Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba faces a lengthy absence after suffering a hamstring injury against Roma, manager Michael Carrick said on Nov. 6, leaving him unavailable while he recovers.
Carrick confirmed the injury would keep Baleba on the sidelines for an extended spell. The length of that absence and a date for his return were not available in the supplied ESPN reporting.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said on Nov. 6 that talks had taken place about a new contract at Villa Park. Emery said the discussions were about building a “stronger” project at the club through a new agreement.
Emery confirmed discussions over his future, without announcing a completed agreement. His comments concerned extending his work at Villa, where he linked the proposed contract to the project he wants to build.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said on Nov. 6 that youngster Luca Williams-Barnett was ready to start matches. De Zerbi's assessment concerned the player's readiness for a starting role, without confirming a place in a particular lineup.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said on Nov. 5 that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had his full backing. Maresca said Donnarumma's form was “no concern”, rejecting doubts about the goalkeeper's performances.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said forward Viktor Gyökeres had “needed” a good performance after his display in the club's 2-1 Champions League victory at Slavia Prague. Arteta made the comments on Nov. 5 after Gyökeres starred in the win.
Arteta also praised midfielder Declan Rice's determination to improve on Nov. 6, describing that desire as “desperate”. Rice was one of five Arsenal players called up to England manager Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Arteta's comments about Rice focused on his drive to get better following the England call-up. His assessment of Gyökeres concerned a performance the forward had already delivered in Arsenal's European victory.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola questioned on Nov. 6 whether his players were “too honest” after his team were denied a penalty against Arsenal. Liverpool lost that Premier League match 1-0 the previous weekend.
AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim questioned his own role and criticised his players after a 2-0 home defeat by Hungarian club Ferencvaros on Nov. 5. Amorim's criticism extended to both himself and the team after Thursday's loss.
Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international soccer with Portugal after coach Jorge Jesus left him out of the starting lineup, ESPN reported on Nov. 5. Ronaldo's retirement followed the selection decision, with Jesus the coach who benched him.
