⏪ Guardiola confirms big blow; Amorim talks Mount; Dyche on takeover

Hear all the news and updates ahead of the final Premier League weekend before Christmas.

2024-12-20T15:09:34Z

That concludes our coverage of today's Premier League press conferences.

Scroll down to see what Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, Ruben Amorim, Mikel Arteta and others had to say.

2024-12-20T14:34:28Z

Marco Silva has also given an update on his squad, with Kenny Tete set for "eight to 10 weeks" on the sidelines following a leg injury against Liverpool.

Joachim Andersen is back though, as are Calvin Bassey and Tom Cairney after their respective bans.

However, Andreas Pereira is unavailable after receiving his fifth yellow card.

2024-12-20T14:32:44Z

Emery has also provided an injury update.

"Tyrone Mings and Leon Bailey, they are in the squad tomorrow. Not Jacob Ramsey because he is progressing well but not ready yet to be available for tomorrow."

2024-12-20T14:29:08Z

Unai Emery is looking forward to the visit of the struggling champions to Villa Park.

"Of course, it's a very tough match and a very exciting match for us. The motivation, playing Manchester City at home for our supporters as well is going to be great."

"Everything we are going to face tomorrow with our support at Villa Park. My assessment now is keep going. We are in the league trying to get better and of course accepting everything we are doing, always trying to improve."

2024-12-20T14:28:06Z

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui was coy ahead of his side's clash with Brighton.

"It is going to be very similar [the squad] but maybe we can have one change" but did not reveal who that might be.

2024-12-20T14:24:50Z

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has no new injury concerns ahead of tomorrow's clash with Newcastle, but will be without star striker Liam Delap following his booking at Wolves last weekend.

"The referee told me that if there's a fracas on the pitch at the end then the rule is that he has to book a player from both teams. I take him at his word on that. We're disappointed, because I don't think Liam did much wrong."

2024-12-20T14:22:04Z

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Fulham, Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk has said "it's been an honour" to take charge of the club, but it's not about him.

"This is about the football club at the minute and how we win a game of football."

It's still unclear if Ivan Jurić will be in charge by then, or if Rusk will take charge of his second and final game, but Saints could be buoyed by the return of one or two players.

"Kyle [Walker-Peters] trained today. Aaron [Ramsdale] has been back involved. He's definitely not far away.

"It's looking positive."

2024-12-20T14:10:36Z

Regarding on-field matters, Dyche has a few injury concerns ahead of the visit of high-flying Chelsea on Sunday.

James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are "still a bit behind the curve" and "are making progress but not quick progress" as they build their fitness.

Key man Dwight McNeil is "touch and go" with a knee issue, with Dyche saying "we are hopeful but we will have to wait and see."

2024-12-20T14:07:34Z

More from Dyche on the takeover:

"Other than winning games which all managers need to do, they have made it quite clear they have nothing but support for me.

"You have to win games but there is nothing but support and no other thoughts on anything else.

"It is not an immediate change but it would be good if it is a little bit more stable than it has been since I got here. The possible change of owners is now sorted.

"There is no magic wand but it would be nice to to know the hard work has been for good reason. I hope it [the takeover] brings a positive mood to the team."

2024-12-20T14:06:56Z

Everton fans got some early Christmas joy with the confirmation of new ownership in the shape of the Friedkin Group.

Dyche has given an insight into his first meeting with new executive chairman Marc Watts.

"It was about the format moving forward. They are fully supportive of me, the staff and the team going forward.

"I haven't said to too much about what I want. They were asking questions about what I have learnt in my time and the overall feel of the club. Most of the on the pitch stuff they are supportive of and they want to be. They are not getting too involved in that side of things.

"It was very casual, picking each other's brains and making clear the financial position of the club is very important going forward.

"January will be dominated again by PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules)."

2024-12-20T14:01:38Z

He, however, is proud of the progress made at the club since his arrival.

"The unity, the connection and the fact we are competing in big fronts right now. We haven’t managed to do that in recent years so that’s positive.

"I am here because I am so passionate about what I do and I love this football club. I try to be the best version every day.

2024-12-20T13:58:56Z

Arteta celebrates five years in charge today, but he doesn't seem to be looking far past Sunday's clash with Palace.

No. You have to live in the present in this job. You can prepare for the mid to long-term but you have to be in the moment to understand how things are working and putting processes in place to make better decisions."

2024-12-20T13:55:39Z

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a fitness update ahead of his side's trip to Crystal Palace.

Riccardo Calafiori is fit again, and is available alongside Declan Rice.

Oleksandr Zinchenko "has a chance of making it" but the Selhurst Park clash comes too soon for Takehiro Tomiyasu.

2024-12-20T13:51:38Z

He is also not sure if Matheus Cunha will feature in the basement battle with Wolves. The forward was charged with misconduct after an incident with a member of Ipswich's security team last weekend.

"I am not sure because we haven't decided. He is an important player in our team. My first impression [of the squad] is I am very happy. Of course every team can improve and we will try and improve. It is important to get the confidence again and the results. The results will bring confidence and give them motivation and clear ideas."

2024-12-20T13:50:02Z

Pereira is looking to put his stamp on his side, and that could include some moves in the January window.

"My idea is to create an identity, a tactical identity. First training we started to work for this identity, the way of playing."

"I think the club is open to do it (make signings) but in this moment it is important with new ideas to understand the answer of the players on the pitch."

"It is important I have at least one week to understand what I can do with our players, to study the personality and what we need. After this we will decide."

2024-12-20T13:48:12Z

New Wolves manager Vitor Pereira is speaking to the press for the first time, and has confirmed why he took the job.

"I had some approaches from clubs in England but Wolves did the step forward to finish. I had a project in Saudi Arabia but with this opportunity you cannot think twice."

"Because it is the Premier League and in my opinion the Premier League is the best league in the world. Something that was my target for a long time. It means that I am in the right place with the top, high level players, league and managers. I am very happy to be here."

2024-12-20T13:44:53Z

After Dele Alli confirmed he is to leave Everton, Sean Dyche has now spoken on the matter.

"The major point that we agreed as a collective was to get him back to a good place and I think he's there. He's just had so much misfortune with injuries. You couldn't imagine the challenges he's had so we wish him well and I think that's the best we can do.

He's been nothing but an ease for me to work with. The medical team worked tirelessly with him, as he has as well, and onto a new challenge. But we certainly wish him well."

2024-12-20T13:37:06Z

Mason Mount won't be involved for certain, as his injury misery continues.

"Several weeks [he will be out for]. I don't know the exact date but it is going to be long. That's it. It is part of football and we continue."

The midfielder went off early in the Manchester derby last Sunday and looked visibly distraught..

2024-12-20T13:32:02Z

Ruben Amorim was coy on Marcus Rashford, confirming he is available to play but he might not be involved again.

Yes, of course. It is the same thing guys [that saw him left out]."

2024-12-20T13:24:07Z

James may be part of the plans, but Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are not, and could leave in January.

"There are players that unfortunately didn't play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney."

"Probably they're the first that will want to leave because they work every day because they want to play. If they don't play probably they are thinking to leave."

"Each player has a different situation so we'll see if anyone knocks the door and says I want to leave. We'll try to find a solution."

2024-12-20T13:23:13Z

Enzo Maresca on Reece James' partial return to the Chelsea squad.

"It doesn't mean he's going to be with us on Sunday or next Sunday. The plan is part of the session he'll be with the team then from there to try to build the right conditions for him."

2024-12-20T13:16:52Z

On the other end of the injury scale, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has no new concerns ahead of Sunday's trip to Manchester United.

If not the same, it's going to be very very similar squad [to West Ham]. No changes."

The Cherries won 3-0 at Old Trafford last season, and have been in fine form of late

2024-12-20T12:56:01Z

John Stones is also back, and will probably start at Aston Villa in the early kick-off.

"Of course it is important he is back and at his best. When you are injured for three or four weeks you need time to get back to your best but of course he is important. An important player for us for many years" said his manager.

City lost at Villa Park last season. Could eight losses in 11 become nine losses in 12?

Surreal times.

2024-12-20T12:49:13Z

On a more positive for the ailing champions, Pep confirmed Manuel Akanji has been back in training for the last two days.

2024-12-20T12:43:47Z

Pep Guardiola is now speaking, and it's more bad news for Manchester City.

He has confirmed Rúben Dias is out "for three or four weeks" with a muscular issue.

Ederson is also a doubt.

No respite.

2024-12-20T12:14:48Z

The Spurs gaffer is hopeful both Timo Werner and Destiny Udogie will be available for the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"Hopefully, we'll see. The boys are just coming in now from a late night. Timo [Werner] was unwell yesterday, we've got 48 hours before the game so hopefully he will recover and the plan is Destiny [Udogie] should be okay."

2024-12-20T12:05:49Z

Just as fate would have it, the two clubs face off this Sunday in the Premier League as well, and Postecoglou is under no illusions of what his side is up against.

"We'll play our football because that's what's winning us games and that's what we will do against Liverpool, who are a fantastic side, go really well."

"Arne has come in and it is not easy when you are taking over from somebody with the status of Jurgen Klopp but you know they're very settled as a team, they've got quality within the starting XI. They've dealt with things, you know last week, they were a man down, they've got real belief at the moment."

"They are the stand out team in the competition so far. But again, on our day when we play our football we're a pretty good opposition."

2024-12-20T11:55:47Z

Ange Postecoglou is here, and he's commented on his side's EFL Cup semi-final draw with Liverpool.

"We're in it, that's the main things. It's an exciting fixture. I could be wrong but the recent history of the Carabao Cup has either been won by a Manchester club or Liverpool, we've had to beat all of them to get through, so a great draw for us."

Spurs just about got over the line in a chaotic 4-3 win against Manchester United last night.

2024-12-20T11:40:29Z

The biggest story of the day (so far) is Ivan Jurić's impending appointment as the new Southampton manager.

The Croatian, who has had a torrid short spell in charge of Roma this season already, is set to replace Russell Martin in the dugout of the Premier League's bottom side.

2024-12-20T11:25:27Z

Ruud van Nistelrooy has delivered mixed news on Leicester's midfield injury concerns ahead of Sunday's relegation six-pointer versus Wolves.

Speaking on Harry Winks and Wilfred Ndidi, he said: "Harry this week was fully part of team training so he is available for selection again which is very positive news for the squad. Wilfred is in his rehab, he is not on the pitch so he is not available for selection."

2024-12-20T11:20:20Z

The Magpies boss also ruled Joelinton out of the game, with the Brazilian midfielder having been rushed to hospital with an ear injury suffered in the EFL Cup win against Brentford.

He's OK, he's just a bit battered and bruised, yesterday he had a few stitches I believe, around the area of his ear, which was quite delicate.

"He had a cut mouth, so I think, probably, with him not available this weekend, it's probably a good thing for him because it allows him to rest those bruises and wounds and then hopefully be fit for the week after."

2024-12-20T11:18:46Z

Eddie Howe has been speaking ahead of Newcastle's clash with Ipswich on Saturday, and he's in positive spirits after back-to-back convincing wins.

"I think there is a good feeling around the team at the moment, not just with the two games, but I think even Brentford was a blip within that but going back behind those games, I think we've performed very well. So, I'd like to think we're building some momentum but proof will be in what we deliver on Saturday."

2024-12-20T11:16:27Z

There was also a few words on Federico Chiesa, who played 45 minutes in the 2-1 EFL Cup win at Southampton, as he looks to finally make his mark with the Reds.

You see him on the pitch now he is getting stronger and he is getting better. He had to adapt for quite a long time, as expected if you miss team training sessions for so long and then you go to a league and team with the intensity so high as well.

“He is getting stronger but he is also facing a lot of competition in the right wing position.”

2024-12-20T11:12:03Z

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is first up, and he's confirmed Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley will miss Sunday's trip to Tottenham, as they continue their returns from injury.

These are the two that are still ‘in the red’, so they don’t train with us at the moment. They are on their way back but they don’t train with the team yet.”

The league leaders' defensive problems are heightened by the absence of Andy Robertson following his red card in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Fulham.