MILAN GIANTS WORRY OVER DOUBTFUL STARS NOW
Denzel Dumfries (Inter) and Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan) are major doubts for the Derby della Madonnina. Both are struggling with ankle injuries, casting uncertainty over their availability for the crucial Serie A clash.
Inter and AC Milan stars delay return
Denzel Dumfries and Santiago Gimenez's chances of being available for the Derby della Madonnina this Sunday are increasingly uncertain.
The match kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.
Recent updates from the training camps are not promising, but both clubs are still hoping for last-minute fitness news before finalising their squads.
Key players for AC Milan and Inter have delayed their return.
After coming back early from international duty with the Netherlands, Dumfries has reportedly not participated in full training with Inter again, as reported by Sky Sport Italia.
His ankle injury is taking longer to heal than originally expected.
As long as he continues to experience discomfort and is unable to train regularly, he is unlikely to be risked for this crucial match this weekend.
Matteo Darmian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have been sidelined for an extended period, and Piotr Zielinski is dealing with a calf issue following his appearances for Poland.
Manuel Akanji is expected to arrive at the Appiano Gentile facility on Thursday, making him one of the last players to return from international duty.
Milan is also concerned about Gimenez, who did not engage in full training with his teammates today.
The striker is still dealing with the ankle issue that kept him from representing Mexico during international matches.
He will likely aim for a return in next week's match against Lazio, potentially from the Milan bench.
Today, Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Luka Modric came back from Croatia and only worked in the gym.
On Thursday, they are expecting Davide Bartesaghi, Zachary Athekame, Koni De Winter, and Alexis Saelemaekers at Milanello.
A key update was Adrien Rabiot’s return to full training with his teammates on Tuesday, as he is ready to return following a month-long recovery from a muscular injury.
UNITED NIGHTMARE ENDS: RASMUS HOJLUND'S VALUE SOARS AT NAPOLI NOW
Rasmus Hojlund's market value has soared to as high as €92m during his loan at Napoli, a significant increase from June. The deal includes a €44m obligation to buy, making the move a potential bargain for the Italian side.
Hojlund's Transfer Value Increases By Millions Now
As Rasmus Hojlund continues to enjoy his loan period away from Manchester United, his transfer value has risen once more. Hojlund departed United to sign a season-long loan with a buyout commitment with Napoli.
If certain requirements are fulfilled, the current Serie A champions will have to provide United €44 million (£38.8 million) next summer. Napoli has already paid the Reds a €6 million (£5.3 million) loan fee; if the permanent deal is finalised, the total cost of the trade may be €50 million (£44.1 million).
After scoring 26 goals in two seasons at United and 10 during the previous season, Hojlund departed Old Trafford in the summer. The Denmark international has scored four goals in his first ten games since joining Napoli.
It remains to be seen if Hojlund will return to United or finalise a long-term transfer to Napoli next summer. The striker's market value seems to have gone up over the past several months since he is enjoying his stay in Italy.
Hojlund's current market value is estimated by the CIES Football Observatory to be between €79 million (£69.7 million) and €92 million (£81.1 million).
Hojlund's value has significantly increased since the end of the previous season.
The same website stated in June that the striker was worth between €59 million (£52 million) and €76 million (£67 million) on the transfer market.
It is still unclear whether all the requirements of the loan move have been fulfilled because Napoli has not yet confirmed that they will sign Hojlund on a permanent contract next summer.
Throughout the season, the striker will still have the opportunity to contend for both the Champions League and the Serie A championship.
Following Benjamin Sesko's knee injury, there have even been rumours that United may be able to recall Hojlund when the January transfer window opens.
The Slovenian international sustained the injury before the international break; further reports indicate that the striker may miss up to one month of action.
There were concerns at the time of the injury that Sesko would be sidelined for an even longer period of time.
As a result, there were rumours that United could be able to recall Hojlund in January. However, this is not going to happen because the transfer, which was agreed upon earlier this year, does not have such a condition.
JANUARY EXIT: TOTTENHAM READY TO LOAN MATHYS TEL AMID AS ROMA RUMOURS
AS Roma are targeting a January move for Tottenham's Mathys Tel. The French winger has struggled for minutes and was omitted from Spurs' UCL squad, but the club would only consider a permanent sale, not a loan.
Spurs Confirm Decision On Tel Exit After Rumours
Roma, an Italian team, is reportedly considering making a move for Tottenham winger Mathys Tel in January. After being left out of Spurs' Champions League roster at the start of the season, the France U21 international has battled to get consistent minutes under Thomas Frank.
But before the international break, Tel scored in the thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester United after making a significant impact off the bench.
Despite having contributed to Tottenham's 2-1 victory over Leeds at Elland Road in October, the former Bayern Munich starlet has only scored two goals across all competitions this season.
Tel has reportedly been considered by Roma as a potential winter transfer option, according to publications in Italy.
However, there have also been rumours that Spurs would only consider permanent bids and would not take loan offers.
Frank's team has already been severely damaged by injuries this season, so it does not seem plausible that the Dane would be willing to hurt his team before bolstering it.
Joshua Zirkzee, a striker for Manchester United, is also on Roma's radar. Gian Piero Gasperini's team is currently in second place in Serie A and tied for first place with Inter Milan.
Additionally, after Randal Kolo Muani injured his jaw against Manchester United, Tel may soon be included in Spurs' Champions League roster.
According to UEFA regulations, players with chronic ailments may be substituted, although Kolo Muani is expected to miss about six weeks of football.
Since Kolo Muani does not need surgery, there is currently hope that he may return sooner. The criterion is that any player who is replaced must be slated to miss about 60 days due to injury.
After helping the team win the Europa League in Bilbao under Ange Postecoglou, Tel signed a permanent contract with Tottenham in June for over £30 million.
Despite strong interest from the Premier League, he signed a six-month loan with Spurs late in the January transfer window.
The Frenchman expressed his dissatisfaction at not being included in the team's Champions League roster back in September.
"It is obvious that not being on a list hurts," he stated. However, because I believe I have worked a lot on the mental side, I tend to be rather optimistic in any circumstance.
I would have liked to be there, but today is undoubtedly disappointing. We can only respect the coach's decision, though, and we will do everything in our power to return as best we can."