Lionel Messi will not be available for Argentina in their upcoming international friendly double-header due to injury.

In a statement posted on their official X page, Argentina confirmed that the forward would not be in the squad after sustaining a “minor” injury to his hamstring.

Messi sustained the injury playing for Inter Miami during their Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Nashville.

The 36-year-old scored in the 23rd minute of his side’s 3-1 victory over their MLS rivals on Thursday, but was replaced five minutes after the break and was not in the squad for their subsequent league meeting against DC United on Saturday.

The Argentina statement said: “The captain of Argentina, Lionel Messi, will not be able to be in the squad for the friendlies in USA due to a minor injury to the hamstring of his right leg, suffered in his team’s Inter Miami CF match against Nashville SC.”

Argentina are due to play two friendlies this month, starting with El Salvador on Saturday before playing Costa Rica on next Wednesday.

Nottingham Forest are “extremely disappointed” to have been docked four points for breaching Premier League financial rules.

The deduction drops Forest into the Premier League’s relegation zone, leaving them 18th with nine games to play.

The PA news agency understands Forest will now take time to consider their next steps, including the potential to appeal.

The Premier League said Forest admitted breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) by £34.5million above their permitted threshold of £61million.

Clubs are usually allowed maximum losses of £105million over a three-year assessment period but this is reduced by £22million per season for any seasons within the period spent in the Championship.

Forest are unhappy about the Premier’s League’s submission to the independent commission, which imposed the sanction, and claim trust in the governing body has now been eroded after it initially pushed for an eight-point deduction.

A club statement read: “Nottingham Forest is extremely disappointed with the decision of the Commission to impose a sanction on the Club of four points, to be applied with immediate effect.

“We were extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions before the commission.

“After months of engagement with the Premier League, and exceptional cooperation throughout, this was unexpected and has harmed the trust and confidence we had in the Premier League.

“That the Premier League sought a sanction of eight points as a starting point was utterly disproportionate when compared to the nine points that their own rules prescribe for insolvency.”

The commission which imposed the sanction noted Forest’s breach was “serious” and stated in its conclusion: “The four points sanction is not to punish Forest so much as it is to be fair to the other clubs; to give the public confidence that when a club invests as Forest did to compete in the Premier League, it still needs to comply with the PSR threshold for losses.”

The commission ruling added: “When a club like Forest took the risk of effectively ignoring the PSR warning from its finance director before the January window in 2023, and rather than looking to sell players, it added players to its squad, ultimately leaving itself with just two weeks to sell Player A (Brennan Johnson) in the summer 2023 window, such risk taking and ‘sailing close to the wind’ needs a proportionate sanction to maintain the integrity of the Premier League.”

Everton were docked 10 points in November for breaching PSR in the period up to the 2021-22 season, which was reduced to six on appeal.

A second complaint against the Toffees over a breach in the period up to last season is still being dealt with.

The ruling shows the Premier League pushed for a six-point sanction – with eight points as an initial figure to account for Forest’s excess over the threshold being 77 per cent greater than Everton’s, but discounted by two points to reflect Forest’s early plea and co-operation.

Forest’s defence was centred around the sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham on the final day of the 2023 transfer window, which occurred a short period later than necessary.

The commission said such an event could only have been described as a near miss “if it was truly near to the PSR deadline (June 30, 2023) or at the first available reasonable opportunity proximate to the deadline”.

But Forest hit back, saying the ruling will make it impossible for newly-promoted clubs to compete in the league.

The statement added: “Whilst the Premier League may have called into question the club’s business plan, the club maintains that it responsibly balanced compliance with PSR with important investment into the squad to give us the ability to compete in the league for the first time in over 20 years.

“We were extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions before the commission.

“Even after the club had missed the PSR reporting deadline, it still took steps to ensure Brennan Johnson was sold before the end of the transfer window. That was a clear demonstration of our respect and support for PSR.

“The commission’s decision raises issues of concern for all aspirant clubs. The player transfer market is a highly specialised trading environment that cannot be compared to the sale of normal products and services.

“There will be occasions when a player transfer cannot be completed in the first half of a transfer window and can only be completed at the end of that window.

“This should not be a reason for the condemnation of a club. For this not to be recognised by the commission or the Premier League should be a matter of extreme concern for all fans of our national game.”

Nottingham Forest are “extremely dismayed” to have been docked four points for breaching Premier League financial rules.

The deduction drops Forest into the Premier League’s relegation zone, leaving them 18th with nine games to play.

The PA news agency understands Forest will now take time to consider their next steps, including the potential to appeal.

The Premier League said Forest admitted breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) by £34.5million above their permitted threshold of £61million.

Clubs are usually allowed maximum losses of £105million over a three-year assessment period but this is reduced by £22million per season for any seasons within the period spent in the Championship.

Forest are unhappy about the Premier’s League’s submission to the independent commission, which imposed the sanction, and claim trust in the governing body has now been eroded after it initially pushed for an eight-point deduction.

A club statement read: “We were extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions before the commission.

“After months of engagement with the Premier League, and exceptional cooperation throughout, this was unexpected and has harmed the trust and confidence we had in the Premier League.

“That the Premier League sought a sanction of eight points as a starting point was utterly disproportionate when compared to the nine points that their own rules prescribe for insolvency.”

The commission which imposed the sanction noted Forest’s breach was “serious” and stated in its conclusion: “The four points sanction is not to punish Forest so much as it is to be fair to the other clubs; to give the public confidence that when a club invests as Forest did to compete in the Premier League, it still needs to comply with the PSR threshold for losses.”

The commission ruling added: “When a club like Forest took the risk of effectively ignoring the PSR warning from its finance director before the January window in 2023, and rather than looking to sell players, it added players to its squad, ultimately leaving itself with just two weeks to sell Player A (Brennan Johnson) in the summer 2023 window, such risk taking and ‘sailing close to the wind’ needs a proportionate sanction to maintain the integrity of the Premier League.”

Everton were docked 10 points in November for breaching PSR in the period up to the 2021-22 season, which was reduced to six on appeal.

A second complaint against the Toffees over a breach in the period up to last season is still being dealt with.

The ruling shows the Premier League pushed for a six-point sanction – with eight points as an initial figure to account for Forest’s excess over the threshold being 77 per cent greater than Everton’s, but discounted by two points to reflect Forest’s early plea and co-operation.

Forest’s defence was centred around the sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham on the final day of the 2023 transfer window, which occurred a short period later than necessary.

The commission said such an event could only have been described as a near miss “if it was truly near to the PSR deadline (June 30, 2023) or at the first available reasonable opportunity proximate to the deadline”.

But Forest hit back, saying the ruling will make it impossible for newly-promoted clubs to compete in the league.

The statement added: “Whilst the Premier League may have called into question the club’s business plan, the club maintains that it responsibly balanced compliance with PSR with important investment into the squad to give us the ability to compete in the league for the first time in over 20 years.

“We were extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions before the commission.

“Even after the club had missed the PSR reporting deadline, it still took steps to ensure Brennan Johnson was sold before the end of the transfer window. That was a clear demonstration of our respect and support for PSR.

“The commission’s decision raises issues of concern for all aspirant clubs. The player transfer market is a highly specialised trading environment that cannot be compared to the sale of normal products and services.

“There will be occasions when a player transfer cannot be completed in the first half of a transfer window and can only be completed at the end of that window.

“This should not be a reason for the condemnation of a club. For this not to be recognised by the commission or the Premier League should be a matter of extreme concern for all fans of our national game.”

Nottingham Forest have been docked four points for breaching Premier League financial rules.

The ruling drops the club into the relegation zone, leaving them 18th with nine games to play.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at the matter.

What has happened?

Forest have had four points taken off their Premier League total by an independent commission, which drops them into the relegation zone. The club admitted breaching the league’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

What are the PSR?

These are the regulations governing a club’s maximum permitted losses. Normally clubs can lose up to £105million over the three-year assessment period without being in breach, but this is reduced by £22m per season when a club is in the Championship. In Forest’s case, the maximum they were allowed to lose was £61m over the assessment period.

How much above that limit were Forest?

The club were found to be £34.5million over the threshold. The written reasons published on Monday show the Premier League was pushing for a six-point deduction – eight points to reflect Forest’s excess was 77 per cent greater than Everton’s breach in 2021-22, but with two discounted for Forest’s early plea and exceptional co-operation.

What was Forest’s argument?

Forest relied on various points in their defence, but their “golden mitigation” was the timing of the sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham for £47.5million. Had this occurred before the end of the assessment period on June 30, 2023 they would not have been in breach, however the player did not leave until September 1, the day the summer 2023 transfer window closed.

The commission said the decision not to sell until so late in the window “flies in the face of mitigation” and rejected all other mitigation except for the early plea and co-operation.

What have Forest said?

Forest issued a strongly-worded statement indicating they would appeal. The club said they were “extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions” to the commission which had “harmed the trust and confidence we had in the Premier League”.

The appeal outcome must be known prior to June 1 under ‘standard directions’ for PSR breaches agreed by clubs last summer, which are designed to be completed within the same season as a charge is laid.

Aston Villa are the favourites for Champions League football next year despite a disappointing turn in their form, says David James.

With Tottenham having lost heavily at Fulham on Saturday, Villa had the chance to move five points clear of Ange Postecoglou's team and consolidate their place in the top four when they faced West Ham on Sunday.

However, they ultimately had to settle for a point at London Stadium, thanks to Nicolo Zaniolo's equaliser, though West Ham had a late winner disallowed by VAR.

It left Villa, who have been unable to maintain the level of performances they showed at the end of 2023, still in control of their destiny, sitting three points above Tottenham, in fifth, albeit Spurs have a game in hand.

With five teams potentially set for a Champions League place this season, former Villa goalkeeper James fancies his old club’s chances of finishing ahead of Spurs and sixth-placed Manchester United.

James told Stats Perform: "I think Villa are the favourites, it's easy to say.

"Unai Emery has played for teams that are used to not winning all the time even if he's had success in cups and he's got a group of players who are confident, despite the results today, to get wins.

"I can't really see the top four changing. It'd be nice if there is a challenge, but Villa are my old team, so I actually want them to finish third."

Emery's side have been the surprise package this term, and despite some onlookers assuming they would fall away due to inexperience and their Europa Conference League duties still ongoing, they have remained firmly in top-four contention.

However, Villa have a difficult run-in, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool still to play, though Tottenham also have to face those four opponents as well.

Despite backing his old side, James conceded Villa have their flaws, and after being unbeaten at Villa Park until their loss to Newcastle United in January, they have now gone on to lose there on two more occasions, against United and Spurs.

James said: "We saw Tottenham batter Villa strangely after that long record that Villa broke at home, it felt like it was only going to be the away form that would let them down.

"It's reversed now that it's the home form that's letting them down and not the away form. They're still ahead of Tottenham points-wise."

Emery has rejuvenated Villa since he replaced Steven Gerrard at the helm, and James thinks the former Arsenal boss belongs in elite company.

James said: "I've heard some wonderful stories about him as well about his videos and stuff like that but if you can get the players to buy into what you're doing and by getting them the results they will try everything that you ask them to try then, you're on for a winner.

"I think Unai's got that at the moment. The problem is, and I think this is indicative of the Premier League at the moment and why Arsenal might be refreshing their challenging City and Liverpool.

"These two clubs here today have been ruling the Premier League for five, six years now. Emery's success would always be qualifying for the Champions League at the moment as opposed to challenging for the Premier League.

"So, yes, it's building blocks, but they're all going in the right direction. I just think that you've got a very capable manager with a capable group of players and they are signed to see the dividends of that."

Nottingham Forest have been docked four points for breaching Premier League financial rules.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look.

What has happened?

Forest have had four points taken off their Premier League total by an independent commission, which drops them into the relegation zone. The club admitted breaching the league’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

What are the PSR?

These are the regulations governing a club’s maximum permitted losses. Normally clubs can lose up to £105million over the three-year assessment period without being in breach, but this is reduced by £22m per season when a club is in the Championship. In Forest’s case, the maximum they were allowed to lose was £61m over the assessment period.

How much above that limit were Forest?

The club were found to be £34.5million over the threshold. The written reasons published on Monday show the Premier League was pushing for a six-point deduction – eight points to reflect Forest’s excess was 77 per cent greater than Everton’s breach in 2021-22, but with two discounted for Forest’s early plea and exceptional co-operation.

What was Forest’s argument?

Forest relied on various points in their defence, but their “golden mitigation” was the timing of the sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham for £47.5million. Had this occurred before the end of the assessment period on June 30, 2023 they would not have been in breach, however the player did not leave until September 1, the day the summer 2023 transfer window closed.

The commission said the decision not to sell until so late in the window “flies in the face of mitigation” and rejected all other mitigation except for the early plea and co-operation.

What have Forest said?

Forest issued a strongly-worded statement indicating they would appeal. The club said they were “extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions” to the commission which had “harmed the trust and confidence we had in the Premier League”.

The appeal outcome must be known prior to June 1 under ‘standard directions’ for PSR breaches agreed by clubs last summer, which are designed to be completed within the same season as a charge is laid.

Manchester United’s FA Cup hero Amad Diallo is prepared to be patient in order to get his chance at the club.

The 21-year-old, in only his fourth appearance of the season, came off the bench to score a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time at the end of extra time to make it 4-3 against Liverpool.

Amad spent last season on loan at Sunderland in the Championship, having previously had six months at Rangers. He has only made a total of 13 United appearances with his last start coming at the end of May 2021, following his move from Atalanta.

But he is prepared to be patient as he waits for more chances at first-team level.

“It was important for me to go on loan to get more confidence and experience, so now I am at Manchester United,” said Amad, who was sent off for a second bookable offence after removing his shirt in celebration.

“I am very happy to stay here and every game for me is like a Champions League final. To score the final goal is so important for me.

“I believe in myself. I train hard every day and waited for my chance. The manager believes in me.

“I am on the bench but every time I am ready to come in and fight for the team. If I score for the team, then I am very happy.”

“I wait for my chance and whether I start or I am on the bench it is important for me to be ready every time.”

The goal was only Amad’s second in United colours, his first coming in a Europa League draw with AC Milan two years ago.

And the joy of scoring the winner against his team’s arch-rivals meant the Ivory Coast international was unable to rein in his celebrations in front of the Stretford End, resulting in his sending-off.

“I forgot the first yellow – but it was important we won, so I am very happy,” he added.

“It was an unbelievable day for me. I want to celebrate this moment with my family and the fans, who supported us all game.

“It is very special for me because it was my dream to play for Manchester United. I was in Sunderland last season and I came here to wait for my chance.

“To score my second goal for Manchester United was very important for me.”

Two Manchester United fans were arrested in connection with tragedy chanting during Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Greater Manchester Police is also trying to identify another United supporter after footage widely shared on social media footage appeared to show him allegedly engaging in tragedy chanting.

GMP announced it had made eight arrests in total at the game, including three Liverpool fans for possession of Class A drugs, an away supporter on suspicion of possession of a pyrotechnic, and two United fans for a racially-aggravated public order offence and pitch encroachment respectively.

As well as the arrests, a 39-year-old man, George Fenning from Edinburgh, has been charged with possession of a Class B drug, possession of a pyrotechnic and throwing missiles and subsequently bailed.

“The arrests made were the result of us taking a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to ensure that genuine supporters and spectators were able to enjoy the match safely,” said Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, silver commander for the match.

“GMP can confirm that a 21-year-old and a 59-year-old man were arrested in connection with tragedy chanting.

“Incidents of tragedy chanting will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.

“We are also aware of footage circulating on social media of a Manchester United supporter engaging in tragedy chanting.

“No arrest has been made yet but GMP are working with both clubs to identify the individual in connection with this incident.

“We held a supporter group meeting with both sets of fans prior to the match and both groups agreed that tragedy chanting was totally unacceptable.

“GMP will clamp down on this and arrest those who engage in such behaviour, regardless of what team they support.

“I hope that these arrests will act as a deterrent to anyone attending future games.”

However, Peter Scarfe of the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance believes police have to take a wider approach to tragedy chanting.

In the middle of the second half of Sunday’s FA Cup tie – which United won 4-3 after extra time – a significant number of fans in the Stretford End were heard chanting ‘Murderers’, quickly followed by ‘Always the victims’ and the singing was clearly audible to the live television audience.

“It’s not getting better. The message is not getting through,” Scarfe told the PA news agency.

“It’s one or two arrests and being charged but when you have the Stretford End singing ‘Murderers’ and ‘Always the victims’, who do you target?

“We had Hillsborough survivors at the game and they have tried to report it to stewards and police but there are too many of them.

“I’ve become more hardened in my role but you see how painful it is to be continually called a murderer.”

United did not comment publicly but sources said the club were “fully supportive” of statements issued by The Football Association and GMP condemning tragedy chanting.

But Scarfe also believes clubs should be made responsible for their supporters.

“If you were to fine the clubs the money could go back into emotional support groups or awareness courses but it would then lower the allocation when they come to Anfield,” he added.

“So fans are not getting to go to away games and as it dwindles down there will be a banning order on them all.

“We don’t want that as a club, and neither will anyone else, because you want that banter between home and away fans.

“And I’m not saying there were not chants going the other way: there was one particular guy who started the Munich shout and he was told straight away to shut his mouth.

“Until we get our ducks in order we can’t expect others to do that same. It has to be zero tolerance to them.

“But what is going to happen in three weeks’ time when we play them again and Liverpool are playing to win the league?”

Nottingham Forest have been docked four points for breaching Premier League financial rules.

The deduction drops Forest into the Premier League’s relegation zone, leaving them 18th with nine games to play.

The Premier League said Forest admitted breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) by £34.5million above their permitted threshold of £61million.

Clubs are usually allowed maximum losses of £105million over a three-year assessment period but this is reduced by £22million per season for any seasons within the period spent in the Championship.

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes is determined to end a poor season on a high after Sunday’s jaw-dropping and “spicy” FA Cup quarter-final win against Liverpool.

With immense pressure on manager Erik ten Hag and his misfiring side, the Red Devils secured a remarkable 4-3 victory in stoppage time of extra time through substitute Amad Diallo.

His strike sparked wild celebrations and secured an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry, breathing new life into a season that had threatened to go into a tailspin.

Asked if he had ever seen scenes like that at Old Trafford before, captain Fernandes said: “I think the last year probably against Liverpool, it was the turnaround of last season and kind of the same.

“Today the game got a little bit spicy, a little more special because it’s an FA Cup game and if you lose, you’re out.

“We know the rivalry between fans, we know how United fans wanted us to win the game to give us something to celebrate because it’s not been great for us.”

The key victory Fernandes referenced came in August 2022 after Ten Hag began his United reign with defeats to Brighton and Brentford.

That season ended up with Carabao Cup glory, reaching the FA Cup final and a third-placed league finish and the Dutchman hopes Sunday can be the turning point after several false dawns as they look to chase down a Champions League finish.

“We’ve talked about turnarounds but have never done the next step,” Fernandes said. “But I think we have to understand the FA Cup is a thing and the Premier League is another one.

“In the league now, we have 10 matches to go and we don’t depend on ourselves but as we saw Tottenham losing points to Fulham, Villa losing points to West Ham.

“But our main goal is to not lose points to Brentford away. We need to put our effort into winning that game.”

Fifth could prove enough for Champions League qualification as sixth-placed United look to reel in Aston Villa and Tottenham, while the FA Cup offers a chance to top it off in glorious fashion.

Cheers were heard from suites around Old Trafford when Coventry were drawn rather than Manchester City or Chelsea but there is little chance of semi-final complacency.

“Obviously we’re playing a Championship team and not a Premier League team, but Wolves went out against them,” Fernandes said.

“We don’t want to compare ourselves with Wolves but we have to respect every team that comes here because I remember two seasons ago we went out against Middlesbrough at home.

“We have to respect them, give them the respect they deserve and give our best performance, as we did against Liverpool and with the same mentality.”

Fernandes epitomised that approach, filling in at centre-back – a role he said he used to play as a kid – and playing through a dead leg as his remarkable record of availability continued.

“It’s not proud, I just have to be grateful for my father and my mum because they made me the right way, the strong way,” the Portugal playmaker said.

“They’ve been here for the last two games and they give me that extra energy. With my kids and my wife, they always take care of me.”

Another to exemplify United’s impressive mentality was matchwinner Diallo, who has struggled for game time this term but etched his name in club folklore on Sunday.

“He got his reward because he’s doing the right things,” Fernandes said of the 21-year-old, who received a second yellow card for taking off his shirt.

“He deserves it. Unfortunately, he got sent off, but it’s part of the moment and part of being young.

“This moment has to be enjoyed and I think it’s one of the rules football has to change because you should be able to celebrate the goal, obviously with respect to other clubs, to enjoy your moment.”

Rodri has warned Manchester City’s rivals they can still get better as they remain in the hunt for a second consecutive treble.

City brushed aside Newcastle 2-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup for a sixth consecutive season, with their dominance not reflected in a scoreline which was defined by two deflected strikes from Bernardo Silva.

The win extended City’s unbeaten run in all competitions to 22 games, and although the international break could disrupt their rhythm, Spain midfielder Rodri believes there is more to come.

“It’s going to be good for us, this break,” Rodri said. “You will see the best version of this team at the end of the season.

“Always it happens because of the manager, because of the standards of the club, because of ourselves and the ways we have learned over these years. This is what we want to do.

“We asked the lads to rest as much as possible. I know it’s tough but we have friendly games (for our national teams). It’s important to play for our national teams but also to think about the end of the season. I think the best is yet to come.”

Pep Guardiola has been eager to deflect talk of repeating last season’s treble given the number of games remaining for City, who sit third in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Arsenal who are the next visitors to the Etihad Stadium after the break.

But Rodri and the rest of the squad recognise the opportunity that is in front of them.

“I think if you ask ourselves before the season which position we would be able to be in it would be exactly this one,” he said.

“Involved in every competition, wanting to fight for everything and this is the situation that we’re going to get after the international break.

“We can win everything, of course. It will be so, so tough. We asked ourselves at the beginning of the season to put us in a situation where we could at least fight to the end and this is the situation. The job is done up until now and now we have to do the last push.”

Last week’s Champions League draw has once again paired City with Real Madrid, who they beat 5-1 on aggregate in last season’s semi-finals.

It is a special fixture for Madrid native Rodri, who joined City from Real’s rivals Atletico in 2019.

“In my case, (we’ve played them) four times in five years since I’m here,” he said. “Yeah, we like Madrid. My home, my city. It is what it is.

“To be honest I loved what happened (in the draw) – the second game at home was the key, for me, not so much the team you draw. We have it in the quarter-finals and if we go through in the semi-finals. So we were kind of lucky in the draw.”

The match will put Rodri up against England international Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park.

“We know how he is as a player, tactically and with the quality,” Rodri said. “We know that Real Madrid is not just one player, we always said this.

“We have to focus on ourselves more than the opponent. We’ve seen in the past year that with the best performance, City can beat anyone. And this is my only target until the end of the season.”

Carney Chukwuemeka praised “big brother” Raheem Sterling after the England forward endured a mixed afternoon during Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Leicester.

Sterling left the field late in the second half to a smattering of applause but also audible boos, with fans near the Stamford Bridge dugout having implored manager Mauricio Pochettino to substitute him.

Earlier he had missed two golden chances to help wrap up the game, which Chelsea eventually won 4-2 with stoppage-time goals from substitutes Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke.

He received scorn from sections of the home support for taking the ball out of the hands of regular penalty taker Cole Palmer after winning a first-half spot-kick, which he subsequently saw saved by Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.

And there was further ire when he whacked a free-kick from 20 yards high into the stand behind the goal, with Pochettino loudly jeered as he opted to withdraw Mykhailo Mudryk – who had a fine game – rather than Sterling in the 78th minute.

The 29-year-old England international was eventually replaced four minutes from the end.

Match-winner Chukwuemeka, who netted his first Stamford Bridge goal to make it 3-2 two minutes into added time, made a robust defence of Sterling, citing him as a key influence amongst Chelsea’s young squad.

“Raheem is an experienced player, he’s had an amazing career,” he said. “We know what a great footballer he is. He’s contributed to goals, assists, won so many penalties for the team this season.

“It happens. He’s human. Players miss chances, have an off day. We stay behind him. He still got an assist for Cole’s goal (which put Chelsea 2-0 up).

“For us youngsters, especially me, Noni and Cole, he’s helped us a lot since we came. He’s always on us, showing us what we can do better, what we can improve on, outside of football as well as in.

“He’s a big part. He’s like my big brother.”

It was just Chukwuemeka’s second goal for Chelsea since joining from Aston Villa in August 2022.

The 20-year-old underwent surgery on a knee injury in August, returning to action only in February.

His goal to effectively settle the tie against Leicester came after a sublime flick to set him up by Palmer, who was excellent again.

“(Palmer) makes a massive difference,” said Chukwuemeka. “Even in training we’re always finding each other, we’re linking up well. As soon as I played it to him, I knew I was getting it back.

“He even told me before he game that when I come on he’s going to assist me. We have that combination together which is good. Hopefully we can build on it.

“I never lost faith and belief in myself. Even when I got injured, I just thought it was a bump in the road, a trial that I need to overcome.

“I know what I can do and hopefully I can keep showing everyone.”

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott believes their challenge for the Premier League and in Europe will benefit from a disappointing FA Cup exit to Manchester United as it will free up space in the calendar.

The 20-year-old tried to put a positive spin on their chaotic 4-3 extra-time quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford by suggesting it will allow them extra days for recovery.

Manager Jurgen Klopp admitted in the aftermath of defeat it was the first time he had seen his players struggle physically as they played their 46th game of a season which has at least another 12 fixtures and potentially more if they get past Atalanta in the Europa League’s last eight.

The cup exit equates to, at most, only two fewer games but it does mean their league match at Fulham scheduled for April 20 will not be shunted into midweek, especially as the club still have a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park to fit in.

“Now we can focus on other things, it frees up a few weeks for us,” said Elliott, who came off the bench to put Liverpool 3-2 up in extra time.

“Not as many games any more so the lads can be fresh and we can recover properly and focus on the rest of the season.”

The defeat was only Liverpool’s third in domestic competition this season, and of the two they lost in Europe one was a dead rubber against Union Saint-Gilloise.

However, while it was a blow, especially losing to their arch-rivals, Elliott insists the players will not allow it to put a dent in their ambitions for the rest of the season.

“Our confidence is always there, it isn’t going to affect us at all,” he added.

“Yeah, we’re going to be annoyed that we didn’t win but we’re going away with internationals now, so we can forget about it and come back after the break fresh again ready to crack down and fight for the rest of the season.

“Confidence-wise it’s not going to do anything to us because we had the game in our hands, had many chances but just didn’t put them away.

“It’s always going to be there and we just need to keep going as a team.”

Klopp has seen enough of his squad, especially some of their comebacks this season to snatch late victories, to be confident they will not allow the setback to derail them when they return at home to Brighton on March 31.

“We’ve played football for ages and you lose games – if that always leads to a mental state or situation where you need help… it’s just a normal thing,” he said.

“We all fail on a daily basis, maybe without even recognising it – we just get along with it.

“I got the question already (about) what kind of reaction I expect now. Nothing, they go to their countries and I hope they come back and have nothing (injury-wise) and then we think about Brighton when they come back.

“In general the team is in an outstanding situation in the moment. That we got through all of these different, difficult situations is absolutely exceptional.”

In the wake of his successful re-election as president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) on Sunday, Michael Ricketts is poised to lead the charge in revitalizing football in Jamaica. Ricketts and his team secured victory in the elections held at the Royalton Regency in Negril, defeating Raymond Anderson and his RSA team with a vote tally of 39-17.

Reflecting on his campaign and victory, Ricketts while speaking with Sportsmax.TV, expressed both gratitude for the support received and a cautious optimism about the road ahead. He was also confident of victory.

"Let me first say thanks to the Father up above, who would have given me the mental strength to have gone through this campaign, which was terrible but I have so much to be thankful for. We had always canvassed the numbers and we were almost spot on because we had a meeting two days ago and we came out 40-16, so we would have lost one of those votes and it ended up at 39-17,” he stated.

As he looked ahead, Ricketts said his new administration would be looking to right some of the wrongs made during his previous administration.

“We have always been confident but guarded in our utterances. We would have made mistakes so the onus is now on us to ensure that we put some corrective measures in place as we try to move the football forward," Ricketts remarked, highlighting the need for prudence and diligence in addressing past shortcomings.

In his commitment to effecting positive change, Ricketts disclosed plans for reform within the JFF's leadership structure. Notably, he announced that Raymond Anderson would not be returning as a vice president in his administration. Instead, Ricketts introduced new vice presidents, including Gregory Daley, Elaine Walker-Brown, and Barry Watson, while also welcoming Rudolph Speid and Bruce Gaynor as ordinary members to the now 11-member board.

Addressing a pressing issue, Ricketts provided an update on the ongoing dispute with the senior Reggae Girlz over unpaid fees. He expressed optimism about recent developments, indicating progress towards resolution.

"Well, their representative has actually written to say that the girls have now agreed that we have paid them in full so I hope that that is the start of the process of rebuilding that relationship and getting these players to represent this beautiful land of ours," Ricketts affirmed, signaling a positive step forward in the effort to mend fences with the national team players.

Looking ahead to the future of Jamaican football, Ricketts pledged to engage stakeholders and pursue growth opportunities within the sport. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and inclusivity, he underscored his commitment to working with individuals dedicated to advancing football in Jamaica.

"Our new committees will be put in place before this week ends and the work starts immediately. During this campaign period, I would have come across some persons who seriously have an interest in growing the sport. We will definitely be engaging some of these persons as we try to improve the brand and to grow football," Ricketts concluded

The Premier League has paused for the final international break of the season and when it resumes at the end of the month it is full tilt towards the finishing line.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are locked in an enthralling title race, while things at the other end are just as fascinating with the prospect of seven clubs still fighting for survival.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the key issues that will be resolved after the international break.

Title race

Traditionally, this is the time of season that Manchester City click into gear and go on a winning spree which ends with them lifting the title. And few would bet against them doing so again as Pep Guardiola’s side have been there and done that and are looking ominously good.

Their next game could have a big bearing on the outcome of the title race as Arsenal, a point ahead of Guardiola’s men, visit the Etihad Stadium. The Gunners sit top on goal difference having won their last eight games, but this is usually when their campaign falters and it will be interesting to see how they have learned from last season’s capitulation.

Liverpool are level on points with the Gunners and will want to give Jurgen Klopp the perfect send-off by lifting the title. They have had a brilliant season and have overcome injuries in recent weeks but their Thursday night schedule in pursuit of Europa League glory could also have an impact. But, whatever happens, there are sure to be plenty of twists and turns in the final 10 games.

European qualification

Aside from those three clubs in the title race there are up to eight clubs who have realistic ambition of qualifying for European football in one of the three competitions.

Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United are eyeing the big prize of the Champions League, which is definitely earned by finishing fourth and possibly also fifth – depending on how English teams fare in the knockout stages of this season’s European competitions. Villa seem to be hanging on to fourth place after a jittery period while Spurs’ inconsistency has seen them fail to take advantage. United have also had the same problem and seem an outside bet to make the top four.

The race for a top-six finish, which would most likely guarantee Europa League football is just as fascinating as West Ham and Brighton are hot on the heels of United. The Hammers, who are also juggling Thursday night commitments, have overcome a sticky period that saw David Moyes defending his record and are looking strong, while Brighton have been hit by injuries but are still in the mix.

Assuming seventh place is rewarded with a Europa Conference League position, which is highly likely, then a number of clubs are in the hunt. Wolves, Newcastle, Chelsea and even Fulham could all eye a late dart up the table.

Beating the drop

Exactly what is going to happen in the relegation fight could depend on the Premier League as Nottingham Forest and Everton could both be docked points for breaching financial rules. How many get deducted and the outcome of any appeal will affect a host of teams and could keep Sheffield United and Burnley interested when ordinarily they would be certainties to go down.

Luton could also benefit as they are still very much in touch even if no points are taken off as they look to complete an impressive first season at this level. Brentford and Crystal Palace will be also keeping a close eye on matters and they could be pulled into danger if they end the season poorly.