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Defensive Woes For Man City

Feb 14, 2025

Man City will have to cope without defender Manuel Akanji for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 playoff against Real Madrid.

The Swiss international picked up a muscle problem in the first leg this week, which City lost 3-2.

Akanji will also miss next weekend’s massive clash against EPL leaders Liverpool amid concerns he could be out for the long-term.

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Meanwhile, Arsenal have confirmed that Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season after picking up a hamstring problem in training.

His absence will leave the Gunners without a recognised striker, with Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined with their own respective injuries.

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Tottenham have reportedly identified Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as a possible successor to current Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.

This, after the Spaniard guided the Cherries to seventh in the EPL standings…leaving them in contention for a European place for the first time in their history.

Iraola is also believed to be sought by a number of top Premier League and Spanish clubs.

It comes as Postecoglou remains under pressure at Tottenham…with the London club languishing in the bottom half of the league table…having also exited both domestic cup competition.

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Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on a contract extension for their in-demand striker Vinicius Jr.

His current deal runs until 2027, but Real are keen to tie him down for the long-term following rumours that several clubs were prepared to pay a world record fee to bring him to the Saudi Pro League.