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Liverpool ended Napoli’s 21-game unbeaten run at Anfield last night when they delivered a 2-0 victory in front of the home support in the Champions League, but it’s not all good news for the team.

What’s the latest?

Jurgen Klopp took to his post-match interview to give an update on James Milner who sustained a head injury in the 48th minute of the clash with the Italians last night.

When asked about the midfielder’s condition, the Liverpool boss told the media:

“Don’t know. He seems to be fine now but we have to probably do further checks.”

It could be a big blow for Liverpool

Although Milner isn’t always the first name on the team sheet, it could be a big blow for Liverpool if the veteran midfielder can’t recover before the game with Tottenham Hotspur in north London this weekend.

It is no secret that Liverpool have struggled with injury issues in the centre of the pitch this season with Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo all sustaining problems over the first few months of the new campaign.

Arthur is the only aforementioned player who is still sidelined, however, there has been another scare as Jordan Henderson was omitted from the Champions League squad on Tuesday night.

It was confirmed the Liverpool captain trained alone in the gym instead of joining his teammates on the grass in the lead-up to the final Champions League group stage game, but there has been no confirmation as to whether Henderson has picked up a knock or whether he will be available for the clash with Spurs this weekend.

As a result, the injury to Milner could leave the squad weakened in terms of experience on the pitch if the skipper is unavailable for selection too in a game where picking up points is essential for the Reds.

Liverpool are currently ninth in the Premier League table following two consecutive defeats to Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, and are now eight points adrift of Newcastle United in fourth which is a troubling situation for Klopp.

Indeed, the Merseysiders will now not be able to break into the top four before the World Cup commences next month with just two league fixtures remaining but they will be hopeful that stealing as many points as possible in the meantime can start to close the gap slightly before they return to action after Christmas.

That task, however, will be a lot trickier if they don’t have the services of Henderson and Milner.

Leeds United have been dealt yet another injury setback, as the problems only continue to mount for Jesse Marsch…

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Leeds Live), Marsch revealed that Luis Sinisterra is now a doubt for the Whites’ trip to Liverpool tomorrow night.

The 48-year-old went on to suggest that he will monitor the Colombian winger – who was withdrawn in the 3-2 defeat to Fulham last time out after taking a knock to his ankle – over Friday and Saturday to determine whether or not the 23-year-old will be fit to feature under the Anfield lights.

Huge blow

Although Liverpool are definitely beatable nowadays, potentially being without the services of a player as talented as Sinisterra is sure to have come as a huge blow to Marsch.

Arguably, of their terrible winless run, Leeds have been most impressive when facing tougher teams.

Their 1-0 loss to Arsenal was somewhat undeserved given their late penalty miss and disallowed equaliser, and before going eight without a win, they pulverised Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road.

Whilst likely planning to hit the Reds on the counter, exploiting the space left in behind their full-backs, to be without Sinisterra will be frustrating.

He boasts lightning-quick speed that would have surely troubled Trent Alexander-Arnold down his flank, especially given the crisis of confidence the England international has been suffering of late.

The Colombian has taken to English football well, and with three goals and one assist in his first ten games, he has been a nuisance for every team he has faced.

This is outlined through his 1.1 shots per game, and the fact that he is successful in 50% of his dribbles. To denote such a success rate against the rest of the Premier League suggests that, against the out-of-form full-back, these metrics would likely be improved upon.

It will take an almighty task for Marsch to lead his side to a result this weekend – something that will be made all the more difficult should Sinisterra indeed be ruled out – but with the unpredictable form of Jurgen Klopp’s side, anything is possible.

Man City have ‘been in contact’ over ‘recent weeks’ as the Premier League champions eye a move for Inter Milan star and Liverpool target Milan Skriniar.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues solid defence…

Pep Guardiola’s side have conceded the joint-second fewest league goals so far this season with only Newcastle United boasting a better defensive record.

City’s centre-half roster is, arguably, the English top flight’s most impressive as Guardiola has John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and summer signing Manuel Akanji to call upon.

Promising defensive youngsters are also turning heads at Eastlands, most recently full-back Rico Lewis, who became City’s youngest ever Champions League goalscorer against Sevilla on Wednesday.

Despite the Sky Blues’ serious depth at the back, some transfer opportunities are seemingly too good to ignore, with journalist Graeme Bailey of 90min sharing news on their interest in Skriniar.

The Latest: City make ‘contact’ for Skriniar…

The Slovakia international, whose deal at Inter expires in 2023, is fast becoming a man in demand and is considered one of Europe’s best centre-backs.

Skriniar’s contract situation, according to 90min and Bailey, has attracted attention from City who have ‘been in contact with his representatives’.

The report adds this is ‘in recent weeks’ with Skriniar also being targeted by a host of top-flight clubs – including Guardiola’s arch-rivals Liverpool.

The Verdict: Get it done?

If City can convince the 27-year-old to join for free next summer, it could be considered one of the club’s biggest transfer coups in recent years.

Called ‘sensational’ by verified football writer David Amoyal, Skriniar’s 2022/2023 statistics certainly back his status as an imperious defender. As per WhoScored, the elite ball player has averaged a brilliant 92% pass accuracy out from the back, with numbers like this indicating he could fit like a glove into this City team.

Only Italy international star Nicolo Barella has played more Serie A minutes than Skriniar this season with the Inter untouchable proving to be a crucial player for manager Simone Inzaghi. You’d expect that the Nerazzurri will be desperate to tie him down, but if no agreement can be reached, City could surely pounce.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has hinted at signing a new contract with the Premier League club, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Italian arrived in the capital just over a year ago and has made a remarkable impact, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the season and having not yet put pen to paper on fresh terms, his future at Tottenham is uncertain.

The 53-year-old had been heavily linked with a move back to his former club Juventus amid speculation, but there has now been a positive update from the man himself which Spurs supporters will surely be pleased to hear.

The Latest: Conte’s admission

Speaking about his contract situation, Conte admitted that whilst he feels like he has to earn his place at Spurs, it’s every manager’s dream to see out a long-term project.

Quoted by football.london (via TEAMtalk), he said: “You know very well that my contract expires in June. Until that moment the club has to make the best evaluation. I think that everything you need to deserve and it will be important to see the rest of the season and if we are happy with the improvement we are doing.

“I think that every situation it’s important to deserve. From my side, it’s important to feel that I deserve a new contract, to sign a new contract with this club. I have to feel this. We will talk with the club and find the best solution.”

“But you know, I think when you start a path with a club the dream is to stay here for many years and try to build something important. I think it’s very important the relationship you create with the players, the club and the environment around you.”

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The Verdict: Fully deserved

Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy offering Conte a new deal would be nothing less than the manager deserves when you look at how much he has transformed the Tottenham squad over the past 12 months.

The 53-year-old has won 33, drawn nine and lost just 16 of his 58 games in the Spurs dugout, averaging 1.86 points per match (Transfermarkt).

Spurs have also booked their place in the Champions League last 16, and the manager would surely become even more of a fan favourite in N17 should he lead his team to a first piece of silverware since 2008 at the end of the season.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Ajax star Mohammed Kudus and the Ghana international could be a big upgrade on Raul Jimenez in Julen Lopetegui’s side.

It was suggested during the summer that Wolves were keen on the 22-year-old and he could now be available for a bargain fee in January, with more recent reports suggesting that he would cost as little as €10m (£8.7m).

Considering Wolves have scored the fewest goals in the Premier League so far this season, it seems clear that attacking additions are needed in January if Lopetegui is to turn things around, and Kudus could be the ideal man.

The Ajax attacker has had a superb campaign thus far, contributing ten goals in all competitions for the Eredivisie side, including four goals and two assists in six Champions League appearances, which helped him to a superb 7.34 average rating from WhoScored.

Jimenez, meanwhile, failed to find the back of the net in any of his three Premier League appearances before the break, and averaged a disappointing 6.34 rating from WhoScored.

FBRef’s scouting report of Kudus emphasises just how impressive he has been from an attacking perspective, as he scores in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals, pass completion and dribbles completed per 90 when compared with other forwards across Europe’s top leagues.

By comparison, Jimenez has scored in the fifth, 59th, and 43rd percentile in the same statistics, which suggests that he is no longer good enough to be relied upon as the main source of goals at Molineux.

Although the Mexico international was the top scorer and top creator in Wolves’ side last season, he managed just six goals and four assists, with the former Benfica man sadly not reaching the same levels he was showing before his fractured skull injury.

The 31-year-old has spent much of this season on the sidelines with injury but has still travelled to Qatar with Mexico for the World Cup, where Wolves fans will be hoping that he can rediscover his goalscoring touch.

However, Lopetegui might well consider tuning into Ghana’s Group H games against Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay, as Kudus’ impressive 2022/23 form suggests that he could be a “superstar” for the Black Stars.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a move to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Torres up for sale

Despite the centre-back still having just under two years remaining on his deal with the La Liga club, he has been heavily linked with an exit in recent transfer windows, although any kind of switch has failed to materialise before the deadline.

The Spaniard has a €60m (£52.4m) release clause in his contract, and after officially now being put on the market, it sounds like there are several potential Premier League suitors waiting to snap him up.

The Latest: Wolves eyeing Torres

According to 90min, Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui is believed to be a ‘keen admirer’ of Torres and is looking at ‘options’, including the 25-year-old, to ‘bolster’ his new-look defence in the winter market.

Villarreal are ‘unlikely’ to ask for the defender’s full release clause, but they will ‘demand a club-record fee’ for his services, which will be upwards of their previous £40m high.

Aston Villa, Chelsea and Tottenham are also mentioned in the report, so there could be plenty of English top-flight competition for the Spain international.

The Verdict: Statement move

Wolves may find it difficult to land Torres in the New Year given that level of competition, but it’s a real show of ambition from Lopetegui to be targeting a player who content creator Ryan Haber described as a ‘dream’ transfer target.

The 6 foot 2 colossus has 16 goal contributions for his club and currently averages four clearances per game, highlighting his impact at both ends of the pitch.

The Old Gold being bottom of the table won’t be an attractive prospect to potential signings, but a manager with a rich CV in Lopetegui could help to convince targets to get on board with his new long-term project.

Arsenal are set to make a second bid for a Brazilian midfielder who Mikel Arteta tried to sign in the summer transfer window…

What’s the news?

According to Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola, Arsenal are set to submit a second bid for Palmeiras midfielder Danilo once the World Cup group stage is finished.

Arteta made a bid of €25m (£21.5m) in the summer, which was rejected, however, Nicola believes a similar offer this time around could see the Brazilian side accept.

Arsenal face competition from Ajax and Monaco however, and Arteta will be hoping to get the deal over the line sooner rather than later.

Arteta’s own Gilberto Silva

The north London side haven’t had a combative Brazilian midfielder since Gilberto joined back in 2002 fresh from winning the World Cup, but Danilo could excel in exactly the same fashion.

Both operate just in front of the defenders, screening the back four and starting attacks from deep. The former World Cup winner made 243 appearances for the club during his six-year stay in London and Danilo could eventually become a mainstay in the starting XI, especially with his potential.

The 21-year-old embodied the former Arsenal star in the 2022 season for Palmeiras, making 2.1 tackles per match while taking on average 51.3 touches of the ball, proving he doesn’t shy away from the action and constantly demands the ball.

That’s nearly identical to Gilberto’s final campaign in Brazil, where he made two tackles per game while also making 1.7 interceptions of the ball.

Danilo also chipped in with a goal and two assists during the aforementioned campaign, however, it’s clear that his key strengths lie defensively, just like Gilberto’s and this will be why the youngster is in high demand from clubs in Europe.

Under Arsene Wenger, Gilberto won a Premier League title and two FA Cups and with Arteta leading the club to the summit of the league table during the first half of the campaign, Danilo might see the move as a long-term project.

For a fee of just £21.5m, the move clearly represents a bargain for the Spaniard and if he does impress, he could well make a massive profit on the Brazilian in the future.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been reacting to links involving Aston Villa and Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze.

The Lowdown: Chukwueze linked with Villa

Villa have reportedly made Chukwueze a top target following Unai Emery’s arrival in the Midlands and are plotting a move for the 23-year-old.

Emery is after a new A-list forward who can operate in multiple attacking positions, with Chukwueze capable of playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder.

Hailed by ESPN journalist David Cartlidge as a ‘ridiculous’ talent who ‘tortures’ defenders, Chukwueze made 94 appearances under Emery at Villarreal.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Villa and Chukwueze, O’Rourke said that it could ‘be a marquee signing’ by NSWE, who have made plenty of big-money transfers over the last few years.

“Villa have made some big signings in the last couple of transfer windows, they’ve always been backed in the transfer market by their owners.

“Chukwueze has been linked with several clubs and a number of Premier League clubs in the past as well, so if Villa were able to bring him to Villa Park, I think he’d be a marquee signing for them.”

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The Verdict: Record move?

Villa’s current record signing is Emiliano Buendia, who joined from Norwich City in a deal worth €38.4m (£32.8m).

Reports have suggested that any club would need to pay around €50m (£43.5m) for Chukwueze, which could make him Villa’s most expensive signing of all time.

NSWE have seemingly promised Emery a ‘huge’ budget in 2023, so a swoop for Chukwueze could prove to be a solid first addition under the Spaniard due to his versatility and previous experience under the current Villa manager.

Tottenham Hotspur have ramped up their efforts to sign Mohammed Kudus ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Italian outlet Calciomercato.it claim that the north London outfit have been monitoring the Ghana sensation for several weeks and some at the club believe signing the Ajax star would help keep manager Antonio Conte at the club for a little longer.

It’s thought that it could come down to whether or not Spurs qualify for the Champions League, a minimum requirement set by Kudus for his next move, despite coming close to signing for Premier League rivals Everton during the summer.

Other reports have suggested that a bid of around £30m would make it hard for the Eredivisie giants to turn down at the turn of the year.

Dream Kulusevski alternative

A new frontline option seems pretty high on the agenda for Conte right now as he looks to see more consistency from his side across the Premier League and Champions League.

At times, Spurs have looked unbeatable but there have been a few occasions where they have looked outfought and defeated, particularly during Dejan Kulusevski’s absence.

His impact at the Lilywhites has been undoubted since his arrival last January and he, alongside Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, have largely been Conte’s best front three. Summer signing Richarlison has proven to be a versatile rotation option but it’s still not enough, which is where Kudus comes in.

The 22-year-old, who can play in midfield, out wide and up top, enjoyed a phenomenal group stage campaign at the World Cup to continue his fine domestic form this term, where he has scored ten goals and laid on a further two assists across 21 outings, via Transfermarkt.

Kudus didn’t register a Sofascore rating of below 7.4 despite the Black Stars only winning one of their three games in Qatar. He completed more take-ons than anyone else in the group stage, on top of his two goals.

Once lauded as a “special talent”, the Ghanian attacker could be exactly what Conte needs when he looks for a plan B to the dynamic Swede and given the youngster’s recent form – on both the domestic and international stage – and his versatility, there couldn’t be a more dream candidate out there.

AND in other news, Spurs could eclipse Son signing by swooping for “sensational” £70m World Cup “monster”…

Liverpool could look to sell midfielder Naby Keita in January if they decide not to extend his current Anfield contract, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Injury history

Keita has had multiple off-field struggles during his time on Merseyside and has missed 85 games through illness and injury in recent years.

The 27-year-old has only managed an appearance in the Community Shield during the current campaign and is out of contract at the end of the season.

He has been linked with a 2023 exit as a result, with the likes of AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and West Ham named as potential destinations.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Sheth believes that the Reds could look to part ways with Keita in the New Year, should they decide against entering fresh contract discussions.

“He has had his injury problems throughout his career at Liverpool.

“There have been links once more to a return to the Bundesliga, but he is with the Liverpool squad now in Dubai and he has resumed training with them.

“It is definitely one to keep an eye on because if Liverpool decide not to extend that contract, then there might even be business to be done in January.”

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The Verdict: One to watch?

Jurgen Klopp appears to be extremely keen on bolstering his midfield ranks in 2023, with rumours over moves for both Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez.

Therefore, you’d expect that an exit for Keita could be a real possibility given his fitness struggles at the club. Receiving some cash for his signature may well be welcomed by FSG as opposed to losing him for nothing in the summer, so a January departure could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.