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Liverpool have been dealt another injury blow ahead of the EFL Cup final clash with Chelsea, with a "fantastic" player now ruled out this weekend.

Liverpool injury news

The Reds are trying their utmost to battle across four different competitions this season, but injuries are making it increasingly difficult to shine in all of them.

Jurgen Klopp is currently with a host of brilliant players all over the pitch, with the influential Alisson missing in goal because of a hamstring issue. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also absent at right-back, while backup left-back option Kostas Tsimikas is still missing with a shoulder problem.

Meanwhile, Curtis Jones went off injured in last Saturday's 4-1 away to Brentford in the Premier League, as did Diogo Jota, while midfield trio Thiago, Dominik Szoboszlai and Stefan Bajcetic are all out, too. There are even some concerns about Darwin Nunez's involvement after he was replaced at half-time, but that may have been more precautionary than anything.

On Sunday, Liverpool head to Wembley to take on Chelsea in the EFL Cup final, and it has now been confirmed that one player is definitely out of proceedings.

Curtis Jones out of EFL Cup final

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Liverpool midfielder Jones has been ruled out for the EFL Cup final through injury, joining Jota and others on the sidelines.

"Jota and Jones were withdrawn in the first half of the 4-1 win at Brentford on Saturday with respective knee and ankle injuries. Liverpool will await further tests before putting a timescale on their recoveries but there are concerns Jota faces up to two months out with his knee injury."

This is an enormous blow for Liverpool, considering what an excellent season Jones is enjoying in the midfield, really coming of age as a player and looking like a key figure.

Appearances

17

Starts

12

Goals

1

Assists

1

Pass completion rate

90.8%

Tackles per game

1.2

Minutes played

959

While other injury problems have limited him to 12 starts in the Premier League, he has shone across 17 appearances in total. Jamie Carragher has lauded him, calling him "fantastic", and the hope is that his absence isn't too lengthy.

Not having both Jones and Szoboszlai in the middle of the park against Chelsea weakens Liverpool significantly, given the technical quality and work ethic they provide, and it looks likely that Wataru Endo will anchor the midfield with Alexis Mac Allister as a No.8, assuming both stay fit this week.

Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott could then battle for the remaining spot, and with the former doing well when he came on at Brentford – he won six out of nine duels – and the latter better as an impact substitute this season, the Dutchman getting the nod may make the most sense.

Jamie Carragher says he’s “heard” about 56 y/o becoming Liverpool manager

His football is “similar to Klopp’s style”.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 19, 2024

Liverpool desperately need these unavailable players back as soon as possible, though, or they could start running on empty with so many matches arriving across various competitions.

U.S. legend Tony Meola voiced concern over Yunus Musah’s recent form, calling it part of a troubling decline dating back to his final year at AC Milan. Meola urged the midfielder to change course, regain confidence and aim to develop on his potential. Musah struggled mightily in Atlanta's 4-0 defeat by PSG in a midweek Champions League match.

AFP'It was a tough test for Yunus Musah'

Meola acknowledged Musah getting his first start for La Dea against the European Champions isn't ideal, but also insisted his struggles aren't isolated to that match. 

“It was a tough test for Yunus Musah,” Meola said on the Call it What You Want podcast. “When you talk about performances, I’m still more worried about Yunus Musah because this, for me, isn’t a one off. Remember, he was at Milan. I watched him all year, I watched him all season, and the play just continued to decline and decline. 

“So this is, for me, like an extension of what happened last year. And I get worried because at some point, I want it to turn around. And I don’t know if we should be judging in this game, because as [co-host] Charlie [Davies] mentioned, [Fabian] Ruiz, Vitinha, [Joao] Neves. Like you’re dealing with a midfield that is the best midfield in the world, arguably…but I’m a little bit concerned that Yunus Musah has to start turning this around.”

AdvertisementAFPPraise for 'phenomenal' Weah

While Musah struggled in his Champions League debut for Atalanta, there was plenty of praise for Tim Weah's first Champions League match for Marseille.  Davies offered glowing praise for the winger's impressive showing for Marseille against Real Madrid in the Champions League, calling it one of the best performances of his career. 

“Oh, [he was] phenomenal,” Davies said. “He absolutely torched the backline with his movement. He was running, and he was confident. The 1-v-1s, I was really impressed with his influence for Marseille. Remember, they signed Igor Paxiao. They have Mason Greenwood, and Igor Paxiao is just catching up. You have [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang there as well. 

"So this is a talented Marseille team, and I think Weah proved that he’s got to be on the pitch. To do this against a Real Madrid side? Phenomenal! This was probably one of the best games I’ve seen from Timothy Weah in his career.”

Musah and Weah's Champions League journeys

Both players have some signature moments in the Champions League, arguably the best club competition in global football. Musah, 22, made his Champions League debut with AC Milan in September 2023 against Newcastle United and has since built steady experience, logging 13 total appearances in his career. While he has yet to register a goal or assist in the competition, the fact that he has now featured for two clubs in the competition showcases the value of his versatility to teams. Weah, who previously featured in Europe for Paris Saint-Germain and Lille, has made 13 total Champions League appearances and is on an upward trend in the competition, scoring in his last two games. 

AFPBig matches ahead

Weah will likely feature in one of Marseille's biggest matches of the season when they host PSG in Le Classique. Musah will look to rebound when Atalanta take on Torino. 

Nottingham Forest could also sign an “attacking” defender alongside Giovanni Reyna and Rodrigo Ribeiro before the deadline, with an agreement reportedly reached.

Nottingham Forest set to sign Reyna

Nuno Espirito Santo is yet to make his first signing in charge at the City Ground, with the Reds’ focus so far being on moving players out of the club. The likes of Emmanuel Dennis, Jonathan Panzo and Scott McKenna have all sealed loan exits, joining Watford, Standard Liege and FC Copenhagen respectively.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Talking about transfers following the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, Nuno was coy on potential incomings, saying: “It is two days to go. Let’s wait and see. Since the window opened there has been things going on. We have to wait and see what happens in the last days.”

Since then, it has emerged that Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Reyna is on course to become Forest’s first January signing, with Fabrizio Romano sharing an update on Wednesday morning.

Following that, it has been added that striker Rodrigo Ribeiro is also on course to move to Forest on a loan with an option to buy deal from Sporting CP.

However, the pair may not be the only players through the door before tomorrow evening’s deadline, with an update coming to light on a new full-back.

Nottingham Forest reach Brandon Soppy agreement

According to journalist Orazio Accomando, Nottingham Forest have reached an “agreement” for defender Brandon Soppy, although he doesn’t state if a deal would be a loan or permanent transfer. Since then, it has been added that Schalke are in talks over a loan deal for the full-back, while Torino are shopping for replacements, so there could be a late tussle for his signature.

Soppy is 21 years of age and is currently on loan at Torino from Atalanta. However, it looks as if his temporary spell could come to an end with a move to Forest. The Frenchman is primarily a right-back and can also play as a left-back or as a right-midfielder. Previously on the books of Rennes and Udinese, Soppy’s Transfermarkt valuation has dropped in the last 12 months, so he could need a new challenge in England.

Udinese

32

0

Atalanta

16

4

Rennes

11

0

Torino

5

0

Once linked with a move to Celtic, French football expert Adam White said at the time that Soppy is a “very attacking” full-back with a lot of potential.

“He's very inexperienced and very attacking. Soppy likes to take players on and is very good on the ball. He has a lot of potential and there's a reason why all these clubs are interested in him – he has talent.”

Nuno currently has Neco Williams, Gonzalo Montiel, Ola Aina, Serge Aurier and Richie Laryea as his right-back options, and by the looks of things, Soppy could be the next to arrive to challenge for a starting spot.

Lucas Bergvall announced himself in dazzling fashion as Tottenham Hotspur crushed West Ham 3-0 in a fiery London derby. The Swedish prodigy, just 19 years and 223 days old, became the second-youngest Spurs player ever to both score and assist in a single Premier League match. Only Nick Barmby (18 years, 321 days), who achieved the feat back in 1992, stands ahead of him in the record books.

Spurs pile misery on shambolic Hammers

From the very first whistle, West Ham looked rattled. Tottenham’s press suffocated the hosts and, when Mohammed Kudus’ corner was nodded home by Cristian Romero in the 19th minute, it looked like the breakthrough had come. But referee Jarred Gillett pulled it back for a foul by Micky van de Ven on Kyle Walker-Peters. Spurs didn’t sulk; they turned the screw.

AdvertisementBergvall’s magic moment stuns London Stadium

Just minutes before the hour mark, Romero lofted a searching pass into the box, and Bergvall rose majestically, guiding a looping header into the far corner. The finish oozed composure, and Spurs players mobbed him while the away fans roared; a new star had truly arrived.

Assist adds shine to historic night

If the goal showcased Bergvall’s instinct, his assist underlined his intelligence. Driving into the box with fearless intent, the youngster laid it on a plate for Van de Ven, who swept the ball home in the 64th minute. That strike killed off any faint hopes of a West Ham revival. For Bergvall, it was a moment of history; the stats confirming his place among Spurs’ youngest-ever difference-makers.

AFPChampions League test next for Bergvall

For Spurs boss Thomas Frank, it was the kind of dominant performance he has been demanding after a shock loss to Bournemouth before the international break. His midfield was disciplined, his forwards ruthless, and his teenage sensation, Bergvall, delivered a game to remember. With Champions League duties looming against Villarreal on Tuesday night, the timing couldn’t be better.

This will be the only international match – men’s or women’s – played in South Africa this summer to not have DRS

Firdose Moonda14-Dec-2024There will be no DRS for the one-off Test between South Africa and England in Bloemfontein, the first women’s Test in South Africa in 22 years. The match will be the only one out of the 21 internationals played by both men and women in South Africa this home summer without DRS.This was the first season where DRS – a technology that costs millions of dollars – was used for women’s bilateral internationals in South Africa. CSA said it has opted to prioritise DRS in white-ball women’s internationals for now.”The inclusion of the DRS for the ongoing inbound tour against England was agreed upon at the planning stage of the tour, noting that it will be the first time it was used for women’s bilateral tours in South Africa in recent history,” Enoch Nkwe, South Africa’s director of national teams and high performance, said in response to a query about the absence of DRS for the Test.”The white-ball formats were prioritised with regards to DRS for this tour as it directly impacted the Proteas Women’s rankings in T20I cricket and the Women’s Championship as well as the overall CSA strategy for the senior women’s national team.”While the development of the red-ball format is important, it is worth noting that resources are currently being directed at the white-ball formats due to the significance of ODI and T20I cricket in the current women’s international cricket landscape.”South Africa had already qualified for the ODI World Cup before the series against England but aimed to finish as high on the Women’s Championship points table. In the ICC rankings, they are currently ranked fourth in ODIs and fifth in T20Is. There was one instance during the ongoing England tour when DRS malfunctioned. In the third over of South Africa’s chase in the first ODI in Kimberley, Tazmin Brits was pinged on the pad by Lauren Bell and was given out lbw. She wanted to review the decision but could not because the technology was down.ESPNcricinfo understands that, in a home summer where India men’s T20I series was the only profit-making visit, the expense of using the technology was deemed too much for this match. This, despite CSA announcing a profit of US$45.6 million from the last financial year and benefiting from two successive years of India visits.The Test match will be produced on a budget with only seven manned cameras (some matches are broadcast with as many as 30) and two run-out cameras on one side of the field (as opposed to the usual four, two on each side). That means that if there is a fielder in the way of a run-out decision on one side, the TV umpire may not be able to make a decision.The two on-field umpires for the match – Kerrin Klaaste and Lauren Agenbag – will be officiating a Test for the first time.DRS has become the norm in international cricket but there are still matches played without it. At this year’s men’s ODI World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, DRS was only in place from the Super Six stage. There was no DRS at this year’s women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers in the UAE, or in the recently completed Ireland Women’s tour of Bangladesh.

Liverpool have reportedly identified a "top target" to bring to the club in the summer transfer window, with the player compared to current superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Liverpool transfer news

Jurgen Klopp's reign is slowly nearing its conclusion, which is still hard to fathom for many Reds supporters, and their next manager will no doubt eye up new signings, with Benfica's Roger Schmidt recently name-checked as an option for the job.

While Liverpool's next boss may not be confirmed yet, the Merseysiders continue to be linked with additions at the end of the season. RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is another individual who has been backed to move to Anfield, with the Slovenian likened to Erling Haaland in the past.

The Reds could do with defensive reinforcements in the summer and Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen is also a player who is believed to be on their radar, as he looks for a potential return to the Premier League.

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has also been linked with Liverpool, with the young German seemingly a player with a massive future, as he edges closer to inspiring his side to Bundesliga title glory this season.

Luis Guilherme a "top target" for Liverpool

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Liverpool have made Palmeiras teenager Luis Guilherme a "top target" this summer after missing out on him in January, with the attacker labelled as the "next Kylian Mbappe".

"Liverpool have made the “next Kylian Mbappe” – Palmeiras teenage sensation Luis Guilherme – a top target ahead of the summer window, sources have told Football Insider. The Reds considered a formal January move for the 18-year-old but eventually decided against firming up their interest.

"A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Liverpool are now plotting a summer swoop for Guilherme. Sources say the Merseysiders consider him a “top target” ahead of the off-season."

Admittedly, not a huge amount may be known about Guilherme as a player, given his age and the fact he isn't playing in Europe currently, but being compared to someone as iconic as Mbappe is a good place to start.

While the Brazilian may still be just 18 years of age, only celebrating his milestone birthday earlier this month, he has already picked up 32 appearances for Palmeiras. No goal contributions have come his way in that time, which is a little disappointing, but it is clear that he is already a trusted squad player.

Guilherme is also a Brazil international at youth team level, winning five and four caps for his country's Under-20s and Under-17s respectively, scoring twice for the latter. He is capable of playing in attacking midfield or out wide.

Jamie Carragher says he’s “heard” about 56 y/o becoming Liverpool manager

His football is “similar to Klopp’s style”.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 19, 2024

There is something about signing a young Brazilian starlet that always feels exciting, given the manner in which the likes of Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar have burst onto the scene in the past, and if Liverpool feel Guilherme can explode in the future, they could do all they can to snap him up this summer.

The position will report to the head of sports science Alex Kountouris

Daniel Brettig14-Jul-2020In the wake of 40 redundancies at Cricket Australia and more than 150 around the states in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is some logic to the news that the first new job created at the downsized governing body will be devoted entirely to mental health.CA this week advertised for the role of mental health and wellbeing lead, to report to its head of sports science Alex Kountouris. It is a little less than a year since the AFL appointed its own head of mental health and wellbeing, Kate Hall, and the winter after Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and Will Pucovski all made very public withdrawals from cricket to deal with their mental health.While Maxwell, Maddinson and Pucovski were all dealing with issues stemming one way or another from the unrelenting treadmill of constant cricket, its attendant pressures and risks, the more recent Covid-19 crisis has laid bare matters concerned with what happens when that particular schedule and the sporting business in general are brought to a shuddering halt by unforeseen external events.Both instances, though, have underlined the need for more focus on the area, the better to allow CA’s two dedicated sports psychologists, Michael Lloyd for the men’s team and Peter Clarke for the women’s team and pathways, to spend more time with individual cricketers and staff.Meanwhile the new role is geared at taking a broader approach to the area, whether that be in managing cases between CA, states and W/BBL clubs, updating the governing body’s approach according to new research, or evolving the remit beyond high performance to the whole of CA.”The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead will give a greater focus on mental health at Cricket Australia, giving us an individual resource dedicated to this area,” CA’s high performance chief Drew Ginn told ESPNcricinfo. “The role will also provide broader case management support for CA contracted players.”It’s a great chance to prioritise mental health. It will provide further reinforcement to our current psychologists working with our teams. To have a dedicated leader in a national role and having them focus on a national strategy, policy, future partnerships, critical case management and support for players and states is a positive step forward for the sport.Michael Lloyd (left) chats with Australia coach Justin Langer•Getty Images”This role is more important than ever, particularly in a world where mental health issues continue to be prevalent, particularly with the demands of elite cricket, Covid and all of the uncertainty. It’s crucial for us to provide the right support and environment for our players, coaches and staff, and this builds on fantastic work being done by Michael Lloyd and Peter Clarke.”Required qualifications for the role include post-graduate qualification in psychology/psychiatry, behavioural science, or a related field and clinical practice experience, in addition to senior management and case management expertise.One of the areas needing to be negotiated will be the varying approaches taken in each state association, where not every department has the same structure or resources regarding mental health or other areas. This has only been exacerbated by the aforementioned staff cuts, where only Cricket New South Wales has so far managed to steer clear of cost-cutting.At the same time, CA staff are still regaining their composure after the traumas of April, May and June, when 200 staff were stood down ahead of redundancies that also saw the departure of the chief executive Kevin Roberts amid widespread rancour between CA, the states and the players’ union.”We are looking for a senior mental health professional who has experience in systems leadership,” the position description states. “You will have expertise in the development and operationalisation of best practice mental health and wellbeing strategies, policy, governance and partnerships. In this role you will also be assisting Australian Cricket health professionals in case management.”Reporting to the Head of Sports Science & Medicine, you will bring your previous success in implementing best in class mental health and wellbeing outcomes. This is a pivotal strategic role and your success will be determined by your ability to influence outcomes across a complex stakeholder landscape.”

It's been a fairly quiet summer so far, but plenty of out-of-favour stars will be hoping that changes over the next few weeks

The summer has flown by and we are now less than a week away from the transfer window slamming shut on Friday, August 30. So far, it's been a fairly quiet few months on the recruitment front. Last summer, the Saudi Pro League was making waves, but that particular market has shrivelled considerably this time out, which has had a knock-on effect on activity in Europe's major leagues.

As a result, there is a long list of players who have been attempting to manufacture a move away from their current clubs, only to find out that there simply is not a market for their services. That could all change over the coming days, however.

As the transfer window ticks towards closing, sporting directors always operate with a renewed sense of urgency. Here are just some of the players who will be hoping there is still enough time for them to secure a transfer this summer…

GettyKepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)

Be honest, had you forgotten the most expensive goalkeeper of all time was still at Chelsea? The £72m ($94m) the Blues paid Athletic Club back in 2018 for Kepa's services has proved to be a shocking investment and the Spaniard has been training away from the first-team group this summer after a underwhelming loan at Real Madrid. His wages will make a permanent exit difficult, but Bournemouth are exploring a loan in what would be a significant fall from grace.

Advertisement(C) Getty ImagesJoao Cancelo (Manchester City)

After his falling-out with Pep Guardiola back in early 2023, there is no way back for Cancelo at Man City, and the Premier League champions are keen to get him off their books for good this summer. Barcelona were initially interested in bringing the Portugal international back to Spain after his loan spell last season, but the Catalans' financial issues means that is now off the table. Instead, the Saudi Pro League now looks his most likely destination.

(C)Getty ImagesTrevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)

Chalobah was one of Chelsea's best players during the second half of last season, but that's not been enough to save him from the Blues' remorseless axe. First, the Cobham graduate was left off the U.S. tour squad and he's since been exiled from the club's first-team facilities. Several Premier League sides are said to be circling, but it's a sad end for a player who's more than good enough to feature regularly for his boyhood club.

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Getty ImagesFederico Chiesa (Juventus)

Chiesa has gone from being one of Italy's heroes of Euro 2020 to being out in the cold at Juventus following a run of injuries and Thiago Motta's appointment as the new manager of the Bianconeri. Still just 26, there is no doubt that the wide forward has plenty more to give, and Barcelona are among the clubs considering a move late in the window.

Chelsea could reportedly move for Jules Kounde with the Barcelona star being viewed as an alternative to Real Madrid target Dean Huijsen.

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Chelsea want to reinforce their defenceHave set their sights on Barcelona's KoundeThe French defender has a contract until 2027Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Chelsea have revived their pursuit of Kounde, a player they previously attempted to sign in 2022 when he was still at Sevilla. At the time, the Premier League giants were seen as frontrunners, but negotiations fell through, allowing Barcelona to step in and secure the Frenchman’s services for approximately €55m (£46m). Now, Chelsea appear determined to make another serious push for Kounde, believing that his ability to operate both at centre-back and right-back would add valuable versatility to their squad.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea are expected to submit a substantial offer to Barcelona in the coming weeks. However, Kounde remains committed to his current club and is not actively seeking an exit from Camp Nou. His future, however, may hinge on contract negotiations with the Catalans. His current deal runs until 2027, and while Chelsea can offer a higher salary and the opportunity to play in his preferred centre-back role, much will depend on Barcelona’s willingness to match his demands.

DID YOU KNOW?

Recognizing Chelsea’s renewed interest, Barcelona are reportedly prioritizing Kounde’s contract situation, making it their most urgent renewal case to secure his long-term commitment. However, due to an abundance of centre-backs at Barça, the Frenchman has been primarily deployed as a right-back, a position he does not favour. With the potential arrival of Jonathan Tah this summer, Kounde’s chances of reclaiming a central defensive role could diminish even further. Additionally, Barcelona are also looking to recruit another right-back, which could create more competition for his current spot.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

If Chelsea fail to secure Kounde, they are expected to shift their attention back to Huijsen. However, securing the Bournemouth defender may prove challenging given Real Madrid’s strong interest in the player. However, they are planning to offload multiple players to make room for fresh arrivals. Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah have reportedly been made available for transfer, while there are also uncertainties surrounding the futures of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile.

“I think 14 games is a good amount,” says Lancashire opener in response to Strauss review recommendations

Paul Edwards15-Sep-2022Keaton Jennings, the Lancashire and England opener, has called for the structure of the English season to be improved but has opposed the idea put forward by Andrew Strauss’s high-performance review that county cricketers need to play less or that the number of Championship matches should be reduced from 14.On Saturday, Jennings will lead out Lancashire against Kent in the Royal London Cup final at Trent Bridge at the end of a week in which the Emirates Old Trafford side have had no game. That works well as regards preparation for a white-ball match but it also means that in the 53 days from July 29 to September 19, Dane Vilas’ team will have played just one four-day game.Related

Thompson pledges to resolve 'worst game of Jenga' in focus on County schedule

Strauss review proposes smaller Championship top tier, 'revamped' 50-over competition

Other counties can point to similar eccentricities, not all of them caused by the Hundred, and Jennings’ comments come at the end of a week in which Somerset’s board told the ECB that the current schedule is “unacceptable”.”In my opinion you can keep the 14 County Championship games and that’s only what Ben Stokes said on social media a few weeks ago,” said Jennings. “But you can factor in breaks, so that you can play three four-day games and then have a break from the Championship. I think my view is representative and it certainly echoes what the England captain said.”I think 14 games is a good amount and the cricket we play is of good quality, but the problem comes when you have a week off at the start of April and then another at the start of September. Including the Royal London Final, we play 13 days in September whereas in April we were playing 12 in 17.”

Ab so bloody lutley https://t.co/2ih84reVTT

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) August 3, 2022