Sri Lanka came to life during their 219-run DLS thrashing of England in the fifth ODI and Thisara Perera suggested his T20 side would be on the attack again

Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Oct-2018Fresh from piling on 366 against England in the final one-dayer, Sri Lanka are hopeful the tables they turned on Tuesday will remain upended, that the boots will stay switched, and that their batsmen will continue their plunder in the T20 on Saturday. Sure, victory in the fifth ODI came in a dead rubber against a substantially weakened England side, but its emphatic nature – the 219-run DLS win was Sri Lanka’s biggest this decade – has injected fresh energy into what had been an ailing limited-overs side.In particular, Sri Lanka may seek to target England’s key bowlers. In the fifth ODI they succeeded in taking more runs off legspinner Adil Rashid than they previously had in the series. Sri Lanka’s new T20 captain Thisara Perera said an aggressive approach against Rashid could pay dividends again.”If you take the last game, whatever we wanted to do against Rashid worked, I thought,” he said. “We wanted to be positive against him. When we have that mindset we can put a bowler under pressure. So we urged the batters to go out and play positively. But we also kept an eye on the variations to expect from each bowler.”The batsmen who began Tuesday’s onslaught were Niroshan Dickwella, who has had a good limited-overs leg of this tour, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made his maiden international fifty. The pair put on Sri Lanka’s first century opening stand since July 2017, and may have the opportunity to provide more early-overs fireworks. Because Kusal Perera remains sidelined with a quad strain, Samarawickrama has been brought into the squad, and will likely open the innings again.”We gave them the last couple of games hoping to get a good start, because we have to give players opportunities often,” Thisara said. “I thought they grabbed it by both hands. We have just a few games before the World Cup and we hope to settle on a side, rather than allowing new players to come in and find places.”On a personal note, Thisara believes the T20 captaincy came back to him on account of his much improved batting and bowling form in 2018. He had been T20 limited-overs captain for a stint in late 2017, before being replaced by Angelo Mathews in the role, but now takes the job back from Mathews. Having had three poor years between 2015 and 2017, Thisara has made an emphatic recovery this year, and averaging 37.66 and striking at 176 with the bat, even if his bowling in the shortest format hasn’t been as good as it has been in ODis.”Captaincy was not something that I expected,” he said. “I was keen on representing the country, and captaincy came to me as I became senior. I was taken out as captain this year, but when I started performing again I was entrusted with leadership again. If I can perform as a player and continue to lead the side I will be happy with that.”

Liverpool will inevitably target new additions in 2024, having impressed thus far during the 2023/24 season after an industrial midfield rebuild in the summer, though still not quite at full throttle.

Jurgen Klopp's side's midfield issues were exposed against Luton Town last weekend, with a lack of specialist defensive options inhibiting a possible title charge, while Andy Robertson's injury several weeks ago has underscored the need for left-sided reinforcements on the backline.

The frontline is in better shape, but could still welcome some exciting young talent to enrich the ranks and maintain Liverpool's attacking fluency across multiple fronts, and a rising star appears to have been earmarked.

Liverpool transfer news – Assane Diao

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Real Betis winger Assane Diao is on Liverpool's radar after an impressive start to the season in LaLiga, though the Reds will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United.

The report mentions that the listed suitors have all made separate approaches over the past weeks, with Diao having 'dazzled' the Betis supporters with his electric displays.

Aged just 18, the Spain U21 international is reported to have a €30m (£26m) release clause embedded into his contract, with manager Manuel Pellegrini actively seeking to tie up fresh terms that will elevate that amount to €40m (£35m).

Assane Diao's style of play

Joining the Real Betis academy from Cadiz in 2021, Diao was originally slated for a central midfield role but maintained a level of attacking prowess that simply couldn't go unnoticed, prompting a move toward the left channel.

Having now scored four goals across his first ten professional appearances with his Spanish side, Diao is proving that decision right, possessing a natural eye for goal that has alerted the prestigious English clubs. Indeed, in total this term he has already found the net six times.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 23% for successful take-ons, the top 18% for tackles, the top 11% for interceptions, the top 1% for blocks and the top 6% for aerial wins per 90.

So what does this mean? Diao's natural predatory instinct is highlighted, striking at an age-belying rate so far, and while his goalscoring steals the headlines, he is progressive and tenacious in his application across the park.

Such skills could be a welcome addition to Liverpool's attacking options, with Luis Diaz certainly of a similar mould in his barrelling, breakneck motions toward the byline, having scored four goals from nine starts this term to emphasise his effectiveness.

With his shooting skills, Diao could benefit immensely from a dynamic centre-forward such as Darwin Nunez beside him in the frontline, with the Uruguayan striker hailed as an “agent of chaos” by journalist Theo Squires for the kaleidoscope of offensive tools he brings to the table.

Having posted seven goals and four assists already this season, Nunez ranks among the top 11% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising his surging skills.

The £140k-per-week star is a dream for a rising talent of Diao's ilk to play alongside, and would only serve to enhance his skills on Merseyside.

Diao has been described as "sharp" and "intelligent" by journalist Josh Bunting and certainly looks to be a prospect worth investing in; given the riches Klopp possesses in an attacking regard already, he would find the perfect platform to continue his development at Anfield.

Manchester United’s recent 3-0 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup means that their start to the 2023/24 campaign – which has included eight losses in 15 matches – is their worst since the 1962/63 season.

The result on Wednesday ensures they will not be defending the League Cup they won back in February and with just one win in three Champions League ties along with just five wins in the Premier League, there may not be any silverware adorning the United trophy cabinet this season.

Erik ten Hag is a man coming under severe pressure and unless results perk up immediately, starting with a tie against Fulham on Saturday, then his reign at the club could be short-lived.

The Dutchman has not been helped with a plethora of injuries disrupting his squad as the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been missing for large spells of the current season and a failure to field a first-choice defence has hindered the club.

The players he has been able to call upon however have not delivered consistent performances which match his ambitions and this has led the Old Trafford side down a slippery slope.

It is evident that his business in the summer transfer market was far from ideal, with Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat struggling to settle in and stamp their authority on the team.

If the Dutchman is still in the United hotseat come January, then he could use the winter window to add some much-needed quality to his squad as his attacking option have left a lot to be desired so far this season.

Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Bruno Fernandes have scored just seven goals between them throughout the whole campaign.

Could this tempt Ten Hag to delve into the transfer market in a few months for another centre-forward? A previously linked striker, Benjamin Sesko, is reportedly going to be available in January for a potential move.

Man Utd transfer news – Benjamin Sesko

The Red Devils had a chance to sign the young striker from Domzale back in 2019 according to The Athletic, yet it was during the summer of 2022 when United really stepped up their interest in the youngster as Ten Hag wanted to bolster his options.

However, the Dutch boss missed out on signing him as Sesko ended up joining RB Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee in the region of £55m.

Fast-forward nearly 18 months, however, and it appears as though the 20-year-old ace may be ready to move on from the German side already having failed to really settle at the Bundesliga outfit.

That’s according to 90min, who claim that United and Newcastle will be on high alert having been notified of Sesko’s soon-to-be availability.

Having signed another one of Europe’s most promising strikers in Hojlund during the summer, it looks as though Ten Hag is building a team which could challenge for honours in the future. Will he be here to see the fruits of his labour, however?

As mentioned, the United boss has been let down by the lack of goals from his attacking players this term, with Martial in particular once again failing to show the Dutchman any signs of quality.

Anthony Martial’s season in numbers

The Frenchman has just a few months remaining on his current contract at United, and It is safe to say that he has hardly done anything of note to deserve a new and improved deal.

Across the whole squad in the Premier League, the former AS Monaco striker ranks tenth for shots on target per match (0.3) along with ranking 19th for successful dribbles per game (0.1) while scoring no goals in the competition at all.

6

0

2

0

0.6

0.3

2

0

8

0

The 27-year-old dud has netted just once all season, in an EFL Cup match against Crystal Palace, and he does not appear to have enjoyed playing under Ten Hag, scoring a total of ten goals during the Dutchman’s spell at United so far.

With players such as Martial underperforming, alongside Rashford and Fernandes, it shows how little United have going forward, which is why they could make a splash in January.

Making a move for Sesko may not solve every problem they currently have, but his vast potential and clinical nature would surely ensure he is an upgrade on Martial.

Benjamin Sesko would be better than Anthony Martial

The £58k-per-week striker has scored more than Martial since the start of last season (24 vs ten) and he has been making his mark on the continent over the previous 12 months.

The Slovenian forward is already outshining the current United player for domestic performances this term, indicating exactly why he would be a wonderful signing for Ten Hag.

According to FBref, Sesko has registered more shots on target per 90 (2.1 vs 0.8) than Martial, along with registering more shot-creating actions per 90 (2.51 vs 2) and higher successful take-on percentage (62.5% vs 50%) clearly demonstrating his vast potential as a threat at the top end of the pitch this term.

With 57 goals across just 136 professional matches, Sesko has displayed a ruthlessness nature which could get better the more he develops and learns his trade.

He was lauded as a “machine man” by talent scout Jacek Kulig back in 2021 as he was bursting onto the scene with FC Liefering, and he continued that scoring streak with Salzburg before sealing his move to Germany.

Ten Hag will be buoyed by the fact he could be available in the January transfer window and making a move for the young starlet should be a priority, especially considering there are other clubs interested in securing his signature.

Martial has failed to live up to the enormous hype that was generated following his move from Monaco in 2015 and while he has shown flashes of his talent during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford, it simply has not been good enough – as his aforementioned statistics under the current boss prove.

Alongside Hojlund, Sesko could be a future star and the Red Devils will know that if they lure him to Manchester, he could develop into a fantastic option for them at the top end of the pitch, which is not what their current French marksman is.

Glasgow Rangers are back in action this evening as they travel away from Ibrox to face fifth-placed Dundee under the light in the Scottish Premiership.

The Light Blues head into this match five points off their rivals at the top of the division and could cut down that gap if Celtic fail to pick up all three points in their game.

Philippe Clement has won both of his first two league matches in charge of the club – against Hibernian and Hearts – and the latest of those wins came at Ibrox against Steven Naismith's side on Sunday.

Lawrence Shankland scored the opening goal with a fine header after five minutes but two goals in stoppage time from James Tavernier and Danilo secured all three points.

The Brazilian striker's goal won the match for the Scottish giants and Clement must now unleash him from the start against Dundee this evening, in place of Cyriel Dessers.

Dessers' performance against Hearts in numbers

If a performance ever typified a player's season it was this one from the Nigeria international as he struggled in and out of possession throughout the first half.

Dessers played the opening 45 minutes before being hauled off by the Belgian head coach, who had seemingly seen all that he needed to from him.

The experienced marksman did not win a single duel for the team and only completed six passes in total, to go along with one 'big chance' missed from his two efforts on goal over the course of that 45 minutes.

It summed up his struggles this term as the 28-year-old flop has lost 71% of his duels and missed nine 'big chances' in ten Premiership outings so far this season, to go along with two goals.

He has, quite simply, not offered enough on or off the ball and should be ditched from the starting XI against Dundee this evening so that Danilo can be unleashed.

Danilo's performance against Hearts in numbers

The summer signing from Feyenoord replaced Dessers at half-time and produced an impressive display in the second half that was capped off with his winning goal.

He won four of his eight duels on the pitch and this shows that the talented whiz was able to put himself about and compete to win physical battles for the team, in a way that the man who started was unable to.

Danilo also created one chance for his side, from nine passes completed, and rose well to meet Tavernier's cross to head in the winner in stoppage time.

The 5 foot 9 ace, who was hailed as an “amazing instinctive finisher” by analyst and Eredivisie expert Melvin Dupper, has scored three goals in two Premiership starts and seven appearances in total for the Gers.

He has also won 41% of his duels, in comparison to Dessers' aforementioned 29%, and this suggests that the gem could provide more physicality in the number nine position.

Therefore, Clement must finally unleash Danilo, who is yet to start under the new boss, and move the Nigerian striker aside for tonight's game to give Rangers a greater goal threat at the top end of the pitch.

West Ham United manager David Moyes has been praised for one tweak he's made to the starting eleven, coming amid calls for the sack.

Moyes under pressure

In the past fortnight, there have been some calls for Moyes to call an end to his near four-year stay at West Ham. Their league form has left a lot to be desired since the beginning of 2022/2023, with the Irons finishing 14th last season and battling relegation for much of the Premier League campaign.

While Moyes did guide West Ham to an historic Europa Conference League title in May, and are continuing to impress in cup competitions, the coach's contract expires next summer and reports suggest he's "unlikely" to stay beyond then.

Journalist Paul Brown, speaking to GiveMeSport this week, suggested the east Londoners will have their eye on a young and upcoming manager if Moyes does depart.

"Before Moyes, they were big admirers of people like Marcelo Bielsa and Rafa Benitez, but I suspect that with Tim Steidten coming in, those kind of managers would not be high on his wish list if the club was to make a change. So you'd be more likely to see West Ham trying to go for more of a younger, up-and-coming manager I think if a change is coming."

West Ham's 1-0 win over Olympiacos somewhat eased the pressure on Moyes heading into Nottingham Forest. However, nothing but a victory over Steve Cooper's side is likely to satisfy critics or the fanbase.

Moyes praised for West Ham tweak

Amid these reports of Moyes potentially leaving next year, Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has actually moved to praise the 60-year-old for one change he's made to his eleven.

Indeed, star winger Jarrod Bowen, who recently committed to his future to the club, is starting to be used in a more central role as an alternative to traditional striker Michail Antonio.

The Jamaica international started this season brightly but has since tailed off on the goalscoring front, and with Gianluca Scamacca's departure to Atalanta in the summer, Moyes has had to improvise in an attempt to hand West Ham more potency going forward.

Robinson, speaking to Football Insider, hailed Moyes for utilising Bowen and says summer signing Mohammed Kudus is another option to play with.

“I think Moyes has that cover with Mohammed Kudus, he’s been a great signing. He’s the option. He can play down the centre as well, but also in recent weeks, we’ve seen Jarrod Bowen fill in that role and he’s been excellent. I’ve seen him a few times this season.

“With Kudus and Bowen, maybe not direct competitors but David Moyes certainly has options and he is not afraid to use them.

“I really like what he’s done there. They’ve progressed again whether or not he looks for a direct competitor for Antonio to strengthen his squad. It’s a squad that’s used to the rigours of European football and they’re in a much better place. In regards to Antonio, if the manager can afford that luxury, maybe it’s something he looks at.”

Arsenal have made a stellar start to the 2023/24 campaign, although Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar will be wishing time away to get to the January transfer window.

The Gunners sit just one point from the summit after 12 games played in the Premier League, however, injury has plagued the squad in the early moments of the campaign to resurface the issues relating to depth that cancelled the north Londoner’s plans of winning the league last term.

With key members of the XI absent, the upcoming January transfer window could shed some light on where Arsenal see their need for recruitment being, with the midfield said to be one of the primary areas to be assessed at the start of 2024.

Aside from the midfield, a recurring theme of the Gunners’ shortcomings in the side is the lack of potency in leading the line, with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus the only two recognisable centre-forwards in the first team.

The January window could come at a perfect time for Arteta to strengthen his options going forward, with a few names already linked with a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal's January transfer targets

According to Football Transfers, Juventus talisman Dusan Vlahovic is the manager’s ‘preferred’ number nine target, with the 23-year-old renowned for his impact in the final third in Italy.

The report touches upon Arsenal’s past interest in the Serbian, who was linked with the Premier League outfit prior to his move to Juve in January 2022.

With a market value of €80m (£70m), the Serie A dynamo could be an expensive forward to acquire, particularly following his dip in form since his move to Turin, in which he has only netted 21 league goals for the Bianconeri in almost two years.

Closer to home, a more trusted figure could be an option for the Gunners to select to lead their line in the future, with links to Brentford’s Ivan Toney resurfacing.

After speaking highly of the north London club during the Diary of a CEO podcast, the Englishman has emerged as a potential talent for Arteta to eye, with several news outlets reporting Arsenal’s apparent interest.

A report from journalist John Cross, via The Mirror, back in September claimed that both Arsenal and Chelsea are eyeing the 27-year-old’s services in January, when his ban from football for betting infringements will expire.

Adding to the initial report, The Mirror relayed earlier this month that the Bees were to slap a £100m price tag on their star man to ward off interest from Arteta and Edu, however, things could take another twist.

This week, 90min reported that Toney is ‘demanding’ a release clause in his current contract that could allow interested parties to swipe him from Brentford’s grasp if the agreed fee is met.

The report also mentioned that both Arsenal and Chelsea have ‘held talks’ with the striker’s representatives, making his movements in the future an interesting narrative to follow.

Ivan Toney’s career in numbers

Once lauded as “remarkable” by manager Thomas Frank, it’s no surprise that Brentford want to keep hold of their forward, who has contributed heavily to the west London club since his arrival in 2020.

From League Two, to League One, to the Championship, to the Premier League, Toney has passed the tests of the top-four tiers of English football, scoring 165 career goals while representing a handful of clubs.

Appearances

Goals

Assists

53

11

5

165

65

21

45

31

10

68

32

9

Often, players are unable to replicate their form shown in the leagues below the top-flight, however, the Northampton-born star defies such woes having emerged as one of the most deadly forwards in the Premier League since the Bees’ promotion.

In his debut season at Brentford, the forward fired his new club to the top-flight, contributing to 41 goals in 45 appearances, scoring 31 and assisting ten to introduce himself to west London in stylish fashion.

Across his two campaigns in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium, Toney has netted 32 goals, claiming 12 in his first term and 20 last season, ending the 2022/23 calendar as the league’s third-highest scorer behind Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.

With pace, power, strong finishing ability and most importantly, a proven spark in the top flight, the £100m price tag on the England international could prove to be priceless for Arsenal.

Why Ivan Toney would be a strong signing for Arsenal

It’s obvious that Toney would be a firm upgrade on the Gunners’ current strike options based on his scoring record alone, with his 32 Premier League goals in two seasons far beyond the capacity of Jesus and Nketiah.

The former Manchester City gem has netted 28 goals in his previous three full seasons in the league, while the 24-year-old is yet to hit 20 goals in his 101 appearances, reinforcing the added firepower that the Brentford man would provide.

Arsenal haven’t had an established striker since Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, who is the first Gunners centre-forward to hit over 20 league goals since Robin van Persie in 2011/12, with winger Alexis Sanchez the only other player to overcome the 20 goal hurdle, via Transfermarkt.

While the north Londoners were in transition with managers, players and outside of the top four during the Gabon international’s time at the Emirates, his goalscoring streak provided the squad with a reliable outlet to show for the creativity within the side.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Ivan Toney

22

20

124 min

148 min

1.1

1.3

23

16

23%

21%

In signing Toney, Arteta could replicate the clinical streak of the former Borussia Dortmund talisman to his current squad, who are already making waves in the Premier League without the assistance of a prolific number nine.

Aubameyang arrived when the squad was in re-build and scored goals, whereas the 27-year-old could arrive at a time where he would be the missing piece to the manager’s puzzle, in a move that could transform Arsenal’s hopes of re-establishing themselves within Europe's elite.

A hefty price tag and a club that aren’t willing to give up hopes of keeping hold of their forward easily are what stands in the way of the Gunners securing Toney’s signature, leaving the Gunners with a lot to consider when weighing up the strength of their pursuit for the Englishman.

When it rains, it pours, and Tottenham Hotspur are sure to be feeling the effects of the storm right now after Wolverhampton Wanderers' two late goals snatched victory from Ange Postecoglou to conclude a miserable week.

Just one week ago, Spurs were flying in the Premier League and revelling in an extraordinary start to the season under the Australian manager's wing, but an anarchic match against Chelsea resulted in a 4-1 loss after injuries to key players James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, as well as dismissals to Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero.

This exacerbation of problems resulted in a much-changed backline at Molineux today, with the notable absence of Maddison's creative ingenuity in the centre also felt.

And despite taking the lead through Brennan Johnson's early strike – his first for Tottenham – a lack of control in the centre allowed Wolves to gain a foothold, with poor finishing from the hosts the only thing stopped parity from being restored earlier on.

And with two stoppage-time goals from Pablo Sarabia and Mario Lemina turning the game on its head in the dying embers, questions must be asked of the attacking options on the pitch, with captain Heung-min Son at the epicentre.

Heung-min Son's performance vs Wolves

Son extended an unwanted individual record against the Old Gold today, extending his record of 11 matches against the club without scoring, with such a statistic emblematic of the South Korean's performance at Molineux today.

Ineffective in his centre-forward position, the 31-year-old took just 36 touches and completed 83% of his passes, with his only shot of the game blocked in the late stages, right before the turnaround, as per Sofascore.

The dynamic attacker did make one key pass, but he was definitely out of sorts in comparison to his fantastic feats this season, scoring eight goals across his past eight games as the focal frontman in the Premier League before today.

Handing him a 5/10 score in his post-match player ratings, the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick wrote: 'Missing the service for long periods but struggled to get into the game or hold up the ball effectively.'

Son did drop deeper and out wide on multiple occasions to get the ball rolling, so to speak, and did feel the void left in Maddison's wake, but it was one of his arguably worst displays under Postecoglou and he will now hope to return to blistering form after the forthcoming international break.

He was not the only offensive outlet to have flattered to deceive, with winger Dejan Kulusevski not really building on a strong start and ultimately leaving much to be desired.

Dejan Kulusevski's stats vs Wolves

To be fair, many of Kulusevski's best attributes were on display in the Midlands, with the Swede's relentless running and high energy charging the right channel; it is for this reason that Postecoglou has given him a starting berth across all 12 league encounters this season, having scored three goals.

Kulusevski started with a brilliant contribution, latching onto Pape Sarr's cross-field pass to weave it into the path of Pedro Porro, whose incisive whipped delivery was turned in by Johnson for his maiden Spurs goal.

But that proved to be the end of Tottenham's attacking intent, with the host taking control and launching a fusillade of efforts on Guglielmo Vicario's goal over the duration of the contest – it was only poor finishing that ensured the lead was preserved for as long as it was.

Kulusevski was indeed as energetic as ever but he failed to contribute defensively – making no tackles, clearances, or interceptions – and was actually dribbled past on five occasions, having failed with both of his own attempted carries with the ball at his feet.

Moreover, the 23-year-old only won two duels all game despite contesting in 16; having also lost the ball 13 times, the 45-touch wideman endured an afternoon to forget and will hope to rekindle his better form when his side return to action in a few weeks.

It's important to remain calm, with Spurs still thriving after Postecoglou's summer arrival and still in a promising position. With a fully-fit squad, it's plausible that the London club would still be undefeated in the Premier League this season.

But alas, calamity struck, and now is the time to rally together and ensure that the early-season exploits do not turn out to be a false dawn.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow after learning that another one of their players could be facing a spell on the sidelines alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, according to a fresh report that has emerged.

Spurs injury news

The Lilywhites have James Maddison, Micky Van De Ven, Ashley Phillips, Richarlison, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon and Ivan Perisic out of action with their own problems as it stands, but they were recently joined in the treatment room by another squad member.

During Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa, Bentancur was forced off the pitch on 32 minutes after being on the receiving end of a dangerous challenge from Matty Cash, so there will be concerns surrounding his fitness, having only just returned from a long-term knee injury.

Latest Tottenham injury news, expected return dates, suspensions

FFC keeps you up to date with all the latest Spurs news involving injuries as they prepare to take on Chelsea.

ByMark Marston May 4, 2024

So far this season, Pape Matar Sarr has started 11 out of the 13 games in the top-flight showing how much of an integral feature he’s become under Ange Postecoglou (WhoScored – Sarr statistics), but the central midfielder might also have to wait a while before he makes his next appearance.

The Senegal international didn’t train with the first team on Friday due to sustaining a hamstring injury over the past fortnight, meaning that he didn’t feature in Sunday's encounter in the capital, and an update has now emerged regarding the 21-year-old’s situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Pape Matar Sarr injury update

Taking to X, Paul O Keefe confirmed that Saar has picked up an injury, but at this stage, the extent of his problem is unknown, just like the exact amount of time he’ll be facing on the sidelines for Spurs.

“Don’t know how bad it is yet. He came back from international duty complaining he felt a problem.”

Despite being a central midfielder, Sarr has been strong in the offensive aspect of his game this season having provided two assists and scored one goal in 12 appearances in the Premier League (Transfermarkt – Sarr statistics), and the fact that he could be facing a spell on the sidelines will be a blow for Spurs.

The Thiaroye native has also been extremely calm and composed in possession, where he’s recording a 90% pass success rate at this moment in time, highlighting his ability to dictate and control the game from his natural position when on the ball.

Postecoglou’s £10k-per-week earner (Tottenham salaries), even has the versatility to operate in defensive, central and attacking midfield, making him a wonderful option to have in the building because he is able to easily adapt to the manager‘s demands should he need cover for any other injuries.

According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Sarr has shown what “delicious” chances he can create for his fellow teammates in the final third, so there’s no doubt that everyone associated with the club will be hoping that he won't be away from the action for too long and that he can stage his comeback to the pitch sooner rather than later.

Newcastle United have been left threadbare after an injury crisis, which could see up to 11 first-team players ruled out heading into Saturday's match against Chelsea.

Read more: Latest Newcastle injury news

As such, Eddie Howe will be keen to strengthen his ranks come January, particularly in midfield, where Sandro Tonali has left a huge void after picking up a 10-month suspension.

Al-Hilal's Rúben Neves had been mooted as a potential replacement for the Italian, but The Atheltic recently confirmed that he is expected to remain in Saudi Arabia, at least until the end of the season.

Although, the recent Premier League vote on a loan ban between associated clubs failed, so technically there is still a possibility.

With that in mind, Football FanCast has taken a look at five midfielders Newcastle could sign in January.

Scott McTominay – Manchester United

West Ham could provide competition for his signature

Scott McTominay has been linked with a move to the North East club in the past and the Mirror ran a report in October claiming that he is among a four-man shortlist for the January transfer window.

The towering midfielder has netted three times in nine league outings this season and has been in prolific goalscoring form for Scotland, scoring seven goals in Euro qualifying.

McTominay was subjected to a bid from West Ham United in the summer and the Hammers could return with a second proposal this winter.

That would only drive the price up for the Magpies which could force them to explore other midfield alternatives…

Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City

The 27-year-old is eager to find regular football

According to ESPN, Newcastle are lining up a proposal for out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is also being monitored by European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Juventus.

The England international has played just 89 minutes of Premier League football this term and is eager to find regular opportunities ahead of the Euros next summer.

It remains to be seen whether any forthcoming deal will be a permanent or loan, though, City will likely want to recoup as much of the £42m they outlaid as possible.

Phillips' game time since moving to Man City

Season

Appearances

Starts

2022/23

21

4

2023/24

8

1

Amadou Onana – Everton

The former Lille midfielder could be sold to ease financial pressures

As reported by The Athletic, Newcastle United have previously had Everton midfielder Amadou Onana on their transfer shortlist and could materialise their interest in January given Everton's financial position.

The Toffees have recently been deducted 10 points and could face further punishment with Leeds United, Leicester City and Burnley all set to sue the Merseyside club.

One of Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite will likely depart in the next year to ease the club's financial concerns which could allow the Magpies to land the Belgian international's signature at a discounted price.

Though, TEAMtalk claim Everton remain well-positioned to keep hold of their prized assets and won't accept any cut-price offers.

João Palhinha – Fulham

The former Sporting midfielder came close to a summer exit

Fulham's João Palhinha was another midfielder namechecked in The Athletic's October report, though, the publication did note that the deal is 'potentially unrealistic'.

Bayern Munich were close to signing the 23-cap Portugal international for a reported £55m in the summer before the deal collapsed.

The Cottagers will clearly want a similar fee should they sanction a January exit, meaning the Tynesiders will have to outlay a sizable fee, which is perhaps non-viable.

The 28-year-old is under contract until June 2028.

Palhinha career path

Date

Left

Joined

Fee

12th August, 2015

Sporting B

Moreirense FC

Loan

30th June, 2016

Moreirense FC

Sporting B

End of loan

1st July, 2016

Sporting B

Sporting CP

–

9th August, 2016

Sporting CP

CF Os Belenenses

Loan

4th January, 2017

CF Os Belenenses

Sporting CP

End of loan

7th August, 2018

Sporting CP

SC Braga

Loan

31st July, 2020

SC Braga

Sporting CP

End of loan

4th July, 2022

Sporting CP

Fulham

£18.2m

André Almeida – Valencia

The Portugal youth international impressed against England's Under-21s

The Athletic further notes that Valencia's André Almeida could be targetted this winter, with the Spanish outfit potentially in need of raising cash.

The 23-year-old has represented Portugal at every age level and impressed against England in the Under-21 European Championships quarter-final in the summer.

He is thought to be worth around £20m, which could be a more feasible option than some of the aforementioned names. Despite Newcastle's significant wealth, they must operate shrewdly in the market with Financial Fair Play looming.

West Ham United fans will be eagerly anticipating an injury update on Jarrod Bowen's status and have now got their wish from a specialist in the subject.

West Ham's striker situation…

On the face of it, West Ham United have some decent striking options to choose from at the London Stadium, with Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Divin Mubama being naturally predicated centre forwards. Mohammed Kudus and Bowen are both capable of featuring as a number nine and have both occupied a central slot at times this campaign.

Nevertheless, injury issues have started to take their toll on David Moyes' ability to pick a strong offensive lineup over the last few weeks, leaving the Scotsman with no choice but to make alterations to his side.

Jamaica international Antonio returned from the recent international break injured; however, he avoided a serious concern as scans proved that he only strained his medial ligament, which will render him unavailable for around a month, according to The Evening Standard.

Three Lions winger Bowen also sustained a problem on international duty, which is something Moyes touched on in his post-match press conference after the Irons' 2-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor, as he stated: "Jarrod is, I hope, not too bad. But he just wasn’t ready to play and we couldn’t get him ready for the game."

Giving nothing away with regards to the extent of Bowen's injury, West Ham United fans will hope that their star man isn't out on the sidelines for too long as they enter a congester run of festive fixtures. Now, an update on his situation has emerged from an expert in physical therapy and sports science explaining the permutations and potential length of Bowen's absence.

Jarrod Bowen injury verdict…

Speaking to West Ham Zone, injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar has allayed fears that Bowen could be set for a considerable spell on the sidelines and expects him to be back in contention sooner than other reports have suggested.

Jarrod Bowen in-game statistics 2023/24 – Premier League (WhoScored)

Shots per game

2.8

Dribbles per game

1.6

Average match rating

7.34/10

Brar stated: "The only reason for those reports to be true, we’re talking over six months out – would be an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

"However, that is certainly not the case. It’s hard to give specifics on what it might be because not much information has been given out by the national team or the club. But, he should be fine for the coming games."

This campaign, Bowen has once again been in imperious form for the Irons, registering nine goals and three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions (Bowen statistics – Transfermarkt).

Carrying the torch in attack for West Ham United, Bowen has also successfully performed 45 shot-creating actions in 2023/24, with nine directly leading to goals (Bowen statistics – FBRef).

Moving into a busy period of matches, Moyes will be keen for Bowen to return to action as soon as possible at the London Stadium due to the constant threat he provides no matter the opposition.

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ByMark Marston Jul 11, 2024