Media Watch: Kylian Mbappé is far from mollified by PSG’s transfer move for Lionel Messi, and still wants to leave. Liverpool are trying to shift squad players.
Harvey Elliott set for England u21 call-up
The Daily Mail reports that Harvey Elliott is in contention for his first cap with the England under-21s. Newly-appointed coach Lee Carsley has Elliott firmly in his sights, and a call-up could come as early as games against Romania and Kosovo next month.
The forward (or is he a midfielder now?) has made nine appearances for the country’s under-17s side, scoring three goals. Based on both his loan last season and his pre-season form to date, he certainly seems more than ready for an opportunity with the England u21s.
If his meteoric rise continues, a senior cap probably won’t be too far away either. The youngster is a legitimate candidate for a Liverpool start on the opening day against Norwich City.
Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk fit to start
In exciting news, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will be available to start against Norwich if needed.
Speaking to the club site, Klopp said this:
“I think so, it looks like [they are available to start]. But how it is with these kind of things, we have nothing to rush in this department.”
Caution is the watchword after such long-term injuries, so it would be no surprise to see the manager opt against starting the duo. The availability of Joël Matip and Ibrahima Konaté significantly reduces the urgency of restoring Van Dijk and Gomez. Nonetheless, having all four fit and available for the season opener is a huge boost for the campaign ahead.
The readiness of Van Dijk and Gomez is a vindication of the tough decision taken by both to rule themselves out of Euro 2020 contention and focus on the final stages of recovery.
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