Tag Futebol

Sweden boss Graham Potter has now shared an update on injured Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski and his current condition, hinting at a potential return date.

Tottenham without Dejan Kulusevski since May through knee injury

Kulusevski’s knee injury has evolved into one of Tottenham’s most frustrating injury sagas, with the Sweden international sidelined since May’s 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old was forced off after just 19 minutes at Selhurst Park with discomfort in his right patella, initially appearing a relatively minor issue.

However, medical examinations then revealed damage serious enough to require surgery, with Kulusevski undergoing the procedure on May 14th — ruling him out of Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph over Man United.

Former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou expressed disappointment when confirming the setback, explaining that medical staff were initially relieved the structural integrity of the knee seemed intact.

The Australian expected Kulusevski to miss ‘at least a few months’ but provided no definitive return timeline, acknowledging uncertainty about whether the Swede would even be ready for the 25/26 season opener in August.

Related Tottenham handed pitiful Solanke injury update with new timeline shared

The Englishman hasn’t featured since Man City in August.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini 4 days ago

Seven months later, Kulusevski remains unavailable and has failed to make a single appearance under Thomas Frank.

His prolonged absence has seriously impacted Tottenham’s creativity, particularly given James Maddison’s ACL injury that will keep the playmaker out for most of this campaign.

Spurs have been forced to rely on makeshift solutions in the number ten position, with summer signing Xavi Simons being their only natural alternative in that role.

Footage emerged of Kulusevski training with Spurs coaches in Dubai during a warm-weather rehabilitation camp, encouraging supporters who have grown impatient with his prolonged absence.

However, Frank’s most recent update provided little comfort, simply stating he would only share news when Kulusevski is “when they are ready to really be close to being involved in the squad”.

Potter shares Kulusevski injury 'truth' with Tottenham timeline given

Now, speaking on Fotbollskanalen podcast, as translated by Sport Witness, Potter has now hinted at a possible timeline for the £110,000-per-week forward.

The Sweden boss is confident that Kulusevski could be ready for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine in March, claiming that the former Juventus star has a ‘really complicated’ injury.

When asked if Kulusevski will be ready for the Ukraine clash, Potter said he is ‘convinced’.

Few could’ve envisaged that Kulusevski would be absent for this long, and Frank will be desperate to call upon him at the earliest opportunity.

The ex-Serie A star bagged 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances last term, marking himself out as one of Spurs’ chief creators, and they’re a much better side when he’s available for selection.

Losing both him and Maddison has undoubtedly had a major effect on Tottenham, but it shouldn’t be too long before he takes to the pitch again.

Sunderland are now keen on a January move for an “unreal” defender and could make a £12m approach for his services.

Black Cats looking to strengthen this winter

The Black Cats have fared very well upon their return to the Premier League, currently sitting just three points off the Champions League places, and 10 clear of the bottom three, but they are not out of the woods just yet.

With only 15 games played, Regis Le Bris will be well-aware there is still a long way to go, and some January additions could strengthen his side’s chances of preserving their Premier League status, or perhaps even making a surprise push for Europe.

Although the Mackems have had some tough matches in recent weeks, taking on Arsenal in November, before facing reigning champions Liverpool and title contenders Manchester City, they have looked a little more shaky defensively.

Nine of the 17 goals Sunderland have conceded in the Premier League this season have come in the last five matches, most recently suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, and they are now keen on signing a new centre-back.

That is according to a report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), which states the Black Cats are still interested in signing Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, after submitting a €28m (£24m) bid for his services during the summer.

Having maintained their interest, the 2024-25 Championship play-off final winners could make an approach at half the price during the upcoming transfer window, with a €14m (£12m) bid on the cards.

Lucumi is out of contract with the Italian club in 2027, and with Bologna struggling to tie him down to a new deal, the defender’s future is up in the air heading into the January transfer window.

"Unreal" Lucumi could be bargain signing at £12m

It would be a steal if Sunderland were able to sign the centre-back at the heavily discounted rate of just £12m, given just how impressive he has been in Italy, being lauded as “unreal” by journalist Ethan Todd courtesy of his performances across the three previous campaigns.

Related Sunderland now eyeing move to sign midfield ace who Chelsea wanted to sign

Regis Le Bris could hold one key advantage.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Dec 7, 2025

Not only has the 27-year-old put in some solid performances in the Serie A, but he has also established himself at international level, picking up 34 caps for Colombia, most recently helping his side pick up a clean sheet in a 3-0 win against Australia.

The Bologna star is comfortable with the ball, while he is also strong at winning back possession, as showcased by his performance across some key statistics over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Progressive carries

1.03 (81st percentile)

Successful take-ons

0.37 (85th percentile)

Passes attempted

67.14 (79th percentile)

Tackles

1.94 (83rd percentile)

Sunderland are already in a strong position to avoid the drop, but they would be boosting their survival chances even further if they were able to sign Lucumi next month.

Joe DePugh, a former New Jersey high school baseball star known for his association with one of musician Bruce Springsteen's most celebrated songs, has died. He was 75.

Springsteen's friendship with DePugh inspired the first verse of "Glory Days," a platinum-selling No. 5 hit in 1985. In the song, he discusses running into a former pitcher who "could throw that speedball by you."

DePugh, a gifted pitcher, was a Little League teammate of Springsteen's in Freehold, N.J. Unlike Springsteen—an inept athlete as a child—DePugh tried out for the Los Angeles Dodgers after a standout high school career.

"Just a moment to mark the passing of Freehold native and ballplayer Joe DePugh. He was a good friend when I needed one," Springsteen wrote on Instagram. "Glory Days my friend."

DePugh went on to play basketball at King's College, a Division III school in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He obtained and English degree and later worked as a substitute teacher and contractor.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer blamed Benjamin Sesko for Manchester United's troubles this season as the Slovenian forward has been told to improve his game. Ex-Arsenal star Theo Walcott, on the other hand, drew comparison between the United summer signing and Thierry Henry. After winning three matches in a row last month, United have now been held to consecutive draws in the Premier League in November.

• Sesko's difficult start and injury problems

  Ruben Amorim introduced Sesko in the 58th minute of their 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. However, towards the closing stages of the game, the striker had to be taken off following a robust challenge from Micky van de Ven. His cameo performance featured a couple of missed chances. 

  The former RB Leipzig star has endured a difficult start to life in England, as he has scored just two goals in the 12 matches he has played thus far for the Red Devils across all competitions. His toothlessness in front of the goal has hampered United's performance at times. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Shearer not impressed by Sesko

  Speaking on , Premier League record scorer Shearer said: "Sesko struggled again. He’s only scored twice in his 12 appearances and he came on today with just over half hour to go and had two really, really good chances and should have scored, to be honest. They worked it really well for him to get in. He’s either got to get his shot away early or he’s got to push that ball forward quicker. He’s not going to get that amount of time in the Premier League to work it back on his right foot. This one [Sesko’s second chance] is the bigger puzzle for me. I know he’s struggling for confidence but any centre-forward knows you cannot allow the centre-half to come back at you, you’ve got to get across Van de Ven.

  "By that time he should have a picture in his head of where the keeper is and what he wants to do. I don’t think he has a clue he wants to do because I don’t even think he even knows Van de Ven is there and chasing him. I know he’s struggling with confidence but it’s a big ‘must do better’. No one likes to see him coming off injured and we hope his knee is okay but they are two chances you’d expect at that level that someone has to put away."

• Sesko compared to Henry

  Former Arsenal forward Walcott drew comparison between Sesko and Gunners legend Henry as he added: "As a forward player I’d always be my biggest critic. How many crosses did I get in? How many shots did I have? Did I beat my man? Benjamin Sesko isn’t contributing much at the moment and Manchester United don’t seem to be playing to his strengths. But there is still time.

  "I remember when Thierry Henry came to the Premier League – he was a shadow of the player we remember now. I also played with Olivier Giroud – he took about 10 games to really get going, and not many people remember that. We could all see what type of player he was going to be in training."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  How serious is Sesko's injury?

  After the Spurs clash, Amorim had reacted to the fresh injury of Sesko as he said: "I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know. I'm concerned with the injury because it's in the knee. We need Ben to be a better team. We have to check everything, we have to check what has happened with him."

  But on Sunday, reported that the injury was not serious and shouldn’t rule Sesko out for a lengthy spell. However, the full extent of the injury will only be revealed after an MRI scan, which will take place in the coming days.

  Amorim would hope that the striker recovers quickly during the international break and features for the club in their next Premier League clash against Everton on November 24.

MatériaMais Notícias

Tricampeão da América, o Corinthians inicia a trajetória em mais uma Libertadores Feminina nesta sexta-feira (6), em Bogotá, diante do Colo-Colo. Artilheira das Brabas em 2023 com 17 gols, a atacante Vic Albuquerque ressaltou a força do grupo que conquistou o título brasileiro em setembro e mostrou confiança para o primeiro confronto.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasLibertadoresCorinthians x Colo-Colo: onde assistir ao vivo e horário do jogo pela Libertadores FemininaLibertadores06/10/2023CorinthiansFábio Santos puxa a fila em processo de renovação no CorinthiansCorinthians06/10/2023CorinthiansQual é a maior goleada da história do Corinthians?Corinthians05/10/2023

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

– A nossa preparação foi muito bem feita, nos mínimos detalhes, desde a conquista do título brasileiro. Sabemos da qualidade das equipes que vamos enfrentar, mas tenho certeza que estamos preparadas para fazer uma boa estreia nesta sexta e iniciar nossa caminhada na Libertadores com o pé direito – disse Vic.

Maior artilheira da equipe feminina do Corinthians com 84 gols, Vic Albuquerque é também a atleta também já provou que conhece o caminho do gol na Libertadores, já que é a atleta que mais vezes balançou a rede com a camisa do Timão em jogos de Libertadores: 15.

continua após a publicidade

– A Libertadores é uma competição especial, era um sonho de todas nós e ter esses números, poder representar o Corinthians mais uma vez me traz um orgulho muito grande. Mas quando a bola rolar, os números não contam e precisamos seguir fazendo um bom trabalho para conquistar os nossos objetivos neste ano – analisou a camisa 17.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

O Corinthians integra o Grupo C da Libertadores Feminina, ao lado de Always Ready-BOL, Sportivo Limpeño-PAR e Colo-Colo-CHI, adversário na estreia nesta sexta (06), às 19h30 (de Brasília). A Conmebol vai pagar uma premiação recorde para quem vencer o torneio: 1,5 milhão de dólares (R$ 7,8 milhões). O valor representa um aumento significativo em relação à edição anterior, em que o campeão recebeu 85 mil dólares (R$ 445 mil).

continua após a publicidade

Fan favourite Antony declared he is "at home" and playing with "heart" after his man-of-the-match display secured a vital 3-0 La Liga win for Real Betis against Mallorca. The former Manchester United star scored twice and provided an assist in a dominant first half, admitting it was a "shame" he missed a hat-trick, as Betis kept pressure on the top four.

• Antony reflects on match-winning brace

  The Brazilian winger was unstoppable in the first half, scoring two goals and providing an assist to secure the win before the interval. Speaking to Estadio Deportivo after the match, Antony expressed his delight with the result, which keeps Betis firmly in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot.

  Antony was the architect of the victory at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, single-handedly dismantling the Mallorca defence in a blistering first-half spell. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute before doubling his tally and Betis's lead in the 34th minute. He was not finished, turning provider just three minutes later to set up Abde Ezzalzouli for the third goal, effectively ending the contest after just 37 minutes.

  The performance was a showcase of the talent that prompted Manchester United to spend €95 million (£82m/$111m) on him in 2022. Betis dominated the encounter, registering nine shots on target to Mallorca's one, with Antony as the clear focal point of their attack.

  "Very happy with the result, it's very important," Antony said post-match. "We knew how important today's match was because losing the three points at home against Atlético was very tough. Now, winning at home is very important for our confidence. We're moving on. I'm very happy with the two goals and the assist. It's a shame I didn't get the third, but that's part of the game."

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  'The goalkeeper did very well' – Winger details missed hat-trick

  The 25-year-old came agonisingly close to securing the match ball, finding himself with a clear opportunity to score his third goal. However, Mallorca goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom produced an excellent save to deny him.

  "Yes, I had plenty of space and I controlled it, but the goalkeeper did very well too," Antony acknowledged, reflecting on the missed chance. "I think he touched it with his fingertips, but the most important thing is the three points and to keep this up with confidence."

  His ability to praise the opposition's save while immediately shifting focus back to the team's victory highlights a maturity and team-first mentality that Betis fans have quickly come to appreciate.

• 'I am at home' – Antony opens up on Betis happiness

  The winger's comments will be music to the ears of the Betis faithful, as he spoke glowingly about his connection to the club. Antony has endured a difficult period since his high-profile move to Old Trafford, failing to consistently deliver.

  This is his second spell with the Spanish club, having first joined temporarily in January 2025. After returning to Manchester United, he joined Betis back at the start of the 2025-26 season permanently, as now his contract expires in 2030, and the move appears to have rejuvenated him.

  "Very happy, everyone knows the desire I had in my heart," Antony stated passionately. "I am very happy here, I am at home, I am playing a lot for all the fans and all of you."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• 'It's not luck, it's work' – Brazilian credits training for goalscoring form

  The three points were vital for Manuel Pellegrini's side, allowing them to reclaim fifth place in the La Liga table. Betis now sit on 19 points from 11 matches, just three points behind fourth-placed Atlético de Madrid (22 points) and four behind Villarreal in third (23 points).

  The win provides the perfect response to their previous home loss against Atlético, a direct rival for European qualification.

  "It was very tough losing to Atlético at home, and that's why it was so important to win today and be up there," Antony explained. "We have many games ahead of us; we have to be patient, take it one game at a time, and keep moving up."

  Antony's brace on Sunday brings his tally to four goals in his last three league matches, a red-hot streak of form that is silencing critics who have previously questioned his end product. The winger was quick to point out that his newfound clinical edge is no accident.

  "I say it's dangerous because I train a lot," he said. "I practice finishing every day and it's not luck, it's training, it's work. I feel very happy to score two goals."

  This dedication to his craft, combined with the clear emotional lift he has received from his environment at Betis, is paying dividends on the pitch.

Washington Freedom cruised to victory in their modest chase with quick knocks from Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Maxwell

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2025Seattle Orcas had no answers to fast bowler Ian Holland’s variations as they slumped to 145 for 9, which Washington Freedom chased down with 39 balls to spare. Holland finished with career-best T20 figures of 4 for 19 to restrict Orcas after a flying start, before Rachin Ravindra set up the chase at the top and Glenn Maxwell finished things off with an unbeaten 38 off 20.Orcas were in a strong position of 66 for 1 at the end of the powerplay as MLC debutant David Warner and his opening partner Kyle Mayers peppered boundaries. Warner stood outside the crease to bash the ball around while Mayers went 6, 4 and 4 off consecutive deliveries against Glenn Phillips in the fifth over to power Orcas past 50.Warner, however, holed out in the next over for 31 off 17. Mitchell Owen then removed Mayers on the first ball after the powerplay for 27 that brought out Orcas captain Henrich Klaasen for his first game since announcing international retirement.But it all went downhill for Orcas once Holland came on in the tenth over. A flurry of slower deliveries ended the over with Klaasen’s wicket as he ended up holing out to deep backward square leg for 17.Aaron Jones took on Holland in his third over, starting with back-to-back boundaries before three more slower deliveries fetched Holland two wickets, of Jones and Harmeet Singh. In his last over, another slower legcutter removed Cameron Gannon and Orcas were reeling at 120 for 7. Sikandar Raza’s 26-ball stay couldn’t get him more than 15 runs as Jack Edwards and Saurabh Netravalkar bowled frugal spells in the death.Freedom were hardly bothered in the modest chase. Ravindra started with his serene drives on off and down the ground while Owen muscled the ball around in his 11-ball stay for 25. Ravindra kept the sixes coming as he and Andries Gous propelled them to 90 for 1 in the powerplay, which ended with three sixes off Gannon.Gous was foxed by Waqar Salamkheil for 16 as soon as the field spread out and Ravindra was trapped lbw by Obed McCoy for 44 off 18 next over with the help of a review. Maxwell, who went through a drought of runs in the IPL – 48 runs in just six innings before getting injured – turned his form around by smashing Salamkheil for 6, 4 and 4 off consecutive deliveries in the ninth over which eased Freedom’s nerves again.Freedom lost two more wickets before Maxwell struck more boundaries and Mukhtar Ahmed sealed victory with a four in the 14th over.

Karachi also confirmed Kane Williamson would be partially unavailable during this campaign

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Apr-2025

Litton Das has been ruled out of the PSL after he sustained a blow to the thumb during training. Karachi Kings announced the Bangladesh wicketkeeper, who was drafted in the Silver Category this year, will be replaced by Australian wicketkeeper Ben McDermott.”Unfortunately, I couldn’t be part of this tournament, even though I was really looking forward to it,” Litton said in a statement on Karachi Kings’ website. “Life can be unpredictable – just my bad luck.”McDermott has never played in the PSL before but does have recent T20 form coming into the league. He was a member of the Hobart Hurricanes side that won its first BBL title earlier this year, getting his runs at a strike rate just under 145 in the tournament, including a cameo in the final.Related

Fakhar and Billings open Qalandars' account with resounding win

Can Karachi end playoffs jinx, and will spin issues cost Lahore?

PSL@10: The purest and least problematic fun to be had in Pakistan

PSL in numbers: Peshawar's unique feat, Shaheen's first-over strikes, and Usman's tons

Meanwhile, Karachi also confirmed Kane Williamson would be partially unavailable during this campaign. Williamson is expected to join the Kings after the Karachi leg of the tournament ends on April 21, meaning he will miss the first five of his side’s games this tournament. He will be replaced for that period by Saad Baig, currently captain of Pakistan’s U19 side.Peshawar Zalmi also bolstered their ranks in the lead-up to their first game. Fast bowler Ihsanullah, who was ruled out for an extended period of time with a career-threating elbow injury which the PCB acknowledged was mishandled, makes his return to the league for the first time since 2023. He has been signed by Peshawar Zalmi, who play their first game against Quetta Gladiators on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a late-summer transfer boost as Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team scramble for reinforcements.

VIP Tickets

Secure your matchday experience with Seat Unique.

See at Seat Unique

Spurs want to sign a centre-back, playmaker and a new winger (Sky Sports), but bringing in all three is perhaps unlikely at this stage of the window and with such little time remaining.

The north Londoners have found it notoriously difficult already, having seen high-profile blockbuster deals for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze fail in dramatic fashion.

After weeks of talks, Spurs have also got nowhere with their bid for Savinho, as Man City make it crystal clear that the Brazil international is not for sale.

It remains to be seen who they target as an alternative to the 21-year-old, but it is evident who has become their top playmaker target during this final stretch.

According to numerous sources, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is in London right now, with both Chelsea and Tottenham pursuing a deal for the highly-rated Netherlands international.

The 22-year-old is valued at around £60 million, which is a similar price that Spurs were once prepared to pay for Eze and Gibbs-White. With there being precious few available playmakers who could truly make a difference for Thomas Frank, Simons has emerged as their potential saving grace.

He racked up 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last term, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that Simons is an “unbelievable” player.

Tottenham have now submitted a near-£60m bid for Simons, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, with journalist Graeme Bailey also sharing the player’s stance on joining Frank’s side.

Xavi Simons ready to join Tottenham after talks with his camp

As per the reporter, it is believed that Simons is ready to join Tottenham, who’ve held talks with his representatives, after Chelsea began stalling their deal – with the attacking midfielder growing impatient.

The west Londoners have been in talks for weeks, but there are complications with player sales.

They also haven’t found a full agreement with Leipzig in all of that time, and that has allowed Spurs to move in to hijack their negotiations. Right now, Simons is happy to stop pausing on a move and sign for Tottenham instead, despite already agreeing personal terms with Chelsea.

This flurry of promising developments, including Levy’s offer, means that they could be on the verge of finally signing their desired number 10. However, as we’ve seen with Tottenham, no supporter should celebrate until the ink is dry.

“I think he’s going to have a really good career at the highest level,” said Bayern Munich sporting director, Christoph Freund.

“He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player.”

علق أيمن يونس، لاعب الزمالك السابق، على فوز الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالقلعة البيضاء، على ديكاداها الصومالي 6-0 في الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وانتهت مباراة الزمالك وديكاداها الصومالي، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، في ذهاب دور الـ32 من بطولة الكونفدرالية، بفوز الفريق الأبيض 6-0.

طالع | محمد صلاح: بيزيرا “عفريت”.. وزيزو لم يفعل ذلك مع الزمالك

وقال أيمن يونس في تصريحات لقناة “أون سبورت”: “فوز مهم جدًا للفريق، أعاد للاعبين الثقة بأنفسهم، وللمدرب الثقة في اختياراته، من المهم إشراك لاعبين جدد ومنحهم الفرصة لإثبات أنفسهم، المباراة كانت مليئة بالمكاسب، معنوية، نفسية، وأيضًا على مستوى النتيجة”.

وتابع:  “لكن الأبرز في اللقاء كان الساحر الراقص بيزيرا، لاعب مختلف، لا يلعب الكرة بل يرقص بها، لمساته تشبه رقصات التانجو، حتى هدفه جاء بطريقة مميزة، رغم أن استلامه للكرة لم يكن مثاليًا، لكنه تحرك بذكاء، وسجل بتشيب فيه لمسة من ميسي، ومحمد صلاح، ولمسته الخاصة”.

وأضاف: “بيزيرا أمتع الجميع، صنع كل شيء جميل في اللقاء، تمريراته، استلامه، وصناعته للأهداف، كما ساهم في تألق زملائه مثل سيف جعفر والجزيري، لعب بثقة وتواصل بانسجام مع الجميع، وكان نجم اللقاء بلا منازع”.

واختتم: “عند الحديث عن لاعب مصري يشبهه، قد يكون خالد الغندور في شبابه الأقرب له، من حيث الأسلوب والروح، وكان يمتاز بخفة الظل والشخصية المميزة، خاصة وسط جيل ذهبي احترم الكرة وأتقنها”.