PREMIER LEAGUE Mahrez cleared to resume training after knock 30 July 2018  |  14:14 Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez has been cleared to return to training this week following an ankle knock sustained in Saturday's 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the United States. Mahrez, who joined the Premier League champions on a five-year contract earlier this month, was substituted after a tough tackle by Bayern defender Chris Richards in the first half of their final pre-season clash. However, City allayed fears that the Algerian international, who returned to Manchester with his foot in a protective boot, would miss the start of the new season. City take on FA Cup winners Chelsea for the Community Shield on Sunday. "A scan today has revealed no significant damage, and he (Mahrez) could be available for selection for this weekend's Community Shield against Chelsea," City said on their website. Pep Guardiola's team then take on Arsenal in their

2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA™ Neymar blames 'brattish' behaviour on his inner child 30 July 2018  |  12:42 Neymar Jr © Getty Images Neymar has tackled critics who derided his play-acting at the World Cup, admitting he "overreacts" and blaming his "brat" like behaviour on his inner child. The Brazilian superstar was widely lambasted in Russia for his theatrical reactions to challenges which often left the world's most expensive footballer wincing and rolling on the ground. "Boot studs on the shins, kick in the spine, stomp on the foot, you may think I overreact, and sometimes I do, but for real? I suffer on the pitch, but you have no idea what I go through outside of it," he said in comments on a television commercial for a razor blade. The Paris Saint-Germain forward, speaking in Portuguese with English subtitles, continued "You may all think I've fallen too much, but the reality is I did not fall, I crumbled.&q

Chelsea will not resume talks with Real Madrid over a deal for Thibaut Courtois until they find a suitable replacement for the goalkeeper,  Sky Sports News  understands. It is thought Courtois will be allowed to leave the club this summer, with Madrid his preferred destination, but Chelsea have yet to make progress on a deal to sign a new keeper. SSN  reported last week that Jordan Pickford was their number one target, but  the England international is set for contract talks at Everton when he returns to the club this summer. Chelsea target Jordan Pickford is set for contract talks at Everton  Courtois, who has one year left on his current Chelsea deal, is valued at £32m by Madrid and it is expected that there would be no issue with agreeing personal terms. But, the Belgium 'keeper will start the new season at Stamford Bridge if no successor can be found before Deadline Day and could then run down his current deal, meaning he would be able to lea

PREMIER LEAGUE Hair to the throne? Arsenal's Guendouzi compared to Vieira 30 July 2018  |  12:18 Matteo Guendouzi © Getty Images French whizz Matteo Guendouzi said he hopes he's embarking on a "big adventure" with Arsenal after a scintillating start which has drawn comparisons with the great Patrick Vieira. The 19-year-old midfielder, instantly recognisable by his long hair, had fans salivating in friendlies against Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in Singapore. Guendouzi, a strong tackler with confident distribution, was a dynamo at the base of midfield, where against PSG he played alongside the similarly hirsute Mohamed Elneny. Arsenal have long missed a midfielder of the stature of Vieira, a member of the "Invincibles" side, which went through the 2003-04 Premier League season unbeaten. With only three appearances so far -- also including this month's outing against Boreham Wood -- it's early days for Guendouzi,