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. 

Saka fitness fight

Mikel Arteta revealed Bukayo Saka has been battling to overcome his recent injury issues in time for Arsenal's trip to Chelsea on Saturday. 

The Gunners boss said: "He's been working so hard to be fit for this game. Let's see where he is today. 

"He had a couple of days that he needed as well but the rest has not been rest for him because he needed to do the treatment and train to be ready for Chelsea." 

Arteta also spoke about the balancing act for key players like Saka.

He added: "Sometimes we want to play them but when we have them three hours on the field in training it doesn't help. 

"If you want to be a top, top player you have to play every three days and play 65-70 games." 

Klopp confirms Robertson blow

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson will have an operation after picking up a shoulder injury for Scotland. 

Kostas Tsimikas could now replace the 29-year-old for Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton. 

Klopp said: "The decision we go towards is surgery. 

"That means he's out for a while. I don't know exactly how long. 

"There was a little chance that we could try without but, after speaking to pretty much all experts, it looks like surgery will be the best thing, especially in the long term. 

"In my experience, you can train pretty quickly again but not football-specific because you have to be careful of challenges and all these kind of things, so he will be out for a while."

Mitoma feathers Seagulls nest

Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi has voiced his pleasure at the news that Kaoru Mitoma has extended his contract at the club until 2027. 

He said: "It's great news. Kaoru is our top player." 

Seagulls technical director David Weir added: "Ensuring that a player of Kaoru's quality will remain with us for the long term is fantastic news.  

"Kaoru adapted to the Premier League last season and has quickly become one of our most important players. 

"His success also reflects the work of the departments that played a role in his recruitment, helping him gain important experience on loan and ultimately becoming a big part of Roberto's first-team group. 

"I have no doubt that our supporters will be delighted with the news."

Pep talk

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Erling Haaland should win the Ballon d'Or — but only if Lionel Messi is taken out of the reckoning. 

Asked whether the Norwegian or his former player Messi should win, the Citizens boss gave a tongue-in-cheek response. 

He said: "The Ballon d'Or has to be two sections. 

"One for Messi and after, look for the others. So Haaland should win, yes.  

"We won the Treble and he scored 50 million goals. 

"The worst season of Messi is the best for the rest."

Calvert-Lewin resurgence

Everton manager Sean Dyche is backing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to rediscover his best form ahead of the Merseyside derby

He said: "I wouldn't get involved in what other managers did because everyone has their different style. Mine was something I learned as a player, from my own bad moment in time at Bristol City. 

"A horror story, when I got booed off mainly because I'd had eight months out with a back injury and in my wisdom, when the manager asked me if I wanted to be captain and play, I agreed. 

"I learned very quickly that I was miles off being match fit. It cost me badly. Something needed to change with Dom and I referenced that moment from my playing career. 

"We needed to give him a chance when he's fit, not when I think he's fit. My goal for him wasn't about playing. I said I wanted him to come in here in his car, get warmed up, train and go home. 

"Eventually you will find true fitness and, when you are there, your game will come back to where you want it to be. I think he is very close now." 

Wage against the machine

Wayne Rooney denied rumours he is on a £1.5million annual salary at Birmingham after claims emerged that he is being paid three times the amount of his predecessor John Eustace. 

He said: "There's lots of stuff, especially with it being me. 

"I understand that. There are a lot of rumours which go round but what's been out there is a load of rubbish, to be honest. 

"As I said last week I came here because I really like the project. 

"I've turned down jobs which would have paid a lot more but I've come here because I want to be successful. And I want to get this club back to the Premier League. 

"But, as for some of the rumours, I just don't get involved with it."