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Some behind the scenes at Elland Road believe key Leeds United duo Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips could return from injury earlier than expected…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the Daily Mirror’s David Anderson, who delivered the encouraging claim to GIVEMESPORT this week.

“[Marcelo] Bielsa keeps talking about March at the earliest for those two, although some people at the club seem to think that’s maybe unnaturally gloomy,” he said.

“They think there may be a chance they could be back maybe a little bit before that.”

Both players picked up hamstring problems during their 2-2 draw with Brentford at the start of December, with the 30-year-old skipper lasting just 15 minutes and the defensive midfield powerhouse managing 55 minutes that day.

Reports have suggested that they will be out for the next two months at least, though there is confidence behind closed doors that they will be back sooner than then.

Huge boost

And that would hand Bielsa one massive boost heading into the second half of the season.

A string of injuries have curtailed the Yorkshiremen’s progress in the Premier League under the Argentinian head coach this campaign.

Even though Sunday’s impressive 3-2 victory over fourth-placed West Ham moved them nine points clear of the drop zone, they have still flirted with the possibility of being dragged into a relegation dogfight.

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Bielsa struggled to name any sort of strong bench for that clash, with Rodrigo being the only senior figure among nine substitutes. The rest were promising academy hopefuls, including 15-year-old midfieldeer Archie Gray.

You’d imaginre that any further setbacks would seriously hinder their chances of kicking on, so it’s easy to see why things are still precarious at Elland Road right now.

However, the prospect of welcoming back two integral figures earlier than expected is surely going to leave Bielsa hugely relieved, if not buzzing.

Phillips is crucial to the way they play as he’s the lynchpin that offers physical stability in front of the backline (2.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game) and is capable of spraying diagonal balls all over the pitch to start many of their attacks (3.5 accurate long balls per game).

Meanwhile, Cooper is the club captain and a reliable option in the heart of defence. In his absence, Leeds are yet to keep a clean sheet and have witnessed emphatic defeats to Man City (7-0) and Arsenal (4-1).

Therefore, it’s hugely encouraging to learn that some at the club think they will return much sooner than first feared.

AND in other news, Leeds gifted significant boost as Phil Hay relays “good news” this week…

Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson expects Tanguy Ndombele to leave Tottenham on a loan-to-buy deal in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Ndombele’s Spurs relationship crumbling

A section of Tottenham fans booed club-record signing Ndombele as the player trudged off the pitch after being substituted in the side’s 3-1 victory over Morecambe in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Antonio Conte refused to comment on the Frenchman’s match display and antics following his substitution. This arises during talks of the midfielder potentially leaving the club in the current transfer window, after it was revealed (Sky Sports) that Spurs are open to offers.

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The Latest: Robinson claims Ndombele will leave

When asked for his opinion following that update from Sky, former Tottenham No.1 Robinson, 42, told Football Insider: “I don’t think he’s going to be in a Spurs shirt much longer.

“It’s a difficult one because of his wages though. They will not recoup the transfer fee they paid for him, no chance. They will have to take a loss on him but I’m sure Antonio Conte was thinking about that when he came in.

“Tottenham will not be able to recoup the £65million they paid for him but I don’t think they’ll make a huge loss on him.

“They need to get him off the books though because he’ll be on big wages. I think a loan with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season is the likeliest.”

The Verdict: Time to leave

Tottenham shattered their club record transfer fee when Ndombele arrived from Lyon in the summer of 2019 for £55 million. However, since then, his time at the north London club has been nothing short of a disappointment.

The midfielder has made just nine appearances in the Premier League this season, with three of these having come off the bench. It seems that the Frenchman is out of favour with Conte in particular, having played just 80 minutes in the league under the Italian boss.

Despite showing glimpses of exceptional talent, Ndombele has lacked the consistency to cut it in the Premier League. If he is indeed not in the manager’s plans, with his relationship with the fans also now soured, it may simply be best if Spurs are able to find a financially viable way of allowing him to leave immediately.

Nottinghamshire lost their unbeaten home record in this season’s Friends Provident t20 with a 23-run defeat under the Duckworth-Lewis method at the hands of Leicestershire

16-Jul-2010
Scorecard
Nottinghamshire lost their unbeaten home record in this season’s Friends Provident t20 with a 23-run defeat under the Duckworth-Lewis method at the hands of Leicestershire, but still secured a home quarter-final thanks to results elsewhere.The Foxes overseas all-rounder Andrew McDonald hit an unbeaten 59 and claimed a career-best five for 13 as the visitors upset the North Group leaders to climb off the bottom of the table and keep alive their own hopes of qualifying for the last-eight.The Australian’s 44-ball innings included four fours and a six to cement the Leicestershire total of 145 for 5 on a slow wicket at Trent Bridge, with former Nottinghamshire batsman Will Jefferson contributing 33.Despite some lusty blows from Steven Mullaney, McDonald’s medium-pace destroyed the home batting line-up on his way to the best bowling figures in this year’s competition.Boundaries proved rare for the visitors with both openers falling early, although Jefferson pulled Ryan Sidebottom for six and hit left-arm spinner Graeme White for two successive fours, one with an orthodox sweep and the second a reverse.McDonald hit Dirk Nannes for four and six in the 19th over to reach his 50 off 39 balls, adding another boundary in the final over as Leicestershire closed on what appeared to be a par total.With rain threatening to fall throughout the match, Nottinghamshire did just enough to stay ahead of the required Duckworth-Lewis total early on, despite losing Ali Brown, Alex Hales and Matt Wood in the space of four overs.But Samit Patel the injudiciously drove McDonald to deep cover and once the Australian removed his Victoria team-mate Hussey in his next over, Nottinghamshire never looked likely to overhaul their target.The players went off once for rain before resuming, with the target revised to 141 off 19 overs, but McDonald carried on in the same vein to dismiss Chris Read, White and Sidebottom, with Darren Pattinson bowled by Nadeem Malik before more rain finished off the match.Nevertheless, Nottinghamshire secured a home tie in the quarter-finals thanks to Lancashire failing to beat Northamptonshire.

Michael Hussey and Marcus North have known each other since their childhood days in Perth playing for Wanneroo, but now they’re fighting to hold on to their membership of a far more elite club

Brydon Coverdale15-Nov-2010Michael Hussey and Marcus North have known each other since their childhood days in Perth playing for Wanneroo, but now they’re fighting to hold on to their membership of a far more elite club. When the Australian players step out on to the Gabba in ten days to battle for the Ashes, few in the team will be under more pressure than Hussey and North. That’s assuming they’re in the side.The presence of the prolific New South Wales batsman Usman Khawaja and the South Australian Callum Ferguson in the 17-man squad for the first Test has intensified the questions over whether Australia’s established batting group will survive the summer. At 35, and with only one century to his name in the past year, Hussey has the most to lose. Not that he’s showing any signs of panic.”I don’t think you can really worry about anyone else,” Hussey said after arriving in Melbourne for Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield match, starting at the MCG on Wednesday. “The most important thing is for me to try to concentrate on my preparation. Playing well in this Shield game against Victoria is the first thing to concentrate on, and help WA have a win. And then just to prepare as though I’m going to play in the Test match.”If you start clouding your mind worrying about other guys, or if they’re going to get picked, or if you’re not going to get picked, you’re taking your mind off what’s important. For me, the focus is on preparing to play and preparing to be part of that first Test match and not worrying about anyone else.”It’s a method that sounds good, but is easier said than done. Hussey failed in his most recent first-class outing, for the Warriors a fortnight ago, and while he’s facing up to the Victorians in Melbourne, Ferguson and Khawaja will be trying to feast on England’s second-string attack for Australia A at Bellerive Oval.North is in a similar situation. His century in Bangalore last month, and his hundred for Western Australia upon returning home have given him some breathing space, but he has less credits in the bank than the more experienced Hussey. Both men will be seriously vulnerable if they record a couple of failures, which makes it all the more important to succeed in this week’s Shield game and enter the Gabba Test with some confidence.”Not at all,” North said when asked if he was worried about the selection of Khawaja and Ferguson. “These guys have been performing well this season and the back end of last season. It’s a reflection of the domestic cricket. There’s always been good young players playing and scoring a lot of runs.”The fact that they’re in the squad is credit to their performances and it’s always an honour to be named in any squad, so it’s good to see those guys in. It is a big series and it is five Test matches. I’m more concerned about my preparation this week, going into this Shield game and, mentally and training-wise going into the first Test match.”At 31, North could feasibly fight his way back into the side if he lost his place this summer. The same cannot be said of Hussey, who will be doing well if he is able to leave Test cricket at a time of his own choosing. He entered the 2006-07 Ashes with an average of 75.93; he begins this campaign averaging 33.19 over the past two years, during which time he has managed only two centuries.”I’m actually pretty philosophical about it,” Hussey said of his extended lean period. “I understand how the game works. My first couple of years, you can’t keep those performances going forever, so you’ve got to expect there’s going to be a time when things don’t quite go your way. That’s the game of cricket – it’s a great leveller.”Hussey had better hope that great leveller doesn’t raze him to the ground.

The January transfer window is right around the corner and it is safe to say that Newcastle United could have plenty of work to do.

They are currently 19th in the Premier League and have only won one of their 19 games, conceding a league-high 42 goals in the process.

The Telegraph recently reported that the Magpies are set to battle it out with West Ham to sign Marseille centre-back Duje Caleta-Car, which suggests that Eddie Howe is actively looking to improve on his defensive options heading into the second half of the campaign.

Signing the Croatian would allow Howe to finally axe one of the players whose poor form has been part of the reason behind the club’s disappointing defensive record this season – Ciaran Clark.

Howe must finally axe Clark

The Republic of Ireland international has been woeful in the top flight, and signing Caleta-Car would mean that the 32-year-old could be sold or banished to the reserves as his place in the squad would be taken up by the new arrival.

Jamie Carragher recently blasted the Magpies centre-back after the defeat to City and claimed that Clark and his defensive colleagues are “not good enough”. This was after his major error in the match led to Ruben Dias nodding in the opening goal in a 4-0 rout.

Joao Cancelo recovered a ball on the right of the box and managed to clip a cross into the six-yard box, and seemingly expecting Martin Dubravka to claim it, the Irishman ducked under the flight of the ball and allowed Dias to score with ease from close range.

He has also averaged a lowly SofaScore rating of 6.27 in the Premier League. This ranks him 22nd in the Newcastle squad and illustrates why he must be brutally axed from the team next month.

On the other hand, Caleta-Car has been in impressive form for Marseille. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.17 in Ligue 1, winning an exceptional 72% of his defensive duels this season and showing that he can perform consistently as a centre-back at the top level.

International colleague Dejan Lovren has previously backed the defender to fulfill his potential, saying: “He is physically very strong, stronger than other players. He will explode in a few years and become even stronger.”

This suggests that Caleta-Car also has the potential to improve further. At the age of 25, he could come in with time on his side to develop under Howe’s coaching, which could make him an excellent signing in the short- and long-term for Newcastle if they can win this transfer race.

AND in other news, Newcastle lightweight who was dribbled past four times let Howe down badly on Monday night…

Gregg Berhalter has explained why the USMNT are “not panicking” when it comes to Gio Reyna and his bench duty at Nottingham Forest.

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Left Dortmund in winter transfer windowTaken on new challenge in the Premier LeagueBusy year ahead for the United StatesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 21-year-old playmaker is still considered to be one of the hottest prospects in world football, with injuries having prevented him from unlocking full potential. A move to England in the winter transfer window was supposed to provide him with an opportunity to catch the eye in the Premier League.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Reyna has been restricted to just 29 minutes of game time since leaving Borussia Dortmund on a short-term loan, leading to questions being asked of whether he will be ready for a busy 2024 with his country that includes the CONCACAF Nations League finals, Copa America and Olympic Games in Paris.

WHAT BERHALTER SAID ABOUT REYNA

United States head coach Berhalter is not overly concerned by Reyna’s lack of game time at Forest, telling : “I think it’s important to realise that Gio is still a young player, still finding himself, still finding who he is as a player. Every player on our team has gone through times when they are not thriving or it’s not going the best way for them. For Gio, it’s no different. We’re not panicking. We know he has a ton of talent. We know that he can be a game-changer and we’re looking forward to the day when he’s in the team each and every week and really starting to thrive and grow. We know how much quality he has and what a good player he is.”

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There has never been any doubting Reyna’s natural ability, but Berhalter is eager to point out that players of his ilk require more than that in order to reach the very top. He added: “With a growth mindset, people change and people can improve. I don’t think it’s just about talent. You need the whole package if you want to be at a top, top level. There is a big difference between being at a good level and the absolute top. At the absolute top, you need the whole package – I’m talking about a handful of clubs across the globe, top five leagues, Champions League teams, that’s a really high level. You need everything. Soccer is so competitive, they are playing all over the world, so talent isn’t going to separate you from everybody else.”

To stay afloat, Rajasthan Royalswould need to not lose three out of first three; which would mean they need to beat a team that successfully chased 204 at the same venue two days ago, without even needing Eoin Morgan

The Preview by Sidharth Monga17-Mar-2010Match factsBangalore v Rajasthan in Bangalore
Thursday, March 18
Start time 2000 (1430 GMT)Big pictureRajasthan Royals will look forward to a big effort from their two key players – Shane Warne and Yusuf Pathan – if they are to register their first win of the tournament (file photo)•Getty ImagesThe captain’s legbreaks are not coming out right; the most imposing batsman of the team has broken a finger, the canny wicket-taker has done an ankle; their fastest bowler is fast becoming wider than he is fast; and the talismanic allrounder’s arrival is still two Test matches away. So average were the rest that even a 37-ball hundred from their big hitter proved to be inadequate. Rajasthan Royals need to find inspiration from somewhere, somehow they need to stay afloat till Shane Watson arrives and joins forces with Yusuf Pathan.To stay afloat would mean to not lose three out of first three. To not lose three out of first three would mean to beat a team that successfully chased 204 at the same venue two days ago, without even needing Eoin Morgan. After a one-sided defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders in their first match, Royal Challengers Bangalore seems to have put the pieces together, at least in the batting department. Orange cap Jacques Kallis is to be the springboard; Manish Pandey, Robin Uthappa and Morgan are to soar. If the plan goes wrong, there are Rahul Dravid and Mark Boucher. The bowlers still remain a worry, and Bangalore will be pleased if they can get a better show from Praveen Kumar and Dale Steyn.Team talkRajasthan have lost Graeme Smith and Dimitri Mascarenhas for the whole season, and will struggle for replacements. Adam Voges is due to arrive in India on Wednesday, and he could start in the XI. Alternatively Hampshire’s Michael Lumb could replace Smith. Damien Martyn is there too, but unlikely to play; if he does, and does well, it will be a pleasant shock. Mascarenhas’ replacement will be difficult to pick: there is Johan Botha and Morne Morkel to choose from, and neither brings in the batting prowess that Mascarenhas did. Bangalore’s batting looks largely settled, and they might want to give the same bowling unit another go.Previously…In 2009, Bangalore won their first game against Rajasthan by 75 runs in Cape Town. Rajasthan returned the favour when they met next, winning just as comprehensively, by seven wickets, chasing 106 at the same venue.In 2008, Rajasthan won both the matches against Bangalore. The margin in the first game at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was seven wickets with 17 balls to spare, while in Jaipur it was 65 runs.In the spotlightShane Warne just seems to be holding back when bowling them legbreaks. There’s just not enough fizz on them, and duly he has failed to trouble batsmen and gone for 51 in seven overs. It can happen with a man who had not bowled in competitive atmosphere for a year, and it will be interesting to see what is coming up next.Both teams know that Rajasthan are the underdogs in the match, but they also know that it takes only 15 minutes of Yusuf Pathan to turn the match on its head. Right now, it’s about as bad as Rajasthan have ever needed him.Eoin Morgan didn’t get going in Bangalore’s first match and wasn’t required in the second. India is yet to witness first-hand what has made Morgan one of the most exciting Twenty20 batsmen going around.Prime numbersJacques Kallis gets a chance to tighten his grip around the orange cap: he currently has 154 runs from two matches, and next in line is Ravi Bopara with 133.Swapnil Asnodkar has scored 103 runs in his last 10 innings, since the start of the last IPL. In 2008, he scored 311 in nine innings.The chatter”SRK is also a friend… And I wish him luck tonight, congrats also to Jumbo [Anil Kumble] on his win. He is a true gentleman…”
“He is the Bradman of Twenty20.”
“I’m certainly not on a holiday as I’m fully committed to playing and helping the Royals win.”

A transfer claim has been made on Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, regarding a potential move to Newcastle United.

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that his name has been mentioned to him several times, with the midfielder currently out of the picture at Stamford Bridge. The reporter has said that he could be a player the Magpies, who have been linked with the Englishman, are set to target in January.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“Ross Barkley’s a name that keeps getting mentioned to me. Obviously he’s pretty much surplus to requirements at Chelsea, he’s well down the pecking order. He was out on loan at Villa last year. Other clubs are interested also in Barkley but he might be somebody that Newcastle could possibly move for.”

Exciting

This update will surely be exciting for Newcastle fans as it indicates that there is a chance the midfielder will be pursued by the club in January. Barkley could be a great signing for Eddie Howe’s side and be a player the supporters can get excited about watching due to his experience in England.

The 28-year-old is a proven Premier League performer but has only made one start in the division this season under Thomas Tuchel. This could, as O’Rourke suggests, open the door for the Magpies to swoop in and secure a deal for his services.

Toon legend Alan Shearer lauded the £100k-per-week gem last season and claimed that he can be a ‘match-winner. He told The BBC:

“Ross seems to have found a system that suits him and a manager who wants to play him. This is exactly what he needs.

“He now needs to find the consistency that has been lacking in his game because this is a crucial stage of his career. Ross has been spoken about in glowing terms since he was very young but he is 27 now and needs to deliver on that potential.

“At his best he is match-winner and Villa is a great platform for him.”

This is high praise from a man who knows what he is talking about when it comes to the Premier League, further highlighting Barkley’s ability at this level. He could come in and be able to hit the ground running with his pre-existing knowledge of the English top-flight.

The ex-Everton man has over 200 appearances in the division under his belt. He has 28 goals and 31 assists to date, showing that he has the quality to arrive at St. James’ Park and make an impact in midfield, which is why fans will be excited by this update from O’Rourke.

AND in other news, Howe could solve key NUFC issue by landing “tough-minded” beast who always “delivers”…

Sean Ervine claimed four wickets for 12 runs as Hampshire skittled Gloucestershire for their lowest Twenty20 Cup score in a one-sided game at Bristol

19-Jun-2010
ScorecardSean Ervine claimed four wickets for 12 runs as Hampshire skittled Gloucestershire for their lowest Twenty20 Cup score in a one-sided game at Bristol.The Gladiators were shot out for just 68 in 17.5 overs after winning the toss, with only two players reaching double figures. Dominic Cork took 2 for 9 and Chris Wood 2 for 12.That total was never likely to prove a problem for the Royals, who skated to victory by seven wickets with a massive 12.3 overs to spare. James Vince top-scored with 26, while man-of-the-match Ervine finished unbeaten on 14.Hampshire had gone into the game bottom of the South Division, but their third win in the competition lifted them above their hapless opponents. Gloucestershire never recovered from being reduced to 11 for three as Will Porterfield sacrificed his wicket to a needless run out and Wood dismissed Hamish Marshall and James Franklin in the same over.Ervine then destroyed the middle order, sending back Chris Taylor, Alex Gidman, Steve Snell and Kadeer Ali for a combined total of 24 runs. Vince took two good boundary catches at midwicket as Hampshire backed up their bowlers with some sharp fielding.Jon Lewis top-scored with 19 and hit the only six of the innings in a rare moment of defiance. But Cork returned to polish off the tail and it was a sorry procession for the home side, who have now lost five of their seven Friends Provident t20 games.Hampshire openers Michael Lumb and Jimmy Adams had no intention of hanging around and took 17 off the first two overs of the powerplay. It looked a pretty good batting pitch, which made Gloucestershire’s failings all the more inexcusable. But Kirby struck twice in the third over as Lumb pulled a catch to Vikram Banerjee at fine leg and Adams edged a catch to Porterfield at second slip.Home supporters had precious little else to cheer as Ervine and Vince continued to be positive in seeing Hampshire to a facile victory. They added 47 in less than five overs before Vince was bowled by Banerjee with the match already won.

Newcastle travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the Premier League as they again go in search of their first win of the campaign.

Eddie Howe is set to be in the dugout for the first time as the club’s manager and his impact could give the Magpies the lift they need to get themselves off the foot of the table.

Their 3-3 draw with Brentford last weekend saw them slide to the bottom of the league, with Norwich moving up to 19th, and they are the only team in the division without a win.

How many changes will Howe make to the team against the Gunners? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side from last week, with Martin Dubravka, Isaac Hayden and Ryan Fraser coming in.

Starting off in goal, Karl Darlow could be axed from the team for Dubravka to be handed his first start of the season. We published an article explaining why the former deserves to be dropped from the team after his recent blunder against Brentford, and the Slovakian could benefit from such a decision.

It would then be over to the 32-year-old to show that he is able to hit the ground running and reclaim his place as the club’s number one. A strong performance and a clean sheet could be a perfect return to action for Dubravka, and we are predicting that Howe will give him the opportunity to play.

In midfield, Isaac Hayden could come into the side ahead of Joe Willock. Playing at the Emirates could require an added defensive emphasis on the midfield and the 26-year-old enforcer could be selected to play as a holding midfielder next to Jonjo Shelvey. He has averaged 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game this season, showing that he has the ability to cut out attacks in the middle of the park.

Finally, we are predicting that Ryan Fraser will come into the side for Ciaran Clark in order to facilitate a change in formation. Howe’s favoured setup is said to be the 4-4-2 with two number sixes in midfield, which would mean that a centre-back needs to be dropped for a winger from the starting XI against Brentford.

Clark has been in poor form this season and the £42k-per-week dud should be axed from the side for Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar to start as a centre-back pairing, with Fraser moving out wide. He could then provide service to Callum Wilson and Joelinton up top.

AND in other news, PIF submit NUFC proposal to beast tipped to be “one of the best”, fans will be buzzing…