There’s plenty of Man City-centric headlines to ponder over, while you enjoy your lie-in or fry-up breakfast.
First of all, let’s sweep the bad news out of the way, as Sky Sports report initial examinations had suggested otherwise.
An article explains: “Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out of Brazil’s squad to play Australia on Tuesday after fracturing the orbital bone around his left eye.
“The 20-year-old forward suffered the injury during an aerial collision with his Manchester City team-mate Nicolas Otamendi.
“The Brazilian Football Confederation gave the injury update on Saturday following Friday’s 1-0 friendly loss to Argentina at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“Brazil have advised City of the extent of the injury. They will not be replacing him in the squad for the Australia friendly, which will also take place in Melbourne.
“In the immediate aftermath of the match Jesus had been given the all clear by the team’s medical staff despite looking groggy following the unintentional blow.”
Moving onto better news and there is praise for Raheem Sterling, who played a key role as England rescued a late point in Saturday’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Scotland.
The winger was introduced from the bench late on but provided a superb assist for Harry Kane to level in injury time.
Former England forward John Barnes believes Sterling has impressed under Pep Guardiola and hopes to see further improvement.
Quoted in the Manchester Evening News, he stated: “Raheem has great potential.
“It’s effortless when he dribbles past players. He has to improve on things. His end product is going to be important.
“It’s the Ian Rush thing again. If Raheem was with Ronnie Moran he would say to him: ‘Yeah, you beat five players but then the ball goes over the bar.’ That’s instead of ‘You beat five players how great is that?’
“You have to be harder with them for them to understand the things they need to improve on.
“I think I’ve seen a marked improvement in Raheem’s end product since he’s been with Pep. His finishing, his passing is better.”
Meanwhile, ESPN have penned a piece, following John Stones’ revelation that he has been buoyed by the support of his comrades and counterparts.
The defender told press: “I’ve had some nice messages after games from players who I haven’t spoken to before.
“I won’t name people and drop them in it, but I’ve had messages from strikers and defenders saying that they respect and love the way I play, telling me to keep doing it and not to change the way I am.
“To hear that from players in other teams who I have not spoken to before is great for me and has given me a lot of confidence.
“It’s a classy touch from them as well. They don’t have to go out of their way to say that.”
Finally, as always, there’s snippet or two of transfer gossip, as the Daily Express claim interest has cooled considerably over Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, while City are focusing on another alleged target.
Writes Charles Perrin: “Manchester City have been keeping tabs, with Pep Guardiola keen to revamp his defence in order to turn his side into title contenders next term.
“Chelsea were also watching his progress, as Antonio Conte doesn’t want to rest on his laurels and intends to rebuild his squad.
“And now according to the Sunday Mirror, Southampton have placed a whopping £70million on their prize asset.
“Saints initially valued Van Dijk at £50m, with only Liverpool prepared to go above that figure.
“The Sunday Mirror claim City haven’t completely abandoned a move for Van Dijk.
“It is said the 25-year-old remains a target, however they won’t pay the figure currently being quoted.
“Meanwhile, City are hoping to close out a deal soon for Kyle Walker.
“The £40m-rated Tottenham defender has been closely linked with a move to the Etihad, and Guardiola wants to sign him as a replacement for Pablo Zabaleta, who has joined West Ham.”
