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PSG’s Neymar, Mbappe injured on international duty

By Nicholas MendolaNov 20, 2018, 6:29 PM EST
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Not a banner day for Paris Saint-Germain.

Both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were injured on international duty Tuesday, the effects of which remain to be seen for the Ligue 1 club (Perhaps it could be an opening for American attacker Tim Weah, or a huge opening for Liverpool as the Reds prepare to face PSG in the Champions League).

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A 1v1 challenge with Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Campana felled the 19-year-old Mbappe, and France coach Didier Deschamps did not have a decent prognosis.

From the BBC:

“He has a sore shoulder, he’s fallen badly. He will have to see with the medical staff. I hope it’s not bad.”

As for Neymar, he suffered “an adductor injury while taking a shot in the sixth minute, and left Brazil’s friendly against Cameroon in England.

Let’s throw it to the most quoted national team doctor in ProSoccerTalk history, Dr. Rodrigo Lasmar:

“He felt discomfort. He will need a bit more time to evaluate it and take a scan, but in principle it is not a serious injury.”

UEFA to introduce VAR in Champions League knockout stage

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By Daniel KarellNov 20, 2018, 12:47 PM EST
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Following a successful run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, UEFA is finally getting on board with adopting video assistant refereeing.

VAR will be in use during the Champions League’s knockout stage in 2019, according to a report from the Times of London, which states that UEFA’s executive committee is expected to approve VAR for this season at an upcoming meeting on Dec. 3 in Dublin. Video review was reportedly not supposed to be approved until the 2019-2020 Champions League campaign but recent refereeing errors in the face of successful trials of VAR changed UEFA’s mind.

[READ: Ibrahimovic back to AC Milan?]

Video review at the World Cup proved that VAR could be conducted in a speedy and accurate manner, ensuring the integrity of the game while adding some new drama to the game. Raheem Sterling‘s penalty kick in Man City’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk, when video replay showed he tripped over his own feet, only renewed calls from fans and the media for video assistant referees to be used in these big-time events.

Technology has improved to the point where it is imperative that referees are given all the help they can receive. Players are moving quicker than ever, and the human eye can only watch so much. The fact that referees get nearly every decision correct is in it of itself, an impressive feat. Hopefully, with VAR coming to the Champions League and the Premier League, referees can return to getting game-changing decisions correct.

Man City’s Mendy undergoes knee surgery

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By Nicholas MendolaNov 14, 2018, 5:56 PM EST
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Manchester City left back Benjamin Mendy went to Barcelona for international break, but it’s hardly a vacation.

Mendy, 24, withdrew from France duty and instead flew to Spain where he’s undergone knee surgery and will miss more time for City.

No timetable was given for his recovery.

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He missed around three weeks earlier this season with a foot injury, and more than six months with an ACL tear last year.

Fabian Delph has played left back for City during Mendy’s extended absences, and the club has used Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Mendy played 40 minutes for France in its World Cup triumph and has nine caps.

Arnautovic’s agent: Player wants UEFA Champions League action ASAP

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By Nicholas MendolaNov 14, 2018, 4:24 PM EST
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“There are options. And we are probing.”

So are the ominous words of Danijel Arnautovic, the brother and agent of West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic, in saying the player wants to play in the Champions League as soon as possible.

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The Austrian forward, 29, is combustible but industrious as a player, and his brother says he nearly left West Ham for a Champions League club in the summer. And, again, they are probing.

This one day after admitting he’s been playing hurt for the Hammers. That’s sure to drive his value up, up, up.

Here’s Danijel Arnautovic, from Metro:

“He’s a big part of West Ham’s team but I think it’s possible to tease out more of him. For that to happen, he has to play for a top team. Marko is ready for the next step. A player like him should not play against relegation. He should play for the international spots. Marko is really enjoying playing for West Ham. He loves that club and the fans. But there is still that feeling, that this cannot be the end. And everybody should understand that.”

Marko Arnautovic’s two most productive seasons have come in the last three years, with 11-goal campaigns for Stoke City (2015-16) and West Ham (2017-18), but he’s on his way to better with five goals in 10 PL matches so far this season.

He could certainly be more productive with top service, but the Irons are growing into the sort of side which can get him further up the goal charts.

That said, they are unlikely to play in the Champions League any time soon, and Marko Arnautovic would be 31 going into the UCL campaign should they make a run up the table next season.

Mourinho: Man United drained, made mistakes vs. Man City

By Nicholas MendolaNov 11, 2018, 2:14 PM EST
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Jose Mourinho wasn’t too bothered by Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, calling it, “Not a bad performance [but] a performance with mistakes.”

[ MORE: Match recap ]

The United manager said the team’s three-match away week coupled with an injury to Paul Pogba and a less than 100 percent Romelu Lukaku hampered his Red Devils.

Oh, and he wasn’t about to let the rivals’ midweek difference in opponent and venue go by unnoticed. From the BBC:

“We had two matches away [Juventus and then City], it is not the physical effort but the mental pressure,” he said. “I think some of the boys felt it a little bit.”

“Everybody has to agree. It is one thing to go to Juventus and play against one of the best teams in the world for 90 minutes. Another thing to beat Shakhtar Donetsk at home 6-0 and be very relaxed. We arrive in different circumstances.

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As for Pogba, well, this is a very Mourinho answer.