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Midfielder Kristoffer Olsson, formerly of Arsenal, has been hospitalized and placed on a ventilator after losing consciousness at his home, according to his current club Midtjylland. The 28-year-old Swede is believed to be suffering from a severe brain-related illness. Midtjylland provided this update in response to growing speculation about Olsson’s absence from the team.

Expressing deep concern, Midtjylland stated that Olsson’s condition does not seem to be a result of self-inflicted harm or external factors. A team of Danish medical experts is working to diagnose his condition accurately and initiate appropriate treatment.

Olsson, who progressed through Arsenal’s youth system, joined Midtjylland permanently during the 2014-15 Premier League season. He has also played for clubs in Sweden, Russia, and Belgium. The football community, including Arsenal and the Swedish Football Association, has sent messages of support for Olsson’s recovery.

Since his hospitalization, Olsson has been surrounded by family, club staff, and medical specialists. Midtjylland has appealed for privacy and understanding to ensure Olsson’s recovery is as smooth as possible.

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The head of A22, the organization behind the revived European Super League (ESL), believes that fans and clubs can be persuaded to support the new proposal. In 2021, the original ESL, involving 12 teams, faced strong opposition and collapsed within 72 hours. However, the European Court of Justice recently ruled against banning clubs from joining such leagues, leading to the announcement of a revamped ESL.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin dismissed the new proposals, stating that football is not for sale and jokingly looking forward to a two-team tournament. Five of the six Premier League teams that initially supported the breakaway plans in 2021 expressed commitment to Uefa competitions.

A22’s new proposal suggests a league system with 64 men’s clubs and 32 women’s clubs, featuring an annual promotion and relegation system with no permanent members. A22 CEO Bernd Reichart stated that the proposal addresses the concerns raised by critics of the original ESL, focusing on an open, accessible, and meritocratic league system alongside domestic leagues.

Reichart refrained from naming interested clubs but emphasized the importance of convincing both clubs and fans. The proposal aims to prioritize players’ health by aligning with the current football calendar, without increasing the number of matchdays.

Domestic leagues, including the Premier League, swiftly condemned the new project, reiterating their rejection of any breakaway concept. Despite the ECJ ruling, Uefa sees it as an opportunity to improve regulations, and Ceferin highlighted the need to maintain the connection between domestic and European football.

Champions League holders Manchester City and other previously involved Premier League clubs affirmed their commitment to Uefa competitions. The ESL saga, which began in 2021, faced criticism and opposition, leading to the withdrawal of several clubs. Ceferin mocked the new proposal, expressing skepticism about its closed nature and comparing it to the rejected 2021 version.

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Manchester City’s leading striker, Erling Haaland, is currently facing uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup as he deals with a foot injury. The 23-year-old Norwegian has been absent from City’s recent matches and will not be available for the upcoming game against Crystal Palace. Manager Pep Guardiola provided reassurance that Haaland’s injury is stress-related rather than a fracture. Guardiola emphasized the need for a day-by-day assessment by the medical team to gauge Haaland’s recovery and expressed optimism about his potential inclusion in the squad for the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

As City prepares to face Crystal Palace this weekend and potentially contend with Club Leon or Urawa Red Diamonds in the Club World Cup semi-finals, Guardiola acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Haaland’s availability. The prolific striker has been instrumental for City this season, leading the team in goals with 19 across all competitions and topping the Premier League scoring charts with 14 goals in 15 appearances. Guardiola, known for his meticulous approach, highlighted the importance of monitoring Haaland’s progress and indicated that the decision on his involvement in the tournament would be made based on the striker’s fitness and recovery.

Despite City’s recent challenges in the Premier League, where they currently sit fourth, four points behind leaders Liverpool, Guardiola’s tenure since 2016 has been marked by consistent success. The club achieved a historic Treble last season and secured their maiden Champions League title. Now, with the opportunity to compete in the Club World Cup for the first time, City aims to add another prestigious trophy to their collection. The outcome of Haaland’s recovery will play a crucial role in City’s pursuit of success on the global stage.

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