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Cummins’ back issue combined with Hazlewood’s recent injury history, as well as the age of Starc and Boland, means Australia could need options if injuries mount

Alex Malcolm03-Sep-20251:10

Bailey: ‘Expect Cummins to be fit for first Ashes Test’

Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey projected typical calm about the availability of Pat Cummins for the Ashes despite alarming news that the captain has a hot spot in his back just 11 weeks out from the first Test in Perth. Josh Hazlewood broke down in each of the only two Tests he played last summer while Australia’s iron-man Mitchell Starc will turn 36 in January and has 100 Tests in his legs.Scott Boland, who is already 36, is pushing to make Australia’s first-choice XI and would automatically slot in if Cummins were unavailable. But if two or more of the four were to suffer injuries simultaneously, something that has not happened at home since 2022, where Australia’s selectors next turn becomes a topic of debate.Related

• Hazlewood cleared of injury, Abbott out of first Test after hamstring scans

• Johnson's BBL and T20 World Cup hopes hinge on back scan

• Doubts over Cummins' fitness for first Ashes Test grow, return remains unknown

• Ashes tracker: Labuschagne shines as Konstas stumbles

• Fergus O'Neill averages 20 with the ball, but can he play Test cricket?

The next cabs

Brendan Doggett has elevated himself to the top of the list following outstanding performances for Australia A and South Australia last summer. The 31-year-old was called in as cover for Hazlewood during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his first call-up to an Australia Test squad since 2018. He was also a traveling reserve for the World Test Championship final and was in Australia’s squad for the tour of the Caribbean but was sent home with a minor hip injury.He has fully recovered and Bailey confirmed he was set to start the season with South Australia in the Dean Jones Trophy (Australia’s 50-over domestic competition) before playing in the early Sheffield Shield rounds where his loads will likely be managed to some degree.Sean Abbott is yet to make his Test debut but has played 54 limited-overs internationals for Australia. He has been seen as a white-ball specialist but in 88 first-class matches has 267 wickets at 30.29. His white-ball commitments have made it difficult to play a lot of first-class cricket recently but in three Shield games last year for New South Wales he took 19 wickets at 21.94.Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland have a chat on the sidelines•Getty ImagesHe toured Sri Lanka with the Test team when Cummins and Hazlewood were injured but Australia only played one quick. He also replaced Doggett as the fifth seamer for the Caribbean. His pace and his durability make him a trusted option, particularly if Australia predict some flatter surfaces, but he is probably at least two, possibly three injuries away from a Test debut in the Ashes.Michael Neser has so often been the forgotten man of Australian cricket but he has dropped right off the radar in the last 12 months due to a serious hamstring injury he suffered while playing for Australia A against India A last November. He missed two months and although he had an excellent finish to the Shield season, including taking 6 for 37 against Tasmania and 4 for 34 against Western Australia, he was hampered again in the final but bravely bowled through the pain.He has had a rare winter off to rehabilitate and is fully fit again but at 35, coming off a summer of hamstring issues, he will need to be more conservative with his workloads. He is the last pace bowler outside of the big four to have played Test cricket for Australia having featured in two pink-ball Tests in 2021 and 2022 when Cummins and Starc were unavailable. He is a trusted option that would possibly be called in ahead of Doggett and Abbott if Australia needed another quick for the pink-ball Test at the Gabba or if seam-friendly conditions were likely at another venue later in the series.

The hopefuls

Fingers and toes are crossed within CA’s high performance team that Jhye Richardson can get back up and running at some stage this summer coming off shoulder surgery. However, he only began rolling the arm over again for the first time on August 13 and appears a long way from being Test match fit right now, let alone being fit for the start of the summer for Western Australia. He also won’t be able to throw properly if called upon.That won’t sway Australia’s selectors who called him into Australia’s squad for the final two Tests last summer despite dislocating his bowling shoulder while high-fiving a team-mate in his only Shield game of the season. He also had hamstring surgery the previous year. The 28-year-old could vault into contention late in the series but a lot would need to go right for him and a lot would have to go wrong for Australia’s big four if he were to play in the Ashes. But he did take five wickets in his last Test, which was in Adelaide against England in 2021.Jhye Richardson is coming off shoulder surgery•Getty ImagesXavier Bartlett is a fair way down the Test queue but he could rise up the ranks quickly if he bowls well in all forms and injuries mount up. The start to his ODI career has been noteworthy but his rise to Australia’s limited-overs set-up has possibly affected his red-ball development. He played six first-class games last summer, including one against England Lions for Australia A, and took 20 wickets at 25.05 including one five-wicket haul. But his selection by Punjab Kings in the IPL saw him miss the Shield final which would have been valuable experience.His ability to swing the new ball is exceptional and he takes wickets in bunches in the right conditions but his average speed is under 130kph which has made him vulnerable when the ball stops swinging. He has been selected for Australia A’s red-ball tour of India in September but will then go to New Zealand for three T20Is in four days at the start of October. Any chance he has to get a stretch of Shield games before the Ashes may be hindered by white-ball commitments against India. He should get the opportunity to play at least two Shield games or possibly some Australia A or Prime Minister’s XI matches once the Ashes starts if his white-ball loads before that don’t require a rest.

Shield stars

Fergus O’Neill can’t do anything more than he’s doing to push his Test case. The 24-year-old is the reigning Shield player of the year and has 133 first-class wickets at 20.03 from 33 matches. Those numbers belie his physique and lack of pace, which will be the question against how well his first-class skills can translate to Test pitches. He is going to India with Australia A which is a sign the selectors are keen to expose him to different conditions. Much like Neser, he would come into serious contention ahead of others in certain conditions in Australia. The 2026 tour of South Africa and the 2027 Ashes loom as places he could also be an option in the short to medium term.Fergus O’Neill has been the Shield’s best bowler in recent years•Getty ImagesNathan McAndrew is well regarded, has an excellent first-class record and was a key figure in South Australia’s drought-breaking Shield title. He played for Australia A last year alongside Boland and Neser to highlight his standing. He’s durable and reliable but a lot of injuries would need to occur before he was called upon for the Ashes.As good as O’Neill has been in domestic cricket, Joel Paris‘ record is better. It has gone largely unnoticed even among studious followers of Australian cricket, but Paris has 202 first-class wickets at 19.56 from 51 matches. Like O’Neill, his lack of pace means he would be a conditions-based option. But as a left-armer who can swing and seam the ball prodigiously, if something were to happen to Starc and certain conditions called for it, Paris would be discussed. He was quietly positioned as one of a few standby options for the 2023 Ashes in England while Starc was playing through a groin issue.

Non-starters

Lance Morris would have been right in contention as he has been in previous summers but a stress fracture has led to back surgery and he will not return to bowling until late next year.Spencer Johnson remains an alluring prospect despite his limited first-class experience but he has not played since the IPL due to back issues of his own after being withdrawn from Australia’s T20I tour of the Caribbean and Bailey confirmed he is unlikely to play again until the new year.Callum Vidler is part of the next generation of Australia quicks•Getty Images

The next gen

There’s excitement about Australia’s Under-19 World Cup winning quartet of Callum Vidler, Tom Straker, Charlie Anderson and Mahli Beardman but all four are a long way from Test calculations at this point.Vidler and Straker have been selected for the 50-over portion of the Australia A tour of India this month. There was a possibility to expose them in the four-day games, particularly after Vidler’s stunning showing in the Shield final last March, but they are not quite ready physically for four-day cricket at this stage of the year. Beardman has stress fractures at the moment while Anderson is being carefully managed after years of his own back issues.Sam Elliott, 25, has also been picked for the 50-over portion of the Australia A tour to India but has not been a regular in Victoria’s Shield team. Brody Couch, 24, has shown promise since moving to Western Australia and was called into the Australia A red-ball squad for India after Morris was injured, but he has since suffered a side strain. He has been replaced by 28-year-old Henry Thornton, who finished last Shield season well for South Australia and played for Australia A in both the red-ball and white-ball matches against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and new manager Rob Edwards have their eyes on signing a Premier League flop in January, it has been claimed.

Edwards “ready” for Wolves challenge

The Old Gold sealed their move for Edwards in the week, paying Middlesbrough £3m in compensation to bring the 42-year-old back to Molineux.

Speaking to Wolves’ official club website, Edwards said he is “ready” for the challenge as he looks to keep the club up.

Wolves begin their new era under Edwards at home to Crystal Palace, and he’ll have to navigate at least eight games before he can think about new signings in January.

Wolves’ Premier League fixtures before January	Date
Wolves vs Crystal Palace	November 22nd
Aston Villa vs Wolves	November 30th
Wolves vs Nottingham Forest	December 3rd
Wolves vs Man Utd	December 8th
Arsenal vs Wolves	December 13th
Wolves vs Brentford	December 20th
Liverpool vs Wolves	December 27th
Man Utd vs Wolves	December 30th

However, it looks as if the club are already working behind the scenes to identify potential targets, with one surprise name emerging in the media.

Wolves eyeing up move for West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug

According to Football Insider, Wolves are interested in a potential move for West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug.

Linked with a return back to Germany, Fullkrug appears to have admirers from both Wolves and Fulham, who could look to keep the forward in the Premier League.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness, said: “I heard a whisper the other day that either Wolves or Fulham might be interested in taking Fullkrug.

“I’m hearing Wolves might be one club who are interested in taking him on and giving him a chance to do something and stay in the Premier League.

“Look, I know there’ll be interest for him back in Germany. He did very well there, and players often don’t settle in the Premier League for whatever reason. He hasn’t and there’s been injuries as well. I think he will be gone in January, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays in the Premier League.

“Now whether he goes on loan or not I think that might be one way forward. I think West Ham do need to fill that gap and probably want to get his wages off the books, so I’d be waiting for a move around that sort of area.”

Fullkrug, on £90,000-a-week at the London Stadium, has had a torrid time with the Hammers, scoring just three goals in 27 games following a £27m move from Borussia Dortmund last year.

Costing the Irons £1m for every appearance so far, Fullkrug was called “aggressive” by Ally McCoist but has struggled to adapt to life in England.

Therefore, it would be a surprise if Wolves were to take a gamble on the German striker in the New Year, but it looks as if it is one to watch.

£55m spent & Hackney signs: Dream Wolves XI Edwards can build in January

Fresh off being named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, St. Clair joined GOAL Convo to reflect on his breakout campaign and why Minnesota United could be a postseason threat.

Dayne St. Clair doesn't necessarily think he has a right to be MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. These things are never guaranteed, nor should they be taken for granted. But as he reflects on his season, looks at the body of work he pieced together for Minnesota United, and considers everything, it just might be deserved. Even he, in the middle of a playoff run, can allow himself to admit that.

"You want to be involved in the conversation always, because that means that you're at the top. Of course, every individual is going to have their own kind of thought process or what they value more. But I knew that I put myself in good standing, and I think my play spoke for itself," St. Clair tells GOAL.

And it would make sense, too. St. Clair has been, by most metrics, the best shot stopper in the league this year. Minnesota United have conceded the third fewest goals in the league. Part of that is due to an excellent defense. But a lot of it is on St. Clair. The stats make for fine reading. He has the second-highest post-shot expected goals in the league. No full-time goalkeeper conceded fewer goals. He is tied for third in clean sheets. He was named to the MLS All-Star Team.

The eye test looks good, too. St. Clair is a more composed presence, a better passer, and a vocal leader. This is the year St. Clair became the keeper many hoped he could be. The immediate impact is the fact that his team is now very much in the conversation for the MLS Cup. After beating Seattle in the first round of the playoffs last week, St. Clair and Co. are now three wins away from lifting the trophy. That could happen – especially given the style they play.

"We're not going to be winning many games three, 4-0, or 5-0. You know what I mean? We're very much a team that's built to win a lot of games, 1-0, 2-0, and having good, strong defensive performances gives our team the best chance to win," St. Clair says.

And more broadly, it has thrust St. Clair into the conversation for his national team. In the past, the Canadian has been in a dead heat with veteran Maxime Crepeau. Now, manager Jesse Marsch might just have enough evidence to go with St. Clair as his No.1 for good. The World Cup is a true focus of his, St. Clair admitted.

"We're taking a lot from exhibition matches and preparation from what it would look like in terms of a World Cup, and taking in the learnings and preparing us so that when the World Cup comes, the first game in Toronto, we're ready," St. Clair says.

Following his Goalkeeper of the Year announcement, St. Clair joined GOAL Convo, a weekly Q&A with central figures in the North American soccer scene, to discuss his award, Minnesota United’s playoff push, and what representing Canada means to him.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  ON BEING NAMED MLS GOALIE OF THE YEAR

  GOAL: Congrats on being named MLS's 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year. What does it mean to you? And do you reflect on these things in real time?

  ST. CLAIR: I think it comes a little bit at a weird time because of the playoffs. So that's the focus. You know what I mean? Of course, after the season, I'll really kind of take it in, digest it. So it's like, OK, I can say I had a great regular season, and I think I'm deserving of the award, but at the same time, I know that my focus now is to help my team lift the trophy. So it's a little bit of both, but I think after the season, it'll sink in a little bit more.

  GOAL: Are you thinking about these things in advance? Do you think 'Yeah, I deserve to be in the running for this?'

  ST. CLAIR: You want to be involved in the conversation always, because that means that you're at the top. Of course, every individual is going to have their own kind of thought process or what they value more. But I knew that I put myself in good standing, and I think my play spoke for itself in terms of a lot of the metrics that people look at. But at the same time, I just want to win games. 

  And I know that, for the way in which we play, I need to play well for our team to win…So I think you're kind of always paying attention to see what's going on in the league, of course, with standings and performances. And I think my position is probably a little bit easier to compare.

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• ON HIS BEST GAME OF THE SEASON

  GOAL: So, what was the best game you played this year?

  ST. CLAIR: I'd probably say the San Diego game. I think not only the performance, but what the game was, especially at that time. It was a No. 1 vs. No. 2, going to the top-ranked team. We knew if we lost, that it'd be very hard for us to fight for that No. 1 spot. And although we did win, we still didn't end up fighting for where we want to. But we knew that would result in momentum. And I think even now, playing them in the next round, we have confidence in the fact that we beat them. For me, the first time we played them, when we lost in my home, I wasn't there because I was away with the national team, and there were a few other guys that were missing as well. So I'm thinking in my head, all right, this is our team. When we played with full strength versus full strength, we beat them. And I think that kind of gives you confidence leading into the playoffs versus the team that's untouchable, or seems like they're untouchable.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  ON THE CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM

  GOAL: And on the Canadian National Team, what's it been like playing for Jesse Marsch? 

  ST. CLAIR: He was the right person that we needed for the job. Anytime you put yourself in the spotlight, there's gonna be more eyes. And I think he's someone who wants a spotlight on us, but has definitely been willing to fight for us. And you see the red cards, the talk, and I think especially living in the U.S., you see a lot of the American media, so by us having an American coach, they're forced to talk about Canada more. Although he's American, he wants us to win. He has that chip on the shoulder, like a lot of us have. He's really embraced who we are as Canadians and what our team represents. And I think he's done the best job of getting the best out of us and putting ourselves in a situation where we feel confident going into the World Cups six months from now.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  ON THE WORLD CUP

  GOAL: How would you say World Cup prep has been going? It seems like you've had some good results but also some critics have pointed out you haven't had a signature win of sorts…

  ST. CLAIR: For sure. I think we've had our hiccups along the road. You look at the Gold Cup. Of course, it's disappointing that we go out in the quarterfinals to Guatemala, even the Curacao game in the group stage. I think we expect better from ourselves. But I think we've also had great results. We went to Europe and got two wins for the first time. 

  So like, as much as there have been some of these hiccups and things like that, we have also had a lot of success. Obviously, Copa America last summer, I don't think anybody would have picked us to get to third place outside of us. So we kind of have that chip on our shoulder. But at the same time, we know all these results mean nothing. It's about preparation and setting ourselves up for six months from now. If you told any team in the world right now that you'd lose every single game to the World Cup, and then you win the World Cup, everyone's gonna gonna be gonna take that. So for us, it's been nice that we've already qualified. But we're taking a lot from exhibition matches and preparation from what it would look like in terms of a World Cup, and taking in the learnings and preparing us so that when the World Cup comes, the first game in Toronto, we're ready.

  GOAL: And what would it mean to play a World Cup game at home?

  ST. CLAIR: Very few players get to go to a World Cup, even less get to play in a World Cup, and even less get to do it on home soil. It's definitely a once in a in a lifetime opportunity, and it's something that I don't think any of us are taking for granted. And we know how much support we had leading up to the last World Cup, and we know that that's even going to be magnified to a whole other level when we're playing on home soil.

Rob Edwards has the unenviable task of keeping Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this season. It is fair to say he has his work cut out, with the Old Gold on just two points from the first 12 games.

His first game as manager of his former club didn’t go to plan, either. Edwards’ side were defeated 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace, to continue piling on the misery at Molineux.

Already nine points from safety, it seems a long way back for the Old Gold from this point, if they want to stay in the Premier League.

Things could get worse for the Old Gold soon, with one of their key players, Joao Gomes, linked with a move away as soon as January.

The latest on Joao Gomes' future at Wolves

It seems almost inevitable that Gomes will not be a Wolves player by the start of the 2026/27 season. Of course, if they are relegated, he will be snapped up, but a departure could happen as soon as the January transfer window.

Recent reports suggest that Manchester United are in advanced discussions to sign the 24-year-old this winter, as they look to strengthen in midfield. Indeed, the Old Gold could demand a fee of up to £44m if they are to sell their star midfielder this winter.

It would be a big loss, too. The 10-cap Brazil international has played in all 12 Premier League games this season. His ball-winning ability is imperative. Over the past year, he’s won an average of 2.15 tackles per game, placing him in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

Yet, there is a silver lining to a potential sale. Gomes would raise a significant amount of funds for the Old Gold to reinvest in the squad, and although they would have to replace him in midfield, they could look to strengthen the squad to help keep them up.

However Gomes’ situation ends up, there is a member of the Wolves squad who they could perhaps look at selling first.

Wolves' priority sale should not be Gomes

After losing Matheus Cunha, also to the Red Devils, and Rayan Ait-Nouri to their rivals Manchester City in the summer, this season was naturally going to be harder. Yet, it has not been a season where all of their best players have stepped up after those sales.

One of those players is Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian was one of the Old Gold’s best players in 2024/25, bagging 14 Premier League goals in 35 games during his debut campaign.

However, things haven’t been as smooth this season for their number nine. In ten Premier League games this term, he’s only bagged one goal, coming in a 3-2 defeat against Burnley. That strike was a penalty, leaving him without an open play goal.

There has been a scathing assessment of his performances this season, too. Former Premier League scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Strand Larsen, who earns £95k-per-week, has made Wolves a “worse side”” this term because of his lack of goals, which were so important in the previous campaign.

There is a huge decline in his underlying stats from last term, too. In 2024/25, the former Celta Vigo striker averaged 1.2 shots on target and a shot accuracy of 69.39%. Comparatively, he’s averaging 0.6 shots on target and 45.45% shot accuracy this season.

Strand Larsen key PL stats in last 2 seasons
Stat (per 90)	2024/25	2025/26
Shots	1.7	1.3
Shots on target	1.2	0.6
Shot accuracy	69.39%	45.45%
Non-penalty goals	0.5	0
Conversion rate	28.57%	9.09%
Stats from Squawka

Newcastle United were said to be interested in signing Strand Larsen over the summer. A fee in the region of £65m was quoted, and whilst the move did not materialise, it might be a sale Wolves now look to get over the line, be it to the Magpies or another club.

Like with Gomes, that is something they can reinvest in January, as they look to build a squad capable of, somehow, keeping them in the top flight. With Gomes’ importance to Edwards’ side, and the fact that he is in good form, it might make sense to sell Strand Larsen first.

It would be a bold call, but he is not scoring, and with prior interest, that is money that could hugely benefit Wolves in the second half of the season.

£55m spent & Hackney signs: Dream Wolves XI Edwards can build in January

This is the dream Wolves starting line-up that Rob Edwards could build in the January window.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 11, 2025

One player still on the books at Manchester United has been told that his Old Trafford “career is over” by a former Red Devils midfielder.

Players who could leave Man Utd in 2026

2026 could be another busy year at Old Trafford in regards to incomings and outgoings, with Ruben Amorim and INEOS continuing to make their mark in Manchester.

The Red Devils have four players out of contract at the end of the season, one of which is midfielder Casemiro.

Players out of contract at Man Utd in 2026

Harry Maguire

Casemiro (option until 2027)

Tom Heaton

Tyrell Malacia

Man Utd have the option to extend that by a further 12 months, however, Amorim and INEOS seemingly clashing behind the scenes regarding the Brazilian. Amorim wants to keep Casemiro whereas INEOS want him to take a pay cut from his current £350,000-a-week wage.

There are also numerous loanees away from Man Utd who could seal permanent exits at the end of the season. Rasmus Hojlund is at Napoli, Marcus Rashford is at Barcelona, Jadon Sancho is at Aston Villa and Andre Onana is with Trabzonspor.

United could look to move the quartet out on a full-time basis, with options to buy inserted in Rashford’s move to the Nou Camp and Hojlund’s move to Napoli. Now, another one of the four has been told he has no future at the club by a pundit.

Related Man Utd now racing Arsenal to sign "complete" £45m Bundesliga attacker

He’s scored more goals than Sesko this season.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 21, 2025 Strachan tells Onana his Man Utd “career is over”

Former Man Utd midfielder Gordon Strachan, speaking to Esports News relayed by The Manchester Evening News, feels that Andre Onana “has played his last game” for Man Utd and would be “shocked” if he played for the Red Devils again.

Onana’s Man Utd contract is worth £120,000-a-week and there is no option to buy for the Turkish side at the end of the season, with the ‘keeper’s Manchester deal not expiring until 2028.

United forked out just under £50m on Onana back in 2023, but after numerous errors at Old Trafford and Amorim now having Senne Lammens, a permanent exit could make sense for all involved next year.

Forget Anderson: Man Utd in talks to sign "world's most underrated footballer"

Hossan, Beg make half-centuries for visitors as Minto impresses again with three wickets

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay07-Sep-2025

Isaac Mohammed was in the runs for England Under-19•Getty Images

England U19 273 for 6 (Mohammed 104, Basir 3-35) beat Bangladesh U19 272 for 9 (Hossan 57, Beg 51, Minto 3-48) by four wicketsA superb Isaac Mohammed century guided England Men U19s to a four-wicket win against Bangladesh Men U19s in the second Youth one-day international at Loughborough.The Worcestershire batter, who was dropped on six, was the backbone of a potentially tricky run chase after half-centuries from Rifat Beg and Rizan Hossan helped Bangladesh post 272 for nine.James Minto claimed three for 48 from his 10 overs – to follow his five-wicket haul in the opening-match defeat – although the highlight of the innings was arguably Joe Moores’ stunning catch to remove KS Aleen off Manny Lumsden.Moores dived full length to his right at a floating slip to haul in a remarkable one-handed catch and then struck 47 alongside Mohammed at the top of the order to put the hosts on track in their pursuit.Mohammed went on to reach 104 from 95 balls, which included nine sixes, before Jack Nelson, who made his debut in the opening game on Friday, saw the Young Lions over the line with an unbeaten 35 from 38 balls.The five-match series is level 1-1 heading into the next match at Bristol on Tuesday.Despite the early loss of Zawad Abrar, caught at mid-off from Matthew Firbank’s bowling, Bangladesh edged the initial stages, reaching 67 for one after 10 overs.The drinks interval proved pivotal, as three wickets fell in three consecutive overs, after the break. The pace of Hampshire’s Manny Lumsden rushed Beg into a mistake, ending a promising knock of 51 from 52 balls. The soft dismissal of Azizul Hakim Tamim followed, as he offered a simple chance to square leg and Lumsden claimed his second wicket courtesy of Moores excellent catch.At 126 for four inside 20 overs, Bangladesh were precariously placed but Hossan, a centurion in Friday’s game and wicketkeeper Mohammed Abdullah rebuilt with a partnership of 69. It was ended when Abdullah mistimed a pull shot off Minto.Hossan, displaying power and subtlety, got to his fifty soon after, off 54 balls. His crucial wicket was taken the ball after he deposited a huge six onto the roof of an adjacent building, Jack Nelson being rewarded for perseverance.At 218 for six Bangladesh’s innings never really regained impetus, as Nelson’s leg-spin claimed another wicket in his next over, with Samiun Basir Ratul’s top edge being caught by Bryon Hatton-Lowe.Two further cheap wickets followed as the England bowlers continued to apply themselves, although late innings hitting from Al Fahad elevated the final total to 272-9 off 47 overs – three overs being reduced due to rain.In response, the England openers raced to f50 off 6.5 overs, to get ahead of the asking rate. Mohammed’s graceful straight hits and Moores’s scooped six, were highlights of a partnership worth 68. Moores was out gloving the ball behind, from Shahrir Al-Amin’s first delivery.The next wicket came somewhat against the run of play, Ben Mayes bowled by Ratul when the second-wicket partnership looked well set, leaving the score on 120 for two. Mohammed’s second successive fifty came shortly afterwards off 69 balls, and in a run soaked 26th over he struck three sixes off Hossan’s medium pace.At the other end, a sharp stumping sent Will Bennison back for 12, before skipper Thomas Rew departed for 14 to a catch in the deep, which just kept Bangladesh in the game with 59 runs needed off 14 overs.Mohammed was dismissed, holing out off Fahad, two balls after completing a composed century. The sixth-wicket pair of Nelson and Ralphie Albert took England to the brink of victory, which eventually came with 3.5 overs remaining.Moores said: “It was a really good win, I though last game we were pretty close for a lot of the time, we had a lot of good moments, we spoke about trying to build that for longer.”Obviously Isaac batted really well, he set the tone really nicely, the lads who came in after him followed it up really nicely as well. Everyone chipped in, it’s definitely good to get the win and go one-all.”Speaking about his scoop for six, Moores added: “It’s just going to your strengths as quickly as possible, I feel like those kinds of shots are one of my strengths. It felt like it was a good option.”Moores added about his diving slip catch: “I was very pleased, it’s one of those that sticks, it felt like it was going in slow motion, it was a nice feeling (to take the catch).”

Liverpool are a team with distinct flaws, and yet they are also breathtaking and brilliant when firing on all cylinders.

Too often this season, Arne Slot’s side have failed to get going, outthought and outfought across the past few months, losing six of seven matches across all competitions before a controlled win over Aston Villa in the Premier League stopped the rot.

The 1-0 victory over European nemeses Real Madrid was something different, though. Anfield roared and cheered Virgil van Dijk and his Redmen, bayed and bellowed at Los Blancos and ex-Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold, who received a frosty reception when welcomed after 80 minutes.

1

Goals

0

2.51

Expected goals (xG)

0.45

17 (9)

Shots (on target)

8 (2)

4

Big chances

1

111.4km

Distance covered

112.7km

38.8%

Possession

61.2%

4

Corners

2

45%

Duels won

55%

This is the Liverpool we know. Energy and intensity and purpose across every area of the field. However, while Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate stood firm against Kylian Mbappe, with the full-backs excelling too, the plain truth remains of the Merseysiders’ desperate need for reinforcements in central defence.

Liverpool searching for a centre-back

Of course, Liverpool did sign a centre-back this summer, adding Giovanni Leoni to their ranks for a £26m fee. The 18-year-old is worth his wait in gold, but ruptured his ACL on his debut against Southampton and now sits sidelined for around a year.

The inability to prise Marc Guehi away from Crystal Palace, however, is surely the bigger blow. A deal was almost in place on deadline day, but the Eagles had not found a suitable replacement, and with such little time to pull out the stops, the move disintegrated, with the player having been permitted to carry out a medical with the Anfield side.

It still could come together. Guehi, 25, has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and has no desire to pen a fresh deal. The issue now is that a host of Europe’s top outfits want his signature, though Spanish paper AS have confirmed with week that, alongside Bayern Munich, the Reds are still leading the race, ahead of the likes of Real Madrid.

Liverpool will hope to snap Guehi up on a Bosman by the end of the campaign, but if they fall short in that race, sporting director Richard Hughes has lined up the perfect alternative in Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.

As per further Spanish sources, Liverpool have been named as potential suitors for Italian defender Bastoni, with FSG considering making a €100m (£87m) bid this January.

The veracity of this developing story is uncertain at this stage, but the 26-year-old is undoubtedly talented enough to stand out under Slot’s wing, with the style and experience to make a marked difference as Van Dijk inches ever closer to the autumn of his illustrious Anfield career.

What Bastoni would offer Liverpool

Liverpool need a centre-back; they’ve needed one for some time. While Guehi was the first-choice option this summer, Bastoni might actually prove a more compelling option for the Anfield side, having been hailed for his “world-class” ability by commentator Matteo Bonetti.

This is a defender who is at the top of their game, one of the most important cogs in an I Nerazzurri machine that has won two Scudettos and two Coppa Italia titles in five recent seasons, winner of the 2021 European Championship with Italy besides.

And, aged 26, he falls into a similar bracket as Guehi: a centre-back with the talent to make an instant impact and the prime years still ahead to grow deeper into their role in Slot’s squad and reach entirely new levels of performance.

He’s one of the best players in his position worldwide. In Serie A this season, Bastoni has scored a goal and supplied two assists across nine outings, winning 70% of his aerial duels and averaging 1.8 tackles per game (data provided by Sofascore).

A strong passer and outside-the-box thinker, he could even trump Guehi across ball-playing metrics, with the Palace man renowned for his cool, composed and creative presence on the ball.

Goals

0.05

0.06

Assists

0.05

0.09

Touches

89.54

60.67

Pass completion (%)

86.5

83.5

Progressive passes

5.29

4.09

Shot-creating actions

2.36

1.53

Progressive carries

1.88

0.77

Successful take-ons

0.31

0.26

Ball recoveries

3.53

4.12

Tackles + interceptions

2.62

3.12

Clearances

2.85

4.56

Aerial duels won

1.53

1.91

As you can see, Guehi has been more active in defensive contributions over the past year. This you would expect from an outfit like Palace in the Premier League when compared to Italian giants like Inter. But Bastoni is slicker and more able on the ball, and that when Guehi shines in that regard.

Sure, Guehi is a free agent come the end of the campaign, and that counts for a lot, but whether Liverpool and FSG would be willing to pass up an opportunity to sign a talent of Bastoni’s ability is another question entirely. After all, the reports suggest that a bid is currently being packaged together.

Here is a fearsome centre-half with the passing range of a maestro. Liverpool could do a lot worse than add Bastoni to their ranks, securing a long-term Van Dijk heir with the perfect skillset to ease the agony of his moving on.

Bastoni. The perfect, elite bastion to secure Liverpool’s backline for many years to come. He has a wealth of experience at the highest level and the hunger to achieve even more.

He is immensely talented, perhaps more so than Guehi, and Slot’s defence would reach frightening levels of security and balance and progression with him added into the mix.

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ByKelan Sarson Nov 6, 2025

To say Arsenal are in form at the moment would be an understatement.

Mikel Arteta’s side are flying and, following their 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, are starting to get the recognition they deserve.

Moreover, while there is still a long way to go before anything is settled, the Gunners could go a long way in cementing their grip on the Premier League title race by beating Chelsea on Sunday.

However, it will be a tough game, and on top of Estevao, Arsenal may have to be on their toes regarding a certain Cole Palmer, who’s previously been compared to another international star the Gunners have been linked with.

Arsenal team news

Arsenal’s recent run of results and performances have been hugely impressive, and are made only more so by the fact that the team have been plagued by injuries.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, the team tore Tottenham Hotspur to pieces without a recognised number nine on the pitch, or bench for that matter, and without Gabriel Mageheles, who has arguably been their player of the season so far.

Fortunately, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard are all back in contention again, with all three coming off the bench against Bayern.

Moreover, during his pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that there is “a potential chance” that Leandro Trossard could be available for the game this weekend.

He was a little less clear when it came to Gabriel Jesus, as he confirmed that the striker took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly, but said “We have to see” when it comes to his availability for Sunday.

Finally, while it seems unlikely, the boss didn’t rule out the possibility of Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz making it into the squad, saying, “We have another day tomorrow, so let’s see how everybody is tomorrow.”

So, it’s mostly good news on the injury front for the Gunners, but the Blues have also received a big boost, with Enzo Maresca confirming that Palmer is now available to start the game.

The Englishman is a world-class player, and based on reports from earlier this month, Arsenal could potentially sign someone who has been compared to him in the past.

The Palmer-like star Arsenal could sign

Arsenal have already been linked with a host of seriously exciting players over the last month or so, but arguably the most exciting and the one who has been compared to Palmer is Michael Olise.

Now, it should be said that the two internationals, of course, have their differences, but according to FBref, the Englishman was the third-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Frenchman in the 23/24 Premier League season.

To gain a better understanding of how this conclusion was reached, you can take a look at the underlying numbers in which the pair ranked so closely.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.74

0.76

Key Passes

2.54

2.47

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.39

2.37

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.21

0.17

Live Passes

42.6

44.6

Shot-Creating Actions

5.79

5.57

Goal-Creating Actions

0.99

0.89

These metrics included things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key and live passes, shot and goal-creating actions, passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

In other words, both players were attacking monsters, both from a goalscoring perspective and a creative one.

Now, on top of the undeniable statistical similarities between them, they can also both be described as entertainers; they are players who’ll produce the output, but will also get the fans on their feet with a piece of skill and trickery.

Moreover, the pair of them are quite nonchalant in the way they go about their business on and off the pitch, making the former Crystal Palace star someone who’d probably fit in quite well at the Emirates.

Ultimately, while the comparisons to the Chelsea star are great, the Gunners should be looking to sign the Bayern Munich star regardless, as in just 74 appearances for the German giants, he has already produced 62 goal involvements, which more than justifies Serge Gnabry’s claim that the 23-year-old is “one of the best players in the world.”

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 28, 2025

Liverpool have made some key changes to their squad in recent times and could now be about to step up their pursuit of Mohamed Salah’s eventual long-term replacement.

The Reds have been out of sorts this campaign and appear to be suffering from a serious case of second-season syndrome after claiming the Premier League title last term, with several of their big hitters falling below usual standards in a frustrating period for Arne Slot.

Notably, Salah has struggled to adapt to changes around him such as Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak’s arrivals at the club. Now, that isn’t to say he hasn’t contributed, but shifting dynamics and a need to accommodate new stars have left the Egyptian hero caught in an awkward movie.

Five goals and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions isn’t a bad record by any means. However, his overall influence on the side hasn’t been as prominent, something that may also be underpinned by Luis Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich.

Salah and Cody Gakpo lost the ball a combined 53 times against Nottingham Forest, something that made it difficult to string together consistent attacking passages of play in the cold light of day.

While nobody could’ve argued with Liverpool’s recruitment in the summer, football is never cut and dry and their collapse over recent weeks has definitely redefined what their priorities will be for the rest of the campaign.

Ultimately, the Premier League title may be a bridge too far unless there is a dramatic change in circumstances, but there is still plenty of glory to be derived should the Reds manage to get their act together over the coming months.

Eventually, Salah will be replaced, and Liverpool may now have identified the star that could succeed him at Anfield amid recent developments.

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Liverpool willing to pay big money for Mohamed Salah replacement

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are willing to bid close to £200 million for Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, who has been identified as an ideal replacement for the Egypt international.

Salah is Liverpool’s highest earner on £400,000-a-week but is said to have an uncertain future at Anfield, and Reds chiefs aren’t willing to allow one of their most influential stars to depart without an equally talented potential asset ready and waiting.

Michael Olise at Bayern Munich
Appearances	73
Goals	29
Assists	33

Seen as someone who could become a decisive operator in the final third if they can convince Olise to move back to England after his excellent spell at Crystal Palace, his versatility is also of great value to internal figures at Liverpool.

Enjoying another positive campaign, the London-born winger has already notched nine goals and ten assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, with Fotmob showing he has created 24 chances in the Bundesliga.

Evidently, bringing in a Salah successor won’t come easy and Liverpool would need to part with a record fee to land someone like Olise, but he is someone worth taking the chance on going by his exploits over the last few years.

The allrounder will be available for selection for their first Super Four match against Bangladesh on Saturday

Andrew Fidel Fernando19-Sep-2025Sri Lanka allrounder Dunith Wellalage rejoined* the squad at the Asia Cup on Saturday morning after having returned home following the death of his father Suranga Wellalage on Thursday. Sri Lanka Cricket said he will be available for selection for Sri Lanka’s first match in the Super Four round on Saturday evening, against Bangladesh in Dubai.He was accompanied on his journey from the UAE to Sri Lanka and back by team manager Mahinda Halangode.Suranga Wellalage died on September 18, the same day that his son Dunith played in the Group B match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Wellalage, 22, only learned of his father’s death after the match, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets and eight balls remaining to qualify for the Super Four round. Soon after the match ended, he left for home.The match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan was only Wellalage’s fifth T20I and his first in this tournament. He took figures of 1 for 49 and did not bat. Wellalage has played 31 ODIs, with his career best of 5 for 27 coming in the third ODI against India in Colombo in August 2024. He also took 5 for 40 against India in a 2023 Asia Cup match, when the tournament was played in the ODI format. He was the joint second-highest wicket-taker in that tournament, claiming 10 dismissals at an average of 17.90.After Saturday’s fixture against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka’s next two Super Four games are against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26.