Casualty list to be felt at the Wanderers and beyond with several players doubtful for England series

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Jan-2021Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara and Dinesh Chandimal are all almost certain to miss Sri Lanka’s second Test against South Africa, due to injury. Dhananjaya de Silva had already been confirmed to be out of contention.The even worse news for Sri Lanka is that of all these players, only Chandimal and Lakmal seem likely to be fit in time to return to the XI for the first Test against England, which begins on January 14.Chandimal, and fast bowlers Rajitha and Kumara all picked up groin injuries while playing the first match, after de Silva strained a tendon in his left thigh on the first day. Lakmal had tweaked a hamstring in the approach to the first Test and did not play that game. He still hasn’t recovered.”What the doctor says is that when you’re tired, the first area that feels the strain is the groin,” team manager Ashantha de Mel told ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve never been on a tour with so many injuries. We’ve not played a Test match since February, so that must have had an effect.”ALSO READ: Sri Lanka ‘could have dominated’ but for injuries – KarunaratneLakmal’s absence will be a particularly substantial blow. Not only had he been Sri Lanka’s best seam bowler on the team’s two previous tours of South Africa, he’s also by far the most experienced quick in the squad. Without him, Sri Lanka’s seam attack will likely comprise Dushmantha Chameera and Vishwa Fernando, who have played fewer than 10 Tests each, and Asitha Fernando, who will be on debut.”Suranga did a fitness test earlier today and failed it,” de Mel said on Friday. “We’ll have to start upping his workloads and build him up, otherwise he could get injured again.”Sri Lanka have taken 21 players on tour, for exactly this kind of contingency (players can’t just be called up from Sri Lanka because they would need to quarantine before entering the bio-secure playing bubble).From among the batsmen who didn’t play the first Test, Lahiru Thirimanne is likely to come into the XI, as well as Minod Bhanuka, who will be on debut. Neither Thirimanne or Bhanuka are known for their bowling, however, so the loss of de Silva – who was arguably their most fluent batsman at Centurion – will still not quite be covered.The second Test starts on Sunday. South Africa won the first game by an innings and 45 runs.

The striker scored for the first time in four Premier League games in a slender win but also missed a slew of huge chances

Erling Haaland's domestic goal drought is over, but even though he proved the difference in an unexpectedly tight 1-0 win for Manchester City over Southampton, this was not a performance that banished any recent doubts. If anything, his blunt display confirmed the notion that the Norwegian is an enigma, capable of ridiculous athletic feats in one game and woeful misses in the next.

Haaland struck for the first time in four Premier League matches to give City an ideal start in what many people expected to be a bloodbath against the division's second-bottom team, sliding in to net a Matheus Nunes cross in the fifth minute. But he couldn't build on his fast start, despite having eight attempts on goal.

The Norwegian missed a near-open goal in the second half and then, receiving a dream cross with the net gaping in front of him, managed to head the ball backwards. Haaland was not the only one to have a bad day at the office, as City faced the unusual situation of seeing less of the ball than their opponents.

Southampton did very little with their possession, aside from attempts from Cameron Archer, who struck the bar, and Adam Armstrong at the end of each half. But they used holding on to the ball as a defensive mechanism and City were at a loss to know what to do. Still, Pep Guardiola's side recorded their seventh win of the season and extended their unbeaten home run to what is fast-approaching an incredible two years.

GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Ederson (6/10):

Only had one save to make, parrying an Adam Armstrong shot, and rarely had to use his feet.

Rico Lewis (7/10):

Another assured performance, continuing to make Kyle Walker's absence go unnoticed.

Manuel Akanji (5/10):

Reliable for most of the game although lost track of Archer on a couple of occasions.

Ruben Dias (6/10):

Sat the deepest of City's defenders and rarely troubled by Saints' shy attack.

Josko Gvardiol (8/10):

Used the ball very well to create attacks and shut them down, always looking composed.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Bernardo Silva (7/10):

Very aggressive with his pressing in the first half, repeatedly winning the ball back in the final third.

Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

Looked rusty, losing the ball too often. Had a hit-and-hope shot that Aaron Ramsdale pushed away.

Matheus Nunes (8/10):

Enjoying his new lease of life on the left wing, getting his third assist in two games and now understanding exactly what Guardiola wants from him.

Getty Images SportAttack

Savinho (8/10):

Carved the visitors open on numerous occasions and looked like being the best source of the second goal.

Erling Haaland (5/10):

Got off to an ideal start but should have done far more with his seven shots, missing two sitters and having one cleared off the line.

Phil Foden (5/10):

Had a frustrating afternoon, getting very few shooting opportunities and often under-hitting passes.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Ilkay Gundogan (N/A):

Introduced late in the game to see it out.

John Stones (N/A):

Came on in the 95th minute.

Pep Guardiola (5/10):

Unexpectedly met his match in Russell Martin. Would have expected a far bigger win but the three points are worth the same and it will be at least two years without losing a home game in any competition.

Having already reportedly agreed a deal to sign Tim Iroegbunam this summer, Everton have seemingly turned their attention to finally solving their attacking problems for Sean Dyche.

Everton transfer news

Even as the Toffees' takeover struggles continue, they've still managed to start their summer in the best way possible with the pending arrival of Iroegbunam for a reported £9m. The Aston Villa prospect will arrive with plenty of potential and could even become the solution to Everton's potential Amadou Onana problem, as the Belgian's Goodison Park future continues to be thrown into doubt.

If Everton want to finally push away from the threat of relegation and into the comforts of mid-table in the Premier League, they'll need more than just Iroegbunam, however, with a solution to their attacking problems also needed. Dyche and those above him seem to be well aware of that as well, with one particular target who knows all about scoring in English football reportedly lined up.

Everton already lining up Dyche's next priority signing after Iroegbunam

The Toffees are wasting no time.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 20, 2024

According to Santi Aouna, Everton have made a "very interesting" offer to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille this summer. The attacking midfielder is reportedly seen as a "priority" after being followed by Everton for years and could be tempted by a return to England just one year after leaving Sheffield United.

It remains to be seen just how much Everton's offer for Ndiaye was, but it's certainly a positive sign that they're pursuing such players this summer. Ndiaye never waited long enough to get his Premier League chance at Sheffield United, but could finally step into England's top-flight in an attempt to replicate his Championship form.

"Unbelievable" Ndiaye needs Premier League chance

After a mixed first season at Marseille, a return to English football could take Ndiaye back to his very best, especially if he finally gets the Premier League chance that he once left behind. His Championship form in the 2022/23 season certainly suggests that he is more than capable of stepping up to the quality needed in the top-flight. Now, it could be Everton who give him that chance.

A true all-rounder going forward, it's no surprise that Ndiaye earned such high praise from former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom in the 22/23 Championship season.

Heckingbottom said via the Yorkshire Post: "I am going to talk and sound as if I am biased. But you know what I think of Iliman as a player. He can do it against anyone – handling the ball in tight areas at the top end of the pitch where the best players do damage. He's got all that.

"Playing in the Championship doesn't mean players don't handle the ball any better. He's unbelievable with the ball and not many Premier League players can do what he does with the ball."

The captain said he had a problem with a “hip or glute” and would probably go for a scan

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Dec-2020

Australia’s list of injuries continued to grow with captain Aaron Finch expecting to go for a scan on Saturday after picking up a “hip or glute” problem during the first T20I.He was clearly hampered while batting and with such a short turnaround between games – the next match is on Sunday before the final game on Tuesday – he could be in doubt.”It’s a bit of a hip or glute, we’ll wait and see,” Finch said in the post-match presentation. “It progressively got worse throughout the game.”ALSO WATCH: Concussion substitute Chahal dismisses Aaron Finch (India subcontinent only)Australia are already without David Warner (groin) for this series while Marcus Stoinis is still recovering from the side strain he suffered in the opening ODI. Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar was ruled out of the T20I series ahead of the first game with a calf strain and legspinner Mitchell Swepson was brought across from the Australia A squad training in Sydney to play in Canberra.If Finch was unavailable it would be likely that Matthew Wade, who was vice-captain for the first T20I, would step up to lead. Regular vice-captain Pat Cummins has been rested for the series while previous joint vice-captain Alex Carey is currently not part of the XI. Steven Smith has not been considered for an official leadership position since his return to the game although he is now eligible to captain Australia again.Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green are the other batting options in the limited-overs squad.Following this T20I series, Finch will head onto the BBL with the Melbourne Renegades. Their opening fixture is on December 12 against the Perth Scorchers in Hobart.

Despite suffering relegation to League One last term, Birmingham City clearly have no intentions of letting their new division limit their transfer activity as they eye moves for established Championship talents.

Blues braced for big summer window

If any of the St Andrews faithful feared that Birmingham's relegation would lead to a quiet summer, the Blues' early business would have quickly sought to put any worries to bed.

Related After May: Birmingham could boost promotion bid by signing 6ft3 "warrior"

Birmingham City will aim to take League One by storm with another ambitious addition.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jul 4, 2024

A goalkeeper was clearly high on the wishlist of new Blues boss Chris Davies with shot-stopping duo Ryan Allsop and Bailey Peacock-Farrell both moving to the West Midlands in the early passages of the window. With two established Championship keepers on the books at Birmingham, the club have now been able to move on to other targets.

The next star through the door at St Andrews was Emil Hansson, who joined the Blues in a move from Dutch outfit Heracles Almelo. At 26 years of age, the winger will be looking to make an instant impact in League One next season.

The signing that will likely elicit the most excitement from the Blues' fanbase is that of Alfie May. The 31-year-old arrives at St Andrews off the back of a season with Charlton that saw him score 27 goals in all competitions and finish as League One's top scorer.

With the Blues not afraid of going shopping in the second tier, the club are now eyeing a move for a midfielder from a Championship side.

Blues register interest in Stoke City star

As first reported by Birmingham Live, the Blues have shown an interest in signing Stoke City midfielder Josh Laurent. The outlet claims that Stoke may be willing to part ways with their captain this summer with Laurent entering the final 12 months of his current deal at the club.

The report states that Birmingham are in the market for a new midfielder this summer and view Laurent as an experienced option. With 282 EFL appearances under his belt, there is no doubt that the 29-year-old could be an excellent addition to Davies' team.

Laurent made 40 appearances for the Potters in all competitions last season, contributing three goals and three assists in the process. During this time, the midfielder stood out as a strong presence in the middle of the park with former Stoke boss Alex Neil hailing him as "a great balance of knowledge and experience".

Josh Laurent stats last 365 days

Total per 90

Rank vs midfielders in comparable competitions

Shots total

1.50

81st

Progressive carries

1.70

75th

Touches

2.54

90th

Progressive passes received

3.98

84th

Aerials won

1.57

81st

Despite Stoke potentially willing to let Laurent leave for a cut-rate price owing to his contract situation, the Blues would still likely have to match his wages, which currently stand at a reported £15,000 per week.

Regardless of how much the deal would cost, there is no doubt that bringing Laurent to St Andrews this summer could be an excellent bit of business from Birmingham as they look to make an instant return to the Championship.

تلقى مسؤولو اتحاد الكرة عرضًا من شركة تسويق لـ تنظيم مباريات ودية لـ منتخب مصر الأول خلال فترات التوقف الدولي من العام الجاري.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة سيراليون وإثيوبيا خلال شهر مارس المقبل، ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 10 نقاط، من 4 مباريات، انتصر في 3 مباريات وتعادل في لقاء. 

طالع | عصام الحضري: الشناوي حارس مصر الأول.. ومحمود جاد يستحق الانضمام لـ المنتخب

وعلم بطولات، أن شركة التسويق التي قامت بتنظيم وديتي مصر أمام البرتغال واليونان في مارس 2018، عرضت على هاني أبو ريدة رئيس الاتحاد وحسام حسن المدير الفني، برنامجًا خاصًا للفراعنة في التوقف الدولي في يونيو ونوفمبر من العام الجاري.

وجاء في البرنامج مباريات ودية لمنتخب مصر في يونيو ونوفمبر، حيث لا يرتبط الفراعنة بمباريات رسمية في هذه الفترات، وعرضت الشركات مباريات أمام منتخبات أوروبية وأسيوية.

كما قامت الشركة في وقت سابق، بتنظيم ودية بين مصر وكوريا الجنوبية في 2022 بـ سيول، وأيضًا الدورة الودية الأولمبية التي اقيمت في مصر وضمت منتخبات مصر والبرازيل وكوريا الجنوبية.

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Segundo o boletim médico, Pelé apresenta “boa condição clínica”.

-O paciente Edson Arantes do Nascimento apresenta boa condição clínica e recebeu alta da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Permanecerá, a partir de agora, em recuperação no quarto – diz o boletim.

VEJA TABELA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO

O ultimo boletim médico havia sido divulgado na sexta-feira. Na segunda-feira (13), via rede social, a ativista Kely Nascimento, filha do “Rei”, afirmou que ele estava pronto para deixar a UTI, sem dor e com bom humor.

Following a debut Premier League campaign full of ups and downs for Ange Postecoglou last season, it looks set to be an incredibly important summer of transfer activity for Tottenham Hotspur.

Daniel Levy and Co have already brought in the incredibly exciting Leeds United wonderkid, Archie Gray, but to make a real charge up the table in 2024/25, the club must bring in players who can fight for a place in the first-team today.

So it's good news for fans that the latest name touted for a move to N17 is an incredibly talented attacker and someone who could be unreal alongside club captain Son Heung-min.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano on his Playback live show, Tottenham have placed Wolverhampton Wanderers' Pedro Neto back on their shortlist of transfer targets this summer.

Romano claims the Lilywhites are concerned about the winger's injury history, but he is still a player they "appreciate" ahead of a busy couple of months.

The Italian makes no mention of a potential price or other interested parties, but a report from Football Transfers late last month claimed that Wolves have reduced their asking price to around £43m and that Spurs' North London rivals Arsenal are also keen on the Portuguese international.

It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, but with the new lower price and his impressive performances in the Premier League, Neto is a player Spurs cannot miss out on, especially as he could form a brilliant partnership with Son.

Why Neto would be a great signing

Now, the primary reason Neto would be an excellent signing for Spurs is rather straightforward: his output.

In 24 appearances last season, the 24-year-old dynamo scored three goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.71 games for the Old Gold.

Moreover, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the dynamic "monster", as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, sits in the top 1% of wingers and attacking midfielders for assists and the top 4% for progressive carries, both per 90.

Appearances

24

Minutes

1729'

Goals

3

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

123.5'

This level of attacking threat would not only see the Portuguese international himself rack up plenty of goals and assists, but it would also work in Son's favour.

The South Korean international was far and away the Lilywhites' most productive attacker last season, as he racked up 27 goals and assists in just 36 games and was the only player in the squad to register over 20 goals and assists.

If the former Bayer Leverkusen had a teammate as effective as the Old Gold star on the opposite wing to him occupying opposition defenders, then he would likely be afforded that little bit more room than he was last season and, in turn, start to slowly improve his already outstanding attacking return.

Likewise, with the Chuncheon-born superstar on the left, the dynamic rightwinger might see his numbers improve as he also ceases to be the primary player opposing teams look to mark out of the game.

With all that said, Neto's injury record is undoubtedly a worry, but if Levy and Co can bring him to North London this summer and keep Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson in the side as well, then there would be no need to play him in every game, and all three wingers could get the required rest to be fit all year round.

Ultimately, there is an element of risk in all signings, and while that might be slightly more true in the case of Neto, his performances on the pitch make it a risk worth taking, especially if he can help Son get even better as well.

Offer made: Spurs make move to sign "monster" Porro rival

The promising up-and-comer looks like the complete package.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2024

India middle order batsman Hanuma Vihari believes their batsmen are ready to face the challenge of Test cricket in Australia, starting with the day-night game in Adelaide this Thursday. Vihari scored an unbeaten second-innings century in the second tour game played under lights against Australia A at the SCG, and said the unique challenge of facing the pink ball lay in the evening.”Getting to practice with the pink ball just before the day-night Test is ideal practice for us,” Vihari said. “I think we played against a decent opposition in both games. The challenge with the pink ball is during the twilight and when the floodlights are on. It does a little bit in the air and off the wicket. That is the challenge we have realised as a team. I hope not only me but all the batsmen will take it as a challenge going into Adelaide, and we will make sure as a batting group we put up a good total.”India will miss their regular captain Virat Kohli after the first Test as he goes home for paternity leave. He didn’t play any of the tour games, but in his absence the others didn’t move a spot up. The vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane seems like he doesn’t fancy a change from his usual No. 5 position, which pushed the No. 6 Vihari to bat at No. 4 in both games. If India do that in the three Tests that Kohli doesn’t play, they run the risk of putting together two similar, defence-oriented batsmen, Vihari and Cheteshwar Pujara, together at the same time. Vihari was asked how different it was to bat with Pujara and Rahane. Predictably he didn’t give much away.ALSO READ: Kuldeep backs spin for pink-ball Test: ‘Difficult to read spinners at night’“At No. 4, I always feel you have more time than you think,” he said. “In domestic cricket I have batted No. 3, so I am a bit familiar batting up the order. Obviously batting with Puji is completely different. We try to communicate, and he tells me what the bowler is trying to do. We always have good communication. And batting with Ajinkya, I think he is more flamboyant. I also feel he has got a good sense of the game situation. I enjoy batting with both of them. But coming in at No. 6 is a totally different equation altogether. You have to bat with a batsman and then the keeper and the allrounder or the bowlers. I enjoy batting at both positions but it depends on the team situation and the need for the day.”Vihari said these two games have given them a good chance to get used to the extra bounce in Australia. “Bounce plays a major part,” Vihari said. “We as Indians tend to play at every ball because of the bounce back home. But we are coping with the extra bounce pretty well. The first two practice games, if you see we have left the ball very well, and we are trying to acclimatise with the conditions here. Coming into the first Test, we are very well equipped with the pace and the bounce of the wickets. I am pretty sure we will do well.”Those who haven’t played both the games – Kohli, Pujara being the significant ones – have been working hard in the nets, Vihari said. “They have been practising every day in the nets,” he said. “They have been putting in the hard work. They are senior players, and they have been playing international cricket for a long time. We have played one pink-ball Test before this as well so they are used to it. And they are practising with it every day. I am sure being the professionals they are, they will be very well equipped with their game.”When Vihari last came to Australia, he had to open during a crisis period to get a look-in. He is proud of that effort at the MCG, but feels much more confident of his ability now that he has cemented a spot in the side. “Coming in 2018 I was coming into my second tour [he had debuted in England earlier that year],” Vihari said. “It was a good challenge for me back then. Although I contributed a bit, now I am very well equipped with my game and I am pretty sure with my game plan as well. I am really looking forward to the series.”

In the midst of a hectic summer transfer window so far, Newcastle United have reportedly made their first move to sign a central defender who Eddie Howe loves.

Newcastle transfer news

As they raced against time to avoid any profit and sustainability charges, Newcastle showed the door to the likes of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest respectively. In return for the latter, the Magpies also welcomed goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, who adds depth to Howe's shot-stopping options.

Of course, it's only in the last week that the Magpies may have really started their serious summer business, having finally welcomed a new sporting director in the form of Paul Mitchell following the exit of Dan Ashworth to Manchester United. Mitchell arrives with the task of transforming the Magpies into top four regulars in the Premier League, starting with this summer's business.

Speaking for the first time since his arrival, the new sporting director told Newcastle's official website: "It's with immense pride that I accept the responsibility of being Newcastle United's new sporting director.

"I've seen the recent growth and ambition of the club. This, plus the amazing fan base, made the decision to join an easy one. I can't wait to get started and help continue the organisation's growth and long-term competitiveness in all areas of elite football performance."

Imagine him & Gordon: Newcastle battling Bayern Munich to sign £42m talent

The attacker could prove to be the final piece in Howe’s attacking puzzle.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 4, 2024

With that said, Mitchell's first task could include a trip to Italy to land a defensive reinforcement for the Magpies. According to CalcioMercato, Newcastle have made contact over a move to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan this summer in a deal that would reportedly be worth between €35m-€40m (£30m-£34m) this summer. Howe is reportedly a big fan of the German and could yet see his side welcome a crucial addition to his backline.

"Brilliant" Thiaw can replace Schar

Whilst Fabian Schar is very much still at the heart of Howe's side, it won't be too long before Newcastle will have to start thinking about a replacement given that he is now 32 years old. That's when they should turn to Thiaw to step in and fill that pending void. The 22-year-old has shown plenty of promise at Milan and looks more than capable of completing a Premier League move.

Thiaw's passing stats are particularly impressive up against Schar's given the Swiss star's excellence on the ball, and highlight a trait that Howe will need in abundance when the latter is ready to step aside at St James' Park.

With plenty more to come at such a young age, it's no surprise that Thiaw has earned such high praise from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who described the Milan man as "simply brilliant" on X. Now, if Newcastle step up their interest, it could be those at St James' Park benefitting from that brilliance.