Football

Barcelona star striker Neymar admitted that he has been affected by the ongoing legal battle surrounding his transfer to Spanish football giants from Brazilian club Santos.

Barcelona football star Neymar insisted Sunday he is innocent of tax evasion allegations, days after losing an appeal against a $112,000 fine for filing irregularities in 2007 and 2008.

Sanchez returned to Arsenal's starting lineup and the scoresheet in Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat of Burnley with manager Wenger saying his injury-enforced "winter break" could be a blessing in disguise.

City finished off a good week in the knockout competitions by cruising past Aston Villa 4-0 in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, just three days after making it to the League Cup final.

Klopp named inexperienced youngsters Cameron Brannagan, Brad Smith, Kevin Stewart and Joao Teixeira in his line-up as he made 10 changes to the side.

Liverpool beat Stoke 6-5 on penalties to reach the English League Cup final on Tuesday, ensuring Klopp a shot at silverware in his first season at Anfield.

League leader Napoli moved provisionally five points clear with a 4-2 win at 10-man Sampdoria on Sunday, ahead of Juventus' match against Roma as Inter Milan's woes continued.

Although the tournament will commence only from February 5, the inaugural ceremony has been advanced to suit Ronaldinho's convenience, according to the organisers of the tournament.

Darmian becomes the fifth United full back to join the injured list, joining Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Luke Shaw.

The goal-line technology will also be used at the 2016-17 Champions League from the play-off stage.

Aguero, the Manchester City striker, joked that in Manchester it rains all the day and Messi would have sufficient spare time to stay at home and enjoy life.

"Guidolin's position will be reviewed at the end of the season, with the option of extending his contract," the club said.

The Uruguay striker will be suspended for the return leg at Espanyol on Wednesday and Barca's next King's Cup match should they reach the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, last-place Aston Villa collected their first win since the opening day, beating Crystal Palace 1-0 courtesy of a goalkeeper error.

Barcelona are looking to reinforce their formidable attack in the January transfer window, the Spanish and European champions' coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday.