Atletico Madrid
Ahead of a difficult season, Chelsea bringing back their on-loan star is an absolute no-brainer
Chelsea opinion: The Blues should bring back Alvaro Morata
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea have given Atletico Madrid a deadline with regards to making a decision on Alvaro Morata. The Blues sent the Spaniard out on loan, along with a £50million buy option.
While the report has added that Morata has already revealed that he wants to stay at the Atletico Madrid, things need to change.
For Chelsea, things are a little complicated after the January transfer window, with the Blues being banned from signing any new players for the next two transfer windows. That includes this summer and the 2020 January window, which might cause a few problems.
Another factor is that they’ve lost the great Eden Hazard. The 28-year-old is arguably one of the best to ever wear the Chelsea Blue. Not to mention, he is the best over the last decade and was their most important player and often dragged them over the finish line.
That was on show for most of the last season, with the Belgian finishing as their top goalscorer.
21 goals in 52 appearances is what Hazard finished the season with, which is around 185 minutes per goal and that averages around to a goal every two games. That doesn’t even take into consideration the fact that he also finished the season with 17 assists in all competitions.
It saw Hazard finish as the Premier League’s top creator. A stunning total for any player in the world, but for Chelsea, it’s a rather disappointing statistic to read.
That effectively means that the club lost one of their most consistent goalscorers. And at the same time, someone who contributed towards 45% of their goals this last season.
Olivier Giroud added 13 more but only two of those goals came in the Premier League. Pedro, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alvaro Morata were the other major contributors, despite the Spaniard leaving in January. It shows exactly why the Blues need to bring him back.
They should do this despite the fact that they’ve given Giroud a new contract, and with Michy Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham back at the club. Abraham may have finished the Championship with an impressive 26 goals, but the young striker has struggled in his previous spells in the Premier League.
Not to mention, so has Batshuayi, which is exactly where Morata can make a difference. Despite all his struggles under Maurizio Sarri, the 26-year-old has proven that he can score goals and make a difference.
His loan spell at Atletico Madrid proved that, and so did his first six months at Chelsea before everything went sour under Antonio Conte.
That same form continued under Sarri, with the Italian doing little to help the Spaniard’s transition. That might change under a new manager and if Atletico Madrid aren’t interested, Chelsea have to take the chance.
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Conclusion
Chelsea are in for a world of hurt if they let another star slip through their hands but will the Blues be able to take a chance?
Atletico Madrid might be very keen on the move for Morata but if they do not take the plunge, then Chelsea really needs to do it. It’s a risky move but if it works, it’s one that will certainly pay dividends.
Arsenal travels to the BayArena on Wednesday evening in the Champions League last 16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners are overwhelming favourites after finishing top of the league phase with a perfect eight wins from eight matches, while the German side scraped through via the playoff route with victory over Olympiacos.
Mikel Arteta’s side were absolutely flawless in the league phase, with victories over Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan demonstrating their credentials. Arsenal boasted both the best attack, with 23 goals scored, and the best defence, with just four conceded, across those eight matches. The winners progress to a quarter final where they cannot face Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG, Bayern, or Manchester City.
Kick-off: 17:45 GMT, Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: TNT Sports
Saliba, Odegaard and White Doubts for Arsenal
The biggest concerns for Arsenal are William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White, who are all doubts after missing the weekend FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town. Saliba’s ankle problem looks the most serious while Odegaard continues managing a knee issue. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were also withdrawn with issues over the weekend.
The positive news is David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes all returning after being rested for Mansfield. Piero Hincapie is eligible to face his parent club this week.
Leverkusen Missing Seven Key Players
Bayer Leverkusen will be without Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella, and Patrik Schick through various injuries. This is a massive blow for Kasper Hjulmand’s side, who have won just one of their last five matches. Christian Kofane should lead the line with Jarell Quansah starting in defence.
Former Denmark boss Hjulmand has steadied the ship domestically, with Leverkusen unbeaten in six home matches, conceding just one goal in 540 minutes at the BayArena.
Predicted Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Blaswich, Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba, Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo, Maza, Terrier, Kofane
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Atletico Madrid
Phallon Tullis-Joyce Sends Bullish Message to Rest of Europe as Manchester United Women Goalkeeper Insists Nobody Should Underestimate Red Devils
Manchester United Women goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has sent a bullish message to the rest of Europe ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid. The American shot stopper insists teams underestimate United at their peril after the Red Devils secured an impressive 3-0 victory in Spain last week.
Marc Skinner’s side are riding high on a seven game winning streak and looks absolutely unstoppable at the moment. Tullis-Joyce kept another clean sheet in the first leg in Madrid and has been one of United’s standout performers throughout this Champions League campaign.
Might Ruffle a Few Feathers
Speaking in the pre match press conference, Tullis-Joyce revealed the mentality within the squad when asked about how the European campaign has progressed. “Yeah, it’s going great for us so far. I smiled a little bit when you mentioned people underestimating us, that might ruffle a few feathers in the locker room.”
The 29 year old paid further compliments to the team Skinner has built by stating, “We have a complete wealth of diversity and variety in our squad. Different players can step up in any game against any opponent. We’re taking nothing for granted in this next match.”
Special to Represent This Club
Tullis-Joyce was then asked whether keeping a clean sheet in the first leg gives her confidence heading into Thursday evening. She retorted, “I approach each game separately. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past, this is the next game.”
Finally, she revealed her pride in representing Manchester United and stated, “It’s really special to be a player for the Manchester United women’s team. Being part of the continued history of this club is something I hold very precious. I love giving everything I can for the squad.”
United hosts Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday evening with kick off at 20:00 GMT.
Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22
Atletico Madrid
Manchester United Women Dealt Blow as Full-Back Ruled Out for at Least Four Weeks With Meniscus Issue
Manchester United Women will be without full back Anna Sandberg for at least another month after Marc Skinner confirmed the Swedish defender requires surgery on a meniscus problem. The Red Devils boss revealed the injury timeline ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village.
Sandberg last played for United in the first leg against Atletico but was hauled off after just 49 minutes and replaced by Gabrielle George. The 22 year old has been a regular fixture in Skinner’s side this season, and her absence represents a significant blow to United’s defensive options during a crucial period.
Best Case Scenario is Four Weeks
Skinner revealed there needs to be a tidy up around Sandberg’s meniscus and provided a timeline for her potential return. “From the time frame we’ve been given, the best is four, the middle is six and obviously the worst case is eight. If it was eight, she would probably be back three or four games before the end of the season. We’re hopeful we can get it to six but won’t take any risk.”
The United boss emphasized they will not rush Sandberg back given her age and importance to the squad’s long term plans. This is smart management from Skinner, who cannot afford to jeopardize the defender’s career by rushing her rehabilitation.
Numbers Thinning at Left Back
With Sandberg ruled out and Fridolina Rolfo missing the first leg plus the London City Lionesses match, Skinner has a genuine headache at left back. Gabrielle George appears to be the only natural option available for Thursday’s clash, leaving United desperately thin in that position.
Ella Toone also remains out but could return for the crucial Manchester derby against City in March. United sits eight points behind the runaway leaders and needs to be perfect in their remaining fixtures while hoping City stumbles.
Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22
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