XAVI HERNANDEZ

Sergiño Dest is set to become the first American to play for AC Milan in Serie A after the Italian champion signed the defender on loan from Barcelona on Thursday.

Barcelona has sold off even more of its club assets so it could meet the Spanish league’s financial rules and clear Robert Lewandowski and other newcomers to play in the season opener.

There will be a clash of styles on show when Manchester City and Atlético Madrid meet in the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Midfielder Gio Reyna and forward Tim Weah remain uncertain for the United States' next three World Cup qualifiers, which start Jan. 27 with a match against El Salvador at Columbus, Ohio. Reyna has not played in any matches since injuring his right hamstring during the opening qualifier at El Salvador on Sept. 2.

Xavi Hernández will be allowed to become Barcelona’s next coach upon the payment of his release clause from Qatari club Al-Sadd.

Barcelona will be without midfielders Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal and Arthur for Saturdays second leg of their round-of-16 tie. The match will be played five months after the Spanish side earned a 1-1 draw at Napoli before the pandemic brought most sports to a halt. Both Rique and Ansu are ready to play, Setin said Friday. Fati, 17, made a huge splash this season by becoming the youngest player to score in the Spanish league and the Champions League, among other precocious scoring milestones. With only 13 first-team players available, Setin has called up seven members of Barcelonas youth squad, including American Konrad de la Fuente.