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Former Arsenal midfielder Kristoffer Olsson has been hospitalised after collapsing at home due to an “acute brain-related illness”.

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Graduated out of Gunners' academy systemCurrently plying his club trade in DenmarkHas 47 senior international caps for SwedenGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The 28-year-old lost consciousness on February 20, leading to him being transferred to Aarhus University Hospital. He has been placed on a ventilator to assist his breathing, with current club Midtjylland announcing in a statement that the health concern in question is “not due to self-harm of any kind, nor is it caused by external factors”.

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The Danish outfit went on to say in an official club statement: “A team of Denmark’s leading medical experts is currently working hard to make a diagnosis and initiate the right treatment. Since hospitalisation, Kristoffer has been surrounded by his immediate family and members of Midtjylland’s staff and is being treated by specialists in the field. Midtjylland urges the public to show respect and understanding so that Kristoffer, his family and the doctors are given the necessary peace of mind to ensure Kristoffer’s healing and recovery as well as possible. Everyone at Midtjylland is of course deeply affected by Kristoffer’s sudden illness and our thoughts and full support go to Kristoffer and his family.”

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Arsenal are another of those to have sent their best wishes to Olsson, with the Premier League giants having seen the Swede graduate out of their academy system alongside the likes of Serge Gnabry, Hector Bellerin, Alex Iwobi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Chuba Akpom. The club said in a statement on social media: "Get well soon, Kristoffer. We wish you a full and speedy recovery."

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WHAT NEXT?

Olsson, who has 47 senior caps for Sweden, only made one competitive appearance for the Gunners – in a League Cup clash with West Brom in 2013 – and rejoined Midtjylland in the summer of 2023 after previously spending time with AIK, Krasnodar and Anderlecht.

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Reliable West Ham United club insider @ExWHUemployee revealed via his official Twitter account on Tuesday that former Hammers striker Ricardo Vaz Te is back at the club training with the U23s, and Irons fans were quick to react to the update on Twitter.

It is as yet unclear whether the 32-year-old striker has left Chinese Super League club Henan Jianye having scored 16 goals in 26 appearances for them, as per Transfermarkt, while he was sent off for them in the final game of the 2018 season back in November.

Now @ExWHUemployee has revealed on Twitter that he is training with the U23s back in east London, having previously netted 19 times in 61 matches for West Ham during a spell between 2012 and 2015, according to Transfermarkt, before departing for Turkey.

His most famous goal for the club came in the 2012 Championship play-off final against Blackpool, which saw the Hammers win 1-0 to win promotion back to the Premier League.

West Ham supporters have taken to social media to give their thoughts on the news that Vaz Te is back, and while one said “we aren’t signing him again are we”, another said “that’s really underwhelming”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Who is your club’s worst ever January signing? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked theirs in the video below and they didn’t disappoint…

Lionel Messi has sat out four successive games for Inter Miami, but the Argentine superstar may figure in MLS again before the 2023 season is over.

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All-time great nursing a knockHas sat out four games in a rowNo risks taken on his fitnessWHAT HAPPENED?

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has been ruled out for the Florida-based franchise at the worst possible time, with a dip in results seeing their play-off dreams fade. A 4-1 defeat at the Chicago Fire last time out may have put the final nail in that coffin.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT THEY SAID

Messi is nursing an injury picked up while on 2026 World Cup qualifying duty with Argentina in September, with no risks being taken on his fitness, but Tata Martino has said when asked if the all-time great will figure in any of Inter Miami’s final three games of the current campaign in America: “I think he’s getting closer to playing again. As we said, we’ll evaluate him tomorrow and Friday to see if he’s in condition [to play]. The most important thing is he’s leaving his injury behind and slowly discovering his best form… we’ll see what’s most convenient ahead of the next game. I suppose just like Barcelona in their moment, PSG [Paris Saint-Germain] in their moment, the Argentine national team in their moment, why wouldn’t we miss having the best player in the world? Even when we win, we miss him.”

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Messi inspired Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph within weeks of his arrival in the United States, while also helping them to the U.S. Open Cup final, but Martino says acquiring the South American superstar was always part of a long-term plan. He added: “I always thought that these six months were to shape the club, and have an excellent 2024.”

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Inter Miami may have to turn their attention towards next season, when Messi will be fully rested and recovered, as they have just three more games to take in this term and a five-point gap to try and bridge to the Eastern Conference play-off places.

Alexis Mac Allister believes Liverpool will see "the best" of Darwin Nunez this season after he helped fire the Reds to a win against West Ham.

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Mac Allister set up Nunez goalUruguayan has four goals this seasonBacked to give his best by team-mateWHAT HAPPENED?

Nunez got onto the end of a fine lob from Mac Allister and sent it into the net to restore the Reds' lead in the 3-1 win at Anfield on Sunday. The Uruguayan has four goals and two assists to his name this season, helping Jurgen Klopp's team remain unbeaten so far.

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The 24-year-old endured a slow start to life at Liverpool since joining from Benfica and scored just nine goals in his first season in the Premier League. Mac Allister believes he is showing his true ability now, however, and backed him to be a key figure for the Merseyside club.

WHAT THEY SAID

"I think he's getting better and better. I think we will see the best of him this year. He's a very nice guy, he's working very hard. I'm really pleased for him," he told Liverpool's website.

On his assist, the Argentina star said: "It was a nice pass. I saw Mo and Darwin were going in behind, so I just had to play the ball and Darwin did the rest."

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Liverpool are on a six-game winning run and will expect to extend that on Wednesday when they host Leicester in the Carabao Cup.

Lionel Messi is getting another link-man at Inter Miami, with the Herons tying up a deal for USMNT star Julian Gressel.

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Wing-back available as a free agentEnded last season with the Columbus CrewReunited with Tata Martino at South BeachWHAT HAPPENED?

The 2023 Leagues Cup winners, who boast big ambition for the 2024 MLS campaign, have already added veteran former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez to their ranks during the off season. While the Uruguayan frontman brings extra goal threat, Tata Martino is also in the market for more creativity.

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That search has led David Beckham and the Inter Miami board in the direction of Gressel, who severed ties with the Columbus Crew at the end of the 2023 campaign. The German-born United States international – who has six senior caps to his name – has agreed a two-year contract in Florida, and it set to bolster their defensive and offensive ranks with his versatility on the pitch.

DID YOU KNOW?

Gressel began his career as a winger, but has turned into a natural wingback over the past few seasons. Wherever he is asked to perform for Inter Miami, he will bring welcome experience and trophy-winning pedigree to the Herons’ squad.

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Gressel is a two-time MLS Cup winner – having landed that prize with Atlanta United and Columbus Crew. He worked with Martino in Georgia and has also spent time with D.C. United and the Vancouver Whitecaps. The 30-year-old will link up with Inter Miami ahead of pre-season friendly dates against the likes of Vissel Kobe, Newell’s Old Boys and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

Aston Villa's Alisha Lehmann showed off her Louis Vuitton bag as she joined the Switzerland national team ahead of their first set of 2024 friendlies.

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Lehmann joined the Switzerland national teamSpotted carrying a Louis Vuitton bagSwitzerland set to face Poland in two friendliesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 25-year-old was spotted in a good mood as she linked up with the Switzerland national team ahead of their two friendly fixtures against Poland this month. Lehmann shared a series of travel photographs on Instagram where she can be seen carrying a Louis Vuitton bag – and a huge smile.

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The Villa attacker has scored just three goals for her club in the ongoing season while appearing in 13 matches across all competitions. In 2023, Lehmann appeared in 14 international matches for her country but failed to find the back of the net.

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Lehmann recently rekindled her romance with boyfriend and fellow Villa star Douglas Luiz over New Year. The pair recently celebrated Valentine's Day together and exchanged presents.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ALISHA LEHMANN?

Lehmann will be next seen in action for the Swiss national team, who are all set to face Poland in back-to-back international friendly matches on February 23 and February 27.

Douglas Luiz surprised Alisha Lehmann with a Valentine’s Day gift live on camera, with the Swiss star of Aston Villa’s women’s team left stunned.

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Romance rekindled over New YearTogether on February 14Swiss star showered with presentsGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The pair, who rekindled their romance over New Year, looked loved up as they celebrated February 14 together. They were keen to share their happiness with the world, as a number of images and videos were shared on social media.

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One of those saw Luiz and Lehmann enjoying a celebratory drink, with neither in midweek action with Villa. It had already been revealed that Brazil international Luiz had sent his beau a huge bouquet of red roses – but the present-giving did not end there.

WHAT LUIZ & LEHMANN SAID

Lehmann had no idea that Luiz had another gift lined up as they casually spoke on camera, but the South American pulled out a specially-wrapped box. He said: “Now my girlfriend [will] open the present. Let’s see if she likes or not.” Lehmann added: “I’m so excited!" She went on to say “I love you so much” after discovering that she had been treated to a glamorous piece of jewellery.

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WHAT NEXT FOR LUIZ & LEHMANN?

Luiz will be back in action on Saturday when Villa’s men’s side, who have struggled to pick up wins of late, travel to Fulham. Lehmann will take to the field 24 hours later when making her own trip to London to face Tottenham in the WSL.

Phil Parkinson has claimed that the international call-ups for James McClean and Jacob Mendy demonstrate Wrexham's "profile" is "different level".

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McClean called up IrelandMendy made it to the Gambia bench against BurundiParkinson thrilled with international call-upsWHAT HAPPENED?

Wrexham will miss the services of Mendy and McClean against Accrington Stanley in League Two as the players have been called up by Gambia and the Republic of Ireland, respectively. While McClean was set to retire from international football against New Zealand on November 21, injuries to Will Smallbone and Festy Ebosele forced manager Stephen Kenny to call him up for the weekend's Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands as well.

The international call-ups have been well welcomed by Parkinson as, despite losing key players, he believes they reinstate the quality his side have despite plying their trade in League Two.

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Speaking to he said: "It just shows that playing for Wrexham you're getting recognition, irrespective of being in League Two. The profile of the club, it's kind of a different level for a normal League Two club because of the reasons that everybody knows."

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Mendy was an unused substitute during Gambia's 3-2 loss to Burundi, but Parkinson hopes that he will get some minutes in the next match against Ivory Coast on Sunday to prove his mettle on the international stage.

"The Gambian manager has been monitoring him, closely," Parkinson said. "There's other players in his position and he's got competition as you'd expect. But he's done well to get in there. Obviously, he wants to have some minutes to show what he can do. I'd like to see him get some game time and not have a trip where he goes there and is just a squad player. Obviously we've got a lot of belief in Jacob and we think he's a really good player."

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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Parkinson will have to trust his squad depth against Accrington on Saturday as McClean and Mendy are away with their respective national teams. On the other hand, McClean will be itching to get a run against the Dutch on Saturday. It could end up being his final competitive match for Ireland before calling curtains on his international career against the Kiwis next Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola believes that Rico Lewis would be “considered one of the best players in the Premier League” if he was “a little bit taller.”

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Youngster made senior breakthrough last seasonFormed part of City's Treble triumphVersatility is being put to good use by bossWHAT HAPPENED?

The 18-year-old Etihad Stadium academy graduate has been making quite a name for himself on the back of a senior breakthrough in the 2022-23 campaign. Lewis has already taken in 30 first-team appearances for City and is an established member of the England U21 squad.

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Lewis’ versatility has been put to good use by Guardiola, with the talented teenager able to operate in defence and midfield – or blur those lines by filling the hybrid full-back role that City’s demanding boss has become so fond of.

WHAT THEY SAID

Lewis has energy to burn, is prepared to put a tackle in and can pick a pass. With all of that taken into account, Guardiola has told reporters of the 5ft 7in prodigy: “If he was a little bit taller he’d be considered one of the best players in the Premier League. He's an exceptional player. Last season he arrived and started to settle with us, every game he plays to the highest standards. We are really really pleased that an academy player can be a regular player, really pleased.”

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City have moved to ensure that they will be the ones to benefit from Lewis’ undoubted potential, with the youngster one of those to have signed a new contract this season that has him tied to the reigning Premier League champions through to the summer of 2028.

Egypt's management team has finally addressed the issue of Mohamed Salah's safety after he was targeted by pitch invaders in Sierra Leone.

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Egypt responds to safety concernsSalah had to be escorted off the pitch by militaryEgypt beat Sierra Leone 2-0WHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool star Salah was fortunate to escape unscathed after a group of intruders entered the pitch during Egypt's World Cup qualifying game against Sierra Leone on Sunday. The Pharaohs won the clash 2-0 courtesy of Trezeguet's brace. The security at the ground did not let the invaders come close to the superstar and Salah was later escorted off the field by the military.

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A day later, the Egyptian team management has finally responded and assured the superstar's fans and his club Liverpool that the incident was nothing serious, and said the invaders were just passionate Premier League followers. They further claimed that most of the people in Sierra Leone are Liverpool or Arsenal fans, so for them to witness Salah and Mohamed Elneny in action at their home was a rare experience.

WHAT EGYPT'S MANAGEMENT SAID

Speaking to , the team manager for the Egypt national team, Mohamed Ghoraba said: "The story of it being an assault is not there at all. Here, the people are very kind and they support Liverpool or Arsenal.

"For them, Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny are icons, so their presence in the country is something they wish to happen again. For them, that's the only opportunity to have Salah playing in their ground, so it's normal like any fan entering the pitch."

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR MOHAMED SALAH?

The Reds star is enjoying a rich vein of form in the ongoing season having scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 12 Premier League appearances. He is currently just three strikes behind Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race. The 31-year-old will be next seen in action against the Cityzens in the league on Saturday.