Lion Links: 12/16/19

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. I don’t know how you’ve been spending your days, but I’ve been unpacking stuff. Loads of stuff. Plus, my daughter convinced me that just because we’re still unpacking doesn’t mean we shouldn’t put up all of the Christmas decorations. It was an argument I couldn’t win, so I put on my Clark Griswold pants and we lit up the house. Of course, I watched soccer before that since it was Sunday morning, but what else is new?

USMNT’s McKennie Injured

Weston McKennie suffered a shoulder injury in the 10th minute of Schalke’s 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The 21-year-old collided with Frankfurt striker Bas Dost in the air and landed on his shoulder. The dislocated shoulder will keep McKennie sidelined for an indeterminate amount of time. However, the average time away for such an injury is just over 66 days. It is likely McKennie could be back in time for the March 2020 United States Men’s National Team friendly against the Netherlands.

Longtime Leeds Supporter Honored

There’s been so much bad supporter stuff I’ve had to write over the last few years, so I simply had to include this great story. At 99 years old, Leeds United supporter Heinz Skyte was honored by the club for 80 years of support. Skyte and his brother fled Nazi Germany in November of 1938, arriving in Leeds in 1939. Upon arrival they went straight to a Leeds United and Everton match. He didn’t miss a match for 40 years, and the club decided such dedication deserved recognition. I agree.

Politics in Football

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil commented about the treatment of the Uighur minority in China, resulting in Chinese state media pulling the match between Arsenal and Manchester City from its broadcast. The match was replaced with a prerecorded game between Tottenham Hotspur and the Wolverhampton Wanderers instead. Arsenal then distanced itself from the situation, stating that Ozil’s opinions are his own and that the club “has always adhered to the principle of not involving itself in politics.”

English Premier League Roundup

Liverpool is 10 points clear of the rest of the league after Week 17. The Reds defeated bottom of the table Watford on a brace from Mo Salah. Leicester City wasn’t able to keep pace, earning just a draw against Norwich City. Manchester City got back on track with a 3-0 win over Arsenal, and surging Tottenham kept rolling with a 2-1 win over Wolves. Rounding out the top four, Chelsea lost 2-1 to Bournemouth.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion Amro Tarek has expressed interest in playing in the Egyptian Premier League. He reportedly almost joined Zamalek, but is potentially holding out for Al Ahly as he is a supporter of the club, and would ultimately like to end up there.
• It seems an MLS club is about to open up the piggy bank to the tune of $6 million to bring in Paraguayan attacker Cecilio Dominguez. We’ll keep you updated if more reports surface.
• Brazilian side Palmeiras hired Vanderlei Luxemburgo as its new head coach. His first match is next month at Florida Cup 2020 against Club Atlético Nacional.
• The Georgetown Men’s Team defeated Virginia to win its NCAA championship after a close game that came down to penalty kicks.

That will do it for today. Have a great start to your week and go Lions!