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Manchester United are on the lookout for reinforcements to continue their mission under Ruben Amorim and could now be in a position to enact one of the deals of the 2026 transfer window.

Manchester United dealt triple injury blow

Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the modern game, and the Red Devils aren’t immune to being caught short in that regard after Amorim confirmed Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount have been ruled out of facing Manchester City.

He stated: “I think they are out for this game. I don’t want to say (how long they will be missing). If you talk with Cunha, if you catch Cunha outside, he will say he can play this game! So I don’t know. We will manage day by day, but they are pushing hard and that is a good thing.”

While the demands of the Premier League are bound to hit everyone at points across the campaign, Manchester United will have a free run at the league for the next few months, easing pressure on a schedule that usually includes European football and domestic cup action.

In light of their lack of fixtures, The Sun have claimed that the Red Devils could look to participate in semi-competitive midweek friendly matches to help fill the financial black hole at Old Trafford after missing out on the Europa League last season.

With extra revenue on the line, Manchester United already took the step of having a post-season tour of Asia last term, illustrating that they are willing to do whatever it takes to earn capital.

Man Utd’s potential midweek friendly opponents

RB Leipzig

Neither team in Europe

Sevilla

Neither team in Europe

AC Milan

Neither team in Europe

Lazio

Neither team in Europe

What would extra funds generated go towards? If recent developments are to be believed, INEOS could be about to launch an offensive to land one of the world’s most talented stars.

Man Utd ahead of Real Madrid to sign Dayot Upamecano

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, who could be a free agent in the summer of 2026.

Vincent Kompany’s men are struggling to agree terms with the France international on a new long-term contract, with his current one earning the star close to £14 million per annum, and he is said to want a significant increase on that figure before signing on the dotted line.

It's not Mbeumo: Man Utd sensation is now their best signing since Bruno

Manchester United conducted excellent business by landing the signature of one talent.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 13, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on his situation in Germany, where he has made three appearances this campaign across all competitions.

The outlet claim his market value sits at around £51 million, presenting a market opportunity that Manchester United are eager to take advantage of by offering him a central role in their plans, placing them ahead of Real Madrid. INEOS also view him as a significant upgrade on Harry Maguire and other defensive options.

Upamecano has been a consistent starter for Bayern again in the Bundesliga this term, and appears to fit the mould as someone who could help the Red Devils get back to competing for major honours.

Nottingham Forest make their long-awaited comeback to the European stage this season and have a World Cup winner in their sights that they hope will join the party, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest await outcome on Morgan Gibbs-White conundrum

By now, everyone connected with the Tricky Trees will know Morgan Gibbs-White is at the centre of an impasse after Nottingham Forest threatened legal action after Tottenham Hotspur activated his release clause.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen if the England international will stay put. The summer window is far from over, and plenty of twists and turns remain despite his return to training and appearance against AS Monaco in a friendly last weekend.

Addressing his future, Ola Aina confirmed that Gibbs-White is maintaining a professional approach despite rumours surrounding his future at the City Ground.

He stated: “He’s keeping it professional; I don’t know the ins and outs of that. He was here today, playing, and he’s training, keeping fit as normal. At the end of the day, we’re all professionals – we’ve got a job to do and that’s what Morgan is doing right now. He’s keeping it professional.”

Regardless, Nottingham Forest are targeting a move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, even if West Ham United have already submitted a £34 million offer to bring him to the London Stadium.

Nottingham Forest reach full agreement to sell "wonderful" ace in £19m deal

The Tricky Trees are set to net a windfall…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 18, 2025

Nuno Espirito Santo and his side are awaiting the outcome of Crystal Palace’s appeal against Europa League expulsion. That may take a few weeks, though they are preparing for European football regardless, potentially paving the way for additions.

Now, with optimism growing in the East Midlands, there is every chance a World Cup winner could be on their way to join the Tricky Trees’ mission.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign Nahuel Molina

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have initiated contact with Atletico Madrid star Nahuel Molina’s camp, as it has become apparent that he is set to leave the Spanish capital this summer due to his non-EU status.

Marc Pubill has joined Diego Simeone’s men, leaving World Cup winner Molina free to explore a move elsewhere, which could occur in the form of a loan switch to the City Ground.

The prospect of the 27-year-old coming to the East Midlands permanently also hasn’t been ruled out, and Nottingham Forest are at an advantage in their pursuit after Juventus decided to intensify their efforts to sign Porto’s João Mario.

Deemed to be on the ‘exit ramp’ at the Wanda Metropolitano, Molina is firmly in the sights of Espirito Santo and would arrive off the back of 46 outings last season across all competitions.

With the scene set for Nottingham Forest to pounce, it remains to be seen if they can tempt the Argentina international with the prospect of a shot at the Premier League.

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has launched a passionate defence of Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal. There has been increased media attention on the teenage winger, who only turned 18 in July, and Mbappe has urged critics to leave the Barca star alone as he continues his establish himself as one of the best footballers in the world.

Getty Images SportYamal facing scrutiny from the media

Mbappe has pleaded with critics to leave Yamal alone as the spotlight continues to shine on the Barcelona star. Yamal won the 2025 Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or ceremony last month as he was named the best player under the age of 21 in world football for the second year running.

However, the accelerated rise to superstardom means Yamal has come under scrutiny on private matters from the media. A number of outlets have chosen to focus on the Spain star's love life, while others have dug deep into the winger's dating history.

Additionally, Yamal is embroiled in a club vs country tug-of-war over his fitness. The teenager was called up to the Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria this month before being withdrawn following protestations from Barcelona boss Hansi Flick, who has criticised the national team over his handling for the star forward.

Yamal only recently returned to action having suffered a groin problem while on Spain duty last month as he missed wins over Valencia, Newcastle, Getafe and Real Oviedo.

Advertisement'I think people should leave him alone'

And Real Madrid star Mbappe has leapt to the defence of Yamal, telling Jorge Valdano in an interview that will be broadcast on Movistar on Sunday, via ESPN: "You can see [Lamine] has passion for football and that's the only thing he mustn't lose.

"The rest is just his life. People talk about his personal life, but I think people should leave him alone."

Yamal started the La Liga season strongly, scoring twice and providing two assists in his opening three league outings of the campaign. Having suffered a groin problem with Spain last month, however, Yamal has made just one further league appearance since the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano in August as he came off the bench for the 2-1 home win over Real Sociedad last month.

And Mbappe, who broke onto the scene at 16 years of age with Monaco, has backed Yamal, who debuted at just 15 in 2023, to learn from his mistakes.

AFPAt 18 everyone makes mistakes

"[Lamine] is a great football player, but in life he's an 18-year-old kid," Mbappe added.

"At 18 everyone makes mistakes. He'll live his life. We should only look at what he does on the pitch. The rest isn't important, as long as it isn't anything serious. He's a player with a great talent."

Mbappe and Real Madrid were involved in a similar fitness-war as Yamal and Barcelona with the former called up to the France squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland this month, this despite suffering an ankle problem against Villarreal last weekend.

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Mbappe suffers ankle injury in France's win over Azerbaijan

Even so, Mbappe started Friday's game over Azerbaijan, scoring the opening goal on the stroke of half time, extending his scoring run for club and country to 10 games in the process, before turning provider for Adrien Rabiot midway through the second half as France eased to a 3-0 home win.

Mbappe, though, was forced off in the 83rd minute after his ankle trapped in a challenge involving Abdulla Xaybulayev. While the France captain gingerly walked off, both club and country face an anxious wait to learn the full extent of the injury.

On the injury, France head coach Didier Deschamps said after the win over Azerbaijan: "It’s the same ankle where he was hurt. The pain decreases when he rests. In a match, contacts are inevitably going to happen. We will assess it. He has discomfort that is not ideal for him."

Les Bleus take on Iceland Monday night and victory in Reykjavík will all but confirm France's place at the 2026 World Cup.

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is currently at the centre of a tug of war between Arsenal and Tottenham as we enter the final fortnight of this year’s summer transfer window, with many twists and turns still to be had.

Eze is seen as the playmaker to fill James Maddison’s gaping void at Spurs.

The aforementioned attacker was ruled out for a large portion of the new season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season against Newcastle United, while Arsenal have been looking at him as a potential number 10 addition to complement the likes of Martin Odegaard and highly-rated youngster Ethan Nwaneri (Sky Sports).

Reports throughout the last month have consistently suggested that Arsenal are in serious pursuit of Eze.

Some media sources even believe that Arsenal reached a partial agreement on financial terms with Palace after holding extensive talks on the player side, but a move for Eze may not be as advanced as this after all.

Earlier this week, talkSPORT reported that while Andrea Berta has maintained a serious interest in the 27-year-old and could still move for him, Arsenal are hesitating due to their desire to hand Nwaneri more consistent minutes in 2025/2026.

This has seemingly gifted their arch rivals, Tottenham, a chance to swoop in and strike a deal for Eze to combat the loss of Maddison.

While Eze is reliably believed to have held talks with Mikel Arteta about a move to N5, it appears Spurs are the ones making moves right now in terms of negotiations with Palace and a potential bid.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish has also apparently set a “difficult price”, as explained by journalist Graeme Bailey to TBR Football.

Arsenal's fresh stance on signing Eberechi Eze with "difficult price" set

Arsenal have adopted a fresh stance over signing Eze amid rival interest from Tottenham and potentially paying over the odds, with Bailey claiming that a move for the England international is actually off for now.

“Eze is a tricky one. Steve Parish is asking well over £60 million, which is a difficult price. Arsenal liked the player, but that move seems to be off for now,” said Bailey.

“Some people think Spurs might consider him too expensive, but I suspect they’ll try. They’ve paid that sort of money before, and I think Spurs will come in for him and probably get him.

“Unlike Arsenal, who always viewed Eze as a number 10 rather than a solution for the left-hand side, Tottenham see him as someone who can play on the left. That flexibility is likely to push Spurs to make a move in the coming days.

“Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to focus on strengthening the left-hand side rather than pursuing someone they see primarily as a number 10. They are unlikely but not completely impossible to make a move for Eze at this point.”

The former QPR star bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, as well as averaging more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any other Palace player in the Premier League.

His quality and attacking threat is clear, but Spurs are arguably the side more in need of Eze right now than Arteta – so it isn’t surprising to see Thomas Frank’s side move with much more gusto.

أعرب فينيسيوس جونيور عن سعادته بالفوز الذي حققه ريال مدريد برباعية نظيفة على أوساسونا، ضمن مباريات الجولة 13 من بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

ريال مدريد اكتسح أوساسونا برباعية، كان لـ فيني نصيب الأسد منها، عندما سجل هاتريك في شباك الحارس سيرجيو هيريرا.

وقال فينيسيوس في تصريحات لقناة ريال مدريد عقب المباراة: “نشعر بالحزن بسبب إصابة ميليتاو ورودريجو وفاسكيز، إنه لأمر محزن لنا، ونتمنى عودتهم سريعًا”.

طالع أيضًا.. أنشيلوتي: ما يحدث في ريال مدريد أمر نادر.. وفينيسيوس أثبت أن الكرة الذهبية غير مؤثرة

وأضاف: “تمكننا من تقديم أداء جيد للغاية اليوم ضد أوساسونا، آمل أن نستمر هكذا، لقد لعبنا أفضل مباراة في الموسم، بعدما وجد أنشيلوتي لحل، وطبقنا ما أخبرنا به”.

وأكمل: “علينا أن نكون أكثر تماسكًا، حينها يمكننا أن نستمر في المنافسة على الألقاب، وأن نبحث دائمًا عن الانقضاض على الخصم في اللحظة المناسبة”.

وأشار: “التسديد بوجه القدم الخارجي؟ لقد تعلمته من مودريتش، وفي كل جلسة تدريب أحاول التطور في ذلك الأمر، أتمنى أن أصنع أهداف مثل مودريتش بهذه الطريقة”.

واختتم: “لقد تعافيت من الآلام منذ التوقف الأخير، والآن أنا في أفضل نسخة لي، أريد مساعدة الفريق مثلما حدث في الموسم الماضي، والآن علينا أن نرى ما سيحدث في التوقف”.

اختتم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي تدريباته اليوم الأربعاء استعدادًا لمواجهة زد إف سي، وذلك على ملعب استاد التتش بمقر القلعة الحمراء بالجزيرة.

الأهلي يواجه زد إف سي على ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من عمر الدوري المصري الممتاز.

عمورة لمراسل بطولات: مرموش يستحق “فريق أكبر”.. أشجع الأهلي وأعرف لاعب الزمالك

وعقد مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني للفريق، محاضرة للاعبين قبل انطلاق المران الجماعي، لشرح بعض التفاصيل الفنية في التحضير لمباراة الغد.

وقاد أندرياس إندويا مخطط الأحمال، مرانًا بدنيًّا متنوعًا للاعبين، استمر لمدة 30 دقيقة، قبل أن ينخرط اللاعبون في أداء التدريبات الفنية.

وقاد ميشيل يانكون، مدرب الحراس، الثلاثي محمد الشناوي ومصطفى شوبير ومصطفى مخلوف في تدريبات بدنية وفنية منفردة.

واختتم المدير الفني مارسيل كولر فقرات المران بتقسيمة قوية شارك فيها جميع اللاعبين.

وكان الأهلي قد نجح في تحقيق الفوز بخماسية مقابل هدفين على سيراميكا كليوباترا في الجولة الأولى، من عمر الدوري المصري.

أُعلنت منذ قليل هوية الفائز بـ جائزة كوبا، لـ أفضل لاعب شاب في العالم، عن عام 2024، المُقدمة من قِبل مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الشهيرة.

ويُقام مساء اليوم الإثنين حفل مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الشهيرة، الخاصة بجائزة الكرة الذهبية لأفضل لاعب في العالم لعام 2024، إلى جانب جوائز أخرى، بالتعاون مع يويفا (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وترشح 10 لاعبين للفوز بجائزة كوبا لأفضل لاعب شاب، وهم: لامين يامال لاعب برشلونة ومنتخب إسبانيا، باو كوبارسي لاعب برشلونة ومنتخب إسبانيا، أردا جولر لاعب ريال مدريد ومنتخب تركيا، أليخاندرو جارناتشو لاعب مانشستر يونايتد ومنتخب الأرجنتين.

إلى جانب كريم كوناتي لاعب سالزبورج ومنتخب كوت ديفوار، كوبي ماينو لاعب مانشستر يونايتد ومنتخب إنجلترا، جواو نيفيز لاعب باريس سان جيرمان ومنتخب البرتغال.

وكذلك سافينيو لاعب مانشستر سيتي ومنتخب البرازيل، ماتياس تيل لاعب بايرن ميونخ ومنتخب فرنسا، ووارن زائير إيمري لاعب باريس سان جيرمان ومنتخب فرنسا.

وحسبما أُعلن، فاز لامين يامال بجائزة كوبا لأفضل لاعب شاب في العالم لعام 2024. لحظة فوز لامين يامال بجائزة كوبا 2024

وشارك لامين يامال في 50 مباراة في مختلف المسابقات بقميص برشلونة الموسم الماضي، وسجل 7 أهداف وصنع 9، بينما شارك مع منتخب إسبانيا في كأس أمم أوروبا ولعب دورًا في التتويج بالبطولة، مع العلم إنه سجل هدفًا وصنع 4 في يورو.

وجاء الترتيب على النحو التالي: لامين يامال، أردا جولر، كوبي ماينو، سافينيو، باو كوبارسي، جواو نيفيز، أليخاندرو جارناتشو، زائير إيمري، ماتياس تيل وكريم كوناتي.

ويتم الترشيح والتصويت في جوائز فرانس فوتبول، بناءً على أداء اللاعبين خلال الفترة من 1 أغسطس 2023 إلى 31 يوليو 2024.

الجدير بالذكر أن جود بيلينجهام، لاعب ريال مدريد، هو الفائز بجائزة كوبا لأفضل لاعب شاب في العالم عن العام الماضي، 2023.

Blind football at the 2024 Paris Paralympics is compelling, competitive, and going viral and for all of the right reasons

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Article continues below

Article continues below

So here's a challenge: Try watching sports without saying a word.

That’s the assignment for all of the fans who pour into The Stade Tour Eiffel this week for the Paralympics’ Blind soccer slate. You may have taken of this most unique competition during these Games.

The sport, which has had its fair share of viral videos on social media for highlight plays and unique, charming, and compelling moments, has captured the imagination of soccer fans serious and casual alike – and showed, once again, that the beautiful game can operate in so many different ways.

Getty Images SportHow blind football works?

For the uninitiated, here's a quick primer on the sport. When it comes to rules, blind football is the classic five-a-side. Four outfield players and a goalie – basic stuff soccer fans learn from when they touch a ball for the first time.

And that’s where the similarities end.

All competitors must be visually impaired. They play wearing masks to make up for the various degrees of different eye sight among all the players. The ball is fitted with a bell to help players approximate its location. Only the goalkeeper and offensive guide – effectively an extra coach standing behind either goal – may talk at any given time.

When the ball is in play, and in the middle third of the pitch, coaches can bark instructions. Otherwise, this is a game of yelps and jingles.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA unique fan experience

And then there are the fans. Before kickoff, supporters are encouraged to make as much noise as possible, to cultivate an ebullient atmosphere – and that's just until the dynamics of the game come into play.

At that point, fans remain silent – often with gentle reminders from officials to control themselves – until the ball goes out, or a goal is scored. Of course, when the ball hits the net, the noise is intense.

USA TodayA stunning outcome

As seems to be the case with football in all forms, it's no surprise that Brazil are the world’s power in Blind football (it wouldn’t be any form of the sport without the Selecao towards the top.) The first blind football tournament took place in Brazil in 1980, and entering this year's Paralympics tournament, they were the favorites.

They battered France, 3-0, and played to a 0-0 draw with Paralympic giants China to advance through the groups. 

Their secret to success? Keep the ball moving.

“We are making it as dynamic as possible within football. We move around a lot, we pass, we change athletes with the aim of bringing more shine to the sport,” defender Cassio Lopes dos Reis said to the Olympics website.

And if that fails, Brazil have had the edge in individual quality. They are led by Jefinho, the so-called ‘Paralympic Pele’, who has won four Gold Medals in the competition.

His motivation for a fifth couldn’t be more pronounced, he told the International Blind Sports Federation in March:  “We are working every day for it," he said. "In the morning, in the afternoon, and sometimes on Saturdays too. We are delivering our full dedication to being in Paris in the best shape possible. As athletes, we always want more.

"In Brazil, we don’t stand that much with what we achieved in the past. We look forward to future titles, and we want Brazil to remain the only Paralympic champion in the world.”

For all that ambition, however, it wasn’t to be. The tournament delivered on jeopardy Thursday, when Argentina – reigning world champions – edged their old competitor on penalties. It wasn't a complete shock. Brazil needed a miraculous goal-line clearance to snatch a draw with China in the group stage. And with the sport growing, others were bound to catch up.

Still, few anticipated a Brazil loss. And perhaps it’s what this game needed, another power coming into the fore. For the first time ever, Brazil won’t take home the gold medal in the sport that has historically been theirs. Saturday’s Gold Medal match will be all that much more compelling.

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An accomplishment worth its weight in gold

This may seem like an unfamiliar version of the sport to some, soccer slowed down and modified, adjusted for those who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to compete. But with a gold medal on the line when France takes on Argentina Saturday, and the weight of a nation to hold up, it is just as important as any version of the sport.

France manager Toussaint Akpweh perhaps explained it best.

“For almost five years, we have been working with rigor and determination to regain our place in the world elite of football for the blind," he said. "The rest, we will write in Paris.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers should be proud of their outfit's performance in the Premier League this season, but after a late-season dip, the importance of hitting the mark during the summer transfer window has been heightened.

"If we go into next season with the same weaknesses as now, we have issues. If we’re able to improve them and get the levels back up to where they need to be, then we won’t.

“There’s no reason next season has to start slowly because this season has finished slowly. We’ll need to do some real big work in the summer.”

These are the recent remarks of manager Gary O'Neil, stressing that signings must be made this summer to build on an impressive campaign that has avoided the suction of the relegation zone.

It's not just incomings that will take precedence, however, with Wolves likely to ship certain stars on – Matt Doherty must be one of them.

Why Wolves signed Matt Doherty

Doherty re-joined Wolves at the start of the season, signing from Atletico Madrid, after failing to make his mark in La Liga and enduring a tough time on the fringe at Tottenham Hotspur, once described as a "menace" by Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir but ultimately proving unable to win over a series of managers.

He had previously enjoyed a prosperous career at Molineux, completing 302 appearances for Wolves and notably featuring as a key component of Nuno Espirito Santo's European conquest.

Praised for his "sensational" performances in Wolverhampton by pundit Jermaine Jenas, Doherty thrived as one of the most prolific wide defenders in Europe, but now aged 32, he hasn't enjoyed the same impact on his return to the club and it might be worth cashing in this summer.

Why Wolves should ditch Matt Doherty

Still contracted for two years, Doherty earns a pretty pay packet at £50k per week, though this sizeable salary has not been reflected through his displays on the pitch, starting only nine matches in the Premier League – six of which have arrived since April, coinciding with the team's slump.

1.

Nelson Semedo

£80k-per-week

2.

Matt Doherty

£50k-per-week

3.

Max Kilman

£50k-per-week

4.

Craig Dawson

£45k-per-week

5.

Santiago Bueno

£30k-per-week

Nelson Semedo's market value has dropped by £25m and he is another of the club's over-earners, but the rest suggest that Doherty is taking home earnings that don't reflect his place in the team.

Especially when Pedro Neto is on the same salary as his Irish teammate. The 24-year-old winger has been battling injuries this season but has performed to resounding success when fit and firing, racking up two goals and nine assists from just 19 Premier League appearances, as per Sofascore.

The Republic of Ireland international still showcases several of his core qualities, ranking among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals and the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref.

However, he ranks among the bottom 8% for progressive passes and the bottom 7% for progressive carries per 90. O'Neil's system is reliant on facets that Doherty can no longer offer with confidence.

Alex McCarthy, youth coach and O'Neil's long-time pal says this of his brand of football: “His philosophy on football is possession-based, high intensity, attacking football and playing out from the back."

Doherty's not getting any younger and takes up a sizeable chunk of a wage bill that needs every space it can find. Given that Wolves are one of the sides with an interest in West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who is available on a free this summer, it would seem that Doherty is indeed expendable.

Wolves outcast with 14 goals out on loan could be Neto's replacement

He has 14 goals this season while away from Molineux.

ByJoe Nuttall May 15, 2024

O'Neil has called for big work, and selling Doherty must be part of the reshuffle.

India will look to play the younger members of their squad throughout the Australia tour, their captain, Virat Kohli, said on the eve of the first ODI. India will be playing three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests on a tour that stretches till January 19. Also fitted into that schedule are two three-day warm-up games, the first of which overlaps with the T20Is. Kohli said the management had “discussed those things”.”We are looking at giving opportunities to younger players. There are a lot of young guys in the squad who are eager and really waiting to get onto the park and play in a place like Australia,” Kohli said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to realise something new about their own games and how they can take their games to the next level and grow that confidence level and keep helping the team going forward.”So from that point of view, yes, it is a very important series for them as individuals to grow and for us as the management group and the captain to give them that opportunity to go out there and play to the best of their abilities and play freely and enjoy their cricket. We’re definitely looking forward to seeing these guys on the field and how they shape up because they’re a bunch of very talented guys.”ALSO READ: ‘Lot of uncertainty’ about Rohit injury – KohliIndia’s squads across formats consist of players who are either on their first tour with the side – T Natarajan, for instance, and Mohammed Siraj on his first Test tour – or are close to breaking into the first team – Shubman Gill and Navdeep Saini are two of them. As such, it is a sizable contingent that Kohli suggested will be used liberally through India’s time in Australia.Another factor governing that decision is workload management, especially for their two premier bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami – who both had full IPL seasons, and will likely take on more responsibility in the absence of Ishant Sharma.”It’s a no-brainer [managing Bumrah and Shami’s workloads],” Kohli said. “They’ve gone through a full IPL season as well. Both of them have bowled beautifully, bowling in great rhythm. It’ll be very important to monitor the workload and hence the point about some of the younger guys getting a chance comes into play as well.”We want to see how people react in different situations because you’re up against a different situation every time you come for an India tour. You have to manage workloads, you have to look forward to the youngsters performing on the field. So there’s a fine balance you need to maintain, something we’ve been able to do well in the last few years and that’s why our bowlers have been fit and available for the important matches – most of the time – for us.”The Indian team came out of their mandatory 14-day quarantine on Thursday, and are understood to have been training since November 14. This pandemic-enforced reality had helped with the team’s preparation, Kohli said, adding that spending time getting accustomed to a country on tour was an under-rated factor. He did, however, like his deputy KL Rahul, stress that the team is focussed on building momentum in the ODIs that they can carry into the Test series.”I don’t think that there’s any extra desperation or need to think on those lines for us as a team,” he said. “Because we’ve to understand that the last time we were successful here, it was because of a reason. We were focusing on our process and we were really really strong in our minds to be able to win difficult situations and be at our best in those difficult situations. And that doesn’t change.”Australia is going to try and come at us really hard and we expect that, and we’re ready for that. We’re ready for some tough cricket on the field and something that we’re looking forward to as a side. But I don’t think we’re attaching any incentives to motivate ourselves just because it’s an opportunity to set the tone before the test series. Every series is different. The importance of starting well is purely because you come to foreign conditions and you want to get confident as a team really quickly so that you can carry it forward to other formats. And that’s something we’re looking forward to.”