He is set to move to England to become the performance director at Warwickshire
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Mar-2023
File picture: Gavin Larsen served as a Cricket Operations Manager for New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup•Getty Images
Gavin Larsen has decided to step down as New Zealand selector after almost eight years in the job. The former New Zealand seamer will now move to England along with his wife Karen to take up the role of performance director at Warwickshire, subject to a visa approval. He is set to replace Paul Farbrace, who had left his job as sporting director at Warwickshire in October last year.Under Larsen, who took up the selector’s role in 2015, New Zealand enjoyed tremendous success across formats, including reaching the finals of the 2019 50-over World Cup and 2021 T20 World Cup, and winning the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021.”The past seven-and-a-half years have just flown by and I’ve relished and enjoyed every minute of it,” Larsen said in an NZC media release.”The discussions and deliberations have always been robust and challenging but my enduring memory will always be the quality of the people I’ve worked with – from high performance right through to the administration.”Larsen will be overseeing both the men’s and women’s high performance programmes at Warwickshire.”WCCC is a club with an amazing history and tradition and I’m looking forward to joining the team and helping to drive the club’s ongoing success,” Larsen said. “I have a number of great memories of playing at Edgbaston during my New Zealand playing days and the atmosphere was simply terrific.”NZC’s GM High Performance Bryan Stronach spoke highly of Larsen’s contribution to New Zealand cricket as a selector.”Gavin was part of a support team that made a key contribution to arguably the most successful period in the history of the New Zealand men’s team,” Stronach said.”His appointment at Edgbaston reflects the respect in which he’s held around the cricketing world.”Stronach added that the process to find a new selector will begin in due course.
كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تفاصيل حديثه مع إبراهيم حسن مدير الكرة لـ منتخب مصر الأول، وتعليقه عن الأحداث الأخيرة والاستعدادات قبل مباراة إثيوبيا في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.
ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة إثيوبيا يوم 5 سبتمبر على استاد القاهرة في الجولة السابعة من تصفيات كأس العالم، ثم يحل ضيفًا على بوركينا فاسو يوم 9 سبتمبر على استاد 4 أغسطس في الجولة الثامنة.
وقال أحمد شوبير في تصريحات إذاعية عبر “أون سبورت إف إم”: “منذ فترة طويلة لم أتواصل فيها مع كابتن حسام حسن أو إبراهيم، ولكن أمس تفاجأت برسالة من إبراهيم حسن، لكنني وجدتها محذوفة، وقلت في نفسي (هل فيه مشكلة أو إيه؟)”.
وتابع: “حاولت الاتصال به لكنه لم يرد، ثم عاود الاتصال بي، وتحدثنا لفترة طويلة، تمنيت له التوفيق والسعادة وقال لي (بص يا كابتن، أنا وحسام قافلين فمنا)، وقلت له (حلو، كملوا يا كابتن إبراهيم، اقفلوا فمكم)”.
وواصل: “أنتم لديكم 5 أيام إن شاء الله، يوم الجمعة مباراة إثيوبيا، ثم الثلاثاء مباراة بوركينا فاسو، وربنا يكرمكم إن شاء الله، وأرجوكم لا تهتموا بالصغائر وركزوا مع المنتخب، وقال لي جملتين مهمتين جدًا (والله يا كابتن، إحنا ما بنظلمش حد، وبنشتغل بكل جهد، ونحاول بقدر الإمكان نكون أمناء في اختياراتنا وفي كل شيء، وهدفنا الوحيد هو التأهل لكأس العالم، وإن شاء الله نعمل حاجة كويسة في بطولة أمم إفريقيا، لكننا محتاجين دعم المنظومة كلها من أولها لآخرها)”.
وأكمل: “إبراهيم حسن قال لي (لا أخفيك سرًا، أتابع بعض التصريحات وهي تسبب لنا الحزن جدًا، وليست وقتها ولا أوانها، وكلنا الآن لازم نساند المنتخب ونقف جنبه، ولو أنا وحسام لم نكن ندرب المنتخب، كنا أول ناس نساعده ونسانده)”.
وكان عصام الحضري قد ظهر مع أحمد حسن في مقطع فيديو وصف خلاله الأخير بـ”العميد الأصلي”، وهو ما تسبب في حالة من الجدل، وحرب تصريحات بين أحمد شوبير لدفاعه عن حسام حسن والثنائي أحمد حسن والحضري.
طالع | شوبير عن أزمته مع أحمد حسن والحضري: لا يريدان مصر في كأس العالم
وتابع شوبير: “إبراهيم حسن استكمل وقال (إن شاء الله سترون شيئًا جيدًا، لأننا نعمل بما يرضي الله)، سألته عن الأجواء داخل المنتخب، فقال: (اسأل اللاعبين، الحمد لله نعمل جيدًا ولدينا علاقة طيبة مع الولاد، وإن شاء الله نقدم شيئًا ترضي جماهير كرة القدم المصرية نفسي بس الجمهور يكون موجود، لأن الجمهور هو السلاح والوقود)”.
وأوضح: “الشهادة لله، رغم اختلافاتنا الكثيرة أنا وحسام وإبراهيم، لم يكونوا يقولوا لي (يا شوبير) ودائمًا يلقبوني بـ (كابتن) ومهما كان بيننا اختلافات لكن في النهاية لازم أساند وأقف معهم، وأرسل رسالة أخرى، قال فيها (أنا عايزك توصل رسالة لجيل 90)، وعدّ لي أسماء مثل أحمد الكاس، أشرف قاسم، علاء ميهوب، هاني رمزي، صابر عيد، أحمد رمزي، إسماعيل يوسف، جمال عبد الحميد، ربيع ياسين، هشام عبد الرسول، وغيرهم”.
وزاد: ” قال إبراهيم حسن (هؤلاء لازم يكونوا موجودين، ويبقى لهم مدرج مخصص في المباريات، ونحن نتمنى رؤيتهم سعداء ونحن سبق أن لعبنا ووصلنا كأس العالم وعملنا إنجازات كبيرة”.
وأتم: “هذه كانت المكالمة الجميلة بيني وبين كابتن إبراهيم حسن ليلة أمس، ولديه أمل كبير، إن شاء الله ربنا يكرمه، ونحن كذلك لدينا أمل في هذا الأمر بإذن الله”.
The NBA trio were spotted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to support Atlanta United in their League Cup clash against Mexican side Club Necaxa
Three NBA players showed support for Atlanta's MLS franchise
Okongwu continues pattern of Hawks players engaging with local sports teams
Atlanta United lost 3-1 to Club Necaxa
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WHAT HAPPENED
Several NBA players took in the international friendly between Atlanta United and Liga MX’s Club Necaxa at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu, a 2020 first-round pick who’s spent his entire career in Atlanta, was joined by Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, known for his pesky defense, and Josh Okogie, the former Georgia Tech standout now with the Houston Rockets. The trio was seen mingling with fans and staying locked into the action throughout the match.
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WHAT ATLANTA UNITED POSTED
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The attendance of Okongwu, Alvarado, and Okogie represents the continuing relationship between Atlanta's professional sports franchises. Their presence underscores how NBA players increasingly embrace soccer, mirroring the growing popularity of the sport throughout the United States.
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WHAT’S NEXT?
Following their 3-1 loss, Atlanta United will face Pumas UNAM in their second game of the Leagues Cup on Aug. 2 followed by their final game of the tournament against Atlas on Aug. 6.
Como are eyeing a move for Dele Alli's former Tottenham team-mate Davinson Sanchez as Cesc Fabregas looks to bolster his squad ahead of the 2025-26 Serie A season. Sanchez, who joined Spurs in 2017, played alongside Dele for four-and-a-half years before the English midfielder left for Everton on loan. Sanchez departed the Premier League in 2023 to join Turkish giants Galatasaray.
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Como target Dele's former Spurs colleague
Aiming for major squad overhaul
Fabregas has completed two signings already this summer
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , Sanchez is one of several defenders that Como are looking to sign this summer as Fabregas looks to further strengthen his team ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. The Italian side have also included Celta Vigo’s Carl Starfelt in their shortlist for the transfer window.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Como have already completed the signings of Jesus Rodriguez and Alex Valle this summer and last week, it was reported that the club are on the verge of securing a transfer for Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn in a deal worth €19 million (£16m/$21m).
DID YOU KNOW?
Backed by the billionaire Hartono family, Como could spend close to €100 million this summer alone as the club are aiming to solidify their place in Serie A. In the 2024-25 campaign, under Fabregas' tutelage, the club finished 10th in the league.
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WHAT NEXT FOR COMO?
Fabregas' side will reconvene for pre-season training next week before they take part in the Como Cup, a friendly competition. The tournament will be held between July 23 to 27 and teams like Ajax, Al-Ahli and Celtic will participate.
Barcelona were running out of patience with Nico Williams and his agent before the Spain international commited his future to Athletic Club by signing a new long-term contract. Williams was once again closely linked with a move to the Blaugrana this summer after transfer talks broke down last year, however, the winger eventually penned a new Atheltic Club contract which runs until 2035.
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Barca were running out of patience with Williams before transfer snubWilliams signed a new long-term Athletic Club contractBarca eyeing move for Reds' DiazFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Williams to Barcelona transfer saga finally ended last Friday with the young winger putting pen to paper on a new 10-year contract at Athletic Club. Earlier in the summer, Williams reportedly agreed to join the Catalan side but eventually decided to stay back at his current club.
AdvertisementTHE EXPLANATION
According to , Barcelona started to run out of patience despite getting a verbal confirmation from Williams in June about a possible transfer. The Spanish sensation and his agent reportedly did not want to add a release clause in his contract to protect the player from running out of action in case the Blaugrana failed to register him at some point in the future. Such a condition was not implemented in the case of Dani Olmo's transfer last summer, but Williams wanted to safeguard himself.
DID YOU KNOW?
The report added that the La Liga champions straightaway rejected the player's proposal and were insisting on completing the transfer unconditionally. Williams and his agent, on the other hand, kept delaying the move, which in turn increased frustration among Barcelona officials.
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The report further claimed that Barcelona never stopped chasing Liverpool's Luis Diaz, even when negotiations were going on with Williams. With the transfer deal now off for the Spain international, the Catalan giants are expected to go all out for the Colombian forward as Hansi Flick looks to further bolster his attack ahead of the new season.
Two serial Championship promotion winners will continue to trade blows at the very top of the second tier table as Daniel Farke and Chris Wilder butt heads for their respective sides in Leeds United and Sheffield United.
Combined, the German and the Sheffield-born manager have both managed to pick up a staggering six promotions on their managerial resumes, with another perhaps falling onto their CVs come the close of the dramatic campaign.
Unlike Farke, however, Wilder has been a success in the daunting Premier League, with the ex-Norwich City boss notoriously guilty of falling straight back down to the EFL.
On the contrary, the 57-year-old managed to pull off an unbelievable ninth-place finish for the Blades during the 2019/20 season, as the likes of Billy Sharp and Co played without fear in the big time.
It’s unlikely that the much-loved boss would be able to do this straight away if his side were to sneak back up to the top-flight, but he will hope his team would be able to put in an adequate fight.
After all, if promotion was to be sealed, United would have to be very busy in the transfer window, with the XI below what Wilder could well have at his disposal in a dream scenario…
1 GK – Michael Cooper
Wilder would likely stick by his number one goalkeeper in Michael Cooper if promotion was achieved, with the ex-Plymouth Argyle shot-stopper a revelation in between the sticks for the Blades since joining last summer.
The £2m forked out for the 25-year-old looks to be a bargain now when you consider Cooper has kept 19 clean sheets in second-tier action this season, meaning he might adjust well to the demands of the top-flight.
2 RB – Jonjoe Kenny
Heidenheim's Mathias Honsak in action with Hertha BSC'sJonjoeKenny
Unlike the ‘keeper spot at Bramall Lane, the right-back position has been a problem area in South Yorkshire all campaign long.
The likes of Alfie Gilchrist, Harry Clarke and Femi Seriki have all lined up here this season, but promotion could result in United finally winning long-term target Jonjoe Kenny.
A deal looked as though it was on the table in the January window only for a deal to fall through after the two clubs could not agree a transfer fee.
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The ex-Everton man stands out as an expansive full-back option at current employers Hertha Berlin with seven assists next to his name in the 2. Bundesliga, meaning he could be just what Wilder wants in this part of the pitch.
3 CB – Anel Ahmedhodzic
Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic
Anel Ahmedhodzic managed to come away from United’s demoralising relegation at the end of the 2023/24 campaign with his head held high, having won 4.5 duels per clash that season, even as the Blades finished rock bottom of the league.
The Bosnian will be raring to go again in the Premier League with the United titan formidable at the back in the second tier, with his defensive expertise currently seeing 14 clean sheets be picked up.
4 CB – Andrew Omobamidele
Much like the right-back spot, Wilder’s men will be light on numbers in the centre-back department next season with loanee Rob Holding returning back to Crystal Palace.
Therefore, the Blades could attempt to snap up Republic of Ireland international Andrew Omobamidele who is shining out on loan with RC Strasbourg currently, away from parent side Nottingham Forest.
The Irishman has come away from his four Ligue 1 contests to date with a 94% pass accuracy on average, resulting in Omobamidele perhaps striking up a healthy working relationship with the more imposing Ahmedhodzic.
5 LB – Harrison Burrows
Harrison Burrows would love to work alongside Kenny in the full-back positions with the ex-Peterborough United man equally a gung-ho body down the left.
Five goals and three assists have come Burrows’ way subsequently, as the 23-year-old potentially prepares to navigate the tricky step-up soon.
6 CM – Hamza Choudhury
Watford's Hamza Choudhury in action with Sheffield United'sTommyDoyle
Wilder would be jumping for joy if he could land Hamza Choudhury on a permanent deal after his loan deal from Leicester City expires.
Already, Choudhury has impressed in defensive midfield with three ball recoveries averaged per league clash, on top of the fact the 27-year-old can also gift his team some needed experience by boasting 57 top-flight appearances.
7 CM – Vinicius Souza
To shore up his team even more in the Premier League, Wilder would likely call upon Vinicius Souza to partner the returning Choudhury.
Whilst he has just one goal contribution to shout about in the second tier for 2024/25, the Brazilian has rarely put a foot wrong when battling away for his high-flying team, with 6.9 duels won per match from his 28 league appearances.
In the pits of a relegation battle, the 25-year-old could gift his team some much-needed grit and steel.
8 RM – Ben Brereton Diaz
Away from those who will be picked to be primarily dogged, Wilder will hope Ben Brereton Diaz sticks it out permanently in South Yorkshire to gift his team some firepower up top.
Capable of playing down the right flank or as a traditional centre-forward, the first of these two positions has given the Chilean a lot of joy on his Bramall Lane return, seen in his promising tally of three goals and three assists from 12 league games.
9 CAM – Callum O'Hare
Whilst Rhian Brewster has been given the nod recently in the number ten spot, Callum O’Hare is the likely figure that will be picked here if Premier League football is on the menu.
After all, Brewster has never scored for the Blades in the top flight, meaning he could find himself out of his depth again.
Moreover, O’Hare trumps the ex-Liverpool man’s numbers in the second tier this season, with a glowing eight goal contributions next to Brewster’s lesser seven.
10 LM – Gustavo Hamer
Much like Ahmedhodzic before him, Gustavo Hamer has proven himself in the past as a somewhat Premier League-ready performer for Wilder and Co.
Ten goal contributions were posted by the former Coventry City man even as relegation loomed on the horizon, with his ever-growing total now of eight goals and five assists from 35 second tier games making promotion feel near.
Manchester City officials have now held a transfer meeting with the father of a “special” player, according to a new report.
Man City planning midfield overhaul
The Blues were very busy in January with many new players arriving at the Etihad, but despite that, it is expected that City will be rather active again in the summer transfer window. Pep Guardiola’s focus could be on his midfield, as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic are being linked with moves away.
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City’s midfield is indeed ageing, so it makes sense for the Blues to freshen it up and bring more energy into the middle of the park. There have been several midfielders linked with a move to the Etihad, with Florian Plettenberg reporting that City have Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga on their transfer list ahead of the summer. The Blues are keeping a close eye on him, but the Frenchman has yet to decide his long-term future.
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk are reporting that City are looking to make an offer to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan. It was originally stated that the Premier League champions would want to pay £42 million to secure his transfer, but it is now believed they are willing to go further and pay £50 million.
The midfield links don’t stop there, as Florian Wirtz remains a player City want, but may have to pay over £100 million to get the deal completed.
Man City hold meeting with the father of Real Madrid star Rodrygo
Camavinga is not the only Real Madrid player to be on City’s radar heading into the summer, as according to a report from Spain, Man City have held talks with Rodrygo’s father over a possible move to the Etihad.
The report claims that the meeting between representatives was held in the last two or three weeks. During the discussions, City made two offers to the Brazilian’s father, one being his son would receive a huge wage increase should he move to Manchester.
The second offer was that they would grant Rodrygo the freedom to play on the left-hand side of their attack, which is impossible for him to do now at Madrid, given the presence of Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
It is not stated whether City are now willing to make an offer to Madrid for the attacker or if Rodrygo has decided to leave the European champions, but the Blues and Pep are obviously keen on a potential deal if they think it can happen.
Rodrygo’s Real Madrid stats
Apps
258
Goals
68
Assists
45
The 24-year-old is contracted to Real Madrid until the summer of 2028, and it is believed it could take as much as £100 million to sign the player, as that is how much Liverpool are also willing to pay as they eye a replacement for Mo Salah. Rodrygo may be in the shadow of Vinicius and Mbappé, but Carlo Ancelotti is still a fan of the Brazilian, as he dubbed him a “special striker”.
“He is a special striker; he can play in all positions. He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”
Glasgow Rangers delivered one of their finest away European performances in midweek as they brought a 3-1 advantage over Fenerbahçe back to Ibrox for the second leg.
It could have easily been 5-1, but Cyriel Dessers had two goals ruled out for offside. Despite this, it was a tremendous performance in Turkey.
The Ibrox side came into the game on the back of three back-to-back defeats at home for the first time since 2012. These losses to Queen’s Park, St Mirren and Motherwell saw the Gers score just a single goal.
Not much hope was given to the Glasgow side ahead of the clash against José Mourinho’s side, but fair play to Barry Ferguson as he outmanoeuvred the wily old fox tactically.
Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin ran the show from the heart of the midfield, being central to everything positive that happened for the Gers, while Leon Balogun was a rock alongside John Souttar at the back.
Even Jack Butland, who has come under some fire of late due to a series of poor displays, largely kept the home side at bay with a few good saves during the match.
It was Vaclav Cerny who shone the most for Ferguson’s side, however, yet again displaying his class on the continental stage.
Vaclav Cerny’s incredible display vs Fenerbahçe.
Prior to the clash, Cerny had scored 15 goals and grabbed seven assists in all competitions for the Gers, proving himself to be an excellent loan signing.
Dessers, Cerny
He tends to save his best football for European competition and this was the case against the Turkish side on Thursday evening.
His two goals were extremely well taken. The first was a left-footed effort following a stunning pass from Dessers, while the Czech winger raced onto a through ball by Raskin to calmly slot home the killer third goal for Rangers.
He also attempted two dribbles and delivered a cross, but his impact in the final third, always looking to get on the end of through balls in order to score and he was duly rewarded against Fenerbahçe.
There have been a few games where he has failed to contribute, but in the big matches, Cerny comes to life and proves his worth.
It is a pity the winger is only on loan, as this type of talent isn’t found too often, that’s for sure. Over the last few seasons, Rangers have had a few players on loan at the club who have shone before going onto bigger and better things.
Malik Tillman starred during the 2022/23 campaign, and now he has 15 goal contributions in all competitions for PSV Eindhoven this season.
Abdallah Sima is another one who performed well for Rangers during his loan spell last season. He shone for Brest in the Champions League earlier this season during his temporary spell with the Ligue 1 side.
Where Are They Now
Could the Light Blues have had a chance of signing him on a permanent deal, however?
Rangers already had a bigger talent than Cerny
Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Michael Beale secured the services of Sima on a loan deal from Brighton and Hove Albion and it didn’t take long for him to prove his worth.
Awkward to play against, the left-winger enjoyed plenty of success in Scotland, eventually going on to score 16 goals and registering two assists for the Gers throughout the entire season, despite missing 18 games due to an injury.
Abdallah Sima
It was a scintillating season, and who knows what the club could have achieved had he been fit for those games? This led to discussions about his future and whether it lay in Glasgow.
After the season finished and Sima returned to his parent club, Clement confirmed that he had been in contact with the player, saying: “I’ve been in touch with him, of course,” Clement says. “He’s like one of my sons. Abda loves the club. Abda loves the way of playing we had last season and his role in that. He loved his teammates and the staff.”
The “electric” star – as dubbed by captain James Tavernier – was valued at around £8m by the south coast side during the summer transfer window, which represented a stumbling block for Clement.
Goals
11
Assists
2
Shots per game
2.9
Big chances created
2
Successful dribbles per game
1.2
Key passes per game
0.8
Indeed, he ended up joining Brest on a temporary move until the end of the current season. If he did join permanently, he could have been an even bigger talent than Cerny, without a shadow of a doubt.
What Abdallah Sima has done since leaving Rangers
The left-winger has carried on the form he displayed at Rangers during his time in France. Indeed, across 32 games for the club, Sima has netted eight goals and recorded two assists in all competitions.
It was his form in the Champions League which got people talking. He scored three goals in nine appearances, which included a double against RB Salzburg in the group stage.
Averaging 1.8 shots per game and creating two big chances for his teammates in the competition suggests he wasn’t fazed by the step-up to performing in the biggest club competition in Europe.
It has been yet another successful loan move for the Senegal international. The question is, will this form convince Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton that he deserves a berth in the first-team squad next term?
Abdallah Sima
If he continues to score and perform well, the least he deserves is a chance. Rangers missed the boat last summer. He may have broken the bank, but aged just 23, Sima has plenty of years to reach his peak, which could have seen the Light Blues make a profit on him.
Cerny has stepped up and showcased his class, but a similar situation will occur when he departs this summer, especially as there are likely to be other clubs chasing his signature when the window opens in a few months.
Falling for a loan star. It’s enough to break your heart when they leave.
Better than Cerny: Former Rangers loanee on course to "become a £120m" star
Vaclav Cerny has proven himself to be Rangers’ best player in 2024/25.
As Newcastle United get set to face Liverpool in the League Cup final, the Magpies will likely be missing a few key players.
Anthony Gordon is suspended for the game after being sent off against Brighton and Hove Albion, while Lewis Hall will miss the rest of the season having suffered a foot injury against Liverpool in February.
The long-term loss of the full-back, in particular, will provide a real headache for manager Eddie Howe…
Lewis Hall's major injury blow
Hall featured in all but one of Newcastle’s matches this season before the foot injury sidelined him until the 2025/26 campaign.
Lewis Hall in action vs Man City's Savinho
The 20-year-old was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League for the Magpies this term. Indeed, he created five big chances, averaging 1.3 key passes per game while succeeding with 61% of his dribble attempts, proving to be a key component of the side going forward.
The youngster also won 54% of his total duels per game and made 2.1 tackles each match for the club in the top flight, and he will be a huge miss for Howe.
Matt Targett is the obvious replacement for him at left-back, but did Howe sell an upgrade on the 29-year-old during the January transfer window? A player who didn’t really get a chance at the club during the first half of the season.
Newcastle already sold the perfect Hall replacement
Targett has played just four times for the Toon this term, with only one of those coming in the Premier League.
Due to Hall’s injury, however, he could find himself slotted into the starting XI between now and the end of the campaign.
Matt Targett
Injury issues plagued him last season too, playing just seven games for the St James’ Park side in all competitions.
Howe allowed Lloyd Kelly to move to Juventus in January on an initial loan deal, before the Serie A club have an obligation to pay £20m to make the deal permanent this summer.
Kelly made just 14 appearances for the Toon before leaving, but he has already played six times for Juventus.
Hailed by former manager Gary O’Neil as “incredible”, the English defender can either play centre-back or left-back and would have solved the crisis Howe is now undergoing by slotting into the space vacated by Hall.
Lloyd Kelly’s PL statistics for Newcastle (Per 90)
Accurate passes
13.4
Tackles
0.5
Total duels won
1.8
Interceptions
0.1
Ball recoveries
1.9
Touches
22.9
Via Sofascore
Across his three Serie A games for the Italian giants, Kelly has averaged a pass success rate of 88%, while keeping two clean sheets, recovering four balls per game and winning 4.7 total duels per game.
An impressive array of statistics given he was thrown into the deep end in Serie A. Howe must regret moving him on during the winter window, although he wasn’t expecting Hall to miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
Targett must now come into the side and perform well, especially if Newcastle want to stand any chance of winning the League Cup, claiming their first major domestic honour in nearly 70 years in the process.
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Turning their attention towards the FA Cup, Chelsea could be forced to cope without one particular attacking star against Brighton & Hove Albion following the Blues’ latest injury news.
Chelsea injury news
Such is their wealth of talent in an extensive squad, Chelsea have been able to cope on the injury front better than most in the current campaign. What has undoubtedly helped is their ability to field entirely different sides in both the Europa Conference League and the Premier League, handing key men such as Cole Palmer ample time to recover for the biggest moments.
Of course, that’s not to say they haven’t suffered injury issues whatsoever this season. The Blues were left with little choice but to recall Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crsystal Palace last month amid the continued absence of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
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Meanwhile, the London giants could be about to face a problem at the opposite end of Enzo Maresca’s squad following Marc Guiu’s recent blow. Maresca revealed the extent of the young forward’s injury in his latest press conference, telling reporters: “It looks a long injury. Exactly how long, I don’t know. Weeks or months.”
He’s not the only forward in the physio’s room either. As revealed by Maresca, Nicolas Jackson could also miss Chelsea’s FA Cup clash against Brighton this weekend. He told reporters: “Marc unfortunately has a bad injury. Nico is better. Could be a risk [for this weekend] but it doesn’t look like a long injury.”
Chelsea'sNicolasJacksonreacts after sustaining an injury
The good news is, of course, that the forward doesn’t look set for a long absence in what should be a relief for the Blues. They may still need to find a replacement for their trip to The Amex, however, which is where their extensive options could come into play.
Jackson injury presents Nkunku chance
Whilst losing Jackson and Guiu at the same time is an undoubted blow, it’s the opportunity that Christopher Nkunku has been waiting for. The Frenchman has been on the fringes of Maresca’s best side and has often been tasked with taking Chelsea to Europa Conference League victory more than anything else, but he should now get his chance.
In place of the £100,000-a-week Jackson, the former RB Leipzig star should receive the chance to prove exactly why Chelsea kept hold of him amid extensive interest in the January transfer window.
Having already gone under the radar with 13 goals and four assists in 30 games so far this season, Nkunku can step into the FA Cup spotlight this weekend and turn Jackson’s injury into a forgotten blow.
When asked about whether the forward now has a big part to play after staying put in the winter window, Maresca told reporters: “Absolutely, yes. We were sure before the transfer window that Christo was one of the players we intended to keep.”
Starting with Brighton, Nkunku should get the chance to take advantage of Jackson’s injury to turn his Chelsea career around once and for all.