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Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has praised Kalvin Phillips’ decision to have surgery, also hinting at him staying put beyond the summer.

The Lowdown: Phillips undergoes surgery

The Whites have suffered yet another injury blow with the news that the England midfielder is going to be missing for a significant chunk of action.

The 25-year-old has suffered a hamstring injury and is likely to miss around two months of football, having undergone successful surgery.

Leeds will have to battle on without their talisman during a hectic period in the season but he should be back for the business end of the campaign.

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The Latest: Whelan finds positives

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claims that it is a wise decision to have surgery immediately, rather than risk Phillips not being at his best for a long time. He said:

“It’s a really sensible move. We know how integral and important Kalvin is, and his value to this team will have demanded the surgery to take place in order to sort it out properly.

“No one wants to be without their talisman, but Leeds United will also realise that having him long-term is better than playing with a Kalvin Phillips that might be in and out of the team with the same problem.”

Furthermore, Whelan hinted at the Leeds hero staying at the club for a further 12 months at least, seemingly ruling out the idea of a summer exit amid rumours of other Premier League sides eyeing a swoop for him. The 46-year-old stated:

“It’s vitally important that he gets the treatment he needs. If that means we have to go without Kalvin for two months, but then we get him for the next 12 – then brilliant.”

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The Verdict: Better in the long run

Whelan is right- losing Phillips midway through the season is a big blow, but the decision to have surgery immediately is the right one, taking the hit now rather than letting it going on for several more months.

This way, the England international should return in good shape in February or March, rather than playing with an injury for the entirety of the campaign.

Regardless of where Phillips is playing his football in the future, it is important that he isn’t hampered in the long-term because of delaying surgery and making the situation worse.

In other news, one Leeds player has been linked with a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

The Umpire Decision Review System proved less contentious at the Gabba than in Dunedin on Friday, but it nonetheless made for several head-scratching moments

Alex Brown at the Gabba27-Nov-2009

The Umpire Decision Review System proved less contentious at the Gabba than in Dunedin on Friday, but it nonetheless made for several head-scratching moments. The first came when Mitchell Johnson challenged Ian Gould’s decision to rule him caught behind to a Sulieman Benn delivery he claimed not to have nicked.Because the edge of Johnson’s bat was turned away from Hot-Spot, no firm evidence was uncovered to dispute Gould’s original ruling. It was eventually upheld, even though Johnson seemed adamant he had not come into contact with the ball.”Originally I thought I wasn’t out and that’s why I went to the referral,” Johnson said. “It came back that I was out so I guess you just accept those decisions. I still think the system works pretty well.”The UDRS was in the spotlight again later in the day, this time for West Indies’ injudicious use of it. Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul both challenged lbw verdicts that never appeared likely to be overturned, opening themselves to accusations of ego influencing their decision-making.”We thought they were pretty much out but if that’s how they want to use it that’s their choice,” Johnson said. “There’s talk about how to use the referral and when to use it, but obviously they didn’t think they were out at the time and that’s what it’s there for.”Denesh Ramdin, West Indies’ not out batsman who will not have the luxury of a review for the remainder of the innings, admitted the tourists had yet to settle upon a UDRS strategy. “Generally if it’s an important batsman or a batter who is set we will try to use it,” Ramdin said.”Unfortunately it didn’t come off for us today. I’m still trying to get used to it. Some series we use it, some we don’t. It has it’s bad side and it has it’s good side.”

Steven Bergwijn could leave Tottenham Hotspur this January…

What’s the word?

That’s according to reliable Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who recently dropped an intriguing claim about the Dutch winger to GIVEMESPORT.

“I know he’s maybe going to Ajax in January, I don’t know, has someone said something? Very good sources in Holland are saying that Ajax will look to get him in January or does Conte genuinely see something in him?” he said.

It comes after reports emerged earlier this week linking the 24-year-old, who cost Spurs around £25m from Ajax’s rivals PSV Eindhoven in January 2020, to the Eredivisie champions.

Out of favour

It’s no secret that Bergwijn is heavily out of favour under manager Antonio Conte, having played only 13 minutes since the Italian’s arrival at Tottenham last month.

There were even claims at one stage that the 52-year-old had barely spoken to the £19.8m-rated winger, suggesting that he just isn’t the man for the new Lilywhites boss.

“That interest in Bergwijn has been made known. Conte does not see it in him at all,” claimed journalist Mike Verweij on De Telegraaf’s football podcast (via Sport Witness). “Conte is also the one who opposed Bergwijn’s transfer from PSV to Italy. Inter were an interested club at the time, but Conte did not need him. “Conte has only said two words to Bergwijn in two weeks at Tottenham Hotspur.”

If Ajax do hold a genuine interest, then Conte could be buzzing as he would be able to offload a player that he simply does not want, and at the same time help boost the club’s finances to bring in his own targets.

Truth be told, it has never gone to plan for Bergwijn in north London – across 62 appearances, he has only scored four goals and provided nine assists, meaning he averages a direct contribution once every 244 minutes, via Transfermarkt. That isn’t great.

Only last month, club insider John Wenham blasted the Netherlands international for being “terrible all season”, whilst his introduction from the bench against Manchester United even drew boos from the Spurs faithful.

If Bridge’s claim is true, then Conte and many around N17 will surely be delighted.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Ndombele: Conte eyes “devastating” £25m-rated beast, won’t cost Spurs a penny…

England captain has reiterated his intent of not getting involved in Twenty20 cricket

Cricinfo staff21-Nov-2009England captain Andrew Strauss has reiterated his intent of not getting involved in Twenty20 cricket. Strauss had opted to stand down from England’s Twenty20 squad earlier this year because the format didn’t suit his accumulative style and he has said he has no plans to revisit his stance.”Never say never. But at this stage, I’ve got no plans to play Twenty20 cricket,” he was quoted as saying by . “My reasons for not playing Twenty20 cricket are firstly that there are some limitations in my game in that format and secondly I believe strongly that for me to continue playing well in the 50-over format and Test cricket something’s got to give.”You’ve got to remain reasonably fresh as an international captain, to be able to motivate people. For me, it just makes sense that I step aside from the Twenty20 and give myself the time to prepare properly for 50-over and Test cricket.”Strauss opted to keep a low profile during the Twenty20 series against South Africa, even as England were hit by key injury blows, but showed he was unaffected by his break from the action by contributing a vital half-century in the 50-over win over South Africa A. Strauss did not deny rumours that he had been almost forced into stepping back into the Twenty20 set-up last week but felt his solidity was more suited to longer periods.”There were some considerations given. But ultimately, me playing in a one-off capacity is not going to help the team long term,” he said. “I’m not going to be there in the West Indies [at the 2010 World Twenty20] – so if there are injuries there, or ‘Colly’ [captain Paul Collingwood] gets injured, someone needs to step up and take over.”

Aston Villa could review Dean Smith’s position as manager, should they lose to Southampton on Friday evening.

That’s according to reliable reporter Gregg Evans, and, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

Villa suffered four defeats from four in October, with the last of those coming on Sunday against West Ham.

Reports since have claimed that Villa have made initial contact with former AS Roma manager Paulo Fonseca, with Villa seemingly exploring Smith alternatives.

Evans shared a story on The Athletic on Wednesday and claimed that a defeat at St Mary’s could lead to a review period during the international break, whereas a win might also only be buying Smith time.

Villa fans react

Well-known page @villareport shared Evans’ claim on Smith on Twitter. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with a few wanting to see Fonseca brought in.

“Dean Smith your time is up”

Credit: @mahomezs

“A Villa win will paper cracks over Dean Smith we should just get Fonseca regardless of the result on Friday”

Credit: @MilanRnic1

“Win or get sacked I feel for Smith. Absolutely massive. Hope we win”

Credit: @Emi1Martinez

“Smith out it’s happening”

Credit: @waynipoos1

“Smith’s last game pending”

Credit: @manj_av

“OH WHEN THE SAINTS”

Credit: @WazeUTV

In other news: ‘Welp’ – Many AVFC fans erupt as Preece shares ‘terrible news’ on Leon Bailey. 

MatériaMais Notícias

Os clubes são diferentes, os estilos de jogo são diferentes, as faixas etárias são diferentes e principalmente os objetivos em campo serão diferentes neste domingo, às 16h, na Vila Belmiro. Apesar de tantas diferenças, o santista Renato e o corintiano Gabriel alimentam uma relação antiga. Mais precisamente, da época em que o camisa 5 do Timão mal sonhava em ser jogador de futebol profissional, enquanto o número 8 do Peixe dava os primeiros sinais de que teria uma carreira brilhante. Depois de muitos anos (alguns de convívio, inclusive), a dupla estará em campo no clássico.

O elo entre Renato e Gabriel teve início no fim dos anos 90. O santista, então chamado de Renatinho, despontava no Guarani, clube que defendeu entre 1996 e 2000. Ele era o dono do time: revelação da forte categoria de base e um meia armador de raro talento que não saiu precocemente do Brinco de Ouro da Princesa. Foi dali que a relação começou, como idolatria.

Gabriel vem de família bugrina. Era comum que sua mãe e seu avô, principalmente, batessem cartão nos jogos do Guarani. Renato era, então, uma referência da família. Um ídolo. Que depois do Guarani defenderia Santos, Sevilla (ESP), Botafogo e Seleção Brasileira.

Enquanto isso, Gabriel passou do futebol de salão no Sesi de Campinas à Ponte Preta, onde disputou só um campeonato, e então ao Paulínia onde fez parte da formação antes de ser contratado pelo Botafogo ainda nas categorias de base. Ele estreou profissionalmente em 2012, numa partida do Campeonato Carioca contra o Boavista. E sabe quem estava em campo? Renato, repatriado um ano antes do futebol espanhol.

-O Renato é uma pessoa excelente, sem vaidades. Vou seguir meu caminho, fazer uma carreira como a dele para, no futuro, as pessoas se lembrarem de mim.Minha mãe e meu avô torceram muito por ele no Guarani – relatou Gabriel, na época.

Gabriel e Renato conviveram no elenco profissional do Botafogo entre abril de 2012 e maio de 2014, quando o mais experiente rescindiu contrato para defender o Santos. Eles disputaram posição, jogaram juntos, classificaram a equipe para a Libertadores após 17 anos e depois desfizeram o contato, que só foi retomado nas vezes em que Gabriel enfrentou o Peixe.

Pelo Palmeiras foram cinco confrontos: duas vitórias de Gabriel, duas de Renato e mais um empate – o santista fez um dos gols do confronto, aliás. Já pelo Corinthians, Gabriel venceu os dois embates contra Renato. Como será neste domingo?

RelacionadasBrasileirãoSantos x Corinthians: veja prováveis times, onde ver, desfalques e palpitesBrasileirão09/09/2017

Having made a £1.8m move to Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, Bruno Lage took the decision to send right-back Bendeguz Bolla out on loan almost immediately, with the 21-year-old linking up with Grasshoppers for the 2021/22 campaign.

In the season prior, the £900k-rated defender had highly impressed over his 37 appearances in all competitions for Hungarian top-flight side Fehervar, with his creative capacity appearing particularly apparent – registering five assists and scoring one goal for Imre Szabics’ side.

Bolla has continued in this fashion over his 10 Super League fixtures for Grasshoppers, having already scored two goals – one of which the defender himself dubbed “incredible” – provided one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.1 shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

The right-back has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 3.8 duels per league fixture.

These returns have seen the 21-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Giorgio Contini’s fourth-best player in the Swiss top-flight.

And, with neither Nelson Semedo nor Ki-Jana Hoever proving particularly deadly or creative going forwards so far this season – with neither player scoring a goal, providing an assist or creating a big chance in the current Premier League campaign – the argument could be made that Bolla may well be the perfect long-term successor for the now-Tottenham Hotspur right-back, Matt Doherty.

While the 29-year-old’s move from Molineux to North London has not exactly worked out, it is undeniable that, during his time at Wolves, the Republic of Ireland international consistently proved an attacking threat on the right-hand side of Nuno Espirito Santo’s back five.

Indeed, over Doherty’s 74 Premier League appearances in his final two seasons at Wolves, the right-back scored a highly impressive eight goals, registered 12 assists and created 11 big chances for his teammates.

As such, with both Semedo and Hoever so far failing to replicate the creative void left by the Irishman, if Bolla can maintain his current level of attacking output throughout the remainder of his time with Grasshoppers, perhaps the 21-year-old could finally be the man to take over Doherty’s attacking mantle at right wing-back.

In other news: Forget January: 21 y/o “Rolls Royce” could be Lage’s answer to Wolves’ biggest problem

As per a report by The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur seem to already have a plan in place when it comes to potentially signing West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Tottenham target Baggies ace…

Amid the speculation surrounding Hugo Lloris’ future at N17, with the France number one still yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, the Lilywhites could add a new ‘keeper to their ranks.

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Despite already signing Pierluigi Gollini on loan with the option to buy, Spurs have been linked with Baggies ‘keeper Johnstone as his future at West Brom hangs in the balance.

The Latest: Spurs offer ‘pencilled in’ for Johnstone…

As per The Sun, Tottenham already have an offer ‘pencilled in’ for Johnstone if he does leave The Hawthorns next summer, as his contract is set to expire in 2022 as it stands.

West Brom have let the player know that there will be a ‘lucrative deal’ if he stays in the Midlands as Spurs eye a swoop, with Southampton the only prospective suitors willing to pay a fee in January rather than waiting until he becomes a free agent.

The Verdict: Great option…

Signing the England international for free next summer would certainly come as a great bit of business for Spurs considering his exploits in the Premier League last season.

The 28-year-old was lauded a ‘world class’ player by Wolves legend Steve Bull to This is Futbol, while former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle hailed him as ‘outstanding’ in a column for The Evening Standard.

It’s clear that Nuno Espirito Santo and co could certainly do far worse in the search for a possible heir to Lloris.

In other news: Spurs rejoin race to sign ‘world class’ 171-goal striker who Pochettino wanted in 2016, find out more here.

وجه مرتضى منصور رئيس نادي الزمالك التحية إلى جيسفالدو فيريرا، مشيرًا إلى أن الصحف البرتغالية تتحدث عن وضع اسمه على حديقة بالنادي باعتباره أول من يحدث له ذلك، كما أنه أقل ما يستحقه.

وقال منصور في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية “الزمالك”: “نادي الزمالك كبير ولا يملك مديرًا للكرة يتحدث عن الحكام، وسيكون هناك مكافأة خاصة شخصية مني لأحمد سيد زيزو وليس من نادي الزمالك”.

مرتضى منصور: تعاقدنا مع صفقتين سوبر ومحترف سلة أمريكي

وأضاف: “سيكون هناك مكافأة خيالية للاعبين عندما يفوزون ببطولة الدوري”.

وأردف: “سنحاول التواصل مع تشاد لكي نخوض المباراتين في مصر، ووقتها لن يكون هناك تعارض مع مباراة سوبر لوسيل -المصري السعودي- في قطر”.

ومن المقرر أن يصطدم الزمالك بفريق اليكيت سبورت التشادي في الدور التمهيدي ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، إذ تلعب مباراة الذهاب أحد أيام 9 و10 و11 سبتمبر، بينما تقام مواجهة الإياب أحد أيام 16، و17، و18 من الشهر ذاته.

Former Nottingham Forest star Nigel Jemson insists that the signing of Djed Spence is a good one for the club after his arrival on loan.

The 21-year-old has joined the club on loan from Middlesbrough and made his debut at the weekend against Huddersfield Town, as Forest earned their first win of the season.

Spence had made 70 appearances in total for Boro and was actually linked with a potential move to the Premier League prior to making the switch to Forest.

West Ham United had been touted to make a swoop for Spence, as had Everton, but he has instead moved to another Championship club.

Jemson believes that the deal is a good one for Forest as they look to climb the table in the next few weeks.

Indeed, Forest have sacked Chris Hughton after a dismal start to the season that saw them go seven games without a win, although they were victorious at the weekend.

Jemson said: “You are surprised, when he has been linked with Premier League clubs and when that doesn’t happen, he comes to Nottingham Forest. Yes, it’s a coup for us.

“Whether Middlesbrough wanted a big fee from the Premier League clubs to try to cash in and they weren’t prepared to pay it, I don’t know.”