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."

Robert Lewandowski will miss Barcelona's LaLiga trip to Atletico Madrid on Sunday after his three-game suspension was upheld by Spain's Sports Administrative Court.

The Poland striker was issued the extended ban for a gesture made towards referee Gil Manzano after being shown two yellow cards in November's 2-1 win at Osasuna.

Barcelona appealed the Spanish Football Federation's decision and Lewandowski was allowed to play in last week's 1-1 draw with Espanyol, much to the Periquitos' anger.

Head coach Xavi said on Tuesday he was hopeful the 34-year-old, who has 18 goals in 20 games this season, would also be eligible for the showdown with Atletico.

However, it was confirmed on Wednesday that Barca were unsuccessful with their latest appeal, meaning Lewandowski will miss the match at Estadio Metropolitano.

The ban does not cover Copa del Rey or Supercopa de Espana ties, so Lewandowski will also sit out the LaLiga meetings with Getafe and Girona before the end of January.

Speaking last month, Lewandowski questioned the severity of the punishment and said it would be "painful" to watch three matches from the stands.

Lewandowski also insisted the gesture that landed him in trouble was in fact aimed at Xavi, not the referee.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich star was not part of Barca's squad for Wednesday's Copa del Rey round-of-32 tie with Intercity.

"Lewandowski's absence on Sunday is a setback and it is unexpected," Xavi said after his side's 4-3 victory against the lower-tier opposition.

"We have no choice but to now obey it as we did when they told us he couldn't play against Espanyol."

Manchester United continue to be the centre of plenty of January transfer window speculation.

Erik ten Hag's side are likely to be active in the transfer market following Cristiano Ronaldo's exit.

United are in the mix for a top-four finish but want to bolster their squad in January to boost their chances.

TOP STORY – MAN UTD TO OFFER €4M FOR WANTAWAY ATLETICO STAR

Manchester United are some way from making an agreement with Atletico Madrid on a loan deal for Joao Felix, with the Red Devils prepared to offer only €4million (£3.5m), reports Relevo.

According to the report, Atleti want €12-13m (£10.6m-£11.4m) for the 23-year-old Portuguese striker.

There has been no shortage of clubs linked with Felix, including Arsenal, but United are firmly in the mix for a cut-price forward option.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea are willing to beat any offer Arsenal make for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to the Independent. The Mail claims the Ukrainian club will turn down Arsenal's latest £62m offer.

–  Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the availability of Real Madrid's 18-year-old Nico Paz, claims Defensa Central. Real Valladolid and Getafe are also keen on taking him on loan.

– Sky Germany reports Liverpool's Roberto Firmino is drawing interest from Saudi Arabian clubs but the Brazilian is leaning towards extending his Anfield stay.

– Sport claims Barcelona will sign Inigo Martinez from Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires in mid-year.

– Barcelona are willing to let 20-year-old midfielder Ansu Fati go out on loan during the January transfer window to make space for new signings, reports Fichajes.

– Fabrizio Romano reports that Ajax have reached full agreement with Villarreal on a deal for Argentinian goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who will travel to Amsterdam to sign and undergo medical tests in the next 24 hours.

– Manchester United have missed out on signing Borussia Monchengladbach's Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer who has reached a verbal agreement to join Bayern Munich, according to Sky Germany.

Milan have signed goalkeeper Devis Vasquez from Club Guarani with Mike Maignan still out of action.

The 24-year-old Colombian completed his medical on Monday, with his departure from the Paraguayan club for San Siro confirmed on Tuesday.

Vasquez has signed a deal with the Serie A champions until June 2026 and his arrival comes with Maignan still absent due to a calf injury that ruled the France international out of the World Cup

Rossoneri head coach Stefano Pioli revealed he is not expecting Maignan to be fit for the foreseeable future.

Asked ahead of Wednesday's Serie A clash with Salernitana whether he had a timeframe for Maignan's return, he said: "At this moment no, the evaluations we are making tell us that it is not possible to force now and therefore I do not know how to give a timing on the return. Not soon, I can say that for sure."

Vasquez joins Antonio Mirante and Ciprian Tatarusanu in competing for a starting berth in Maignan's absence.

Stefano Pioli has made it clear Inter's clash with Napoli is not "decisive" in the Serie A title race, with his focus remaining on Milan running their own race.

The champions will resume the season eight points behind Napoli and will be hoping for assistance from their city rivals in their quest to close the gap when they face the leaders at San Siro on Wednesday

Head coach Pioli says Milan must focus on their own game following a break for the World Cup.

"We don't have to race anyone but ourselves. To win the championship you will need more than 85 points," he told a press conference ahead of Wednesday's clash against Salernitana.

"We have the chance to do better than last year, but we have to push hard. I think it is very correct not to go too far with those thoughts, but to think about tomorrow, when we will find a warm environment and a tough opponent: that's what we need to start well.

"[Inter versus Napoli is] important yes, not decisive. We don't think about the other games. Let's focus on our stuff and then see. We are the first to play: what matters is our race."

Milan's quest for silverware is not solely focused on Serie A though, with the Supercoppa Italiana later this month presenting Pioli's side with their first chance to lift a trophy, while they are also still competing in the Champions League and Coppa Italia.

"We are in the race on four fronts, and it is certain that we want to win something. We wrote history last year, but in history we want to stay, by winning," he added.

"If we want to consider ourselves a winning team, we have to win something again this year.

"I saw a report on [Rafael] Leao: many goals and assists, but titles won, one. We need to do more. We have four options to do that."

Luciano Spalletti has praised Santos for not retiring Pele's number 10 shirt and hopes Napoli now do the same with Diego Maradona's famous jersey.

Santos announced on Sunday they had dropped plans to leave the number vacant following last week's death of club legend Pele, who previously said he was against the idea.

Napoli retired Maradona's number 10 in 2000, 20 years before his death, as a tribute to the Argentina great's starring role in their only two Serie A title triumphs.

But Spalletti believes making the shirt available again can inspire Napoli's current crop of players, who are on course to end the club's 33-year wait for Scudetto glory.

"I want to congratulate those who decided not to retire Pele's number 10, meeting his request," Spalletti said at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

"When you retire a shirt, you no longer see it. Pele's number should be shown as many times as possible. Congratulations to those who didn't retire the number 10."

Asked directly about Maradona's retired number 10 shirt, Spalletti said: "I think it's correct to wear the number of great players.

"Seeing it every day gives more responsibility to those wearing it and also to their team-mates, who would be motivated to reach that level."

Napoli return to action after the World Cup break with an eight-point lead over Milan at the top of Serie A, having dropped just four points from their opening 14 matches.

The Partenopei have won each of their past 11 Serie A matches – the last team to register a longer streak was Juventus between December 2017 and March 2018 (12 wins).

Spalletti's side face a tough test on Wednesday at fifth-place Inter, whom they have lost their past four league matches against at San Siro.

While a first Scudetto since the days of Maradona is in sight, Spalletti insists he is not obsessed by finishing top.

"The Scudetto is your obsession, not mine," he told reporters. "My obsession is to see this city explode in joy. 

"We have an awareness of what we have done on the pitch. We'll face a great team. We'll play our brand of football which has given benefits to the team.

"Inter are a top team. Over the last three and a half years, they've made investments worthy of a top European club."

Pele's final journey through the streets of Santos saw thousands turn out on Tuesday to bid farewell to the man they knew as 'King'.

The Brazil great's death at the age of 82 was announced last Thursday, with the three-time World Cup winner having suffered from cancer.

He was moved to palliative care early in December after his body stopped responding to treatment, and his death has been felt deeply across the country.

Santos, a municipality close to Sao Paulo, is the city in which Pele spent his entire club career and far beyond.

He was the superstar of the Santos team, whom he represented from 1956 to 1974, scoring 643 goals in 659 matches and resisting opportunities to move to leading European teams.

A 24-hour wake began on Monday, with fireworks set off and flags waved in his honour, and the celebration of his life continued as his coffin left the Vila Belmiro stadium to travel through the city, before heading to the Memorial Necropole Ecumenica.

That is a vertical, high-rise cemetery, with Pele due to be laid to rest on its ninth floor, at a site that overlooks the Vila Belmiro.

Santos City Hall said over 230,000 people had filed past Pele's coffin while it lay at the stadium, and crowds gathered outside as it left.

The cortege travelled along the beach front, with his coffin resting on top of a fire engine, draped in a Brazil flag.

Many walked alongside and behind, with Santos flags waved and applause by long-time admirers.

The coffin passed by the home of Pele's 100-year-old mother.

On Santos beach, overhead shots showed a view of a message inside a heart, etched onto the sand, reading: "Pele will be eternal."

Former Reggae Boyz striker Dever Orgill has signed for Turkish team Bodrumspor.

Orgill spent last season at Manisa FK, also in Turkey, scoring three goals in 10 matches in a season where he was plagued with injury.

“We signed a contract with Dever Orgill, the Jamaican footballer who wore Manisa FK jersey last season. We wish him success in the Bodrumspor uniform,” the team said on its Facebook page.

Bodrumspor finished third in the TTF Second League last season.

Orgill scored four goals in 18 appearances for the Reggae Boyz between 2010 and 2019.

Roma director Tiago Pinto is confident Jose Mourinho will remain as head coach of the Serie A club, despite being strongly linked with the vacant Portugal job.

Portugal are on the lookout for a new boss following the departure of Fernando Santos after last month's disappointing defeat to Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Mourinho is one of a number of names reportedly in the frame, while the 59-year-old has also been touted as a possible target for Brazil after Tite stepped aside.

However, Pinto expects the Portuguese to stay at Stadio Olimpico, where he is under contract until the end of the 2023-24 season.

"When you get a coach like Mourinho, you must be accustomed to rumours," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

"This was the first time in 18 months that a club or a federation were interested in him. We had no distractions at our training camp in the Algarve, we were only focused on work. 

"I am Portuguese and every time we change coach, Mourinho is mentioned, but we count on him for the future."

Mourinho led Roma to the inaugural Europa Conference League title last season – the Italian side's first European trophy in more than 60 years.

That was Mourinho's fifth continental triumph, having won both the UEFA Cup/Europa League and Champions League on two occasions.

Roma are struggling down in seventh in Serie A ahead of their return to action against Bologna on Wednesday, though, after winning just one of their past five matches.

Mourinho and Roma have also recently come in for criticism from footballers' trade union FIFPRO over its "mobbing campaign" of defender Rick Karsdorp.

The defender was labelled a "traitor" by Mourinho after November's 1-1 draw with Sassuolo, albeit without specifically naming the player, for supposed unprofessional behaviour.

But Pinto has sided with Mourinho and confirmed Karsdorp is up for sale in the January transfer window.

"After Sassuolo and Mourinho's words, the player committed serious professional misconduct by not showing up for training and travelling to Japan with the squad," Pinto said.

"We avoided controversy by working internally with the player's entourage. Ricky is back, he has trained and played.

"FIFPRO made a statement without even talking to Roma. Karsdorp has never been frozen out of the team, despite not showing up twice.

"These things happen in football, but many have forgotten about the best version of Karsdorp, who has started 60 games in 18 months under Mourinho. 

"We accept criticism, but I can't accept that a player makes the most of the situation to affect Roma.

"He is on the market, but he will never leave for free. If he goes, we must find a way to keep the team balanced, but not necessarily by signing a new full-back."

LaLiga has filed charges to a local court relating to the racial abuse aimed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during last week's 2-0 win over Real Valladolid.

Vinicius was targeted by home fans after being substituted late on at Estadio Jose Zorrilla, where Karim Benzema's double secured all three points for Madrid.

The Brazil international criticised LaLiga for its lack of action to eradicate racism, though league chief Javier Tebas said those comments were "unfortunate" and "unfair".

LaLiga on Tuesday moved to punish those responsible for abusing Vinicius by taking the matter further.

"LaLiga has filed the corresponding charges regarding the racist insults directed against footballer Vinicius Jr, before the relevant judicial, administrative and sporting bodies," a statement read.

"A criminal charge for hate crimes has been filed with the Valladolid Magistrates' Courts, supported by audio-visual evidence gathered in the investigation carried out through images and audio clips published on open sources.

"LaLiga has also asked the Valladolid Magistrates' Courts to transfer the complaint to the Public Prosecutor's Office for Hate Crimes so that it can participate in the case.

"In addition, and as has been the case for several seasons, a report of the racist insults has been submitted to the RFEF Competition Committee and the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport, to be studied and assessed for a sanction."

In a social media post following Friday's win over Valladolid, Vinicius said: "Racists continue to go to stadiums and watch the biggest club in the world up close and @LaLiga continues to do nothing..."

Tebas was quick to refute that claim at the time, and LaLiga has now vowed to "increase its ongoing efforts to eradicate any kind of violence, racism or xenophobia inside and outside stadiums".

Tuesday's statement added: "As a result, the number of LaLiga integrity officers present at matches where there is a risk of racist insults will be increased, in order to maximise detection and identification of this type of behaviour, which has no place in sport.

"Furthermore, in stadiums where there is considered to be a risk of possible racist behaviour in the stands, messages will be broadcast over the public address system and advertising hoardings surrounding the pitch to combat and condemn racism.

"LaLiga's objective is zero violence in sport and in order to achieve this, a variety of training, prevention, detection and reporting practices are carried out on each matchday, which are then reported to the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport, as well as to the Public Prosecutor's Office for Hate Crimes. 

"Similarly, LaLiga denounces and takes legal action as a plaintiff in any criminal proceedings related to violent acts occurring in the sphere of football. LaLiga continues to work with clubs, players, authorities and all parties involved in the sport to ensure that there is no place for violent or racist behaviour in football."

Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday a "zero tolerance" policy needs to be taken against racism after the fourth high-profile incident involving Vinicius.

"It's society's problem, it shouldn't exist, for me it has to be zero tolerance," Ancelotti added. "I don't think it's LaLiga's problem. It's a general, cultural problem in society. Society doesn't have the education it should have.

"With such an important issue I wouldn't focus on Vinicius or LaLiga or the punishments. It's much bigger."

Vinicius is not part of Madrid's squad for Tuesday's Copa del Rey round-of-32 tie at lower-tier Cacereno, with Ancelotti opting to rest a number of first-team regulars.

Simone Inzaghi could throw Lautaro Martinez in at the deep end against Napoli and ask the World Cup winner to save Inter's flagging hopes of Serie A glory.

Argentina striker Martinez only arrived back in Italy at the end of last week, having played a part in his national team's Qatar 2022 triumph and subsequent celebrations.

His tournament performances left a little to be desired, but Martinez still emerged with a winner's medal, and Inter head coach Inzaghi believes he has plenty to offer the Nerazzurri.

Inter sit fifth in Serie A after 15 rounds of games, already 11 points behind undefeated leaders Napoli ahead of Wednesday's clash at San Siro.

Inter have won their last four home Serie A matches against Napoli, after victories in just two of the previous seven, and they urgently need to stretch that strong run to shuffle back into the title picture.

"After a long time, I have four forwards available," Inzaghi told a press conference on Tuesday.

"I've never had them in the year that just ended. Lautaro arrived four days ago but trained well, I saw [Angel] Correa better. [Edin] Dzeko and [Romelu] Lukaku had more chances to train with the team, my hope is to be able to have them throughout this tour de force.

"For tomorrow I still have to make evaluations."

Inzaghi, a former striker himself, said there were still "some uncertainties" over who would start in Inter's attack against a team he rates as the continent's best.

Napoli have won their last 11 Serie A matches, with no team having bettered that since Juventus strung 12 together in a row from December 2017 to March 2018.

Martinez has a strong track record against the Naples giants, having scored four goals against them in Serie A, including the third Inter goal in a 3-2 win in this fixture last season. He has only hit more against Salernitana (five) and Cagliari (eight), and three of those four goals have come at San Siro.

He has seven goals in the league already this season.

Inter will be hoping the seven-week break for the World Cup means Napoli are knocked out of their stride, allowing Inzaghi's team to make a whirlwind start to the year.

"We can't wait to start again, we want to take to the field,," Inzaghi said. "Last year it was an exciting match that gave us great impetus.

"It's a very important match where the tension will probably be more on our side but the beauty of football is being able to play matches like this.

"There are 23 games left to go so there are lots of points up for grabs and Inter like others who are chasing have the desire to shorten the lead on what is currently the best team in Europe."

Inzaghi brushed off questioning about Milan Skriniar's future, with the Inter defender now in the final six months of his contract.

"He's an extraordinary boy who gives everything on the pitch," Inzaghi said. "Apart from him, there are several players whose contracts are about to expire, but I know there is a strong club that is always by my side and working for the best in all situations."

Paul Pogba has stepped up his recovery from a knee injury and could make his second Juventus debut later this month, Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed.

The France international has yet to make his first appearance for Juventus since returning on a free transfer from Manchester United ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Pogba sustained a knee issue in pre-season and suffered another setback in October that subsequently ruled him out of the World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking on December 18, Allegri said he was still unsure exactly when Pogba would return to action, with the 29-year-old yet to start running in training at that stage.

However, Allegri provided a more positive update at Tuesday's pre-match press conference ahead of Juve's Serie A clash with Cremonese.

"He's running. The most important thing is that at the moment is that the knee isn't bothering him and it hasn't swollen," Allegri told reporters. 

"If he proceeds like this, maybe within 15-20 days he will be able to be with the team, but it all depends on his evolution.

"When the pace picks up we'll see how much and if he can train with the team. If everything goes smoothly, we'll see step by step."

Juve have six matches to play before the end of January, starting with Wednesday's trip to Cremonese, who are still seeking a first league win of the season.

Leonardo Bonucci and Dusan Vlahovic are among Juve's other absentees, while Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes are doubtful and Federico Chiesa is not fully fit.

Chiesa is on the comeback from a long-term lay-off, while Di Maria and Paredes only returned to Turin on Monday following Argentina's prolonged World Cup celebrations.

Some have questioned whether the pair should have been asked to report back for duty sooner, but Allegri never considered that despite Juve's injury issues.

"No, absolutely not," he said. "We've never had any sort of emergency [with injuries]. The guys who stayed here during the World Cup have worked very well. 

"We have to look between now and June 5. Getting them back a day earlier wouldn't have changed anything. 

"Over there they followed a one-week programme of work and it was right that they enjoyed the week of winning the World Cup, which doesn't happen every year."

Allegri also confirmed he will make a late call on whether to select Wojciech Szczesny, but Brazil trio Danilo, Alex Sandro and Bremer are all available.

Third-place Juve enter the match with Cremonese on a six-game winning run in Serie A without conceding – their best-such run since March 2018 in Allegri's first spell in charge.

Juve, who have won 10 of their past 12 league games played after a break of more than 50 days, are 10 points adrift of leaders Napoli and still fighting on multiple fronts.

"When there are 50 days without playing, only the results will tell if we worked well, if we rested well or not," Allegri said. 

"I think it will be a very good second part of the season. Napoli are the clear favourites for the championship, but there are many points to play for. 

"We have the goal of getting into the top four and then going there to play in the finals of the Coppa Italia and the Europa League."

The Bianconeri have won 1-0 in each of their past three matches on the road in Serie A, against Torino, Lecce and Verona.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham will all reportedly attempt to sign Inter defender Denzel Dumfries after his stellar World Cup performances for the Netherlands.

Dumfries, 26, played in all five of his country's World Cup fixtures, highlighted by a stunning display against the United States in the last 16 where he scored one and assisted two in a 3-1 win.

The marauding right-back has played in all 15 of Inter's Serie A outings this season, making 13 starts, although he has only produced a full 90 minutes on four occasions.

Despite the Italian side rejecting all bids for Dumfries in the previous transfer window, he is said to no longer be viewed as indispensable, and could be pried away for a fee of €60million.

TOP STORY – PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS CIRCLE DUTCH STANDOUT DUMFRIES

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are willing to accept a €60m (£53m) fee, although it remains to be seen if the amount of interest drives that price up even further.

Chelsea reportedly view Dumfries as the answer to their depth issues at right-back while Reece James battles injuries, as well as being able to play as part of a back-three.

United believe he can replace Diogo Dalot, and Tottenham feel he is a superior option to Sporting's Pedro Porro, who they had been reportedly close to securing on a €35m (£31m) deal, per the Daily Star.

ROUND-UP

– Spanish newspaper Nacional is reporting Man Utd have made an offer for 24-year-old RB Leipzig winger Dani Olmo, who could cost as much as €66m (£58m).

– The Evening Standard is reporting Arsenal, Chelsea and United are not willing to pay the €11m (£10m) loan fee and €283,000 (£250,000)-per-week wages being demanded by Atletico Madrid for forward Joao Felix.

– According to 90min, Manchester City will sign 19-year-old Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone.

– Nottingham Forest will allow 25-year-old striker Emmanuel Dennis to leave the club for a fee of £10m just five months after his arrival, per The Athletic.

– The Telegraph is reporting Liverpool will investigate a potential £44m move for 24-year-old Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes at the end of the season.

Sebastien Haller has his sights set on a comeback after training with Borussia Dortmund for the first time since undergoing treatment for testicular cancer.

The Ivory Coast striker joined Dortmund from Ajax ahead of this season, but he is yet to feature for the Bundesliga giants after discovering a malignant tumour during pre-season testing in July.

Haller subsequently underwent two surgeries and chemotherapy, with Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke professing his hope the striker could return after the mid-season break.

Dortmund returned to training for the first time after the World Cup on Monday, and an update on the club's website revealed Haller was present as the squad underwent fitness testing, though he will be "carefully introduced".

Haller later posted on Twitter to outline his hopes for 2023, writing: "Happy New Year everyone! It starts very well for me because it is synonymous with returning to the field! 2022 was not the easiest year, but it prepared me to take up all the new challenges that 2023 will offer me.

"Looking forward to seeing you all again."

Haller finished as the Eredivisie's top goalscorer last season, netting 21 times in 31 appearances as Ajax won their third consecutive title.

Dortmund sit sixth in a congested Bundesliga table ahead of the league's resumption later this month.