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ExWHUemployee has dropped a promising injury update concerning West Ham United right-back, Ben Johnson.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments made on The West Ham Way podcast, the club insider revealed that, despite missing out on the Hammers’ recent 2-1 win over Everton due to a tight hamstring, the 21-year-old could be in line for a return to David Moyes’ matchday squad for the visit of Olympique Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Regarding the current condition of the England U21 international, Ex said: “Ben Johnson felt his hamstring a little when he was playing for England’s U21s and he trained on Friday and Saturday. But, at the end of training, he spoke to Moyes and said it felt a little bit tight. Hopefully, he’ll be available to start the Lyon game.”

Moyes will be buzzing

Considering how impressive Johnson has been for West Ham in the current campaign, the news that the right-back’s injury is nothing too serious, as well as Ex’s claim that the 21-year-old could make a return to first-team action in what is undoubtedly the Hammers’ biggest game of the season this Thursday, is sure to have left Moyes buzzing.

Indeed, over his 16 Premier League appearances this term, the £8.1m-rated defender has excelled on the right of the Irons’ backline, scoring one goal, creating one big chance and helping his side keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 2.5 clearances and winning 3.2 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per game.

These returns have seen the £19k-per-week dynamo average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as West Ham’s best performing right-back – ahead of both Vladimir Coufal and Ryan Fredericks – as well as the club’s 11th-best player overall.

However, it was over the 2-1 aggregate victory over Sevilla in which Johnson really caught the eye, with the 21-year-old making a total of seven clearances, six tackles and two key passes, as well as blocking three shots, winning nine duels and completing 66 passes over the two legs – with these metrics seeing the right-back earn a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.4 in each fixture.

As such, should the England youth international indeed be fit to face Lyon on Thursday night, it is clear for all to see that this would come as a huge boost to West Ham’s chances of taking a lead to Parc Olympique Lyonnais on April 14 – a result that would represent a massive step in the Hammers’ hopes of securing a spot in the semi-finals of the competition.

AND in other news: Moyes can finally axe “shocking” WHU flop with £120k-p/w ace who’s “out of this world”

Sky Sports have relayed news live on TV regarding Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic and his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Matic’s Old Trafford career

Matic made the move to United back in 2017 from Chelsea in a deal worth over £40m. Since then, the holding midfielder has gone on to make more than 180 appearances for the Red Devils, with 27 of those coming this season.

His current contract still has over 12 months left to run, however, Matic has now announced that he will leave the club over the coming months.

The Latest: Sky Sports relay on-air news

United shared the news on their official website, with Sky Sports News sharing the update live on TV.

They labelled it as ‘significant if you support Man Utd’, describing the midfielder as ‘the first out of the door’ at Old Trafford.

The Verdict: First of many?

Erik ten Hag looks set to come in to replace Ralf Rangnick in the summer and may well have plenty of key decisions to make on a number of players.

United have five players who will be out of contract at the end of June, including Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is also in doubt.

Matic’s departure could prove to be the first of many in a major Old Trafford shake-up under Ten Hag, and a new defensive midfielder could now be a priority heading into the summer.

In other news: ‘Expected’ – Fabrizio Romano drops first blow for Ten Hag at Man Utd with appointment ‘imminent’. 

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes that Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will make numerous outcasts train with the academy sides, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Derby demolition

The Hoops returned to the top of the Premiership on Wednesday night for the first time since August with a dominant win in the Old Firm derby.

Celtic scored three times in the first half, two of which came from January arrival Reo Hatate, ending a seven-game winless run against Rangers.

Three players who didn’t feature at Celtic Park were Albian Ajeti, Vasilis Barkas and Boli Bolingoli, with the trio failing to seal moves away from the club in last month’s transfer window.

The Latest: McLeish’s comments

McLeish, who contributes as a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider about the trio in a story released the morning after the derby win.

He expects all three to be demoted to Celtic’s academy sides due to the size of Postecoglou’s squad, saying:

“This is where, when you’ve got a massive squad, you have to separate a lot of the players, and I’m looking at the likes of Ajeti, Barkas and Bolingoli.

“They will probably be, and I can only imagine because we did this back in my day at Rangers, under the supervision of other coaches.

“Maybe one of the younger coaches learning his trade as well with the professionals who are not in the plans. He’ll join them in with the young players and stuff.

“You know players of that ilk would want to go and play senior level (football). They don’t really relish playing with the young ones.

“To be fair, most of them will give the young ones the respect while they’re training with them.

“There’s no way you can train a squad with eight or nine you don’t consider as first or second choice.”

The Verdict: Still time…

Even though the transfer window is now shut in Scotland, that doesn’t mean Ajeti, Barkas and Bolingoli are stuck with the Hoops until the summer.

That’s because multiple countries across the world can still complete their winter business in February, including Turkey, with the window closing in five days.

Both Barkas and Bolingoli have been linked with moves to Turkey over the past 12 months, so perhaps that could be a possibility over the coming days rather than McLeish’s prediction of them being banished to training with Celtic’s reserves.

In other news – 20 duels won, 13 successful tackles, 77 completed passes: These were Celtic’s 3 best players v Rangers 

Speaking in his press conference on Thursday, Patrick Vieira confirmed the news that Crystal Palace fans will have been dreading.

The Eagles manager revealed that talismanic duo Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise both picked up injuries on international duty.

What’s the latest?

The Ivory Coast forward missed out on facing his former international side England at Wembley after suffering a hamstring problem, whilst Olise withdrew from the France under-21 squad after suffering inflammation in his foot.

Neither have trained since their returns from international duty, but with their game against Arsenal set to be played on Monday night, Vieira is hopeful that both players could feature.

On Zaha’s status, the Crystal Palace boss said: “We will wait and see what happens. We have until Monday so hopefully he will get better, and he can have a couple of days of training with the team. We have to wait and see what will happen over the next couple of days.”

On Olise’s chances of featuring, Vieira added: “He just had an issue with his foot. Until he gets back from the French Under-21s, he is still in the treatment room as well. He is not ready to do some work outside.”

Palace fans face nervy wait

The absence of both players at such a crucial time in the season will come as a massive blow to Vieira and the Palace faithful. In Zaha and Olise, we are talking about the Eagles’ top scorer and leading assists provider respectively.

At just 20 years of age, the latter has been a shining light in what has been a revamped Palace side under Vieira this season. The French under-21 starlet has proven himself as the foremost creator in the squad, with his tally of seven big chances created placing him in the top 15 most creative players in the Premier League this season.

Take nothing away from Zaha, either. The Ivory Coast international has been a big influence in Vieira’s side this season, conjuring up a respectable total of ten goal contributions in England’s top flight, with nine goals and one assist to his name indicative of his potent threat in the final third.

While Palace fans will be gutted to hear that two such influential players are doubtful to feature against an in-form Arsenal side, they can take solace in Vieira’s assertion that the duo “still have a chance” of making it in time for the Monday night kick-off. A nervy 48 hours awaits for the Selhurst Park faithful.

In other news – Vieira struck gold on “massive” £31k-p/w Palace “tank” whose value has rocketed 200%

The comeback win against Schalke in the UEFA Champions League, as well as winning the Carabao Cup, weren’t the only thing for Manchester City to celebrate about last week.

The defending champions also extended crucial defender Aymeric Laporte’s contract until 2025, retaining his services for a better part of the next decade.

Laporte had only signed for City just over a year ago, but has quickly adapted to the Premier League’s environment and helped keep them defensively dominant. He’s helped them keep 12 clean-sheets in 27 appearances, while only conceding 19 goals.

An intelligent defender, he’s also made 69 clearances, 30 interceptions and 144 ball-recoveries to prove himself as Pep Guardiola’s asset in defence. Not only has he been sharp defensively, but the fact that he’s made the highest passes in the league(2,313) and averages 85 passes per game (stats via Premier League) proves how well he’s taken to Pep’s system.

The French defender is slowly immersing himself into a role Vincent Kompany’s made his own and pinning him for such a long contract shows City’s ambitions to mould Laporte into their next defensive leader. They’ve also made sure to remain a defensive force for a long time, with John Stones and Laporte at the heart of their backline.

City have also proven why their project isn’t only focusing on current success, but continued success for the long-term. Having brought together a young, vibrant squad which will only get better as players hit their peak, Pep Guardiola’s men are destined to stay at the top of the Premier League for a long time.

Calciomercato.it have now shared an interesting transfer update out of Roma as Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici emerges in the running for big name playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Conte a big fan…

Links to one of Italy’s most hyped talents of the last few years haven’t been in short supply from Spurs’ perspective, with their interest having been reported as far back as the Mauricio Pochettino era.

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In more recent times, Tottenham’s new head coach in Antonio Conte is reportedly a big fan of Zaniolo, so much so that reports suggest he wants to see him make the move to north London.

Newspaper Corriere dello Sport, as shared by Sport Witness, recently claimed that the 52-year-old ‘really likes’ Jose Mourinho’s starlet and would ‘really like him’ in the Lilywhites squad.

Now, sharing an update, Calciomercato.it say Paratici could grant Conte’s wish this summer.

The Latest: Calciomercato share update…

The Italian source claims that Zaniolo, who is valued at around €70 million (£58m) by Roma, is subject to interest from Juventus, AC Milan, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid.

However, as stated by the report, Spurs and Paratici are by ‘no means excluded’ from ‘trying to bring him to Tottenham’ as the transfer chief plots a move.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Attempting a coup for Zaniolo, arguably one of Serie A’s brightest big name talents, would be a real statement of ambition from Spurs given his price tag.

Lauded as a ‘prominent’ and ‘excellent’ player by ex-Liverpool midfielder Moussa Sissoko (Foot Italia), there is no denying his talent.

Still young and finding his feet again after missing the whole of 2020/2021 due to a Cruciate Ligament Rupture (Transfermarkt), Zaniolo still ranks in as one of Mourinho’s most-threatening Serie A players.

According to WhoScored, none of the Portuguese’s squad have completed more successful take-ons per 90 this season (2.2) with only Tammy Abraham and Lorenzo Pellegrini averaging more attempts at goal.

Snatching the 22-year-old from Spurs’ former boss could be a huge statement on behalf of Conte.

In other news: Conte personally approves ‘monster’ player move as Tottenham take pre-summer action, find out more here.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch could look to bring Manchester United assistant Chris Armas to Elland Road this summer, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Armas profiled

The 49-year-old worked under Marsch at New York Red Bulls, serving as his assistant for 151 games.

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Armas, labelled as a ‘winner’ with ‘infectious positivity’, has since gone on to manage Toronto and has been at Old Trafford under Ralf Rangnick since December.

His services in Manchester may no longer be needed after Erik ten Hag was announced as Manchester United’s new manager, and it looks as if Marsch could take full advantage ahead of his first full season in charge.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Saturday morning, looking at Leeds’ U23s following a record PL2 attendance at Elland Road on Friday night.

Within his report, he claimed that Marsch looks set to make further alterations to his backroom staff this summer, revealing Armas is under consideration for a permanent post.

The Verdict: Makes sense

The pair know each other well following their time back in the USA and Marsch is clearly a fan of Armas, so a reunion in Yorkshire appears to be a shrewd move.

Marsch has already brought Franz Schiemer and Cameron Toshack to Thorp Arch, while Mark Jackson has been promoted from the U23s, so Amas could be the missing piece in the backroom staff jigsaw.

Hopefully, Leeds will be preparing for a first full season under the American as a Premier League side, which could persuade Armas to remain in England.

In other news: Phil Hay: Marsch now eyeing Leeds move for ‘quality’ rising star alongside Aaronson. 

Leeds United missed out on the signing of now Liverpool star Luis Diaz according to claims made by Stewart Downing…

What’s the story?

He said: “Diaz has been brilliant. The first thing I look at when a player comes to the Premier League is the physicality. How do they handle all that? But he looks like he likes it. He gets stuck in, he bounces straight back up, he goes again.

“He looks like he’s been here for years. It says a lot about him that he’s been able to do that. A lot of clubs were chasing Diaz – I know Everton, Spurs, Leeds were all looking – but it couldn’t have turned out better for him, I don’t think. He’s got the best move and Liverpool have got a great player.”

Bielsa’s last blunder at Elland Road?

Marcelo Bielsa is, and always will be, a Leeds United icon.

The Argentine took the Whites from the Championship to the riches of the Premier League, and guided the club to an impressive first season back in English football’s top-flight.

His start to the current campaign though, went downhill rapidly, and his departure came amid a torrid run of results that left Leeds staring down the barrel of relegation.

But while on the whole, he got so many things right, missing out on Diaz may go down as final mistake at Elland Road.

The exciting winger joined Liverpool in the January transfer window, and while Diaz choosing the Reds would have been understandable if it was a straight battle, Leeds may have shown a bit more pro-activeness and tried to get a deal as soon as they were left impressed by him.

Instead, they chose not to act on their interest, and Diaz has proven to be a superb signing in his short time at Anfield thus far.

The 31-cap Colombia international was in scintillating form for his former side Porto this season, registering a very impressive 16 goals and six assists in only 29 appearances for the Liga NOS giants.

It was no surprise that he would earn a high-profile move to the Premier League in January, and he has certainly hit the ground running at Anfield, scoring two goals in his first six games for Liverpool.

Now valued at £58.5m by CIES, the 5 foot 10 star has been dubbed a “livewire” and as being “phenomenal” by Portuguese football expert Alex Goncalves – exactly the kind of rave reviews that would have had the Leeds faithful very excited.

Having Diaz and Raphinha line up on the flanks would have been a frightening prospect, but Leeds’ loss is very much Liverpool’s gain.

AND in other news – Leeds must finally offload £15k-p/w outcast who last played at Elland Road in 2018

Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up three candidates to replace Marcelo Bielsa, should he leave in the summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, who claims that Jesse Marsch, Ernesto Valverde and former Whites assistant Carlos Corberan are among the candidates.

The Argentine has five months left on his current contract at Elland Road and the club are hoping that he stays for his fifth season at the helm.

However, should they need to seek a replacement, Victor Orta and co will be well prepared. All three names have similarities to the 66-year-0ld.

Dream Bielsa replacement

From that list, Marsch is potentially the dream candidate to take over the reins.

Of course, a lot depends on whether or not Bielsa walks away at the end of this contract, but the former RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig boss is the perfect fit.

The 48-year-old has developed a very similar style to Bielsa over the last few years  – a quick-tempo, high-pressing system saw him win the Austrian Bundesliga twice.

It’s a very smart decision from the club to be looking at alternatives at this stage as there is no knowing if the ex-Marseille boss will sign fresh terms once again  – and we won’t find out until the summer anyway.

That’s just how he has done things at the Whites.

Marsch has lost just 17 of his 94 matches as Salzburg manager; an impressive win rate of 68%. He has also played a key role in the development of stars like Erling Haaland and Patson Daka, among others.

Perhaps even more interestingly, mooted Leeds transfer target Brenden Aaronson is a huge fan of the American coach, having been signed by him at the Red Bull Arena.

“He has been awesome; I can’t speak of Jesse highly enough,” Aaronson said to Transfermarkt. “We have this excellent connection, but not just because I am American, just because he right away treated me as one of the guys. He also does a really good job, we watch a lot of film, and he helps me to improve my game, and I have learned so much in just the five months that I have been here.”

That could certainly aid the Yorkshiremen’s pursuit this summer, that’s for sure.

In terms of all three candidates, the 48-year-old really could be the best option as his methodology is so similar to that of Bielsa, so a change may well be seamless.

The only difference is the slight change of formation, where Marsch likes to opt for an attacking 4-2-2-2, something Leeds fans would be thrilled to see.

‘Key to my way of playing is the idea of pressing to score goals; not thinking about possession when you win the ball, but thinking about how to get the ball forward and score as quickly as possible,’ he once revealed to The Coaches Voice.

On the above evidence, Orta could well unearth the perfect successor to Bielsa in Marsch this summer. Only time will tell if a replacement is needed then, but it’s certainly encouraging that the club are on the lookout already, even if it’s just in case.

AND in other news, Thomas Christiansen disaster: Rarely-seen Leeds flop has been robbing Radz dry for 213 weeks…

Southampton clawed their way from 2-0 down to a 2-2 draw against fellow south coast outfit Brighton at the AMEX Stadium in the Premier League this afternoon.

An early Danny Welbeck goal and an own goal from Saints defender Mohamed Salisu in the first half put Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men in a precarious position.

What made it worse was the injury to 19-year-old right-back Tino Livramento, who was stretchered off and could well have damaged his ACL.

However, two goals either side of half time from Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse, the first a free-kick and the second a fierce strike from 20 yards, ensured the visitors came away with a point.

Naturally, the 27-year-old will receive the plaudits for his brace today, however, full-back Kyle Walker-Peters impressed once again in Sussex.

Having started the match at left-back, the versatile Englishman was pushed into his favoured position of right-back after Livramento’s withdrawal, with Romain Perraud taking his place on the left-hand side of the defence.

Previoulsy labelled as “fantastic” by former Spurs teammate Dele Alli, the 25-year-old won 78% of his duels against the Seagulls as well as making two clearances and three interceptions and tackles in a solid display from the full-back.

Moreover, Walker-Peters’ passing was on point, completing 81% whilst also having 59 touches and completing 100% of his dribbles.

Having been staring at a potential seventh defeat in nine matches, the Englishman and his Southampton teammates turned the tide on the south coast and ensured that they came away with some sort of result.

Hasenhuttl’s side have certainly been a frustrating watch for supporters of late, with the Saints flying in early March with a top-half finish well in their reach whilst also making the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Now, the Austrian’s team sit 13th in the Premier League table with some sides below having two games in hand.

With safety confirmed, it seems as though Southampton have lost focus, something that happened last season which saw Hasenhuttl come under fire.

The same could’ve certainly happened post-match today had the Saints lost, especially after Thursday evening’s dismal display in the 2-0 defeat to Burnley.

However, Walker-Peters’ efforts, as well as the crucial goals from Ward-Prowse, saved the day for Hasenhuttl and co.

AND in other news: Forget Broja: Ralph must unleash 17-y/o Saints prodigy who “leads the line very well”