Premier League LIVE: Arteta offers Gabriel update in major injury blow, Saka scores on Arsenal return, Nuno emulates Clough with Man United win

Statement

Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed they are having a 'temporary issue' regarding the payment of player salaries in March.

A club statement continued: "This has occurred as a result of significant sums of money owed to the chairman’s businesses which has in turn impacted on the club’s immediate cashflow.

"The chairman is working hard to resolve this situation at the earliest possible opportunity and in the meantime thanks everyone for their patience and understanding."

This is not the first time Wednesday have experienced problems of this nature with chairman Dejphon Chansiri revealing he was concerned the club would be unable to pay players and staff their October 2023 wages on time amid what he described as ‘cashflow issues’.

In a bizarre moment, Chansiri asked fans to stump up £2million within a few days to save their club.

However, all payments were satisfied within 24 hours and their transfer embargo was lifted.

The Owls are currently 12th in the Championship, five points off a play-off spot.

Latest

Erling Haaland is out for an indefinite period after sustaining an ankle injury yesterday.

The forward went off in the second half of Manchester City's FA Cup win at Bournemouth on Sunday having injured his left ankle.

City have now confirmed that following tests on Monday, Haaland will see a specialist to confirm the full extent of the injury.

While the club didn't give an idea on how long he'll be out for but City did say the Norwegian is expected to be back before the end of the season and should be available to play during this summer's Club World Cup.

If Haaland is out for a prolonged period it would be a big blow in City's bid to finish in the top four.

City are currently fifth in the Premier League table, a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea with nine games to go.

In what's been an uncharacteristically sloppy season for Pep Guardiola's side, Haaland has remained consistent having scored 30 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions with 21 of them coming in the Premier League.

'No excuses'

Nuno Espirito Santo won't allow excuses from Nottingham Forest when they face Manchester United after playing extra-time on Saturday.

Forest went the distance against Brighton and won on penalties to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

They may still be feeling the effects of the 120 minutes of football, but head coach Espirito Santo insists this won't get in their way.

"No excuses. Don't give anyone excuses," he said before their home clash against United on Tuesday. "We're going to go.

"We'll assess the players, we'll prepare for the game and we're going to compete. It's very difficult on the players but they are recovering well.

"They are always being positive so we are confident we can perform against a good team.

"These short turnarounds are all about recovering and fortunately the match is in the evening so it will gives us the day to finalise the details, so we will be OK.

"We are delighted that we will play in more matches. We are delighted that we will have more chances to perform and improve and grow as a club and as a squad.

"We are in the final stages of the season and we are delighted to be in this position."

Improvement

Chelsea have announced their financial accounts for the year ending 30 June 2024.

The Blues' profit before taxation has been revealed as £128.4million compared to their loss of £90.1million from the year prior.

A statement read: "The club benefitted from increased profit on disposal of player registrations and repositioning of Chelsea Football Club Women Ltd."

Chelsea also said that revenue had fallen to £468.5million having not participated in the Champions League.

"However, the club’s broadcasting receipts benefitted from an improved sixth-place finish in the Premier League and semi-final and final appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup respectively," they said.

"There was a decrease in operational costs in the year, to offset the fall in revenue resulting in a stable operating loss in comparison to the previous year."

Matchday revenue at Chelsea gas risen to £80.1million, with a growth in commercial revenue taking them to £225.3million.

"Decreased operating expenses, including matchday and non-matchday costs, profits on disposal of player registrations of £152.5million and a profit on disposal of subsidiaries of £198.7million led to the group recording an overall net profit of £129.6million after tax."

Not down just yet

Kieran McKenna has insisted that Ipswich Town are 'still in the fight' to avoid relegation.

Ahead of the season run-in, the Tractor Boys are 18th in the Premier League and nine points away from safety.

Bournemouth are their first opponents back from the international break on Wednesday before tough fixtures against Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle.

But when speaking in his press conference, manager McKenna was not one to write off their chances of survival.

"It's an important week for us. Of the nine remaining games, we've got two in four days," he said as per the East Anglian Daily Times.

"There's 27 points to play for and nearly a quarter of the season left so we know, from a points perspective, we're certainly still in the fight and we know that things can change really, really quickly this week with one positive result or two positive results.

"So there's still absolutely that belief that we can compete until the end of the season in terms of league positions.

"Irrespective of that, we've got a quarter of our first Premier League season in 22 years left.

"I think whether we were 16th, whether we were one point off the line where we want to be, or we were 24 points off the line of where we want to be.

"I couldn't really understand or legislate for any difference in the mindset here and the difference in how we prepare and the difference in how we go to the games.

"We need to go to every game, give absolutely everything we've got and try to do ourselves and our supporters proud. Hopefully we get good results from that and that'll leave us at the end of the season in a position that we're really, really happy with.

"That's still absolutely the focus and belief and we hope that a good week this week can really contribute to that. I don't see that changing any time soon."

Rob and Ryan's record

Wrexham have revealed a record turnover in their Annual Report and Financial Results for the year.

The club, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have turned over a total of £26.725million.

That is a whopping 155 percent increase on last year's figures, which stood at £10.478million.

On top of that, Wrexham confirmed that they are now free of all loans towards its shareholders.

The club have repaid the loans of £15.02m and interest owed to The R.R McReynolds Company LLC.

Of the £26.725million in turnover, £13million came from commercial revenue while another £4.4million came from retail revenue.

Matchday revenue grew £2million over the last financial year.

HaCunha Matata

"It means no worries"

And that's the mentality Wolves manager Vitor Pereira has surrounding Matheus Cunha's latest comments.

Cunha says he's ready to fight for titles and take the next step.

Those comments will be concerning for Wolves who are in the Premier League relegation battle and need full squad commitment.

But Pereira has remained calm about the situation and he is planning to keep playing the Brazilian for the rest of the season.

"He knows his potential, he is a top player," the Wolves boss said. "It is normal that he has the ambition to fight for titles, it’s natural.

"It happens with other players. But the most important thing is to be committed and help the team to achieve our targets.

"At the end of the season we will see. Next season I don't know, I don't know if I'm alive tomorrow. It's better to wait. The focus is the next game and the team."

Pereira continued: "If training gives me the confidence to play with Cunha, I will play with him because he has the quality to help us.

"With goals, with assists, in this moment if he has the right mentality to be focused and be with us it’s very easy to manage. If not, I'm here to decide."

'Next step' - Matheus Cunha puts Arsenal on red alert with transfer message

Awkward...

A video of Trent Alexander-Arnold greeting some of his Liverpool teammates has gone viral on social media.

It comes after Alexander-Arnold agreed to join Real Madrid on a free at the end of his contract this summer.

The defender walked into the Reds' training centre and shook hands with Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

But fans are pointing out the death-stare he received from Mac Allister and a lack of eye contact from Gakpo.

Of course, there may be nothing to it, but some of the Liverpool squad could be angry with Alexander-Arnold for his decision.

It's certainly been something that has split the fanbase, so something similar may be happening in the changing room...

'Improving'

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has given a new update on striker Chris Wood.

Wood picked up a hip injury over the international break and didn't feature in Forest's FA Cup quarter-final win.

It's left him as a major doubt to face Manchester United and him missing out would be a huge blow considering his form.

Espirito Santo discussed Wood's issue this afternoon, saying: "He's improving. He's getting better day by day.

"We have to assess him day by day, it's all about him being free and getting better."

So, it seems his involved this week remains up in the air and that will leave Fantasy Premier League managers on edge.

Over 45 per cent of managers own Wood on the game and they will be left with a tough decision on whether to stick or sell.

Defending spending

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has responded to calls from fans that the club should be spending more money.

Spurs released their financial results for the last year this afternoon and they have shown a total revenue decrease.

As part of the report, posted on the club's website, Levy gave a statement on the year's numbers.

He discussed the season so far and then seemed to defend himself and Spurs over their transfer approach.

Part of the statement read: “Since opening our new stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £700 million net in player acquisitions.

"Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means.

"I often read calls for us to spend more, given that we are ranked as the ninth richest club in the world. However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues.

"Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power. We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club.

"Indeed, our off-pitch revenues have significantly supplemented the lower football revenues this year, testament to our diversified income strategy."

The full report can be found below...

Endo the road?

Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly enquired about taking Liverpool cult hero Wataru Endo back to the Bundesliga.

Signed for just £16million in August 2023, it was common knowledge that the Japan international was not the Reds' first midfield target.

That was following high-profile pursuits of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both of whom went on to join Chelsea for a combined fee of £173million - with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both leaving a void of experience when heading to Saudi Arabia.

However, the 32-year-old, who still has two years on his deal, proved himself to be a favourite among fans and former manager Jurgen Klopp.

In his first 17 starts at Liverpool, the Merseysiders failed to lose a single game, having won 15 and drawn two - which included a standout role in the 2024 Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley.

Endo has continued in a secondary role under Arne Slot this term, and Sky Sports Germany claim the club's No.3 will be allowed to leave this summer.

The report adds that Frankfurt are informed about the situation, but his transfer is currently not a priority, partly because the overall package is still too expensive.

Top Marcs

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim refused to be drawn into commenting extensively on Marcus Rashford's form.

When asked to analyse Rashford's contribution on loan at Aston Villa, the Red Devils chief preferred to focus on the players he still had.

He said: "We have a lot of games to play and I am focused on my team and my players and Rashford is not my player at the moment.

"But every player that performs well on loan is good news for my club so we are happy with that."

Case for the defence

Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Manchester United's defensive duo, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro, are both available to face Nottingham Forest tomorrow.

England international Maguire has been absent with a calf issue since being forced off during the FA Cup defeat by Fulham on March 2.

A week later, Yoro had to be replaced at half-time in the 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal on March 9.

Amorim said: "Luke [Shaw] is not ready yet. We are starting to do some drills with the team but we are building Luke.

"Mason Mount is feeling better but he was on the bench in the last game, Kobbie [Mainoo] is almost ready, Jonny [Evans] is recovering, [Lisandro Martinez] is out.

"[Harry] Maguire is also ready to go to the game and [Leny] Yoro, yes."

On Ayden Heaven, who was stretchered off against Leicester City: "It is not so serious. He is recovering.

"He is not yet ready to play but he will return this season, for sure."

Full fitness

West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug is set to return to action tomorrow for the Hammers' trip to Wolves.

The German, who arrived in the Premier League for £27million last summer, has only made nine appearances.

He's struggled with injuries and his latest, a hamstring issue, was picked up in January and he hasn't played since.

But manager Graham Potter had a positive update to give.

";Fullkrug has been training with the group," Potter revealed.

"He will more than likely be in the squad, we've just got to build his minutes up in terms of what he's able to do.

"He hasn't played competitive football in a while and has had a fairly significant injury.

"He's training well and is building his fitness up so he'll be in the squad."

Rash decision

Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan doesn't think Aston Villa will decide to sign Marcus Rashford.

Rashford has hit form since moving on loan to Villa Park and he netted his first two goals for the club against Preston in the FA Cup quarter-finals yesterday.

There is reported to be a £40million buy clause in his loan contract, but even with his strong performances, will Villa sign him?

Jordan doesn't think so, saying: "I could have bet you any money in the world that Rashford would come alive for Aston Villa.

"Fantastic, but wait until Villa have got to write a cheque out. I think they're too canny and too wise to fall into this trap.

"It's one thing having a player on loan, playing a small percent of his wages so it's a small transaction. You have him for four months, it costs you £5-6million, nothing, nobody cares."

He added: "Everybody knew he was going to lift a leg. I think the system helps as well.

"I just think Villa are too wise for it and first of all, they're not going to want to pay over £300,000 a week and a transfer fee.

"It's too big of a deal."

One in, one out

Bukayo Saka's return will be a major boost for Arsenal, but they've lost a key defender at the same time.

Mikel Arteta revealed this morning: "Calafiori unfortunately picked up a knee injury again with the national team.

"It was really unfortunate how that injury happened but it could have been much worse.

"So hopefully it's going to be a matter of weeks. But we have to see how the injury evolves."

This is now the third knee issue Calafiori has suffered this season and it came after he landed awkwardly playing for Italy.

However, in more positive news, Arteta did confirm that Jurrien Timber is back fit to feature.

"Jurrien has been ill for long but he has felt much better in the last few days, so he is available," he said.

Left in tears

Ander Herrera is not having a good time in Argentina...

The ex-Man United midfielder was left in tears after picking up another injury only five minutes into his return.

Herrera, who spent five years at Old Trafford, now plays for Boca Juniors and has missed six of their 11 games since joining.

He had already been sat out before making a comeback last night, but it didn't last long.

Just after coming on, he pulled up holding his groin and walked off the pitch to sit on the bench.

Herrera was then seen crying on the sidelines as his teammates consoled him in the dugout.

The injury was a recurrence of another issue he had after joining Boca Juniors from Athletic Bilbao.

The Spaniard has only made four appearances for the Argentine side since signing on January 17.

'Shown us all what courage means'

Former Arsenal midfielder Kristoffer Olsson has mutually agreed to terminate his contract at  FC Midtjylland.

That comes just over a year after the 29-year-old was diagnosed with an acute brain condition.

Olsson graduated from the Gunners' academy in 2013 spending time at Midtjylland on four different occasions.

Last year, he lost consciousness at his home and was then diagnosed with several small blood clots in his brain.

The midfielder has been rehabilitating from that ever since and now he's said to be joining Swedish side Norrkoping where he will be closer to his family.

Midtjylland deputy football director Kristian Bach Bak said: "It's not just a story about sports, but about human strength when life hits unreasonably hard.

"He has shown us all what courage means in practice."

Tours announced

Arsenal and Spurs have confirmed this morning that they will both be touring Asia this summer.

The North London rivals will compete in their first derby outside of the UK in July as part of their tour.

Managing Director at Arsenal, Richard Garlick said: “Everyone at Arsenal is excited to be visiting Hong Kong in July. It’s great to be back with our men’s first team squad after 13 years, and gives us the opportunity to meet so many of our fantastic supporters in the region again.

“As well as training hard and playing the match, we cannot wait to connect with our Hong Kong supporters in this wonderful part of the world.

“Playing against Tottenham Hotspur in the magnificent new Kai Tak Stadium will be a great experience for both teams and supporters, and will be a very important part of our pre-season preparations ahead of the new season.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool are heading to Japan for the first time while also playing for The Standard Chartered Trophy.

Ben Latty, Liverpool Football Club’s chief commercial officer, said: “We’re extremely excited to be returning to Asia for this summer’s pre-season tour and we’re very grateful to our principal partner, Standard Chartered, for their support in sponsoring the Standard Chartered Trophy against AC Milan, 20 years on from that magical night in Istanbul.

“And it’s a great honour for us to enjoy the award-winning and first-rate hospitality of Japan Airlines, our official airline partner, to fly us in comfort and ensure our pre-season tour starts and ends in the best way possible.

“We look forward to bringing our hundreds of millions of fans in Asia closer to the club they love.”

Press conference schedule

We have a whole bunch of Premier League press conferences throughout today to look forward to.

Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim will be speaking ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United's fixtures this week.

The Gunners face Fulham at the Emirates while the Red Devils face a tough trip to take on Nottingham Forest.

Here are a few highlights:

• Marco Silva / Fulham - 9am
• Graham Potter / West Ham - 9am
• Mikel Arteta / Arsenal - 11am
• Ruben Amorim / Man United - 1:30pm

New target

Arsenal are reportedly looking at making a summer move for Viktor Gyokeres.

David Ornstein at The Athletic reports the Gunners see the Swede as a potential striker option in the summer.

Arsenal confirmed that former Atletico Madrid director of football Andrea Berta was Edu's replacement as technical director.

He is a huge fan of the Sporting Lisbon forward, who is expected to leave the Portuguese giants this summer.

Of course, given his connection to Ruben Amorim, Manchester United are also strongly interested in Gyokeres, but it appears as if the Gunners are ready to compete.

Haaland latest

Manchester City are into the last four of the FA Cup, but they did lose Erling Haaland to injury.

The striker had a weird afternoon as he saw his penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga before missing a one-on-one.

He then slotted home at the start of the second half before suffering an ankle issue.

After the game, Pep Guardiola was asked to provide an update, and he sort of provided one.

Speaking to ITV, he said: "I don't know. I don't know yet. We will have to see."

Haaland was then seen leaving the stadium in a protective boot, so things don't look too positive for the Norweigan...

Bournemouth 1-2 Man City - FULL TIME

There is the final whistle, and Manchester City's hopes of winning something are still alive.

The Citizens will compete in their seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final, and they will face Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

Bournemouth just didn't live up to their high standards and turned in a poor second-half display.

However, Pep Guardiola deserves credit for introducing Nico O'Reilly, who has set up both of City's goals.

The only concern for them is that Erling Haaland limped off after scoring with what appeared to be an ankle problem.

Bournemouth 1-2 Man City

We have seven minutes of added time on the south coast.

The home fans are encouraged, but they've offered nothing in the second 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, Man City are looking to finish this one off.

Kevin De Bruyne sees a strike blocked before the ball runs to James McAtee, and his effort is stopped by Kepa Arrizabalaga.