Kick Off: Xavi picks Barca B players for Mallorca trip; Bayern hit by Covid-19

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top Headlines

Alves' WhatsApp to Bartomeu after Anfield: I want to return, we need each other

Dani Alves' recent claims that he wouldn't have returned to Barcelona under Josep Maria Bartomeu appear to have been disproven after a WhatsApp conversation between himself and the ex-president leaked.

Xavi picks nine Barcelona B players for the trip to Mallorca

Barcelona continue to have problems with COVID-19, injuries, and suspensions ahead of their trip to take on Real Mallorca in LaLiga Santander on Sunday

OFFICIAL: Bayern's Neuer, Coman & Tolisso tested positive for COVID-19

Bayern confirm that their player Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Omar Richards & Corentin Tolisso tested positive for COVID-19.

Rangnick should DROP Cristiano Ronaldo from his team, says Paul Merson

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo should be dropped from the starting XI, claims Paul Merson - who believes something is 'not right' at the club.

These Things Happen

Newcastle table a 'monster' offer for Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele

Newcastle look set to open their lavish transfer business this month by moving for Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele, with the mega-rich club having reportedly tabled a 'monster offer' for him.

Cristiano Ronaldo criticises Manchester United in New Year message

Cristiano Ronaldo took to social media to bring in 2022, posting a photo alongside his family on New Year's Eve.

Haaland 'tells fans that he will play in Spain' in boost for Barca & Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has reportedly told star struck football supporters that he will 'play here in Spain' whilst enjoying a holiday in Marbella.

Tuchel considers dropping Lukaku out of Chelsea's squad for Liverpool clash

Thomas Tuchel is considering dropping Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea's squad against Liverpool after the striker conducted a controversial interview behind the club's back that was published this past week.

Barcelona target move for Valencia full-back Jose Gaya as Xavi seeks a replacement for Jordi Alba

Barcelona are keen to secure the signature of long-term target Jose Gaya from Valencia, as they seek a replacement for Jordi Alba, according to Fichajes.

What They Say

Rio Ferdinand left 'confused' by VAR usage in Arsenal defeat to Manchester City

Rio Ferdinand admitted to being left 'confused' by VAR after two contentious penalty decisions went against Arsenal in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.

‘Pulisic isn't a wing-back, he doesn't have a defensive bone in his body!’ - Chelsea’s use of USMNT star puzzles Johnson

Christian Pulisic’s versatility has been put to good use at Chelsea this season, with the United States international being asked to fill a number of different roles

Guardiola: Manchester City had no energy against Arsenal

Pep Guardiola admitted that his Manchester City side were a little lucky to beat Arsenal 2-1 on Saturday afternoon

"They can't afford to do that" - Mark Lawrenson predicts the result for Chelsea vs Liverpool in the Premier League

BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson predicts a tightly contested 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League on the 2nd of January 2022.

Arsenal supporters take aim at VAR and the officiating in defeat by Man City

Furious Arsenal supporters have vented their frustration after Martin Odegaard tumbled inside the penalty area during their side's defeat by Manchester City.

Oliseh makes Arsenal accusation, Chelsea prediction after Gunners slip up

Former Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has accused Arsenal of losing cheaply to Manchester City on New Year’s Day following a ‘give-away penalty and red card

Ancelotti on suspending LaLiga Santander: We have protocols in place and they must be respected

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti doesn't believe that games should be suspended due to COVID-19, expressing his opinion that the protocol in place is correct and should be respected.

In Depth

Mbappe 2022: It's the year

Now that 2022 is finally here, we're in the year when the Kylian Mbappe transfer saga will come to an end, one way or another

Fixture of the Day

La Liga

Getafe vs Real Madid 2022/1/2 13:00 UTC

Atletico vs Vallecano 2022/1/2 15:15 UTC

Mallorca vs Barcelona 2022/1/2 20:00 UTC

EPL

Chelsea vs Liverpool 2022/1/2 16:30 UTC