Liverpool's Slot eyes Champions League progress amid poor form, injury woe

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said his team's five-match winless run in the Premier League had dampened spirits ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Qarabag, despite their strong performances in Europe, Reuters reported. 

A victory over the Azeri side at Anfield would secure Liverpool a top-eight finish and a direct spot in the round of 16, avoiding the knockout playoffs.

Yet Saturday's 3-2 loss at Bournemouth saw the English champions drop to sixth in the Premier League, 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, according to Reuters. 

Villa sign striker Abraham from Besiktas

Striker Tammy Abraham has returned to Aston Villa after the Premier League club agreed a reported 18 million pounds ($24.82 million) deal with Besiktas on Tuesday, Reuters reported. 

Abraham was part of the Villa side that won promotion back to the Premier League in 2018-19, scoring 25 league goals while on loan from Chelsea who sold him to AS Roma in 2021.

He was on loan at Besiktas from Roma, but the Turkish club activated their buy option on Monday for 11 million pounds, meaning they could make a profit on the player, according to Reuters. 

Atlanta United sign Barcelona M Adrian Gill

Atlanta United signed American midfielder Adrian Gill through June 2027 with option years through 2029-30, the club announced Tuesday, Reuters reported. 

The 20-year-old Denver native arrives from FC Barcelona, where he started in the fabled club's academy in 2018.

Gill was playing for Barcelona's B team until a loan this season to UE Cornella of Spain's fifth tier, according to Reuters. 

Chelsea urge vigilance after two fans injured ahead of Napoli match

Chelsea urged travelling fans attending Wednesday's Champions League fixture in Naples to remain cautious after two supporters required hospital treatment, Reuters reported. 

The Premier League club did not provide details about the incident or how the injuries occurred.

"Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries," Chelsea said in a statement, according to Reuters.