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.

Martinez blow

Manchester United have confirmed defender Lisandro Martinez will be out for an "extended period" with a foot injury.

The Red Devils believe the Argentina international has aggravated a problem he sustained in April and cannot continue despite playing against Brighton and Bayern Munich in recent weeks.

A statement on the club website said: "It has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation.

"An assessment is ongoing to decide next steps. 

"Everyone at Manchester United sends Lisandro our best wishes and looks forward to him coming back as soon as possible."

United boss Erik ten Hag will also be without left-back Sergio Reguilon, who joins the Dutchman's ever-growing injury list.

Ronaldo regret

Manchester United legend Gary Neville admits he wishes Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from the club was handled better by all parties.

The Portuguese talisman was publicly critical of the Red Devils before he left for Saudi Arabia and former team-mate Neville believes both player and manager Erik ten Hag could have acted in a more appropriate manner.

Speaking to Marca, he said: "I wish it hadn't ended like that. I wish he had stayed and they had found a way to cope with each other until the end of the season. 

"But it became impossible once he did the interview with Piers Morgan. It was so public at the time that there was only one outcome. 

"I love Cristiano, he probably doesn't love me for what I said but I would like to think that in five to 10 years he will understand that my comments came from a good place. 

"I wanted him to understand that when you get to 35, 36, the younger players in the locker room and the less talented players rely on you to take them with you — that there are different ways to be a mentor, a coach and a father in some ways."

Ward worries

Aston Villa boss Carla Ward admits she is concerned by the quality of the club's shirts.

The kits, manufactured by Castore, have been heavily criticised with no solution likely to be found before the Women's Super League season begins this weekend.

Ward said: "I think we have similar concerns as to what the men have.

"It was highlighted early in pre-season from the men's side and backed up by the women. 

"But as far as I am concerned, it's over to the club and Castore to deal with it. My focus has to be the weekend and making sure the players are focused on that. 

"There's been a constant communication of how can we help the players and make them feel better. The players feel that, we feel that, and our focus is now solely on Manchester United."

McCabe stays

Arsenal star Katie McCabe has signed a new contract with the Gunners.

The 28-year-old arrived in North London back in December 2015 and has scored 31 goals for the Women's Super League giants.

McCabe has won one WSL title, an FA Cup and two League Cups during her stay.

Her new contract comes after being named Arsenal's Player of the Year in 2022-23 and she expressed her delight in agreeing fresh terms.

She said: "Arsenal is home for me and I'm excited to have committed my future to this football club.

"I've grown up here as a player and a person and developed a really special bond with our supporters, which means a lot to me. 

"Over the years, I've experienced some amazing moments here but I believe that the best is yet to come and I know the aim here at Arsenal is to compete for the highest honours."

Barnes sidelined

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Harvey Barnes will be out until 2024 after picking up a toe injury.

The winger joined Newcastle from Leicester in the summer and has two goal contributions in six Premier League games this season.

But he will now miss the next few months of action while he recovers from his latest setback.

Howe said: "We think he's going to be out for around three months. 

"No surgery required which is good news but his foot is now in a boot. It's an injury underneath his toe.

"He's now started his recovery and he's got to rest to let it recover then we can build him back up again."

A Bright future

Millie Bright has been named the new Chelsea captain ahead of the Women's Super League opening weekend.

The long-serving defender joined the Blues back in 2014 and takes over from Magdalena Eriksson, who departed in the summer.

England international Bright, 30, said: "It's a massive honour to have the title of club captain.

"Chelsea is my home. It always has been and always will be, so I'm delighted to have that title but nothing changes. 

"I'm in a really privileged position. I'm excited and delighted Emma [Hayes] has given me the trust and put me in this position. 

"It's an absolute honour to be captain of Chelsea and I'm really looking forward to the season ahead."

Flamengo sack Sampaoli

Brazilian side Flamengo have sacked manager Jorge Sampaoli after their loss to Sao Paulo in the Copa do Brasil final.

The former Argentina, Marseille and Sevilla coach was only appointed in April but with Flamengo's poor performance in the league and cup final disappointment, his tenure was ended early.

Sampaoli's men were also knocked out by Paraguayan outfit Olimpia in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, which Flamengo won last year.

They currently sit seventh in the league after 24 matches. The team are trailing local Rio rivals and leaders Botafogo by 11 points.

Official club accounts confirmed the 63-year-old's departure and reports suggest they will look to hire ex-Brazil boss Tite as his replacement.