Injuries

Liverpool started Saturday’s Merseyside Derby with a the verve, power and intensity of being the best team in the world and wanting to make damn sure it was the best team in its own city. The Reds took a lead inside four minutes and looked like they could score half a dozen before halftime. Then came the Virgil van Dijk injury, which completely shifted the direction of the match and, possibly, Liverpool’s season. But should it have been a red card on Everton keeper Jordan Pickford?

Inter Milan are facing a difficult build up to their Serie A meeting against neighbors AC Milan on Saturday with six players sidelined through COVID-19 and others returning from a hectic seven days of international football.

Both teams are unbeaten so far and have suggested that they are ready to challenge Juventus for the title. Milan, in particular, have looked impressive, winning all three games without conceding a goal and stretching their unbeaten run to 19 matches in all competitions.

Christian Pulisic has been sidelined for over a month with a hamstring injury that he suffered during the FA Cup final. Chelsea and USMNT fans alike have been eager for the return of the Blues’ new No. 10. The latest Pulisic injury update is a good one and it comes from Captain America himself.

Christian Pulisic: “I’m feeling very good and very ready to play.” pic.twitter.com/yD91i7hEV9

If there is one thing that absolutely sucks about playing soccer or any sport, it is the risk of getting injured. Every time you step on the field there is a chance you can get hurt. Whether it is a pulled muscle, sprained ankle, concussion or, the worst of all, a torn ACL, getting injured is never ideal for anyone. Every injury is tough, but tearing your ACL has got to be one of the most common and horrible injuries that could happen. It may be a biased opinion since I have experienced an ACL tear, but I would take a rolled ankle over hearing that pop any day. 

Fourteen team members and staff of Serie A side Genoa have now tested positive for COVID-19, the club said in a statement on Monday.

Genoa had reported at the weekend that their Denmark midfielder Lasse Schone and goalkeeper Mattia Perin had contracted the virus.

Tottenham manager José Mourinho believes their packed fixture schedule will force them to prioritize the more lucrative Europa League over the League Cup in a bid to avoid further injuries in the squad.

Spurs host Chelsea on Tuesday in the League Cup fourth round, two days before Maccabi Haifa's visit to north London for a Europa League playoff match. Mourinho said the English Football League "made the decision" for him and he had no option but to rotate the squad for the London derby.

AC Milan made it two wins from two as Franck Kessie and Real Madrid loanee Brahim Diaz fired the Rossoneri to a 2-0 win over Crotone on Sunday. But Stefan Pioli will be worried about his striker options after a gruesome Ante Rebić injury suffered in the second half of Sunday’s win.

Rebić, a Croatian striker who scored 12 goals for Milan while on loan last season before making his move permanent, drew a first-half penalty that Kessie converted for a lead at the break. But Rebić only lasted about 10 minutes in the second half after suffering a freak arm injury.