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سوء الحظ في الإصابات مستمر في نادي برشلونة، وهو ما يؤثر على الفريق خاصة في مركز الدفاع، قبل مباراته القادمة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد.

برشلونة سيواجه أتلتيكو مدريد في منافسات الليجا يوم الأحد المقبل، وقد أعلن اليوم الخميس إصابة مدافعه الفرنسي كليمنت لينجليه.

ليست تلك الإصابة الأولى على مستوى دفاع البلوجرانا، الأول كان إيريك جارسيا الذي تعرض لإصابة في العضلة ذات الرأسين الفخذية في ساقه اليمنى بداية شهر يناير، ثم جاء دور صامويل أومتيتي بكسر في قدمه اليمنى استدعى إجراء عملية جراحية.

واليوم أصيب لينجليه، ليغيب عن المباريات القادمة لبرشلونة، بعد تعرضه لإصابة في العضلة ذات الرأسين في ساقه اليسرى.

بحسب صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، سيغيب لينجليه عن الملاعب لمدة 5 أسابيع، وبالتالي لن يشارك في مباراة الدوري الأوروبي أمام نابولي.

هذا يعني أنه اعتبارًا من اليوم، لا يملك تشافي سوى اثنين من المدافعين غير المصابين لمواجهة مباراة يوم الأحد ضد أتلتيكو مدريد، وهما جيرارد بيكيه ورونالد أراوخو، مع العلم أن قلب دفاع أوروجواي يأتي بعد لعب مباراتين مع منتخب بلاده.

على أي حال، ليست كل الأخبار سيئة، حيث أن إيريك جارسيا في المرحلة الأخيرة من تعافيه، لذلك يمكن لمدرب برشلونة استعادة لاعب مانشستر سيتي السابق لمباراة الأسبوع المقبل أمام إسبانيول.

في حالة أومتيتي، سيكون من الضروري الانتظار لرؤيته على أرض الملعب، حيث كان من المتوقع أن يغيب لمدة ثلاثة أشهر.

In recent comments made on Twitter, Phil Hay dropped an update on the future of Leeds United left-back, Ezgjan Alioski.

Since joining Leeds from FC Lugano in what was a £2.25 million deal back in the summer of 2017, Alioski has gone on to feature 162 times for the club, scoring 22 goals and providing 16 assists along the way.

However, so far this season, the £24,000-per-week 29-year-old has slightly underwhelmed over his 27 Premier League appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.55 – ranking him as the club’s 13th-best performer in the top flight.

Seemingly as a result of these below-par displays, it has been reported that Leeds will not be offering the defender a new deal at Elland Road, with Football Insider claiming that the North Macedonian has agreed pre-contract terms with Turkish side Galatasaray ahead of a move this summer.

In a recent post on Twitter, Hay confirmed that Alioski has “nothing agreed with Leeds” regarding a new contract, as well as suggesting that the “talk is very strong” in relation to the left-back’s reported move to Turkey.

Transfer Tavern Take

While Alioski has impressed during his time at Leeds, earning seasonal WhoScored match ratings of 6.86 in 2017/18, 6.97 in 2018/19 and 6.70 in 2019/20, it would appear, considering the significant drop in his average match rating so far this season, that Premier League football may be a level slightly beyond the capabilities of the left-back.

As such, perhaps it will be best for all involved if Alioski does indeed move on to greener pastures this summer, with a move to Galatasaray appearing the most likely destination for the defender.

In other news: Leeds United have been urged to sign this “highly sought-after” £31k-p/w star this summer – find out more here!

Fans of West Bromwich Albion have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding the impact relegation will have on a number of the players’ contracts.

According to John Percy’s report for The Telegraph, should West Brom – who currently occupy 19th place in the Premier League table, eight points from safety – suffer relegation this season, some of the Baggies’ highest earners will face “wage cuts of up to 50 per cent,” while other players will see “pay reductions of 40 per cent” as well as a “number of departures” being anticipated – if the club do indeed drop down to the Championship.

After Percy relayed his report on Twitter, fans of West Brom flocked to have their say on the matter, with many suggesting that the club’s wage structure altering in the result of relegation is the sign of the club being well run, while other stated their belief that, following the performances of many of their players this season, they deserve a drop in pay.

So, what exactly did these West Bromwich Albion fans have to say in reaction to John Percy’s report?

“Why is this news? It’s how we’re run. Quite rightly too. I’m glad we don’t mortgage our future in trying to compete in the greed league. Poor journalism, here.”

@JoshRoberts1988

“Hardly a significant story, Always been the same with Albion. Only change is no buy out clauses which will benefit us big time.”

@Baggiejohn1

“Good. Their pathetic performances at the start of the season have consequences.”

@luke_millichamp

“Serves them right IMO.”

@BenSimm02

“Good.”

@jon_foz

“League 1 here we come.”

@bigsamoutnow

In other news: some WBA fans slammed this man’s performance against NUFC – find out more here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Tottenham defender Gary Mabbutt has admitted that Gareth Bale should now be starting every week, but praised Jose Mourinho’s management of the Welshman.

Bale has generally endured a difficult time back in North London since making his return from Real Madrid last summer.

However, the flying winger has enjoyed a revival in recent weeks, using Spurs’ Europa League tie against Wolfsberger to get up to speed for Premier League matches.

Bale scored in both legs against the Austrian outfit, and having made a significant impact off the bench against West Ham last Sunday was rewarded with just his third Premier League start of the season against Burnley last time out.

And Bale repaid Mourinho’s faith by producing a scintillating man of the match display against the Clarets, scoring twice and assisting once in Tottenham’s 4-0 victory.

Mabbutt told FFC:

“I think he’s been very well managed. There has been a lot of talk about should he be playing from the start week in week out, but I think the manager has to make decisions based upon what he’s seeing in training.

“And as long as that’s all clear cut, as long as there’s a lot of communications between the player and the manager, as to as to what they’re trying to achieve getting back to his full fitness, full match fitness. And for health fitness. He had an illness at one stage that kept him out.”

Bale has featured in each of Tottenham’s previous four games in all competitions, scoring four times, whilst providing three assists for his teammates.

Mabbutt continued:

“I think the last couple of games, certainly the European game last week, and the game against Burnley. I thought he was fantastic. He’s finishing, his composure, just his whole presence, his whole presence just on the field there, I think puts fear into the opponents, as they know what he can do.

“Should Gareth be in the first team every single week? Well, of course, on top of the performances that he’s got, but the manager’s got a massive squad to play with.”

For long periods of the season, it seemed strange as to why Bale wasn’t playing so regularly.

But Mourinho appears to have got this spot on. He’s allowed the Welshman to use the Europa League and domestic cups to get up to scratch before unleashing him for the most important part of the campaign.

Glasgow Rangers fans are far from happy with an incident from their match against Kilmarnock in the Premiership on Saturday.

The Gers edged the game 1-0 to go 21 points clear at the top of the table with just nine games left to play (BBC). Steven Gerrard will be delighted that his team were able to pick up the three points – right now, he knows the results are far more important than the performances.

It could have been a more comfortable win for the Gers as well. There was an incident in the penalty area, when right-back and captain James Tavernier was clearly taken out by a Killie player – it looked like a stonewall spot-kick, but referee Don Robertson decided not to give it.

A GIF of the incident was shared by Twitter account @_R_W_B_, and it angered the club’s supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say about the incident below

“100% a penalty. If the ref thinks the Killie player gets the ball, he can argue it’s a corner (Still a penalty, as he’s went through the back of Tav). He gave a goal kick. Bonkers.”

Credit: @RustyBaw72

“These just get ignored. It’s ridiculous.”

Credit: @BMCRangersRants

“That’s actually hilarious “

Credit: @AATG57

“Absolute joke and Tavs goal was onside”

Credit: @thefragglerocks

“Decisions are getting worse #wontstop55”

Credit: @richardbarber73

“Stonewall penalty. Don doing what he does best today.”

Credit: @onlyoneamoruso

In other news, Rangers fans love this injury update.

Such has been the meteoric rise that Emile Smith Rowe has enjoyed over the past month or so at Arsenal, that Mikel Arteta decided he was one of the players who needed to be rested ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Southampton.

The Gunners boss rested him completely from the squad that faced the Saints in the FA Cup at the weekend, and it was perhaps of little surprise that the north Londoners looked a shadow of their recent selves without their creative hub – they had 62% of possession but only had two shots on target in the entire game.

So when Arsenal head back to the south coast on Tuesday night to take on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, this time in the Premier League, Smith Rowe surely has to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

The England youth international has been a welcome breath of fresh air for a Gunners side that were in desperation mode before he was thrust into the spotlight.

Since then, the £20k-a-week earning Smith Rowe has led the way as Arsenal rattled off four wins and a draw in the five consecutive league games that he started.

He’s picked up three assists in those games, and also scored the opener in the FA Cup third clash against Newcastle in extra-time, when Arteta brought him on to act as his game-changer.

It’s certainly a massive burden to place on someone so young – Smith Rowe doesn’t turn 21 until late July – but he’s already shown that he can handle that pressure.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand spoke glowingly about the Arsenal prodigy, saying on Monday: “He’s come in and done unreal things. The way he’s played, he’s been a breath of fresh air at Arsenal, I’m sure the fans, if they were there, would be going crazy about him.

“He brings assists, he brings a calmness to the way Arsenal play. He’s the type of player who could have played over a number of generations at Arsenal in the way he plays football.”

And when you consider how poorly Willian has been performing for this entire season – he’s yet to score for his new club – and the fact that he failed to take his chance against Southampton when playing in the number ten role, it makes it all the more important for Smith Rowe’s immediate return to the starting line-up tonight.

Meanwhile, Arsenal can sign their next Ashley Cole in this Premier League starlet…

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and he could be the perfect replacement for Victor Lindelof.

What’s the word?

Kounde finds himself on the Red Devils’ radar after previously being linked with a move to their arch-rivals Manchester City.

The Spanish outlet revealed that Sevilla rejected a €55m bid from Pep Guardiola’s side in the summer.

It’s also claimed Sevilla will not be easily persuaded to sell one of their prized assets as erstwhile Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui is loath to part with the centre-half. However, the Andalusian club are apparently willing to listen to offers in the region of €80m for Kounde.

Despite his age, the 22-year-old has been colossal at the back for Lopetegui’s side, as well as providing two goals in 18 appearances across all competitions, via WhoScored.

Bye-bye Victor Lindelof

The Red Devils find themselves among a number of contenders jostling for position in the Premier League title race and it seems like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen his squad before the transfer window shuts in January.

United’s defensive struggles this season thus far have been well-documented, dating back to the defensive meltdown they endured during the humiliating 6-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the season.

Ed Woodward splashed the cash to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City and, after a tricky start to his time at Old Trafford, the England international has been a total revelation.

However, Solskjaer has struggled to find a defensive partner for the club captain, with Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and, to some extent, Axel Tuanzebe struggling for consistency alongside Maguire.

Out of the three, it’s probably fair to say that Lindelof is the weakest of those players and since his arrival from Benfica in 2017, he has often divided the fan base.

Whilst the La Liga giants are under no pressure to sell Kounde, whose contract will run out in 2024, he could be the long-term solution to United’s lingering problems at the back. Solskjaer’s side have conceded three goals in their past three games.

In 12 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season, the Frenchman, who reportedly earns around £16,000-per-week, is averaging 1.2 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

His manager Lopetegui told Marca amid rampant transfer speculation in the latter half of last year: “Jules is our player, he is an important part of the team.”

It’s clear as day that Kounde could be one for the future and he could be United’s starting centre-back for years to come if Woodward brings him to Old Trafford and he is able to hit the ground running.

He may not be the flashiest target, but he is certainly capable of being a very good player at the back. Add in his eye for a goal, coupled with the fact he has Champions League experience, and the youngster is already a well-rounded prospect.

AND in other news, Ed Woodward must secure Man Utd transfer swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho…

MatériaMais Notícias

Revelar novos talentos é tradição no Santos, mas na defesa nem sempre é assim. Enquanto os atacantes deslancham em grande número, os zagueiros revelados na base têm de ralar mais para conseguir o seu espaço.

Mas isso está prestes a mudar. Lucas Veríssimo e Gustavo Henrique tentam se firmar como dupla de zaga formada na base, algo que não acontece desde 2004, quando André Luis e Alex, que chegaram ao Peixe ainda quando jovens, foram bicampeões brasileiros juntos.

Neste sábado, diante do Novorizontino, às 21h, fora de casa, pela quarta rodada do Paulistão, a dupla chegará a uma marca pequena, mas importante para quem quer ir mais longe. Com o quarto jogo consecutivo, Lucas, que tem 20 anos, supera Jubal, que em 2014 chegou a fazer três jogos seguidos ao lado de Gustavo Henrique.

E se engana quem acha que Lucas Veríssimo vai se contentar em substituir David Braz por um tempo ou “guardar” o lugar para um novo reforço. Aliás, quando se diz isso a ele, a resposta é imediata e sincera.

– Se depender de mim, espero me manter jogando e melhorar cada vez mais. É uma satisfação ter essa sequência, o próximo jogo será o quarto consecutivo e espero manter – disse, em entrevista exclusiva ao LANCE!.

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Assim como a dupla de 12 anos atrás, que tinha o apelido de “Torres Gêmeas”, por causa da altura e da semelhança física, Lucas e Gustavo não ficam para trás. O camisa 2 tem 1,96m de altura, enquanto o mais novo tem 1,88 m. E quem quiser cruzar na área do Peixe terá que pensar duas vezes antes de se arriscar.

– Com certeza. Além da boa estatura, somos bons pela bola aérea. Já vi bastante gente com boa estatura só que não tira muito proveito da bola aérea, mas nós dois vamos aproveitando, tanto é que ele (Gustavo) fez um gol de bola ofensiva no último jogo e tive oportunidade também – afirmou Lucas Veríssimo

De olho em repetir a história de conquistas da última zaga formada em casa, Gustavo Henrique e Lucas Veríssimo terão de suar muito. E nada melhor do que engatar uma grande sequência como titulares para se firmarem cada vez mais. Três jogos já foram. Vão chegar a quantos?

Confira um bate-bola exclusivo com Lucas Veríssimo:

Você sabia que a última zaga com jogadores formados na base que durou mais de quatro jogos foi André Luis e Alex?
Não lembrava (risos). Faz muito tempo. Graças a Deus venho dando sequência e espero manter.

A todo momento saem notícias sobre um novo zagueiro na mira do Santos. Come isso te afeta?
Acompanho as notícias do esporte, vi até que o Werley poderia voltar, mas voltando ou não, vou continuar fazendo a minha parte, treinando forte do jeito que venho fazendo e fico à disposição do professor, é ele quem manda e quem coloca ou não para jogar. Estarei à sua disposição e fazendo a minha da melhor forma.

O que o Dorival te fala a respeito de novos zagueiros?
Apenas para não dar ouvido ao que vem de fora e procurar dentro de campo a fazer a minha parte e a dar meu melhor para ajudar.

Você veio do Linense e está acostumado ao interior. Isso pode te favorecer no Paulistão?
Joguei lá por mais de um ano, sou adaptado àquela região. Conheço bastante, agora no fim de semana estarei lá. Contra o Novorizontino joguei na base também e agora é no profissional. Espero que nossa equipe possa sair de lá com a vitória.

Quando dizem que zagueiro bom é aquele que chega forte é verdade ou só lenda de interior?
Papo furado (risos)! Isso é antigo, meu pai mesmo falava isso para mim. Mas hoje em dia tem que ser técnico, bom pelo alto, bom por baixo, precisa sempre procurar melhorar. Você não precisa ser perfeito em cada detalhe, mas precisa procurar melhorar em tudo que você puder.

Você e o Gustavo Henrique são altos. Quem quiser cruzar na área do Santos tem que ser corajoso?
Além da boa estatura, somos bons pela bola aérea. Já vi bastante gente com boa estatura só que não tira muito proveito da bola aérea, mas nós dois vamos aproveitando, tanto é que ele fez um gol de bola ofensiva no último jogo e tive oportunidade também. A gente vem trabalhando, espero que tenhamos oportunidades ofensivas e nas defensivas façamos nosso melhor para não tomar gol.

When Diogo Jota departed Wolves in the summer for Liverpool, questions were asked about who was going to step up for the Old Gold.

On paper, the mantle was there to be taken by Adama Traore. The frightening winger has the potential to cause any defence in world football troubles with his pace and dribbling skills but he hasn’t scored a single goal in the league in 2020.

Thus, the pedestal has been taken on by another Portuguese. The young man in question is the effervescent Pedro Neto.

The Wolves winger has come alive this season and looks better than ever, proving to be a constant nuisance to Premier League backlines. He’s already scored four goals and provided three assists this season but even though he didn’t score against Tottenham on Sunday, this was perhaps one of his best outings yet.

Neto was a constant thorn in Spurs’ defence and ran his former teammate Matt Doherty and Davinson Sanchez ragged.

Everything good that happened for Wolves came through the 20-year-old as he performed three successful dribbles and three accurate crosses. It was a near-perfect performance from the winger, someone who also registered three key passes for his side, including one assist.

What was most impressive, however, was that he didn’t shy away from tackles and physical battles. The Portugal international was busy and used his surprising amount of strength to good effect. Neto won four out of his nine ground duels which certainly isn’t bad for a young attacker.

In 2020/21, the wide man is coming off age and looks a real talent. As Tim Spiers says, Neto has made “incredible progress” in the past 12 months.

Although that’s good for the player, it won’t be unsurprising if they face a challenge to keep hold of him next summer.

In every sense of the phrase, Neto could be Jota 2.0 at Wolves. He is a phenomenal youngster already making tremendous strides at the highest level.

AND in other news, Wolves maestro who made 11 ball recoveries was Nuno’s real star on Sunday…

According to TEAMtalk, Benfica are interested in signing Glen Kamara from Glasgow Rangers.

What’s the word?

The 27-cap Finland international has been in such fine form so far this season as Steven Gerrard’s side sit at the top of the Scottish Premiership and qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

It’s perhaps hardly surprising other clubs have begun to take notice of the midfielder, with TEAMtalk claiming their Europa League rivals have entered the race to sign Kamara amid interest from Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle, Sheffield United and Southampton.

The report adds they have all been closely monitoring his situation with the winter transfer market set to open in just under a month’s time.

Keep Kamara at all costs!

Whilst Alfredo Morelos has also been linked with a move away from Ibrox in recent months – with recent reports revealing Lille have a longstanding interest in the Colombia international – losing Kamara would arguably be an even bigger blow for Steven Gerrard.

The 25-year-old has been the most vital cog in Gerrard’s side so far this season and is one of the main reasons why Rangers are at the top of the table and in the Europa League last 32.

In 20 appearances for the Gers this season, the defensive midfielder has scored one goal in all competitions, whilst he is averaging 2 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the Europa League, via WhoScored.

Kamara has consistently been one of Gerrard’s star performers and will no doubt continue to play a key part in their future success – if he stays at the club, of course.

It’s no wonder former professional footballers like Neil Murray have swooned over the midfielder, with the ex-Rangers star saying “he was excellent at the weekend and he really is an intelligent footballer,” which is precisely why Ross Wilson can’t afford to lose the colossus, who currently earns wages worth £6,200-per-week.

Kamara’s immense work rate would simply be too hard to replace, and he has made it clear he is happy to stay with the 54-time Scottish champions, who are in no rush to sell him anytime soon.

AND in other news, Steven Gerrard must bench Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos for the foreseeable future…