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Barcelona could be handed a major injury boost as defender Ronald Araujo could return for their El Clasico clash in the Copa del Rey.

What's the latest on Araujo's injury?

The Uruguayan sat out his country's games in the international break following an injury to his adductor, and is likely to miss Barcelona's trip to Elche in La Liga.

With Elche rooted at the bottom of the table and Barcelona 12 points clear at the top, Xavi may not be too eager to rush Araujo back, but he will be relieved that the 24-year-old is likely return for El Clasico.

Barcelona face their bitter rivals in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-finals, having brought home a 1-0 lead from the Santiago Bernabeu, and they will go into this mouthwatering clash knowing that one of their key players is set to feature.

Journalist Adria Albets shared the news on Twitter, claiming that Araujo will be back for the Madrid game, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit in time for the Elche clash.

"Araujo jumps to train with the group before the match against Elche. We'll see if he's discharged. [He] will reach 100% against Madrid," he tweeted.

How important is Araujo to Barcelona?

The £120k-per-week defender is capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, and has been a standout performer in recent seasons.

Xavi even claimed that Araujo was "one of the best defenders in the world," and given Barcelona's exceptional defensive record this season, it is easy to see why.

The Blaugrana have conceded just nine goals all season in La Liga, and whilst Araujo has started in just 13 league games as a result of injuries, the side have conceded just four times with him on the pitch.

He has proven valuable in the opposition box over the years, scoring seven times in 104 Barcelona appearances, while ranking in the top 10% of centre-backs at this level over the past year for shots and attacking penalty area touches. At over six feet tall, his physical presence at both ends of the pitch can be useful.

His physicality, combined with smart decision-making, makes him a colossal defender, and his absence amid Barcelona's group stage exit in the Champions League was clearly noticeable. At just 24, he is well on his way into establishing himself as one of the finest defenders in European football, and his return is a massive boost for Xavi's side.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in the summer transfer window and the Serbian could be Graham Potter's own version of Erling Haaland at Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Dusan Vlahovic?

According to journalist Ben Jacobs earlier this month, both Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on the former Fiorentina forward and a departure from Juventus this summer is a very real possibility.

The Old Lady have endured a difficult season in Serie A and were docked 15 points earlier this year due to financial irregularities and false accounting, so a fire sale could be on the cards this summer as they look to balance the books.

Although Chelsea may not be able to offer Vlahovic European football, unless their Premier League form drastically improves following the international break, the temptation of being the main man in this youthful revolution at Stamford Bridge may be tough for the 23-year-old to turn down.

However, he won't come cheap for Todd Boehly, as it was reported earlier this year that the Serbia international would set any interested sides back an eye-watering €110m (£97m).

Despite Juventus' struggles on and off the pitch, which leave them seventh in Italy's top flight, Vlahovic has caught the eye with his performances this season, hitting 11 goals in all competitions for Max Allegri's side, including eight in 18 Serie A appearances.

Journalist Siavoush Fallahi was full of praise for the young striker last season on Twitter, writing:

"Vlahovic is a beast. Half chance, wrong foot, against two and scores. Offside but insane how little Allegri-ball is serving a world-class striker. He’s like an animal in a cage."

This description of the Juventus star is similar to the performances we have seen from Haaland in his first season as a Manchester City player, with the young Norwegian boasting an incredible 42 goals in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side.

Is Vlahovic like Haaland?

According to FBref, Haaland is the tenth-most similar player to Vlahovic when compared to other strikers across Europe's top leagues.

This season has seen the two powerful number nines register similar numbers with regard to key passes (17 vs 19), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.37 vs 0.47) and shots per 90 (3.14 vs 3.62).

This emphasises that both frontmen are capable of creating chances as well as putting them away, which is something Potter has lacked in his squad so far this campaign, as Kai Havertz leads the way for Premier League goals with just seven to his name.

In fact, some even think the Juve frontman is superior to the aforementioned Norwegian, with Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic remarking: "Vlahovic is better and more complete than Haaland.

"The Norwegian has devastating power, but Dusan is not inferior: there is also very little difference in their height."

If Vlahovic can have even half the impact at Chelsea that Haaland has had at City, then he will surely prove to be a worthwhile addition in the summer transfer window.

YouTuber Mark Goldbridge has slammed Manchester United loan striker Wout Weghorst for not being good enough following the club’s 7-0 defeat.

What’s the latest on Wout Weghorst and the Man United defeat?

Erik ten Hag and co were made to pay in the most severe manner on the weekend as they were humbled in the Premier League against old foes Liverpool.

That defeat at Anfield will no doubt have the club’s manager, players, staff and fans alike all trying to work out just how things ended up so catastrophically bad.

While speaking about the game on The United Stand, Goldbridge seemed to come to the conclusion that Weghorst just simply isn’t good enough for the club at that level.

He explained (11:30): “We all know about Weghorst. We all like Weghorst and he really does try his best but he ain’t very good, is he?

“Let’s be honest, at that level in a game like that when it’s that intense, he isn’t good enough and you’re almost down to ten men.”

How badly did Weghorst play for MUFC?

Since arriving on loan at Man Utd this winter, Weghorst has managed to become a regular part of Ten Hag’s starting XI and has earned praise for his work rate and attitude, even if the goals haven’t come.

Even so, he has failed to score a single Premier League goal despite starting the club’s last seven games in that competition – while he has just one strike to his name in 14 games across all competitions.

With 6.3 SofaScore rating, Weghorst wasn’t the worst player on the pitch for the Red Devils but he didn’t exactly have a good game either.

Indeed, in his 58-minute spell, he completed just 64 per cent of his attempted passes, lost the ball seven times, made one foul, attempted zero shots and won two out of four attempted ground duels.

Taking everything into account, it’s not hard to see why Goldbridge believes the club could be better off with someone else leading the line in the long term. It’ll certainly be interesting to see who United target this summer.

Arsenal are now in pole position to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to a report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Arsenal targeting Rice

By now, Arsenal’s interest in Rice is well-known, with a report from The Guardian at the end of January indicating that the player himself was favouring a move to the Emirates Stadium, rather than returning to boyhood club Chelsea.

Another boost for the Gunners is that the midfielder would prefer to stay in the capital, which could persuade him to seek a move to north London, rather than joining the likes of Liverpool or Manchester United, who are also interested.

The Latest: Pole position

As per a report from Football Insider, Mikel Arteta is in the pole position to land the 24-year-old this summer, after receiving further encouragement behind the scenes.

In order to win the race for the Englishman, Arsenal have tried to negotiate an agreement with the player before the end of the season, and they remain in sustained contact with the representatives of the £70m – £80m midfielder.

The Verdict: Get it done

Hailed as ‘sensational’ by the media, the 39-time England international is yet again in fantastic form this season, ranked as West Ham’s best-performing Premier League player, with an average match rating of 7.21.

The Gunners missed out on signing Moises Caicedo in January, despite making a bid of £70m, however that could end up being a blessing in disguise, as Rice is expected to cost a similar amount, but he is a better player on almost all important metrics.

In the past year, the West Ham ace has averaged more interceptions, progressive carries, and a better pass-completion rate than Caicedo, although one aspect of the game that the Ecuadorian is better at is tackling.

That said, Rice should still be Arteta’s priority in the summer transfer window, and so it is fantastic news that Arsenal now appear to be leading the race.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi and when he could return from injury…

What’s the latest?

The 24-year-old has revealed that it could take him up to a month before Michael Beale will be able to utilise his talent for a full 90 minutes of action.

Speaking to Romanian media, via the Daily Record, the midfielder said: “For me to play 90 minutes? I would say in three or four weeks. But of course, it doesn’t just depend on me, I have to be called to do it.

“I have to show I can play well. I feel fine physically and mentally as well. Now I’m trying to play as many minutes as possible and get ready as quickly as I can. I don’t feel old, but I feel experienced compared to Alex Pitu for example, who has just signed for Bordeaux. I have my whole career ahead of me, I hope to play another 15 years at least.”

Hagi recently made his comeback off the bench in the 2-0 win over St. Johnstone and was an unused substitute against Ross County last weekend in the Premiership.

Big boost

This news should come as a big boost to the Light Blues head coach as the Romania international has the quality to be a key player for Beale in the coming months of the campaign.

The 24-year-old missed a whopping 69 competitive outings for the club after needing knee surgery in January 2022 and the claim that he will be able to play full 90-minute games by the end of February, or in the early part of March, is fantastic news and a credit to the work the gem has done during his rehabilitation.

It also means that the winger could be ready to play a significant role, if selected, in the League Cup final against Celtic on the 26th of February. Whilst he may not be ready to play a full match by that point, Hagi should be fit enough to either start or play a good chunk of minutes off the bench as he closes in on 100% fitness.

This is a big boost given what the playmaker has shown over the course of his Rangers career. The dynamo has proven himself to be a difference-maker on more than one occasion having scored 15 goals and provided 21 assists in 86 appearances in all competitions for the club.

The Romanian is capable of providing goals and assists from an attacking midfield or wide position and his contributions at the top end of the pitch could win matches for the Gers this season if he is able to get back to his best.

The above statistics show that Hagi has the quality to consistently deliver quality performances and end product from midfield for the Gers when at his peak fitness, which is why having the midfielder fit and ready to play in the coming weeks and months is a huge boost for Beale.

Everton ‘would love’ to sign Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga this month, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Elanga struggling for game-time

With the Red Devils signing Antony for £86m in last summer’s transfer window, and Alejandro Garnacho bursting onto the scene, appearing in their last eight matches in the Premier League, the Swede’s game-time has become increasingly limited of late.

The 20-year-old has been an unused substitute for the last three top-flight games, failing to start in the league since the 2-1 win at Fulham in November. That has led to rumours that he could exit Old Trafford, with Frank Lampard said to have discussed him as a potential option for Everton prior to his sacking this afternoon.

The Latest: Everton interested in Elanga

Romano was speaking to GIVEMESPORT about where the 20-year-old’s future may lie.

The Italian outlined: “For Anthony Elanga, Everton are still interested. They would love to sign the player, as would Borussia Dortmund. So these two clubs are interested.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘sensational’ by reporter Alex Turk, the speedster – who was singled out by Bryan Robson as United’s fastest player – has shown some promising signs in a Red Devils shirt, weighing in with an assist against bitter rivals Liverpool earlier this season. However, it is questionable whether he is the signing that Everton need right now.

The Toffees need players with a little bit more experience, given that the threat of relegation is currently looming, and they have been linked with other attackers who have a better recent history of weighing in with goals and assists.

One such player is Tete, who is bang in form at the moment, amassing six goals and five assists in 19 appearances for Lyon this season, giving off every indication that he would be able to hit the ground running at Goodison Park.

That is a vast improvement on the one assist totalled by Elanga this term, so while the Swedish youngster may be a good long-term option, Everton should wait until at least the end of the season before attempting to sign him.

Everton will be looking for their first competitive win since October when they take on Brighton at Goodison Park on Tuesday night.

Frank Lampard needs a good start to 2023 or risks losing his job with the Toffees, as the Merseyside outfit currently sit just one point outside the relegation places in the top flight, and now look destined for another battle to retain their Premier League status.

After picking up an impressive point against Manchester City at the Etihad last time out, Lampard will be hoping to end the wait for three points against the Seagulls.

However, it promises to be another tough game considering Roberto De Zerbi has continued the good work done by Graham Potter at the Amex Stadium.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Lampard to line his side up against Brighton, with three changes to the side that started against Manchester City.

Jordan Pickford certainly played his part in the draw against Pep Guardiola’s side so unsurprisingly, he keeps his place in between the sticks for this one.

Lampard should revert back to a 4-3-3 formation for a home game, which sees the “fantastic” – as dubbed by Carlo Ancelotti – Ben Godfrey drop out, as to start him in quick succession after only just returning from injury would be a big risk by Lampard, especially after such a good performance against City.

Therefore, Conor Coady and James Tarkowski maintain their partnership in the middle, while Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko continue at right-back and left-back respectively.

There is one change in midfield, as Idrissa Gana Gueye is rested and makes way for the more attack-minded Abdoulaye Doucoure, who starts alongside Alex Iwobi and Amadou Onana.

With Godfrey benched, there is space for another attacker in the lineup, so Dwight McNeil comes in on the left wing, with Demarai Gray also keeping his place after his wonder goal last time out.

The final change sees Dominic Calvert-Lewin dropped as his goal drought continues, with Neal Maupay handed a start in the hope that he can continue the age-old tradition of footballers scoring against their former sides.

Liverpool are eyeing a surprise move for a Serie A midfielder as Jurgen Klopp looks to add some more depth to his midfield…

According to journalist Ahmet Ercanlar (via TEAMtalk), Klopp has held talks with Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas over the phone as he aims to lure the player to Anfield.

It’s clear that the German is requiring midfielders ahead of a busy second half of the season, and Elmas could be a cheaper alternative to Enzo Fernandez and will be able to slot straight into the team.

Elmas can solve Liverpool’s key issue

With James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract at the end of the season, plus Arthur Melo’s loan spell coming to an end, Klopp’s midfield options could look rather sparse in the summer and next month could be the ideal time to add some reinforcements.

Elmas might be an ideal solution in January, especially with his good form so far this season for the Serie A leaders.

The 23-year-old has played 14 league matches for the club, although he has started just four, chipping in with three goals and an assist, which is a goal every 179 minutes.

Despite spending just 38 minutes on the pitch on average per game, he has made 0.6 key passes, taken 24.2 touches and created one big chance, showing his ability to still contribute, even if he is coming off the bench in the latter stages of a match.

The £32.5k-per-week Macedonian is an excellent passer of the ball, which is supported by the fact he is ranked in the top 4% across Europe’s big five leagues for pass completion success rate (84.8%) when compared with positional peers, and this could see him shine in Klopp’s team.

Elmas’ versatility could also be a big bonus for the German, as he can play in the centre of the midfield, as an attacking midfielder, or even on the left wing, and with Luis Diaz injured at the moment, it could be an opportunity for Klopp to kill two birds with one stone.

The Napoli player’s agent – George Gardi – once dubbed him a “jewel” and despite not getting many starting opportunities at the Italian side, this could certainly change if he moved to Liverpool, especially with the Anfield side sorely lacking in midfielders.

West Ham United midfielder Nikola Vlasic, who is currently on loan at Torino, is not in David Moyes’ long-term plans at the club, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Vlasic’s West Ham career

The Croatian represented a relatively large outlay when he arrived at the London Stadium in August 2021, costing the Premier League club an initial £25.7m, with £7.7m in add-ons.

However, the 25-year-old has failed to live up to his price tag thus far, so much so that he was loaned out to Torino in the summer, and his West Ham career could soon be set to come to an end.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments on Vlasic

When fielded a question about whether Vlasic is set to leave the Irons for good in next summer’s transfer window, Sheth gave an ominous reply.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “The deal that he’s got on loan at Torino comes with an option to buy.

“Depending on how the rest of the season goes, the number of appearances he makes and how much Torino like him will dictate whether they will take up that option.

“But it seems pretty obvious that he’s not in David Moyes’ long-term plans.”

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The Verdict: Hasn’t worked out

Despite being lauded by Moyes for his ‘first-class’ attitude in his early stages at West Ham, the £69k-per-week Vlasic has so far failed to deliver in claret and blue, scoring just once and not registering a single assist in 19 Premier League appearances last term.

Having failed to adapt to English football, the Croatian moved on loan to Torino, where he has fared much better, with six goal contributions in 15 Serie A outings so far.

This form may give Moyes hope that Il Toro are interested in making the deal permanent, with West Ham then able to recoup some of their losses on the signing of Vlasic.

That would appear to be the best scenario for all parties, given his decent form in the Serie A and his struggles with the Irons.

Leeds United’s Victor Orta has had largely a successful time at Elland Road since his appointment in 2017.

The Spanish director of football has been a vital cog in their promotion and continued presence in the Premier League, with his shrewd business vital in upgrading a squad that last season narrowly avoided the drop.

Across that campaign, few players bolstered their legacies at the club.

Raphinha naturally stole the headlines, as he was the club’s top scorer who had more than earned his £55m move to Barcelona.

However, arguably just behind the Brazilian in importance was Jack Harrison.

Having been brought in on three successive loan deals, in the summer of 2021 Orta made it a permanent move for £11m.

Although, claims just last week have emerged that are now linking the 26-year-old with a Premier League switch to Newcastle United, after their two failed summer bids for his services.

Alan Hutton noted in the report: “I think if Newcastle come calling, somewhere that you can see what they are doing they are trying to build something, you would definitely want to be a part of that”.

After surviving the bombardment from the Tyneside outfit, the Whites slapped a price tag of at least £35m on their mercurial wide man.

To lose him would be a huge blow, but with the recent emergence of Crysencio Summerville, it poses an interesting decision for Jesse Marsch to make.

The American was reliant on Harrison last season however, as he scored eight goals including the all-important goal in a final-day win at Brentford.

He has started this season in a similarly impressive fashion, already boasting four goal contributions in 13 games.

Having spent nearly four years in Yorkshire, fans at the club will have witnessed his transformation into the “beast” he is today, as dubbed by Beren Cross.

They would surely regret seeing him leave, even if it was for such a mouth-watering fee.

But, as aforementioned, with four goals in his last four games, the 21-year-old Summerville could more than compensate for his output should he maintain this form.

It might be a big risk given how they still remain just two points clear of the relegation zone, but one which might tempt Marsch into selling.