get anywhere near that now.

TOP STORY – GERMAN CHAMPIONS LINE UP SHOCK LUKAKU MOVE

Bayern Munich are lining up a shock move for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku to bolster their attacking options, claims Fichajes.

The report claims Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is an admirer of the Belgium striker, who he believes is one of the world's best forwards if injury free.

Bayern will not commence negotiations with Chelsea until the end of the season. The German champions had been linked with Harry Kane as they look for someone to replace Robert Lewandowski, who left for Barcelona last year.

Calciomercato reports that Chelsea may try to land a deal with Roma with a swap deal involving Tammy Abraham.

ROUND-UP

– 90min claims Manchester City have reignited their interest in signing 19-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz following a long-term knee injury which forced him to miss the 2022 World Cup. Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid will compete for the German's services too.

– Tottenham are interested in Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, reports ESPN. Henderson is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from United, who could use Spurs' interest as leverage in a deal for Harry Kane, per the report

– Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto is drawing interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, while 90min claims Juventus and Napoli are among a list of Italian clubs tracking him too.

– Fabrizio Romano claims Barcelona on the cusp of agreeing to a deal with Athletic Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez to join the Blaugrana on a free transfer in the off-season.

– Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to let Portuguese midfielder Renato Sanches exit amid interest from Milan along with Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham and Wolves, reports 90min.

– Football London reports Arsenal are ready to ramp up their interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi with a bid to come in the coming months, although he has a €60m release clause in his contract.

Leandro Trossard is delighted by his fast start in an Arsenal shirt and is optimistic of his new club's chances of winning the Premier League.

Trossard was a January signing for Mikel Arteta's side after the Belgium forward impressed in the first half of the season at Brighton and Hove Albion, scoring seven goals in 16 league games.

Since joining the league leaders, Trossard has only scored once but provided six assists in just 10 league games to help Arsenal rebuild an eight-point gap to Manchester City in second.

And the former Brighton has been surprised at how quickly he has settled.

"I maybe didn't expect to make that many minutes, but injuries helped me a bit. I’m however more than convinced of my own capabilities," Trossard said, speaking at a national team press conference on Wednesday. 

"I arrived in a great group, filled with great players. That also makes it easier for new players to adapt and reach their levels.

"It was a very busy and weird period for me, but I'm very happy that I have been able to join Arsenal. I think it's been a great step for me.

"We all know how difficult it is to win the league, looking at Man City and Liverpool in recent years, but I think we have a great squad and that we have proven time and time again that we're doing well. 

"There are 10 matches left, we'll see where we end once the season finishes."

The 28-year-old is set to feature heavily for Belgium after the retirement of fellow forward and former captain Eden Hazard.

City's Kevin De Bruyne has taken the armband, and Trossard is confident the midfielder and new head coach Domenico Tedesco will prove the difference as Belgium look to rally following their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.

"[De Bruyne] has a lot of experience at the highest level," Trossard said. "He knows everybody here, since he's been here for a while already. 

"A lot of the younger guys look up to him – I think that's a really big advantage for a national team captain if people look up to you.

"We have a new manager, a new staff, and I'm excited to make this new start as well.

"We're looking sharp, everybody wants to prove themselves. We also have a lot of youngsters, there's a lot of renewed competition, and it's clear everybody wants to give it their all."

Jack Grealish was "buzzing" when Gareth Southgate decided to remain as England manager after the World Cup, and believes that call will reap rewards at next year's Euros.

England start their qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 on Thursday when they face Italy, who beat the Three Lions in the Euro 2020 final, before hosting Ukraine three days later.

It will be England's first encounter since their World Cup quarter-final defeat to France in December.

Southgate was considering his future ahead of England's campaign in Qatar, but elected to stay on, sticking with a contract that expires next year.

The decision proved to be a popular one among the England squad, with many of the players having been given their debut by Southgate, who has been in charge since 2016.

"I was buzzing," Grealish told reporters. "Gareth called me up to my first squad, he gave me my debut and he has given me chances to play for my country – it's the best thing that can happen to you as a player.

"Go and ask anyone in that changing room what they think of Gareth and they would all say the same. He is a brilliant manager and a brilliant person as well.

"I can't speak highly enough of him for what he has done for me."

Euro 2024, hosted by Germany, will be Southgate's fourth major tournament as England manager and Grealish thinks that experience will help the Three Lions go all the way after their heartbreak in 2021.

"We have come close so many times," said the Manchester City star. "The last three tournaments have been a semi-final, a final and then the quarters.

"I think it is obvious what we want to do and I think we are getting better and better. Players are coming through and playing with so much confidence.

"I feel like the next one really could be our one. Everyone will be in their prime. I actually feel old at the moment but when I think about it, I will only be 28 at the Euros.

"It's no secret that we all want to win a tournament – and I do think it is there to be done."

After impressing at the delayed Euro 2020, Grealish became the most expensive English player when he joined City from boyhood club Aston Villa for £100million.

Having struggled to hit his best form during his debut season, his sophomore year has seen much improvement. Grealish has scored three goals, set up a further seven and created 61 chances for team-mates from 36 appearances, 28 of which have been starts.

He added: "I feel I am in the best form since I moved to City. I feel a bit like I did when I was at Aston Villa.

"I feel like one of the main players and it is the fittest I've been. That comes down to playing a lot of games on the bounce and playing in big games and making an impact, like scoring against Arsenal and [Manchester] United and getting assists at Chelsea away and Arsenal in the cup.

"I'm really confident at the moment. [Pep Guardiola] is trusting me in big games and I do feel I have repaid him, played my part, done well."

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is garnering a lot of interest, sitting clear at the top of the Serie A scoring charts this term with 21 goals.

The 24-year-old Nigerian striker is contracted with the runaway Serie A leaders until 2025.

While they would love to retain his services long-term, the breakout star hinted that may not be in the cards after recently showing interest in a move to the Premier League.

TOP STORY – NAPOLI PLACE BUMPER PRICE TAG ON OSIMHEN

Foot Mercato reports Napoli have placed a €150million price tag on Osimhen, amid new interest from French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG have entered to race for the Nigerian, with Manchester United and Chelsea both reportedly chasing his signature in the off-season.

But Napoli have moved to protect their prize asset and will not entertain a lower price.

ROUND-UP

– However, Relevo claims PSG's off-season priority signing is Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese is reportedly keen for a new challenge, although he is contracted until 2025 and City asked for £80m (€90m) for him last off-season.

– Manchester United are ramping up their interest in Monaco centre-back Alex Disasi, claims The Mail. The Frenchman is rated at £44m (€50m), with United boss Erik ten Hag keen to bolster his defensive ranks in the next transfer window with uncertainty over the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

– Football Insider claims Liverpool have not been deterred by Borussia Dortmund's reported €150m demand for Jude Bellingham. The Reds are determined to land the English midfielder amid interest from Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.

– Sport claims Chelsea may release Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from his contract after the season, with Mundo Deportivo reporting he is set to return to Barcelona as a low-cost option.

– Unnamed Saudi Arabian and Qatari clubs are interested in Luka Modric,  but the veteran Croatian midfielder remains in talks with Real Madrid on a new deal, according to Sky Sports Germany.

– Barcelona's veteran full-back Jordi Alba could have his contracted terminated in the off-season as the Blaugrana looks to trim their wage bill and focus on new signings, reports Sport.

Erling Haaland is a "real pleasure" for Phil Foden to play alongside at Manchester City.

The Norwegian forward has been in devastating form in his inaugural campaign in the Premier League, leading the scoring charts with 28 goals in 26 matches.

Haaland's heroics have not just been limited to the push for the title, in which they trail Arsenal by eight points but hold a game in hand, having entered the international break with eight goals in his last two matches.

In the FA Cup against Burnley, Haaland secured his hat-trick by tucking home a rebound after Foden had struck the post, leaving the England international puzzled by his excellent positioning.

"It's a pleasure, I don't know how he does it. The one that I hit off the post, he always seems to be in the right place, expecting things, little ricochets, and things like that," he told Talksport.

"The way his brain works, he always seems to be in the right place to finish the ball, and to play with a player like that it's always a massive boost for us because when it's a tight game and it's 0-0, there's not a lot of chances, we've been relying on him to get us a goal and it's a real pleasure to play with him."

Despite Haaland's stellar record in front of goal, some have queried whether City's number nine limits the style of play that Pep Guardiola's side have become accustomed to, but Foden does not see it that way.

"He's helped us in a way of finding a different way to play," he explained.

"In previous years we didn't really have a striker, and now he's here we've adapted a little bit, and we're even still getting used to him now, so it's good for the team, and it's only going to help us in the future.

"It makes my job easier being an attacking player and looking at someone that wants to score goals and is always ready and in the box it makes it a lot easier."

Erling Haaland will return to Manchester City for a follow-up check on a groin injury after pulling out of Norway's squad for their first two Euro 2024 qualifying fixtures.

The superstar striker scored a hat-trick as City beat Burnley 6-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the weekend, which followed a five-goal haul in a 7-0 Champions League drubbing of RB Leipzig.

Haaland joined up with his Norway team-mates as they prepare to face Spain and Georgia but will not play in either of those fixtures.

Team doctor Ola Sand told the Norwegian Football Federation's website: "We hoped that this would carry over to Saturday but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia.

"It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club."

Norway boss Stale Solbakken added: "Erling took it hard when he realised that he could not fight for the team. 

"Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches."

City will hope the injury is not serious ahead of a busy period following the international break, starting with a crunch Premier League clash at home to Liverpool on April 1 as Pep Guardiola's side aim to bridge the eight-point gap to leaders Arsenal.

A trip to Southampton then precedes the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Bayern Munich on April 11.

Haaland has scored 42 goals in just 37 appearances during a prolific first season at the Etihad Stadium.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has announced his retirement at the age of 39.

The ex-Togo international also had spells with Real Madrid, Tottenham and Crystal Palace during a professional career that started in 2001 with Metz.

Adebayor departed Metz for Monaco in 2003 and it was there where he caught the eye of legendary Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who brought him to the Premier League in January 2006.

City forked out a reported £25million fee for his services in July 2009 and he famously sprinted the length of the pitch to celebrate a goal in front of the Gunners' supporters in September that year.

He joined Real Madrid for a short loan spell in January 2011 after falling out of favour under Roberto Mancini and then moved to Tottenham – initially on loan – in August that year.

After having his contract terminated by mutual consent in September 2015, Adebayor had a nomadic end to his career, featuring for Palace, Istanbul Basaksehir, Kayserispor and Olimpia before returning to Togo with Semassi in July 2021.

Announcing his retirement with a video on Instagram, Adebayor wrote: "SEA, from the highs to the lows, my career as a professional athlete has been an incredible journey. 

"Thank you to my fans for being there every step of the way. I'm feeling so grateful for everything, and excited for what's to come!"

Manchester City will play Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals, while Manchester United are set to face Brighton and Hove Albion should they beat Fulham.

Sunday's draw means the possibility of a Manchester derby in the final is firmly on the cards, though United will have to overcome two strong Premier League rivals in order to set that up.

City will not be taking anything for granted either, though Pep Guardiola's side head into the contest against the Blades as big favourites.

Erling Haaland scored his sixth hat-trick of the season as City routed Burnley 6-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals for the fifth straight season.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, scored twice late on to beat fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers 3-2 on Sunday at Bramall Lane. 

City loanee Tommy Doyle netted the Blades' winner in stoppage time but will be unable to feature against his parent club in the last four. James McAtee is another regular who is on loan from the Premier League champions.

Evan Ferguson became the top-scoring teenager for a Premier League club across all competitions this season (seven) as he netted twice in Brighton's 5-0 thrashing of Grimsby Town, while EFL Cup winners United were in action against Fulham in Sunday's late kick-off at Old Trafford.

The semi-final ties will be played at Wembley Stadium across the weekend of April 22 and 23.

FA Cup semi-final draw:

Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester United or Fulham

Manchester City v Sheffield United