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.

Mbappe concerns

Didier Deschamps admits Kylian Mbappe is not at his best but believes the star forward will return to form sooner rather than later.

Mbappe has failed to net in any of his last three outings and was unable to prevent Paris Saint-Germain slide to a damaging 4-1 defeat at Newcastle on Tuesday night.

But France boss Deschamps said: "He's not at his best, just like his club's results.

"Obviously, with all he's capable of doing and his influence, that has a big impact on his team.

"This isn't the first time, nor the last, that he's had periods when he's underperformed. Perhaps he didn't have a typical summer preparation.

"But I'm not worried about him and his competitive spirit. I know him well. He must not be satisfied at the moment. Even when he does well, he wants to do better."

Kerr return

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has confirmed Sam Kerr is back in training and available for the clash against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Australian international has had a calf injury since the Women's World Cup but is finally back fit as the Blues look to retain their Women's Super League crown in 2023-24.

Hayes said: "She's back in full training. For Sam, she's never perfect, she always wants a little bit more but she's available for selection.

"We'll make a decision once we analyse training and speak with the medical team."

Chelsea started their campaign with a win over Tottenham but face a stern test in City who will be aiming to improve upon their fourth-placed finish from last season.

Gareth Taylor's side also picked up a win on the opening weekend, beating West Ham 2-0.

Mic drop

West Ham forward Michail Antonio has called for VAR to be scrapped after a weekend of huge controversy in the Premier League.

Luis Diaz had a goal incorrectly ruled out in Liverpool's match against Tottenham and Antonio believes the system does more damage than good.

Speaking on The Footballer's Football Podcast, he said: "VAR should be binned.

"That's my thoughts. It is not the first time I have said it, it is not going to be the last time I say it.

"VAR got brought in because of the debates going on after every game. Too many human errors were happening so we brought in technology so there would not be so many debates. 

"Now we have technology and there are still human errors. It has got to the stage where you need to accept human errors are part of football and it made football better."

Sticking with Toffees

Defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new four-year contract with Everton that will run until 2027.

The 21-year-old joined the Toffees from hometown club Carlisle in 2020, enjoying loan spells at Blackburn and PSV Eindhoven before breaking through into Sean Dyche's first team this term.

He said: "The stature of the club, how much of a family it is at Everton and how I just love playing here in front of the fans were key reasons for me signing.

"To sign this new contract was to show the commitment I have for the club and show how much it means to me to play for Everton. 

"Since I joined, I've felt a connection with the club. The fans have been really good with me. 

"For the first game I played, the cheer I got when my name was read out just gave me massive confidence to go out there and play my best game."

Brilliant Brighton

Roberto De Zerbi hailed his Brighton side as they came from behind to salvage a late draw against Marseille in the Europa League.

An 88th-minute penalty from Joao Pedro saw the Seagulls pick up their first-ever European point and De Zerbi praised the reaction of his players in France.

He said: "I want to be honest more than other days, other games. I think we are not playing well.

"It's a very tough period for us in this moment. It's difficult to show our quality like last season, like a month ago.

"It's a period where we have to work but after that, in football, it's important the quality of the play and the players but it's important playing with heart, passion and the right behaviour. 

"I'm really proud of the performance today, of the players. After the defeat at Villa Park and the second goal to close the first half at 2-0, this reaction is incredible. I am very happy."

Respect the opponent

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery insists every opponent in Europe deserves respect after his side left it late against Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday.

The Villans looked to be walking away with just one point from their opening two matches in the Europa Conference League but a John McGinn header at the death won it for the hosts at Villa Park.

Emery said: "My message is you have to respect every team, always. For them, it's very important to play in Europe, against us, to show their power as well.

"Their commitment in 90 minutes was amazing. It was not easy to break it.

"I knew before the match it was going to be difficult because they are going to defend. That happened in the first half.

"In the second half, we played very well, we had chances and we scored in the end."

No friends in football

Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone is ready to pause her friendship with Arsenal forward Alessia Russo when the pair face off in the Women's Super League tonight.

Russo left the Red Devils in the summer and will now be focusing her efforts on helping the Gunners claim three points at Leigh Sports Village.

Ahead of the clash, Toone said: "We speak every day but we've not spoken about [Friday's] game as such, probably not something we will speak about either.

"I'm sure we won't be best friends for those 90 minutes but I'm sure as soon as the game's done we'll be back to normal! 

"In football that's what happens, people move on and Alessia's coming back to where she started her WSL career now so it's exciting for everyone who's there.

"For us we don't want her to score, we know what kind of player she is, she's unbelievable on the ball. We'll really try and stop her threats."