Joao Palhinha makes Fulham exit claim as Newcastle United handed injury blow.
Palhinha on Bayern move
Joao Palhinha has had a frustrating time of things since leaving Fulham for Bayern Munich in a deal worth around £50million. The midfielder has made just two appearances so far with Joshua Kimmich having the holding midfield role on lockdown as things stand.
Despite that, Palhinha says he does not regret the move. “I wasn’t disappointed,” he TZ, as relayed by FCB Inside. “I’m at the best club in the world! This is part of a process. I can be proud. Josh (Kimmich) is like a coach. He is a friend I found here. It’s an honour to play with him.”
Wilson blow
Newcastle United are still waiting on Callum Wilson’s return as the England striker continues to battle his way back from a back injury. According to a fresh report from the Athletic, the striker may not return to action until after the October international break.
Wilson is the only real out-and-out striker option beyond Alexander Isak, who has picked up an injury. And even if the Sweden international does return this weekend, there is no good back-up option for Howe, who will have to call upon a player who is not a natural striker or young new signing William Osula. Howe said of Isak injury concerns: “I think it was more his eye so I’m not 100% sure what the issue was but I knew he had to come off. We’ll find out more afterwards. I absolutely hope it isn’t serious as he’s such an important player for us.”
Guardiola’s Haaland warning
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has sent a scary warning over Erling Haaland’s superb form so far this season. “His numbers are surprising, a little bit, yeah,” said the Spaniard. “Do you know why? I played 11 years as a professional and I scored 11 goals. This guy, in for games, has nine. If you examine the next 100 games and he scores 99 goals, for me, it’s fine! Don’t improve. I will be more than delighted.
“The difference to last season is he feels better. He came from Dortmund with a lot of muscular problems. He struggled a bit. So far (this season) he feels ‘I’m clean, I feel good here and have no problems’. I don’t expect him every game to score three, two goals. It is not a problem, because I know the quality is there, but I think the difference from last season is he feels good.”
