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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suggested that he would like to extend his Everton contract, which is due to expire this summer, in comments which pertained to the excitement surrounding David Moyes’ budding project. BBC Sport report that a new deal is in the pipeline.

Injury-prone and inconsistent this season, some will feel the £100k-per-week star should depart, but keeping him on the books would lessen the urgency for a new number nine.

Thus allowing for signings across other areas, signing one new striker instead of two. It means Everton could move for their next Iliman Ndiaye, a player who has been nothing short of a revelation for the Toffees this term.

Iliman Ndiaye will be the key for Moyes

Ndiaye has proved this season that Everton do have the players to become a high-level attacking force while still being rooted in Moyes’ core defensive principles.

Joining from Marseille in a deal worth £15m last summer, the Senegal international has scored nine goals across 34 Everton appearances, a shining light for Dyche and one of the driving forces behind the Moyes-led resurgence, scoring three in a row before being unfortunately injured in February’s Merseyside derby.

He’s quite the player, this 25-year-old left winger, all electric pace and frightening directness, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp hailing him for his “dynamite” ability earlier in the campaign.

Iliman Ndiaye – Premier League Stats (24/25)
Match Stats (* per game)	#
Matches (starts)	30 (27)
Goals	7
Assists	0
Shots (on target)*	1.1 (0.5)
Big chances missed	3
Pass completion	84%
Key passes*	0.6
Dribbles*	2.1
Tackles + interceptions*	2.2
Duels won*	5.5
Stats via Sofascore

It would take some beating to secure a signing capable of topping Ndiaye this summer, but The Friedkin Group are the harbingers of a new era, and they might just have their sights set on a real force.

Everton could seal their best signing since Ndiaye

Earlier this week, Football Insider revealed that Everton will explore the possibility of signing Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United this summer, though a deal will likely hinge on whether the Blades qualify for the Premier League through the Championship play-offs.

Hamer, who last week was named the Championship’s Player of the Season, joined United from Coventry City in a £15m deal in 2023 and has since made 81 appearances, notching 29 goal contributions, with his technical quality and tireless work rate setting him apart from his positional rivals in England’s second tier.

This season, he’s been a fearsome presence off the left flank of Chris Wilder’s system, with journalist Ryan Dilks even going as far as to call him a “creative genius.”

Shifting beteen the left lane and a more central creative berth for his outfit this season, Hamer ranks among the top 20% of positional peers in the Championship for goal involvements, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, underscoring his value as a high-class playmaker.

Given that he demonstrated his ability to thrive in England’s highest tier last year – and in an imperilled Blades team at that – by clinching ten goal contributions, creating 11 big chances and averaging 4.4 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, there’s every chance that the 27-year-old could rival Ndiaye for that left-sided berth and potentially even elevate his game to the next level.

His playmaking prowess seems tailor-made for the success of a player like Ndiaye, and Calvert-Lewin, for that matter. It would be a fantastic signing and the perfect way for TFG to show to Moyes and the Blues fanbase that this new chapter could be one to remember.

The next Barkley: Everton considering move for "unbelievable" £15m star

David Moyes is looking to overhaul his Everton squad this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 2, 2025

Sheffield United know their hopes of promotion to the Premier League hang in the balance, but Chris Wilder is already hard at work on the transfer front ahead of this summer.

Sheffield United's transfer activity hinges on season outcome

The Championship is famous for twists and turns, which is a statement that rang true yesterday after an eventful afternoon left the Blades second in the league standings following a 1-0 loss to Oxford United.

Burnley claimed three points away to Coventry City, while Leeds United actually gained a point on Sheffield United despite only mustering a draw against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.

Most importantly, Wilder can take solace in the fact his side are still on course for automatic promotion with five matches left to play. Millwall await at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, offering a chance to take a step closer to the promised land of the Premier League.

What does the current state of limbo mean for Sheffield United’s transfer business? Not much apparently, with the Blades seeking a deal for Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard to strengthen a backline that has been altered since Harry Souttar’s long-term injury.

Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe is also on the radar in South Yorkshire, even if the Allsvenskan outfit want to recoup a fee of £5.9 million for his services.

Sheffield United plot new contracts for three stars on combined £90k-p/w

This would be fantastic news for the Blades.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 5, 2025

Reading between the lines, solidifying across the rearguard appears to be a central priority for Wilder regardless of what division his side end up in next campaign.

Looking ahead to the window, the 57-year-old has a goalkeeper in his sights that has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the last year, per recent developments.

Sheffield United eye move to sign Barnsley goalkeeper Kieren Flavell

According to The Daily Star, Sheffield United are keen to sign goalkeeper Kieren Flavell from Yorkshire rivals Barnsley. He started the campaign on loan at Farsley Celtic before returning to feature at first-team level in League One.

Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion are also interested in the Pontefract-born stopper and the former has sent scouts to watch him on several occasions.

Kieren Flavell’s combined statistics in National League North and League One – 2024/25

Appearances

17

Clean sheets

1

Goals conceded

40

Tipped for a promising future in the game, the 21-year-old has previously been labelled “brilliant” by Conor Hourihane after his performance in Barnsley’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United last month.

Jackson Smith and loanee Joe Gauci’s injury problems could afford the youngster an extended run between the sticks at Oakwell; something that is only likely to accelerate his development amid the backdrop of high-profile clubs showing admiration towards his talent.

From a Sheffield United perspective, he would likely be billed as one for the future behind Michael Cooper and Adam Davies. Nevertheless, learning from two experienced numbers one’s is the ideal scenario for the youngster as he aims to establish himself at a high level in years to come.

The Victoria batter would have been the first choice as a Test opener but his continuing concussion issues have taken him out of the reckoning

Ian Chappell18-May-2024Australian cricket has a serious Will Pucovski issue at the precise time they are desperate to unearth skilful openers competing for a Test spot.Pucovski is comfortably the most talented potential Australian opener but he’s suffering a major health issue. He has endured an alarming number of concussions – many in the cricket arena – but his latest one raises an even more disturbing element.In a Sheffield Shield match Pucovski turned his head and ducked into a Riley Meredith short ball to collect his latest concussion. It was bad enough that the blow added to his double-digit concussion bouts but the method he employed displayed poor technique.Even though weeks have elapsed since his latest concussion he’s still suffering symptoms. Recent disturbing news says he hasn’t yet been cleared for inclusion in the Victorian contract list. His contract status now depends on a medical panel review which includes independent expertise. This follows Pucovski’s withdrawal from a county stint with Leicestershire because of the latest blow sustained in the Sheffield Shield competition.Related

• Ollie Pope is a potential weak link for England at No. 3

• Decision on Pucovski's future delayed after extended concussion symptoms

• Australia need Steven Smith at No. 4. But then where will Cameron Green bat and who will open?

• Pucovski retires hurt after being struck by bouncer

There’s no doubt his regular concussions are disturbing but even more concerning is his mental health.If Pucovski were healthy he’d be ensconced as an Australian Test opener. However he’s only represented Australia once, against India in a 2021 Test.If he plays again it would be an extremely audacious selector who chose Pucovski in the Test side. If he were prematurely included in a Test XI and then suffered another serious blow the selectors would receive some of the blame. Consequently there’s a major dilemma involved in choosing a fragile player in the Test side.Then there’s the matter of whether Pucovski would make himself available for Test selection. It’s not just the health issue he has to conquer; his technique against the short ball is sub-standard and that problem needs to be resolved. Fixing what is a mountainous shortcoming will take a lot of hard work.

Short-ball problems have dogged Pucovski but they are more relevant now Australian opener David Warner has retired from Test cricket. Raising the stakes even further, another Australian opener, Usman Khawaja, is at the tail end of his career

Not that you could blame them but if he plays again, fast bowlers will bowl short at Pucovski because they know he has an issue with that delivery. No bowler aims to deliberately hurt a player but when they are performing for their living they have to give themselves the best chance of success.Realistically, Pucovski should play a full season of Shield games without suffering concussion before he’s considered for Test selection. If he were able to achieve that feat it would be reasonable to assume he’d done the required hard work to reduce any danger he faces from bouncer issues.Short-ball problems have dogged Pucovski but they are more relevant now Australian opener David Warner has retired from Test cricket. Raising the stakes even further, another Australian opener, Usman Khawaja, is at the tail end of his career. The situation is complicated enough but there’s also a shortage of talented openers in the Shield competition and a healthy Pucovski would be the ideal candidate.Of the current potential openers Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matthew Renshaw, the latter is the only player on the right side of 30.Controversially the selectors promoted Steve Smith, a substantial figure at No. 4, to open following his request to take on the task. Despite the move, which accommodated two allrounders in Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh in the Australian Test XI, Smith is far better suited to No. 4.Pucovski’s absence also comes at a time when Australia are endowed with a strong bowling attack. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have formed a formidable pace triumvirate for a lengthy time and they are ably backed by the reliable Nathan Lyon.This talented quartet ensures that Australia rarely chases large totals but they won’t play forever, so a stable opening partnership is imperative.Pucovski’s presence at the top of the order would’ve been an important element to Australia’s future success. Now, instead of being a steady Test performer, the main consideration is ensuring Pucovski returns to good health.

Seventeen-year old who hit a match-winning, 36-ball fifty against South Africa says she’s just “kind of doing my thing”

Valkerie Baynes02-Aug-2022We all long, at some point, for our childhood days when fear was an alien concept and we dived into whatever we were doing with no inhibitions.So it’s impossible not to feel a pang of envy watching Alice Capsey bat with all the courage in the world to set the foundation for yet another England victory over South Africa which put the host nation on the cusp of the Commonwealth Games knockout stages in Birmingham.A savage-looking black eye suffered moments before England’s first-up victory over Sri Lanka? Worse than it looks, apparently. Facing the fire and pace of Shabnim Ismail? No problem, just walk down the pitch to her. A half-century in your third international innings? Child’s play.Capsey’s seamless transition to the senior ranks could not have come at a better time with Heather Knight, the England captain, yet to make an appearance at the Commonwealth Games because of a hip injury that has her in doubt for the final group game against New Zealand on Thursday.Acting captain Nat Sciver said after England’s 26-run victory over South Africa at Edgbaston that Knight had undergone further scans on the injury she suffered during the first T20I between the sides during their bilateral series on July 21.”She’s not in a good place,” Sciver said. “She’s better than she has been in the last few days, still in a bit of pain with her hip.”It’s probably going to be a bit quick to play against New Zealand. She went and saw our team doctor and had another scan. She’s waiting on the results of that.”Capsey, meanwhile, reached her maiden international half-century in 36 deliveries on Tuesday and then fell on the next ball she faced, spooning a return catch Nonkululeko Mlaba.Hers was the second of three England wickets to fall for five runs in the space of nine balls as they slumped to 94 for 5. But then an unbroken 73-run partnership off just 43 balls from the vastly experienced Katherine Brunt and Amy Jones set South Africa a target of 168 before England’s bowlers restricted them to 141 for 4. It was England’s seventh victory over South Africa in a white-ball match this summer.”It just ticks off a landmark, doesn’t it?” Capsey said of her fifty. “But in the game, it’s not really about that, it was more just setting myself a platform to try and push on for the team, which unfortunately, I didn’t.Alice Capsey gave the England innings momentum after they lost their openers early•Getty Images”But you saw the brilliance of Jonesy and Katherine coming in at the end and putting on a real show for the crowd, which was amazing to watch.”Capsey, who wasn’t required to bat in her debut match, England’s second T20I against South Africa in Worcester, got her chance in the third match of that series in Derby and smashed four consecutive fours on her way to 25 off 17.After passing a fitness test in the immediate aftermath of copping a ball to the face during the warm-up for England’s Commonwealth Games opener against Sri Lanka, she scored 44 at just over a run-a-ball to top score in a five-wicket victory.While she said her vision had been impaired somewhat during that knock as her eye swelled up while she was batting, Capsey said she didn’t feel any other ill effects and, by the time Tuesday’s match rolled round, it looked worse than it felt on account of the bruise coming out.”Everyone kind of expected some concussion symptoms to start to grow over the next couple of days, however I’ve been absolutely fine which for me, that’s perfect, it’s allowing me still to play and kind of do my thing,” Capsey said.”I’ve felt in really good touch, especially coming into the South Africa series as well, so it [reaching fifty] was a real positive for me and I’ve really enjoyed the role that they’ve given me.”I feel quite comfortable and I know what I’m doing, it’s great to come into the team and for them to trust me with that role.”In Derby, Sciver had told Capsey she would come in at No. 3 if an early wicket fell. As it happened, opener Sophia Dunkley was out for a first-ball duck and Capsey has held her place since.This time, Ismail, Capsey’s Hundred team-mate at Oval Invincibles, removed Dunkley for 1 with her first delivery, an excellent yorker on the seventh ball of the match. When Ismail returned in the sixth over, she had Dunkley’s opening partner, Danni Wyatt, caught behind by Sinalo Jafta for 27 from 20 balls.Her next delivery was back-of-a-length and steered through third by Sciver for a single before she unleashed a short ball which Capsey failed to connect with as she attempted to pull. Then, as calm as you like, Capsey advanced on the next one and dispatched it over cover to the boundary.”Me and Shabs are are good mates so it was a bit of a cat and mouse that over,” Capsey said. “It’s the adrenaline, I think, for me, also being smart with my options.”She bowled a bouncer so you kind of can guess what’s coming. But it’s just about being brave and I think that’s kind of the message that we really got from the coaching staff and Nat and Heather.”As for being part of a bigger, multi-sport event where women’s cricket is making its Commonwealth games debut, Capsey was all about soaking up he experience.”My family’s come to every game, which has been lovely,” she said. “For me, it’s just about taking everything in, really enjoying it. It’s such a rare occasion that you’ve just got to make the memories.”

Rohit Sharma reflects on the influence of coach Vasudev Paranjape on his formative years and how it continues to define him as a cricketer today

Rohit Sharma01-Oct-2020Cricket Drona: For the Love of Vasu Paranjape (Penguin eBury Press)I remember very clearly when I met Vasoo Sir [Vasudeo Paranjape] for the first time. There was an under-17 camp at Wankhede Stadium, and out of the thirty probables only fifteen were going to make it to the team. When you’re a kid trying to make your mark in Mumbai cricket, you’re more focused on what you have to do at a trial than on learning about people who are watching you. I knew they were all respected coaches, especially Vasoo Sir, but I had no clue about what cricket he had played or which players he had mentored.Soon after, Vasoo Sir was in conversation with Pravin Amre, who was the chairman of the Junior Selection Committee; he was telling him about me. When Amre Sir started to talk to me about Vasoo Sir and explained who he was and what he had done for Mumbai cricket, I was dazed. I realized that this was a massive opportunity for me. Here was a man whose knowledge of cricket was amazing, and whose mind bordered on cricket-crazy, and I had a chance to absorb what I could. I decided to make the most of this opportunity – to learn, to glean as much as I possibly could from Sir. This was my big moment!Though he mainly had to focus on the playing eleven, I kept trying to find some excuse to be near him and talk to him. Actually, I just wanted him to talk, so I could listen and learn. Remember, we come from the Bombay school of cricket. There is a standard that has been set and these are the people who have done it before us – they played with legends and won everything, every season.He watched me during one of my net sessions at Wankhede, and then something happened. He went to the captain and said, ‘We need to get this kid into the team. You figure out your combination and all that. I won’t interfere. But this boy needs to play. Work with me.’Prashant Naik, who was the captain, came to me. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I don’t know anything about you and I’ve not heard much about you either, but Vasoo Sir says you have to play. So you’re playing tomorrow.’When I scored a century in an under-17 game in Baroda, I remember Vasoo Sir talking to Kiran More about me. Vasoo Sir saw some spark in me, and he always made it a point to push my case.I got to learn from him how to approach batting in different situations. He always told us: ‘No two situations are the same. Try and read the game – where you are, what you can do for your team and the situation your team is in. Learn this as soon as you can because now is the time to learn, not when you are playing for Bombay or India.’

He protected us from everything. He got negative feedback from selectors, officials, journalists and others, but he just kept it all to himself. When he came to us, he never mentioned a word. It was all batting, bowling, fielding, solving problems.

In so many of my innings for India, there have been instances when I have thought of something that Sir had told me all those years ago and applied that to the present game.When I first met him, I had only played one season of junior cricket. I had no concept of playing for Mumbai or India. But here was this person telling me what I should do, urging me to take small steps ahead. Young players sometimes get overawed and forget that the big things happen only if you do small things perfectly. This is something he always did, as I later realised.When speaking to young players, he knew how to get them to move forward, one step at a time. There is no point telling youngsters about bigger goals at that early a stage in their careers, and he understood that. This is what you call a helping hand. This is just what young sportspersons need.When I go out to the middle, I remember the things Vasoo Sir told me back then. Things like: as a batsman or a captain, if you can’t read the situation, the team is already in trouble; if you’re the boss, you have to walk out like you mean it, otherwise the shoulders of those who follow you will droop.He treated all of us like his own children, not as cricketers. We never felt that we were training under a coach. He was more like a father figure to us. He never uttered an aggressive word, projected no negativity. We lost games, there were people who did not perform consistently, but he never spoke to them harshly. He was always polite and friendly, and that’s what you need at that age. I was lucky to have played under him.I felt no pressure despite the fact that I was playing in the Mumbai atmosphere. All our lives we had been told that if you don’t win the title, it’s not a successful season. We were always reminded of the high standards set by those who came before us. All of us had to play with that in mind. But I can confidently tell you that not for one moment did we feel any pressure from the management, coach or selectors, and that was because of Vasoo Sir. He would speak to all of them, listening carefully to what they had to say and then tell them, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.’He protected us from everything. He got negative feedback from selectors, officials, journalists and others, but he just kept it all to himself. We also heard these things. But when he came to us, he never mentioned a word. It was all batting, bowling, fielding, solving problems.Paranjape knew how to get young players to move ahead one step at a time, by setting small, achievable goalsIt’s very important to be able to demonstrate a skill, especially to younger guys, when they’re just not getting it. The worst thing is for the coach to send the wrong message. If a player does not understand, Vasoo Sir would not let him go. If he had to pick up a bat and get in the nets to show the player just how something should be done, he would do that.Our team was the Mumbai gang. But Vasoo Sir could talk to us in Hindi, English, Gujarati and obviously Marathi. Apart from those, he could also speak other languages: fielding, batting and bowling. Everyone got what they needed from him, whether it was information or technical input.Even today, I look forward to any message from Vasoo Sir. Jatin, who has always been around, is my bridge. I always ask him, ‘Anything?’ I know Vasoo Sir watches my games when he can and, trust me, any input he gives me is gold dust. After every innings I wait to hear from him, and if he can’t get through to me because I’m travelling, I wait for Jatin to get in touch.I blossomed as a cricketer in that one season with Vasoo Sir. Whether we won or lost, he would sit us around and talk about the game. After these sessions, we let it all go and went to sleep with a light mind, shedding the baggage and thinking about what we needed and wanted to do the next day. He freed my mind, allowed me to dream about playing for India and showed me the steps I had to take to get there. That’s what Vasoo Sir does to a cricketer.When I look back, I realise how shrewdly Sir had forged the path that led me to the world stage of cricket. I was not from a big club or a big school or a college team. I was an outlier. But Sir’s recommendations to Pravin Amre, Kiran More and Dilip Vengsarkar got people talking about me, and I delivered on that promise. Without Sir by my side in those early years, I would not have been able to achieve as much as I fortunately have.

The Padres-Dodgers rivalry had another heated moment Tuesday night that saw Shohei Ohtani getting hit by a pitch in what seemed like an act of revenge and led to the ejection of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

It also led to Ohtani sharing an amazing picture of the moment on Instagram after the Dodgers' 8-6 win at home.

Ohtani was drilled in the leg in the bottom of the third inning. The first pitch of his at at-bat by Randy Vasquez brushed Ohtani back off the plate and then the next pitch hit him in his left knee. This came after Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a pitch in the top of the inning.

Look at this photo Ohtani posted:

Here's a replay, which shows Ohtani hobbling out of the box after being hit:

Ouch.

Both sides received warnings following that and Roberts was tossed after arguing with the umps. Ohtani stayed in the game and struck out four times.

Former India captain Mithali Raj and wicketkeeper-batter Ravi Kalpana will have stand named after them at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The stands will be unveiled on October 12 ahead of India’s women’s ODI World Cup match against Australia.The decision was taken after India opener Smriti Mandhana made the suggestion to Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh during the chat in August.”The ACA’s tribute to Mithali Raj and Ravi Kalpana reflects a deep commitment to honouring the trailblazers who have redefined women’s cricket in India while inspiring the next generation to dream bigger,” the ACA said in a statement.”Smriti Mandhana’s thoughtful suggestion captured a wider public sentiment,” minister Lokesh said. “Translating that idea into immediate action reflects our collective commitment to gender parity and to acknowledging the trailblazers of women’s cricket.”Raj, a former India captain and a stalwart of women’s cricket, holds the record for the most runs in women’s ODIs. She scored 7805 runs from 232 ODIs at an average of 50.68 with seven centuries.In 89 T20Is, she scored 2364 runs with 17 fifties at 37.52, while in 12 Tests, Raj scored 699 runs in 19 innings at 43.68 with a highest score of 214, the best for an India batter in the format. She retired from all formats of the game in 2022, bringing down the curtain on a career that spanned 23 years.Kalpana played seven ODIs between 2015 and 2016, and her rise to the India team has inspired several cricketers from the region, such as Arundhati Reddy, S Meghana and N Shree Charani.

Real Madrid have confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold has suffered a rectus femoris injury in his left thigh, with reports indicating he will miss around two months in another major setback to his debut season in Spain. The England international lasted barely ten minutes of the second half against Athletic Club before limping off, adding to a growing injury crisis.

Alexander-Arnold set to miss two months through thigh injury

Alexander-Arnold picked up his latest injury during Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Athletic Club, pulling up early in the second half after delivering his first La Liga assist at San Mames. The right-back immediately signalled towards the bench and required treatment before being withdrawn, prompting concern given his recent absence with a hamstring issue. Real Madrid’s subsequent medical tests confirmed a muscular injury to the rectus femoris in his left quadriceps, with reports estimating an absence of roughly two months.

This setback continues a disrupted opening spell at the Santiago Bernabeu for the former Liverpool defender, who has managed only sporadic appearances due to persistent muscular problems. Earlier in the season, he missed around six weeks with a hamstring strain and Spanish media have openly questioned whether he has fully adapted to Los Blancos’ intensity. The latest injury, therefore, arrives at a time when the 27-year-old was just beginning to find rhythm after limited involvement across competitions.

His withdrawal also highlights Real Madrid’s growing vulnerability in wide defensive areas, with Dani Carvajal already sidelined until early 2026. Xabi Alonso now faces the delicate task of reorganising his defensive structure in the middle of an intense fixture list that includes domestic and European commitments.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportValverde and Asencio to play stopgap yet again for Alonso

Alexander-Arnold’s prolonged spell on the sidelines deepens Real Madrid’s ongoing defensive issues, particularly as they compete for top honours while managing a mounting injury list. The absence of both established right-backs leaves Alonso increasingly reliant on makeshift solutions, with Federico Valverde or Raul Asencio emerging as potential stopgaps. Such adjustments risk disrupting the stability Madrid have been trying to restore amid inconsistent defensive displays across recent weeks.

This is not the first time Madrid have had to navigate long absences in the right-back position, with Carvajal suffering multiple physical setbacks over recent seasons. As a result, the burden on Valverde, naturally a midfielder, may increase significantly, potentially limiting his influence in central areas where he normally provides athleticism and ball progression. With tactical balance already affected in several matches, Madrid must now redistribute responsibilities across the squad to compensate for the weakened flank.

The packed winter calendar will see the team navigate domestic fixtures while preparing for the Spanish Super Cup, meaning Alonso must maintain competitive performance levels without two senior specialists in the same role. The situation also increases pressure on senior leaders throughout the squad, who must preserve results as Madrid face growing scrutiny following a mixed run of performances.

Alexander-Arnold will need careful recuperation

The rectus femoris injury diagnosed by Madrid’s medical team is a particularly troublesome setback for players relying on acceleration, long passing and overlapping runs, all fundamental aspects of Alexander-Arnold’s game. Such injuries often require careful rehabilitation to avoid recurrence, especially for a player who has already suffered a major hamstring strain earlier in the campaign. The club are therefore expected to take a cautious approach and avoid rushing him back into action.

The 27-year-old’s debut season has already been affected by fitness concerns, reducing his ability to settle into Madrid’s tactical structure and contribute consistently in a new league. His limited minutes have also prevented him from developing the attacking rhythm and defensive chemistry typically expected of a full-back in this system.

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Getty Images SportAlexander-Arnold will likely only return in February

Real Madrid are expected to confirm a more precise return timeline closer to the end of December or the start of the new year, but early estimates point to an absence of eight to ten weeks, ruling Alexander-Arnold out until early 2026. Xabi Alonso will need to rely on Valverde, Asencio or potential tactical tweaks to ensure continuity in the right-back role during one of the busiest stretches of the season.

Once Alexander-Arnold returns, Madrid will hope he can regain fitness swiftly and contribute decisively to the second half of the campaign, though his disrupted rhythm may require a gradual reintegration into the squad.

Veteran manager Sam Allardyce has voiced his willingness to fill the current vacancy at Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Hired in late 2024, Vitor Pereira guided Wolves away from the relegation zone in the second half of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Across the summer, though, the club sold star players Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha, replacing them with options that, seemingly, are not of the same quality. After 10 league matches without a win, Pereira was sacked by Wolves in early November, despite having signed a new contract earlier in the year.

Since the Portuguese was dismissed, Wolves have been linked with a number of potential replacements. Gary O’Neil, who himself was replaced by Pereira at Molineux, was seemingly in the frame for what would have been a shock return. O’Neil has since taken himself out of the running to be the manager that will try and ensure Wolves’ Premier League safety.

O’Neil, who had a generally solid tenure at Molineux, would have been a bold appointment from the Midlands club, whose search for a new manager is ongoing. As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Erik ten Hag is “among the other candidates”. The former Man United manager was hired by Bayer Leverkusen to replace Xabi Alonso in the summer but was sacked after just three matches with the German side.

Now, it would appear that an English football icon is open to trying to save Wolves from dropping to the Championship.

Allardyce would be open to Wolves job

As per talkSPORT, Sam Allardyce would be open to taking the current vacancy at Molineux. Having been out of work since his brief stint in charge of Leeds United came to an end in 2023, the veteran said:

Since taking up management in the early 1990s, Allardyce has worked extensively in the past three decades. The Englishman found a lot of success with Bolton between 1999 and 2007, going onto manage sides including Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and the England national team amongst many others.

Games

10

Wins

7

Draws

3

Losses

0

Points per Match

2.40

Across a period of over 20 years, Allardyce is unbeaten in 10 games against Wolves, with games coming during his time at Bolton, Blackburn and West Bromwich Albion.

Though he no longer has a perfect record of avoiding relegation, Allardyce’s reputation could be a leading contributor to what would be a truly sensational return to Premier League management. As he noted, though, it may be that Wolves look for a younger candidate.

Wolves manager target could be their 'new Nuno'

يلتقي منتخب مصر الثاني، اليوم الجمعة، مع نظيره الجزائر، وديًا ضمن الاستعدادات للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب 2025.

وتقام المباراة على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن استعدادات المنتخبين لبطولة كأس العرب 2025 المقررة في قطر خلال الفترة من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر المقبل.

طالع.. خاص.. موقف محمد الشناوي من المشاركة في مباراة منتخب مصر وأوزبكستان

ويخوض منتخب مصر بقيادة حلمي طولان مباراتين وديتين أمام الجزائر يومي 14 و17 نوفمبر، بهدف اختبار جاهزية اللاعبين وتجهيز كافة العناصر الفنية والبدنية قبل انطلاق البطولة.

وفي المقابل، يطمح منتخب الجزائر إلى تحقيق الفوز والظهور بمستوى مميز، مستفيدًا من خبرة لاعبيه المحليين وتجربتهم الأكبر مقارنة بالفريق المصري. موعد مباراة مصر والجزائر اليوم

تنطلق المباراة عند الساعة الرابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الثالثة عصراً بتوقيت الجزائر، الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية وقطر. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر والجزائر اليوم

ستنقل المباراة مباشرة عبر قناة OnTime Sports HD.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا