Bruce reveals Newcastle's injury woes Newcastle boss Steve Bruce admits he has a number of injury concerns heading into Saturday's Premier League clash with Watford at St James' Park. The Magpies got up and running for the new season with an impressive 1-0 victory at Tottenham in the Premier League last weekend and they followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Leicester in the Carabao Cup, although they ultimately lost that tie on penalties. However, that was not the only negative to come out of Wednesday's match, as winger Matt Ritchie was on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Foxes midfielder Hamza Choudhury. Ritchie could not continue following the challenge and Bruce, who was not happy with the tackle at the time, has confirmed the Scotland international faces two months on the sidelines. "It's not great news. We think he's going to be (out for) two months. There is ankle ligament damage. Thankfully it's not six months, but it's bad enough," Bruce confirmed at his pre-match press conference. However, Ritchie is not the only injury concern for Newcastle, with Bruce revealing that Allan Saint-Maximin also faces a spell on the sidelines, while they have doubts over Emile Krafth, Jetro Willems and Miguel Almiron, although he does expect Joelinton, the goalscorer at Tottenham, to be fit to face Watford. "I have a doubt about Emile Krafth, a doubt about Jetro (Willems) too. (Miguel) Almiron is a bit of a problem," Bruce added. "Joelinton we think is going to be okay. Saint-Maximin we think is going to between three weeks and five." It is likely to be a patched up Newcastle team that takes to the field on Saturday and they are priced at 2.60 to win the match, while Watford, who are yet to pick up a point in the Premier League this season, are available at 2.88 and the draw is on offer at 3.25. Potter urges Locadia to kick-start career Brighton boss Graham Potter has urged forward Jurgen Locadia to kick-start his career during his loan spell with Hoffenheim. The Dutchman has struggled for regular game-time since moving to The Amex from PSV Eindhoven in January 2018, starting just 16 Premier League games. Only one of those starts has come under Potter, who succeeded Chris Hughton as manager during the summer, with the former Swansea boss keeping Locadia on the bench for Brighton's last two Premier League games. That lack of game-time has ultimately led to the decision to send Locadia out on loan and Potter hopes the 25-year-old takes full advantage of his time in the Bundesliga, having not ruled out bringing him back into the Brighton fold in the future. "He's not had the game time and, when he has, he's played in different positions so sometimes a player gets a sense it is a good time for him to restart his career or kick-start their career, get some regular game-time," Potter told The Argus. "The offer came in and it suited both clubs and him." Brighton do have plenty of attacking options within their squad, with summer signing Neal Maupay joining Florin Andone, Glenn Murray and youngster Aaron Connolly at The Amex - the latter two were on the scoresheet during the Seagulls 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Potter will now shift his side's attention back to Premier League action, as Brighton face the daunting prospect of travelling to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on Saturday. The Seagulls have lost all four of their previous Premier League meetings with the Citizens, but they are priced at 29.00 to spring a surprise on Saturday, while Pep Guardiola's side are available at 1.08 and the draw is on offer at 11.00. France next for flying machine Battaash Charlie Hills has confirmed that Battaash will be aimed at the Prix de l'Abbaye in October for his next start. The star-sprinter produced the best effort of his career to date last week as he blitzed his rivals to win the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York, smashing a 30-year-old course record on the Knavesmire in doing so. The Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned five-year-old was being considered for next month's Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on Irish Champions Weekend, but Hills has decided against that race. The five-year-old is instead being given some time to get over his blistering display at York. "Battaash is not going to go to Ireland for the Flying Five - he'll go straight to the Abbaye," Hills confirmed. "I've just spoken to Sheikh Hamdan and we're slightly conscious that when he put in a performance like he did at York last week, it's got to take a little bit out of him." Battaash won the Abbaye at Chantilly two years ago before finishing fourth to Mabs Cross when the race returned to Longchamp last year. His French return is now front and centre, with the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in America an end of term possibility before the gelding goes away for a winter break. "We think the Abbaye's a great race and he's won it before, so we want to concentrate on that," added Hills. "It leaves the Breeders' Cup open if we win there or happen to run well. I'm really happy with him and he's put all of his weight back on, and a bit more. He looks terrific and I couldn't be more pleased." Trump not feeling extra pressure Being world champion and world number one will not bring added pressure this season according to Judd Trump. The 'Ace In The Pack' capped a wonderful season last time by defeating John Higgins in the Crucible in a high-quality affair to become champion of the world for the first time. Trump followed that up by taking home the title in his first event of this season at the International Championship in China and has now usurped Ronnie O'Sullivan as number one player in the rankings. Despite his new-found status, the Bristol potter doesn't envisage his attitude will change, nor does he feels extra pressure on his shoulders. "I don't really take any notice of that sort of thing when I am out there in the arena. I could be ranked 100th in the world and it wouldn't change my approach," he said. "You just have to go into every game hoping for the best. "It is a different sense of achievement as you walk out into the arena before a game. There is a bit of pride there." Next up for Trump is the Shanghai Masters, snooker's richest invitation-only event. He has been runner-up in three Shanghai finals, including agonising 10-9 losses to John Higgins in 2012 and Kyren Wilson in 2015, and is desperate to win the event. "My results in Shanghai normally see me either lose in the first match or get to the final and lose," he added. "Even though I haven't won there yet, it is a tournament that I like very much. Hopefully one day I can get that win there. I actually hadn't won in China for a long time before my recent title in Daqing. "At the start of my career nearly all of my wins were in China and now it is the opposite. I just hope that I can carry that confidence from Daqing over to Shanghai." Trump is favourite at 4.00 to be world champion again in 2020. Southgate challenges England hopefuls Gareth Southgate wants every player in his England squad to consistently earn their place in the Three Lions set-up. The England manager says younger players need to prove they merit selection before they get it, whilst even established members of the squad should not 'assume' they'll stay in on past glories. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (21), James Maddison (22), Mason Mount (20) and Tyrone Mings (26) are the four new caps in the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold (20) is also in the mix but there was no place for Manchester City's Kyle Walker (29). Wan-Bissaka, Mount and Maddison were all part of the side who struggled at the European U21 Championship this summer and Southgate cautioned young players against thinking there is a natural line of progress. He said: "You know, I've felt some of the young ones in the summer were kind of: 'Well, we're done with the under-21s now and the next step is the seniors, because that's what happened last time.' "That's not what happens. They've got to play well and it's going to be harder to get it, because you can see the players we've had to leave out, between fitness, who've got a lot of caps between them, high-level players." In order for England to keep moving forward, Southgate is adamant that no player in his squad should feel secure enough to relax. "That challenge is there for all of them. And whether they are younger or older don't assume anything, because I think everyone has to keep performing if we're to challenge the best teams and that's how we are going to develop," he added. High-profile duo crash out at Flushing Meadows Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova have become the highest-profile casualties at this year's US Open after they both lost in the second round on Thursday. Wimbledon champion Halep, who was seeded at number four for the final Grand Slam of the year, looked well-placed to see off her American opponent Taylor Townsend after taking the first set in routine fashion. However, 23-year-old Townsend, who had never previously made it through to the third round at Flushing Meadows, battled back to win the second before saving match-point during the decider and taking the victory via a tie-break. The world number 116 will now face another Romanian, Sorana Cirstea, in the last 32 and she was clearly delighted to take the scalp of such a high-profile player like Halep. "This means a lot. It's been a long journey. I had a match point against Kiki Bertens at Wimbledon and close matches this year and not managed to get over the hump," Townsend said. "This match gives me so much confidence that I can do it. When I've played Halep before I tried to make balls and played not to lose. Today I played to win." Halep was not the only big name to exit at the second round stage on Thursday, as sixth seed Kvitova was also dumped out of the competition, losing 6-4 6-4 to world number 88 Andrea Petkovic. The two-time Wimbledon champion had been struggling with a forearm injury coming into the match and she was never able to get up to full speed, being broken three times by her German opponent, who will now face 25th seed Elise Mertens in the third round. The defeats for Halep and Kvitova have once again thrown the ladies' singles wide open in New York, with six-time winner Serena Williams currently leading the way at 3.75 to go on and win the tournament. Lennon happy with Bhoys progress Neil Lennon says Celtic have made a 'real statement' in qualifying for the Europa League group stage after the disappointment of losing in the Champions League. Romanian side Cluj dumped the Hoops from the top-tier competition earlier this month but Celtic easily progressed into the Europa League after a 6-1 aggregate win over Swedish champions AIK. Lennon's side were 4-1 winners in Stockholm on Thursday, with James Forrest, Christopher Jullien and Lewis Morgan - both netting their first Celtic goals - all on the mark alongside an own goal. "We're really excited," said Lennon. "It's great to be back in a group stage in Europe. Unfortunately it's not the big one, but it's still very good. The players have made a real statement." Playmaker Ryan Christie came in for special praise from his manager after another impressive showing. "Our front four were marvellous, brilliant to watch," said Lennon. "Ryan is playing brilliantly. There's a lot of talk about other players in the country but he's up there with anybody. His performance, on and off the ball, was outstanding. He can be as good as he wants to be." The win in Sweden wasn't carefree. Defender Kristoffer Ajer is 'very doubtful' for Sunday's Glasgow derby at Ibrox, but striker Odsonne Edouard should be fine to face Rangers. "Odsonne just came off with a bit of cramp," Lennon told BBC Sport. "It's not a hamstring thankfully, he's walking about. He should be fine for Sunday. Ajer has a groin strain, so he is very doubtful." Celtic are 3.10 to win at Ibrox, with Rangers favourites at 2.38 and the draw 3.30. Silverware the target for Kane Harry Kane says Tottenham's main objective this season is to win a major trophy. Spurs have emerged as not only one of the top sides in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino but also one that is respected throughout Europe, particularly after their run to last season's Champions League final. However, the one thing missing during the Argentine's tenure is a major piece of silverware, as Spurs have not lifted a trophy since beating Chelsea in the final of the League Cup back in 2008. England captain Kane feels now is the right time for Spurs to end that drought and he admits winning a title is the club's main priority this season. "The most important thing is to try and win a trophy," Kane told PA. "We spoke about it a lot, we know how difficult it is. "But I think we've proved in the last five years that we have a good enough squad. We just need to get the job done out on the pitch. "We'll do everything we can to win something and I think it would give everyone at the club a big boost." Spurs have not made an ideal start to the new campaign, with last weekend's Premier League defeat at home to Newcastle leaving them with just four points from their opening three games. Next up for Pochettino's side is the small matter of the first North London derby of the season against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Tottenham are priced at 2.88 to win that game and seal the local bragging rights, while the Gunners are available at 2.40 and the draw is on offer at 3.60. Klopp: Premier League won't dominate Europe Jurgen Klopp says Premier League clubs are unlikely to be dominant in Europe this season. Klopp's Liverpool side defeated Tottenham in the Champions League final last term, while Chelsea overcame London rivals Arsenal in the Europa League decider. Liverpool are 'unlikely' to retain the Champions League trophy, according to their manager, with Kthe German suggesting there is a real strength in depth to Europe's top club competition. "The quality of teams across the draw is so high that talk of a European Super League is unnecessary", says Klopp. "I will have no problem with [reaching the final] if it happens again, but at this moment I am not too sure it will. "We have the same chance like everyone else, but that is all, and I don't see us, the English teams, dominating. I really think a lot of teams have a good chance." Liverpool have familiar foes in Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli in the group stage, with Klopp's men also set to face Salzburg and Genk in Group E. Klopp's former club Borussia Dortmund are one of three former winners in Group F, joined by Barcelona and Inter Milan as well as Slavia Prague. The German believes many teams are strong enough to compete for the trophy, including his old club. "Look at the squad Borussia Dortmund has and tell me we are stronger than them. That is incredible," he added. "They can make five changes and you think: 'Really, they didn't play last week? Why?' "There are a lot of quality teams: Juventus will be there, PSG will be there. Real Madrid? Do you think they gave up already? "Bayern Munich now finally brought in [Ivan] Perisic and [Philippe] Coutinho which is a big boost." Liverpool are 6.50 to win the Champions League again this season, with Borussia Dortmund 34.00 and Bayern Munich 13.00. Ozil fit for Spurs and not for sale Unai Emery says Mesut Ozil should be available for Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates, while the playmaker isn't going to be leaving Arsenal any time soon. The World Cup winner has been touted for a move before the European transfer window closes on Monday. Emery admits there could be some exits from Arsenal, but Ozil - yet to feature this season - isn't amongst those being considered. "This week he is training well, he is doing better physically. He will be closer and is going to be available for Sunday I think," Emery said. "We finish the transfer window here and in Europe it finishes Monday. We cannot sign another player but we have some players with the possibility to leave in this four days. The club is working, some players know their situation, my focus and the team's focus is to prepare for Sunday," he added. "We are not speaking about the possibility of Mesut to leave." Emery meanwhile insists the north London derby is the 'best match in the world for football supporters' this weekend. Having experienced a thrilling 4-2 home win last season against Mauricio Pochettino's outfit, the Gunners boss anticipates another exciting affair. "Every time is a good time to play against them with our supporters. Maybe this match on Sunday is the best match in the world for all football supporters," said Emery. "We can remember some positives and some less positive from each derby match. Overall I want to create a new derby, a new match, a new moment for us. "We want to have a special day with our supporters at our home." Arsenal are 2.40 favourites for Sunday's game, with Spurs 2.88 and the Emirates draw 3.60. Nuno hails 'fantastic' Wolves Nuno Espirito Santo says it is a "fantastic" achievement for Wolves to have made it through to the group stage of the Europa League. Wolves have booked their place in the main draw of Europe's secondary competition for the first time since 1980-81 after Thursday's 2-1 victory over Torino at Molineux sealed a 5-3 aggregate success. The West Midlands-club have come a long way since the Portuguese was appointed as manager in 2017, going from a Championship club to a team that could face the likes of Sevilla, Roma and Sporting Lisbon during the Europa League group stage. Nuno is certainly proud of his team and feels their performances in Europe so far this term show how far they have come in such a short space of time. "It's fantastic. Work that started two years ago in the Championship, building and building," Nuno told reporters. "What the boys did is fantastic, a small squad, but they worked. The staff too, that's why they went to the pitch because they deserve a lot of credit. They were so important for us, the guys behind-the-scenes, massive." However, despite it being a fantastic achievement for Wolves to have reached the group stage, Nuno does not want that to be the highlight of their European journey, with the Premier League side priced at 17.00 to go on and win the tournament this season. "We want to compete. I don't know who we're going to face yet. We want to play," the 45-year-old added. "Sunday we have another game, tomorrow after training we'll sit down and watch the draw. That will be a pleasure for all Wolves fans." Dyche bemoans England snubs for Clarets duo Manager Sean Dyche feels a couple of his Burnley squad can count themselves unfortunate to be overlooked by England boss Gareth Southgate. Dyche has been discussing players who have not made Gareth Southgate's 23-man England squad for the upcoming games against Bulgaria and Kosovo in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka (21) and Aston Villa centre-back Tyrone Mings (26) are two new faces in the Three Lions squad named by Southgate on Thursday. Meanwhile, Burney defenders James Tarkowski (26) and Ben Mee (29) have been overlooked, with Dyche feeling perhaps age is counting against them now. "Both started the season well. Some players get a bit overlooked as they get older but Gareth Southgate has seen us a lot and we've got some good players who deserve recognition and if it comes their way we'll be delighted for them and delighted for us," he said. One Burnley man celebrating the announcement is goalkeeper Nick Pope, one of three shot-stoppers in Southgate's squad. It's his first call-up since being included in the World Cup 2018 party that reached the last-four in Russia. After a season plagued by injury last term, Dyche is pleased to see his 'keeper back in the international fold. "We're very pleased, he had a tough season with his injury last season but has come back and fit as well as he has been is good for us and the national team," he added. Burnley are 9.00 to beat Liverpool on Saturday at Turf Moor, with the league leaders 1.33 and the draw priced at 5.25. Spurs to sit Bayern test in Champions League Tottenham Hotspur have been handed the challenge of facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage following Thursday's draw in Nyon. Beaten by Liverpool in last season's final in Madrid, Mauricio Pochettino's outfit are in a group with five-time European Cup winners Bayern, plus Olympiakos and Crvena Zvezda. Defending champions Liverpool meanwhile have familiar foes in Carlo Ancelotti's Napoli, while Jurgen Klopp's men are joined in Group E by Salzburg and Genk. Premier League champions Manchester City were drawn alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb and Serie A outfit Atalanta, newcomers to the group stage of the Champions League. Frank Lampard's first experience of the competition as a manager will see him leading Chelsea into battle with 2019 semi-finalists Ajax as well as Valencia and Lille. A trio of former winners are together in Group F, with Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan joined by Slavia Prague, while Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid are the headline acts in Group A alongside Club Brugge and Galatasaray. Italian champions Juventus must negotiate a path past Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lokomotiv Moscow. Group stage draw in full: Group A: Paris St-Germain, Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Galatasaray Group B: Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Olympiakos, Red Star Belgrade Group C: Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb, Atalanta Group D: Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lokomotiv Moscow Group E: Liverpool, Napoli, Salzburg, Genk Group F: Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Slavia Prague Group G: Zenit St Petersburg, Benfica, Lyon, RB Leipzig Group H: Chelsea, Ajax, Valencia, Lille Manchester City are 4.33 favourites to win the Champions League this season, with Barcelona at 6.00 and Paris St-Germain 10.00. Gerrard pleased to 'provoke' Gers reaction Steven Gerrard admitted he had to 'provoke' a reaction from Rangers after the Light Blues edged out Legia Warsaw to qualify for the Europa League group stages. Alfredo Morelos scored a stoppage-time header at Ibrox after a night fraught with tension for the home team, the Glasgow side progressing with the only goal scored over two legs. Rangers were pedestrian in the opening 45 minutes against their Polish opponents, with Gerrard suggesting he 'had to go for them at half-time' in order to ramp things up. The former England captain felt he got the desired reaction in the second half, culminating with the Colombian's headed winner after a cross from substitute Jordan Jones. "I had to go for them at half-time. In the first half we never went into top gear," he told Rangers TV. "We had the handbrake and seatbelts on. They needed to be provoked and I got the reaction I wanted because second half we took the shackles off and really went for Legia. "Then it was about people stepping up for moments of quality and Jordan Jones provided it with an exquisite cross and Alfredo does what he does, scoring goals. "The players deserve all the plaudits." There were scenes of unbridled joy at full-time as Rangers celebrated a second season of group stage action in the Europa League. For Gerrard, those scenes are justification for his move to Scotland last year. "One of the reasons I took the job was the support," Gerrard said. "From the outside, I could see the pain and disappointment. I wanted to come in and help. "It's moments like tonight that make me feel so proud and make it feel worthwhile. I'm glad I signed up to it." Next up for Rangers is a derby tussle with Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday, with both Glasgow giants having perfect records in the Scottish Premiership this season. Rangers are favourites at 2.38, with the Hoops 3.10 and the draw priced at 3.30. McIlroy adjusting in Switzerland Rory McIlroy felt he still had some adjusting to do after carding a three-under par opening round 67 at the European Masters in Switzerland. The world number two is back in Europe after completing the PGA Tour season and admits it takes time to re-adapt to a European Tour course. McIlroy was making his fourth start in as many weeks, just 96 hours after winning the $15m FedEx Cup jackpot at the Tour Championship in Atlanta. The four-time Major champion wants to make some ground in Europe and Asia over the final months of the year as he aims to get closer to world number one Brooks Koepka in the rankings. McIlroy made six birdies but also signed for three bogeys during an opening-round 67 at Crans-sur-Sierre in the Omega European Masters, leaving him four strokes back from joint leaders Matthias Schwab and Mike Lorenzo-Vera. "I felt like I did okay," McIlroy said. "It's so different to the golf I've been playing the past few weeks. I'm just trying to adjust and get used to these greens again and how far the ball is going and what the ball is going to do out of the rough. "I played well on the back nine, which was our front nine. To play that nine in three under I thought was good. I took advantage of a couple the shorter par fours on the front-nine but I made a couple of bogeys there as well." The Northern Irishman's score was matched by playing partner Lee Westwood in round one. McIlroy has extra motivation this week as he bids to avenge losing at Crans-sur-Sierre in a playoff 11 years ago when chasing his first success on the European Tour. "I think if I have to play a tournament this week, I wouldn't want to play anywhere else. It's a beautiful place and I'm glad I'm back after all these years. Hopefully I can play a bit of good golf over the next three days and give myself a chance," he said of his return to the Swiss mountains. McIlroy is 7.00 to win the Omega European Masters. Parker wants positive result ahead of international break Scott Parker believes it is important Fulham gain a positive result against Cardiff on Friday to take into the international break. The Cottagers will head into the fixture sitting fifth in the Championship standings, but they have lost their last two games, going down 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest in the league last weekend before losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Those defeats place even greater importance on Friday's trip to the Cardiff City Stadium and Parker feels it is imperative they record a positive result ahead of the first international break of the new season. "It's a big game for us," Parker said at his pre-match press conference. "There's a long international break coming up and really you want to be going into that break with a positive result. "We've prepared this week, with a quick turnaround in games, and we're going to go to Cardiff and try and put in a really good performance, and hopefully we can get something out of the game." A victory in south Wales would, temporarily at least, move Fulham within a point of league leaders Leeds, but Parker is expecting a tough test against Cardiff, who were relegated from the Premier League alongside the Cottagers last season. "They're a strong outfit with a manager in Neil [Warnock] who knows the league, knows his team, knows how to set up," the 38-year-old added. "I think we all realise that Friday night away at their place is going to be a very, very tough game for us, there's no denying that." Fulham have only lost one of their last nine meetings with the Bluebirds, although that was on their most recent visit to the Welsh capital last season. Parker's side are priced at 2.60 to secure all three points on Friday, while Cardiff are available at 2.70 and the draw is on offer at 3.40. Evans sets up Federer showdown Britain's number two Dan Evans has set up a showdown with Roger Federer in the third round of the US Open following an impressive victory over Lucas Pouille on Thursday. The 29-year-old was the underdog heading into his clash with 25th seed Pouille, but he dug deep to claim an impressive 6-4 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 victory and secure his place in the last 32 at Flushing Meadows for the third time. Evans' reward for reaching round three will be a clash with 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer on Friday, although he is no stranger to facing the Swiss ace at one of the big four tournaments, as they also locked horns at this year's Australian Open. Federer won that meeting in Melbourne in straight sets, but Evans insists he will not be overawed by the occasion this time around and he is confident he can spring a surprise and, in doing so, equal his best ever showing at a Grand Slam event. "I hope to enjoy the occasion and not just be part of the show," Evans told the BBC. "I know Roger's game pretty well, but have to put to the side that I'm playing him. It's the third round of a major and I have the chance to reach the fourth round - I'm confident I can do it." Evans is priced at 5.50 to overcome Federer on Friday, while the five-time US Open champion is available at 1.13 to book his place in the last 16. Knee injury ends Daniels' season Bournemouth defender Charlie Daniels is set to undergo knee surgery and will miss the rest of the season. The 32-year-old left-back was stretchered off during last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City after falling awkwardly while attempting to cross during the first half at the Vitality Stadium. It is the second serious knee injury the former Tottenham youngster has suffered over recent times, as he was ruled out of the final few months of last season after falling victim to a similar problem in March. Indeed, Sunday's loss to City was just Daniels' second competitive start since returning from his previous lay-off. Speaking after Sunday's games, Cherries boss Eddie Howe stated that he thought Daniels had dislocated his knee cap and, although he has not elaborated further on the problem, he confirmed on Thursday that the long-serving defender is likely to miss the rest of the season. In a statement, Howe said: "We are devastated for Charlie, who had worked so hard to come back from his previous knee injury on his left knee in the second half of last season. "Our worst fears were confirmed following scans this week. "He will receive the best possible treatment and rehabilitation while he goes through this process, as well as the love and support of everyone here at the club." The prolonged absence of Daniels is a blow to Bournemouth, who have picked up four points from their opening three matches of the new campaign. The Cherries are next in action when they travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday and they are priced at 4.75 to win that match, while the Foxes are available at 1.73 and the draw is on offer at 4.00. Refreshed Hamilton ready to resume season Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton says he is feeling refreshed and ready for the resumption of the 2019 season, while he is taking nothing for granted in the Drivers' Championship race. The five-time world champion will head into the second-half of the campaign boasting a 62-point lead over team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the top of the standings after winning eight of the 12 races before the summer break. Hamilton has taken the opportunity to recharge his batteries over the summer, but he insists he has not been resting on his laurels. "I didn't go into it thinking 'okay, I've got this gap, I can enjoy it more'," the Brit was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "I was going to have a good time whatever the case and make sure I come back focused." The 2019 season will resume with the Belgian Grand Prix and Hamilton knows, despite his healthy lead at the top of the standings, there are still plenty of twists and turns to come in the championship race, starting potentially at Spa this weekend. "It doesn't make any difference: I know how much work I've still got to do," insisted Hamilton. "If I don't turn up this weekend or the following ones, if I don't deliver in these next races and make mistakes, I could easily lose the championship. "There are points available to turn the tables so I just stay focused as I have been in the past." Hamilton has won the Belgian GP three times in the past, most recently in 2017, and he is priced at 2.40 to take the chequered flag on Sunday. Sanchez heads for Old Trafford exit Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Chile international Alexis Sanchez on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United. The 30-year-old forward will remain with the Nerazzurri until the 30 June 2020 and he is the second United player to join Inter this summer, following on from Romelu Lukaku, who completed a permanent £74million switch to the San Siro earlier this month. Sanchez's move to the Giuseppe Meazza brings to an end, at least on a temporary basis, what has been a disastrous 19-month stay at Old Trafford. The former Barcelona star was signed with a wealth of expectation on his shoulders after joining from Arsenal in January 2018, but he failed to live up to his billing, scoring just five goals in 45 appearances for the club. The Chilean's high wages, believed to be in the region of £400,000 a week, also contributed to the pressure on him to perform and it is believed United will continue to pay a percentage of his salary during his time with Inter. Sanchez' arrival in Milan is another signal of intent that Antonio Conte's side are aiming to mount a serious challenge to Juventus' grip on the Serie A title this season and the Italian giants were quick to welcome their latest recruit to the club. "On behalf of the entire Nerazzurri family, we'd like to wish him a very warm welcome and the best of luck," Inter confirmed. Inter have not won the Scudetto since Jose Mourinho's treble winners of 2010, but they have made an impressive start to the new campaign, outclassing Lecce 4-0 in their opening fixture, and they are priced at 5.50 to end their title drought this term. McIlroy urges major re-think Rory McIlroy admits he is not a fan of the new golfing schedule and would like to see the majors spaced out over a much longer period of time. The big four events were played between April and July this year, as the US PGA Championship was moved to May, and it meant one major a month ending with the Open Championship. Opinion is divided on the new format but McIlroy believes that there is scope to keep them apart to maintain the interest for a longer period of time. "I'd like to see them spaced out the way tennis does it," he said. "(Tennis) have the Australian Open in January and the US Open is going on now. "You want to stay relevant for as long as possible throughout the year and I don't know by spacing the (golf) majors so close together that that's the right thing to do." The 30-year-old managed top-10 finishes at the US PGA Championship and US Open but failed to make the weekend at Royal Portrush as the Open travelled to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951. That was a huge disappointment for the world number two but he hit back to win the FedEx Cup with victory in the Tour Championship last weekend. That gave him $15m but the four-time major winner took more satisfaction from getting the better of the best players the world. "The money's nice, but the satisfaction of winning the FedEx Cup and beating the guys that I beat down the stretch, that's what makes me happy," he added to the European Tour's website. Fabinho ready for Champions League all-comers Fabinho is looking forward to discovering Liverpool's Champions League group stage opponents later on Thursday but is not too concerned who they face. The Reds will begin the competition with a target on their backs as the defending champions and are 7.50 to mount a successful defence. Manchester City are the 4.50 favourites ahead of Barcelona at 6.00, while Real Madrid can be backed at 9.50. Three of those big-hitters will not play each other in the group stage as they are in Pot 1, but Los Blancos are in Pot 2 after their round of 16 exit to Ajax in 2018-2019. The Champions League draw is always an exciting part of the footballing calendar for those involved but Brazil ace Fabinho has played down the significance of which teams they might be grouped with. "The Champions League is a special competition and we're the reigning champions, so there's always going to be a lot of expectation about who we're going to come up against," he told LiverpoolFC.com. "We're relaxed about it." Having made the perfect start to the Premier League campaign with three straight wins, the Merseysiders travel to Turf Moor to face Sean Dyche's Burnley on Saturday. They are 1.36 to win, with the Clarets on offer at 9.50 before European domestic football takes a two-week break for international competitions. Things will get tougher when they return to action as Europe kicks in but Fabinho is relishing the challenge. "We're fully aware that when we return from this international break there will be a more intense fixture schedule with midweek games, but that's good - we like it," he added. Bruce wants Hornets scalp for 'wonderful start' Manager Steve Bruce feels victory over Watford this weekend before the international break will complete a "wonderful" start to the season for Newcastle United. Bruce's appointment was not met with universal enthusiasm after he was plucked from Sheffield Wednesday to replace Rafael Benítez in the St James' Park dugout, but victory over Tottenham last time out in the league was a huge bonus. They came crashing down to earth with a penalty shootout loss to Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night but will now have just the Premier League to focus on until the FA Cup begins early in 2020. Defeats to Arsenal and Norwich City had left the Tynesiders pointless after two games but the 1-0 triumph at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a shot in the arm for all at the club. Now with the visit of the Hornets, Bruce wants to round off the start of his reign with another three points to end up where he wants to be at this stage of the campaign. "If we can get to six points, that will be a wonderful start for us. That's been my aim," he said. "The players, since I walked through the door - apart from a horrible performance at Norwich - have tuned into what we're trying to do." The much-travelled tactician has been happy with his rearguard but wants more creativity in the final third. "Defensively we look rock-solid," he added. "We have got to still improve offensively with the ball, but hopefully that will come." Newcastle are priced at 2.25 to be relegated and they can be backed at 2.50 to beat Javi Gracia's men, with Watford on offer at 2.88. PSG turn down huge Neymar offer from Barca The Neymar transfer saga has taken another twist with the latest reports suggesting Paris Saint-Germain have rejected a cash plus three player bid from Barcelona. The Brazil international has made it clear that he wants to end his time at the Parc des Princes and has been angling for a move back to the Nou Camp all summer. Despite being prolific on the pitch, the 27-year-old has never really settled at the Paris club and admits he made a mistake in leaving the Catalans two years ago. Real Madrid have also shown an interest, with reports they offered players such a Gareth Bale in their proposed deal. However, PSG are refusing to play ball over their prized asset and Mundo Deportivo are suggesting Barca were willing to offer £118m for Neymar, plus Ivan Rakitic and Jean-Clair Todibo - plus Ousmane Dembele on loan. The Ligue 1 champions are said to have turned that down as well and it is becoming more likely by the day that the South American remains with the French champions as they refuse to accept anything below what they feel he is worth. The clubs have until September 2 to thrash out a deal and it seems as though PSG are sticking to their guns as they want the majority of the cash up front as opposed to in future add-ons. Representatives from the two clubs met for a transfer summit in Paris this week but it seems as though there is more talking to be done. PSG are currently 1.10 to win the French title and those odds are unlikely to change that much even if Neymar does depart. Roberts eyes Canaries response Norwich City loan star Patrick Roberts wants the Canaries to use their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Crawley Town as motivation for the Premier League clash with West Ham United. Daniel Farke's men were expected to breeze past the League Two outfit but lost 1-0 as Beryly Lubala's deflected shot saw the hosts into the hat for round three. While it is always disappointing to lose a cup game with a trip to Wembley the ultimate prize, the East Anglian outfit can now concentrate on the league and they are priced at 2.38 to be relegated, with Sheffield United the 1.95 favourites for the drop. Saturday will see the men in green and yellow in the East End of the capital to take on Manuel Pellegrini's Hammers and, far from wallow in their own self-pity, Roberts feels the Crawley loss should inspire the players to get the right result at the London Stadium. "We've got to pick our heads up now, obviously the disappointment is there but you can't dwell on it too much," he said. "You can review it and see what happened, see where it went wrong and try to take those positives, look forward to West Ham at the weekend and put in a good performance then." Norwich have made a decent start to life back in the top flight, with three points from as many games played, including fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea. A 3-2 home loss to Frank Lampard's Blues last time out in the league will have been a confidence boost and they can take that to London. Farke's charges are 3.80 to take all thee points, with West Ham on offer at 1.91. Vettel relishing Belgium challenge Sebastian Vettel is looking forward to this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix on one of his favourite tracks on the F1 calendar. The German ace is a three-time winner at Spa, having taken the chequered flag in 2011, 2013 and 2018 and his triumph 12 months ago was his last victory in Formula 1. The four-time F1 champion has not made the expected impact this season, with promising pre-season testing not translating into race wins and he finds himself fourth in the standings, nearly 100 points behind table-topping Lewis Hamilton. His Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc is just 24 points adrift in fifth and Vettel, 32, is hoping for better luck on a circuit he admires. "This is a legendary track and it is definitely one of my favourites," he said. "It has climbs and drops and so much of it runs through forests - once you learn it and you know it, it is impossible not to love it." Vettel is 3.75 to win at Spa, with reigning F1 champion Hamilton priced as the 2.40 favourite. Leclerc is on offer at 4.00, with Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas 7.50. There has been much speculation about the Finn's future with the Silver Arrows but all the talk in the paddock is that he will be confirmed as one of Mercedes' 2020 drivers ahead of the weekend's grand prix. Bottas has two wins in 2019 and sits second in the Drivers' standings but is only seven points ahead of exciting Red Bull Flyer Max Verstappen. The young Dutchman has a couple of wins this term and is 9.00 to make it three in Belgium. Injured Djokovic reaches round three in New York Novak Djokovic remains a 2.20 favourite to win the US Open despite struggling with a shoulder injury during his second-round victory over Juan Ignacio Londero. Djokovic, 32, reached round three with a 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 success over the Argentinian but had to call for the trainer on three occasions to get through the contest. A match with fellow Serbian Dusan Lajovic or American Denis Kudla is next in the agenda for the world number one but it remains to be seen how his body reacts to events on Wednesday. "It was definitely affecting my serve and my backhand," he said. "I didn't know if I would be able to finish the match. I'm really glad I have." Many matches were cancelled due to heavy rain in New York but Serena Williams, 4.00 to lift the trophy, is through after a scare against teenage US star Caty McNally in a late-night match. Williams, 37, lost the opening set but hit back to earn a 5-7 6-3 6-1 success at Flushing Meadows. "I survived tonight. I am not too pleased with the way I played at all, but it's OK, I'm alive. I'll do better. I promise," she said. The 23-time Grand Slam champion's next opponent will be either Czech Karolina Muchova or Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei. French Open champion Ashleigh Barty was pushed by American Lauren Davis before winning 6-2 7-6 (7-2) on Louis Armstrong Stadium. She had to save a set point in the opener but is priced at 10.00 to win the tournament after making round three. Onomah has his own agenda Fulham midfielder Josh Onomah insists he is happy to be playing in the Championship and hopes to prove a point to former club Tottenham. The 22-year-old has been on the Spurs books since 2014 but made only 32 appearances across four seasons. The former England Under-21 ace spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, enjoying close to 50 outings at the Championship clubs during the past two seasons. He returned to north London in the summer but then moved to Craven Cottage as part of the deal that saw Ryan Sessegnon go in the other direction. The Londoner made his Fulham debut in Tuesday night's 1-0 Carabao Cup second-round loss to Southampton and after the match, confessed that he is now keen to show his former employers that they were wrong to part company. "I believe I've got a point to prove and I've been given a lifeline here at Fulham," he told the Evening Standard. "Every boy's dream is to play in the Premier League and, yeah, that's my dream too, but sometimes you have to take a step back and build to get to the top." "I've just got to prove to everyone what I can do. I'll do my talking to the pitch and see what happens." The west Londoners have made a solid start to life back in the second tier, with nine points from five games to sit fifth in the standings. It remains to be seen if they can bounce back at the first attempt and they are 2.10 to be prompted next May. Lennon vows to attack Manager Neil Lennon feels it would be wrong to set up his Celtic team to defend for 90 minutes in the second leg of their Europa League play-off with AIK on Thursday. The Bhoys take a 2-0 first-leg advance to Sweden and are 2.25 favourites to win the match, with the Stockholm-based hosts on offer at 3.10. It would be easy for the Hoops to sit back, soak up the home side's pressure and then try to hit them on the break but Lennon has made it clear that is not the Celtic way. "We're a front foot team and know we're capable of scoring goals, we've shown that already this season," he said. "I don't think we can sit in for 90 minutes. It would be folly to ask players to do something alien to them." A place in the group stage of Europe's second-tier completion is on offer for the winner, with the Scottish champions currently priced at 67.00 to lift the trophy, although those odds are likely to tumble if they do make it through. An away goal will be crucial to their hopes and Lennon believes that getting on the score sheet, plus a solid defensive effort from start to finish, should be enough to see his side prevail. "If we score one that would put us in a tremendous position in the tie," he added. "There may be bad moments we have to weather, but we're capable of scoring goals here and getting a positive result." Burnley mistakes leave Dyche frustrated Burnley manager Sean Dyche was left to rue what might have been after watching his side crash out of the Carabao Cup 3-1 at home to League One Sunderland. The Clarets went into the tie as favourites but after Jay Rodriguez had given the hosts the lead in the 11th minute, the Black Cats scored three unanswered goals through Will Grigg, Tom Flanagan and George Dobson. It was all-square at half-time but 1-1 became 3-1 in the Wearsiders favour within five minutes of the restart and Dyche was left frustrated by the way things unfolded. "We should have been two up at half-time," he told BBC Lancashire. "It goes to show the clinical edge of football is the important part. "We let a poor goal in the first half, which was a mistake, and the first five minutes of the second half for an experienced group is poor on two set pieces." The Turf Moor outfit have taken four points from their first three Premier League games in 2019-2020 but face a huge task at the weekend as Jurgen Klopp brings his Liverpool juggernaut to Lancashire. Dyche rested a number of his regular first-team stars on Wednesday and hinted that there is a reason that those on the peripheries who faltered late in the game do not see that much action. "Second half there were not enough players actively taking the game on," he added. "The last half an hour is why [some playing do not start many games] because you have got to lay down a marker." Despite being at home, Burney are 9.50 to beat Liverpool, with the Reds on offer at 1.36.