🗞️ Daily Digest: Gavi blow, Haaland boost, Kane complaint | OneFootball

The five biggest stories of the day but so much more digestible, so you know everything you need to.

1️⃣ Barcelona and Spain dealt Gavi ACL blow

Barcelona’s Gavi, a key 19-year-old midfielder for Spain, must undergo surgery for a torn ACL and meniscus damage, likely ruling him out of Euro 2024. The injury occurred during Sunday’s match against Georgia, leading Spain coach Luis de la Fuente to express deep sorrow, calling it the hardest moment in his football career. Gavi, with over 100 appearances for Barcelona, left the field in a serious condition. Team-mate Ferran Torres has acknowledged the severity, suggesting a significant setback for Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign.

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2️⃣ Galatasaray lodge complaint over Kane goal

Galatasaray have lodged an official complaint with UEFA against referee Antonio Nobre for violating VAR protocol during their recent Champions League match against Bayern Munich. The complaint centres on Harry Kane’s goal, initially flagged offside but later awarded after VAR malfunctioned. Despite VAR confirming Kane was onside, Galatasaray’s complaint raises questions about its motives. Currently in third place with four points, the Turkish giants aim to win their upcoming matches against FC Copenhagen and Manchester United to advance to the round of 16.

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3️⃣ Super League tensions resurface among Premier League clubs

Premier League clubs plan to discuss the failed European Super League at a shareholders’ meeting, pressuring the “big six” to contribute more to a £130m rescue package. The “other 14” fear the proposed financial distribution model will burden them disproportionately. The meeting may involve a push for a transfer levy, with an independent regulator potentially imposing terms. Everton’s 10-point deduction for financial breaches has intensified tensions, while emotions are high due to the slow resolution of Manchester City’s case and debates around a ban on loans between associated clubs. The meeting could revive divisions seen during the European Super League debacle.

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4️⃣ Haaland fitness boost ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who suffered an ankle problem during the international break, is reported to have a “not serious” injury and is expected to be fit for the Premier League clash against Liverpool this weekend. Haaland was rested in Norway’s game against Scotland as a precaution. While Haaland’s return is a positive update for City, other players like Mateo Kovačic face up to three weeks out. Despite fitness challenges, City’s Rodri made a return to Spain action, contributing to Pep Guardiola’s relief amid ongoing concerns.

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5️⃣ FIFA to implement changes to World Cup qualifying process

Top footballers are facing increasing injury concerns, with numerous key players suffering injuries during the international break. FIFA is reportedly planning to reduce the number of matches required to qualify for the World Cup from 2024, aiming to alleviate players’ workload. The proposed changes include 12 groups of four and five in Europe, with teams potentially qualifying in just six matches. However, skepticism arises as FIFA is simultaneously expanding the World Cup to 48 teams, the Champions League adds more games, and the Club World Cup plans to feature 32 teams in future. The overall game load for top players may still increase.

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