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Buckingham took 4 for 49 to help bowl Tasmania out for 195 despite Kellepotha’s 50 on debut for Tasmania

AAP05-Dec-2025South Australia seamer Jordan Buckingham bagged four wickets to put South Australia on top of their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at Adelaide Oval.Tasmania debutant Ruwantha Kellepotha led a rescue mission for his new team, scoring a half-century but it was the home side’s day.Batting at No.8, Kellepotha top-scored with 50 as Tasmania could only manage 195 after winning the toss on Friday.They slumped to 86 for 6 before Jake Doran made 44 at No.6 and tailender Gabe Bell posted his highest first-class score of 27.Buckingham led the attack with 4 for 49, and South Australia at stumps were well-placed at 116 for 3.Jake Lehmann had made 37 and Jake Fraser-McGuirk was also looking well-set on 26.Kellepotha moved from Sri Lanka, where the legspinner played first-class cricket, in 2013.The 34-year-old played one Shield game for Victoria, and also had three games with the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL, but moved south ahead of this season and broke into the Tasmanian team.He hit two fours and three sixes in his 104-ball innings. Lehmann gave him a life on 31 when he dropped a chance in the deep off legspinner Lloyd Pope.SA player Hanno Jacobs had to leave the field after he was hit on the head while trying to take a catch. He was later cleared of injury.After his important contribution at No.10, Bell then struck twice to remove Henry Hunt and fellow SA opener Mackenzie Harvey, making his Shield debut.Billy Stanlake snared the wicket of Jason Sangha to leave the home side in early strife at 63 for 3.But Lehmann, who scored at faster than a run a ball, and Fraser-McGurk batted through to stumps. Tasmania must break up their partnership early on Saturday to have any hope of a first-innings lead.SA fielded a recast batting line-up, with captain Nathan McSweeney away on Australia A duties. Tasmania similarly made several changes because of injury and national commitments.After five games, SA are fourth on the Shield ladder in their title defence with only one win, and Tasmania are third.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are major doubts for a London derby meeting with Brentford on Wednesday night. Both players missed the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend. Arteta also delivered updates on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes as they remain in the treatment room with more serious knocks.

Summer signings set to step up again

Saliba’s omission from the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge on Sunday raised eyebrows, but Arteta explained that the France international had suffered a knock during training on the eve of the draw with Chelsea. With centre-back partner Gabriel also sidelined, Arteta turned to an improvised pairing of summer signings Pierro Hincapie and Christhian Mosquera, who are likely to remain in the starting XI for Brentford's visit to the Emirates.

AdvertisementGettySaliba facing 'days, not weeks' on sidelines

After running tests on Monday, Arsenal determined that Saliba remains short of fitness and is a doubt to feature at the Emirates on Wednesday. Arteta described the injury as another puzzling episode, comparing it to the ankle problem that forced the defender to miss several matches back in August.

"He had a little niggle, so I think it’s going to be a matter of days, so let’s see if he’s able to be there tomorrow," he said. "Well, the ankle one, it was a really random and a very unlucky action that kept him out for a few weeks. He tried at Anfield, he wasn't comfortable, and he had to stay away and this one as well, very bizarre. But hopefully it will be a matter of days."

Trossard will also miss the midweek fixture after limping off in the Champions League win over Bayern Munich last week. Further tests conducted on Friday confirmed a minor calf problem, but Arteta also expects the Belgian winger to be available again in a few days.

Arteta also shared a heartfelt assessment of Havertz’s ongoing recovery. The German forward, who underwent a minor knee procedure in August, has endured a stop-start calendar year marked by a hamstring injury late last season and fresh complications during pre-season.

"We are all desperate to have him," he said. "I mean, it is a player that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team – his character, his personality. I see him suffer, being outside. Matter of weeks; let’s see how it evolves in the next few weeks. He’s doing really well, he’s doing stuff on the pitch, but I think he needs some time."

Gabriel, another long-term absentee, is continuing his rehabilitation from a thigh injury. Arteta has offered encouragement, saying the Brazilian centre-half is "doing very well", though the medical team still estimates a recovery period of several weeks.

"Big Gabi is doing very well as well, but that’s weeks as well," he said. 

Will Rice or Timber be rotated?

The cluster of defensive injuries has prompted questions about whether players such as Declan Rice or Jurrien Timber should be rested, given their heavy workloads in recent weeks. Arteta, however, defended his selection philosophy, saying he always prioritises fielding the strongest available side.

"We try to manage every case, every individual in relation to how they feel in the context of the matches, adjust with the only purpose to have the best options on the best pitch and to be better than the opponent, that’s it," he said. 

"Our motivation comes from preparation and how we prepare for every game to try to be better than the opposition. Where we are in the league and what we are doing, I don’t think we need any more motivation than that."

Reflecting on the season’s injury turbulence, Arteta said the team has had to navigate several unexpected blows. Losing Trossard when he was hitting his stride, reintegrating [Gabriel] Martinelli gradually, and then coping with Saliba’s late withdrawal at Chelsea have forced players into unfamiliar roles.

"Especially how we lost them [the injuries] with Leo as well, because Leo was in a great moment, and Gabi Martinelli was just coming back, and we had to manage his minutes," he said. "He wasn't able to play more than he did on Sunday. So, managing that, the fact that obviously Willy trained the day before, and then he was uncomfortable, players are not training in certain positions, having to play there. But again, the attitude towards it and the way the players are performing and giving absolutely everything they can to fulfil those absences, it's been the key part of the season because we have to deal with a lot already."

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GettyGyokeres and Odegaard ready to start

Viktor Gyokeres, who made an appearance from the bench at Chelsea after recovering from a muscle injury suffered in the 2-0 win over Burnley, is expected to be fit enough to start on Wednesday. Meanwhile, captain Martin Odegaard, who has not started a match since damaging his MCL in early October, is also ready to rejoin the starting XI after making substitute appearances against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl certainly likes a challenge. To go from the situation at Sheffield Wednesday to taking on a team that had a disastrous spell under Russell Martin takes some guts.

The Light Blues had a dismal start to the season under their former manager, who won one match in the Scottish Premiership, but things are already starting to turn around.

Rangers won five of the 17 matches that Martin was in the dugout for before they decided to part ways with him last month after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk in the Premiership.

Rohl has provided the Gers with an instant lift in the league. He has won all three of his matches in the top-flight, most recently with a 3-0 win over Dundee before the international break.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss has, though, lost both of his Europa League games in charge, to Brann and Roma, which is a reminder that there is plenty of work that needs to be done.

Too many of the summer signings made by Martin and Kevin Thelwell have either flopped or have been too inconsistent, and there may be some decisions to make in January.

The summer signings who should be let go by Rangers in January

The new owners provided Thelwell with the backing to build a squad with the intention of competing for trophies in the 2025/26 campaign, but it did not go to plan under the previous coaching staff.

As you can see in the graphic above, the likes of Youssef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski, Joe Rothwell, and Mikey Moore came through the door to bolster the club’s options across the pitch.

Rothwell is one player whose future may be in doubt heading into January. At the age of 30, he was surely brought in to make an instant impact, but the central midfielder has only featured in two of Rohl’s six games and failed to make the matchday squad in the last two, per Sofascore.

Emmanuel Fernandez is another summer signing who may be on the move in January, as the young centre-back has only made three appearances in all competitions. A loan move away from Ibrox to play regular game time could be the best decision for his short-term future, if he is not going to get increased game time at Ibrox.

The former Peterborough man may not be the only centre-back who departs Glasgow when the January transfer window opens, though, as the manager should also send Nasser Djiga back to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Dundee

8

Roma

90

Celtic

102

Hibernian

90

Kilmarnock

0

Brann

76

Dundee United

0

Falkirk

90

Sturm Graz

0

Livingston

0

As you can see in the table above, the Burkina Faso international has been in and out of the team in recent months, under Martin, Stevie Smith, and Rohl, without being able to nail down a place in the starting XI.

Wolves presumably sent Djiga to Ibrox to play regular football and develop as a player, but he has not done enough with his chances on the pitch to prove that the manager should make him a first-choice option.

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The Premier League loanee has failed to convince with his performances for the Light Blues, and Rohl could end his Ibrox career by unleashing James Tavernier in a rarely-seen role on a regular basis.

Why Rangers should part ways with Nasser Djiga in January

The Light Blues should look to cancel Djiga’s loan deal in the January transfer window because he has not been a reliable performer for the Scottish giants so far this season.

Heart & Hand podcast creator David Edgar described him as “rotten” and Four Lads Had A Dream claimed that he “genuinely looks lost” during the loss to Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup earlier this month.

Back in August, Rangers icon Ally McCoist said that Djiga broke “every rule as a centre-back in the planet” when he failed to usher the ball back to Jack Butland against Club Brugge in a Champions League qualifier, which turned out to be a costly mistake.

This shows that fan media and pundits alike have been left unconvinced by his showings at centre-back on the pitch, whilst his lack of consistent game time suggests that his multiple managers have also been unconvinced.

Whilst the January transfer window could be utilised to sign a new centre-back to replace Djiga, Rohl could end the defender’s Ibrox career by playing Tavernier as a centre-back.

With Max Aarons at the club on loan from Bournemouth, Rangers have another right-back option who can fill in and allow the captain to play as a right-sided centre-back, which would negate any need for Djiga to continue his loan beyond January.

Right-back

502

132 + 139

Right midfield

10

2 + 3

Centre-back

7

0 + 2

Defensive midfield

3

0 + 1

As you can see in the table above, Tavernier has rarely played at centre-back for the Gers, with just seven appearances, but he does have some experience in that role.

The English full-back played as a right-sided centre-back in the 3-1 win over Kilmarnock and the 2-0 defeat to Roma, although both of those outings were as part of a back four.

It would be interesting to see how he fares as a right-sided centre-back in a back four for Rangers under Rohl, as he has won 52% of his aerial duels in the Premiership this season, per Sofascore, which suggests that he could hold his own in aerial battles in the heart of the defence.

Unleashing the captain in that new role in a back four, with John Souttar and Derek Cornelius also available for selection, would allow the manager to ruthlessly ditch Djiga and end his underwhelming loan in January.

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Now, though, it is down to the German head coach to decide whether or not to experiment with this tactical change in order to end Djiga’s time with the Gers.

Arsenal have now been approached over a January move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, following a new update on the forward’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite strengthening the squad considerably in the summer, Mikel Arteta currently finds himself light on options in attacking areas, with Viktor Gyokeres recently joining fellow strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the treatment table.

Arteta has admitted he is worried about the extent of Gyokeres’ injury, which was sustained in the 2-0 victory against Burnley at Turf Moor, saying: “I am concerned because he hasn’t had many muscular issues, and he had to leave the pitch as he was feeling something. That is a concern for a player who is very explosive.”

Gabriel Martinelli is another player who has been struggling on the injury front, missing the victory against the Clarets, with Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke also not expected to return until later this month.

It is almost unbelievable just how many of the Gunners’ forwards are currently sidelined, but the crisis is yet to have a negative impact on results, with Arteta’s side sitting pretty, six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

However, given the scale of the injury problems, the north Londoners may want to improve their strength in depth in January, and they have now been offered the opportunity to sign a new forward.

Arsenal approached over January move for Rodrygo

According to a report from The Boot Room, Arsenal have now been approached over a January move for Rodrygo, with intermediaries informing them the forward could be available, having struggled to receive consistent game time at Real Madrid.

Tottenham Hotspur have also been contacted over a potential deal for the Brazilian, who is now starting to accept that he may have to leave the Spanish club for the good of his career.

Journalist Graeme Bailey adds: “I am told that Rodrygo is again considering his options, and one possibility is a switch to the Premier League, which could become a real option in January. He is certainly one to watch as we approach the New Year.”

Lauded as a “world-class finisher” by journalist Kyle Bonn, the Madrid attacker, who can play on both wings and through the middle, has a wealth of top-level experience, having amassed 25 goals and 16 assists in 66 Champions League appearances.

Consequently, it is no surprise that Arteta is said to hold a positive opinion of the 24-year-old, who scored 14 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions last season.

That said, there are some doubts over whether the 35-time Brazil international would be a necessary signing, given that both Madueke and Odegaard are expected to return later this month.

If Arteta is still light on options in January, it could make sense to bring in Rodrygo, but on paper, Arsenal are very well-stocked in attacking areas, and the current situation should pass.

Arsenal also looking to sign Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong Related Arsenal looking to get ahead in Etta Eyong race as low price tag revealed

The Gunners are vying to sign a new striker.

Posts ByDominic Lund Nov 2, 2025

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin made a big decision that immediately left some Ibrox supporters disgruntled when he took charge.

Martin sacked as Rangers manager

The Gers could only draw 1-1 away to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon, proving to be the final nail in the coffin for Martin, who was sacked hours later, with the club releasing a statement.

“Rangers Football Club confirms that it has parted company with Head Coach, Russell Martin. While all transition periods require some time, results have not met the club’s expectations. Assistant Head Coach, Matt Gill, and First-Team Coach, Mike Williamson, will also be departing.

“Russell and his staff have worked exceptionally hard throughout their time at the club. We thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future. Further updates from the club will follow in due course.”

The brutal reality is that Martin endured a disastrous reign, struggling to impress in both the league and in Europe, and he called out his players early in the season, suggesting that all was not well straight away. Having clung on to his job as Rangers manager for a while, it felt like a matter of time until he was relieved of his duties.

It’s now a case of the Gers looking to nail Martin’s successor at Ibrox, with the likes of Sean Dyche and Steven Gerrard among the possible options to come in, and it is vital that the right choice is made.

Martin rarely made life easy for himself at Rangers, in terms of leaving certain players out and being stubborn with his tactics, and a new claim further highlights some of his poor decision-making.

Martin "disregarded" historic Rangers tradition

Speaking to Ibrox News, journalist Jonny McFarlane claimed that Martin’s decision not to wear a traditional suit as Rangers manager left some fans irritated – something he was warned about at the beginning.

While Martin was ultimately welcome to wear what he wants – fans are less likely to care if Rangers are winning – he didn’t do himself any favours by going against tradition. The Englishman was told about the attire that is expected of him, so to go against the grain is only risking making his job harder from the off.

He is surely going to go down as one of Rangers’ most disappointing managers in history, overseeing so many poor games and already seeing many points dropped in the league.

"Promising" £10,500-a-week Rangers player waiting for Martin to be sacked

Does he have a long-term future at Ibrox?

ByHenry Jackson Oct 5, 2025

After yet more dropped points at Falkirk, it felt impossible to see Martin turning things around and bringing success to Ibrox, so the right decision has been made.

A striker who Harry Maguire called “world-class” has now emerged as a key target for Manchester United, having made a fantastic start to the season.

Man Utd keen on new striker despite Sesko's improved form

There were some concerns about the way in which Benjamin Sesko started the season, given that the striker is among Man United’s most expensive signings of all-time, but the Slovenian has started to put in improved performances in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old scored United’s only goal in the disappointing 3-1 loss against Brentford, before going on to score the second in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland, finding the back of the net with a smart finish from inside the box.

Despite the uptick in Sesko’s output, however, the Red Devils remain keen on adding another striker to their ranks, with Ruben Amorim arguably a little light on options, given that Joshua Zirkzee, who scored just three Premier League goals last term, is the current back-up.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United have now identified Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane as a key target, although their chances of beating Tottenham Hotspur to his signature are dependent upon improving their current league standing.

United may struggle to convince Kane to move to Old Trafford, with the striker prioritising a move to a club playing in Europe and competing for regular silverware, and the 32-year-old’s emotional connection to Spurs could play a part in his decision-making.

The former Tottenham man, who joined Bayern Munich for £86m back in 2023, arguably has unfinished business in the Premier League, with Alan Shearer’s goal record within reach, although he has already established himself as one of the best strikers in top-flight history.

"World-class" Kane would be major coup for Man Utd

Man United are credited with a long-term interest in the Bayern star, and it is no surprise, given that he is England’s all-time leading goalscorer, with Maguire previously lauding the impact his teammate has made at international level.

The centre-back said: “He leads by example on and off the pitch and he’s a great person to have around the dressing room. He’s a magnificent, world-class player. He proves it year after year and his attitude to training is the reason why.”

The England captain has been a consistent top-level striker for more than a decade, but there are early signs the current campaign could be his best yet, having already bagged a whopping 18 goals in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Bundesliga

6

11

Champions League

2

4

DFB-Pokal

1

2

DFL-Supercup

1

1

Kane would evidently be a major coup for Man United, but it is difficult to envisage a deal getting done unless there are major improvements before the 2026 summer transfer window.

The Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) overseas quartet of Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie and Kyle Jamieson are arriving in India and joining the team on Tuesday, ESPNcricinfo has learnt.All four are available for selection right away, starting with PBKS’ next IPL 2025 fixture against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, May 24, as the side look to push for a top-two finish after securing playoff qualification for the first time since IPL 2014.Stoinis and Inglis have had limited time with PBKS this season, with the team rotating their overseas players looking to find a stable middle order, even though they’ve had a successful season so far on the back of their top-order and bowlers. Stoinis has scored 82 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 167.34 while Inglis has hit 92 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 139.39.Hardie, the seam-bowling all-rounder from Western Australia, is yet to feature this season and was picked for INR 1.25 crore at the auction. Jamieson – who replaced his injured countryman Lockie Ferguson earlier in the season – is also yet to play for PBKS. Atleast one of them could have a key role in the playoffs, though, once Marco Jansen leaves for the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the end of the league stage.The other overseas players in the PBKS squad are Azmatullah Omarzai, Xavier Bartlett and Mitch Owen. After their game against DC on Saturday, PBKS have their final league stage game on Monday, May 26, against Mumbai Indians.

Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy's release clause is set to drop significantly next summer, making him a cut-price target for Europe's elite. Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the 29-year-old, who has been in incredible form since joining the German club after a spectacular spell at Stuttgart, earning much praise from current coach Niko Kovac.

• Guirassy's release clause set to decrease

  Dortmund are facing the prospect of losing the star striker for a significantly reduced fee next summer, according to a report from . Guirassy's contract, which runs until 2028, contains a clause that progressively decreases each year. After a clause valued around €75 million (£65m/$87m) went un-triggered last summer, a new, lower figure will become active in 2026, making the prolific forward a potential bargain. The clause reportedly does not apply to clubs from Saudi Arabia, who would have to negotiate a fee directly with Dortmund.

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  Barcelona monitoring prolific striker

  The Guinea international's availability has put top European clubs on high alert, with Barcelona reportedly on the list of clubs monitoring his situation as they seek a potential long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. Guirassy has been one of Europe's most lethal strikers since his €18 million move from Stuttgart in 2024. In that time, only Harry Kane (59), Kylian Mbappe (58), Erling Haaland and Lewandowski (both 46) have scored more goals than Guirassy's 44 across Europe's top five leagues in all competitions.

• Kovac backs star man to end goal drought

  Despite his incredible record, Guirassy is currently experiencing a minor dip in form, having failed to score in his last three Bundesliga matches. However, Dortmund coach Kovac has given the striker his full backing. 

  "For me, Serhou is very, very important. He remains our insurance policy because he is a key part of this team," Kovac told . The manager explained the striker is now being double-marked by opponents, which creates space for others. "They are clearly trying to take our top striker out of the game. That’s why it’s not so easy for him. But I know that in the coming weeks, he will again give us what we need: his goals."

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• Getty Images
  

  What next for Guirassy and Dortmund?

  Guirassy's immediate focus will be on ending his league goal drought when club football returns after the international break. Dortmund, who sit second in the Bundesliga table, face a monumental trip to leaders Bayern Munich on October 18. While Kovac is confident his star forward will rediscover his scoring touch, the club faces an uncertain future regarding his contract, with the descending release clause making it increasingly difficult to keep him at Signal Iduna Park beyond next summer.

Whilst Manchester United’s summer clear-out has taken time to get going, reports are now indicating that they’re finally set to sell one of their unwanted stars this month.

Latest Man Utd exit news

The Red Devils have enjoyed a solid summer on the incomings front, but the same can’t be said for their business going the other way. As things stand, they are yet to outright sell a single player despite all their efforts and despite coming off the back of their worst-ever Premier League season. Several players have found themselves on Ruben Amorim’s unwanted list, but INEOS have so far failed to shift all of those.

It’s a list that includes Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, who desperately need moves this month. Whilst reports have remained positive regarding a deal for Chelsea to sign Garnacho, showing Sancho the door has proved to be a far more complicated task than expected.

Amorim has had his own say on Manchester United’s unwanted players, telling reporters: “I think again, I know that it is not a good thing to have players in this situation, but it’s clear they want to play in a different club, and that is clear.

“So we try to arrange everything for both parts to be happy, so I have to try to imagine to have the training with the guys that I think are going to be the future and the other guys are training and preparing for the next chapter.”

A bigger impact than Sesko: Man Utd holding talks for "special" £51m talent

Manchester United remain active in the transfer market as the end of the month looms large.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 23, 2025

With that said, although it remains to be seen whether Sancho lowers his demands to secure an AS Roma move, there is at least some positive news regarding another likely exit at Old Trafford.

Napoli now "advancing" Rasmus Hojlund deal

According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are now “advancing” talks to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United this month after holding positive talks with the Danish forward. United have reportedly been informed about the talks and are ready to get a deal over the line if an agreement is reached between Hojlund and the Italian giants.

Despite reports suggesting that Hojlund wants to stay put at Manchester United, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko has ultimately cost him his place in Amorim’s side and a sale has, therefore, always seemed likely.

After arriving under Erik ten Hag for an eye-watering £72m in 2023, Hojlund will undoubtedly go down as an Old Trafford flop, with just 26 goals in 96 games very much highlighting his struggles.

Mohamed Salah has admitted that he is struggling to fully click with one new Liverpool signing currently, despite the Reds’ strong start to the season.

A memorable summer of transfers for Liverpool

The Premier League champions may have been left disappointed with failing to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on deadline day, but this summer has still been one for the ages at Anfield.

Liverpool have broken their transfer record twice, as well as the British one for that matter, bringing in Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak from Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United respectively.

But that was far from the Reds’ only transfer business, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez strengthening the full-back areas, Hugo Ekitike arriving in a big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt and Giovanni Leoni joining from Parma, being seen as a centre-back with huge potential.

Liverpool have started their title defence with three wins out of three in the Premier League, with Ekitike already scoring three times and many of the new signings already making a positive impression. Despite this, some interesting new comments from Salah have emerged.

Salah admits he isn't clicking with Liverpool teammate

Speaking to the Men In Blazers podcast [via Caught Offside], Salah admitted that he is still taking time to gel with Ekitike at Liverpool, as they look to gain an on-pitch understanding like he and Darwin Nunez did.

Salah also took to X on Wednesday to criticise a Liverpool fan account for showing disrespect to former players Nunez and Luis Diaz, with the Reds legend making it clear that it is unfair to compare them to new signings.

It is a fair stance from Salah, who clearly doesn’t want to see his friends and former colleagues painted in a bad light, and he always showed his admiration for Nunez despite his struggles, saying he loved playing with him.

“It was Firmino (favourite teammate), now I feel I generally like playing with Nunez. A lot of people don’t like him but I like playing with him. I see [the Q&A host] keeps shaking his head not liking [my answer]. I like playing with him in general. A player with different skills. Not a lot of people understand his game.”

Salah isn’t criticising Ekitike by any means, or Wirtz for that matter, instead realising that it takes time to adjust, which is perhaps why his form hasn’t been great in the opening three matches. The more he clicks with him, though, the more devastating the Egyptian will become again.

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It’s simply a case of Arne Slot continuing to play them together, with Isak also coming in, and Liverpool’s all-round performances getting better as the campaign goes on. Still, the champions haven’t made too bad a start.