World number one Novak Djokovic is in action on day five of the US Open Friday, when he seeks to progress to the last 16 at Flushing Meadows.

The Serbian goes up against 28th seed Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the first evening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic is 4-0 against Struff and defeated him in four sets in round one on the way to winning the Australian Open earlier this year.

Djokovic is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center.

He is looking to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from the tournament, in the race for the all-time men's Slam singles title record.

Djokovic is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

Also Friday, Naomi Osaka, a two-time Grand Slam winner, returns to the court for a third-round matchup against unseeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine.

Sixth seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic is also in action, taking on 63rd-ranked American Jessica Pegula.

In the men's competition, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas plays 27th seed Borna Coric of Croatia for a spot in the fourth round.

Elsewhere, seventh-seed David Goffin from Belgium goes head-to-head with Filip Krajinovic of Serbia, who is ranked 26th.

Friday will also see the resumption of four singles matches which were postponed due to rain late Thursday.

Unseeded Frenchman Corentin Moutet leads Britain's Dan Evans, seeded 23rd, 4-6, 6-3, 6-5 in their second-round game.

While in the women's draw, Elise Mertens, seeded 16th, will resume 6-3, 1-0, ahead against Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo.

World number one Novak Djokovic is in action on day five of the US Open Friday, when he seeks to progress to the last 16 at Flushing Meadows. The Serbian goes up against 28th seed Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the first evening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

World number one Novak Djokovic is in action on day five of the US Open Friday, when he seeks to progress to the last 16 at Flushing Meadows. The Serbian goes up against 28th seed Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the first evening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic is 4-0 against Struff and defeated him in four sets in round one on the way to winning the Australian Open earlier this year. Djokovic is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center. He is looking to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from the tournament, in the race for the all-time men's Slam singles title record. Djokovic is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20. Also Friday, Naomi Osaka, a two-time Grand Slam winner, returns to the court for a third-round matchup against unseeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine. Sixth seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic is also in action, taking on 63rd-ranked American Jessica Pegula. In the men's competition, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas plays 27th seed Borna Coric of Croatia for a spot in the fourth round. Elsewhere, seventh-seed David Goffin from Belgium goes head-to-head with Filip Krajinovic of Serbia, who is ranked 26th. Friday will also see the resumption of four singles matches which were postponed due to rain late Thursday. Unseeded Frenchman Corentin Moutet leads Britain's Dan Evans, seeded 23rd, 4-6, 6-3, 6-5 in their second-round game. While in the women's draw, Elise Mertens, seeded 16th, will resume 6-3, 1-0, ahead against Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo.

Djokovic resumes 18th Slam chase on US Open day five

Serena Williams continued her hunt for a record seventh US Open title with a straight-sets win on Thursday as Andy Murray crashed out in the second round at Flushing Meadows.

Williams, the tournament's third seed, dispatched unseeded Russian Margarita Gasparyan 6-2, 6-4 under the roof of a near-empty Arthur Ashe Stadium on a wet New York evening.

The 38-year-old closed out the first set with ease before a slight wobble in the second when she was broken twice by Gasparyan, before progressing into the third round.

"I'm just happy to get through it and try to focus on the next round," said Williams, who will take on 2017 champion Sloane Stephens in the last 32.

Williams&nbsp;is seeking a record-equalling 24th singles Grand Slam title at a subdued, spectator-free Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center in New York.

A tournament victory next week would also see her break away from Chris Evert, on six titles, as the most decorated US Open champion of the women's game in the modern era.

Williams' chances have been improved by the absence of several top players, included top-ranked Ashleigh Barty and Simona Halep, over coronavirus fears or injury.

She was handed a further boost on Wednesday when top seed Karolina Pliskova tumbled out of the tournament.

The Czech was stunned in straight sets by France's world number 50 Caroline Garcia.

Williams' American compatriot Sofia Kenin, the number two seed, continued her impressive form this year with a straightforward&nbsp;6-4, 6-3 victory over Canadian Leylah Fernandez to progress into the third round.

The reigning Australian Open champion Kenin is&nbsp;yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows as she bids for her second Grand Slam title of the year, and of her career.

"I feel like I found a groove. I'm really focused on every shot," said the Moscow-born player who will take on 27th seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia in the next round.

In the men's draw Andy Murray, slumped to a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, defeat against a dominant Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The 15th seed Canadian smashed 24 aces and 52 winners in a one-sided affair that saw Murray muster just two and nine respectively.

"I just felt like everything was coming in, my toss, my rhythm. Everything was going well through the whole match," said Felix Auger-Aliassime.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Pironkova return -</h2>

&nbsp;

In early men's matches, second seed Dominic Thiem celebrated his 27th birthday with an easy straight-sets win against India's Sumit Nagal.

The Austrian triumphed 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 against Nagal, who became the first Indian man since 2013 to reach the second round of a Grand Slam.

Thiem will play 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic for a place in the fourth round after the Croatian advanced in four sets against Slovakia's Norbert Gombos.

"He's one of the big champions of the last decade, Thiem said of Cilic.&nbsp;

"It's not a guy I want to face in the third round."

Third seed and beaten finalist last year Daniil Medvedev made light work of Australia's 116th-ranked Christoper O'Connell, easing into round three 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, sixth seed Italian Matteo Berrettini brushed aside France's Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) while Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut progressed against Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic.

In the women's competition Thursday, Tsvetana Pironkova, returning after a lengthy time away from the game following the birth of her son, advanced at the expense of Garbine Muguruza.

The unseeded Bulgarian knocked out the 10th Spaniard 7-5, 6-3 in 1hr 21 min.

"Coming from three year of absence on the tour, you always have your doubts. Right now my results actually make me really happy because it shows that I did the right things preparing for this comeback," said Pironkova.

Seventh seed Madison Keys of the USA also progressed, making light work of Spain's Aliona Bolsova 6-2, 6-1, while Stephens easily overcame Belarusian Olga Govortsova 6-2, 6-2.

British ninth seed Jo Konta became another high-ranking woman to be sent packing, losing in three sets to Romania's Sorana Cirstea after going a set ahead.

Serena Williams continued her hunt for a record seventh US Open title with a straight-sets win on Thursday as Andy Murray crashed out in the second round at Flushing Meadows.

Serena Williams continued her hunt for a record seventh US Open title with a straight-sets win on Thursday as Andy Murray crashed out in the second round at Flushing Meadows. Williams, the tournament's third seed, dispatched unseeded Russian Margarita Gasparyan 6-2, 6-4 under the roof of a near-empty Arthur Ashe Stadium on a wet New York evening. The 38-year-old closed out the first set with ease before a slight wobble in the second when she was broken twice by Gasparyan, before progressing into the third round. "I'm just happy to get through it and try to focus on the next round," said Williams, who will take on 2017 champion Sloane Stephens in the last 32. Williams is seeking a record-equalling 24th singles Grand Slam title at a subdued, spectator-free Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center in New York. A tournament victory next week would also see her break away from Chris Evert, on six titles, as the most decorated US Open champion of the women's game in the modern era. Williams' chances have been improved by the absence of several top players, included top-ranked Ashleigh Barty and Simona Halep, over coronavirus fears or injury. She was handed a further boost on Wednesday when top seed Karolina Pliskova tumbled out of the tournament. The Czech was stunned in straight sets by France's world number 50 Caroline Garcia. Williams' American compatriot Sofia Kenin, the number two seed, continued her impressive form this year with a straightforward 6-4, 6-3 victory over Canadian Leylah Fernandez to progress into the third round. The reigning Australian Open champion Kenin is yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows as she bids for her second Grand Slam title of the year, and of her career. "I feel like I found a groove. I'm really focused on every shot," said the Moscow-born player who will take on 27th seed Ons Jabeur of Tunisia in the next round. In the men's draw Andy Murray, slumped to a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, defeat against a dominant Felix Auger-Aliassime. The 15th seed Canadian smashed 24 aces and 52 winners in a one-sided affair that saw Murray muster just two and nine respectively. "I just felt like everything was coming in, my toss, my rhythm. Everything was going well through the whole match," said Felix Auger-Aliassime. - Pironkova return - In early men's matches, second seed Dominic Thiem celebrated his 27th birthday with an easy straight-sets win against India's Sumit Nagal. The Austrian triumphed 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 against Nagal, who became the first Indian man since 2013 to reach the second round of a Grand Slam. Thiem will play 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic for a place in the fourth round after the Croatian advanced in four sets against Slovakia's Norbert Gombos. "He's one of the big champions of the last decade, Thiem said of Cilic. "It's not a guy I want to face in the third round." Third seed and beaten finalist last year Daniil Medvedev made light work of Australia's 116th-ranked Christoper O'Connell, easing into round three 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Elsewhere, sixth seed Italian Matteo Berrettini brushed aside France's Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) while Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut progressed against Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic. In the women's competition Thursday, Tsvetana Pironkova, returning after a lengthy time away from the game following the birth of her son, advanced at the expense of Garbine Muguruza. The unseeded Bulgarian knocked out the 10th Spaniard 7-5, 6-3 in 1hr 21 min. "Coming from three year of absence on the tour, you always have your doubts. Right now my results actually make me really happy because it shows that I did the right things preparing for this comeback," said Pironkova. Seventh seed Madison Keys of the USA also progressed, making light work of Spain's Aliona Bolsova 6-2, 6-1, while Stephens easily overcame Belarusian Olga Govortsova 6-2, 6-2. British ninth seed Jo Konta became another high-ranking woman to be sent packing, losing in three sets to Romania's Sorana Cirstea after going a set ahead.

Serena advances to US Open last 32, Murray crashes out

Second seed Dominic Thiem celebrated his 27th birthday with a commanding 6-3 6-3 6-2 victory over India’s Sumit Nagal on Thursday to move into the third round of the U.S. Open.

Austrian Thiem, seeking his maiden Grand Slam title, won an overwhelming 74% of his first serve points and fired seven aces past the inexperienced Nagal, breaking him seven times in the two-hour contest.

Nagal became on Tuesday the first Indian in seven years to win a singles match at Flushing Meadows but the 23-year-old showed only flashes of brilliance in a one-sided clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Up next for Thiem, who was runner-up at the Australian Open this year, is 2014 champion Marin Cilic of Croatia who beat Slovakia’s Norbert Gombos 6-3 1-6 7-6(2) 7-5.

Second seed Dominic Thiem celebrated his 27th birthday with a commanding 6-3 6-3 6-2 victory over India’s Sumit Nagal on Thursday to move into the third round of the U.

Second seed Dominic Thiem celebrated his 27th birthday with a commanding 6-3 6-3 6-2 victory over India’s Sumit Nagal on Thursday to move into the third round of the U.S. Open. Austrian Thiem, seeking his maiden Grand Slam title, won an overwhelming 74% of his first serve points and fired seven aces past the inexperienced Nagal, breaking him seven times in the two-hour contest. Nagal became on Tuesday the first Indian in seven years to win a singles match at Flushing Meadows but the 23-year-old showed only flashes of brilliance in a one-sided clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Up next for Thiem, who was runner-up at the Australian Open this year, is 2014 champion Marin Cilic of Croatia who beat Slovakia’s Norbert Gombos 6-3 1-6 7-6(2) 7-5.

Birthday boy Thiem dominates Nagal to breeze into U.S. Open third round

Spanish striker Diego Costa and Colombian defender Santiago Arias have both tested positive for Covid-19, their club Atletico Madrid said Thursday.

Before the resumption of training on Friday, the entire first team squad underwent tests except for Costa and Arias.

"The team has been tested except for those involved in international fixtures with their countries," said an Atletico statement.

"Diego Costa and Santiago Arias, who tested positive during their holidays, are currently isolating and show no symptoms.&nbsp;

"Both players are staying at home complying with all protocols and measures set by the authorities and La Liga.&nbsp;

"Therefore, they will not resume training on Sept. 4 and their return is expected after completing their quarantine."

pve/dj/td

Spanish striker Diego Costa and Colombian defender Santiago Arias have both tested positive for Covid-19, their club Atletico Madrid said Thursday. Before the resumption of training on Friday, the entire first team squad underwent tests except for Costa and Arias.

Spanish striker Diego Costa and Colombian defender Santiago Arias have both tested positive for Covid-19, their club Atletico Madrid said Thursday. Before the resumption of training on Friday, the entire first team squad underwent tests except for Costa and Arias. "The team has been tested except for those involved in international fixtures with their countries," said an Atletico statement. "Diego Costa and Santiago Arias, who tested positive during their holidays, are currently isolating and show no symptoms. "Both players are staying at home complying with all protocols and measures set by the authorities and La Liga. "Therefore, they will not resume training on Sept. 4 and their return is expected after completing their quarantine." pve/dj/td

Atletico's Costa and Arias test positive for Covid-19

Lionel Messi on Friday confirmed that he will continue his stay at Barcelona as he said that he doesn’t want to take the club he loves to the court. Messi, in an emotional interview, expressed how emotional was it when he told his wife and children that he wants to leave Barcelona.&nbsp;

Messi, earlier last week, had sent a burofax to Barcelona while requesting them to let him leave for free, as per a clause in his contract. However, Barcelona were adamant that the clause has expired and any club wanting to acquire Messi’s services will have to pay EUR 700 million release clause.

“When I communicated my wish to leave to my wife and children, it was a brutal drama,” Messi told Goal.

“The whole family began crying, my children did not want to leave Barcelona, nor did they want to change schools.

“But I looked further afield and I want to compete at the highest level, win titles, compete in the Champions League. You can win or lose in it, because it is very difficult, but you have to compete.

“At least compete for it and let us not fall apart in Rome, Liverpool, Lisbon. All that led me to think about that decision that I wanted to carry out.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-hits-back-at-lionel-messi-says-release-clause-still-exists-325242" hreflang="en">La Liga hits back at Lionel Messi, says 'release clause still exists'</a>

Messi further said that Barcelona president always said that he can leave anytime he wanted but now they made a u-turn that the contract clause that allows him to leave expired on June 10.&nbsp;

“I thought and was sure that I was free to leave, the president always said that at the end of the season I could decide if I stayed or not,” he said.

“Now they cling to the fact that I did not say it before June 10, when it turns out that on June 10 we were competing for La Liga in the middle of this awful coronavirus and this disease altered all the season.

“And this is the reason why I am going to continue in the club. Now I am going to continue in the club because the president told me that the only way to leave was to pay the €700 million (£624m/$823m) clause, and that this is impossible.”

Messi said he could have gone to court and find a way out of the club but reiterated that he loves this club for everything it has given to him and will never take Barcelona to court.&nbsp;

“There was another way and it was to go to trial," he added. “I would never go to court against Barca because it is the club that I love, which gave me everything since I arrived.

“It is the club of my life, I have made my life here.

“Barca gave me everything and I gave it everything. I know that it never crossed my mind to take Barca to court.”

The six-time Ballon d’Or further explained how his family reacted upon hearing that he wanted to leave Barcelona for a new club.

“Mateo is still little and he doesn't realise what it means to go somewhere else and make your life a few years elsewhere,” he said.

“Thiago, he is older. He heard something on TV and found out something and asked.

“I didn't want him to know anything about being forced to leave, to have to live in a new school, or make new friends.

“He cried to me and said ‘let's not go’. I repeat that it was hard, really.

“It was understandable. It happened to me. It is very difficult to make a decision.

“I love Barcelona and I'm not going to find a better place than here anywhere. Still, I have the right to decide. I was going to look for new goals and new challenges. And tomorrow I could go back, because here in Barcelona I have everything.

“My son, my family, they grew up here and are from here. There was nothing wrong with wanting to leave. I needed it, the club needed it and it was good for everyone.

“My wife, with all the pain of her soul, supported and accompanied me.”

Messi will now resume training for Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona as the club looks for a new chapter under a new manager. 
&nbsp;

Lionel Messi on Friday confirmed that he will continue his stay at Barcelona as he said that he doesn’t want to take the club he loves to the court. Messi, in an emotional interview, expressed how emotional was it when he told his wife and children that he wants to leave Barcelona.

Lionel Messi on Friday confirmed that he will continue his stay at Barcelona as he said that he doesn’t want to take the club he loves to the court. Messi, in an emotional interview, expressed how emotional was it when he told his wife and children that he wants to leave Barcelona. Messi, earlier last week, had sent a burofax to Barcelona while requesting them to let him leave for free, as per a clause in his contract. However, Barcelona were adamant that the clause has expired and any club wanting to acquire Messi’s services will have to pay EUR 700 million release clause. “When I communicated my wish to leave to my wife and children, it was a brutal drama,” Messi told Goal. “The whole family began crying, my children did not want to leave Barcelona, nor did they want to change schools. “But I looked further afield and I want to compete at the highest level, win titles, compete in the Champions League. You can win or lose in it, because it is very difficult, but you have to compete. “At least compete for it and let us not fall apart in Rome, Liverpool, Lisbon. All that led me to think about that decision that I wanted to carry out.” ALSO READ: La Liga hits back at Lionel Messi, says 'release clause still exists' Messi further said that Barcelona president always said that he can leave anytime he wanted but now they made a u-turn that the contract clause that allows him to leave expired on June 10. “I thought and was sure that I was free to leave, the president always said that at the end of the season I could decide if I stayed or not,” he said. “Now they cling to the fact that I did not say it before June 10, when it turns out that on June 10 we were competing for La Liga in the middle of this awful coronavirus and this disease altered all the season. “And this is the reason why I am going to continue in the club. Now I am going to continue in the club because the president told me that the only way to leave was to pay the €700 million (£624m/$823m) clause, and that this is impossible.” Messi said he could have gone to court and find a way out of the club but reiterated that he loves this club for everything it has given to him and will never take Barcelona to court. “There was another way and it was to go to trial," he added. “I would never go to court against Barca because it is the club that I love, which gave me everything since I arrived. “It is the club of my life, I have made my life here. “Barca gave me everything and I gave it everything. I know that it never crossed my mind to take Barca to court.” The six-time Ballon d’Or further explained how his family reacted upon hearing that he wanted to leave Barcelona for a new club. “Mateo is still little and he doesn't realise what it means to go somewhere else and make your life a few years elsewhere,” he said. “Thiago, he is older. He heard something on TV and found out something and asked. “I didn't want him to know anything about being forced to leave, to have to live in a new school, or make new friends. “He cried to me and said ‘let's not go’. I repeat that it was hard, really. “It was understandable. It happened to me. It is very difficult to make a decision. “I love Barcelona and I'm not going to find a better place than here anywhere. Still, I have the right to decide. I was going to look for new goals and new challenges. And tomorrow I could go back, because here in Barcelona I have everything. “My son, my family, they grew up here and are from here. There was nothing wrong with wanting to leave. I needed it, the club needed it and it was good for everyone. “My wife, with all the pain of her soul, supported and accompanied me.” Messi will now resume training for Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona as the club looks for a new chapter under a new manager.

'Emotional' Lionel Messi confirms he will stay at Barcelona

Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;on Thursday urged people to continue discussing their mental health and said, based on his personal experience, that it was a strength and not a weakness for people to show their vulnerability.

The championship leader and six-time world champion said he experienced "difficult days" in his own life, explaining that this season's run of triple-header race weekends meant that he was often lonely and grateful for contact from his family.

"I think I'm managing," he told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix.

"I've got a great group of people around me. I think Covid's given me the time to focus on communication and improving that between family and getting a deeper relationship with my mum, getting a deeper relationship with my dad, my brother, my sister and those that I work with."

In a post on social media,&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;said: "There are two sides to me. First, the one you see on TV -- the competitive, cut-throat, hungry racer in me that comes out when I close the visor.

"When the visor is down I come alive, all my fears, insecurities and doubts are cast aside and my focus kicks in and will not break until the job is done. It feels like I get to have the superpowers I always dreamed of having, but behind the wheel.

"Second, there's just me. Someone who is figuring life out, day by day, just like you."

"Like many of you, I'm just trying to be and do my best in everything. I also have a lot of difficult days….especially in the bubble that we're currently in.

"You get lonely, you miss your friends and family, and with back to back race weeks it means there's not much time for anything, but work.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is it's never a bad thing to ask for help if you need it or to tell somebody how you feel. Showing your vulnerable side doesn't make you weak. Instead, I like to think of it as a chance to become stronger."

Hamilton&nbsp;is only two wins short of equalling Michael Schumacher's record haul of 91 race wins as he heads towards his record-equalling seventh title.

He said he believed it was important that he was open and expressed himself.

"I think as competitors, it's not the first thing you think about doing, being open and expressing yourself, but I think it's very important, more important than what's happening here."

"We arrive -- and you're on TV for three days and it all looks pretty good, but the fact is you only see the tip of the iceberg. There's all the stuff that goes on in the background.

"So that's what I was trying to convey -- that's its ok to have the difficult days, they're the growing days."

Lewis Hamilton on Thursday urged people to continue discussing their mental health and said, based on his personal experience, that it was a strength and not a weakness for people to show their vulnerability.

Lewis Hamilton on Thursday urged people to continue discussing their mental health and said, based on his personal experience, that it was a strength and not a weakness for people to show their vulnerability. The championship leader and six-time world champion said he experienced "difficult days" in his own life, explaining that this season's run of triple-header race weekends meant that he was often lonely and grateful for contact from his family. "I think I'm managing," he told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix. "I've got a great group of people around me. I think Covid's given me the time to focus on communication and improving that between family and getting a deeper relationship with my mum, getting a deeper relationship with my dad, my brother, my sister and those that I work with." In a post on social media, Hamilton said: "There are two sides to me. First, the one you see on TV -- the competitive, cut-throat, hungry racer in me that comes out when I close the visor. "When the visor is down I come alive, all my fears, insecurities and doubts are cast aside and my focus kicks in and will not break until the job is done. It feels like I get to have the superpowers I always dreamed of having, but behind the wheel. "Second, there's just me. Someone who is figuring life out, day by day, just like you." "Like many of you, I'm just trying to be and do my best in everything. I also have a lot of difficult days….especially in the bubble that we're currently in. "You get lonely, you miss your friends and family, and with back to back race weeks it means there's not much time for anything, but work. "I guess what I'm trying to say is it's never a bad thing to ask for help if you need it or to tell somebody how you feel. Showing your vulnerable side doesn't make you weak. Instead, I like to think of it as a chance to become stronger." Hamilton is only two wins short of equalling Michael Schumacher's record haul of 91 race wins as he heads towards his record-equalling seventh title. He said he believed it was important that he was open and expressed himself. "I think as competitors, it's not the first thing you think about doing, being open and expressing yourself, but I think it's very important, more important than what's happening here." "We arrive -- and you're on TV for three days and it all looks pretty good, but the fact is you only see the tip of the iceberg. There's all the stuff that goes on in the background. "So that's what I was trying to convey -- that's its ok to have the difficult days, they're the growing days."

Hamilton admits to 'lonely, difficult days'

The Professional Footballers’ Association on Friday announced the nominations for the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year as Liverpool and Manchester City dominated the list with their presence.&nbsp;

Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is among the nominated players for the Player of the Year along with skipper Jordan Henderson, who won the Writers’ Player of the Year. Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk.

The Liverpool quartet are joined by Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and one of the top favourites for the award – Kevin De Bruyne. The Liverpool players have been rewarded nominations for the crucial role they played in club’s first title success in 30 years, finishing 18 points clear of second-place Man City.

In the Young Player of the Year nomination list, Alexander-Arnold once again finds himself along with Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood. Chelsea pair Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount are there in the list along with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The nominees for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year! 
 
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://twitter.com/trentaa98?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trentaa98</a> 
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🇸🇳 Sadio Mané 
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<h2>Men's PFA Players' Player of the Year nominees</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)</li>
	<li>Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)</li>
	<li>Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)</li>
	<li>Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)</li>
	<li>Sadio Mane (Liverpool)</li>
	<li>Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)</li>
</ul>

<h2>Women's PFA Players' Player of the Year nominees</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Beth England (Chelsea)</li>
	<li>Sophie Ingle (Chelsea)</li>
	<li>Kim Little (Arsenal)</li>
	<li>Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)</li>
	<li>Guro Reiten (Chelsea)</li>
	<li>Ji So-Yun (Chelsea)</li>
</ul>

<h2>Men's PFA Young Player of the Year nominees</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)</li>
	<li>Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)</li>
	<li>Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)</li>
	<li>Mason Mount (Chelsea)</li>
	<li>Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)</li>
	<li>Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)</li>
</ul>

<h2>Women's PFA Young Player of the Year nominees</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)</li>
	<li>Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)</li>
	<li>Lauren James (Manchester United)</li>
	<li>Chloe Kelly (Manchester City formerly Everton)</li>
</ul>

The Professional Footballers’ Association on Friday announced the nominations for the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year as Liverpool and Manchester City dominated the list with their presence.

The Professional Footballers’ Association on Friday announced the nominations for the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year as Liverpool and Manchester City dominated the list with their presence. Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is among the nominated players for the Player of the Year along with skipper Jordan Henderson, who won the Writers’ Player of the Year. Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk. The Liverpool quartet are joined by Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and one of the top favourites for the award – Kevin De Bruyne. The Liverpool players have been rewarded nominations for the crucial role they played in club’s first title success in 30 years, finishing 18 points clear of second-place Man City. In the Young Player of the Year nomination list, Alexander-Arnold once again finds himself along with Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood. Chelsea pair Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount are there in the list along with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. The winners will be announced on Tuesday. The nominees for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @trentaa98 🇧🇪 @DeBruyneKev 🇳🇱 @VirgilvDijk 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @Jhenderson 🇸🇳 Sadio Mané 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @sterling7#PFAawards #POTY pic.twitter.com/LQSDt3ojDV — Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) September 4, 2020 × Men's PFA Players' Player of the Year nominees Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) Sadio Mane (Liverpool) Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) Women's PFA Players' Player of the Year nominees Beth England (Chelsea) Sophie Ingle (Chelsea) Kim Little (Arsenal) Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal) Guro Reiten (Chelsea) Ji So-Yun (Chelsea) Men's PFA Young Player of the Year nominees Tammy Abraham (Chelsea) Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) Mason Greenwood (Manchester United) Mason Mount (Chelsea) Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) Women's PFA Young Player of the Year nominees Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea) Lauren Hemp (Manchester City) Lauren James (Manchester United) Chloe Kelly (Manchester City formerly Everton)

Liverpool, Man City dominate PFA Player of the Year nominations

England are set to lock horns with Australia in the three-match T20I series opener at the Rose Bowl in Southampton Friday. England and Australia possess world-class squads with the series likely to be a close contest between two of the best sides in the world.&nbsp;

The three-match T20I series will be played behind closed doors in Southampton but one thing for sure, this series will be full of nail-biting action given that two sides match each other in terms of quality in both batting and bowling department.

While England have already played against the West Indies, Ireland and Pakistan, Australia will resume cricketing services after a break of around six months, which could ultimately be the difference. However, Australian players looked in top form in their two intra-squad warm-up matches where the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell slammed centuries. &nbsp;

It will be interesting to see the approach of both England and Australia with the series expected to be a closely-fought affair.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-suresh-raina-harbhajan-singh-pulls-out-of-ipl-2020-due-to-personal-reasons-325204" hreflang="en">After Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh pulls out of IPL 2020 due to personal reasons</a>

<h2>When will the England vs Australia 1st T20I begin?</h2>

The England vs Australia 1st T20I will begin at 10:30 PM IST on August 28. The toss will take place at 10:00 PM IST.

<h2>Where will the England vs Australia 1st T20I be played?</h2>

The England vs Australia 1st T20I match will be held at Rose Bowl in Southampton

<h2>Which channel will telecast the England vs Australia 1st T20I?</h2>

The England vs Australia 1st T20I will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of England vs Australia 1st T20I?</h2>

The live streaming of England vs Australia 1st T20I will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp;&nbsp;

England are set to lock horns with Australia in the three-match T20I series opener at the Rose Bowl in Southampton Friday. England and Australia possess world-class squads with the series likely to be a close contest between two of the best sides in the world.

England are set to lock horns with Australia in the three-match T20I series opener at the Rose Bowl in Southampton Friday. England and Australia possess world-class squads with the series likely to be a close contest between two of the best sides in the world. The three-match T20I series will be played behind closed doors in Southampton but one thing for sure, this series will be full of nail-biting action given that two sides match each other in terms of quality in both batting and bowling department. While England have already played against the West Indies, Ireland and Pakistan, Australia will resume cricketing services after a break of around six months, which could ultimately be the difference. However, Australian players looked in top form in their two intra-squad warm-up matches where the likes of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell slammed centuries. It will be interesting to see the approach of both England and Australia with the series expected to be a closely-fought affair. ALSO READ: After Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh pulls out of IPL 2020 due to personal reasons When will the England vs Australia 1st T20I begin? The England vs Australia 1st T20I will begin at 10:30 PM IST on August 28. The toss will take place at 10:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Australia 1st T20I be played? The England vs Australia 1st T20I match will be held at Rose Bowl in Southampton Which channel will telecast the England vs Australia 1st T20I? The England vs Australia 1st T20I will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Australia 1st T20I? The live streaming of England vs Australia 1st T20I will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

England vs Australia, 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG vs PAK match?

La Liga on Friday issues a counter-statement after Lionel Messi’s letter, via his father and agent Jorge Messi, put out a letter. La Liga contradicting to what Messi had said in his letter, stated that the EUR 700 million release clause still exists and the Spanish governing body stands by its earlier statement where they had mentioned the same.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi on Friday issued a statement, addressed to La Liga boss Javier Tebas, stating that the EUR 700 million release clause doesn’t exist in his contract while criticizing La Liga’s ‘partial’ stance after they released a statement in support of Barcelona.&nbsp;

<img alt="La Liga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d1b9d5b-7bfa-4d29-8fa2-0b4b13176f43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/La%20Liga.JPG" />

While Messi in his statement said that La Liga had misinterpreted the clause of his contract which allows him to leave for free and in that case, the EUR 700 million release clause ends after the 2019-20 season. However, La Liga said that 'they stand by their interpretation of Messi's contract'.

The statement by Lionel Messi took a jibe at La Liga as it stated that they don’t which contract did La Liga analyze before releasing the statement. It was repeatedly mentioned in the statement that as per clause 8.2.3.5, the EUR 700 release clause doesn’t apply at all at the end of 2019-20 season.&nbsp;

<img alt="Messi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="98bf9b20-587b-4951-bc75-bbcab4261bf9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Messi_0.JPG" />

This is the first time when an official statement has been put out by Messi’s entourage in relation to the ongoing transfer saga. Messi, earlier last week, had sent a burofax to Barcelona asking them to allow him to leave the club for free.&nbsp;

In further twist in the ‘BarcaGate’ saga, on Thursday, it was revealed that Spanish police are investigating a case against Bartomeu with allegations that the Barca president hired a social media agency to post negative things about former and present club players.&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, a statement from Barcelona is expected on the matter after both Messi and La Liga issued respective statements. 
&nbsp;

La Liga on Friday issues a counter-statement after Lionel Messi’s letter, via his father and agent Jorge Messi, put out a letter. La Liga contradicting to what Messi had said in his letter, stated that the EUR 700 million release clause still exists and the Spanish governing body stands by its earlier statement where they had mentioned the same.

La Liga on Friday issues a counter-statement after Lionel Messi’s letter, via his father and agent Jorge Messi, put out a letter. La Liga contradicting to what Messi had said in his letter, stated that the EUR 700 million release clause still exists and the Spanish governing body stands by its earlier statement where they had mentioned the same. Lionel Messi on Friday issued a statement, addressed to La Liga boss Javier Tebas, stating that the EUR 700 million release clause doesn’t exist in his contract while criticizing La Liga’s ‘partial’ stance after they released a statement in support of Barcelona. While Messi in his statement said that La Liga had misinterpreted the clause of his contract which allows him to leave for free and in that case, the EUR 700 million release clause ends after the 2019-20 season. However, La Liga said that 'they stand by their interpretation of Messi's contract'. The statement by Lionel Messi took a jibe at La Liga as it stated that they don’t which contract did La Liga analyze before releasing the statement. It was repeatedly mentioned in the statement that as per clause 8.2.3.5, the EUR 700 release clause doesn’t apply at all at the end of 2019-20 season. This is the first time when an official statement has been put out by Messi’s entourage in relation to the ongoing transfer saga. Messi, earlier last week, had sent a burofax to Barcelona asking them to allow him to leave the club for free. In further twist in the ‘BarcaGate’ saga, on Thursday, it was revealed that Spanish police are investigating a case against Bartomeu with allegations that the Barca president hired a social media agency to post negative things about former and present club players. Meanwhile, a statement from Barcelona is expected on the matter after both Messi and La Liga issued respective statements.

La Liga hits back at Lionel Messi, says 'release clause still exists'

Lionel Messi on Friday issued a scathing statement via his father and agent Jorge Messi, addressed to La Liga boss Javier Tebas, stating that the EUR 700 million release clause doesn’t exist in Messi’s contract while criticizing La Liga’s ‘partial’ stance after they released a statement in support of Barcelona.&nbsp;

The statement issued by Jorge on behalf of his son Lionel, said La Liga has been partial in analyzing Messi’s contract and added they are baffled that the league said there will be legal ramification if the ‘termination clause’ is triggered at the end of 2019-20 season. The statement added that there is no release clause in Messi’s contract if the player wants to terminate the contract and walk out free at the end of 2019-20 season.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/stay-or-go-messi-in-legal-tangle-with-barcelona-over-leaving-club-323132" hreflang="en">Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club</a>&nbsp;

The statement by Lionel Messi took a jibe at La Liga as it stated that they don’t which contract did La Liga analyse before putting out the statement. It was repeatedly mentioned in the statement that as per clause 8.2.3.5, the EUR 700 release clause doesn’t apply at all at the end of 2019-20 season.

&nbsp;<img alt="Messi statement" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1cda4bf-e3ad-409e-a49e-32007bd14c33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Messi.JPG" />

This is the first time when an official statement has been put out by Messi’s entourage in relation to the ongoing transfer saga. Messi, earlier last week, had sent a burofax to Barcelona asking them to allow him to leave the club for free.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-next-for-lionel-messi-a-record-breaking-career-in-pictures-323230" hreflang="en">What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures</a>

Since then, there has been a couple of meetings between Jorge Messi and Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu. However, Barcelona have maintained that any club wanting to acquire Messi’s services will have to pay the EUR 700 million release clause.&nbsp;

Moreover, on Thursday, it was revealed that Spanish police are investigating a case against Bartomeu with allegations that the Barca president hired a social media agency to post negative things about former and present club players.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Lionel Messi on Friday issued a scathing statement via his father and agent Jorge Messi, addressed to La Liga boss Javier Tebas, stating that the EUR 700 million release clause doesn’t exist in Messi’s contract while criticizing La Liga’s ‘partial’ stance after they released a statement in support of Barcelona.

Lionel Messi on Friday issued a scathing statement via his father and agent Jorge Messi, addressed to La Liga boss Javier Tebas, stating that the EUR 700 million release clause doesn’t exist in Messi’s contract while criticizing La Liga’s ‘partial’ stance after they released a statement in support of Barcelona. The statement issued by Jorge on behalf of his son Lionel, said La Liga has been partial in analyzing Messi’s contract and added they are baffled that the league said there will be legal ramification if the ‘termination clause’ is triggered at the end of 2019-20 season. The statement added that there is no release clause in Messi’s contract if the player wants to terminate the contract and walk out free at the end of 2019-20 season. IN PICS | Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club The statement by Lionel Messi took a jibe at La Liga as it stated that they don’t which contract did La Liga analyse before putting out the statement. It was repeatedly mentioned in the statement that as per clause 8.2.3.5, the EUR 700 release clause doesn’t apply at all at the end of 2019-20 season. This is the first time when an official statement has been put out by Messi’s entourage in relation to the ongoing transfer saga. Messi, earlier last week, had sent a burofax to Barcelona asking them to allow him to leave the club for free. IN PICS | What's next for Lionel Messi? A record breaking career in pictures Since then, there has been a couple of meetings between Jorge Messi and Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu. However, Barcelona have maintained that any club wanting to acquire Messi’s services will have to pay the EUR 700 million release clause. Moreover, on Thursday, it was revealed that Spanish police are investigating a case against Bartomeu with allegations that the Barca president hired a social media agency to post negative things about former and present club players.

Lionel Messi issues scathing statement to La Liga, says 'there's no release clause in his contract'

Harbhajan Singh on Friday confirmed that he has pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’. Harbhajan becomes the second player after Suresh Raina to opt out of IPL 2020. While Raina returned back home after joining the CSK squad in the UAE, Harbhajan skipped the conditioning camp in Chennai and even opted against joining the team in the UAE.

"Dear Friends I will not be playing IPL this year due to personal reasons.These are difficult times and I would expect some privacy as I spend time with my family. @ChennaiIPL CSK management has been extremely supportive and I wish them a great IPL Stay safe and Jai Hind," Harbhajan Singh tweeted on Friday.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Dear Friends 
I will not be playing IPL this year due to personal reasons.These are difficult times and I would expect some privacy as I spend time with my family. <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> CSK management has been extremely supportive and I wish them a great IPL 
Stay safe and Jai Hind
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1301841378943492096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The latest development of Harbhajan pulling out of IPL 2020 comes as a huge blow to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who miss out on another experienced player after Raina. However, the Yellow Army have variety of spinners in their squad, both experienced and young, so Harbhajan’s move won’t bother them much.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-schedule-chennai-super-kings-likely-to-face-mumbai-indians-in-opener-report-325174" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 schedule: Chennai Super Kings likely to face Mumbai Indians in opener - Report</a>

Meanwhile, CSK on Friday completed their extended quarantine period after players and staff, barring those who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, tested negative for the dreaded virus and now, the three-time IPL winners are preparing commence their training, making them the last franchise to start practicing for the lucrative tournament.&nbsp;

Even players and staff including the likes of MS Dhoni, Shane Watson, Laxmipathy Balaji, Michael Hussey, Murali Vijay, were seen having breakfast in their hotel after the completion of extended quarantine period.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dhoni-watson-share-good-laugh-over-breakfast-as-csk-end-quarantine-period-325193" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Dhoni, Watson share good laugh over breakfast as CSK end quarantine period</a>

There are reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to release the schedule for IPL 2020 on Friday after CSK were cleared to start training. Reportedly, the season opener is set to be played between CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI) on September 19.&nbsp;

Harbhajan Singh on Friday confirmed that he has pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’. Harbhajan becomes the second player after Suresh Raina to opt out of IPL 2020.

Harbhajan Singh on Friday confirmed that he has pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’. Harbhajan becomes the second player after Suresh Raina to opt out of IPL 2020. While Raina returned back home after joining the CSK squad in the UAE, Harbhajan skipped the conditioning camp in Chennai and even opted against joining the team in the UAE. "Dear Friends I will not be playing IPL this year due to personal reasons.These are difficult times and I would expect some privacy as I spend time with my family. @ChennaiIPL CSK management has been extremely supportive and I wish them a great IPL Stay safe and Jai Hind," Harbhajan Singh tweeted on Friday. Dear Friends I will not be playing IPL this year due to personal reasons.These are difficult times and I would expect some privacy as I spend time with my family. @ChennaiIPL CSK management has been extremely supportive and I wish them a great IPL Stay safe and Jai Hind — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 4, 2020 × The latest development of Harbhajan pulling out of IPL 2020 comes as a huge blow to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who miss out on another experienced player after Raina. However, the Yellow Army have variety of spinners in their squad, both experienced and young, so Harbhajan’s move won’t bother them much. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 schedule: Chennai Super Kings likely to face Mumbai Indians in opener - Report Meanwhile, CSK on Friday completed their extended quarantine period after players and staff, barring those who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, tested negative for the dreaded virus and now, the three-time IPL winners are preparing commence their training, making them the last franchise to start practicing for the lucrative tournament. Even players and staff including the likes of MS Dhoni, Shane Watson, Laxmipathy Balaji, Michael Hussey, Murali Vijay, were seen having breakfast in their hotel after the completion of extended quarantine period. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Dhoni, Watson share good laugh over breakfast as CSK end quarantine period There are reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to release the schedule for IPL 2020 on Friday after CSK were cleared to start training. Reportedly, the season opener is set to be played between CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI) on September 19.

After Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh pulls out of IPL 2020 due to personal reasons

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday finally completed their extended quarantine period after reports of players and members of the CSK contingent, barring the ones who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier, came out negative. CSK players and staff had breakfast together with the Yellow Army taking to social media platform Twitter to share a few photographs.&nbsp;

CSK players and staff were seen having breakfast together while sharing a few laughs in the team hotel before their first outdoor practice session. CSK skipper MS Dhoni was seen with all-rounder Shane Watson as the franchise captioned the photograph: "Watto Thala Dharisanam," ("Watson gets a glimpse of Dhoni".)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Watto Thala Dharisanam! 😍🦁💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/mkzkVjeXgG">pic.twitter.com/mkzkVjeXgG</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1301776293202219013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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14 Arabian Nights later... 😍💛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> <a href="https://t.co/2lPPGPUqmv">pic.twitter.com/2lPPGPUqmv</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1301763839806115841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-schedule-chennai-super-kings-likely-to-face-mumbai-indians-in-opener-report-325174">IPL 2020 schedule: Chennai Super Kings likely to face Mumbai Indians in opener</a>

The three-time IPL winners have had a topsy-turvy start to their IPL 2020 season after 13 members of the contingent, including two players, tested positive for the coronavirus. Also, Suresh Raina pulled out of IPL 2020 citing personal reasons and even Harbhajan Singh is likely to pull out of the lucrative tournament.

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To a man who believes there's always more to life! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaskPodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaskPodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/xXEHUDztYB">pic.twitter.com/xXEHUDztYB</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1301790887534567424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-likely-to-skip-ipl-2020-report-325024" hreflang="en">Harbhajan Singh likely to skip IPL 2020: Report</a>

CSK are also set to hit the nets from Friday and will become the last team to start training after the coronavirus impacted their start.&nbsp; 
IPL 2020 is set to start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the final slated to be held on November 10.&nbsp;

The schedule for the tournament is likely to be released by the BCCI on Friday as the anticipation and hype for IPL 2020 continues to grow with each passing day. It is also reported that Chennai Super Kings are likely to face defending champions Mumbai Indians in the season opener. 
&nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday finally completed their extended quarantine period after reports of players and members of the CSK contingent, barring the ones who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier, came out negative.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday finally completed their extended quarantine period after reports of players and members of the CSK contingent, barring the ones who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier, came out negative. CSK players and staff had breakfast together with the Yellow Army taking to social media platform Twitter to share a few photographs. CSK players and staff were seen having breakfast together while sharing a few laughs in the team hotel before their first outdoor practice session. CSK skipper MS Dhoni was seen with all-rounder Shane Watson as the franchise captioned the photograph: "Watto Thala Dharisanam," ("Watson gets a glimpse of Dhoni".) Watto Thala Dharisanam! 😍🦁💛 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/mkzkVjeXgG — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 4, 2020 × 14 Arabian Nights later... 😍💛#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/2lPPGPUqmv — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 4, 2020 × ALSO READ: IPL 2020 schedule: Chennai Super Kings likely to face Mumbai Indians in opener The three-time IPL winners have had a topsy-turvy start to their IPL 2020 season after 13 members of the contingent, including two players, tested positive for the coronavirus. Also, Suresh Raina pulled out of IPL 2020 citing personal reasons and even Harbhajan Singh is likely to pull out of the lucrative tournament. To a man who believes there's always more to life! #MaskPodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/xXEHUDztYB — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 4, 2020 × ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh likely to skip IPL 2020: Report CSK are also set to hit the nets from Friday and will become the last team to start training after the coronavirus impacted their start. IPL 2020 is set to start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the final slated to be held on November 10. The schedule for the tournament is likely to be released by the BCCI on Friday as the anticipation and hype for IPL 2020 continues to grow with each passing day. It is also reported that Chennai Super Kings are likely to face defending champions Mumbai Indians in the season opener.

IPL 2020: Dhoni, Watson share good laugh over breakfast as CSK end quarantine period

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