Man Utd's Fernandes in Race to Recover from COVID Ahead of Atletico Clash, Says Rangnick

Bruno Fernandes. (Reuters)
Bruno Fernandes. (Reuters)
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Man Utd's Fernandes in Race to Recover from COVID Ahead of Atletico Clash, Says Rangnick

Bruno Fernandes. (Reuters)
Bruno Fernandes. (Reuters)

COVID-19 positive Bruno Fernandes is in a "last-minute race" to be fit for the return leg of Manchester United's Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid, manager Ralf Rangnick said.

Fernandes, who has nine goals and 14 assists for United this season, missed their 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend, along with team mates Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay.

While giving an update on the status of the trio, Rangnick said Bruno's absence was caused by a positive COVID-19 test.

"With Scotty, I hope (he is fit) but he had some muscular problems with his calf," Rangnick said. "That's why we decided not to play him (against Spurs), because Scotty ... is only valuable if he can perform with 100% of his physical capacity.

"Luke hopefully will be back in training Monday and Bruno we will have to wait and see until Tuesday. This will probably be a last-minute race with him - due to COVID-19. "We have to be careful with COVID-19 tests. David (de Gea) was the same. David yesterday was out, he was not supposed to play but then it turned out that his first fast test was false."

Anthony Elanga salvaged a 1-1 draw for United in the first leg against Atletico in February with a late equalizer, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg.



Mahrez Aims to Land First Asian Champions League for Al Ahli

Roberto Firmino points to the sky after scoring Al Ahli's first goal in their Asian Champions League semi-final win against Al Hilal - AFP
Roberto Firmino points to the sky after scoring Al Ahli's first goal in their Asian Champions League semi-final win against Al Hilal - AFP
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Mahrez Aims to Land First Asian Champions League for Al Ahli

Roberto Firmino points to the sky after scoring Al Ahli's first goal in their Asian Champions League semi-final win against Al Hilal - AFP
Roberto Firmino points to the sky after scoring Al Ahli's first goal in their Asian Champions League semi-final win against Al Hilal - AFP

Riyad Mahrez has vowed Al Ahli will "fight for every second" to deliver a first Asian Champions League trophy for the Saudi club, when they contest the final against Japan's Kawasaki Frontale on Saturday.

Al Ahli are competing for a second time in the Champions League era having lost to South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai in 2012.

However, they remain unbeaten in this season's competition.

Speaking on Friday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Mahrez said Al Ahli are aware of the expectations surrounding the club, especially given that they will enjoy a raucous backing at their home stadium, AFP reported.

"Of course, we feel everything around the final," the former Manchester City player said. "You can take the positive of this fervor, all these people behind us.

"The positive is to motivate you to give everything for all these fans who deserve it and never won the Champions League. And we want to achieve something as a team as well with everyone who is working in the club who deserve this.

"That's why we're going to fight for everything, every minute, every second of the game, to lift the trophy."

Mahrez, a Champions League winner in Europe with City in 2023, leads the tournament in assists, with eight, while a goal in the final would draw him level at the top of the scoring charts on 10.

The Algerian is hugely decorated having also won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with his country.

"This is a trophy, but in another continent, in Asia," Mahrez said. "I've been lucky enough to play in teams that won a lot of trophies with big players, but when you play any trophy, any cup, it's always exciting.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I really want to win a trophy with this team, with this club and, like I said, I will give everything tomorrow."