FootXtra – Football News & Updates FootXtra brings you the latest football news, live updates, match previews, transfer stories, and in-depth analysis from leagues and tournaments around the world. Stay connected to the beautiful game every day.

Liverpool have received a major boost behind the scenes after the club’s medical staff reported extremely positive signs following Alexander Isak’s recent operation.

Marseille’s highly rated teenage midfielder Darryl Bakola has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about young talents ahead of the winter transfer window, with interest intensifying from Premier League giants and Europe’s elite clubs alike.

Swiss tactician Fritz Markus Schmid has emphasised that he is excited with his new role as head coach of Ghana Premier League side Bibiani Gold Stars.The former assistant coach of Tottenham Hotspur was confirmed as head coach of the defending Ghana Premier League champions on Monday, December 22.Speaking to Gold Stars TV ahead of the team’s next match against Dreams FC, Fritz Markus Schmid described the opportunity to lead the Bibiani-based side as a huge honour.“I’m very excited to be here. Bibiani Gold Stars gives me the opportunity to coach in the highest league in Ghana football. To take over the defending champions in the Ghana Premier League is a big honour and also a very exciting challenge and responsibility. I’m excited and looking forward to working with the team,” Fritz Markus Schmid said.In his first match against Dreams FC in the Ghana Premier League, Fritz Markus Schmid will be hoping to secure a victory to get off to a bright start.

[caption id="attachment_296060" align="alignnone" width="540"] Tottenham and Togo forward Emmanuel Adebayor.[/caption]Former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor has criticised Jamie Carraghers recent comments about Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, calling them unfair and disrespectful to one of footballs most consistent stars.Carragher had questioned Salahs leadership and influence during a tough spell for Liverpool, suggesting the Egyptian winger was becoming more of a problem than a solution. Adebayor, speaking to BeanymanSports, rejected the assessment.I heard what Jamie Carragher said about Mo Salah, and to be honest, I think its incredibly disrespectful. He has been consistent for seven or eight years. To talk about him as if he is a finished player or a problem for the team is wrong, Adebayor said.Mo Salah is an African icon, but he is also a global football icon. When you have a player like that, you cherish him, he added.Carragher was a great defender, and he knows how hard it is to play against a player like Salah. To sit in a studio and say these things, it feels like hes forgotten what its like on the pitch.If he were English, they would be building a statue for him every week. Because he is Salah, and because he is African, people find it easy to criticize him.

In the smoke-filled rooms and the sun-drenched piazzas of Rome, the talk has shifted.

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has refused to confirm whether captain Yves Bissouma will feature in Friday’s Group A clash against hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder missed Mali’s opening match against Zambia due to injury, but his presence alongside Saintfiet at the pre-match press conference in Rabat has fuelled speculation over a possible return. The Belgian coach, however, was careful to manage expectations."The reason Yves is here today is not because he will necessarily play tomorrow," Saintfiet explained. "There is no link between who sits next to me and who starts the match. Maybe he plays, maybe he doesn’t.”Bissouma, for his part, appeared relaxed and focused, making it clear that individual concerns are secondary when representing his country. "What matters to me today is Mali," he said. "I am here and fully focused on tomorrow’s match. The rest doesn’t concern me."The response reflected the calm authority of a captain whose influence extends beyond the pitch. Even without game time, Bissouma remains a key figure within the Malian camp, particularly for a young squad preparing to face one of the tournament favourites."As captain, I try to bring a positive...

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has underlined his side’s determination ahead of their Group A clash with hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite contrasting starts for the two teams.Mali were held to a draw by Zambia in their opening match, a result that has increased the importance of securing points in Rabat. Morocco, by contrast, began their campaign with a victory over Comoros, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favourites.Speaking before the encounter at the Stade Moulay Abdellah, Saintfiet stressed that respect for the hosts would not limit Mali’s ambition.“We respect Morocco. We are not arrogant, but we want to win every match,” the Belgian coach said.With Morocco set to enjoy strong home backing, Mali face a demanding test as they seek to stay on course for a top-two finish in the group. Saintfiet believes his side must show intelligence and discipline, drawing lessons from their opening game against Zambia.The fixture is expected to play a significant role in shaping Group A, with both teams aware that another positive result could place them in a strong position heading into the final round of matches.

Quick take: Match context: momentum and small details could decide this one, especially set-pieces and transitions. Form and fitness will matter; expect managers to rotate carefully around the congested schedule. Continental stakes raise the intensity, where away goals no longer apply but margins still feel razor thin. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official …

Quick take: Match context: momentum and small details could decide this one, especially set-pieces and transitions. Form and fitness will matter; expect managers to rotate carefully around the congested schedule. Continental stakes raise the intensity, where away goals no longer apply but margins still feel razor thin. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official …

Medeama head coach Ibrahim Tanko is hoping his team will be on top of the league at the end of the first round, and that target is shaping their approach ahead of the game against Heart of Lions.The Mauve and Yellow have shown steady form in recent weeks. They have won two matches and drawn three in their last five games, a run that has kept them close to the leading pack.Focus turns to a tricky away trip against Heart of Lions, a side known for tough home ground. Tanko and his players know that details will matter, from discipline in defence to making the most of chances in attack."It’s not going to be easy but I’m sure the boys are ready to also take the fight on. We are doing our best and we hope we will be at the top of the table at the end of the first round," he told Medeama TVThe match will be played on December 27th at the Kpando Stadium.

Quick take: Match context: momentum and small details could decide this one, especially set-pieces and transitions. Form and fitness will matter; expect managers to rotate carefully around the congested schedule. Continental stakes raise the intensity, where away goals no longer apply but margins still feel razor thin. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official …

Quick take: Match context: momentum and small details could decide this one, especially set-pieces and transitions. Form and fitness will matter; expect managers to rotate carefully around the congested schedule. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

Quick take: Match context: momentum and small details could decide this one, especially set-pieces and transitions. Form and fitness will matter; expect managers to rotate carefully around the congested schedule. Continental stakes raise the intensity, where away goals no longer apply but margins still feel razor thin. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official …

Medeama head coach Ibrahim Tanko is hoping his side can produce a good performance when they travel to Kpando to face Heart of Lions.The Yellow and Mauve go into the game in form, with two wins and three draws from their last five appearances, a run that has lifted mood in camp and sharpened focus ahead of the trip.Training this week has been and with players working on shape, passing and staying compact away from home, knowing Kpando is not an easy place to play."We are preparing like any other game and we hope that we are going to have a very good game at Kpando," he told Medeama TV"We don’t want to lose. We are going there to pick a point or pick all three points if possible,"The match between Heart of Lions and Medeama is scheduled for December 27 at the Kpando Stadium, with kick off set for 3:30 pm.

Amid Mike Maignan’s contract situation, which has been a hot topic ever since the summer, the journalist Michael Cuomo has sent a frank message to the goalkeeper.