Newcastle United were dealt a major injury blow on Saturday when centre-back Florian Lejeune picked up another knee injury that saw him leave the field in some discomfort.

It has since been confirmed that the 27-year-old will miss the remainder of the season due to the significance of the injury.

Despite Lejeune being replaced by Paul Dummett at the stage, his absence for the rest of the campaign could present the perfect opportunity for Federico Fernandez to introduce himself to the Newcastle faithful again.

The 30-year-old defender joined the Magpies in August last year from Swansea City on a two-year deal but has been in and out of Rafa Benitez’s team for the majority of the season.

Fernandez played a number of games at the start of the season but since the turn of the new year, Benitez has opted to keep on him on the bench rather, while there have also been a few games where he wasn’t in the matchday squad. But now, Benitez’s hand could be forced and it might not be a bad time of the season to give Fernandez another shot at first-team football and let him grow more comfortable in the Premier League.

The Magpies struggled in the early months of the season and were quite vulnerable in defence where Fernandez had a couple of difficult games to show his worth. At his best, the former Napoli ace can give the Magpies one of the best rearguards outside of the top six in the Premier League.

It will, therefore, be an excellent testing period for Fernandez to see if he truly has what it takes to make a real impact on this Newcastle team and if he could develop into a regular starter in the future, who could help Benitez establish an organised and structured defensive unit.

Newcastle fans, how big a miss will Lejeune be? Do you back Fernandez to replace him? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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The war of words between Wolves supporters and Troy Deeney continued on Monday night as the Watford man was sent off during the club’s defeat to Arsenal, leading to fans of the Midlands club to lay into the forward.

The striker elbowed Lucas Torreira in the head and although there didn’t look to be a great deal in what was a rather innocuous challenge, he was given his marching orders.

Deeney had made some unsavoury comments about Raul Jimenez after Wolves lost in the FA Cup semi-final to the Hornets, and now their fans have taken his red card as a chance to get some revenge.

Following his dismissal, a number of Wolves fans felt as though karma had been served for not only Deeney but also Ben Foster who made a wretched mistake to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score.

With the two clubs set for a rematch later this month, one supporter said that Deeney had bottled their next meeting as he’ll now be suspended.

Wolves Fan TV place the blame for Wolves’ FA Cup semi-final collapse on John Ruddy in the video below…

The Hornets skipper was a thorn in Nuno Santo’s side earlier in April, scoring a last gasp penalty to take their FA Cup clash to extra-time. However, he and Foster both made remarks after the game which didn’t go down well.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

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Michael Stewart is the latest to weigh in on the controversy surrounding Scott Brown’s SFA citation, blasting the organisation for their “nonsense” charge against the Bhoys skipper.

It’s now well over a week since the Hoops topped their arch-rivals in what was likely the game that settled the title race once and for all, as goals from Odsonne Edouard and James Forrest trumped Ryan Kent’s strike in a 2-1 win.

The debate surrounding all things Brown has raged on though, as the 33 year-old was cited for “not acting in the best interests of Association Football”.

And Stewart, who was rejected from Rangers’ youth system in his playing days before spending time with Hibernian and Hearts later in his career, has slammed the SFA’s decision to go after Brown.

What did he say?

“Last week we find ourselves in a situation where we have a charge that seems to have been made up from thin air about ‘not acting in the best interests of association football’,” he told BBC Sportsound, as reported by Football Scotland.

“18 months ago the rules came out that players couldn’t be charged retrospectively for gestures so there’s a complete contradiction all of the time.

“What a woolly, generalised rule. You could do that for anything. You could literally charge anybody for any incident for not acting in the ‘best interests of association football’.

“It means anything and everything. It’s a total nonsense.”

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

A nonsense grey area

Plenty of fans and pundits alike have slammed the SFA for citing Brown, but Stewart has hit on a really important point that has often gone overlooked.

The fact that they took the decision to go after Brown for his actions in the Old Firm is not really the issue. The issue is that there is no consistency from the organisation, as they continually contradict themselves and move the goalposts.

And the five key words are of course “best interests of association football”, even if the only reason those words are key is because no one actually knows what they mean.

How can the SFA possibly determine what is or isn’t in the best interests of football as a whole? More worryingly, if celebrating passionately after a crucial derby win isn’t in football’s best interest, what on earth is?

Stewart has highlighted a seemingly infinite grey area, and until the SFA clears their own rules and process up, no one will take them seriously.

اعترف هاري ماجواير قائد فريق مانشستر يونايتد بصعوبة إيجاد تفسير لما حدث في مباراة اليوم أمام آرسنال، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واستضاف الأولد ترافورد مباراة الفريقين في الجولة السابعة، حيث خسر مانشستر يونايتد بهدف دون رد.

وقال ماجواير، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “من الصعب تفسير ما حدث، لقد كانت مباراة مخيبة للآمال منا، كانت ذو فرص قليلة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بوجبا: تسببت في هزيمة مانشستر يونايتد وغياب الجماهير ليس عذرًا

وأضاف: “كنا بحاجة إلى بذل المزيد من الجهد وصنع المزيد من الفرص، كان من المهم أن نبدأ المباراة بشكل جيد، لقد فقدنا الكرة كثيرًا”.

وواصل: “لم نكن جيدين بما يكفي، علينا أن نعمل بجد في التدريبات من الغد”.

وتابع: “لا يمكننا إيجاد أعذار، علينا أن ننظر إلى أنفسنا، لم نفز بأي مباراة في الدوري هذا الموسم على ملعبنا”.

واختتم: “هذا أمر مخيب للآمال بكل تأكيد، علينا أن نجعل الفرق تعاني هنا”.

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Liverpool fans on Twitter have been discussing Jurgen Klopp’s use of Gini Wijnaldum against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

Klopp opted to use the Dutch international as a false nine when the Reds travelled to the Camp Nou on Wednesday, a move which backfired massively as he watched his side succumb to a 3-0 defeat to the Spanish champions, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg.

Does your club have a legend who is criminally overrated? Fans answer this tough question in the video below…

Whilst that game is done and dusted, the Liverpool fans have been busy discussing it once again after the German boss offered an explanation to his thinking.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss revealed that Wijnaldum was surprised to learn he would be deputising in the role for Roberto Firmino, who was on the bench, whilst Klopp highlighted Wijnaldum’s energy and defensive qualities as the reason behind the move.

However, whilst that explanation makes some sense, the Liverpool supporters on Twitter were in agreement that it was a terrible decision…

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Leeds fans have been backing Luke Ayling to win March’s incarnation of PFA Player of the Month.

The former Bristol City man has been a key player for Leeds this season making 32 appearances in the league for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Ayling really kicked into form last month though, getting four assists and a goal from right-back as the Yorkshire club take the race for promotion down to the wire.

The defender’s standout performance was away at Reading, where he set up two goals in Leeds’ 3-0 win despite only being on the pitch for 56 minutes.

Fans have been appreciative of the full-backs efforts with many on Twitter believing he is a shoo-in for the accolade this month.

Nominated alongside the defender is fellow Elland Road favourite Pablo Hernandez, but some fans on Twitter have overlooked the Spaniard for this time around in favour of the 27-year-old after his incredible month.

Here’s what Leeds fans have had to say on Twitter…

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According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Aston Villa star Jack Grealish if Wilfried Zaha does depart the club this summer.

The Ivory Coast international recently revealed that he is keen to experience Champions League football.

If the Eagles No.11 did depart Selhurst Park this summer it would be a real blow to a fanbase who have watched him develop into a player of real pedigree since swapping Manchester United for Palace but, having said that, Grealish is a real talent himself and would be a great signing.

Has this guy found the worst stadium in English football? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…

Let’s take a look at the potential consequences of the Villans academy graduate arriving in south London…

Immediately high expectations and potential failure

If the 23-year-old is signed with the Zaha money and deployed in place of where the Ivorian once stood, it may not bode well for Grealish. Zaha is the club’s talisman, the one who makes them tick, and any man signed as a ‘replacement’ for the former Cardiff winger will immediately find themselves under a lot of pressure to perform to his level.

This definitely won’t be an ideal scenario, especially as Grealish has spent a few years out of the top-flight, and it could potentially see him fail at Palace as a result.

Other problem areas not sorted

It is no secret to the Selhurst Park faithful that the club still haven’t adequately replaced the talents of Yohan Cabaye, a calming presence in the middle of the park alongside Luka Milivojevic.

Additionally, when Michy Batshuayi returns to Chelsea this summer at the end of his loan spell, Roy Hodgson will have just the goal-shy Christian Benteke and the injury-prone Connor Wickham as his striking options – both of the aforementioned areas need investment.

United shrewdly inserted a sell-on clause when they sold Zaha back to Palace, which would entitle them to 25% of the profits if the Eagles did sell the forward – as a result, there may only be enough money for Grealish, who Spurs saw a £25m bid rejected for back in the summer.

Still no game time for Max Meyer?

The majority of Max Meyer’s few appearances since arriving on a free transfer last summer have come as an attacking midfielder, predominantly on the left where Grealish usually plays for Villa.

It has been a source of constant frustration for the Palace fans this season that the Germany international has not started more games, and if Grealish, a man who plays in the same position as him, arrives in a big-money deal, it would almost certainly push him even further down the pecking order.

That isn’t to say that the former Schalke man will leave the club, but he most certainly won’t be happy if Grealish does arrive.

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Fernando Llorente was the Tottenham Hotspur hero against Manchester City on Wednesday evening and Spurs fans want him to stay at the club!

The Spanish striker, off the bench to replace the injured Moussa Sissoko, scored the decisive goal to send Spurs into their first Champions League semi-final in a generation.

In a crazy game that saw five goals in the first 21 minutes, Spurs thought they were heading out when Sergio Aguero made it 4-2 on the night.

However, with a patched-up midfield and the 33-year-old up front, Spurs somehow rallied, with Llorente diverting a corner past Ederson in the City goal.

The ball appeared to strike his elbow but a VAR review allowed the goal to stand.

More drama was to come, with Spurs seemingly knocked out in injury time as Raheem Sterling looked to have completed his hat-trick.

However, another VAR review saw the goal ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Llorente, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was subsequently the hero of the encounter, with Spurs now set to play Dutch giants Ajax in the last four.

And fans hope he is given a new deal this summer. Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

Chelsea are still fighting for a Champions League place in the Premier League this season despite some inconsistencies in their performances. 

At the time of writing, the Blues were looking to take the scalp of title chasing Liverpool and give Manchester City a massive boost in their own hunt for the top prize in England.

The summer is set to be an interesting one too for the Blues, who are set to be under a transfer ban barring a successful appeal, something which could have a massive effect on how the club continues to move forward.

And with the future of Eden Hazard still looking like it’s going to end up away from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could have done without the news emerging this weekend that Barcelona could be set to make yet another move for Brazilian midfielder Willian.

Willian has been a superb player for Chelsea over the years, and has at times been undervalued by many in the game.

However, his consistency and ability to produce in big moments is something that should not be looked past, and if Chelsea were to lose both Willian and Hazard, they would have a serious rebuilding job on their hands heading into the next few seasons.

The Brazilian has that natural ability about him where he can win games with moments of magic, and while the lure of Barcelona is a big one, he could go down as a Chelsea legend if he stays put and helps the club to more trophies in the coming seasons.

Willian is a class act, and with the cost Chelsea would face to find a suitable replacement, it is simply not worth it for the club to allow a sale.

يرفض ليوناردو بونوتشي مدافع وقائد يوفنتوس الإيطالي، إلقاء اللوم على زميله باولو ديبالا، بعد تعادل البيانكونيري مع لاتسيو بهدف لكل فريق.

وتعادل يوفنتوس أمام لاتسيو في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين على ملعب أوليمبكو مساء اليوم، ضمن الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإيطالي للدرجة الأولى.

وقال ليوناردو في تصريحات لشبكة “سكاي” البريطانية: “لقد قدمنا أداء رائعا لمدة 93 دقيقة و45 ثانية، كنا جيدين جدًا في الدفاع، ولم يخلق لاتسيو أي فرصة على مرمانا”.

وأضاف: “استقبلنا هدفًا من كرة كان يمكننا التعامل معها بشكل أفضل، لكن في النهاية كانت سببًا في التعادل”.

وأكمل: “هناك لحظات لا بد من المخاطرة بالكرة، وأحيانًا لا بد وأن تبعد الكرة خارج الملعب”، ومع ذلك رفض بونوتشي إلقاء اللوم على ديبالا الذي تسبب في خروج الكرة إلى رمية تماس، وكانت وراء هدف لاتسيو في الدقائق الأخيرة.

وشدد: “ليس خطأ ديبالا، وكذلك بيرنارديسكي، فقدنا الكرة وأربعة أو خمسة منا ارتكبوا أخطاء بعدم الاعتراض أمام لاتسيو ومنع الكرة”.

وأردف: “لم يكن هناك ما يشير إلى أننا اقتربنا من استقبال هدف، ولكن إذا لم تكن في أشد تركيزك، أنت مُعرض لاستقبال هدف في أي وقت”.

وعن هدف لاتسيو، الذي سجله كايسيدو وكان بونوتشي يراقبه داخل منطقة الجزاء، ولم يتمكن من الدفاع عن مرماه، قال قائد يوفنتوس: “كيف كان بإمكاني الدفاع؟ كايسيدو كان جيدًا في الالتفاف بالكرة، وسدد الكرة بشكل جيد”.

واختتم: “بالتأكيد يمكنني فعل المزيد، ولكن علينا النظر إلى الكرة، خاصة وأن يكون أمامك خصم مميز”.