Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the first few IPL 2025 matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) as he continues to recover from the back injury that has kept him out of action since January. It has been learnt that Bumrah is expected to join the squad by early April – MI have three games scheduled in March – subject to clearance from the medical team at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.Bumrah has been recuperating from the stress-related injury in his lower back, which he suffered on the second day of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney on January 4. Bumrah was subsequently ruled out of the Champions Trophy, which India won earlier this month. This is the first time Bumrah has gone down with a back injury since undergoing surgery in March 2023.While announcing the squad for Champions Trophy in January, Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, had said that Bumrah had been asked by the BCCI medical team to offload for at least five weeks (from the SCG Test). Since the Champions Trophy only started on February 19, Bumrah had been included in India’s provisional squad. He travelled to Bengaluru for fresh scans in early February, but continued to feel discomfort and was not named in the final squad.It could not be confirmed exactly how many matches Bumrah would miss and if there was a definite date of return.Will Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t played since the Sydney Test in early January•Getty Images

MI’s first two IPL 2025 fixtures are away: after starting their campaign in Chennai against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23, they play Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. MI’s first home match is two days later, when they host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31. They then play two matches in first week of April: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on April 4 and at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7.His unique action has made Bumrah susceptible to back issues, forcing the BCCI medical team, the selectors, and the team think tank to balance his workload and ensure that he is given optimal rest between series/tournaments.Recently, former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, who has worked with Bumrah in the past at MI in his capacity as the team’s bowling coach, had warned that if Bumrah suffers another back injury in the spot where he had had the surgery, it could be a “career ender”.Bond, who had suffered chronic back issues during his playing career, said that the “danger” zone for fast bowlers was when they transitioned too quickly from T20 to Test cricket, and that was his primary concern for Bumrah, too, seeing that India are scheduled to travel to England in June to play a five-Test series barely a month after the IPL ends on May 25.

The signing of Xavi Simons marks nearly a month-long pursuit for Tottenham Hotspur to find their James Maddison replacement.

In a World Cup year, this was set to be an important campaign for the Englishman, who was notably excluded from England’s squad at the European Championships.

More heartbreak has befallen Maddison, set to miss most of the 2025/26 campaign with an ACL injury.

Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White were the main targets but the former joined Arsenal instead and the latter was handed a shiny new contract by Mr Marinakis at Nottingham Forest.

So, Simons ended up being the man, penning terms after Spurs agreed to pay RB Leipzig £51m to attain his signature.

Yet, the Lilywhites may not be done there.

Spurs could conclude one last deal

If Spurs are to conclude any last-minute deals then it’s likely to be in attack. Dominic Solanke has picked up another injury problem while Richarlison has had his own setbacks throughout his time in the capital.

As such, going into the campaign without another forward player signed could be a recipe for disaster as far as Thomas Frank and Co are concerned.

A number of players have been linked in recent days, notably Lucas Paqueta and Ademola Lookman, but the more likely name to join is Manchester City winger, Savinho.

A number of weeks ago reports emerged that stated Spurs were in talks to sign the Brazilian winger and indeed, the Lilywhites are still trying to conclude a deal worth around £69m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

City are reluctant to sell but the 21-year-old is trying to force through a move in the remaining hours of the transfer window, having been left frustrated by his club’s stance.

Now, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, both player and club are trying to make a deal happen.

Bailey states that Spurs “love” Savinho, suggesting that a deal “is not dead in the water yet”. That’s presumably due to the player’s stance.

Indeed, the report further notes that the Brazilian is ‘keen to make the switch’, with his desire to leave a factor that could ‘yet make the deal possible’.

Why Xavi Simons would love playing alongside Savinho

The addition of Simons in the last few days is undoubtedly a landmark addition for the Lilywhites.

He will bring goals, having scored 11 times last season, and he will bring assists, registering eight in all competitions throughout 2024/25.

Simons – Bundesliga (2024/25)
Stats (per 90)	Tally
Games	25
Goals & assists	17
Pass accuracy	83%
Chances created	2.2
Successful dribbles	1.4
Tackles won	75%
Duels won	5.7
Stats via FotMob

The Dutchman is certainly one of the best playmakers in European football and at the age of just 22, he’s only going to get better.

Combine his playmaking ability with the creativity of Savinho and you have a duel threat that could transform the fortunes of Frank’s attack.

While Spurs didn’t struggle to fashion chances against Burnley and Manchester City, scoring five goals, they really did against Bournemouth on Saturday. Spurs managed just five total shots to Andoni Iraola’s side’s 20, and they failed to carve out a single big chance.

Therefore, Simons and Savinho could work in tandem to boost the forward line. After all, they are two of the most creative players in Europe.

Last season, while the Brazilian struggled in front of goal with just three strikes, he was particularly creative.

A “superstar in the making”, in the words of Paul Merson, the 21-year-old contributed with 13 assists in all competitions. As such, he ranked among the top 13% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for assists per 90 minutes.

He also sits inside the best 3% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons, rubberstamping his credentials as one of the most exciting wide players on the continent.

Those numbers draw similarities to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Florian Wirtz, with FBref declaring the two Premier League stars as some of the most similar players in Europe to Savinho.

That creative and progressive nature would make him a phenomenal player for Simons, a player who possesses very similar traits.

Indeed, over the last year, the former Leipzig man ranks among the best 13% of players in his position for progressive passes. With Savinho, a willing runner, and Simons, a willing creator, this feels like a match made in heaven for Spurs.

What this would open up are multiple areas of attack. Simons would have the remarkable pace of Brennan Johnson to feed and then he’d also have the more skilful nature of Kudus and Savinho to tee up.

It really does feel like Frank would be covering all bases behind the main centre forward if this occurred.

Better signing than Simons: Spurs to send bid for £35m star in coming hours

Tottenham are looking to seal one or two more signings before the end of the transfer window.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 28, 2025

Celebrations are underway in Pennsylvania as the Philadelphia Union are Supporter Shield holders once again, following an 1-0 victory over NYCFC at Subaru Park on Saturday night. Mikael Uhre delivered the clinching moment for team, scoring the game-winner in the 40th minute. The club will have home field advantage throughout the MLS playoffs.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Best record in MLS

  This is the second Shield in the Union's history, with the first coming in the pandemic-impacted 2020 campaign. The team picked up its 66th point of the season with one match remaining, creating a insurmountable lead. Bradley Carnell’s side will enjoy home-field advantage through the MLS Cup Final on Dec. 6 – should they reach that stage.

  The Union will open their playoff campaign against the East Wild Card winner (No. 8 vs. No. 9 seed). Their Round 1 best-of-three series begins in late October, with the full postseason schedule to be announced at a later date.

  Philadelphia will also play in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

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• Watch the highlights

  The Union's win also pushed their rival NYCFC out of the home playoff spots, as now sit fifth. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  A memorable campaign

  Not much was expected from Philadelphia when they kicked off the season. They fired successful manager Jim Curtin after the 2024 season and moved on from stars and veterans who had helped them in previous campaigns. Yet, the hire of Carnell proved to be instrumental.

  He got the best of players who previously struggled, including Tai Baribo, who became an All-Star this year.  He also installed a successful defensive approach for the team. The Union have conceded 33 goals this season, the fewest in MLS. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Comparing 2025 to 2020

  There are some similarities between the Union's 2020 and 2025 sides, yet some major differences. Philadelphia's average points per game in 2020 was 2.04, nearly identical to their two points per game this season. 

  The 2020 side played 11 fewer matches than the 2025 squad, though. Baribo was this year's top scorer with 16 goals, while Kacper Przybyłko was the 2020 leader at eight. Several current USMNT players were on that 2020 team, including Brenden Aaronson, Matt Freese, and Mark McKenzie. 

The striker situation at Newcastle United has developed into one of the defining sagas of their summer window.

Alexander Isak’s desire to leave the club has left Eddie Howe and the recruitment team scrambling for solutions, with each failed pursuit only heightening the sense of urgency.

Newcastle have already missed out on Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško – all of whom might have paved the way for Isak’s departure had they been secured.

As things stand, the Swede’s future remains unresolved.

He has made it abundantly clear he does not wish to reintegrate with the squad, even if no sale materialises.

A move to Anfield remains his desired outcome, but Newcastle have been equally firm: no replacement, no transfer.

Newcastle's new contender

That replacement hunt has taken them down multiple avenues. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has long been admired, but negotiations have stalled.

The Congolese’s absence from Brentford’s win over Aston Villa raised eyebrows, though nothing concrete has yet been agreed.

Jørgen Strand Larsen of Wolves has also been sounded out, though Vítor Pereira’s reluctance to part with the Norwegian makes that transfer unlikely.

With time ticking down, Newcastle have turned their attention to a different profile of forward.

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle hold an interest in Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth.

Hope stated: “He has been discussed. He is the latest one in the orbit of players they could move for. It’s Alexander Sorloth at Atletico Madrid. His goal record is quite incredible. Absolutely in the mold of his countryman, Strand-Larsen. Sorloth is one of the names being considered and there are others too.”

The 29-year-old Norwegian is a familiar name to Premier League fans, though his first spell in England was far from remarkable.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Signed by Crystal Palace from FC Midtjylland in 2017, Sørloth failed to score in 16 appearances before eventually being moved on.

Described as “phenomenal” by Diego Simeone, any deal would likely be complicated. Newcastle would need to convince the Spanish club to part with him, likely at a fee north of his current market value of £30m.

But with Isak’s situation dragging on and the clock ticking, pragmatism may force their hand.

Newcastle's new Andy Carroll

After leaving the south-east London club, Sørloth established himself at Real Sociedad, and then flourished at Villarreal, where his goalscoring exploits earned him a move to Atlético last summer.

Standing at 1.95m, he offers the kind of aerial dominance and physical presence that Newcastle fans associate with Andy Carroll.

His numbers back up that comparison.

In La Liga last season, Sørloth scored 20 goals in 35 appearances, a remarkable tally that underlines his development into one of Europe’s most reliable finishers.

Alexander Sørloth – La Liga – 2024/25

Matches

35

Minutes

1,566

Goals

20

Assists

2

Progressive Carries

32

Progressive Passes

31

The advanced metrics paint an even clearer picture of his value: according to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.90), 97th for total shots per 90 (4.29), and 94th for aerials won per 90 (5.05).

Far from being just a target man, Sørloth also excels in his movement inside the penalty area, ranking in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box.

This blend of attributes would address one of Newcastle’s most glaring issues.

Against Villa, Howe’s side controlled large periods of the game but lacked the cutting edge to make their dominance count.

With Isak unavailable for selection, there was no focal point to convert their possession into clear chances.

Sørloth, who already played at St James’ Park this summer in a pre-season friendly, could provide precisely that.

For Newcastle supporters, the prospect of Sørloth evokes memories of Carroll, who embodied the traditional number nine spirit with his strength, aerial ability, and goalscoring instinct.

Across two spells at the club, Carroll made 134 appearances, scoring 34 goals and adding 26 assists.

His big-money move to Liverpool in 2011 highlighted just how much Newcastle relied on his presence at the time.

Sørloth is not a like-for-like replacement, but the comparison is clear. Both men stand at virtually the same height, both are capable of bullying defenders, and both bring a blend of physicality and technical competence.

Where Carroll was at times let down by injuries, Sørloth has shown resilience in rebuilding his career after early setbacks.

His resurgence in Spain suggests he could thrive in the right system, and Eddie Howe’s structured, attacking side might be the perfect environment.

There is also a strategic angle.

Newcastle’s summer recruitment has been careful, even cautious, reflecting the club’s need to stay within the boundaries of the Premier League’s financial regulations.

Having already brought in Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale, the addition of a proven goalscorer would bring balance to the squad.

Sørloth, available for a fraction of the fee Isak might command, would also represent value in a market where reliable strikers are scarce.

But above all, Sørloth’s candidacy illustrates Newcastle’s willingness to adapt.

Their pursuit of Wissa and Strand Larsen indicates they are exploring different striker types: mobile forwards who press aggressively, and more traditional target men who can hold up play.

Sørloth sits firmly in the latter camp, a player who could give Howe a tactical alternative while easing the transition away from Isak. Whether he is the long-term solution or a stop-gap remains to be seen, but the logic is hard to ignore.

Newcastle’s aspirations extend beyond domestic stability; they are preparing for another European campaign and require depth to compete on multiple fronts.

Sørloth offers something they currently lack: presence, pedigree, and proven productivity at the top level.

Their answer to Guehi: Newcastle weigh up late move to sign £30m "monster"

Newcastle aren’t just looking at forwards as the transfer window enters the final stretch.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 24, 2025

There was a lot made of what Celtic did and did not do in the final days of the summer transfer window, which officially slammed shut last Monday.

The Hoops were unable to sign a new centre-forward to bolster the squad, despite allowing Adam Idah to sign for Swansea for £7m, on deadline day.

This meant that the Scottish Premiership champions had to swoop for Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer the following day, after Sevilla terminated his contract early.

Whilst supporters will want to focus on who came in, and who did not, there also needs to be an appreciation of the players who moved on from the club, including Nicolas Kuhn.

Celtic’s model revolves around bringing in and developing young players to sell them on for a profit, but they then need to find replacements for those players to ensure that the team does not suffer as a result.

Matt O’Riley left the Scottish giants to sign for Brighton & Hove Albion last year and his move away from Glasgow left a gaping hole in the middle of the park.

Why Matt O'Riley's exit was a big blow for Celtic

The left-footed star took his game to the next level under Brendan Rodgers in the 2023/24 campaign after Ange Postecoglou moved down south to join Tottenham Hotspur.

O’Riley, who now plays for Marseille, only scored seven goals in 54 appearances in the Premiership for the Australian head coach, but did deliver 15 assists in that time.

This shows that he was a creative midfielder who did not offer a significant threat as a goalscorer from the middle of the park prior to Rodgers’ return to Parkhead in the summer of 2023.

O’Riley stepped up his game in the final third in the 2023/24 campaign, though, with a return of 18 goals in the Premiership to lead the Hoops to the title.

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

As you can see in the table above, the Denmark international was a pivotal part of Rodgers’ team because he was the main threat in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

This is why his move to Brighton last summer was a big blow because the Scottish giants lost a star who could deliver goals and assists at an exceptional rate.

O’Riley’s ability to score goals, in particular, was important for Celtic because it took some of the pressure off the forward players, which is exactly what the team need right now with their issues in the centre-forward department.

Kelechi Iheanacho only scored four goals in all competitions last season, per Sofascore, whilst Hyun-jun Yang and James Forrest have combined for six league goals since the start of last term.

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This is why there may be more of an emphasis on the midfielders needing to step up and score goals for Rodgers this season, and they may have their next Matt O’Riley already brewing at Parkhead.

The Celtic star who could be the new Matt O'Riley

Celtic broke their transfer record to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg for a fee of £11m last summer to ‘replace’ O’Riley, and he did not have a bad first season in Glasgow by any means.

The Belgium international delivered ten goals and 13 assists in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which is a very respectable return for a central midfielder, but there was a lack of goals from open play.

Arne Engels

21

2

Reo Hatate

24

9

Callum McGregor

29

8

Luke McCowan

12

5

Paulo Bernardo

11

2

As you can see in the table above, Engels ranked joint-bottom alongside Paulo Bernardo for non-penalty goals in the Celtic midfield last season in the Premiership.

This is why it is Benjamin Nygren who could be the next O’Riley in the making at Parkhead, not Engels, because the summer signing has the potential to deliver a huge goal threat from midfield for the Hoops.

The Sweden international arrived in Glasgow from Nordsjaelland after an impressive haul of 16 goals and four assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for the Danish outfit last season, per Transfermarkt.

Whilst Nygren is more versatile than O’Riley, having played the bulk of his minutes on the right flank, he did score four of those 16 goals in his six appearances as either an attacking or central midfield player.

Since making the move to Parkhead, the Swedish star has mainly played in a central midfield role in the 4-3-3 set-up, and showcased his knack for goals from a central position with his strike against Aberdeen.

The left-footed star has scored three goals in four Premiership matches to date, per Sofascore, and only one of his 19 goals for Nordsjaelland and Celtic since the start of last season came from the penalty spot.

His Sweden teammate Alexander Isak, now of Liverpool, described him as a “fearless” star who plays with “confidence”, which has already been clear to see during his short time with the Hoops.

Nygren takes risks with the ball, losing the ball 19 times per game, He wants to progress his team up the pitch. He wants to take shots and create chances, averaging three key passes per game in the Premiership, per Sofascore.

His impact from a central midfield and a right wing position has been impressive, and his form in Denmark suggests that it is sustainable as well.

Brown 2.0: Celtic have their next number 8 in the making & it's not Nygren

Celtic may have their next Scott Brown in the making and it is not Benjamin Nygren.

ByDan Emery Sep 6, 2025

Therefore, the 24-year-old star may be the next O’Riley for Rodgers as a central midfield star who has the potential to go and score 15 to 20 goals in the Premiership this season if he can remain consistent with his performances.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is a doubtful starter for their home game against Delhi Captals (DC) at Chepauk on Saturday. MS Dhoni is likely to take over captaincy if Gaikwad doesn’t recover in time.Gaikwad had suffered a blow on his unprotected elbow against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati last Sunday after stepping out to Tushar Deshpande and missing the ball in the second over in CSK’s unsuccessful chase of 183.”Yeah, we’re hoping he [Gaikwad] is going to try and have a bat today for training,” Mike Hussey, CSK’s batting coach, said at his press conference on the eve of the match against DC. “And, yeah, it [elbow] is still a little bit sore, but it’s improving every day. So, we’re very hopeful that he’ll be fine for tomorrow.Related

• Upbeat Delhi Capitals aim for a hat-trick as CSK fret over Gaikwad injury

• CSK face a tricky situation with Dhoni the batter

• Rayudu: Chepauk's Dhoni fixation can be 'quite daunting' for others

• 'Quick timing, great hands' – Hayden on Dhoni's wicketkeeping

“I don’t think we’ve actually thought about that [captaincy] too much. Well, I haven’t thought about it too much. I’m sure Stephen Fleming [CSK head coach] and Rutu have thought about that. But we’ve got some young guy coming through. He’s behind the stumps. Maybe he can do a good job. I’m not sure. He’s got a bit of experience in the role, so maybe he could do it. But I’m not exactly sure, to be honest.”After being struck on the forearm last weekend, Gaikwad received some treatment on the field and continued to bat, scoring his second half-century in three matches this season. On Friday, Gaikwad only had a light workout for about ten minutes, taking throwdowns outside the nets. If he isn’t available to play, CSK will have to find a new top-order batter as well.Devon Conway, who was among the first group of batters to bat the nets on Friday, might be frontrunner to come in for Gaikwad and perhaps open with Rahul Tripathi, with Rachin Ravindra dropping down to No. 3. That may force CSK to leave out Jamie Overton and bring in an Indian fast bowler in Anshul Kamboj.Dhoni, 43, is functioning at reduced capacity, with Fleming saying his knees don’t allow him to bat too long. He has been CSK captain since their inception in 2008, barring the two years they were suspended and a few matches in 2022 when they tried handing over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja and it didn’t work out. Dhoni last led the team in the IPL final in 2023. CSK won that game, adding a fifth IPL title to their collection. But when the new season began, they had appointed Gaikwad as captain. CSK finished fifth in 2024, and missed the playoffs on net run rate.Andhra’s Shaik Rasheed, Tamil Nadu’s C Andre Siddarth and Delhi’s Vansh Bedi are the reserve Indian batters in the CSK squad, but all three are uncapped in the IPL.Mumbai teenager Ayush Mhatre, who recently broke Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record for the youngest batter to hit a 150-plus score in List A cricket, has joined CSK’s camp as a support player. It is understood that Mhatre’s presence in the camp is unrelated to Gaikwad’s injury or any other potential injury concerns.

Barcelona legend Xavi would be “tempted” by the project at Manchester United if Ruben Amorim were to be removed from his post at Old Trafford and an official approach was made, claims Gaizka Mendieta. The Red Devils continue to see more change in their dugout mooted, with speculation rife regarding who could be handed the reins if the decision is taken to move in a different direction.

GettyContenders to replace Amorim: Change mooted at Old Trafford

There is no role to be filled at present, but Amorim is – in the eyes of many – clinging onto his job with Premier League heavyweights. He is yet to reach the 50-game mark in the most demanding of posts, but could see his tenure cut brutally short. Success with Sporting in his native Portugal has not been replicated in England. The axe could fall in Manchester if no reversal in fortune is delivered.

Former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate is said to be registering on the recruitment radar at Old Trafford, having been out of the coaching game since stepping down as Three Lions boss after Euro 2024. It has also been suggested that United could look to a club icon – such as Michael Carrick or Roy Keane – to steady the ship on an interim basis.

AdvertisementWhy Xavi would be interested in Man Utd job

Mendieta believes that Xavi would come into the picture given the work that he oversaw at Barcelona between 2021 and 2024, having previously impressed in Qatar with Al Sadd. Ex-Blaugrana midfielder Mendieta told : “I think if it's the right project, he will be tempted. Who doesn't want to coach in the Premier League? Who would not want to coach Manchester United, even if it's in a difficult time?

“He won trophies at Barca during a very peculiar period of history of the club and he changed that. Of course, he doesn't know Manchester United as he knows Barca, but he's been there, he knows that, he's capable of doing those things. So if the project seems right to him, I'm sure he will take it. He's been preparing himself already, waiting for the chance to come. I know he's had a few options to go and coach, but it wasn't the right project.

“I think for a coach like him, it's the project that matters, not only the history and the club. A lot of people were hesitant in his move to Barca because he had only been in Qatar. People thought he wasn't ready, then he won the league and the Super Cup in his first season. I think football has changed a lot. The coaches and players tend to adapt. It's at an incredibly high level and it's a lot faster because people are more prepared. There's more tools out there for coaches to gain an understanding, knowing what's happening at other clubs and with other players. He has his own platforms to understand and analyze situations. So wherever he goes, which could be Man United, he'll be prepared for the job he takes for sure.”

GettyBallon d'Or hopeful: Rashford given huge billing

If Xavi were to take the reins in Manchester, he may look to absorb Marcus Rashford back into his plans. The England international is currently taking in a loan spell at Barcelona, with that deal including an option to buy. He remains under contract with the Red Devils, though, and Mendieta believes that the 27-year-old forward remains a Ballon d’Or-contending talent.

The ex-Spain international, who spent time in England with Middlesbrough in his playing days, added: “When we are speaking about ability, Marcus Rashford does have what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or. On paper, Rashford is a great signing for Barca. Obviously we know the talent that he has, the potential that he has, the things that he is able to do. The question mark was, is he going to be able to do that and how often is he able to do that? I think so far he has impressed a lot of people.

“Barca has been a difficult place for some other great players that have joined the club. But I think so far he's doing great. He's adapted to the position, he's adapted to the club. I think he's certainly adapted to the city as well, which I think is very difficult. He has already scored and is getting assists. I think he has also become important with set pieces and overall, he’s doing great.

“Rashford could be better or could be as good as anyone. Now it’s about being in a different stage of his career with a different club and he’s started very well, but the season is young. There are many games, many things to be decided. The second part of the season is the most important when it comes to winning trophies, but we hope Barca will be there in the Champions League and in La Liga. He's been important in the team and if they do win trophies, I don't see a reason why he can’t be on that list. There's no question about what he can do, we know the ability and the skills that he has. It's up to him to deliver what everyone knows he can do.”

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England squad: Rashford hoping to make Tuchel's selection

Rashford has registered two goals and five assists for Barcelona this season. He will hope to have done enough to figure again for England when Thomas Tuchel names his squad for an upcoming friendly date with Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

يستعد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة لاستكمال استعداداته بعد الفوز على أولمبياكوس بسداسية مقابل هدف ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واكتسح برشلونة نظيره أولمبياكوس بسداسية مقابل هدف في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة بمرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد فوز برشلونة على أولمبياكوس

واستطاع رجال هانز فليك دك حصون الفريق اليوناني بسداسية مقابل هدف ليكون الاستعداد الأمثل والأخير للقاء الكلاسيكو في الدوري الإسباني المقرر إقامته الأحد المقبل.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 22 نقطة، فيما يتصدر ريال مدريد الجدول برصيد 24 نقطة. موعد مباراة برشلونة القادمة بعد الفوز على أولمبياكوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا

ومن المقرر أن تكون مباراة برشلونة القادمة بعد الفوز على أولمبياكوس هي مواجهة ريال مدريد في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني” لا ليجا” يوم الأحد المقبل.

ويواجه برشلونة نظيره ريال مدريد في “كلاسيكو” الدوري الإسباني ولأول مرة بقيادة تشابي ألونسو، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، في تمام الساعة السادسة والربع مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

LSG begin their IPL 2025 season without four of their first-choice Indian fast bowlers

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Mar-20255:41

Should Pant open the batting for LSG?

Fast bowler Mayank Yadav’s recovery from a back injury has been set back by a new toe injury, but Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer is hopeful he will be available for the “back end” of IPL 2025.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are going into their season opener against Delhi Capitals without four of their first-choice Indian fast bowlers – Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan and Akash Deep – all of whom are down with varying degrees of injuries.”Yeah, we’re very aware that four of our bowlers are unavailable for the first game and probably a couple of the guys for a few games down the track,” Langer said on the eve of the game in Vizag. “But that’s sport, that’s cricket, fast bowling usually gives you some headaches but you just have to adapt. And we’ve all been in the business long enough to know that the fast-bowling injuries is something that you always have to prepare for. You never hope for it, you never wish for it but you prepare for it. So, we might have to change our game plan a little, but knowing that as the tournament goes on, we’ll have some of these excellent bowlers to come back into our attack for us.”Related

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Yadav, the fast bowler from Delhi who LSG signed last year, has been plagued by injuries since he hit speeds of 150kph and won Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two IPL matches in 2024.”Mayank, who everyone was very excited about last year, he was going quite well (coming back from a back injury), and he kicked his toe on the bed,” Langer said. “He got an infection in his toe. It’s put his rehab back about a week or two weeks. But he’s up and running. We regularly see videos of him bowling. I saw a video of his yesterday. So, hopefully by the back end of the tournament, Mayank will be up and ready to go for us.”Like Mayank, Mohsin was another fast bowler whom LSG retained, but he’s already been ruled out of the season and replaced by Shardul Thakur. Langer, however, was more hopeful of quick returns for Avesh (knee niggle) and Akash (back injury).”Unfortunately, I think Mohsin sustained a small calf injury in his rehab. So, knowing that we had four guys out, we had to make that tough call on Mohsin. We think Avesh Khan will pass his right to play tomorrow morning through the NCA. So, if that’s the case, then he’ll be back sooner rather than later. Akash Deep is up and running, and bowling at about 90% now. I believe he’s done his yo-yo test. So, he’s really ticking off all the boxes.”LSG are playing under a new captain this season, Rishabh Pant, whom they bought for an all-time IPL record price of INR 27 crore at the mega auction in December. His first game is against his former team – DC.

Manchester United have now joined the race for an England international, who Thomas Tuchel was left impressed by against Andorra.

Man Utd remain keen on new midfielder

Ruben Amorim was able to make a number of improvements to his squad during the summer transfer window, but one position he failed to strengthen was central midfield, despite well-documented interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

It is clear Amorim isn’t overly convinced by Kobbie Mainoo, which could exacerbate the need to bring in a new central midfielder, with the 20-year-old featuring for just 45 minutes in the Premier League so far this season.

Amid a lack of game time, there were suggestions that Mainoo was considering a move late in the transfer window, so if Amorim doesn’t give the Englishman regular minutes before January, it seems feasible that he could push for a move this winter.

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Given a lack of game time, the youngster hasn’t been called up by England for the current international break, and the Red Devils have now set their sights on signing a different Three Lions midfielder.

That is according to former Red Devils scout Mick Brown, who revealed that Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is now of interest to United, in an interview with Football Insider.

Brown said: “Man United have been looking at Anderson,

“He’s done a tremendous job at Nottingham Forest and then he’s come into the England side and turned in a man-of-the-match performance. United see him as exactly the type of midfielder they would like to bring in.

“He gets up and down the park, he’s confident and secure in possession of the ball, and he’s not afraid to put in a tackle which is something they need.”

"Phenomenal" Anderson catching the eye for England

On what was his England debut against Andorra last week, the 22-year-old made a fantastic first impression, with Tuchel saying: “Very good, very, very good. He was a bit nervous this week but then did good, and we said let’s try it, and he did it. That was the test and I think he passed the test.”

The central midfielder has also been singled out for praise by international teammate Reece James in the past, with the Chelsea defender describing him as a “phenomenal” player, who should have received a call-up sooner.

Not only that, but the Forest star has made a fantastic start to the new Premier League campaign, averaging a 7.15 WhoScored match rating in the opening three games, which is the highest figure in the squad.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.19 (88th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.18 (89th percentile)

Tackles

3.07 (88th percentile)

Clearances

2.40 (87th percentile)

Aerials won

1.89 (89th percentile)

As such, Man United should undoubtedly make a move for the £40k-a-week midfielder if he is available, but it could be difficult to tempt Forest into a sale.