Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is continuing his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on his right knee on 3 September.

Thuram will spend the next two weeks in Lyon, where the operation was carried out, according to Goal. The France international will work through his rehabilitation under the supervision of a local doctor.

The knee problem had prevented Thuram from training without pain and caused swelling. Following his initial two weeks in Lyon, he will return to Turin to begin the next phase of his recovery and prepare for a return to action.

Thuram is not expected to play before January 2027.

Inter head coach Christian Chivu says he does not expect to remain in management for the rest of his life, despite already guiding the club to major honours.

“I don’t think I will be doing this job all my life,” the Romanian said while discussing his approach to coaching.

Chivu also said he still views himself as a student of the profession. He intends to continue improving for as long as he retains the desire to develop.

The 45-year-old has already enjoyed success with Inter, who won the championship and Coppa Italia under his leadership last season.

Paris Saint-Germain have included the BETBOOM friendly between Russia and Nigeria in their schedule for 6 October, even though goalkeeper Matvey Safonov will not take part in the match.

The French club published an image featuring two international fixtures on that date involving national teams to which PSG players had been called up: Russia v Nigeria and Croatia v Spain.

Safonov has already left the Russia squad and missed the team’s match against Namibia.

The announcement is notable because PSG issued a separate list at the end of September naming five international fixtures involving their players, but did not include Russia’s match against Iran.

Safonov remained with the national team on that occasion and played in Russia’s victory over Iran.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes the club saw only glimpses of how good Anthony Gordon could become during the player’s time in England.

Shearer says Gordon has not fully reached his potential at Newcastle and is now performing at a higher level for England and Barcelona.

“?At Newcastle, we saw only glimpses of how good a player Gordon can become,” Shearer said.

Gordon has provided four assists in six La Liga appearances this season. He has also scored once against Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia in the current Nations League campaign.

Representatives of 15-year-old Gabriel have told Manchester United that he must play at least 20 minutes in matches against Sabah, Brighton and Bournemouth before they will begin negotiations over a contract, according to ESPN.

Gabriel has not trained with Manchester United since leaving the first-team squad before the League Cup tie against Brighton on 16 September. Sources say there is currently little indication that the dispute between the player and the club will be resolved.

The teenager’s representatives believe Manchester United failed to honour some of the promises made to him. Gabriel had been expected to make his first-team debut against Brighton, but his representatives requested that his registration be cancelled because of disagreements over the amount of playing time he would receive.

Gabriel made his Manchester United debut in a friendly against Atletico during the summer. However, he was not included in the club’s squad for the Champions League.

Manchester United is prepared to seek legal advice if evidence emerges that other clubs have made illegal approaches to Gabriel. Reports have previously claimed that the player is attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Dani Carvajal is close to becoming a Getafe player after agreeing personal terms with the La Liga club and completing his medical examinations, according to football insider Fabrizio Romano.

Getafe are ready to officially present the defender, but must first receive approval from La Liga confirming that the club complies with its financial regulations.

The 34-year-old became a free agent last summer after leaving Real Madrid. He made 23 appearances for the Spanish club last season and provided one assist.

Kylian Mbappe has resumed training with Real Madrid as he continues his recovery from a knee injury ahead of their La Liga meeting with Villarreal.

The France forward joined his team-mates at the club’s training base on Tuesday, according to AS, after returning to Madrid on Monday morning.

Mbappe worked away from the squad under the supervision of the coaching staff on the day of his return. At the following session, he was able to take part in training alongside the rest of the Real Madrid players.

The 10 October fixture against Villarreal will be played at home by Real Madrid.

Mbappe has made seven La Liga appearances this season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.

Former Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal is close to joining Getafe, with the transfer now awaiting approval from La Liga.

According to Marca, an agreement has been reached between the player and the club, but the move cannot be completed until it has been cleared under the league’s regulations.

Carvajal is expected to accept a lower salary at Getafe than he received at Real Madrid. Without a reduction in his earnings, the club would be unable to meet the current financial rules.

Getafe head coach Jose Bordalas supports the proposed transfer. He believes Carvajal’s experience, competitiveness and leadership could strengthen the team.

The 34-year-old has been without a club since his contract with Real Madrid expired on 30 June. He trained independently during the summer while waiting for a suitable offer.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has become the first Turkish footballer in history to reach a market value of €100m, according to the latest figures published by Transfermarkt.

The 21-year-old’s valuation increased by €10m following a strong start to the season with Real Madrid. Guler has contributed four goals or assists in seven matches.

His current valuation is almost seven times higher than it was when he joined Real Madrid from Fenerbahce in 2023, when he was valued at €15m.

Guler is now the most valuable Turkish player ever recorded by Transfermarkt, moving clear of the previous highest figures achieved by several of his compatriots.

Juventus winger Kenan Y?ld?z is second on the all-time list with a valuation of €75m.

Eintracht midfielder Can Uzun shares third place at €45m with Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu and Caglar Soyuncu. Calhanoglu reached that valuation while at Inter in 2024, while Soyuncu achieved the same figure during his time at Leicester three years earlier.

Aleksandar Pavlovic reportedly turned down a summer move to Manchester City, despite the Premier League club being prepared to offer up to €100m for the Bayern Munich midfielder.

The 22-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders and has continued to establish himself in the Bayern Munich first team. He has made 106 appearances for the German champions, scoring 12 and grabbing five goals in the Bundesliga alone.

Pavlovic’s progress has also been recognised at international level. The Germany midfielder has been an important part of manager Jurgen Klopp’s plans during the international break, fitting the coach’s high-tempo approach.

Klopp was particularly impressed after Germany’s third Nations League match against Greece, saying: “What a game by Pavlovic. He was everywhere!”

The midfielder’s growing profile was followed this week by reports that he had rejected the chance to join Manchester City, choosing to remain with Bayern Munich instead.

According to Florian Plettenburg, Manchester City had been pursuing Pavlovic since March and held concrete discussions over a possible transfer. Bayern were also informed that the English club were willing to pay as much as €100m for the player.

“Manchester City had been pushing to sign Aleksandar Pavlovic since March. There were concrete talks,” Plettenburg reported.

“FC Bayern were informed that #MCFC were prepared to pay up to €100m - long before they signed Bouaddi/Fernandez.

“Pavlovic felt honoured by the interest and thought about it. But ultimately, he said NO. No negotiations with Bayern took place.”

Pavlovic’s decision meant that Manchester City’s approach did not progress to negotiations with Bayern Munich. The German club were aware of the scale of the proposed offer, but the player ultimately chose not to pursue a move.

City went on to spend more than £200m on Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi during the summer. The trio joined Enzo Maresca’s squad after Pavlovic had rejected Manchester City’s approach.

Benfica are interested in signing Rennes attacking midfielder and France international Esteban Lepol, according to transfer insider Ekrem Konur.

The Lisbon club are reported to be making a concerted effort to secure the French winger, who has emerged as a potential addition to their squad.

Rennes value Lepol at between 50m and 60m euros. The player’s contract with the French club runs until the end of June 2030.

Lepol has made five appearances in Ligue 1 this season, scoring three goals, including one from the penalty spot.

Manchester United are interested in AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana, who is currently spending the season on loan at Sevilla, according to TEAMtalk.

The 27-year-old France international could move to the English league, although Sevilla do not have an option to sign him permanently.

Fofana joined the Spanish club on loan after his proposed move to Lyon fell through. His contract with AC Milan runs until the middle of 2028.

The defensive midfielder is currently valued at 15m euros.

Fofana has made four appearances in La Liga this season and has scored one goal.

Former Barcelona player Igor Korneev believes Monaco midfielder Aleksandr Golovin is capable of playing for the Catalan club.

Golovin, 30, joined Monaco from CSKA Moscow in 2018. He has since made 273 appearances for the club, scoring 40 goals and providing 48 assists for his team-mates.

The Russia international’s current contract with Monaco runs until the middle of 2029. His market value is estimated at 18 million euros.

Benin manager Gernot Rohr says his side are determined to make the most of a rare opportunity when they face Argentina at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The friendly will coincide with Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the national team, with all 85,000 tickets sold for the occasion.

“We have the chance to face Argentina, one of the best teams in the world, in a legendary stadium which will be full,” said Rohr, the Franco-German coach. “We are very happy to be here.”

Benin’s preparations have been affected by a lengthy journey and a staggered arrival in Argentina. Following their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Mauritania in Abidjan - Benin do not currently have an approved stadium - the squad travelled via Paris.

Transport problems meant members of the delegation arrived in small groups between Thursday and Monday, with three players only joining up on Monday.

“It has not been easy to prepare in the best conditions,” Rohr said. “The journey was very long and tiring, there is the time difference and so on, but we are very happy to be in Argentina.”

The team have also encountered some difficulties at their accommodation and training base. Some rooms have reportedly lacked hot water, while the fitness room is considered too small and training conditions have been basic.

Rohr confirmed there had been “small problems” in some rooms, but said efforts were being made to resolve them.

“We are not going to complain. We have been welcomed very well by the Argentines,” he added.

Benin aiming to build on strong qualifying results

The players’ presence in Argentina was partly earned through their performances in the two latest qualifiers for CAN 2027.

Rohr had told the squad that they needed to be exemplary in those matches if they wanted to be considered for the trip. Benin responded by drawing 1-1 with Burkina Faso before beating Mauritania 2-1 in Abidjan.

“With four points, the record is positive,” Rohr said. “We will have to confirm that in November, in the two matches against Central African Republic.”

The chance to play Messi has added a further sense of occasion for Benin’s players, many of whom have never faced the Argentina captain.

“Many of my players have never had the opportunity to play against Messi, one of the best footballers in history,” said Rohr. “They are very happy, especially because they love Messi and see him as a fantastic player.”

Rohr says Benin will seek to compete rather than simply celebrate the occasion.

“We are really happy to be here for what promises to be a very special moment for football, and not only for the Argentines, who will celebrate Messi,” he said. “We will do everything to play well and be worthy of the event. Benin want to make a good impression and provide strong opposition.”

For Rohr, the fixture will also offer an important learning experience.

“Facing a team at world level is a chance for Benin,” he said. “We will learn a lot from this. The journey was long and complicated, but in the end it will help us a great deal.”

Rosenborg have no intention of selling Amine Chiakha, despite growing interest in the Algeria international from clubs in Germany.

The 20-year-old striker joined the Norwegian club from FC Copenhagen for €5m, making him the most expensive signing in Rosenborg’s history. His form has since helped increase his market value to €8m.

Chiakha has scored 14 goals and provided three assists across league and cup competitions since moving to Scandinavia. Those performances have attracted attention from Germany, although interest in the forward is not new.

His representatives told Maghreb-Foot that approaches had already been made while Chiakha was still playing for FC Copenhagen. On those occasions, negotiations failed because the clubs holding his registration resisted offers from major European leagues.

The same obstacle appears to be present again. Rosenborg’s current position is the main barrier to a potential transfer, with the Norwegian club unwilling to part with its leading player.

That leaves Chiakha’s immediate future dependent on Rosenborg’s stance. His contract with the club runs until December 2030, giving the Norwegian side a long-term contractual position as interest in the Algeria international continues to develop.

England captain Harry Kane is set to become the joint-highest-capped player in the country’s history if he features against Czechia in Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League match.

The Three Lions face Czechia as they attempt to close the gap on group leaders Spain, who are three points clear at the top of the table.

Kane has made 124 appearances for England and will draw level with former goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who holds the national record with 125 caps. Shilton represented his country between 1970 and 1990.

The Bayern Munich striker could then move beyond Shilton’s mark when England play Croatia and Spain next month, provided he remains fit and available to manager Thomas Tuchel.

Kane scored twice in England’s most recent match, a 7-0 victory over Croatia, and will be aiming to reach 90 international goals against Czechia.

England are also close to recording three consecutive clean-sheet victories for the first time in the current calendar year. They have not achieved that since their World Cup Qualifying campaign in late 2025.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have 18 players in camp in Ijebu-Ode as preparations continue for their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying tie against Comoros.

Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne and Janet Akekoromowei were the latest arrivals at the team’s base ahead of the two-legged second-round contest.

Fourteen players participated in Monday’s training session at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, where the squad began its preparations for the qualifiers.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is still expected to join the group, along with goalkeepers Chiamaka Nnadozie and Comfort Erhabor, defender Michelle Alozie, and forwards Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu and Joy Omewa.

The squad has also been affected by the withdrawal of four players. Asisat Oshoala, Oluwatosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre and Flourish Sabastine will not take part in the qualifiers for different reasons.

Both legs to be played in Nigeria

Comoros are scheduled to host the first leg of the second-round tie on Friday, October 9.

Nigeria will then be the home side for the return match on Tuesday, October 13. However, both fixtures will take place at the Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.

The decision was made because Comoros do not have a stadium approved by CAF to stage international matches.

The players currently listed in the Super Falcons’ camp are:

Goalkeeper: Christiana Uzoma.

Defenders: Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Valentina Uroko, Glory Edet, Shukurat Oladipo and Glory Ogbonna.

Midfielders: Oluchi Omenazu, Joy Igbokwe, Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne.

Forwards: Shakirat Moshood, Blessing Nkor, Sandra John and Janet Akekoromowei.

The tie forms part of Nigeria’s campaign to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.

MK Dons Women captain Favour Omenazu has been added to Nigeria’s squad for their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying double-header against Comoros.

The 24-year-old midfielder received a late invitation from interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen after several players originally selected for the second-round tie withdrew.

It is Omenazu’s first call-up to the Super Falcons. She was eligible to represent both England and Nigeria but has chosen to play internationally for the 10-time African champions.

MK Dons congratulated their captain after she was included in the squad.

“We are all incredibly proud of #MKDonsWomen’s captain, Favour Omenazu, who has received her first international call-up to represent Nigeria’s Super Falcons,” the club said in a post on X.

“Favour has been selected for Nigeria’s upcoming 2028 Olympic qualifying double-header against Comoros on Friday 9th and Tuesday 13th October.

“Go and smash it, Favour – we know you will! ???”

Comoros are due to host the first leg of the second-round tie on Friday, October 9, with Nigeria scheduled to stage the return fixture on Tuesday, October 13.

Both matches, however, will take place at the Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros do not have a venue approved by CAF for international matches.

Nigeria will progress to the third round if they win the tie on aggregate.

The Olympic qualifying competition comprises five rounds and is scheduled to finish in December next year.

Anthony Gordon says he is certain goals will come for Barcelona after making an impressive start to life at the club following his move from Newcastle.

The England winger has provided four assists in six La Liga appearances for Barcelona, although he is yet to score for the Spanish side. His early form has coincided with a strong run for England, with Gordon recording 10 goal involvements in his last 10 games for his country.

Gordon credited Barcelona midfielder Pedri with helping him make the most of his movement in attack.

“I’ve made plenty of runs throughout my career that nobody saw, but now I’ve got Pedri, who sees absolutely everything,” he said.

The winger also explained that adapting to Barcelona’s approach had not proved difficult because of the similarities with the way Newcastle played.

“Adapting has been relatively straightforward because at Newcastle we already played in a similar style, pressing hard and attacking with the team pushing forward,” Gordon said.

Despite having yet to find the net for his new club, the England international believes his goalscoring form will develop naturally.

“I think I can contribute goals. I haven’t had many chances to score yet,” he said.

Gordon added: “At every club and at every stage of my career, I’ve needed a bit of time before I’ve started scoring regularly. But I’m convinced I’ll score plenty of goals.”

He also outlined his ambition for the Barcelona team, saying: “I want this team to be remembered forever.”

Gordon’s international form

Gordon is currently on a four-game international scoring streak. It is the longest such run among players in the current England set-up and the longest by anyone other than Harry Kane in almost six years.

His form for Barcelona has helped establish an encouraging start to his first season away from the Premier League, with his four assists coming during the club’s opening six La Liga appearances.

Barcelona are top of La Liga after seven games. They have scored 31 goals and have a goal difference of +24 under manager Hansi Flick, who is on course to defend the league title.

Erling Haaland would prefer a move to Barcelona over Arsenal if Manchester City are relegated from the Premier League, according to Football Insider.

The Norway striker could consider leaving Manchester City if the club are forced to drop into the Championship. Barcelona have long been interested in signing Haaland and regard him as one of their preferred transfer targets.

The Catalan club are ready to enter the race for the 25-year-old once they receive an indication that he is open to changing teams. Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation.

Haaland joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and remains under contract until 2034. His transfer value is estimated at €220m.