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The Brazilian marked his first start since early January with the opener as the Blaugrana marched to victory

Raphinha staked his claim for regular minutes in a Barcelona shirt, while the rest of the Blaugrana hummed around him as they swept to a comfortable 4-0 win over Getafe on Saturday.

The Brazilian winger, filling in for the rested Lamine Yamal, showed exactly why he could yet play a part for the Catalans both this season and beyond as he scored the opener and turned in a compelling performance.

Raphinha's goal saw him dart behind the backline and tuck the ball comfortably into the bottom corner. The Brazilian could have made it two shortly before half-time, too, but blasted over after running through on goal.

Fellow forgotten man Joao Felix made it two shortly after the break, as he finished off a well-constructed move with a side-footed finish. They added a third after an hour, Frenkie de Jong tucking the ball in after a fine piece of set-up play from Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez capped off an encouraging afternoon in stoppage-time.

In truth, this was too easy for Barca, as Getafe offered little fight. Still, if the remainder of Xavi's reign is about signs of encouragement, then this game was full of them.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

Made one crucial stop at the end of the first half, and another in the second. Little to do, otherwise.

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Solid at the back, moved the ball well. His second straight encouraging performance.

Pau Cubarsi (8/10):

Impressive once again. Won his tackles, looked good in the air and pinged it around. Another La Masia gem?

Ronald Araujo (7/10):

A quiet afternoon as a left sided centre-back. A few nice long passes caught the eye. Kept Greenwood quiet.

Joao Cancelo (5/10):

Dangerous down the left with his usual clever runs and incisive passes. His final ball was lacking, though. Still not quite figured it out.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Andreas Christensen (7/10):

Held it down at the base of midfield. Talllied an assist, too, striding forward to setup Felix's goal.

Frenkie de Jong (8/10):

Marauded forward more so than usual. Got on the scoresheet, too. Getafe were poor in central areas, and he capitalised well. He's always wonderful to watch.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Ventured into the final third with regularity, but missed a good chance or two. Really should have scored from a free header in the first half.

Joao Felix (6/10):

Tried to do a lot of the ball, but not much of it came off. Couldn't miss from 10 yard as he grabbed himself a goal.

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Raphinha (8/10):

Replaced Yamal, and staked his claim for regular minutes. Came close with a cheeky flick early on, took his goal well, and created chaos throughout. It wasn't all smooth; he missed a glaring chance, and overhit a pass to Felix when he should have scored himself.

Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

A few neat flicks and nice moments, but ended the game with just two touches in the opposition box.

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Fermin Lopez (7/10):

A lively cameo from the homegrown midfielder. His work-rate has been exemplary this season, and was rewarded with a late goal.

Vitor Roque (6/10):

Should have scored late on.

Oriol Romeu (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Pedri (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Hector Fort (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xavi (8/10):

Benched Yamal, gave Raphinha a shout, and stuck with Cubarsi. It all amounted to one of Barca's better performances in recent memory. A comfortable win, with some standouts throughout the side. One of the good days…

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According to renowned journalist Alan Nixon on his official Twitter account, reported Southampton target Che Adams is available before the deadline, as long as a club is willing to pay £12m for his services.

What’s the word, then?

Well, a report in The Mirror at the weekend said that Saints are keen to bring the Birmingham City attacker to St Mary’s before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday night, and have already tabled an £8m bid for the 22-year-old.

However, The Mirror also reported that the Blues had rebuffed the approach, but were expecting the Premier League club to try again for the impressive attacker, who has scored 15 league goals for the Championship outfit this season, as per Transfermarkt.

The latest of those came in the 3-3 draw with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night, when he cut in from the left on his right foot before bending an effort into the far corner of the goal from outside the box.

Will Saints pay £12m?

It seems a lot depends on whether they can sell Charlie Austin, whom they are said to be demanding £10m for, also according to Nixon on Twitter, before the deadline.

For the second game running the former QPR striker missed out on the 18-man squad when Saints hosted Crystal Palace at St Mary’s on Wednesday night, and it appears as though his future lies away from the south coast outfit if a deal is right for all parties.

They may well be trying to raise the funds to buy Adams by offloading the 29-year-old, but there has been no progress on that to date with just hours of the window remaining.

Given the pace and strength the Birmingham man has in his locker – as well as the fact he can play out wide or through the middle – he appears to be a perfect fit to succeed under Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton.

Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly hired a bodyguard and a private detective after being "hounded" by a "sex-crazed stalker".

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Alexander-Arnold victim of stalkingBeefs up his own personal securityHas been sent obscene lettersWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international has taken steps to increase his own security, after being "hounded" for over a year by a "sex-crazed stalker" – as per The Sun. The report states that Alexander-Arnold has had to change his mobile phone number and install CCTV and alarms in his house, and has also been sent X-rated letters, while the woman allegedly involved is also said to have been seen at Liverpool's training ground, his home, and at his favourite restaurants.

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The 26-year-old has been advised not to put his movements on social media, while his family have also been bombarded with letters. It remains to be seen if a suspect will be apprehended but Liverpool are offering the right-back their full support. Alexander-Arnold is currently injured.

DID YOU KNOW?

Alexander-Arnold has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice and registering 10 assists. His momentum was stalled in Liverpool's recent 3-1 win over Burnley, though, as he had to be removed at half-time after damaging his lateral knee ligaments, and no firm date for his return has been given as of yet.

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Liverpool play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Alexander-Arnold will be watching on from the sidelines but he will receive a medal if Jurgen Klopp's side win the game at Wembley.

Juventus ace Paul Pogba is reportedly training alone at a villa once owned by Cristiano Ronaldo as he waits on a definitive ruling in his doping case.

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World Cup winner left in limboTested positive for testosteroneWaiting on test results from B sampleWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-winning France international is splitting his time between Turin and Paris after testing positive for testosterone and being handed a precautionary suspension by the Anti-Doping Tribunal in Italy. He must now wait until October 5 for the counter-analysis results on the B sample that he provided on August 20.

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Pogba’s last official contact with Juve staff is said to have come during a meeting with the club’s medical team and management on September 11. He has been nursing an injury and has now seen his salary docked to €40,000 a year – the minimum amount allowed within his contract. If the 30-year-old midfielder is not cleared by his B sample, then a fresh investigation will begin into the supplements he is said to have purchased and used on the advice of an American doctor.

DID YOU KNOW?

For now, when in Italy, Pogba is having to stay away from Juve’s training centre and his club colleagues. reports that he is working alone at a villa in the Turin hills that used to be occupied by five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo. He has access to a gym, indoor swimming pool and an outdoor pitch.

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Pogba is still being closely monitored by his trusted team of representatives and Juve staff members, while fellow countryman Adrien Rabiot has said of staying in touch with a close friend during a difficult time for him: “We are all close to Paul. I hear from him almost every day.”

Inter Miami youngster Benja Cremaschi has revealed what it's like playing for his hometown team, and alongside his childhood idol, Lionel Messi.

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Cremaschi talks about life at Inter MiamiEnjoys playing for hometown teamAdds playing alongside Messi is 'indescribable'WHAT HAPPENED?

In an interview with CBS Soccer as a part of their on-site UEFA Champions League LIVE show in Miami on Tuesday, the Herons youngster was asked about his rise over the past year. From signing his first professional contract to debuting with the USMNT – and of course, playing alongside his childhood idol, Lionel Messi.

AdvertisementGettyWATCH THE CLIPWHAT CREMASCHI SAID:

"Obviously it's amazing being able to play in front of my family and friends," he said. "I grew up in Miami so it's an amazing feeling and now I share a locker room with Messi so it's honestly been a ridiculous year.

"I grew up watching him play, watching a lot of Argentina players play, and now I can share the field and the day-to-day life with such a player it's something I can't describe.

"When I knew he was coming to the club I wasn't really nervous but the first time I saw him in the locker room, which is where I met him I was really nervous, obviously shaking his hand. That was a really nerve-wracking moment.

"It was a crazy, surreal moment for sure. I don't have his number in my contacts but he's in a group chat so if I ever need to reach out to him."

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Cremaschi burst onto the scene in 2023, playing a crucial role in the Herons' Leagues Cup campaign alongside Messi. His performances have even caught the eye of USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter and the USSF, who called him up for their September camp. The 18-year-old took advantage of his moment, assisting Kevin Paredes in a friendly against Oman.

Egypt have called up Mohamed Salah for a tournament in the United Arab Emirates despite Liverpool's request to rest the forward.

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Salah been out with hamstring issueLiverpool request forward can miss Egypt gamesPharaohs turn down Reds' tournament pleaGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Egypt are taking part in the inaugural Winsunited Cup between March 22-26, featuring the Pharaohs, Croatia, Tunisia, and New Zealand. Despite Salah missing Liverpool's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the 31-year-old looks set to head out to UAE but the Egyptian FA, who rejected the Reds' request to rest the forward, said there is no guarantee he will play in the competition if he is not fit.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THE EGYPTIAN FA SAID

The Egyptian FA's statement reads: "We have already received a letter from Liverpool to exempt Mohamed Salah from the upcoming camp due to his injury. We sent the name of Mohamed Salah among the professional players that we are requesting to include in the next camp a few days ago. It is our right to include any professional player as long as it is at the time of the international agenda, and the issue of whether or not to include him is in the hands of the national team's technical staff, led by Hossam Hassan. It is still too early to decide the matter, and if Mohamed Salah plays any match in the time before the start of the camp, we will adhere to his inclusion, and he will be examined and his readiness determined by the medical staff of the Egyptian national team."

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Salah picked up the hamstring injury while playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in January but returned to action against Brentford last month. However, he has missed Liverpool's last four matches after a recurrence of the issue. The Reds are bidding to win an historic quadruple and if they want to lift more trophies they may not be able to afford having Salah suffer any further injuries.

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WHAT NEXT?

On Friday, manager Jurgen Klopp said Salah will resume training next week ahead of their top of the table Premier League clash at home to Manchester City on Sunday (March 10). However, it remains to be seen if the Egyptian will be fit for that game, or their Europa League last 16 tie away to Sparta Praha on Thursday.

Gavi may have suffered a tear of his anterior cruciate ligament in Spain's Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia, which may rule him out for the season.

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Midfielder substituted after injuryLeft pitch in floods of tearsEarly suggestions are that he has ACL injuryWHAT HAPPENED?

The 19-year-old was substituted after just 26 minutes when he was clutching his knee, and he broke down in tears as Spain's medical team helped him off the pitch, with Luis de la Fuente's side going on to win the match 3-1 in his absence. reports that early indications suggest he has ruptured his ACL, which would mean between six to eight months on the sidelines, and prematurely cut his season short.

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Gavi has emerged as a key player for both club and country at such a tender age. He has already clocked over 100 appearances for Barca and has played in every La Liga game this season, bar one, when he was suspended. News of such an injury will be a bitter blow to Xavi's plans at Camp Nou.

DID YOU KNOW?

The youngster made his Spain debut in 2021 and has gone on to score five goals in 26 caps. Spain have already qualified for Euro 2024 but his inclusion in that squad could now be called into question due to his potential ACL injury.

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Barcelona will be awaiting Gavi's test results with their fingers crossed, such is his importance. states that he is set to undergo an MRI scan in the next 24 hours to find out the full extent of the injury. The Blaugrana are next in action this weekend against Rayo Vallecano, but it seems certain that Gavi will be watching on from the treatment room for some time.

Argentina are chasing down more World Cup glory and would “love” to see Lionel Messi emulate Diego Maradona by attending a crucial rugby semi-final.

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1986 World Cup winner attended 2015 semi-finalGlobal champions from 2022 on international dutyPumas set to lock horns with All Blacks in ParisWHAT HAPPENED?

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi cemented his standing alongside Maradona when inspiring his country to global glory in football circles at Qatar 2022. The South American nation are now hoping to repeat that trick while competing with a ball of a different shape.

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Argentina have made it to the last four of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, with the Pumas now readying themselves for an epic showdown with the mighty All Blacks of New Zealand. They will have plenty of support in Paris, but it is unlikely that former PSG star Messi will be returning to the French capital as he is currently away on international duty of his own.

WHAT THEY SAID

Argentina veteran Agustin Creevy has told reporters when extending an invitation to his illustrious fellow countryman: "If Messi could now come we’d love that. But I don’t think so because he’s in Miami playing. In 2015 Maradona was retired, it was easy for him to come and stay with us. He was the best player I could meet in my whole life. He sang with us, he made a speech, everything. It was really important for us.”

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Argentina suffered semi-final heartache against Australia eight years ago – in what was a historic fixture for them played out on English soil at Twickenham – and they are hoping to go one better this time around after battling their way to an impressive comeback victory over Wales at the quarter-final stage.

Jose Mourinho insisted that Carlo Ancelotti will stay at Real Madrid and advised him not to be a "madman" and join Brazil.

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Ancelotti linked with Brazil jobMourinho advised the Italian to stayAlso spoke about his departure from the BernabeuWHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese manager emphatically discouraged Ancelotti from departing Real Madrid, denouncing any move to coach Brazil as the decision of a "madman". The Brazilian Football Confederation's claim regarding Ancelotti coaching the national team at the 2024 Copa America has raised questions about the Italian's future in the Spanish capital. Moreover, his contract which ends in the summer of 2024, is yet to be renewed which adds fuel to speculation about the potential Brazil job.

AdvertisementWHAT MOURINHO SAID ABOUT ANCELOTTI

Mourinho, in an interview with TG1, said: "I think only a madman would leave Real Madrid when he is still wanted. I am certain that at the first sign from Florentino [Perez, Madrid's president], Carlo will remain, because he is perfect for Real Madrid and Real Madrid are perfect for him."

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Although Mourinho dismissed any possibility of him returning to the Bernabeu, there was a hint of regret in his voice when he spoke about his own departure from Real Madrid as he left in 2013, despite agreeing to an extension until 2016, a year back.

"That madman was me, the only one who after three years, with a President who still wanted me, and Jose Sanchez too, I decided to leave," he said.

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Mourinho's future at the Italian capital also hangs in the air as his contract at Roma will come to an end at the end of the season. He had lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League during the summer and could once again be tempted to set sail for the Middle East after completing his obligations with Roma.

Meanwhile, several names have been floated as Ancelotti's successor which include Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.

Erling Haaland says he hopes to get back to fitness as soon as possible after an ankle injury ruled him out of Norway's clash against Scotland.

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Striker suffered ankle injuryWill miss Norway clash against ScotlandMan City take on Liverpool on November 25WHAT HAPPENED?

Norway will meet Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying on Sunday but will be without their star forward after he sustained an ankle injury during the recent match against Faroe Islands. Team doctor Ola Sand reassured that Haaland's injury is "not serious" but admitted the striker is in "so much pain" that he cannot feature against Steve Clarke's men.

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Norway have already failed to qualify for Euro 2024 as they sit third in qualifying Group A, behind Spain and Scotland. Haaland, who has scored 27 times in 29 caps for Norway, will have to sit out their final qualifying match and will now face a race against time to be fit for Manchester City's crucial meeting with Liverpool in the Premier League on November 25.

WHAT HAALAND SAID

"Unfortunately, I am missing tomorrow’s game against Scotland. Wishing the boys all the best," he wrote on social media. "Now treatment and trying to get back asap."

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The 23-year-old will begin his recovery from the injury with an eye on making the squad for City's match against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. He hasn't yet posted an update regarding his travel plans, although it seems likely that he'll immediately head back to City now, rather than stay with the Norway squad to watch Sunday's clash with Scotland, to undergo treatment.