Football - players.bio

Now Or Never As Borussia Dortmund Face Injury-Hit Rivals Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund's home clash with injury-ravaged Bayern Munich on Saturday is their best chance to beat their bitter rivals in years. Bayern have not lost to Dortmund in the league in five years but travel north missing several stars, particularly in defence. The German champions confirmed on Thursday that Matthijs de Ligt will miss several games with a knee ligament injury. Fellow centre-back Dayot Upamecano is sidelined by a hamstring tear, meaning Kim Min-jae could be the only recognised central defender in Saturday's squad.

Barcelona Must Bounce Back At Real Sociedad After El Clasico Collapse

Barcelona must bounce back from their Clasico collapse in a tricky trip to face Real Sociedad on Saturday in La Liga. Despite dominating most of the game the Catalans were sucker-punched by Jude Bellingham's stunning double strie last weekend to fall four points behind league leaders Real Madrid. Barcelona are fourth. Real Sociedad, five points behind in fifth will be determined to cut the gap in San Sebastian. Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, while second-place Girona visit Osasuna Saturday, with Atletico Madrid, third, at Las Palmas on Friday.

Troubled Manchester United Urged To Stick Together As Spurs Face Mauricio Pochettino Reunion

Under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag cannot afford another damaging defeat when his troubled side face Fulham on Saturday. Tottenham's Premier League title challenge will get an intriguing test as the leaders' former boss Mauricio Pochettino returns with Chelsea. Arsenal also harbour title aspirations, making their showdown with top-four contenders Newcastle one of the weekend's marquee match-ups.