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Lionel Messi has given a fitness update on the back of another Copa America triumph.

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All-time great suffered ankle injuryStill able to lift trophy No.45Hoping that he will not be out for longGetty/GOALWHAT HAPPENED?

The most-decorated player in history now has 45 trophies to his name after claiming a second continental crown. The Albiceleste successfully defended that title on U.S. soil, with an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez enough to see off Colombia in a dramatic final showdown.

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Messi exited that game in tears after suffering an unfortunate ankle injury that raised immediate fears regarding his fitness heading into a return to domestic action at MLS side Inter Miami. There is no news on how long the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be sidelined for, but the mercurial 37-year-old has suggested that he will not be out for long.

WHAT MESSI SAID

Messi has said in an emotional Instagram post: “Copa America is over and firstly I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I'm doing well, thank God, and hopefully soon I can be on the pitch again enjoying what I love doing most. I'm happy, a lot, especially because we achieved the goal we had and Fide [Angel Di Maria] leaves us with another Copa. The biggest ones, like him, Ota or me, we live it with special excitement, with other team-mates who already have several tournaments and add their experience as well, and with a litter of young people who give their all in every ball. We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group. Thanks to everyone who was supporting us, this national team has a lot of present and a lot of future too. Let's go Argentina f*ckkkkk!”

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WHAT NEXT?

Inter Miami have already been without talismanic captain Messi for five games and are desperate to welcome him back into their ranks – alongside veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. Argentina’s GOAT will require treatment when rejoining the Herons fold, but is hoping to respond positively to that as his sights shift to an ongoing bid for MLS Cup glory.

Manchester United have suffered a fresh fitness blow ahead of the weekend Premier League visit of Everton, with another "new addition to the injury list".

Man Utd v Everton could easy pressure on Ten Hag

The Red Devils face a must-win match on Saturday lunchtime, as a relegation-threatened Everton side head to Old Trafford to kick off the weekend action. Erik ten Hag knows that his side can afford very few slip-ups in the league between now and the end of the season, considering fourth-place Aston Villa are now 11 points ahead of them, not to mention Spurs being six clear with a game in hand in fifth position.

Pressure is clearly growing on the manager, with various links emerging regarding potential replacements for him this summer, including Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann. The 36-year-old remains one of Europe's most talented young managers, and he is expected to leave his current role after Euro 2024.

In fairness to Ten Hag, injuries have been an issue for United throughout this season, with the Dutchman having to make do with key men for large chunks of the campaign. The likes of Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are absent currently, both of whom are influential defenders, and Rasmus Hojlund has also joined them on the sidelines.

Man Utd's current injured players

Expected return date

Luke Shaw (thigh)

11/05/2024

Lisandro Martinez (knee)

06/04/2024

Anthony Martial (groin/hip/pelvic)

30/03/2024

Rasmus Hojlund (other)

17/03/2024

Harry Maguire (other)

17/03/2024

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (other)

17/03/2024

Tyrell Malacia (knee)

16/03/2024

Now, another player has suffered a fitness setback, acting as a blow ahead of the weekend meeting with Everton.

Man Utd suffer fresh injury blow

Taking to X on Friday, FFScout confirmed that Omari Forson will miss Manchester United's clash with the Blues through injury, joining fellow front man Hojlund on the sidelines:

"Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans have successfully recovered from their GW27 knocks. Omari Forson is the only new addition to the injury list. Hojlund, Maguire and Wann-Bissaka could return next weekend for the FA Cup clash against Liverpool."

Admittedly, Forson doesn't represent a key player at the moment, given his age and lack of experience, but not having him as an option this weekend still acts as a clear negative. The 19-year-old has made three appearances in the Premier League so far this season, completing 88.5% of his passes in that time, and he has also enjoyed two FA Cup outings. Meanwhile, United academy director Nick Cox has lavished him with praise recently.

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The hope is that United still have enough to overcome an Everton side languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table – a six-point deduction hasn't helped them, in that respect – and failure to win would put even more doubt over the future of Ten Hag.

Newcastle United chiefs have been sending scouts to keep track of an exciting young midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, having been forced into a quiet January by Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Newcastle United transfer news

After fending off a number of surprising exit links, Eddie Howe was happy to see the January transfer window slam shut with the core of his Newcastle side intact. But while the North East outfit managed to keep hold of in demand stars Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, the lack of incomings has left the club needing to make a number of additions this summer.

Currently sitting ninth in the table, the top four finish last season and subsequent Champions League campaign feel like distant memories for Newcastle as they battle to keep themselves in the running for the European places. With just one win from their last six league games, the pressure is on Eddie Howe to build a team able to replicate last season's success.

Sandro Tonali's ongoing ban for gambling offences will mean he will be unavailable until next season, and fan favourite Joelinton's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, leaving the Premier League side in desperate need of midfield reinforcements. With reported losses to the tune of £155 million limiting their transfer spending this season, the top of Newcastle's to-do-list for the summer will be to address concerns in the middle of the park.

"Powerful" Onana wowing Newcastle scouts

The Magpies' well documented January window woes have left the club already making their plans for the summer window. Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle have compiled an extensive scouting dossier on Everton's Amadou Onana ahead of a potential deal for the Belgian international.

PIF's scouts are apparently very impressed by what they've seen too, as the club are now "very keen" on a deal and believe Onana is a "big upgrade" on some of their current options in the centre of the park.

Since arriving on Merseyside, the 22-year-old has earned significant plaudits, with current boss Sean Dyche glowing over his power, aerial ability, and timing to arrive in the box, as well as praising his "ugly side of the game with his hard work and positional sense".

With the futures of Newcastle's midfield duo hanging in the balance, any incoming players will have to match both the progressive output of Tonali and the defensive qualities of Joelinton. A strong tackler who can carry the ball and cause chaos in the opponent's box, there is no doubt that Onana could be the successor to the midfield at St James' Park, ranking in the 93rd percentile for aerial duels won by midfielders in Europe's top five leagues (Onana stats – FBRef), as well as creating 39 shooting opportunities for he and his teammates this term.

Amadou Onana 2023/24	Total
Tackles	45
Shot Creating Actions	39
Aerial Duels Won %	71.2%
Fouls Drawn	31

A Swiss Army Knife of a footballer, Onana can adapt his game to compliment his teammates. Able to offer defensive support to the more attacking Bruno Guimarães or take on the progressive onus in the presence of the physical Joelinton, there is no wonder why Newcastle are making early moves to get this deal over the line.

After a fee of £33 million first brought Onana to England in August 2022, Everton will be eager to see a return on their investment in the former LOSC Lille midfielder. With further sanctions hanging over their heads and uncertainty over which league they will be playing their football next season, their hand could be forced to part ways with some of their prized assets this summer. With countless clubs circling the situation at Everton, Newcastle's early pursuit of one of the league's most promising players could see them complete the deal early into the next transfer window.

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The offer could come soon and they want to cash in.

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Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Hafeez has signed with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League. Hafeez will replace South Africa batsman Rassie van der Dussen, who will be unavailable due to international commitments, with South Africa set to tour India in September-October.This will be Hafeez’s second stint with the CPL franchise. He had been part of the squad in 2017, when the team finished runners-up, losing the final to Trinbago Knight Riders. In that season, Hafeez struck 120 runs at an average of 17.14 in nine matches and took seven wickets. He had also played for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2013 and 2014. Overall, Hafeez has scored 412 runs in 27 CPL matches at an average of 19.61 and a strike rate of 105.37, and has taken 17 wickets at 28.41 while conceding 5.78 runs per over.Hafeez was one of the Pakistan’s better performers in an otherwise disappointing World Cup campaign, where the side finished fifth out of ten teams. He scored 253 runs in eight matches, ending up as the third-highest run-getter for the side in the tournament, at an average of 31.62, and took two wickets.The CPL will be played between September 4 and October 12, with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots featuring in the opening match against defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders.

Contributions throughout the order, aided by some poor Leicestershire fielding, gave the home side a solid first innings in tricky conditions

ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2019Alex Wakely made his first half-century since resigning the Northamptonshire captaincy to lead his side to a good opening day against Leicestershire at Wantage Road. Wakely’s 65 in testing conditions set Northants up to make 299 having been sent in before the visitors survived three overs to the close 6 for 0.Wakely’s 76 on the first day of the season was becoming a distant memory with a high score in the Championship since then of only 28. Stepping down as captain didn’t bring immediate reward with an eight-ball duck at Durham in his previous innings, but here he battled away to make important runs against the moving ball.He arrived in just the sixth over of the morning and flicked Mohammed Abbas through midwicket for his first boundary before imperiously pulling Neil Dexter’s first ball through the same region on his way to 36 not out by the lunch.After the break, another pull brought up a second half-century of the season in 102 balls with eight fours before he was tremendously caught at second slip in Abbas’ first over of a new spell 20 minutes before tea. Trying to force off the back foot, Wakely flashed an edge towards the cordon where Colin Ackermann stuck up a left hand to claim a fine catch.It ended a stand of 39 for the fourth wicket – one of several useful partnerships that Northants compiled. The ball moved all day on a green-tinged pitch and under heavy cloud and it was difficult to envisage the batsmen ever getting completely on top so to nudge the board along with good purpose – reaching 187 for 4 at one stage – was a solid effort.There were few cheap wickets. Rob Newton fell to the new ball for just 5 but everyone else got a start. Ricardo Vasconcelos worked hard for 25 before lazily driving to gully. Temba Bavuma was always scratchy but got to 20, then Dieter Klein found his outside edge with a good delivery. Rob Keogh looked in good touch, striking five boundaries but fell over a full delivery from Chris Wright to be lbw for 34.The theme continued on a day where it was hard to say any batsmen were really settled. Adam Rossington, now Northants’ Championship captain, made a breezy 45 – violently pulling Dexter over midwicket and repeating the trick against Klein to raise a first batting point. But Rossington was bowled by Will Davis and it began a slide from 210 for 5 to 250 for 9 as the second new ball claimed 3 for 7 in 13 balls.But just when Northants were about to be rolled over Matt Coles, in his second match on loan from Essex, swung 41 in 34 balls including two mighty sixes – one over midwicket and the second over deep square – to almost claim a third batting bonus point before No. 11 Ben Sanderson chipped a catch back to Abbas.But Coles should have been taken on the deep midwicket fence with the score at 265. It was one of at least seven catches that Leicestershire missed in a miserable display of fielding. Paul Horton at first slip, wicketkeeper Lewis Hill and Harry Dearden all missed two chances each as the visitors conceded an over par total given the conditions.

Leeds United are keen to bring in quality this month and are lining up an upgrade in a problem position at Elland Road, according to a report.

Leeds need to replace Djed Spence

Djed Spence joined Leeds United on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer and much was expected of the England Under-21 cap due to his previous pedigree in the Championship, which saw him play a vital role in Nottingham Forest's 2021/22 promotion campaign and poke fun at former boss Neil Warnock with this famous tweet.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old struggled to settle into Daniel Farke's plans at Elland Road in a spell plagued by injury and has now returned to north London after the Whites activated his recall clause. Now close to joining Genoa on a similar basis, the focus in Yorkshire will now turn towards finding his replacement.

Full-back depth within Farke's squad has taken another dip in numbers after news from The Telegraph broke indicating that Whites veteran Luke Ayling will join Middlesbrough on loan for the remainder of the campaign. Burnley defender Connor Roberts has emerged as a target to help fill the available slot on the right-hand side of defence and could offer a wealth of experience if he were to arrive this month.

Speaking to Football League World, pundit Carlton Palmer has suggested that Roberts would be a "shrewd" bit of business by Leeds United, as he stated: "Connor would be a shrewd signing for Leeds, and his pals Ampadu and Rodon from the Welsh squad should help him hit the ground running. This would be a very, very good addition for Leeds United."

Now, one reporter has delivered a further update on market activity at Elland Road this window and where Leeds United could look to strengthen.

Leeds eye Byram upgrade…

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke, Leeds United are keen to bring in a new left-back this window and will look to upgrade on Sam Byram, who is naturally a right-sided defender.

Sam Byram key statistics in 2023/24 – Championship (Sofascore)
Balls recovered per game	4.4
Clearances per game	2.0
Tackles per game	1.8
Interceptions per game	1.4
Clean sheets	4
Average match rating	7.21/10

The 30-year-old has spent more or less the entire campaign on the left-hand side of Farke's backline. At the same time, Junior Firpo remains on the books at Elland Road, though he has struggled with injury concerns for much of the season.

Labelled "powerful" by journalist Alan Biggs, Byram has been a fantastic addition, considering he arrived for free in the summer and has made 21 appearances across all competitions this campaign, registering one goal and a solitary assist in the process (Byram statistics – Transfermarkt).

Byram will be a vital part of Leeds United's plans in the coming weeks and months; however, recruiting a natural to add competition in the left-back role should definitely be a priority at the club before the window closes.

The South African Cricketers’ Association addressed a letter to the board regarding alleged breaches of agreement related to CSA’s decision radically restructure domestic cricket

Liam Brickhill04-May-2019The South African Cricketers Association (SACA) has threatened legal action against Cricket South Africa (CSA) over alleged breaches of agreement related to CSA’s decision to radically restructure domestic cricket.From 2021, CSA is planning to scrap the franchise system, reverting to the provincial model in domestic cricket as part of austerity measures designed to offset projected losses of R 654 million (USD 45 million approx) over the next four years. But SACA has repeatedly expressed concerns over the plan, insisting that it had not been properly consulted or given the relevant financial information regarding the challenges CSA is facing.SACA, through its lawyers, addressed a letter to CSA on Friday detailing its grievances, with SACA saying its concerns over the restructuring exercise “have simply been ignored by CSA”.ALSO READ: Explainer on CSA’s austerity measures”We reiterate our concerns around the financial position and around a decision, which has significant consequences both for the game and the players, taken without regard to our agreements and without following the consultation process specifically provided for in our Recognition Agreement,” SACA president Omphile Ramela said.”SACA cares about the financial sustainability of the game, and this is not only about what happens next year but also about the years to come. Our concerns relating to this have simply been ignored by CSA.”We also care about ensuring the best possible domestic structure for the players and the game and believe that this should be the subject of proper consultation and agreement instead of there being a decision, which will have significant consequences, forced on us and the players.”SACA’s statement marks the latest episode in a spat that has rumbled on since CSA announced the restructuring plan in early April.The relationship between the two organisations hit a new low when SACA claimed that its chief executive Tony Irish had been barred from attending a meeting at which the changes to domestic cricket were discussed. While SACA’s latest move has made clear its willingness to take legal action against CSA, Irish said the organisation is still open to engaging CSA on the relevant issues.”Our lawyers have made it clear to CSA that its failure to comply with our agreements may well lead to legal action,” Irish said. “At the same time, we are open to finding responsible solutions to the financial challenges facing cricket and to ensuring the best outcomes from a cricket point of view. We have invited CSA to engage in mediation on the issues. If CSA fails to comply and does not accept our invitation to mediate, SACA will be compelled to take the legal route.”A CSA spokesperson, meanwhile, told ESPNcricinfo it was “unfortunate that SACA chose to issue a press release as a means of communicating with CSA.” The spokesperson added that no letter had yet been received as of Friday evening. “We have noted the same this Friday evening and will respond shortly.”

أعلن نادي آينتراخت فرانكفورت الألماني وفاة مدربه إثر حادث مروري، بحسب ما أفاد في بيان رسمي اليوم الجمعة.

وتوفي المدرب الألماني هيلجي راش عن عمر يناهز 33 عامًا إثر حادث مروري تعرض له، ووفقًا للتقارير الواردة من ألمانيا، انحرفت سيارته عن الطريق واصطدمت بشجرة.

وكتب النادي على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي: “آينتراخت فرانكفورت مدمر بفقدان مدرب فريق تحت 19 عامًا هيلجي راش”.

وأضاف: “فقد البالغ من العمر 33 عامًا حياته في حادث مروري أمس، أفكارنا مع عائلته وأصدقائه”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقييم عمر مرموش بعد تألقه في مباراة آينتراخت فرانكفورت وهوفنهايم

بدأ راش مسيرته التدريبية مع نادي هالشر إف سي قبل الانضمام إلى فريق فرانكفورت للشباب في عام 2020.

وتولى راش مسؤولية تدريب فريق تحت 19 عامًا في عام 2023 بعد تدريب فريق تحت 17 عامًا سابقًا.

وحرصت العديد من أندية الدوري الألماني على تقديم التعازي لفرانكفورت في وفاة المدرب الشاب، بما في ذلك أندية بوروسيا دورتموند وفولفسبورج وماينز.

وكتب دورتموند: “نحن أيضًا نحزن على فقدان هيلجي راش ونود أن نعرب عن أعمق تعازينا، أفكارنا معه ومع عائلته وأحبائه، ارقد في سلام!”.

وعلّق نادي فولفسبورج: “أخبار مروعة، تعازينا الصادقة والقلبية لعائلته وأصدقائه وأحبائهـ ارقد في سلام”.

وجاء رد نادي ماينز: “يا لها من أخبار مروعة، تعازينا الصادقة لأقاربه وأصدقائه وكل أفراد عائلة آينتراخت!”.

Eintracht Frankfurt trauert um U19-Cheftrainer Helge Rasche 🕯️
Der 33-Jährige ist gestern bei einem Verkehrsunfall ums Leben gekommen. Unsere Gedanken sind bei seiner Familie und seinen Angehörigen.https://t.co/Xsc5YqRRPA

— Eintracht Frankfurt NLZ (@eintracht_lz) September 6, 2024

It's been reported this week that an "underrated" striker has his eyes on a move to Arsenal.

The strikers who Arsenal could sign

Widespread rumours have suggested that sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta are eager to bring in a proven goalscorer and add more firepower.

Right now, Arsenal have just Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus to choose from as their natural goalscoring options, leading to interest in some of Europe's most prolific marksman.

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Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is liked by Arsenal as one option, while some media sources have suggested that Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen could become a target for Arteta.

Another very enticing option for the Gunners is Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican is currently enjoying the season of his life with 18 goals in just 15 Eredivisie appearances so far, and some reports have stated that Arsenal are keen on signing Gimenez.

There are few candidates to shore up Arteta's attacking options, it would seem, but the one player who has been most regularly mentioned is Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The Englishman is expected to be back from his ban for alleged gambling breaches in mid-January, with Arsenal tipped as a very real landing spot in 2024. Arteta's side have also been urged to sign Toney by key Arsenal figureheads of past seasons, like former striker Ian Wright, who told the Stick to Football podcast that he's the last piece of the jigsaw.

“I believe that Arsenal in what we’re trying to do now – the margins are so small now – you cannot afford to miss those chances and not win those games," said Wright.

“The Toney links don’t go away because you can see that’s probably the last bit in the jigsaw. It’s obvious for everyone to see that this is the last piece. He will do it if it can be done.”

As per The Mirror, Arsenal may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the 27-year-old.

Toney wants to join Arsenal in 2024

According to the outlet, and journalist Ryan Taylor, Toney is keen on a move to Arsenal next year amid Edu's hunt for a new striker. Little else is added beyond that bit of information, but Toney's eagerness to make the north London move could well hand them an advantage over competitors for his signature.

The striker, who scored 20 league goals last season, could seriously strengthen Arsenal's forward line with Football Transfers calling him a "similar" player to Osimhen.

Toney's been labelled "underrated" by Football Analyst Statman Dave as well. Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also a big fan of the forward, hailing his "remarkable" attributes.

Aerial duels

Direct free kicks

Through balls

Finishing

“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects,” Frank said.

“The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing. He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable. I can only talk about the Ivan that I see every day around the place and he’s a fantastic person around the group."

Crystal Palace are interested in a deal to bring an overseas defender to the Premier League to potentially replace Marc Guehi, according to a reliable journalist.

Marc Guehi linked with Palace exit

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have both made contact to register their interest in a deal for Guehi, who has been set a price tag of £60m, but there has recently been an update which is contrary to reports.

Eagles sources are now claiming that the centre-back leaving the club in January is looking impossible and that it is instead likely to happen at the end of the season, but regardless of when he departs, a replacement will still need to be found.

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Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera has emerged as a possible target, with the 19-year-old having worked his way up through his club’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s so far made a total of 26 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Mosquera statistics).

The Spain youth international still has just under two years remaining on his deal at the Mestalla Stadium (Valencia contracts), but that hasn’t stopped Roy Hodgson from keeping tabs on his situation as he looks to make an official move in the new year.

Crystal Palace eyeing Mosquera

Writing in his Patreon report, Alan Nixon revealed that Crystal Palace are keen on Mosquera and have indeed placed him onto their shortlist of defensive targets should they be forced to cash in on Guehi in January.

Quoted by We Are Palace, he said: “Crystal Palace are putting Valencia’s top young centre half Cristhian Mosquera on their list of replacements for England’s Marc Guehi.

"The strong defender, who is also good on the ball, was checked out by Palace last week as they prepare for Guehi to move on for a huge fee. Guehi is likely to leave the Eagles next summer but if a massive bid came in next month then they could have to scramble to find someone new.”

Mosquera would be an "interesting" recruit

Standing at 6 foot 2, Mosquera provides a real physical presence at the heart of Valencia’s backline which he’s proven so far this season by averaging 3.4 clearances and 1.6 tackles per game in La Liga (WhoScored – Mosquera statistics).

The Alicante native is also extremely calm and composed in possession, recording an 88.2% pass success rate, which is higher than any of the regular features have managed to achieve this term at Selhurst Park (WhoScored – Crystal Palace statistics). It seems, then, that he'd actually be an upgrade on the current options in terms of ball progression from the back.

Considering he’s only 19, Mosquera is a really “interesting” prospect, as per football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and with his versatility to even operate as a right-back, he possesses all of the qualities that could make him the perfect long-term successor to Guehi.