Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui faces a period on the sidelines after medical tests showed up an inflammation issue relating to his heart.

The Morocco international tested positive for COVID-19 at the World Cup, Bayern said on Friday.

He returned to the team for the Qatar 2022 semi-final against France after missing the last-eight clash with Portugal, but subsequent tests have shown Mazraoui has a mild inflammation of the pericardium, which is the fluid-filled fibrous sac surrounding the heart.

Bayern travelled without him on Friday to a training camp in Doha, and the club have not specified a timeframe for Mazraoui's absence from the squad.

Newspaper Bild has reported the 25-year-old former Ajax player could be out of action for four to six weeks. That would make Mazraoui a doubt for the February 14 first leg of Bayern's Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Bundesliga leaders said in a statement on their website: "Noussair Mazraoui was not able to fly with the Bayern team to Doha on Friday as they prepare for the second half of the season at their training camp.

"The 25-year-old Morocco international tested positive for COVID-19 during the World Cup in December, meaning he missed the quarter-final against Portugal.

"During a follow-up examination in Munich after the World Cup, FC Bayern team doctor Professor Dr Roland Schmidt diagnosed a mild inflammation of the pericardium, which the defender will now cure.

"This means that Mazraoui will not be available to coach Julian Nagelsmann for the time being."

Bayern signed up Dutch defender Daley Blind on Thursday to fortify their squad ahead of the resumption of the Bundesliga after its extended winter break.

The 10-in-a-row German champions return to domestic action against RB Leipzig on January 20.

Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer also missed the beginning of the training camp due to flu, with plans for him to make the trip to Qatar once well.

Massimiliano Allegri believes Champions League qualification, rather than the Scudetto, remains Juventus' aim for the season despite their remarkable upturn in form.

Ahead of Saturday's meeting with Udinese, Juventus have won seven consecutive Serie A matches without conceding, putting them within seven points of league leaders Napoli.

The Bianconeri's tally of 11 Serie A clean sheets is a joint-high in the big five European leagues this season (alongside Barcelona), helping them turn their campaign around in dramatic fashion after Allegri came under pressure before the World Cup. 

While some have suggested Napoli's midweek defeat to Inter opens the title race up to several teams, Allegri says a top-four finish remains a more realistic aim for his men.

Asked how Napoli's first Serie A loss of the season impacted Juventus' title hopes, Allegri said: "They don't change. Napoli are the clear favourites, they are many points ahead after 16 games. 

"They've had a stoppage and that's it, but I'd say that Napoli are having an extraordinary year and are still the clear favourites. 

"Then there's the Inter and Milan. Our goal is to stay in the top four and play for our chances in the Coppa Italia and Europa League."

Juventus are set to receive a further boost when they host Andrea Sottil's team, with Angel Di Maria available for the first time since scoring in Argentina's thrilling World Cup final triumph against France last month.

"Tomorrow, returning to the stadium with our fans and with the stadium full will be a good opportunity for us," Allegri said.

"We have recovered Di Maria. [Leandro] Paredes is improving in condition. Bremer is a bit tired and I will evaluate their conditions today."

Allegri introduced winger Federico Chiesa after 55 minutes in Wednesday's 1-0 win at Cremonese, for just his third Serie A appearance since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament last January.

While the Bianconeri boss is uncertain whether Chiesa is ready to start, he is enthused by the Italy international's recovery and expects him to have some level of participation.

"The other day he played one half if you consider added time. Those who enter the second half with added time always play almost one half anyway," Allegri said. "Chiesa did well, physically he needed a match like this, picking up the pace a lot. 

"He's growing in his condition; I don't know if I'll be able to get him to start, but the more he goes on the more playing time he puts in. I'm very happy."

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri led a period of silence at his pre-match press conference for Gianluca Vialli, who has died at the age of 58.

The Bianconeri legend, who also represented Sampdoria, Chelsea and Italy, was originally diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and, after announcing he had been given the all-clear in April 2020, he was re-diagnosed the following year. 

Juve paid a glowing tribute to their former striker, a Champions League winner with the club in 1996, before Allegri asked the assembled media to join him in remembering Vialli and another club legend Ernesto Castano, who died this week, prior to answering questions on his side's fixture with Udinese on Saturday.

"Before starting the press conference, it is necessary to remember Ernesto Castano and Gianluca Vialli," he said.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Vialli and they are two players who have given so much to Juventus and to the Italian national team. I ask you to hold a minute of silence for them.

"Both as a player but above all as a man, Vialli is an example to follow and we will all miss him.

"The memory is what he leaves to the youngsters. The expression of how he interpreted and lived the matches, with his technique, heart and passion."

Vialli scored 259 goals in 673 club matches, as well as netting 16 times in 59 appearances for Italy.

He became player-manager of Chelsea in February 1998 and won an EFL Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup double that season, while he also lifted the FA Cup as Blues boss.

Vialli was part of Roberto Mancini's coaching staff for Italy's successful Euro 2020 campaign.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced a minute's silence would be held prior to this weekend's matches in Italy, while the body's president Gabriele Gravina paid his own respects.

"I am deeply saddened by the news," Gravina said.

"I hoped right up until the final seconds that another miracle would appear, yet I'm consoled by what he gave to football in Italy and the Azzurri shirt, and that will always be remembered. 

"Gianluca was a wonderful person and will leave a big hole in the national team and in everyone who knew his extraordinary human qualities."

Gianluca Vialli has died at the age of 58.

The former Italy, Chelsea, Sampdoria and Juventus player was originally diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and, after announcing he had been given the all-clear in April 2020, he was re-diagnosed the following year. 

Vialli left his role as a coach with Italy's national team in December due to complications with the disease.

He had hoped the move away from his job would be a temporary one, though reports emerged that Vialli's family had flown to London to visit him in hospital.

His passing was confirmed on Friday, with tributes pouring in from across the world of football and beyond.

A striker in his playing days, Vialli spent much of his career at Sampdoria before joining Juve in 1992.

He moved to Chelsea four years later and in February 1998 was named player-manager after Ruud Gullit's sacking, becoming the first Italian to manage in the Premier League.

Vialli enjoyed success, going on to guide the Blues to an EFL Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup double, making him the youngest manager to win a UEFA tournament at the age of 33 years and 308 days, a record that stood for over a decade.

In Vialli's first full season as player-manager, Chelsea claimed third spot – at the time their best finish in the Premier League – and also beat Real Madrid to win the Super Cup. The following campaign saw the Blues reach the Champions League quarter-finals and win the FA Cup.

Vialli, who made 59 appearances for Italy between 1985 and 1992, departed Chelsea shortly into the 2000-01 campaign and later had a brief spell with Watford.

Paris Saint-Germain are regularly a topic of transfer speculation, with plenty of discussion around Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi recently.

But Neymar is another who has been linked with a move away from Parc des Princes in the past, having been with PSG since 2017.

The former Barcelona forward signed a contract extension in 2021 after originally joining on a five-year deal.

TOP STORY – PSG OPEN TO OFFERS FOR NEYMAR IN JANUARY

Paris Saint-Germain have put Brazil superstar Neymar up for sale, according to Fichajes.

The French champions are willing to listen to offers for the 30-year-old, who is contracted until 2025.

The report claims PSG have lowered their price to €50million, which may attract the likes of Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester City.

ROUND-UP

– The Mail reports Manchester United have opened talks with Monaco defender Axel Disasi, although the 24-year-old is also being tracked by a few other Premier League clubs.

– Manchester United target Mohammed Kudus has had a £40m price tag slapped on him by his Dutch club Ajax, claims The Star. The 22-year-old Ghana midfielder impressed at the World Cup.

– Real Madrid are bullish about their prospects of beating Liverpool in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, claims Marca.

– Calciomercato reports Madrid will rival Juventus in the chase to sign 18-year-old right-back Ivan Fresneda from Real Valladolid.

– Sevilla are circling to sign Sergio Ramos once his PSG contract expires at the end of this season, claims Fichajes, although he will need to take a pay cut for the move to transpire.

– Fabrizio Romano reports struggling Premier League club Southampton have agreed to a £6m deal to sign Croatia international Mislav Orsic from Dinamo Zagreb.

– Mykhaylo Mudryk has informed Shakhtar Donetsk that he wants to join Arsenal amid talk of interest from Chelsea, reports 90min.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed Jack Butland is set to join the club on loan from Crystal Palace, as he eyed further opportunities to strengthen his squad in January.

United signed Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan deal to provide backup to David de Gea in the last transfer window, but they were left in need of a replacement when the Magpies recalled the Slovakia international on Sunday.

On Thursday, reports suggested the Red Devils were close to sealing a similar deal for Butland – who has made just 10 Premier League appearances since joining Palace from Stoke City in 2020.

Ten Hag confirmed the move was imminent in a press conference looking forward to Friday's FA Cup tie against Everton, emphasising the importance of having a third experienced shot stopper alongside De Gea and Tom Heaton.

"Martin was recalled, and in our setup we need a squad with three experienced goalkeepers," Ten Hag said. 

"We have some young ones and they are doing well, but we have so many games, we need three good goalkeepers in training. If there are problems, we need experience in goal.

"I'm really happy with David, that is quite clear – he's our number one and he's performing really well. But as I always say, something can happen with David.

"You have to be prepared for when you are unlucky. Last year I had a situation with Ajax where we had three goalkeepers injured. 

"You don't want a situation at the end of the season – when hopefully you can play for trophies – where you have to put in a young goalkeeper.

"You can't expect it from a young goalkeeper and it can kill your season. That's what you have to be prepared for."

United are also reportedly in the market for attacking reinforcements, with only Marcus Rashford (seven) scoring more than three Premier League goals for the side this term.

The likes of Joao Felix and Olivier Giroud have been linked with loan moves to Old Trafford as United seek a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ten Hag says the club will look to be active. 

Asked if United were looking to make more signings, Ten Hag said: "We always have to look for that. We push the players because good is not good enough.

"Also as an organisation, we have to push each other. When there are opportunities, at the top, you always have to be ready. My main focus is to get a better team, to improve the team."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta reiterated keeping Lionel Messi at the club in 2021 was impossible because the club was "in ruins" financially.

Having come through Barca's academy, Messi's departure ended a 21-year association and highlighted the seriousness of the club's economic issues.

Messi's contract expired at the end of the 2020-21 season, and although he technically became a free agent, it was widely assumed Barca would re-sign him to a new deal once room was made in the budget.

But Barca – whose debts were at €1.35billion in August 2021 – had their LaLiga salary cap slashed by €280million ahead of the 2021-22 campaign as a result of their financial problems.

As such, even with a 50 per cent wage reduction reportedly agreed, Barca still could not afford to sign Messi to a new deal, and Spanish employment law forbids employers decreasing wages beyond 50 per cent.

"I had to put Barca ahead of the best player in the history of football," Laporta told Cadena SER.

"In those moments of financial ruin I couldn't keep him. I think it was the best thing for the club."

Of course, Messi continues to be linked with a return to Barca with his Paris Saint-Germain contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Similarly, reports suggest Messi has already agreed an extension with PSG, the announcement simply delayed by his participation in – and time off after – the World Cup.

Laporta was not eager to anger PSG – with whom Barca share a frosty relationship – by speaking about Messi, though his regret about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner not having a greater send-off might be interpreted by some as him hinting at a potential second chance.

"I prefer not to talk about Leo because he is a PSG player, as then [if I spoke about him] there are missiles that come from everywhere," he added. "We are focused on the players who are ours.

"Leo will always be part of our emblem, and I would like him to have a different ending to the one he had."

Lazio have condemned the "despicable, shameful and anachronistic" racist abuse aimed at Lecce players Samuel Umtiti and Lameck Banda in Wednesday's Serie A match.

Lecce's 2-1 comeback victory at Stadio Via del Mare was overshadowed by a section of Lazio fans in the away end aiming abuse towards Umtiti and Banda.

The game was halted for several minutes and a message was played over the announcer system warning the contest would not resume if the chants continued.

Umtiti's name was chanted by home fans in solidarity and the centre-back personally asked for the match to resume, though he reportedly left the field in tears at full-time.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino called out the latest example of racist abuse in Italian football, coming on the day the Serie A season resumed from its near-two-month break.

In a statement released on Thursday, Lazio vowed to do everything they can to find those responsible, but they denied the club's supporters as a whole are racist.

"During the Lecce-Lazio match, the referee was forced to stop the match due to racist howls towards a player from the home team," the statement read.

"Lazio has always opposed all forms of racism and discrimination with all the means available.

"Initiatives are in place aimed at repressing these phenomena, making its fans aware of this issue and acting in the appropriate offices to protect its image.

"Even today, Lazio condemns those who have become the protagonists of this despicable, shameful and anachronistic gesture.

"We will, as always, offer the maximum collaboration to the authorities to identify those responsible. 

"Lazio fans are not racist and cannot be associated with a few individuals who seriously harm the club's image."

Ciro Immobile had given fifth-place Lazio the lead prior to Gabriel Strefezza and Lorenzo Colombo striking in the second half for Lecce, who moved up to 12th in Serie A.

Jordan Nobbs has been backed to "cement her place" in the England team after ending a 12-year Arsenal career by making a surprise move to Aston Villa.

The 69-cap midfielder is a former Lionesses vice-captain whose career has been hit by knee and ankle injuries in recent seasons.

The switch to Women's Super League rivals Villa, announced on Thursday, gives Nobbs a fresh start as she seeks regular club football.

Nobbs was recalled by Sarina Wiegman to the England squad after missing the Euro 2022 win through injury, and the 30-year-old has now signed an 18-month deal with Villa, hoping it will be the springboard to a key role with the Lionesses at the 2023 World Cup.

Daughter of former Hartlepool defender Keith Nobbs, Nobbs joined Arsenal from Sunderland in August 2010 and won WSL titles in 2011, 2012 and 2019 with the Gunners, also winning the Women's FA Cup four times.

She hit 81 goals in 270 games for Arsenal, the north London club said.

Villa manager Carla Ward said: "This is a big signing for us and Jordan is one of the country's most decorated footballers. She's a winner and will bring a wealth of experience that her new team-mates will thrive off."

Ward told Villa's website: "We're delighted to secure her signature and we hope this move can help the football club as well as cement her place back in the international set-up."

Arsenal sporting director Edu described Nobbs as "a wonderful servant" to the club who had "written her name into the Arsenal history books".

Frank Lampard knows Everton need results but has not sought any reassurances over the security of his job.

After a 4-1 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday, Everton slumped into the Premier League's bottom three following West Ham's draw with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest's victory over Southampton.

The Saints are Everton's next opponent in the top flight, on January 14, though the focus is now on an FA Cup trip to Manchester United that, according to some reports, the Toffees must win in order for Lampard to keep his job.

Appointed as Rafael Benitez's replacement in January 2022, Lampard managed to keep Everton up last season, though has won just nine league games out of 36 and a relegation scrap looks likely again this term.

Lampard claimed after the Brighton game that he was confident he could turn Everton's form around, and ahead of Friday's trip to Old Trafford, he said: "I've never and would never seek reassurances.

"Part of my job is to focus on the job at hand, day to day, game to game. That's an absolute reality. I don't need reassurance.

"I come to work to try and improve a little bit every day – myself, the team, the squad, everything. I'm not hunting around for any reassurances.

"I feel that we're in that process. I'm not silly, we need to get results, we want to stay in this league.

"We've just slipped into the bottom three, that's not my major concern, when you're around here, that's the reality. If we win our next league game, we'd be out of the bottom three, probably.

"That's part of the process, I can't affect anything other than that. I was very aware of what I came to do, I want to be a success at this club and any challenges that come I'll take them head on and try and enjoy them – I enjoy working at this club, it's a real honour for me.

"I take my responsibility as a manager of the club. We had a strategic review because we wanted to look at how we could be better in every department. I'd be superman if I could be in charge of every department, they're not all my roles. There's a lot of work to do to be better in every way, on and off the pitch, that's what great clubs do."

Everton reportedly had a loan move for Danny Ings rejected by Aston Villa on Wednesday, and Lampard reiterated signings are needed.

"Loans or buying players, all things are on the table," he said.

"We want to improve and help the squad but my job is to work with the players we have now and how we can get a result against United and Southampton. If we can improve and help the squad, great. It's not an easy window but it feels like we need it."

Benfica do not want to sell Enzo Fernandez, says Roger Schmidt, who has been angered by Chelsea's approach for the midfielder.

Chelsea want to sign Fernandez, who only joined Benfica from River Plate last year, on the back of the 21-year-old's excellent World Cup displays for Argentina in Qatar.

A deal looked likely to be struck earlier this week when reports claimed Chelsea were willing to meet the release clause in Fernandez's contract, which is rumoured to be £106million (€120m).

That would make Fernandez a record signing for a Premier League club, yet reports on Wednesday suggested the proposed move had hit a stumbling block after Chelsea attempted to negotiate a lower fee.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of Benfica's meeting with Portimonense, Schmidt appeared to confirm these reports as he hit out at what he believes are underhand tactics.

"We don't want to sell Enzo, neither I nor the president," he told reporters on Thursday.

"We all know he has a clause in his contract. If he wants to leave and if someone meets this clause, we can do nothing. 

"There is a club that wants the player, that knows we don't want to sell, that tries to put the player on their side when they know that the only way to get him is to beat the clause. 

"The situation is very clear. What that club is doing to try to sign Enzo is [showing] a lack of respect for Benfica."

"I cannot accept what they are doing. They try to drive the player crazy, pretending they're going to pay the clause and then say they want to negotiate.

"I think that's not the way for two clubs to have good relations."

Fernandez missed multiple training sessions last week, having returned to Argentina without Benfica's permission.

"Enzo is a very good boy and a fantastic player. We like him very much and we want him to stay. But his situation is not easy," Schmidt explained.

"He played in a World Cup, was world champion and there's a lot of money on the table. 

"A player can get confused when he thinks about it and I think it's a situation that everyone understands. He wasn't allowed to go to Argentina, he missed training and that's not acceptable. There will be consequences, I won't say what."

Chelsea have completed the signing of Benoit Badiashile from Monaco.

Badiashile has signed a seven-and-a-half-year contract after Chelsea paid a fee reportedly in the region of €38million (£33.7m).

The 21-year-old centre-back has been a regular in Monaco's defence since breaking into the first team in the 2018-19 season.

Chelsea were keen to improve their options in defence, with a left-sided player coveted following Antonio Rudiger's move to Real Madrid.

The Blues reportedly wanted to sign Josko Gvardiol, who starred for Croatia at the World Cup, but were unable to agree a fee with RB Leipzig.

Chelsea signed Wesley Fofana for £75m in August, but the former Leicester City defender has suffered several injury setbacks.

Badiashile, with 106 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco to his name, brings plenty of experience as well as adding a youthful flavour to a defence that also includes Kalidou Koulibaly and veteran campaigner Thiago Silva.

He becomes Chelsea's second signing of the transfer window, after the arrival of David Datro Fofana, while Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos is also set to join.

"I'm very happy to be here at Chelsea," Badiashile told the club's official website. "I'm so excited to start playing for this club. I can't wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world."

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly added: "We're delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea. He's an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age.

"We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead."

Chelsea also want to bring in Enzo Fernandez, after the Benfica midfielder impressed for Argentina in Qatar.

A deal appeared likely earlier this week, but on Thursday Chelsea's approach was criticised by Benfica coach Roger Schmidt, who accused the Blues of showing a lack of respect in how they have gone about negotiations.

Antonio Mateu Lahoz will not referee a LaLiga fixture this weekend after dishing out a flurry of cards in Barcelona's ill-tempered 1-1 draw with Espanyol last Saturday.

Lahoz was widely criticised for his performance in a fiery Catalan derby on New Year's Eve, having sent Jordi Alba and Vinicius Souza off and booked another 11 players along with Barca head coach Xavi.

Espanyol were perhaps fortunate to avoid going down to nine men in the aftermath of Souza's dismissal, with a VAR review saving Leandro Cabrera after he was initially shown a red card for an apparent stamp on Robert Lewandowski.

Having been dismissed for two bookable offences, Barcelona defender Alba said Lahoz had forgotten about his first yellow card when he issued a second for dissent.

Lahoz was in the thick of the action once again on Wednesday, sending Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli to the stands just 18 minutes into their 5-0 Copa del Rey win over Linares.

On Thursday, the Spanish Football Federation issued a list of refereeing appointments for the 16th round of fixtures of the LaLiga season, with Lahoz conspicuous by his absence.

Lahoz was described as "useless" by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after taking charge of the Albiceleste's World Cup quarter-final win against the Netherlands last month.

Lionel Messi also made his feelings on Lahoz's performance clear after the 45-year-old showed 15 yellow cards at Lusail Stadium, saying the official was "not up to it".

Eden Hazard played like "he didn't care" during Real Madrid's 1-0 Copa del Rey victory over Cacereno, according to opponent Carmelo Mereciano.

Madrid secured their place in the round of 16 with a narrow win over their fourth-tier opponents on Tuesday, thanks to a superb 69th-minute strike from Rodrygo.

However, the performance of Hazard came under fire as he failed to register a shot or even a touch in Cacereno's penalty area before he was hauled off by Carlo Ancelotti in the 68th minute.

Cacereno winger Mereciano was not impressed by the display of the former Belgium international, who signed for Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 for a reported €100 million fee.

"Hazard? It was like he didn't care about the game," Mereciano told AS. "He didn't want to take the ball, he didn't run.

"He was totally unnoticed."

Hazard struggled to make an impact on what was a rare appearance for Madrid, having featured just seven times for Los Blancos in all competitions this season.

Ancelotti defended the 31-year-old after the match, partly blaming Cacereno's poor pitch for his limited attacking output.

"You can't play football [on Cacereno’s pitch]," Ancelotti told reporters. "I liked [Hazard].

"It's difficult to evaluate players individually, it was impossible to play. Smaller players like Hazard or Rodrygo suffer more, but he delivered."

Inter remain hopeful of agreeing a new contract with in-demand defender Milan Skriniar, but chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has warned the Nerazzurri "cannot do the impossible".

Skriniar, who was strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in the last transfer window, could be set to leave San Siro on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.

Premier League sides Chelsea and Tottenham have also been touted as possible destinations for a player who reportedly attracted a PSG bid of €50million plus add-ons in August.

Key figures at Inter have repeatedly stressed the importance of agreeing fresh terms with Skriniar, but Marotta has warned there is only so much the Serie A giants can do.

"There are other teams grappling with these situations. We are negotiating a renewal with his representatives because we believe Milan deserves to be part of our staff in the present and future," Marotta told DAZN on Wednesday. 

"We presented an offer to him and hope to soon reach a conclusion.

"In life I'm always optimistic, but in this case optimism is linked to realism. We know we can do a lot, but we cannot do the impossible."

Inter made a successful return to league action on Wednesday, defeating Scudetto favourites Napoli 1-0 at San Siro to move into Serie A's top four – and within eight points of the summit.

However, the Nerazzurri's supporters should not expect a plethora of mid-season arrivals to boost their title hopes, with Marotta outlining the difficulties of the January transfer window.

"In the winter transfer window, you don't always find correct valuations; there aren't always opportunities that are up to the standards of the current squad," he added.

"The team right now is satisfying and we have the utmost respect for them, then we'll see if there are any opportunities."