Leeds United

Marsch on the World Cup break: "Overall, it has been great. We've invested in the fitness of the team, little injuries have come because we've pushed the players further.

"We've made progress, the togetherness is strong and we need to make sure everyone is 100% because the games come thick and fast."

Leeds United

Marsch on Mateusz Klich's future amid MLS speculation: "There has been inquiry in Mateusz, but from all sides we are still cautious about thinking whether it is time for him to leave. He has been really important here; one of the interesting things is he has played the fifth most games for me since I've been here; 25 of 28 games.

"He is one of my favourite personalities I've ever coached. We've been honest with each other along the way. I'm not sure it is the time for him to leave."

Leeds United

Marsch on team news: "Yesterday [in a friendly defeat to Monaco] we didn't have many guys in the mix because of injury and then we had a sickness bug going around the team, but we are hoping everyone can be back in training and healthy this week with the exception of of Stuart [Dallas] who had a successful surgery yesterday.

"Luis Sinisterra is on track, we have to be cautious but we hope he can be ready to train in a couple of weeks."

Leeds United

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is speaking to the media this afternoon.

Updates incoming.

Manchester City

You can get the latest on Manchester City's transfer links, loads of expert opinion and plenty of fan viewpoints on our dedicated City page.

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Thumbs up for City, down for Liverpool.

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Pep Guardiola has praised Julian Alvarez for his "amazing contribution" as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar.

The 22-year-old will enjoy a break of between a week and 10 days before returning to Manchester, either just before or just after the new year.

"We are incredibly happy for him," Guardiola said. "We are delighted because he played a lot and his contribution was amazing.

"We have a world champion in our team."

Manchester City had 16 players at the tournament, but Guardiola insists he is not concerned about fatigue or them struggling to adapt back to the demands of the Premier League.

"They lived an incredible experience," he said. "The World Cup is unique and, actually, I think those who played in it are in better condition than those who stayed here.

"Sergio [Gomez], Erling [Haaland], Riyad [Mahrez], Cole [Palmer] all have a little bit of rhythm missing compared with Manuel [Akanji], Rodri and Nathan [Ake].

"Step by step, people are coming back and we will restart where we are."

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Manchester City are the side most likely to suffer from World Cup burnout after their players starred at the tournament, according to a study by the PA news agency.

City led the Premier League with 16 players in Qatar and they combined for 5,180 minutes of action. That was more than 1,000 minutes above second-placed Tottenham (4,107 minutes).

Indeed, almost 40% of their playing time (1,973 minutes) came in the knockout stages from 3 December onwards.

Similarly, they covered a combined 486km during those games, which was 99km more than their city rivals Manchester United in second.

Meanwhile, title contenders Arsenal had 10 players at the tournament but only England's Bukayo Saka played in the quarter-finals. That means their players only appeared for 1,928 minutes in total.

However, a significant injury to Gabriel Jesus at the tournament may be more problematic for their title challenge.

On the plus side, Norway's absence from the finals does mean that star City striker Erling Haaland has had 39 days' rest, beyond a friendly against Girona on Saturday.

Tired Premier League defences, beware.

Here's what is coming up.

• We are expecting to bring you updates from Leeds boss Jesse Marsch at 13:30 GMT and then Arsenal's Mikel Arteta at 15:00 GMT.
• We'll look ahead to that huge game at the Etihad Stadium.
• Much more news and gossip!

Aaaaand, we're back!

Hello and get ready for an afternoon of build-up, to Manchester City v Liverpool in the EFL Cup later and the Premier League's return on Boxing Day.

Afternoon agenda coming up.

We will be back at 13:00 GMT to look ahead to the Premier League’s return.

See you then!

Jonny May

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Adam

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Boufal proved his worth with this one, as he started the move inside his own half, before jinking past five Baggies players before tucking the ball past Ben Foster ... great shout Adam!

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his time at the club will 'not be complete' if they fail to win the Champions League.

Guardiola extended his contract with City to 2025 while the Premier League season was breaking for the World Cup.

City have won nine major trophies since he became coach in 2016 but they are yet to win any European silverware.

They came closest to winning the Champions League in 2021, but were beaten by Chelsea in the final.

Full story.

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Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders says a rivalry with Manchester City must remain respectful as they prepare to meet in the Carabao Cup.

The Reds travel to Etihad Stadium in Thursday's fourth round in their first competitive game since the World Cup.

Recent meetings between the Premier League sides have witnessed unsavoury incidents from both sets of fans.

"We need emotion from the stands and we need to feel these games matter," said Lijnders.

"The only problem with emotion is when there's no respect. Then it becomes really hard."

Full preview.

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The Premier League resumes on 26 December after a six-week break to accommodate the World Cup in Qatar.

For some top-flight clubs, an enforced hibernation will have offered the chance to reset, rest key players or get those on the treatment table closer to fitness.

However, others will be braced to deal with the emotional and physical hangover from the tournament as players return either brimming with confidence or nursing an injury or the baggage of costing their team at a key moment.

BBC Sport looks at who might benefit or lose out when the English top flight gets back under way.

Full story.

Alan

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Salah's goal was an absolute masterclass, he twisted and turned in between a host of City defenders before lashing an unstoppable finish past Ederson.

Nottingham Forest have announced a partnership with UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, that will see the charity's logo appear on the front of the club's shirts from the start of 2023 and for the rest of the season.

Forest have also made a financial donation to help support people fleeing conflict around the world.

"We are delighted that for the remainder of the season we will use the front of the famous Nottingham Forest shirt to tell such an important story," club owner Evangelos Marinakis told the club, external. "It will be an honour to display their name on our shirt in support of this important cause.

"I hope fans of Nottingham Forest will also be proud that we have chosen to highlight the work of UNHCR for the remainder of the season, in addition to the local causes our Community Trust supports. This comes at a time when the world faces enormous challenges in helping the most vulnerable people in society."

Darren

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