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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Michael Butler with Stuart Goodwin and Will Unwin

FA Cup third round, transfer latest: football countdown - as it happened

Aymeric Laporte returned to light training on Friday and is expected to train fully with the Manchester City squad next week.
Aymeric Laporte returned to light training on Friday and is expected to train fully with the Manchester City squad next week. Photograph: Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images

Big Kane news, then, to finish our live blog. You can check in with our story on that right here:

and keep abreast of every single transfer in Europe’s top five leagues in our snazzy interactive:

Thanks for reading and for your emails, tweets, comments and favourite footballer submissions. Enjoy the weekend’s football. Bye!

Harry Kane has torn his hamstring

Tottenham have confirmed that Harry Kane’s injury is a torn hamstring, and have not put a date on his return. You can scratch that comment about this potentially being good for England, then. Depending on the severity of the tear, Kane could be out for one to three months. Ouch.

If you haven’t listened to yesterday’s Football Weekly Extra, do, if only to find out which manager had his interview in a chip shop.

Let’s just clear up some of the VAR stuff for tomorrow. It will be in use for the 13 ties being played at Premier League grounds in the third-round. The rest will just have to do without/enjoy a normal football match.

Saturday 4 January
AFC Bournemouth vs Luton Town
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sheffield Wednesday
Burnley vs Peterborough United
Leicester City vs Wigan Athletic
Manchester City vs Port Vale
Southampton vs Huddersfield Town
Watford vs Tranmere Rovers
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United

Sunday 5 January
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace vs Derby County
Liverpool vs Everton
Sheffield United vs AFC Fylde

Monday 6 January
Arsenal vs Leeds United

At least AFC Fylde are excited. #armpits

Daniel Farke, Norwich manager, has been speaking before his side’s match at Preston in the FA Cup tomorrow.

Farke said: “Teemu Pukki is out for tomorrow, he has a little hamstring strain. He’s struggling with his toe as well. I can’t predict whether he’s available for the Manchester United game.”

This is also from Norwich’s official website:

The City boss also confirmed that Josip Drmic (hamstring) and Dennis Srbeny (back) will miss the game, meaning it’s almost certain that youngster Adam Idah will lead the line on Saturday.

Idah, an 18-year-old from Cork, Ireland, made his Premier League debut in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day.

I actually think Kane’s injury is excellent news for England. Without an enforced break, Kane would play a hell of a lot of games between now and the Euros in the summer. Provided it is not an ongoing injury, he can get some down-time, come back refreshed and motivated for the Champions League and hopefully play himself back into form.

Updated

An email, from Paulo Biriani, regarding my earlier question about your fave footballers. Suddenly, I am very hungry.

Pompey fan here. Peter Ellis was a god amongst men at Pompey from about 1976 till about 1980 i think. Strong, great header of the ball, positional sense as good as alan hansen. My school team won the portsmouth junior league and he came with a young alan knight to give us our medals. I worshipped him, wanted to be him and kept his autograph from that day. Pompey let him go and he had offers but said he couldn’t play for any other team but Pompey.

I wonder if Laporte knows the northern expression: “Put wood in hole.” Not very social media-friendly, though.

Maybe I’m late to this, or perhaps I’m reading too much into this, but I’ve just noticed that Laporte signed this tweet with a door emoji, a reference to ‘la porte’ and his French heritage.

It’s certainly better than the #inSané hashtag that Leroy Sané usually uses.

Mentioned earlier, but here are a few more quotes from Guardiola on Laporte, who is apparently due to return to full training next week. That’s massive news, as it sounds like he will be fully match-fit for Real Madrid and the Champions League last-16 in February.

Yesterday was the first time he training 10-15 minutes with the team and today again. The rest individually and he is getting better. He feels good, i think next week he will complete all the training sessions with us.

When will be available?

I don’t know. You think about it but i think he will dictate with how he feels, he has been out for four months and needs time so it is not like he can immediately play 90 minutes. What is important is he has not had any stepbacks during his time out - the same with Leroy - and that is incredibly good. I’m grateful to the physios.

Updated

Dean Smith, the Aston Villa manager, has issued a Football Manager-style ‘hands-off warning’ to any clubs regarding Jack Grealish.

“He’s having his record season goal scoring season, he’s a top player and I’ve waxed lyrical about him very often but as I’ve said before, our owners are very ambitious about establishing us as a top Premier League football club and to do that you have to keep your best players. We will be keeping hold of Jack Grealish and people can keep looking but they can’t touch.”

When asked would a bid be turned down, he added: “Yeah, without a shadow. We want to keep our best players and he’s proving he’s one of the best in the Premier League.

“No, I don’t believe [any offers have been made]. And I’m sure if we did they would get a short shrift reply.”

Here is a story from Mark Grassick about Niall Quinn and not following your dreams:

As an Arsenal fan, Tomas Rosicky will always hold a special place in my heart, but as an Irishman, my one and only will always be Niall Quinn. Back in the late 90s, I was working in an Xtravision in Naas and my sister came in to say she was in the pub across the road with Niall. He invited everyone back to his house for drinks and I somehow ended up chatting with him in his living room. I told him I was studying accountancy and hated it because all I wanted to do was play music. He said people told him he was mad for wanting to be a professional footballer and look how that worked out. So, the next day I dropped out of uni. The music career didn’t totally pan out but I gave it a decent shot all because of Niall, the nicest professional footballer I’ve ever met. My mother, however, has never forgiven him.

You came here for hot FA Cup previews with injury and team news, odds, and details about the officials, didn’t you?

Michael has returned after his roast suckling pig and cous cous. Enjoy his company.

Ian Holloway, minus political opinions.

Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that Diogo Jota will miss Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United because of the injury he suffered during Wednesday’s defeat at Watford. He said the club do not yet know the extent of the damage to the players thigh but it underlined the need for them to use this month’s transfer window to reinforce.

“Unfortunately Diogo is also not available. In the last game, the red card [challenge] from [Christian] Kabasele made, with no intention at all, strong impact so he’s not available. He’s being assessed, he’s already done the MRI. It’s not good, not good. We have to wait for all the blood that the impact caused to go down so the doctor can evaluate him better. After that we will have a proper diagnosis.”

“We have a small squad and every time a player is not an option it causes you problems. But to problems we must find solutions and that’s that we are looking for now. We need players [this month]. Now I think is the right moment to start working on that. The transfer window gives you the chance to bring things that can improve you. That’s what I’m looking at. [We need to make] the right decisions that can improve us so that we can continue to compete well.”

Despite their need for players, including at centreback following the injury to Wily Boly, Nuno said the Spanish defender Jesus Vallejo, who joined on loan from Real Madrid last summer, will probably go back to his parent club this month.

“Jesus Vallejo is probably going because he wants to play. He’s a young and talented player who we brought here with high expectations but it didn’t work out. So it’s time for him to go and find a club so he can keep on progressing because the talent is there. We don’t have much time so we have to move forward ... The reality is he had moments that he played, moments that he performed well and some moments that he didn’t perform so well. That’s the case of Vallejo. Clearly it didn’t work out.”

David Hytner with more on Kane’s injury issues.

News from the Championship ...

Ederson will once again be available for Manchester City following illness this weekend but Pep Guardiola could stick with Claudio Bravo for the clash with Port Vale. In even better news for City, Guardiola has confirmed Aymeric Laporte’s return to training.

Striker Olivier Giroud will only leave Chelsea this month if it is to the benefit of the club, according to Jody Morris.

Asked if Giroud will be sold, Morris said: “Well, he still plays for Chelsea. It’s got to be for the benefit of the club. We can’t just let people walk out the door if that means we’re left short somewhere.

“Yes, you have to look at the individual as well, but I’ve got to say Giroud’s been nothing but a class act and a top professional since he’s been here, so I don’t envisage any issues from him on that front.”

I will do some self-promotion, as I am quite tired after spending the night in Derby.

Here is new Liverpool signing Takumi Minamino breaking the world high five record. You don’t get this sort of hot content with Butler, do you?!

José Mourinho is anticipating “bad news” regarding the full extent of Harry Kane’s injury. The Spurs striker limped out of their defeat to Southampton with what looked like a muscle injury and will definitely miss the FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough but is expecting him to be out for longer.

“I don’t know yet, maybe later today we have news but if you ask me just my feeling - good news or bad news - I am more on bad news than good news, that’s my feeling,” Mourinho revealed.

“What the player felt, Harry Kane leaving a match, the way he did it, he didn’t think twice, it didn’t take him two seconds to realise the severity of the situation. Some opinions from the medical department before the test results. I don’t think we’re going to have good news. But the reason we’re here is because of the beautiful FA Cup and in relation to that we can say that no Middlesbrough for Harry Kane.”

Harry Kane injured himself at Southampton.
Harry Kane injured himself at Southampton. Photograph: James Marsh/BPI/REX/Shutterstock

Erling Haaland is the biggest move of the January window. The Norway striker is now very much in Dortmund where someone seems to be measuring him up to become a waxwork.

Borussia Dortmund’s new signing Erling Haaland during his arrival at the clubs training centre.
Borussia Dortmund’s new signing Erling Haaland during his arrival at the clubs training centre. Photograph: Alexandre Simões/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images

After a gruelling month or so, Jürgen Klopp has been left short of options for Liverpool’s Merseyside derby FA Cup clash with Everton. The German only has 12 fit outfield players at his disposal, plus new signing Takumi Minamino.

Needless to say, Klopp is not a fan of the schedule created for Liverpool by the Premier League, in addition to a trip to Qatar for the Club World Cup.

“People have told me already I wouldn’t respect the cup. It’s not true. But my first job is to respect the players,” Klopp said. “I’ve got to decide if it’s allowed to play them again. It looks like federations around want to make it more tricky. How can you look at a situation like Newcastle - losing four players in one game - and not think ‘This is crazy’.”

Frank Lampard was replaced by Jody Morris at Chelsea’s press conference today, as the Blues boss is suffering from a bug but will be OK to take charge this weekend.

“Frank’s had a bit of a bug, he’s had it for about a week to 10 days to be fair, and the older you get it’s harder to shake!” said Morris. “He’ll be alright for the game on Sunday.

“Fik (Tomori) trained today but he’s still not feeling the best. He’s got a bit of a bug himself, too. There’s been a bit of it flying about anyway, so I’m hoping it isn’t going to get any worse than it was.”

What will Michael have for lunch? I am anticipating it will involve cous cous.

Gonna pop out for some lunch. Will Unwin is your man for the next little bit.

Pep Guardiola is “confident” Fernandinho will be offered a fresh one-year deal in the summer though made clear it is a matter for Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s sporting director.

“It’s for Txiki – not my issue,” the manager said. “I’d like it to happen and confident too. I’m delighted with the three years we’ve had together. Of course like him to stay.”

Welcome to my Guardian Masterclass: how to endear yourself to football fans.

Two messages from Canada:

“Got to be Glenn Hoddle for me,” emails Redmond Grimes. “Just effortless cool and scorer of one of the greatest goals ever vs Watford. I saw him play here in Toronto many moons ago in a charity match. He was retired by then, never broke into a jog, let alone a run, but was by far the best player on the pitch.”

Danny Drinkwater returns to Chelsea

Not the best 2019 for Danny: one league appearance in total (a 59-minute jaunt during a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City a month ago) and a drink driving offence in which he smashed his Range Rover through a wall. Really hope he can get back to playing soon, as he was a cracking player. He’s still just 29, and has a lot to offer.

Some news for Aston Villa fans, following the injury to striker Wesley. Villa are reportedly exploring the possibility of a loan for Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi.

There’s a lot to be said for players having a kickabout in the local street. Phil Foden can sometimes be seen knocking a ball around Stockport, while Wayne Rooney has recently said that he went for a game with his mates in the park an hour after scoring that goal against Arsenal in 2002. Then of course, there’s Bobby Charlton, seen here getting back into gentle training with some young fans during his recuperating from injuries sustained in the Munich Air Crash.

Bobby Charlton in the backyard of his home on Beatrice Street, Ashington, Northumberland.
Bobby Charlton in the backyard of his home on Beatrice Street, Ashington, Northumberland. Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images

I assume we don’t even have to discuss this one ...

Roma have also reportedly shown at interest in the teenage defender Mohamed Simakan. But, then again, they gave Jack Rodwell a trial.

This is a lovely email, from Daniel Herlihy.

I’m a Cork City fan, and my pick would have to be Mark O’Sullivan. I was one of those Irish people who neglected their domestic league for too long, but when I was 16 a new manager took over and I decided to start following City properly. The big new signing was Anthony Elding, who had scored the winner in the previous season’s cup final. He got injured in the first game of the season and barely played afterwards. He was replaced in that match by O’Sullivan, another new signing who was already past 30 and had a grand total of 2 League of Ireland games to his name.

He led the line for the next two seasons, scoring 20 league goals but more importantly, working tirelessly every single game. He was also a neighbour of mine in a fairly ordinary housing estate in Cork, emphasising the fact that this really was just a normal guy. He helped the club to consecutive 2nd place finishes and a cup final, and ignited my passion for my local club. We’ve had players of a far better quality who have gone on to play in Britain and for the Irish national team, but there’s been no-one quite like Sully.

Yes Mark!
Yes Mark! Photograph: Oisin Keniry/INPHO/Rex/Shutterstock

Manchester United injury news

From Jamie Jackson: Tony Martial and Jesse Lingard are out of Manchester United’s FA Cup tie with Wolves tomorrow.

It will be interesting to see if they make it back for Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg with Manchester City.

Suzanne Wrack has spoken to Manchester City and England’s Keira Walsh. It’s an interesting read.

Our man in Southampton has been speaking to Ralph Husenhuttl.

Meanwhile, it is very strange not to see the Austrian on the three-man shortlist for December’s manager of the month. Southampton won four, drew one and lost two in that period, which has been transformative for the former relegation strugglers, who are now up to 12th.

Updated

And here he is:

This is a cracking gallery, for your consideration:

Another reply, this time from Kieran McHugh.

Every so often, usually at the end of a decade come to think of it, someone, somewhere on the internet will decide to ask the general public to name the best ever footballer. As a general rule inviting the general public to offer their opinion is a bad idea. However, not in this regard. In amongst the Alia Dia’s, the Tony Adcock’s and the Paolo Tremazzani’s there is always a vote for Jean Tigana. My vote. I do not cast it lightly. I fell in love with the beautiful game many years ago watching the carre magique. Whilst many were seduced by Platini for the goals and the Gallic swagger I was rapt completely by the poise and exquisite elegance of Tigana. He never seemed to misplace a pass and always played upright, eyes and head up, seeking not only to direct play and break up the opposition, but also to instigate attack.

Le Carré Magique is surely one of the greatest collective pronouns in the history of sport, alongside perhaps The Legion of Doom (Philadelphia Flyers 1995-97) or The Greatest Show on Turf (St Louis Rams 1999-2001).

Updated

Hull City sign Kane!

Herbie Kane, the 21-year-old Liverpool striker, joins on loan. He played under Hull manager Grant McCann last season at Doncaster as well, where he scored seven times in 49 games. In maverick style, he announces that “It was nice to come in this morning and meet the lads and it’s great to be linking up with the gaffer again.”

Eddie Howe has been chatting this morning, before Bournemouth’s FA Cup match against Luton. He says there has been no formal approach for Nathan Ake, with Arsenal and Chelsea thought to be chasing the £40m-rated Dutchman. Arsenal particularly are in need of reinforcements after Calum Chambers’s recent knee injury, which is going to keep him out until late 2020.

Ake is still injured, and part of a lengthy list of absentees for Howe at the moment, including Josh King, Jack Stacey, Adam Smith, Arnaut Groeneveld, Charlie Daniels, Lloyd Kelly and David Brooks. I have to admit I’d completely forgotten about Brooks in the last few weeks. What a player he could be.

Not long after adding one Manchester City youngster on loan in Patrick Roberts, Middlesbrough and Jonathan Woodgate have signed another: Germany U-21 striker Lukas Nmecha, who joins until the end of the season.

Our first submission, courtesy of Magnus.

Frank was always good for a quote, particularly on a 2010 edition of Come Dine With Me alongside Razor Ruddock, Carlton Palmer and John Fashanu. #vinaigrette

To counter the Lingard v Alexander-Arnold stat from earlier, Charlie Pite has emailed in with some much-needed context.

“In the interests of not stoking fires, Alexander-Arnold has played roughly twice as many minutes of top-level football than Lingard (according to WhoScored). Additionally, are full-backs any less attacking or more defensive than midfielders under Klopp?”

Certainly the full-backs are one of Klopp’s biggest weapons going forward, and Alexander-Arnold would have picked up many (if not most) or these goal contributions from set plays, whereas Lingard is largely shunned at the dead ball. Alexander Arnold is also helped by the fact that Liverpool finish his deliveries well: they’ve scored more than 40 times from set-pieces in the league since the start of last season - the best tally of any team in the division.

You probably missed this news, but David Dunn has been appointed to Blackpool’s staff, under manager Simon Grayson. As a Blackburn Rovers fan, Dunny is my favourite ever footballer, mainly because he was born in the town, and brought some real style and flair to our side in the early 2000s. Oh, and also because of this goal, a 95th minute equaliser in 2013 against Burnley to extend the unbeaten run over the old enemy to 34 years. I laugh every time remembering Dunny doing the crying eyes celebration in front of the Burnley fans at full-time.

Who is your favourite ever footballer, and why? I don’t want the best you/your club has seen, but maybe a player that represented something else, on or off the pitch, that cemented them as your fave.

Emails to michael.butler@theguardian.com, or tweet me @michaelbutler18. Thanks!

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been officially unveiled as a Milan player. The 38-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the season, with an option for a one-year extension.

“I left in 2012 without my will. Without my last OK. I had more offers now than when I was 28. I need new enemies. The old ones have become my fans.”

A couple more Liverpool tit bits.

Alisson has become the first goalkeeper to win the Samba Gold prize for the best Brazilian player in Europe – an award selected by a combined poll of fans, journalists and former players – with 35.54% of the vote. He finished ahead of teammate Roberto Firmino, the 2018 winner, in second (23.48%) and Thiago Silva in third (10.46%). Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was fourth. I’m a little surprised at that, to be honest. Thought Firmino would nick it.

More hot World Club Cup badge news, in that Liverpool will again wear the gold crest on their shirts for this weekend’s game against Everton - they can wear it in the FA Cup and Champions League, but not the Premier League (although they were granted it as a one-off against Wolves, just after their triumph in Qatar).

Something to warm Everton’s cockles.
Something to warm Everton’s cockles. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

Jesse Lingard is getting a lot of heat below the line this morning. Normally I wouldn’t be one to stoke the fire like this, but here’s a little stat:

Confirmed: Jack Rodwell will join Sheffield United on short-term contract

The former Everton, Manchester City and England player had a trial at Roma of all places (where he/Chris Smalling failed to convince them to sign) and most recently played last season for Blackburn Rovers, where he did OK in central midfield and quite well as a makeshift centre back. He’s not going to reinvent the wheel in Yorkshire, but he’s still just 28, and there is a Premier League footballer in there somewhere.

Rodwell has been training with the Blades since last month and could make his debut during Sunday’s FA Cup tie against AFC Fylde.

Updated

To Madrid, where a certain Mr Zidane has been talking. Real sit two points off Barcelona at the top of La Liga, and play Getafe away from home tomorrow. Barcelona face local rivals Espanyol tomorrow evening.

He is asked about Manchester United’s Paul Pogba:

How i can reply to that? Paul is a player at another team and the important thing for him - because I think he is injured - is to get back playing. I wish him the very best but we focus on what we have.”

On potential departures:

“There are players that have not got minutes and that can be a problem but we speak with them like always. Between now and Jan 31 many things can happen.”

Meanwhile:

Isco is showing he wants to play and fight for his place, like everyone. Every time you have the chance, you have to give everything, this is Real Madrid. I identify with Isco because of where he plays and I like him as a player.”

Real Madrid also play in the Spanish Super Cup next week, which has obviously been relocated to Saudi Arabia. The Spanish state broadcaster RTVE said in November it would not bid to broadcast the upcoming tournament due to human rights concerns.

For what it’s worth, Spain’s football federation (RFEF) announced a three-year deal to play the revamped event in Saudi Arabia, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Valencia the four teams involved this year. Despite the recent winter break, Zidane has just said that Eden Hazard (foot injury) is not fit enough to play:

He is recovering and we hope just after the Super Cup, little by little, we could see him back with us again.”

Morning all! It’s a brave new world out there, but I’ve had enough coffee to power Forest Green Rovers’ new stadium for a year. Feeling more ready than James Milner right now.

Back on United, they also feature prominently at the top of today’s Rumour Mill. Keep scrolling for intriguing transfer links mooted for both West Ham and Nottingham Forest …

Meanwhile, here’s Jamie Jackson’s story on the Pogba latest …

Time for Michael Butler to take over here. Happy new year all, and enjoy the weekend’s action.

Updated

Here’s our story on Villa’s injury woes … another point it raises is that, in addition to missing the rest of his club’s league campaign, Tom Heaton appears certain to be ruled out of Euro 2020 this summer.

United support Pogba surgery decision

Another one for Lost In Translation Corner … Ole Gunnar Solskjær appears bemused by how reporters interpreted his comments regarding Paul Pogba’s injury situation. This from PA Media:

Manchester United were in full support of the decision which led to Paul Pogba undergoing surgery, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has said. The Norwegian appeared to suggest after the New Year’s Day defeat to Arsenal that Pogba’s “people” had recommended the surgery, raising questions over how much input the club had in the decision.

However Solskjær was keen to play down any suggestion of a disagreement regarding this injury, and said: “Paul came back after a long spell out, [featured in] a few games, had a reaction, didn’t go to Burnley. He felt his ankle was sore, we did a scan. It’s not the same injury – it’s a different injury – of course when you get that scan you consult your own medical people as well, like I did. He wanted a second opinion and the advice was to have it done. It’s not a major one and probably [he’ll be out for] three or four weeks.”

When asked why he had suggested it was Pogba’s “people” behind the decision to undergo surgery, he added: “As in when you consult your surgeon and the ones you trust. That’s maybe my bad English – you have people you trust and you speak to. When I had my injuries, knee operations, I had my people in Norway and Sweden that I spoke to and Paul obviously has people as well that he trusts, and that’s important.”

Updated

West Ham agree deal with midfielder Conor Coventry

West Ham have underlined their determination not to lose their best young talents after finally agreeing a new deal with Conor Coventry, who was out of contract out in the summer and a target for a number of clubs this month.

Talks with Coventry have been going on since the start of the season and West Ham had grown concerned that they would lose the midfielder, with clubs in the Championship and abroad expressing an interest in the 19-year-old.

Coventry would have been available on a free transfer at the end of the season but an agreement was reached after a breakthrough in negotiations in the last month. He is set to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal, which contains an option of a one-year extension.

Updated

Newcastle have injury problems of their own. Steve Bruce, whose side travel to Rochdale tomorrow, was forced to see his side play almost all of the second half against Leicester on New Year’s Day with 10 men after Jetro Willems, Javier Manquillo and Jonjo Shelvey were substituted with injuries, but then Fabian Schär also limped off. Matt Ritchie, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett were already on the club’s injury list.

Bruce told reporters this morning:

I’ve never known a 15 minutes like it. I did predict a month ago that the schedule was ridiculous and we don’t have the resources to have huge rotation, so unfortunately when you keep asking players to play tired. Up until Saturday, our record for this season was far better than last year in terms of injuries, especially soft tissue injuries.

“Matt Ritchie and Lascelles in particular were impacts – there’s not much you can do about that – and the one thing you want to be doing with the sports science that we have today is the prevention of injuries and especially soft tissue injuries. It’s just the number of games in a short period of time and asking footballers to play tired, and unfortunately we’ve picked up the consequences of it, so it is what it is. We have to accept it and move on.”

Updated

Aston Villa's Wesley and Heaton out for rest of season

Some grim news for Villa as they prepare to host Fulham tomorrow. The club had been fearing the worst after goalkeeper Tom Heaton and forward Wesley both suffered injuries during the New Year’s Day victory at Burnley, a game in which Wesley opened the scoring. These fears are now confirmed, with both having sustained “significant knee ligament damage”.

Updated

ICYMI btw etc – here’s our 10 things to look out for on this FA Cup weekend.

Rooney! Fylde! Millwall! Together at last …

Why the FA Cup kick-off times look weird

Let’s try and stop the “12.31? 3.01? 5.31?” comments before they start.

A short film will be played before the start of all FA Cup matches, encouraging all fans to “take a minute” to think about mental health.

From the FA:

While the conversation around mental health has grown significantly in recent years, mental health problems remain one of the biggest issues in society today.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 and it’s time this changed.

We can all take simple actions to look after our mental health and it only takes a minute to get started, whether that’s looking after your own wellbeing or reaching out to support a friend or family member.

This is why, as part of the Heads Up campaign, all Emirates FA Cup third round games will be delayed by one minute to encourage fans to ‘Take A Minute’ to think about mental health.

Here’s our story explaining further. Quibbles below the line regarding Sunday 6.15pm kick-offs are absolutely permitted btw.

Jesse Lingard, Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford will feature in a short film to be played at the start of all of the weekend’s FA Cup matches.
Jesse Lingard, Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford will feature in a short film to be played at the start of all of the weekend’s FA Cup matches. Photograph: Public Health England/PA

Updated

Preamble

Mmm. That Cupset smell. Can’t you just feel it? Despite it being a smell?

Welcome to the day’s follow-up, throw-forward and kick back fun and games. Stay tuned for any and all team and transfer news throughout the day, as English football gears up for the STILL VERY SPECIAL INDEED FA Cup third round weekend.

Here’s how the ties break down between tomorrow and Monday night …

Saturday

12.31pm kick-offs (all times GMT)
Birmingham v Blackburn
Bristol City v Shrewsbury
Burnley v Peterborough United
Millwall v Newport County
Rochdale v Newcastle United
Rotherham v Hull

3.01pm
Brentford v Stoke City
Brighton v Sheffield Wednesday
Cardiff v Carlisle United
Fulham v Aston Villa
Oxford v Hartlepool
Preston v Norwich City
Reading v Blackpool
Southampton v Huddersfield
Watford v Tranmere Rovers

5.31pm
Bournemouth v Luton Town
Fleetwood v Portsmouth
Leicester v Wigan
Manchester City v Port Vale
Wolves v Manchester United

Sunday

2.01pm kick-offs
Bristol Rovers v Coventry City
Burton v Northampton
Charlton v West Brom
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Crewe v Barnsley
Crystal Palace v Derby County
Middlesbrough v Tottenham
QPR v Swansea
Sheffield United v Fylde

4.01pm
Liverpool v Everton

6.16pm
Gillingham v West Ham

Monday

7.56pm kick-off
Arsenal v Leeds

Updated

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I was expecting an exposé, but the ugly truth has been out there since it aired
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
‘Our reservation was canceled by some guy who works for Marriott in Las Vegas’: Couple checks into Westin on honeymoon. Then they get stranded in Cabo
A couple on their honeymoon has sparked discussion on TikTok after claiming Marriott cancelled their reservation at a Westin resort in Cabo, Mexico, without any prior notice.
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
‘Heath Ledger knocked my tooth out jousting with a broom’: how we made A Knight’s Tale
‘The lances were made of balsa wood and filled with uncooked spaghetti – so that when they broke, there’d be an explosion of what looked like splinters’
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Part star, part supporting actor, Robert Duvall lit up 1970s American cinema – and kept going
Robert Duvall, who has died at the age of 95, will be remembered for a glittering career that saw him appear in two of American cinema’s most iconic films. But let’s not forget the other hundred or so more across a career spanning six decades.
The Conversation
The Conversation
‘Unintentionally among the queerest releases of its time’: why Calamity Jane is my feelgood movie
The latest in our ongoing series of writers picking their comfort watches is an appreciation of Doris Day’s rule-defying heroine
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
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