LiveScore Daily: Today’s football news in bite-sized chunks

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Up for it

Kostas Tsimikas is confident Liverpool will get back on track when the domestic season resumes next week. 

The Reds are currently 15 points off the pace in the Premier League title race after winning just six of their opening 14 games. 

But with a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Manchester City next Thursday followed by a trip to Aston Villa on Boxing Day, Tsimikas believes Jurgen Klopp's men can quickly turn the corner. 

Speaking to the club's official website, the left-back, 26, said: "It's a frustration because we lost many games we didn't want to lose. We want to be on the highest level we can be.

"If we want to achieve our goals, we have to be 100% there and to win football games.

"Every single day we work very hard. I can see everybody is hungry for the rest of the season. I'm really looking forward to the next games."

Messi magic

James Maddison has joined the growing list of footballers blown away by Lionel Messi's World Cup displays. 

Skipper Messi, 35, was in inspired form once again last night as Argentina saw off Croatia 3-0 to book their place in Sunday's final. 

And Maddison, an unused sub during England's campaign in Qatar, is loving watching the Paris Saint-Germain superstar in action. 

The Leicester ace, 26, tweeted: "Wasn't sure whether I was going to watch the rest of the World Cup after we were eliminated.

"But how can you turn down the opportunity to watch Leo Messi when he can still play to that level at 35? Honestly astonishing."

Broja injury woe

Chelsea striker Armando Broja will spend the rest of the season on the sidelines after rupturing the ACL in his right knee.

Broja, 21, left the pitch on a stretcher last Sunday during the first half of Chelsea's mid-season friendly with Aston Villa.

Following a collision with Villa defender Ezri Konsa, the Albania international screamed in pain as concerned opponents rushed to his aid.

And a club statement has now confirmed the news Blues boss Graham Potter had been dreading. 

It said: "Scan results have unfortunately confirmed an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and that surgery will be required.

"Following the operation, Armando will work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign."

Broja had been a regular in Chelsea's squad this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in 12 Premier League appearances.

But Potter, who saw the young side he fielded lose 1-0 to the Villans in Abu Dhabi, may now be forced to dip into the transfer market for a new striker next month. 

Baby news

Ex-England striker Ellen White has announced she is pregnant.

White, 33, who retired shortly after the Lionesses won Euro 2022 during the summer, revealed on social media that the new arrival is due in April.

Posting a picture of her and her husband holding the European Women's Championship trophy, she wrote the caption: "Mum and Dad. April 2023."

The former Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City star hung up her boots having scored 52 goals in 113 caps for her country. 

Double swoop

Watford have signed free agent Leandro Bacuna until the end of the season. 

Having left Cardiff in the summer, Bacuna has been training with Slaven Bilic's squad for a number of weeks. 

And the midfielder is pushing to be involved when the Hornets head to Huddersfield on Saturday. 

Meanwhile, Brazilian starlet Matheus Martins has also joined the Championship club ahead of the January transfer window. 

The highly-rated 19-year-old will be available to play from next month when his switch from Fluminense is officially registered. 

Cooking up a draw

The Papa Johns Trophy quarter-final draw will take place live on talkSPORT tomorrow on the Jim White and Simon Jordan show.

Beginning at approximately 11.45am GMT, White and Jordan will be joined by two-time EFL Trophy-winning manager Kenny Jackett.

Jackett's former side Portsmouth advanced from the last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Stevenage last night, while Bolton, Lincoln, Accrington Stanley, Cheltenham and Bristol Rovers have also confirmed their place in the draw.

Two ties are still to be played, with Salford hosting Port Vale on December 20 and Plymouth welcoming AFC Wimbledon the following night. 

The quarter-finals will take place week commencing January 9.