LiveScore Daily: Martial sidelined for 10 weeks after surgery

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Martial misery

Manchester United striker Anthony Martial faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines after undergoing groin surgery.

The striker, who is out of contract in the summer, has netted just once in 13 Premier League appearances this term. 

A statement from United said: "Anthony has completed successful surgery to address a groin complaint and will be out of action for about 10 weeks as he rehabilitates.

"We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to his return."

With a new contract reportedly not on the cards, Martial is widely expected to depart Old Trafford at the end of the season. 

Use the experience

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has urged his players to learn from their narrow victory against Queens Park Rangers as they prepare to face Swansea in the FA Cup.

The Cherries had to come from two goals down to beat the Championship side and a win against the Swans will see them progress into the fifth round for just the sixth time in their history.

Iraola said: "You want to progress in every cup game and I think it's a good opportunity for us.

"But as we saw against QPR with two mistakes in two minutes, this can happen anytime you go on the pitch and you are almost out of the competition.

"We are facing a team which has changed manager and they have changed their style a little bit. It's not going to be easy for us to prepare for the game because they have different tactical approaches. 

"We haven't had a lot of time to prepare and we have to be very ready because I think, tactically, it will be a very demanding game for us."

Gasset gone 

2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast have dismissed head coach Jean-Louis Gasset despite not having yet been eliminated from the competition.

Les Elephants suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on Monday, leaving their chances of progression hanging by a thread.

Their destiny as one of the four best third-place finishers is dependent on other results going their way on Wednesday — but even if they qualify, they will do so without 70-year-old Gasset.

A statement said: "The Federation Ivoirienne de Football expresses its regrets for the performance of the Elephants during the group phase. 

"However, it remains convinced of the potential of our football team and calls for the unity of all for the upcoming events."

Gasset took charge in 2022 but duties will be handed to Emerse Fae — one of his coaches — on an interim basis.

Taxi for Hughton

Chris Hughton has been sacked after failing to guide Ghana to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout phase. 

The Black Stars lost their opener against Cape Verde and could only draw with Egypt and Mozambique as they collected just two points in Group B.

A statement from the Ghana Football Association said: "Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

"The executive council has also taken a decision to dissolve the technical team of the Black Stars. 

"The GFA will in the coming days provide a roadmap on the future direction of the Black Stars."

Ex-Newcastle and Brighton boss Hughton, 65, had been in the role for less than a year.

Pressure mounting 

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin believes it was right to hand Manchester City a European ban for breaching financial regulations.

The Treble winners had their punishment overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2020 but have since been charged with 115 alleged breaches by the Premier League. 

Ceferin said: "We know we were right. We wouldn't decide if we didn't think we were right.

"As a trial lawyer for 25 years, I know that, sometimes, you win a case you are sure you will lose.

"And sometimes, you lose a case when you're sure. You have to respect the decision of the court. 

"I don't want to speak about the case in England. But I trust the decision of our independent body was correct."

Keane to return

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane admits the Republic of Ireland job would appeal to him if he were to make his managerial comeback.

Keane, 52, spent five years working as part of Martin O'Neill's coaching staff and could be a candidate to replace the departed Stephen Kenny.

He said: "International football, I enjoyed it when I was a coach.

"I liked the dynamics of it where you're not in every day and it's not about bringing players in and dealing with the board every week or the academy. Yeah, that [international football] does appeal.

"I did enjoy the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin with the Irish team.

"We had a little bit of success. When you've had a bit of success it's brilliant, but obviously there are disappointments."

Unlimited potential

Manchester City managing director Charlotte O'Neill claims the club have "unlimited potential" in the women's game.

City, managed by Gareth Taylor, sit three points off Women's Super League leaders Chelsea after 11 games and are looking to win their first title since 2016.

And O'Neill believes there is no limit to what Taylor's side can achieve. She said: "Winning the WSL is one of our main ambitions.

"The team has unlimited potential. They are a really young side with a lot of scope to develop. 

"The pressure is only what we place on ourselves — we all have expectations and ambitions. 

"I know Gareth wants to win the WSL. All I can do is give him the support and tools to get the best out of the team. It's really exciting for us to be in that race."