World number one Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the upcoming US Open with a knee injury.

The 25-year-old Italian has not played competitively since winning the Wimbledon title in July.

“Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year,” Sinner said.

“We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue.

“I’m obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart.”

More to follow.

As reported on Wednesday, Delap lost his number nine shirt to Joao Pedro, who largely excelled at his expense last season after joining from Brighton in the same transfer window.

It followed the Englishman’s move to a group of around 12 players who train separately, albeit alongside new manager Xabi Alonso’s first-team squad, at their Cobham base.

For Alonso, the decision is understandable given the difficulties of working with a squad of around 40 players while preparing for his first competitive match at Fulham in the Premier League on Monday.

However, it was a blow to those players who knew their futures were uncertain, but had previously remained involved with the main training group.

The new arrangement, though, is designed to keep those players close to the first-team squad. Chelsea insist the system is fluid, pointing to new signings Jordan Henderson and Welbeck building fitness in the second group despite both being part of Alonso’s plans.

Chelsea were among the clubs to use a so-called “bomb squad” last season, effectively isolating a group of players that included Raheem Sterling and Disasi. Those players trained on a separate pitch, in a different area of the training ground and at a different time from the first team.

Several from that group publicly made negative comments about their treatment, while the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the players’ union, warned Chelsea about the practice.

The approach has since been outlawed by Fifa.

Chelsea also said their decision to keep the current group close to the first team, using the same gym, changing facilities and dining areas, reflects a period of reflection on what had previously gone wrong.

The club are keen to address wider cultural issues that some sources have previously described as creating a “soulless” or “transactional” atmosphere behind the scenes.

Delap is not the only player facing an uncertain future. Also in the secondary group are Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson and defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Tosin has also lost his number four shirt to new midfield signing Valentin Barco.

Striker Ollie Watkins could continue the Aston Villa exodus with boss Unai Emery unable to guarantee he will stay.

The England international is wanted by Saudi club Al-Hilal, with Emery confirming offers have been made.

Ezri Konsa is moving to Arsenal for £51m while Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for a record £117m, with Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne also leaving this summer.

Emery wants to keep Watkins but admits the 30-year-old could leave Villa Park.

“We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him,” said Emery.

“I don’t want to sell him but it can change because if it’s a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have and we did before with the players who are leaving.

“With Ollie, he is here, for me he is a fantastic striker, we have always believed in him.

“Now he is our player, there are 10 days more or less to finish the transfer window, we will see what happens, I’m happy with him, if he is staying with us he will continue playing his level.

“If he leaving it’s because it is good for three ways, one is him, another is the club and another is the team.”

Watkins has scored 108 goals for Villa since joining from Brentford for £28m in 2020 and is the club’s record Premier League scorer.

If Watkins and goalkeeper Emi Martinez leave, VIlla will have sold six of the starting XI which won the Europa League two months ago.

Martinez’s move to Juventus collapsed with the clubs unable to agree a fee while Villa signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m as their new No.1.

The Argentina international will not be in the squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener at Brighton because he has only had one training session after returning from a post-World Cup break.

Emery added: “We have two excellent goalkeepers, of course we signed Suzuki not for the future but for now. He showed his capacity to get his performance to our level. He will need to adapt to us but he is playing at this level.

“Martinez transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career.

“Even last year, he was thinking in case he can have one possibility to change for his challenges.

“He didn’t do it last year and he performed fantastic with us. This year, again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”