England

Everton midfielder James Rodriguez faces an uncertain future at the Premier League club, with manager Rafa Benitez saying on Friday that the Colombian international was part of his plans until Aug. 31 when the transer window closes.

Rodriguez missed Everton's opening 3-1 home win over Southampton last weekend as he was isolating due to COVID-19 regulations, with Benitez stating that he hoped to find the "best solution" for the team and the player.

British media have linked the 30-year-old with a switch to Italian side AC Milan.

Christian Pulisic will have to sit out for Chelsea’s London Derby against Arsenal on Sunday due to a positive Covid test. For those asking themselves, “is Christian Pulisic vaccinated?” the answer is yes. Pulisic posted to his Instagram story on Friday that he was feeling well and had no symptoms.

Offensive reinforcements are arriving at the Emirates Stadium in North London, and they couldn't come at a better time. Just a few days after a lackluster opening day defeat to Brentford, Arsenal has signed attacker Martin Ødegaard on a permanent transfer worth nearly $50 million.

The Norwegian had a successful loan spell at the club last season, joining on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 and making 14 appearances during the second half of the campaign.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raúl Jiménez said doctors told him it was a "miracle" he survived the skull fracture he sustained during a Premier League game in November.

Chelsea's returning striker Romelu Lukaku is in line to make his second debut for the club in Sunday's London derby against Arsenal, manager Thomas Tuchel said.

Lukaku was not involved in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday as he was observing coronavirus protocols after travelling from Italy to re-join the club from Inter Milan.

The 28-year-old returned to Chelsea in a reported 97.5 million pounds ($135 million) move seven years on from his departure after helping the Serie A side to their first league title in 11 years last season.

Who needs Harry Kane? Well, Tottenham, because on the evidence of Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City new manager Nuno Espírito Santo has already had a transformative effect on the defense. And also City, because on Sunday's evidence they desperately need a striker.  

With Kane left out of the squad entirely due to his very public dalliances with City, Spurs produced an electric performance from front to back with Japhet Tanganga going toe-to-toe with Jack Grealish, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg flying into tackles and Lucas Moura always excellent in possession. 

Welcome back, Premier League.

After a Saturday highlighted by Manchester United’s 5-1 beatdown of Leeds and Everton’s 3-1 second half comeback win over Southampton (and Christian Pulisic's goal), Sunday produced an instant classic between Newcastle United and West Ham at St. James’ Park.

Borussia Dortmund is thanking its lucky stars that Erling Haaland didn’t leave the club this summer as the Norwegian God did unspeakable things to Frankfurt during a 5-2 victory on Saturday.

Haaland was involved in all five of Dortmund’s goals bagging a brace and having a hat trick of assists.

The 21-year-old set up Marco Reus for the first goal after dribbling the ball down nearly half of and slipping it through to the Dortmund veteran.