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Tuchel desperate for Mendy to be mended ahead of Champions League final

Chelsea boss sweating on the fitness of his No. 1, while Gunners drop out of Bissouma race.

SOCCER: Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy ahead of Saturday's Champions League final, according to the Daily Mail.

Mendy was forced off at half-time in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa after colliding with the frame of the goal in failing to keep out the opener from Bertrand Traore.
He is due to undergo scans today to find out the extent of the damage.

"We have a week to prepare and will see if it is possible and if it is possible do all we can to see he is involved on Saturday," said Tuchel.

The 29-year-old has kept 29 clean sheets and only conceded 24 goals in 43 appearances since joining in September.

His absence would open the way for Kepa Arrizabalaga to start against Manchester City in Porto.

Chelsea are already 7/4 to lift the trophy with Paddy Power, while you can back over 4.5 goals at 7/1. City are as short as 2/5 to complete the treble.

Liverpool hot on the trail of Bissouma

SOCCER: Liverpool's pursuit of Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma has received a huge boost, with Arsenal understood to be exploring other options.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with both the Gunners and the Reds after another fine campaign for Graham Potter's side, with a fee of around £40million bandied about.

But according to Italian soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Jurgen Klopp's side now lead the race for the Mali international.

He said: "I'm told he's not the hottest name for Arsenal, you know. They are looking for something different."
That would appear to open the door for Liverpool who are seeking a replacement for the departing Gio Wijnaldum.
There is still little to split the two sides in terms of odds, however.

Arsenal remain 6/4 favourites with Sky Bet to land Bissouma in the summer, with Liverpool 3/1.

Manchester City are next best at 8/1.

Heckingbottom: Blades need to announce Wilder replacement

SOCCER: Paul Heckingbottom wants his future and that of Sheffield United's next permanent manager resolved as soon as possible.
Heckingbottom has overseen three wins from six matches since United's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.
He remains on the shortlist to become their permanent manager but faces competition from former Watford and Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic, Oostende head coach Alexander Blessin and Club Brugge boss Philippe Clement.

Heckingbottom, who has been in interim charge since Chris Wilder's departure, believes a quick return to the Premier League depends on ending the uncertainty.

The Daily Telegraph quote him as saying: "I hope the decision is made quickly. It's really important we do, because the staff and players need to know who is going to be manager next season."

Heckingbottom is 4/1 second favourite with Sky Bet to secure the role behind Slavisa Jokanovic (4/6). Blessin is 7/1, with Clement 8/1.

* All odds correct at time of publication

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