Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that defender Lucas Hernandez has suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture.
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Hernandez subbed off during Dortmund loss PSG confirm ACL tear and imminent surgery Defender will now miss the Euros with France Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
During the first half of PSG's 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, the French defender had to be taken off for Lucas Beraldo. The club has now confirmed that the 28-year-old will now undergo surgery later this week and will be unavailable for the Didier Deschamps' selection for the Euro 2024 in Germany.
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Hernandez was likely to be a part of France's squad for the Euros as they will likely enter the competition as one of the favourites. Deschamps will now have to re-envision his defensive lineup for the tournament with the likes of Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, Wesley Fofana, Jean-Clair Todibo and William Saliba standing in contention for the callup.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Hernandez was also a part of France's squad heading into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, however, he had suffered another injury to his cruciate ligament during Les Bleus' first group stage match and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
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WHAT NEXT FOR HERNANDEZ?
The Frenchman will now undergo surgery in the next few days and he will be unavailable for a lengthy duration and will return to action depending on his recovery.
It's been reported this week that a specific Ange Postecoglou trait is seriously tempting one club's star international with a move to Tottenham.
Postecoglou seeking new defender at Spurs
Widespread reports from the last few weeks have suggested that a new centre-back is a top priority for Spurs in the January transfer window, which will officially open for business in just over a week.
The north Londoners are desperately short of cover in that department, with a recent injury to Micky van de Ven and suspension for Cristian Romero seriously bringing their lack of numbers to attention.
Tottenham now planning audacious double January offer after news this week
The Lilywhites want a duo from the same club.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 21, 2023
Spurs lost both of their starting centre-backs at the start of November, and subsequently went on to lose four of their next five Premier League games. That barren run ended when they thrashed Newcastle 4-1 earlier this month, and Postecoglou's side look in far better stead now.
Romero's return has arguably been key to that, but the Argentine is often walking a tightrope when it comes to suspension. Postecoglou has publicly stated that Spurs need centre-back cover to avoid another disaster, especially if they're to qualify for the Champions League or compete for potential silverware this term, with the north Londoners approaching 16 years without a major trophy.
Micky van de Ven limps off injured for Spurs.
"Once we lost Micky [van de Ven], and Eric Dier's had some issues as well, we don't have another centre-back," said Postecoglou on Spurs signing a defender (via Sky Sports).
"Young Ash Phillips had just joined the club, so it's fair to say that we can't run the risk of that happening again, so that's obviously a priority for us in January. But again, we've got to get the right person. It's not just about bringing another body in, it's about getting the right one in and hopefully that'll happen."
Spurs chasing Todibo deal
Tottenham have been making moves behind the scenes in their attempts to bring in another option. One of their top targets, according to recent reports, is Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Nice 2-0 Strasbourg
8.08
Nice 2-0 Rennes
7.62
FC Metz 0-1 Rennes
7.50
Nice 1-0 Marseille
7.45
Nice 0-0 Lyon
7.33
Spurs are in talks to sign Todibo ahead of January, as per numerous media sources, with Standard Sport being one of them.
TEAMtalk has backed these claims, and revealed an interesting update on the 23-year-old's prospective move to north London.
Todibo could push to join Tottenham
The France international, according to their information, could push to join Spurs in the winter window due to one key trait Spurs boss Postecoglou has.
Indeed, Todibo is really keen on joining Tottenham, partly because Postecoglou has "such an obvious way of trying to achieve success". It's believed both a team ethic and club vision will be crucial when it comes to Todibo choosing his next club, with Spurs firmly standing out.
The Lilywhites may also invest towards the £40 million mark in an attempt to sign one of Ligue 1's most in-form centre-backs.
England will be looking to fine tune for the World Cup while West Indies could field two debutants as they seek a winning formula in ODIs
The Preview by Alan Gardner19-Feb-2019Big pictureRarely does a five-match ODI series become the focal point of any modern tour but, 100 days out from the World Cup, this is arguably the main event for both West Indies and England. While the tourists, so lacklustre during their Test defeat, will step out after a quick change of clothing as the No. 1-ranked ODI side, ready to hone their plans in the run-in to a tournament for which they are warm favourites, West Indies must attempt to channel the mood of optimism currently suffusing Caribbean cricket into an upturn in form in their weakest format.Jason Holder’s contribution to victories in the first two Tests against England (before he was suspended over his team’s slow over rate) further enhanced his reputation as an impressive young leader – but while the Test side has steadily come together over the last two years, results have been harder to come by in ODIs. Holder was appointed captain before the last World Cup, aged just 23, and has still to oversee a bilateral series win after 11 attempts.There were sparks of encouragement in India before Christmas, when West Indies won one game and tied another (which they probably should have won) while the series was still alive, as Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer shone with the bat; but they went on to lose in Bangladesh, with Holder absent through injury, and are set to rejig their side again just three months out from the World Cup.The likes of Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kieran Powell and Roston Chase have been dispensed with, while Andre Russell and Evin Lewis remain unavailable despite both playing in the BPL final 11 days ago. Chris Gayle is a welcome returnee, and is bound to bring some “Universe Boss” charisma to proceedings in what is set to be his final home series before retirement, while John Campbell could make a debut after impressing in the Tests. But little about the team is settled.England’s players, by contrast, know their roles backwards and you can pretty much pencil in their 15-man World Cup squad already – though the tantalising prospect of Jofra Archer becoming eligible next month adds a little spice. Is Mark Wood capable of replicating his 90-plus mph burst with the red ball in St Lucia? Can Liam Plunkett still harvest regular middle-overs wickets with his back-of-a-length hostility? How fit is Chris Woakes (and David Willey)? These are some of the questions likely to preoccupy Eoin Morgan over the next two weeks – though, as the Tests demonstrated, it would pay not to be complacent.Chris Gayle is back in the fold for West Indies•Getty ImagesForm guideWest Indies: LWLLL (Last five completed matches, most recent first) England: LWWWIn the spotlightThe spotlight is where Chris Gayle loves to be, and the announcement that he is to call it a (one-)day after the World Cup will ensure that he casts a long shadow in a squad light on experience. Gayle has only played 15 ODIs since the last World Cup, passing 50 three times, while his returns on the global T20 circuit have slipped from unparalleled greatness to merely very good. But just one sweetly struck six into the Kensington Oval crowd could be enough to light some farewell fireworks.Talking of explosive openers, England have a couple in Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy. While Bairstow’s role in the Test side has been subject of much discussion – from batting and keeping at No. 5, to specialist No. 3 back down to No. 7 and reclaiming the gloves – he has appeared at ease with his belligerent brief in one-day cricket. Roy, meanwhile, could look to push his Ashes credentials via white-ball success. With Alex Hales hovering, neither will want to experience a dip in form.Team newsCampbell looks set to win his maiden ODI cap just a few weeks after coming into the Test team, while Nicholas Pooran, a member of the T20I side, is also in line for a potential debut. Kemar Roach may be rested, following his Test exploits, while Carlos Brathwaite has only just flown in from the Pakistan Super League.West Indies: (probable) 1 Chris Gayle, 2 John Campbell, 3 Shai Hope (wk), 4 Darren Bravo, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Nicholas Pooran, 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Fabian Allen/Devendra Bishoo, 9 Ashley Nurse, 10 Sheldon Cottrell, 11 Oshane ThomasEngland rested Jos Buttler for their warm-up match on Sunday but he is set to slot back in ahead of Hales. Woakes got through seven overs against the UWI Vice-Chancellor’s XI, having struggled for fitness during the Test leg of the tour, while Wood was preferred as his new-ball partner, which could mean Willey and Tom Curran are the bowlers to miss out.England: (probable) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Liam Plunkett, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Mark WoodPitch and conditionsThere has only been one 300-plus total at the Kensington Oval in the last 10 years – made by England in 2017 – but the pitch is expected to be a good one. The forecast is for a warm, humid day with some cloud cover but minimal chance of rain.Stats and Trivia England have won their last nine ODIs against West Indies, including a 186-run thrashing in Barbados two years ago. West Indies’ last bilateral series win in ODIs came against Bangladesh in 2014. Joe Root needs 54 runs to become the fourth Englishman to reach 5000 in ODIs.Quotes”We have got to be clear on our bowling – England pack a heavy punch in their batting, they bat deep, and are top-ranked for a reason. We have to be precise. The way ODI cricket has gone, 300-320 is par these days.” “We got beaten by Scotland last year and they are ranked lower than West Indies. Any side can be a threat on the day. West Indies are very strong at the moment and we’re not taking them lightly.” England captain Eoin Morgan says they won’t underestimate the opposition
This is the joint-worst streak of losses in IPL history; Capitals meanwhile record their third win in six games
The Report by Peter Della Penna07-Apr-2019Royal Challengers Bangalore slumped to their sixth straight loss in IPL 2019. They first struggled to 149, and then saw Shreyas Iyer wallop 67 after a costly let-off on a two-paced pitch. This knock helped Delhi Capitals overcome a late wobble to secure a four-wicket win. It was their third win in six games this season.Virat Kohli managed to face just 33 balls for his 41 despite staying at the crease until the 18th over, before falling to Kagiso Rabada to start a triple-wicket over. This ensured Royal Challengers didn’t get a finishing kick.Tim Southee struck three balls into the chase to give Royal Challengers a spark with the ball. They should have had Iyer off the last ball of his first, but for a costly fumble by Parthiv Patel, who reacted late. Prithvi Shaw took the attack to him in the next over by hitting him for four successive fours and Iyer went on to hit his first half-century of the season to take Capitals to within striking distance. They lost two more wickets to induce some nerves, but Axar Patel finished off the chase by hitting a boundary with seven balls to spare.Ice Kohl’d Kohli was nearly out to the first ball he faced when Chris Morris got one to rise off a length. The thick edge flew wide of Shikhar Dhawan at slip, but he couldn’t capitalise on the let off and was pinned off strike for much of the next 90 minutes as batsmen came and went. He faced just 33 of 103 RCB’s deliveries during his time at the crease.Parthiv slashed Morris to third man, where Sandeep Lamichhane took a sharp catch running forward to end the second over. AB de Villiers then became Rabada’s first victim of the day on the last ball of the Powerplay. He miscued a slower delivery to Colin Ingram, who pouched a catch running back from mid-on.Marcus Stoinis, promoted to No. 4, tried to flat bat Axar Patel over long-on but couldn’t clear Rahul Tewatia in the 11th. Moeen Ali showed a bit of intent against Lamichhane, charging him for one of three sixes in his 32 off 18 but was then stumped failing to read a googly.Kohli’s strike rate remained under 100 at the start of Lamichhane’s final over in the 17th as he struggled to generate any rhythm from the lack of strike. He swatted Lamichhane twice over the leg side for six, but was out soon after to Rabada as Royal Challengers tumbled.Rabada on a roll De Villiers wasn’t his only scalp. Rabada, who was later named Player of the Match, returned to start a devastating 18th over. Kohli skied a drive to Iyer at long-on. Two balls later, he had Akshdeep Nath caught behind after he tried to steer a length ball past the wicketkeeper. Only a ball earlier, he managed to dab it wide of the wicketkeeper for a boundary. The over ended with Pawan Negi failing in an attempt to ramp a short ball over Rishabh Pant. This left Royal Challengers on 138 for 7.Rabada couldn’t seal the deal on what would have been his maiden T20 five-for in the 20th over, but he still only managed to concede just seven runs to complete a sterling spell and ensure the first innings total was well under par.Aye aye Iyer Royal Challengers fluffed four chances in a wretched display against Rajasthan Royals. While the quantity of let-offs was far fewer here, the quality of the batsman they let off here didn’t help them. Iyer added 63 after being dropped on four as he got a thick edge to Parthiv.Iyer was squared up as he nicked but Parthiv was flat-footed behind the stumps. Despite covering the necessary ground diving right he shelled a one-handed chance.It was the only life Iyer needed as he went on to compile a 37-ball half-century, including 68 for the second wicket with Prithvi Shaw. By the 15th over, the target was under a run a ball and despite the trio of wickets that fell in a flurry sparked by Shreyas’ dismissal in the 18th, Capitals won convincingly.
Philippe Coutinho’s fall from grace continues, with a man once worth £140 million ($177m) now being linked with a £5m return to where it all began.
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Moved to Camp Nou in 2018Currently on loan in QatarMay return to roots in BrazilWHAT HAPPENED?
The former Brazil international was considered to be one of the most exciting talents on the planet when leaving Liverpool for Barcelona in a transfer deal that is still the third biggest of all-time. Things did not play out as planned at Camp Nou, leading to loan spells and an eventual return to England at Aston Villa.
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Coutinho has played just 24 minutes of Premier League football for them this season, and is currently on loan in Qatar at Al-Duhail. Another move is expected this summer, with the 31-year-old needing to find a spark from somewhere.
DID YOU KNOW?
There had been talk of a switch to the United States being taken in, with MLS outfit Inter Miami credited with interest at one stage – with any deal there set to reunite Coutinho with former Barca team-mates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR COUTINHO?
are, however, reporting that Coutinho could be offered an opportunity to head back to square one. Vasco da Gama – who nurtured the talented playmaker through their youth ranks – are said to be exploring a loan deal that would include a purchase obligation of between £4m ($5m) and £6m ($8m).
West Ham United have been enjoying a rather up-and-down campaign so far this season, with impressive wins over Manchester United and Arsenal as well as humbling defeats away to Liverpool and Fulham.
That said, there have been more positives than negatives this year, with David Moyes' men currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League and into the next round of the Europa League.
All this has been achieved without their former captain and club talisman, Declan Rice, who left in the summer for a record £105m, and while the players bought in to replace him have done well, the latest midfielder linked with the Irons could be the perfect partner for James Ward-Prowse and replicate Rice's time at the club – Morten Frendrup.
West Ham could make January move for "underrated" ace, Moyes is a real fan
The Hammers boss wants new additions.
ByEmilio Galantini Jan 4, 2024 West Ham United transfer news – Morten Frendrup
According to Italian outlet TuttoJuve, several Premier League teams are currently interested in Genoa's exciting young midfielder Frendrup, including West Ham.
The report also reveals that Crystal Palace are one of the interested parties and that the English teams could offer around €10m – about £9m – this transfer window.
The 22-year-old Danish midfielder has been plying his trade with Genoa since joining in January 2022. While he initially struggled for game time, he has since made himself undroppable, making 37 Serie B appearances last season and 18 in Serie A this year.
He has started the majority of games in either a central midfield or defensive midfield position, which, combined with his performances, has seen him dubbed a "midfield destroyer" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Morten Frendrup could be the perfect midfield partner for James Ward-Prowse
Ward-Prowse has started every one of West Ham's Premier League games this season, either as an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder and, with nine goal involvements to his name, he has been one of the best players in the league.
So, were the Hammers to invest in an up-and-coming midfield talent such as Frendrup, he would likely come in to compliment the former Southampton captain, something that his skillset seems perfectly set up to do.
The 22-year-old's biggest strengths lie in his defensive abilities, mopping up attacks just in front of his defence and allowing his teammates to get forward and attack the opposition, in a sense, precisely what Rice used to do at the London Stadium.
In fact, the "midfield machine", as described by Jacek Kulig, has been making and winning more tackles than the Englishman in league play this season. According to FBref, the young Dane has been making four tackles per 90 and winning 2.06, while the Arsenal man has been making 2.16 per 90 and winning just 1.24.
So he is more defensively active than the former Irons captain, but how do his underlying numbers stack up to the two men Moyes' often starts in the defensive midfield positions, Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek?
Well, rather surprisingly, the Tuse-born gem comes out on top in the majority of important metrics including tackles, tackles won, ball recoveries and even progressive passes and carries.
Stat per 90
Frendrup
Alvarez
Soucek
Tackles
4.00
2.68
1.24
Tackles Won
2.06
1.34
0.88
Tackles + Interceptions
5.22
3.96
2.41
Errors Leading to Goals
0.06
0.00
0.00
Progressive Passes
3.61
2.75
2.53
Progressive Carries
1.06
0.54
0.29
Ball Recoveries
6.67
5.84
4.53
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season
The one area in which the two West Ham men have him beat is in errors leading to goals this season, although that could be down to his younger age and relative inexperience.
Ultimately, buying younger players from outside the Premier League will always be a slight gamble, but this seems like a gamble worth taking, especially as Frendrup could keep his place in the team for a decade or more if things go well.
Glasgow Rangers return to competitive action this Saturday as their quest to win a 35th Scottish Cup title gets underway against Dumbarton.
This should be a relatively easy tie to negotiate, and perhaps Philippe Clement will give some fringe players or even an academy gem or two a run out against the League Two side.
What is clear heading into the second half of the season, however, is that the Gers need to add a few more bodies to their first-team squad if they are to fight on both domestic and European fronts over the coming months.
One main area which needs bolstering is at left-back, and the 49-year-old tactician is scouring the market to find someone who could come in and make a difference.
January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland
Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.
ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 Rangers’ search for a new left-back
The first choice in the left-back position, Borna Barisic, is out of contract come the end of the season and with reported interest from Dinamo Zagreb, he could be close to leaving the Ibrox side in the next few months.
Clement’s other option on the left side of defence, Ridvan Yilmaz, is also attracting attention, and he could move away from the Gers as early as this month if the right deal presents itself.
Borna Barisic
Indeed, the Light Blues have recently rejected a loan-to-buy deal from Galatasaray, according to Sky Sports (via Glasgow World), as the £3.4m fee is clearly lower than what Clement feels the youngster is worth.
There is still time for him to depart and the need for another option in this area has heightened significantly since the start of the transfer window.
One of the latest names to be linked with a move is Benfica defender David Jurasek, who, according to Football Scotland, is someone that Clement could potentially lure to the club on a loan deal until the end of the season.
A temporary deal could be an ideal way of bringing someone else in without having to spend a lavish sum on a transfer fee, and it could certainly be a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Rangers could sign dream Barisic replacement in 6 ft 1 "unit"
Rangers are currently searching for a new left-back this January
ByRoss Kilvington Jan 15, 2024
Yilmaz has struggled to settle properly at Rangers and aside from a few glimpses of his talent, moving him on might be the best option for the Belgian coach.
Ridvan Yilmaz's Rangers career in numbers
The Turkish defender cost the club a staggering £5m back in the summer of 2022 and with Giovanni van Bronckhorst looking at building the blocks of a successful, yet youthful team, the signing was seen as an exciting one.
Former sporting director Ross Wilson hailed the youngster, saying: "He's a talented young player who has been coveted throughout Europe following outstanding performances for Besiktas. We also know how highly regarded he is in the Turkish National Team. This is another exciting young player to join our squad, and we are delighted to bring Ridvan to Rangers."
Ridvan Yilmaz for Rangers.
Yilmaz missed 29 games in his maiden season in Scotland due to injury, playing just 15 times in all competitions in what was an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign for the club.
Following a solid pre-season, much was expected of the defender, yet Michael Beale left him out of his Europa League squad and during the first half of the season, the 22-year-old started only ten matches.
He did score his first goal for the club against Livingston with a storming solo effort, but these glimpses of his ability clearly haven’t been enough to convince Clement that he is the long-term option at left-back.
With a transfer away from Glasgow looking increasingly likely, could Jurasek make Clement forget all about Yilmaz should he join this month?
How David Jurasek compares to Yilmaz
The Czech Republic international has endured a similar sort of season to Yilmaz, playing only 12 matches across all competitions for Benfica, as he has failed to secure a consistent run of matches.
Despite this, he does currently rank in the top ten among the squad for key passes per game (1.2) and for successful dribbles per game (0.7) in the Portuguese top flight, giving supporters flashes of his attacking ability.
With Benfica reaching an agreement to sign Alvaro Fernandez from Manchester United, this could force Jurasek out of the club and the Gers could be ready to make an offer.
Although fairly low-key this season, the 23-year-old shone for Slavia Prague during the 2022/23 campaign and if he could replicate these performances upon joining Rangers, they would have a solid option to depend on.
Jurasek played a total of 45 games for the Czech side last term, scoring twice and chipping in with 12 assists, and these 14 goal contributions would have ranked him seventh for the Scottish club in 2022/23, demonstrating just how impressive an attacking outlet he can be when on form.
Indeed, for his club side, the defender ranked third for key passes per game in the Czech top flight (1.1) along with ranking sixth for successful dribbles per game (0.5) and fifth for tackles per game (1.5), indicating that he contributed at both ends of the pitch.
The defender was praised for his impressive season in his homeland by Kai Watson, who said when analysing the player for the Rangers Review:
“He’s a modern-day forward thinking full-back that also has a few tricks in his locker. He’s willing to take on and commit defenders while driving forward. He’s definitely a more direct and attacking full back than Borna Barisic and looks more solid on the defensive end.”
High praise indeed, and it looks as though if he can put his spell in Portugal behind him and remain focussed, the Gers could see a player who will possess an attacking threat at one end of the pitch while being reliable at stopping attacks at the other end.
Accurate passes per game
25.2
19.2
Big chances created
3
1
Key passes per game
1.1
1.2
Tackles made per game
1.4
1.5
Total duels won per game
3.6
2.8
It is evident that this is an area which urgently needs bolstering sooner rather than later, even if a loan move for someone like Jurasek is sorted this month.
When the summer transfer window rolls around, Clement will have more time to assess the situation, but at this present moment in time, he should be bringing in the current Benfica defender, even if it is just for a few months.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has highlighted why 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is still crucial to his side ahead of Euro 2024.
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Ronaldo named in Portugal squad for Euro 2024Martinez highlights forward's form for Al-NassrVeteran is top scorer in Saudi Pro LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?
Ronaldo has been named in Martinez's Portugal squad for Euro 2024, with the 39-year-old set to feature in his 11th major international tournament. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has made 206 appearances for Portugal and scored 128 goals and will hope to add to his tally in Germany. Martinez made it clear that Ronaldo deserves his place in the squad despite his advancing years due to the form he's shown in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
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Ronaldo will be gunning for another title with Portugal after helping the national team win Euro 2016 and the inaugural Nations League in 2019. The veteran is one of seven forwards in the squad as Martinez has also selected Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao.
WHAT MARTINEZ SAID
He told reporters: "As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I think it's better to talk about statistics. A player who scores 42 goals in 41 games for his club shows continuity, a physical ability to always be fit and quality in front of goal that we really like and need.
"We don't make choices based on where the players play. We want to create the best team and call the 26 players who make up the best team. We monitor the players' individual performance and role that they have in the locker room. There are players who have secondary roles in important locker rooms and others who have important roles in less strong locker rooms. Since March 2023 until now, we have a lot of information."
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Martinez's side will warm up for the tournament with friendlies against Finland, Croatia and Ireland in June. Portugal then go on to face Czechia, Turkey and Georgia in the group stages of Euro 2024.
New Zealand’s players have had limited success at this year’s IPL but the coach is confident they will be up to speed for the challenge ahead
Andrew McGlashan11-May-2019The first priority for New Zealand coach Gary Stead ahead of the World Cup is that his players returning from the IPL spend some quality time with their families before embarking on the trip to the UK, as they attempt to win the title for the first time after the near miss in 2015.Only five of New Zealand’s World Cup 15 were in Brisbane for the unofficial three-match series against Australia over the last week, which the home side took 2-1 with a DLS victory in the decider. However, the shadow New Zealand side fared very well, almost conjuring a victory in the opening match, which Australia squeaked by one wicket, then chasing 278 comfortably in the second. Will Young was the standout performer of the trip.The nine IPL-based players are currently making their way home as their tournaments end (Ross Taylor, playing for Middlesex, will meet the squad in England) and they have been given a few days of downtime before the party departs Auckland later in the week. Stead believes this is a very important few days before the intensity and scrutiny of a World Cup, but is also eager to try and keep everything as normal as possible during the tournament.ALSO READ: Things we learned from Brisbane”Between now and then some of our players need four or five days at home just to freshen up and see their families, feeling good about their wellbeing,” Stead said. “Going to the IPL for seven or eight weeks can be tough work so reconnection with some of the families is the first thing I want to see. Then when we get over it’s as intense as we want to make it.”There’s no doubt the World Cup is a massive carrot but I’m sure every team goes in with the same goals so there’s no point overplaying it. In my view, all we can do is prepare as consistently as we can against every team then just play well. If you get too worried about end results you can make mistakes. We try at all times not to get too wrapped up in the result.”New Zealand coaches have become used to dealing with the clash of the IPL with demands for tournament or series preparation, with the long-standing agreement their players can make the most of the opportunity in India if selected. Stead remains relaxed about the situation although he did acknowledge that there has been a lack of game time. The most matches played by a New Zealander has been Kane Williamson’s nine, with Martin Guptill and Tim Southee getting just three outings and Ish Sodhi two.”It’s disappointing some haven’t played a little more cricket but that’s out of my control and it’s out of their control at times as well,” he said. “They are professionals and have played a lot of international cricket, they know how to get themselves up. It won’t take them long.”I have 100% trust in the players over there and the coaching staff. We’ve looked at programs for each of our players, so I don’t have a problem with that at all. I don’t complain about that, I just know that’s the case and we move on.”ALSO READ: Shoulder surgery likely to rule Will Young out for rest of the yearIn terms of the time in Brisbane, Stead marked it down as a “fantastic experience” for those trying to push their claims for higher honours. Young, who now faces an extended period on sidelines due to shoulder surgery, put his name up in lights with 301 runs in three innings including back-to-back centuries.”There are some up-and-coming youngsters in the group who will really grow from this experience and understand more what international cricket is about,” he said. “That’s part of what we’ve really got out of the week, the ability for us to test and see players, in some cases who are around the A team, for them to get some experience against guys like this will be invaluable. If you talk about Will Young, I thought his composure against Starc and the like was outstanding. He showed the ability to play off both feet to pace and spin.”Henry Nicholls, one of the five players in the World Cup squad on trip, sat out the last two matches after picking up a minor hamstring injury in the opening outing. Stead confirmed the move was largely precautionary and the recovery time was expected to be around five days with no concern about him heading into the tournament.When New Zealand arrive in the UK they have warm-up matches against India and West Indies before their first pool match against Sri Lanka on June 1 in Cardiff.
Arsenal fans vocally urged the club to give Vivianne Miedema a new contract as she gave a farewell speech after the Women's Super League's climax.
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Miedema announced departure this weekContract expires this summerScored 126 goals for the clubWHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal wrapped up their WSL season with a 5-0 win over Brighton on Saturday, as they confirmed a third-place finish. Miedema's departure was announced earlier this week, after a season in which she suffered an ACL injury and spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch.
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The 27-year-old is the all-time top scorer in the history of the WSL but she has been limited to just 13 appearances due to her injury troubles this season. Nevertheless, Gunners fans were vocal in their hope that Miedema stays, as they chanted for her to be given a new contract as she gave a farewell speech.
DID YOU KNOW?
Miedema, who has won 118 caps for the Netherlands, won the WSL with Arsenal in 2018-19, and has also won the FA WSL Cup three times during her time in north London. She is unlikely to be short of suitors if she is allowed to leave.
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GettyWHAT NEXT?
Miedema's future will be central to Arsenal's summer. It remains to be seen if the club will listen to the fans or allow their hugely popular striker to leave.