As Newcastle United get set to face Liverpool in the League Cup final, the Magpies will likely be missing a few key players.

Anthony Gordon is suspended for the game after being sent off against Brighton and Hove Albion, while Lewis Hall will miss the rest of the season having suffered a foot injury against Liverpool in February.

The long-term loss of the full-back, in particular, will provide a real headache for manager Eddie Howe…

Lewis Hall's major injury blow

Hall featured in all but one of Newcastle’s matches this season before the foot injury sidelined him until the 2025/26 campaign.

The 20-year-old was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League for the Magpies this term. Indeed, he created five big chances, averaging 1.3 key passes per game while succeeding with 61% of his dribble attempts, proving to be a key component of the side going forward.

The youngster also won 54% of his total duels per game and made 2.1 tackles each match for the club in the top flight, and he will be a huge miss for Howe.

Matt Targett is the obvious replacement for him at left-back, but did Howe sell an upgrade on the 29-year-old during the January transfer window? A player who didn’t really get a chance at the club during the first half of the season.

Newcastle already sold the perfect Hall replacement

Targett has played just four times for the Toon this term, with only one of those coming in the Premier League.

Due to Hall’s injury, however, he could find himself slotted into the starting XI between now and the end of the campaign.

Injury issues plagued him last season too, playing just seven games for the St James’ Park side in all competitions.

Howe allowed Lloyd Kelly to move to Juventus in January on an initial loan deal, before the Serie A club have an obligation to pay £20m to make the deal permanent this summer.

Kelly made just 14 appearances for the Toon before leaving, but he has already played six times for Juventus.

Hailed by former manager Gary O’Neil as “incredible”, the English defender can either play centre-back or left-back and would have solved the crisis Howe is now undergoing by slotting into the space vacated by Hall.

Across his three Serie A games for the Italian giants, Kelly has averaged a pass success rate of 88%, while keeping two clean sheets, recovering four balls per game and winning 4.7 total duels per game.

An impressive array of statistics given he was thrown into the deep end in Serie A. Howe must regret moving him on during the winter window, although he wasn’t expecting Hall to miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

Targett must now come into the side and perform well, especially if Newcastle want to stand any chance of winning the League Cup, claiming their first major domestic honour in nearly 70 years in the process.

Forget Osula: Newcastle's 19-year-old starlet can spell the end for Wilson

Newcastle have an exciting forward pushing for a place in Howe’s squad – and it’s not William Osula.

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 8, 2025

Defending champions play the first and last league game of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2023

Defending champions England open and close the league stage of the 2023 men’s ODI World Cup in India when they play New Zealand in Ahmedabad on October 5 – a rematch of that iconic 2019 final at Lord’s – and Pakistan in Kolkata on November 12.After Ahmedabad, England travel north to Dharamsala to play Bangladesh on October 10, and then to Delhi to take on Afghanistan on October 14. Their fourth fixture is against South Africa in Mumbai on October 21, followed by a game against a qualifier in Bengaluru on October 26.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

England then travel north again to play India in Lucknow on October 29 before returning to Ahmedabad for the match against Australia on November 4. Their last two matches are against the other qualifier in Pune on November 8 and then against Pakistan.The tournament will be played across ten venues in India, with the semi-finals in Mumbai and Kolkata on November 15 and 16, and the final in Ahmedabad on November 19. There are reserve days in place for the three knockout games.Related

Travelling fans left in the lurch by delay

Pakistan to play nine World Cup league matches at only five venues

Australia to open World Cup campaign against India on October 8

2023 ODI World Cup schedule finally out; India vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 15

The format will be the same as it was in 2019, with ten teams playing each other once in the league phase and the top four qualifying for the semi-finals. India qualified for the event as hosts, while Afghanistan, Australia, England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa made it by finishing in the top eight of the 2020-2023 World Cup Super League. The remaining two qualifiers will be identified at the ongoing World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, which is being played by Sri Lanka, West Indies, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, UAE, USA and Zimbabwe.The World Cup schedule was finally released by the ICC and BCCI at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday, just 100 days before the start of the tournament on October 5. In comparison, the fixtures for the 2019 World Cup in England and the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand were released more than 12 months in advance.England are the first men’s team to hold both the ODI and T20I World Cup trophies and will warm up for their title defence with practice games against India and Bangladesh in Guwahati on September 30 and October 2.

تحدث أحمد سليمان، عضو مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، عن أداء الأهلي، خلال بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وودع الأهلي بطولة كأس العالم للأندية المقامة في أمريكا، بعد احتلاله المركز الرابع في المجموعة الأولى برصيد نقطتين.

وقال أحمد سليمان، عبر قناة “MBC مصر”: “ما حدث كان أمرًا مهمًّا للغاية، فالأهلي شارك في كأس العالم للأندية بنظامه الجديد، وهذا إنجاز كبير لكن كانت هناك عوامل كان من الممكن أن تُمكِّن الأهلي من تحقيق مركز أفضل، ربما المركز الثاني أو الثالث في المجموعة”.

طالع.. اتحاد الكرة يوضح لـ”بطولات” حقيقة إقامة السوبر المصري في الإمارات وواصل: “عندما ذهب منتخب مصر إلى السودان، كانت هناك أجواء احتفالية، ونفس الأمر تكرر في كأس العالم بروسيا، وكان ينبغي أن تتغير تلك الأجواء مع الأهلي، الفريق الأحمر تعامل مع المشاركة في مونديال الأندية كاحتفالية، وكانت هناك ضوضاء كبيرة أثرت على التركيز. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، فإن الأهلي يُعذر بسبب تغيير الجهاز الفني”.

واستكمل: “شاهدت مباراة بورتو كمصري، فخور بمشاركة الأهلي في هذا الحدث العالمي، كان هناك ضغط كبير على محمد هاني من ثلاثة أو أربعة لاعبين في تلك المباراة، لكن بعد مشاركة عمرو كمال، تغير الوضع وساعده كثيرًا وما حدث يُعد أمرًا محترمًا للأهلي وللكرة المصرية، وكنت أتمنى أن تكون النتيجة أفضل من ذلك، الأهلي افتقد للتركيز في مباراة كانت سهلة جدًا أمام بورتو”.

واستطرد: “محمد شريف لاعب مميز، وكان أحد أبرز نجوم الأهلي. ما يميّزه أنه لاعب حر حاليًّا، لدينا نظام ومدير رياضي نحظى بثقتنا الكاملة، وندعمه دعمًا غير محدود، فهو اسم كبير في كرة القدم”.

وتابع: “هناك دراسة جيدة لملف المدير الفني الجديد، وأثق كثيرًا في جون إدوارد، فهو محاط بمجموعة متميزة، يمتلكون أفكارًا وخططًا وعلاقات قوية مع المدربين واللاعبين، علينا فقط التحلي بالصبر، جون إدوارد لديه علاقات واسعة، ولن يختار مديرًا فنيًّا عشوائيًّا. الموضوع يحتاج إلى صبر، ولا أريد من الناس التسرع”.

وأردف: “لا أعلم إن كان محمود بنتايج لديه عروض حاليًا أم لا، لكن يوجد الآن مدير رياضي يتابع الأمر، ورأي لجنة التخطيط أصبح استشاريًّا وليس مُلزِمًا”.

وأتم: “أما عن وعد ممدوح بالتعاقد مع صفقتين سوبر للزمالك، فهو زملكاوي، وقد تبرع وأعلن ذلك بنفسه، وربما يُطلب منه أكثر من ذلك، وما أعرفه عنه أنه دائمًا يفي بوعوده”.

Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Gavi teamed up to win a rowdy pool game while on international duty with Spain.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Yamal and Gavi join forces againBarca duo beat Aghehowa and HuijsenSpain preparing for Nations League semi-finalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After a stellar campaign at club level where Yamal and Gavi helped Barcelona win a domestic treble, the duo have now joined the Spain national team training camp ahead of their Nations League semi-final against France. At the Las Rozas training facility, the Blaugrana stars teamed up to face Samu Aghehowa and Dean Huijsen in a game of pool and won the clash.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions, Yamal has established himself as a strong contender to win the Ballon d'Or this year, alongside Champions League winner Ousmane Dembele and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who won the Premier League. Gavi has acknowledged Dembele's credentials, but he backed his compatriot to go all the way and win the Golden Ball.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

The European champions are set to lock horns against Les Bleus in the Nations League last-four stage on Thursday in Stuttgart.

Lionesses star Georgia Stanway is back in a starting line-up for the first time since December, for England's crucial Nations League clash with Spain.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Stanway makes first start since December
• Greenwood also back in England line-up after injury
• Lionesses must beat Spain in Nations League clash

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Stanway's last start came way back in December when she turned out for Bayern Munich in their Champions League group stage defeat to Arsenal, with the midfielder undergoing knee surgery a month later that ended her 2024-25 season extremely early. She was, therefore, a doubt for England's European Championship campaign this summer. However, after playing 15 minutes off the bench in Friday's win over Portugal, Stanway was declared fit enough to start for Tuesday night's clash with Spain and was chosen to do so by head coach Sarina Wiegman.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There is more positive news, too, as Alex Greenwood is also in that starting XI. It's the first time she has started for the Lionesses since November, with her having to have knee surgery of her own the following month. The defender was able to make a return to action before the 2024-25 season ended, playing three times for Manchester City, and that has allowed her to build up her fitness to the point of a return to the England line-up.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Stanway and Greenwood are among three changes made by Wiegman from the 6-0 thrashing of Portugal, with the other being another returnee. A knock ruled Alessia Russo out of that game but she leads the line in Spain, with Ella Toone also recovering from a small niggle to be on the bench. Russo's appearance is her 50th for England.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  The Lionesses must beat Spain in order to reach the Nations League finals, which will take place later this year. Regardless, after Tuesday's game, the focus will switch entirely to this summer's Euros, set to begin on July 2. Wiegman will name her squad for the tournament on Thursday.

Chelsea currently sit in a superb position under boss Enzo Maresca, looking to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, subsequently claiming a Champions League place next season.

The Blues currently have a one-point advantage over fifth-placed Manchester City with just nine games to go in 2024/25, holding the cards over a return to Europe’s greatest competition.

However, the Italian will want to correct the recent slump in form that has seen his side lose three of the last five league outings, with the prospect of Champions League football one that will financially benefit the club massively.

If they are to return to their best form, many will hope the injury suffered by one player isn’t a serious one, allowing him to make a positive impact between now and the end of the campaign.

An update on Cole Palmer’s recent injury

Attacker Cole Palmer has struggled to produce his best form in recent weeks, failing to register a single goal or assist since the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on the 14th of January.

However, his drought may look to be extending further, after withdrawing from the recent England squad following a muscle injury picked up in training last week.

The 22-year-old missed the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates last Sunday, pulling out of international duty and subsequently being treated by the medical staff in West London.

Palmer was sent for a second scan earlier this week to determine a timeline for his return, with the hope that he can return for the clash with Tottenham Hotspur on April 3rd.

His time on the sideline coupled with his lack of impact when fit has seen one former academy star outscore the club’s talisman this campaign, potentially making the wrong call in allowing him to depart.

The former Chelsea academy star who’s outscoring Palmer

Whilst Palmer has endured a torrid run of form in recent weeks by his usual standards, he’s still managed to star this campaign, registering 14 goals and six assists in his 33 appearances to date.

He’s managed to score the most league goals of any player in Maresca’s squad, proving to be worth every penny of the £40m fee forked out for his signature in 2023.

However, whilst the attacker signed during that window, the club also allowed one other player to depart in the form of academy star Malik Mothersille, who left on a free transfer after his deal expired.

The 21-year-old spent three years at Cobham after joining from Leyton Orient in 2020, catching the eye at various youth levels with his goalscoring exploits.

Mothersille registered 19 goals during his time as a Blue, but it wasn’t enough to force himself into the senior ranks, leaving to gain valuable game time elsewhere to further his development.

The attacker, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by journalist John Verrall, has certainly done just that, going from strength to strength after joining Peterborough on a free transfer back in September 2023.

Whilst he only managed six goals and five assists in all competitions last campaign, he’s found his goalscoring touch once again in 2024/25, playing a huge part in their relegation battle.

Morhersille has registered 15 goals and eight assists for Darren Ferguson’s men, currently sitting as their top goalscorer and managing to outscore Palmer as a result.

It’s great to see such a promising youngster finally find his feet in the professional game, starting to transfer his talents from youth level – subsequently allowing him to make a name for himself.

Whilst it may only be League One, his record in recent times is evidence of the superb work done by the academy in West London, with the club capable of producing talents just like the 21-year-old for many years to come.

Best signing since Hazard & Kante: Boehly struck gold on Chelsea's "genius"

Chelsea struck gold signing this “world-class” ace who’s their best signing since Hazard & Kante

ByConnor Holden Mar 22, 2025

Leeds United are interested in signing another £15m attacker alongside a permanent move for winger Manor Solomon.

Leeds back to winning ways with 2-0 win against Millwall

The Whites, under Daniel Farke, got back to winning ways after two games without a victory in the Championship, defeating Millwall 2-0 on Wednesday evening at Elland Road.

An early own goal after good work from Joe Rothwell and Solomon got Leeds on their way, with Ao Tanaka scoring late on to ensure the Whites would go four points clear of third-place Burnley and two clear of Sheffield United.

Things are looking good again after last weekend’s defeat at Portsmouth, and attention appears to already be on the summer transfer window and who Leeds could sign.

Solomon has impressed on loan from Tottenham, scoring seven goals and registering seven assists in the second tier, becoming a regular on the left-hand side and striking up a positive relationship with Junior Firpo.

Now, it appears as if another attacker is wanted by Leeds officials alongside the Israeli international.

Leeds looking to sign Archer alongside permanent Solomon deal

Talking to GiveMeSport, reliable reporter Ben Jacobs was asked about Leeds’ transfer plans for the summer.

He stated that the “priority” is ensuring promotion to the Premier League, and if they succeed, are looking to sign a playmaker and Solomon on a permanent deal. Jacobs also revealed that Southampton forward Cameron Archer is still of interest to the Whites.

“The priority is to get promotion and then assess what targets are possible. Leeds are more focused on finding a playmaker and trying to buy Manor Solomon, while Cameron Archer remains on their radar.”

As we know, Archer was a top target for Leeds and the 49ers during the January transfer window, however, a deal failed to materialise despite the player being keen on a move to Elland Road.

The 23-year-old, who cost the Saints £15m from Aston Villa last summer, came in for praise from former manager Russell Martin, who said earlier this season: “I think he’s been really good for us. In his short spell here, he’s been a real threat. He’s improving all the time. I really love him as a boy… and I think he’s a brilliant signing for us. I think he’ll score a lot for us.”

Archer scored in back-to-back game weeks in the Premier League in October, however, he has found game time hard to come by since the turn of the year under Ivan Juric.

"Perfect news" – Farke buzzing as Leeds seal new 3-year contract for gem

His new deal runs until 2028.

By
Charlie Smith

Mar 12, 2025

Should Leeds and Southampton swap divisions in the summer, then the appeal of a move to Yorkshire will surely be the same for Archer, and it looks as if those at Elland Road are still keen on the attacker, making this one to watch.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians deu um passo gigante para a classificação à semifinal do Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20. Na tarde desta segunda-feira (15), os Meninos do Terrão venceram o América-MG, em Belo Horizonte, por 2 a 0, no confronto de ida das quartas de final da competição nacional.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansMateus Vital treina com o elenco do Corinthians, mas clube não desiste de vendê-loCorinthians15/08/2022CorinthiansCorinthians faz penúltimo treino antes de duelo decisivo pela Copa do BrasilCorinthians15/08/2022CorinthiansGaviões critica fala de Vítor Pereira e cobra raça ao elenco do Corinthians: ‘Quarta-feira é a última chance’Corinthians15/08/2022

+ Willian de saída! Relembre 10 momentos do atleta em sua segunda passagem pelo Corinthians

Os gols do jogo foram marcados pelos meias Matheus Araújo e Biro, presenças constantes na equipe principal do Timão.

E o triunfo fora de casa veio mesmo com um desfalque importante, o lateral-direito Léo Maná, chamado pelo técnico Vítor Pereira, do time profissional, para o treinamento desta tarde. Com isso, Renato foi o dono da posição no duelo corintiano pelo sub-20.

+ Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil Profissional e simule os jogos da reta final

Treinado pelo ex-meia do Timão, Danilo, os garotos do Terrão iniciaram a partida contra o Coelho com as linhas baixas, deixando o adversário tomarem as rédeas do jogo e criar a primeira oportunidade.

No entanto, aos poucos o Corinthians conseguia controlar a parte defensiva e sair para o jogo. Com isso, as melhores chances foram do time alvinegro, que no fim da etapa inicial conseguiu abrir o placar com Matheus Araújo, convertendo um pênalti sofrido por Biro.

No segundo tempo, o América começou em cima, mas o Timãozinho foi brindado com o segundo gol logo aos 10 minutos, quando Pedrinho cruzou para Biro matar no peito e colocar no ângulo adversário.

Com o triunfo, o Corinthians tem larga vantagem para o jogo de volta, que será realizado no próximo domingo (21), às 16h, na Fazendinha, em São Paulo. Confirmando a classificação, o clube do Parque São Jorge encarará Internacional ou Flamengo na próxima fase. No confronto de ida, os times empataram em 1 a 1, em Porto Alegre.

Mas antes de duelar novamente contra o América-MG, o Time do Povo tem um compromisso neste meio de semana pelo Paulistão Sub-20. Nesta quinta-feira (18), às 15, a equipe enfrenta o Desportivo Brasil, em Porto Feliz, pela primeira rodada da terceira fase do Estadual.

This season has been a brutal one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have had to deal with an incredible number of injuries, which, combined with a general lack of form, sees the club sitting 14th in the Premier League.

The only benefit to come from the campaign has been how much first-team football the club’s exciting youngsters have been able to play, with Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray already looking like some of the best players in the squad.

Interestingly, how well the latter has adapted to top-flight football might be influencing the club’s transfer plans, as recent reports have touted another young talent for a move to N17, a move that would mirror Gray’s.

Spurs looking at signing exciting wonderkid

Spurs have a number of exciting young talents emerging under Postecoglou’s guidance this term and they could be about to bring another of the country’s best wonderkids to north London.

Indeed, according to a recent report from Spain, Tottenham are incredibly interested in Sunderland’s teenage talent, Chris Rigg.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have already placed an astounding offer of €45m, which is about £38m, ‘on the table.’

Unsurprisingly, the report claims that the Lilywhites are not the only top-flight side keen to secure the 17-year-old’s services in the summer, but the story also highlights that the club’s decision to make such a significant offer is a sign of their determination to get it done ahead of potential rivals.

It’s undoubtedly a lot of money to spend on such a young player, but if his potential is as high as those in the know suggest it is, then it’d be money well spent, akin to Gray’s move last year.

Why Rigg would be a Gray repeat

So, if Spurs were able to get ahead of the chasing pack and secure Rigg’s services in the summer, why would it be a repeat of the Gray deal? What makes the two players so similar?

There are a few reasons, but perhaps the most significant is that it would be yet another example of Daniel Levy and Co investing a massive amount of money into a highly-rated teenager from the Championship.

For example, while the former Leeds United star was being described as a “future £100m” star by analyst Ben Mattinson before his move last year, Mattinson described the Sunderland star as “one of, if not the best talents in the Championship” just a few months ago.

Rigg’s 24/25

Appearances

36

Starts

31

Minutes

2630′

Goals

4

Assists

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.13

Minutes per Goal Involvement

526′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

While that might sound like hyperbole, it’s really not, as, despite being so young, the Hebburn-born talent has made 36 first-team appearances for the Black Cats this term, in which he’s scored four goals and provided one assist.

Moreover, FBref has placed him in the top 1% of midfielders in the 14 next-best competitions for non-penalty expected goals, the top 2% for goal-creating actions from take-ons, the top 5% for successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

The second similarity would be their positional versatility.

For example, while both players are central midfielders, they have been played all over the pitch this season, with the former Peacocks ace starring in defence for Postecoglou, while the “wonderful” Sunderland ace, as dubbed by Tony Mowbray, has played all over, from centre-forward to attacking-midfield and even defensive midfield – he can seemingly do it all.

Ultimately, Spurs already have what looks to be a generational talent from the Championship in Gray, and while he won’t come cheap, they’d be wise to secure the services of another in Rigg.

Related The dream XI that Iraola could build at Spurs: £70m star signs & no Son

The Spanish coach could build an incredible team at Spurs.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 22, 2025

England captain shares partnership of 101 off 41 with Liam Livingstone to down Derbyshire

ECB Reporters Network23-Jun-2023A blistering 83 off 36 balls by England captain Jos Buttler clinched two precious points for Lancashire Lightning as they improved their chances of securing a place in the Vitality Blast quarter-finals with a 27-run win against Derbyshire Falcons.Buttler hit six sixes in his knock as he and England team-mate Liam Livingstone constructed a devastating second-wicket partnership of 101 runs off just 41 balls, with Lancashire reaching an intimidating 177 for 4 off 15 overs in a game delayed by 80 minutes due to rain.In reply, Falcons reached 150 for 7 with 45 from Harry Came the only real highlight on a chastening night for Derbyshire, who drop to seventh.Lightning began their innings relatively conservatively, scoring 23 off their first three overs before Phil Salt fell in the fifth, caught at point by Zak Chappell off Mattie McKiernan for 16.With Livingstone joining Buttler at the crease, the fireworks began with the white-ball specialists targeting Chappell, whose second over went for 20 runs and included a towering six from the skipper that landed on the roof of Emirates Old Trafford’s newly-constructed hotel.

Can we have 12 for that one, @VitalityBlast? @liaml4893 clears a maximum over the new development!

Watch LIVE on #LancsTV! https://t.co/mClaOSvXZ6

#LightningStrikes pic.twitter.com/HZ1NdKIiOW

— Lancashire Lightning (@lancscricket) June 23, 2023