Riding high still on their unbelievable success in the Champions League over Bayern Munich, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa had to settle for a share of the points against Manchester United last time out back in Premier League action.

Whilst Villa’s tie with Bayern was high-octane and fascinating to watch unfold, the goalless draw with Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils was a slog in contrast, as the hosts managed just one paltry shot on target.

Still, with the explosive nature of Jhon Duran at Emery’s disposal to call upon from off the substitutes bench, there are bound to be far more exciting contests to come.

Jhon Duran's form at Villa

Duran has been a man possessed for the West Midlands outfit this campaign so far, with the 20-year-old hotshot more than justifying his slender £18m fee in the here and now.

The entertaining Colombian centre-forward has registered a ridiculous six goals from ten games this campaign for Villa, with four of those coming in the Premier League despite making zero starts in the competition.

Of course, the standout pick from his glowing resume of strikes this season was against Vincent Kompany’s Bayern, as the super confident attacker amazingly caught out former World Cup winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a smart finish late on to win his side the tight clash.

Duran has now been rightly rewarded with a new bumper contract at Villa Park, which now sees the breakout attacker stay put in England until 2030 to detract any onlookers interested in him, as the 20-year-old continues to be a clutch player for his side when it matters.

Yet, although Emery and Co will be overjoyed that they managed to get their hands on Duran when they did, the Premier League side will be left wondering whether they could have snapped up a different attacker last January.

Impressively, the player in question is actually outscoring the ex-Chicago Fire man.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

Expand Collapse Who Villa could have signed over Duran

As per various different reports, Villa were previously keen on adding French star Marcus Thuram to their ranks, with rumours circulating that he was going to relocate to England from then-employers Borussia Monchengladbach early last year.

Manchester United were also reportedly in the running to try and secure the deadly Frenchman’s services, but Thuram eventually made his way to Inter Milan in the summer instead, with the Serie A giants jubilant at the fact that they managed to pick up the lofty 6 foot 4 striker for free after his Gladbach contract had run its course.

Thuram vs Duran: 24/25 League Stats

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

Thuram

Duran

Games played

7

7

Goals scored

7

4

Assists

3

0

Shots

2.9

1.4

Expected goals (xG)

2.60

2.06

Scoring frequency

79 mins

46 mins

Goal conversion %

35%

40%

Stats by Sofascore

Interestingly, Thuram boasts more goals in the top Italian division than Duran has managed this campaign so far in the Premier League, with a stunning seven strikes from just seven games for Inter, which takes his total goal tally for the Serie A titans up to 22 goals from 54 appearances.

Far outperforming his xG too, it would have been a joy to watch if both Thuram and his theoretical Colombian teammate lined up with each other at Villa Park, giving Emery’s men some crazy firepower away from leading man Ollie Watkins.

As a result of his continued excellent performances donning the number nine jersey for Inter, the 27-year-old’s transfer value now stands at a hefty £54m according to Transfermarkt.

Yet, although Thuram has even been labelled as “special” by one of his Inter teammates Benjamin Pavard at the peak of his powers, Villa will be more than content with the fact they have Duran to call upon as he strives to continue taking the English game by storm when the international break is over.

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A cut-price move for an “exceptional” Newcastle United target could be on the cards in the January transfer window, in a more marquee deal than the recent links to Wout Faes and Nikola Milenkovic.

Newcastle eyeing £75m double deal

Eddie Howe has found his centre-back options decimated in recent months, with serious injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles leaving him horribly lacking in that area of the pitch, especially with little business done there in the summer, barring the signing of the versatile Lloyd Kelly.

Key additions are required at the heart of Newcastle’s defence moving forward, and they have been linked with a sensational £75m double swoop for Faes and Milenkovic. The duo are currently plying their trade at Leicester City and Nottingham Forest respectively, but could relish the opportunity to move to a bigger club.

The Premier League pair are seen as potential long-term replacements for current Magpies defenders Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, both of whom are in their final year at St James’ Park. It remains to be seen if either will be handed extensions, but the fact that they are now 32 years of age suggests that could be unlikely.

Should neither Faes nor Milenkovic move to Newcastle, they will surely turn to other options instead, whether that be in January or next summer, and it looks as though they could now be set to revisit a former target.

Newcastle "considering" cut-price January signing

According to The Northern Echo‘s Wilson on X, Newcastle are “considering” going back in for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi in January, even eyeing him on the cheap, with his report saying a “cut-price deal” is the aim.

Guehi still feels like the most exciting centre-back option for the Magpies, especially if they now believe they can sign him for cheaper than what Palace were demanding in the summer. The 24-year-old impressed so much for England at Euro 2024, proving to be one of their standout players after filling in for the injured Harry Maguire throughout the tournament.

Former Three Lions star Joe Hart said of him: “Huge shoutout to Marc Guehi. I thought he was exceptional. He really stepped in and was really calm on the ball. I thought Guehi allowed John Stones to play his game. The more Marc plays, the better that [centre-back] partnership will get.”

Guehi certainly hasn’t expressed a willingness to now remain at Palace for years to come, suggesting that a move to Newcastle may still appeal to him, and given his age and profile, Paul Mitchell should do all he can to acquire the England international’s signature.

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ByHenry Jackson Oct 14, 2024

Granted, the Eagles have struggled this season and the defender arguably hasn’t been at his absolute best, but he has discussed a “tough” summer without much of a pre-season, so there should be no concerns from Newcastle about him being a flash in the pan.

For the second game in a row, Sri Lanka survived an early scare to record a commanding win. This time, Ireland were at the receiving end, Andrew Balbirnie’s men thumped by 70 runs as Sri Lanka guaranteed safe passage to the Super 12s. A superb all-round performance by Wanindu Hasaranga, who smashed 71 off 40 balls and doubled with figures of 4-0-12-1, rescued his side from the perilous position of 8 for 3, first carrying them to 171 before helping skittle Ireland out for 101.For Sri Lanka, this was a comprehensive performance, if not quite as complete as Mickey Arthur and the coaching staff will have wished for. The problems with the top order persist, though Hasaranga’s knock – alongside a classy 47-ball 61 from Pathum Nissanka – will go some way towards alleviating concerns around the quality of Sri Lanka’s batting. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan fielding wasn’t quite as clinical as a side at their level might demand, but against a lacklustre Ireland batting performance, it proved more than enough.Ireland began to bleed wickets right from the outset of the chase, and the big innings they required from someone like Paul Stirling never materialised. Stirling and Kevin O’Brien both fell cheaply, and any resistance of not came from a 53-run fourth wicket partnership between skipper Balbirnie and Curtis Campher. However, with the asking rate rising, all they managed to do was rebuild, and once the stand was broken, Sri Lanka zipped through the last seven wickets for 16 runs.Ireland will need to shake off the disappointment from a day that began so brightly for them, and turn their attention towards their final game this round, a knockout against the Namibia, with the victor joining Sri Lanka in the Super 12.Related

• Arthur: SL's bowling attack is 'almost ideal' for T20 World Cup

• Stats – The Sri Lanka recovery in numbers

Irish start
For all that happened after it, it’s easy to forget the perfect start Ireland enjoyed to this game. Sri Lanka’s top three struggled against Namibia, but what happened here against the Irish was a downright capitulation. Stirling opened the bowling, and right at the outset, had Kusal Perera hole out to George Dockrell at cover point, who took a splendid catch diving forward.That was followed by an over for the ages from Josh Little – six balls that would not have looked out of place on a green-top wicket with the red ball. Coming in over the wicket and shaping it back into the right-handers, he knocked back Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando’s off stump off successive deliveries, combining metronomic accuracy with seam movement and swing. It reduced Sri Lanka to three-down with less than 10 on the board, and at that stage, The Irish were buoyant. It would require a Herculean effort for Sri Lanka to wrest back control, and that’s what the fourth-wicket stand provided.The Sri Lanka players celebrate the wicket of Kevin O’Brien•AFP/Getty Images

Hasaranga, Nissanka flay Ireland
Hasaranga tends not to bat as high as No. 5, but with Sri Lanka having lost wickets in a heap and needing to get a move on, they needed to take a punt. That’s what Hasaranga represented when he walked out to bat, a low-value, high-impact wicket.He got Sri Lanka on their way with a classical back-foot drive through the offside, and all of a sudden, the momentum shifted. Nissanka and Hasaranga smacked Mark Adair for another three fours next over, before Hasaranga clobbered Simi Singh for four successive boundaries to round out the powerplay. They were all low-risk, high-class cricket shots, and got Sri Lanka back into a position of superiority.With the powerplay over, the two transitioned masterfully into the next passage of play. There were regular ones and twos punctuated with the odd boundary, and whenever Ireland’s fielding let them down, the batters were there to make them pay. Ireland’s frustrations began to increase as last game’s hero Campher went for plenty in his spell, unaware to summon the magic of that four-wicket spell against the Netherlands. But then again, in Hasaranga and Nissanka, they were up against an opposition in a different league to anything Netherlands had thrown up against them.By the time the partnership was broken, the duo had added 133 in 13.4 overs, the fourth wicket partnership accounting for nearly 80% of all runs scored.Sri Lankan spin suffocation
Well, this bit was predictable, wasn’t it? With runs on the board, Sri Lanka unleashed their myriad of spin-bowling options, this time Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana the most potent ones. The combination of flippers, wrong’uns, conventional offspin and round-arm balls with variable bounce kept the Irish batters guessing. With all thoughts focused firmly on survival, the asking rate only ever went up. Stirling tried to force the issue early on and paid for it with his wicket, Theekshana causing him to hole out to fine leg. Campher and Neil Rock also fell to his wile later in the innings. Hasaranga, meanwhile, beat Gareth Delany all ends up, as one that kept low clattered into the hapless batter’s middle stump.What was perhaps less predictable is the role the pace battery played in keeping the Irish at bay. Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera were sensation in the early overs, the speed gun consistently showing they were clocking speeds in the high 140s. The yorkers were toe-crushing, the short balls menacing and the slower ones unpredictable. With Sri Lanka alternating between express pace and unorthodox spin, Ireland were being stifled out of the contest.

Manchester United’s recruitment team have identified a new target as they look to strengthen their midfield once again, according to a new report. The Red Devils added five players to their squad over the course of the summer; one of those was midfielder Manuel Ugarte, and the club still have their eye on adding in that area of the team.

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The January transfer window isn’t a million miles away from opening, and United appear to be looking at potential options they could explore when that does arrive. United officials were spotted scouting Napoli duo Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Alessandro Buongiorno in their game against Empoli last weekend.

United staff were there to take in Kvaratskhelia in particular, but are said to have been left equally mpressed by Buongiorno, who only joined the Italian side in the summer but has already been making a big impression. The Red Devils did business with Napoli in the summer, as they sold Scott McTominay, and now they could be looking for a favour in return.

Man United’s hierarchy is also in the market for a new left-back, as the absentees of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have caused them issues. United are now keen to resolve that and are keeping an eye on Julio Soler of Argentinian side Lunas. Improving in defence and up front isn’t the only priority for United, as they are also keen on adding to their midfield, despite the arrival of Ugarte a few months ago.

Man Utd identify Richard Rios as new midfield target

According to Give Me Sport, Manchester United are monitoring Richard Rios as they look to strengthen in the midfield department. The club’s focus is set to turn to the midfield, as Christian Eriksen is now in the final year of his contract and looks set to leave at the end of the season, and Casemiro could also be on his way out next summer. Therefore, United are in the market for someone who could be a long-term partner to Kobbie Mainoo.

United could then look to add to their midfield in January, and while they are taking a look at Rios, they are also monitoring other players. The report states that Morten Frendrup is one name under consideration, as he’s been linked with a move to Old Trafford recently.

The Red Devils are also looking at Morten Hjulmand, who was also linked with a move to the club in the summer; Sverre Nypan is also under consideration and has been scouted by United earlier this season; and the final option is Chris Rigg, who has been admired by United for a while now.

Apps

95

Goals

6

Assists

5

Rios is a new player being looked at by United – he currently plays for Brazilian side Palmeiras and has been since March 2023. The 24-year-old can operate as a deep midfielder, as well as a more advanced one, as he’s also got the ability to play out on the right and has done for Palmeiras. The Premier League side is said to have scouted Rios through the summer, and he is expected to make a move to Europe soon, but United’s stance on the player is unclear as of now.

The Gunners thrashed the Cityzens and embarrassed Haaland in doing so, running out 5-1 winners on Sunday

Arsenal exacted their revenge on Manchester City with a mightily impressive 5-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners were left incensed after being denied a late victory in the reverse fixture, but came up with one hell of a performance to make up for such a grievance this time around.

Martin Odegaard put Mikel Arteta's men ahead early on after taking advantage of some sloppy passing from the City defence as Arsenal went into the break a goal up. However, they were pegged back by a nonchalant Erling Haaland, whose header stunned the home crowd into short-lived silence.

Alas, City were only on level terms for under two minutes, as Thomas Partey's deflected effort saw the hosts move back in front. Shortly after, Myles Lewis-Skelly steered home Arsenal's third of the day to give them some breathing space, but they weren't done there.

Kai Havertz, who drew the ire of home fans for a terrible miss in the first half, all but ensured the three points with a nice finish for four, while Ethan Nwaneri put the cherry on the cake with a similar strike in added time.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Emirates Stadium…

Getty Images SportLOSER: Erling Haaland

The man at the centre of this newfound rivalry, the convoluted Oppenheimer of Arsenal's enjoyment today. From minute one, the Gunners sought to antagonise Haaland, and despite a bump in the road with his second-half header, they had their vengeance.

Gabriel Magalhaes, bounced with the ball after City's last-gasp leveller back in September's 2-2 draw, screamed and shouted in the Norwegian's face in the opening exchanges, setting the tone in the battle of wits. Lewis-Skelly's 'zen' celebration mimicked that of Haaland's former self, sliding to the floor and lovingly surrounded by his senior team-mates.

Home supporters revelled in Haaland's misfortune, sticking it to him with several derogatory chants. He tried to save face by pointing to the golden Premier League winners' badge on his sleeve at full-time, but given he stirred the pot with his 'stay humble' comments before, this was a lame get-out. You made this bed, Erling, and now you have to lie in it.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWINNER: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Lewis-Skelly was already popular among Arsenal fans heading into this game, an impressive addition to Arteta's senior squad having worked his way through the youth ranks. By half-time, he was on top of Phil Foden and locking the reigning Player of the Year down. Another 45 minutes later and he was just about shedding his 'prince' title for that of 'king'.

His goal, deftly cutting inside onto his right foot and firing into the far corner, was itself a thing of beauty, but to twist the knife with another Haaland jab will ensure he's remembered round these parts regardless of how the rest of his career pans out. If Haaland was the antagonist, Lewis-Skelly was his superior protagonist.

Those at the Hale End academy will have been left smiling from ear to ear, with Lewis-Skelly's goal followed by an equally superb effort from close friend Nwaneri. That youth production line just keeps on rolling.

Getty Images SportLOSER: Phil Foden

Foden, the worthy winner of last season's Player of the Year awards, hasn't quite looked himself this season. He put a slow start down to fitness and injury issues, particularly off the back of a gruelling and testing Euro 2024 campaign in which he was criticised for his performances.

The 24-year-old has found some form against some of the Premier League's lesser sides, but looked way out of his depth against top-quality opposition here. Lewis-Skelly locked him up with significant ease, and his only assist of the day came for Partey, handing the Ghanaian possession leading to Arsenal's second goal.

Guardiola had clearly seen enough when he hooked Foden just after the hour mark. His title-winning exploits feel like a lifetime ago, and with so much talent coming through, his England spot is certainly up for grabs.

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Getty Images SportWINNER: Kai Havertz

God loves a trier, and for better or worse, that's certainly what Havertz is. He may not be the most fierce of opponents, have the cleanest of technique or ooze charisma, but you can bet he will fight tooth and nail for this Arsenal side.

For many, that isn't enough to lead the line for a side hoping to win the Premier League and Champions League. That's completely fair, particularly once you factor in how horrendous his miss in the first half was, the confidence clearly drained from his body as he shaped up to roll the ball wide from close range.

But he kept at it. He kept going again and again. Maybe that's because he couldn't sink any lower, but he was rewarded in the end for his efforts. The goal Havertz did score was impressive, and he was suitably serenaded by the home crowd for it.

At least until the summer, Havertz's place in the starting line up should be safe. What he does between now and then will tell us how secure that spot is in the long term.

ICC promise ‘thorough investigation’ after disturbances outside Dubai Stadium

Matt Roller29-Oct-2021The ICC have asked the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to “undertake a thorough investigation” following crowd trouble caused by “thousands of ticketless fans” at Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Super 12s game in the men’s T20 World Cup in Dubai.The sides’ previous World Cup meeting, at Headingley in 2019, had been marred by crowd trouble, security lapses and pitch invasions and despite a pre-match plea from Rashid Khan to “remain cool and calm and just focus on enjoying the game”, huge crowds descended on Dubai International Stadium in attempts to gain entry.In a statement issued at midnight local time, the ICC said that more than 16,000 tickets had been issued for the game but that “thousands” of fans without them travelled to the stadium “and then attempted to force entry”. At least one external barrier was pushed over, with a surge of supporters gathered outside the stadium’s main gates throughout the game itself.Related

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“Dubai Police and security staff secured the stadium to ensure the safety of everyone inside and brought in significant additional resources to disperse the crowd and calm the situation,” the statement said. “At approximately 7pm, Dubai Police directed that all gates should remain closed and no further entry was permitted to maintain a safe and controlled environment inside the venue.”The ICC has asked the ECB to undertake a thorough investigation into tonight’s events to learn any lessons and will work closely with authorities to ensure there is no repeat of this situation in the future.”Fans have been permitted at 70-80 percent capacity throughout the World Cup depending on local restrictions, with tickets for matches involving Asian teams selling well. The ICC’s statement included an apology to “any fans with valid tickets who were unable to enter the stadium tonight”, who were advised to contact the ticket provider.Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan’s captain, said in his post-match press conference: “For the Afghan fans, please buy a ticket and come to the stadium. Don’t repeat again. This is not good.”

Nottingham Forest made it two Premier League wins in a row after beating fellow East Midlands side Leicester City 3-1 at the King Power last night.

Goals from captain Ryan Yates and a double from the in-form Chris Wood secured a fourth win from nine league matches, preserving the Reds’ unbeaten away record so far this season.

The New Zealand international’s two goals take him to seven goals already this campaign, with the 32-year-old now second in the goalscoring charts behind just Erling Haaland.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s men now sit fifth in the league before the rest of the weekend’s fixtures, a remarkable feat – highlighting the excellent start in the first few months of 2024/25.

It’s a stark contrast from the last couple of years in England’s top-flight, looking like a tough side to break down, conceding just seven times with numerous players starring in the recent victory over former boss Steve Cooper’s side.

Forest’s star performers against Leicester

Midfielder Yates produced another superb display in the middle of the park, with his workmanlike style catching the eye once more – even adding a goal to his all-round display.

The 26-year-old featured for the entire 90 minutes, winning seven duels and winning two fouls as he helped see out the victory – starring in his leadership role.

Yates’ defensive display was impressive yet again, making an interception, three recoveries and five clearances as he appears to be relishing the challenge of taking his personal game to the next level after often being the supporters’ scapegoat.

Wood, meanwhile, has been a revelation since Nuno’s appointment, scoring 17 times since the end of December – making him the second-highest Premier League goalscorer in Forest’s history.

At the time of his £15m signing, it was laughed at and often dubbed a waste of money, but now the rest of the division will be jealous of the addition, with Wood’s goals equating to 60% of the club’s league strikes since the start of the campaign.

It was undoubtedly a phenomenal night’s work for Nuno’s side – registering yet another victory – but not every Reds’ player managed to impress, with one first-team member failing to make an impact.

The Forest player who was disappointing against Leicester

Despite the three goals away from home, it could’ve quite easily been a lot more given the opportunities that arose in and around Leicester’s 18-yard box.

Winger Anthony Elanga had an evening to forget in the East Midlands, producing some woeful figures and subsequently being replaced way before the full-time whistle.

The Swede featured for 76 minutes before being replaced by Portuguese star Jota Silva for the remainder of the encounter, with Elanga looking well off the pace throughout.

Minutes played

76

Touches

33

Passes completed

8/12 (67%)

Crosses completed

0/12

Duels won

3/6 (50%)

Possession lost

20x

Shots taken

1

The 22-year-old only managed 33 touches, whilst attempting 12 crosses but failing to find a teammate on any occasion – looking wasteful when handed the opportunity with the ball at his feet.

He also lost possession 20 times – the most of any player for either side – further highlighting his wasteful nature on the ball, with his withdrawal unsurprising when looking at his stats from the win.

All in all, it was a fantastic performance from Nuno’s side, further pushing them up the Premier League table and building a greater gap to the relegation zone, which is undoubtedly the main aim for the rest of the season.

The Reds host West Ham United at the City Ground next Saturday looking to make it three wins in a row, with Elanga certainly fearing for his starting role after his display last night.

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ByBen Browning Oct 25, 2024

Lionesses star Chloe Kelly has gone public with her desire to leave Manchester City as she tries to force a switch to local rivals Manchester United.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Kelly has fallen down Man City pecking order
• WSL side are blocking move to rivals Man Utd
• Lionesses winger has now released statement

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kelly, one of the highest-profile players in the Women's Super League, has seen doubt cast over her future at Manchester City after falling down the selection pecking order. The Lionesses forward has started just one of the 12 WSL games played by Gareth Taylor's side and has now been linked with a switch to city rivals Manchester United on loan.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Telegraph Sport has reported both United and Brighton have made bids to sign the Lionesses forward on loan but that the Red Devils are apparently her preferred move. However, Manchester City are said to be reluctant to let Kelly go to their fierce rivals, with the 27-year-old having since issued a statement asserting that the club "dictated" which team she could join during the January transfer window, causing her "mental well-being" to suffer.

• WHAT KELLY SAID

  On Instagram, Kelly posted a statement that read: “For a long time, I’ve tried to work through professional challenges privately, not commenting publicly, but with my situation increasingly being debated in the public domain, I feel it’s time to be open and transparent, and you heard it from my perspective.

  “A key lesson I have learned in my life is that whilst I can’t control someone’s negative behaviour towards me, I can control how long I am prepared to tolerate it.

  “From day one, I’ve felt so much love from my team-mates and the fans. With my contract expiring in June I’ve accepted my future is not at this club beyond then.

  “With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so.

  “However, to be dictated whom I can and can’t join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental well-being. The situation has dragged on for too long, it’s disappointing and not right.

  “I’m at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me and [it] is very disappointing that the sport we love can make you feel this way, especially after there’s been so much growth in our sport.

  “This is why I’m posting this because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed whilst we live in silence.

  “I am human and I have and will give everything to the game that I love. Ultimately, I just want to be happy again.”

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR KELLY?

  The Manchester City forward will likely leave the club this year although she faces a race against time to be able to escape her situation in January, with the WSL transfer window closing on January 30 at 11pm GMT.

Celtic face a crucial Champions League clash with Atalanta this week and Brendan Rodgers has now received a major boost regarding the fitness of a key player.

Celtic set for vital Atalanta clash

The Hoops had a disappointing result last Saturday, only managing a 2-2 draw at home to Aberdeen in a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership meeting between two sides with 100 per cent records. While a point was far from disastrous, the fact that Rodgers’ men let a two-goal lead slip was disappointing.

Attention now turns from league to Champions League commitments for Celtic, who make the trip to Bergamo on Wednesday evening, knowing how important the result is in the group stage. The Scottish giants have won and lost one game apiece in Europe’s top competition so far this season, thumping Slovan Bratislava 5-1 at Parkhead, only to be humiliated 7-1 away to Borussia Dortmund last time around.

This promises to be another massive test for the Hoops, as they come up against the reigning Europa League holders, following their own win over much-fancied Bundesliga champions Bayern Leverkusen in last season’s final.

Rodgers will know the importance of having as many key players available as possible on Wednesday, and a massive update has emerged in that respect.

Celtic handed massive injury boost with Carter-Vickers

According to The Daily Record, Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers trained in footage released on Tuesday, suggesting he could be available for selection against Atalanta. Described in the report as a “huge boost” for the Hoops, the 26-year-old was “back on the grass” before the Aberdeen game but wasn’t risked ahead of the trip to Italy, suggesting they’ve played it safe to avoid re-injury.

Having Carter-Vickers back for Atalanta would feel enormous for Celtic, although there would be the obvious risk of him being rusty for a big game, considering he hasn’t featured at all since the win over Bratislava in the middle of September.

The £24,000-a-week USA international has been arguably Celtic’s most influential defender ever since he sealed a move to Parkhead from Tottenham in 2022, with former Hoops teammate Moritz Jenz once saying of him: “CCV is a great guy. First of all, he’s not selfish. He’s a top, team player.

“You saw him come on against Lazio and you could see his presence. Everyone was like, ‘CCV is here!’. It was very stable. Okay, the goal they conceded was a bit unlucky where Cameron could have kicked it out, but this can happen. But he is so important. It’s like having a rock, or a fridge, next to you. You know he’s going to be there and will cover you when someone goes past you.”

Rodgers clearly has a huge decision to make when it comes to whether to start Carter-Vickers or not, with the risk of throwing him straight back in obvious.

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The centre-back is such an experienced figure who makes the Hoops more solid, though, so starting him feels worth the gamble, assuming he has done enough in training to prove his fitness.

أعرب محمود عبد العاطي دونجا لاعب بيراميدز، عن سعادته بعد الفوز على المقاولون العرب بهدفين دون رد، خلال المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ببطولة كأس مصر.

والتقى بيراميدز مع المقاولون العرب، على أرضية ملعب الدفاع الجوي في إطار مواجهات دور الـ16 لبطولة كأس مصر.

وقال محمود دونجا في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “مباراة كانت صعبة، المقاولون العرب فريق جيد ومعهم مدرب جيد، حضرنا جيدًا وكنا نعرف أنهم منظمين”.

طالع أيضاً.. مواجهات دور الـ8 من كأس مصر (محدث باستمرار)

وتابع: “الحمد لله على الفوز، لقد تخطينا دورًا مهمًا، والحمد لله 11 لاعبًا شاركوا لم يلعبوا كثيرًا بشكل أساسي”.

واختتم: “لاعبون كثيرون تعرضوا للإصابة في خط الدفاع، والمدرب اعتمد علي في هذا المركز ولا توجد مشكلة، لأنني سبق ولعبت في هذا المركز”.