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Manchester United are considering a move for Fiorentina's Moise Kean after the striker's resurgence in Serie A.

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United consider move for KeanStriker under attention from Saudi clubsKean could return to Premier League where he struggledFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kean has found a new lease of life in Florence, scoring 19 goals and registering three assists in 32 Serie A games last season, and, according to , is on United's radar. The Red Devils are desperately searching for a new striker and rebuffs from Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres have forced their attentions to the Italian forward. Ruben Amorim has been unable to find his ideal number nine from within the squad, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to impress, and could look to trigger Kean's release clause of €52 million (£44.5m) available from 1 to 15 July.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

United may have to move quickly to secure the services of Kean who is also the target of Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. It is unclear whether the Italian striker would be open to a move to the Middle East, but could be tempted by a huge contract offer. Kean is also determined to keep his place in the national team ahead of the World Cup next summer and a move to United over Al-Qadsiah could keep him in hotter contention.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kean has already played in the Premier League with Everton, but it did not go exactly how he would have wished. Signed as a brightly-tipped youngster, Kean struggled to adapt to life in England and was criticised for his attitude. His plight in England epitomised by the time he was taken off by Duncan Ferguson in the 88th minute after only being brought on as a substitute in the 70th minute against United at Old Trafford as a 19-year-old.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR KEAN?

There is no guarantee that Kean chooses to leave Italy this summer, particularly to Manchester United. The striker is enjoying life at Fiorentina and helped the club achieve Europa Conference League qualification by finishing sixth. It is unclear whether he would consider following the likes of former Serie A stars Hojlund and Zirkzee to Old Trafford and may choose to remain in Italy.

Perhaps with replacing Mohamed Salah in mind, Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on signing the Egyptian’s greatest rival to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or this summer.

Liverpool eye new forwards as Diaz, Jota and Nunez disappoint

Arne Slot’s debut campaign has gone so well at Anfield that the natural expectancy was that they would, one way or another, find a way past Paris Saint-Germain. For the first time in the Dutchman’s Liverpool career, however, his side’s weaknesses were laid bare up against a PSG side who are simply more complete under Luis Enrique these days.

Not just Nunez: Liverpool star who lost the ball every 3 mins let Slot down

Liverpool exit the Champions League in the last 16 after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 12, 2025

It was fairly fitting that arguably Europe’s best two sides needed penalties to decide what was a two-legged tie filled to the brim with world class quality and in many ways it summed up Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool career that he was the one who blinked first.

Between Diogo Jota’s frantic yet ineffective performance, Luis Diaz’s mixed display and Nunez’s own frustrating cameo, it became clearer than ever that the Reds need an attacking boost this summer, especially if Salah departs as a free agent.

If that is to be the case – and a disastrous one at that – then those at Anfield must pursue the signature of the Egyptian’s Ballon d’Or rival this summer, having already reportedly set their sights on his potential arrival.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Raphinha from Barcelona in a move that would instantly ease their Salah blow and revive their frontline.

Unlike this time last year, however, Barcelona are unlikely to part ways with Brazilian at the first chance they get. In fact, they’re likely to deny any offer at all for the winger’s signature, given how he has exploded into life to become one of Europe’s most lethal players in the current campaign – scoring 27 goals in all competitions.

"Special" Raphinha one of few who could replace Salah

When Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes go searching for a player capable of guaranteeing 20-plus goals a season whilst also taking up the role of main creator, they will struggle to find an extensive list of players able to come close to the levels that Salah has consistently shown. However, if they turn that search towards Spain they may just find one of a select few stars beginning to show similar traits.

Goals

13

27

Assists

7

17

Expected Goals

14.4

22

Key Passes

74

68

Although the numbers show just how unbelievable Salah’s season has been, Raphinha has been no slouch either and remains the Liverpool star’s greatest Ballon d’Or rival – especially after advancing in the Champions League.

At 28 years old, the former Leeds United winger is finally at the absolute peak of his powers and earning deserved praise from Hansi Flick as a result. The Barcelona boss told reporters earlier this season: “He has good dynamics with the ball and he has had an extraordinary match.

“His offensive and defensive dynamics, and his good technique, are something special. I have never had a player like him and he helps us a lot.”

David Payne chimes in with two wickets as Gloucestershire beat Middlesex

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2023

David Payne chimed in with two wickets•Getty Images

Oliver Price produced a telling performance with both bat and ball to guide Gloucestershire to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Middlesex in an ultimately one-sided Vitality Blast contest at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium.The Oxford-born allrounder top-scored with 46 and shared in crucial partnerships of 60 with Miles Hammond and 52 with Zafar Gohar for the second and third wickets respectively as the home side chased down a target of 140 with 10 balls to spare to register their second win in three days.Middlesex have struggled to post big totals in the short format this season and this match was no exception, the visitors struggling to build meaningful partnerships and coming up short on 139 for 9 after being put into bat. Jack Davies hit a defiant unbeaten 46 and Max Holden contributed a valuable 34, but veteran left-arm seamer David Payne claimed 2 for 21 and off spinner Price 2 for 18 as Gloucestershire took wickets at regular intervals to keep a lid on things.Victorious in three of their last four outings, improving Gloucestershire kept alive their hopes of progressing to the knock-out stages, but Middlesex are already down and out, consigned to the foot of the South Group after losing their opening six games.Just as they did against Surrey on Friday night, Gloucestershire restricted their opponents to a below-par total and then managed the chase in a controlled fashion.Promoted to open the innings on the back of his record-breaking 19-ball 50 against Essex last week, Ben Charlesworth has yet to spark at the top of the order, and he was stumped off the bowling of Josh de Caires for 12 as Gloucestershire lost their first wicket with 24 on the board in the fourth over.Also pushed up the order, Hammond made a better fist of things, twice cover driving Blake Cullen to the boundary and then stepping down the track and hitting Thilan Walallawita straight down the ground as the home side advanced their score to 43 for 1 while the fielding restrictions were in place.Cautious beginnings gave way to adventure on the part of Price, the 21-year-old tucking into spinners de Caires and Walallawita to provide Gloucestershire with crucial momentum. The 21-year-old plundered a brace of fours off de Caires in the sixth over and then repeated the feat against Walallawita in the ninth, Gloucestershire reaching the halfway stage of their innings well-placed at 73 for 1.Requiring a further 67 runs at 6.70 an over with nine wickets in hand, Gloucestershire were well served by their second-wicket pair, who accumulated in a controlled fashion to lay the foundations for a successful chase. By the time Hammond squirted a catch to extra cover off the bowling of Luke Hollman, the partnership was worth 60, the Cheltenham-born left-hander having contributed 34 of those from 38 balls with four fours, and the rate remained at just over a run a ball.Within four runs of a maiden T20 50, Price attempted to reach that landmark and win the game with a single blow in the 18th over, only to over-balance and fall to a sharp stumping by Davies. Left to finish things off, Zafar remained unbeaten on 37 from 22 balls, with a six and three fours, while skipper Jack Taylor hit the winning run.Gloucestershire performed at the top of their game to reduce Surrey to 29 for 4 in the powerplay at Bristol 48 hours earlier, but were unable to emulate that feat on this occasion. They began well enough, Payne having Stephen Eskinazi caught at the wicket in the act of driving recklessly and Joe Cracknell hoisting Danny Lamb to square leg as Middlesex lurched to 20-2 in the third over.But the home side then blotted their copybook when Holden, still to get off the mark, was put down at point by Matt Taylor off the bowling of Zafar with the score on 26. He and Pieter Malan advanced the score to a respectable 45 for 2 at the end of the powerplay as the visitors sought to make the most of their good fortune.But Gloucestershire continued to press hard and Price had Malan caught at long-on for a 19-ball 21 and Zafar bowled former team-mate Ryan Higgins for one as Middlesex, struggling to contend with spin from both ends, were reduced to 52-4 in the eighth over.Fortunate to still be at large and determined to make good his escape, Holden led a Middlesex fightback of sorts, partially rebuilding the innings with a restorative fifth-wicket stand of 24 with de Caires. Gloucestershire were already regretting dropping the left-hander when he hoisted Matt Taylor for the first six of the match, and he went on to add a quartet of fours in a progressive innings that yielded 34 from 22 balls.Veteran slow left armer Tom Smith eventually put paid to Holden’s antics, luring him into a trap that saw him hit straight to Price at deep mid-wicket as Middlesex slipped to 76 for 5 in the eleventh.A good deal of responsibility resting on their shoulders, de Caires and Davies ran hard between the wickets and scored at slightly better than a run-a-ball in adding 29 for the sixth wicket. But Gloucestershire stuck to their task and de Caires, having made 18 from 20 balls, hoisted Price to substitute fielder Zaman Akhter at long-on and perished going for the big hit with the score on 105, while Luke Hollman was run out for one by Smith’s throw from deep backward square as Middlesex slumped to 114 for 7 in the sixteenth.Worse followed for the visitors, Tom Helm falling cheaply to the returning Payne, who applied concerted pressure at the death, keeping things tight to further frustrate Middlesex.In danger of running out of partners and forced to take matters into his own hands, Davies batted with real purpose to finish just four runs short of a half century, his 33-ball innings containing 3 fours and a six. Blake Cullen stayed with him long enough to stage a ninth-wicket alliance of 22 in 20 balls, but there was no escaping the strong suspicion that the Londoners had fallen short.

Mumbai coach Boucher says England seamer has “picked up a little niggle”

Nagraj Gollapudi and Matt Roller08-Apr-20232:45

Tait worried for Archer after more elbow trouble

Jofra Archer was absent from Mumbai Indians’ line-up for their seven-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday evening. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Archer experienced discomfort in his right elbow immediately after his first game of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 2.Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai captain, when asked by Ravi Shastri at the toss about injuries replied, “one injury.” He then quickly corrected himself to say, “not an injury actually, more of a precaution” before confirming that Archer was sitting out.It is understood that Archer has not bowled since that match although he did turn up for one of Mumbai’s training sessions this week. He travelled to the Wankhede with the rest of the squad but warmed up away from his team-mates, undergoing short running and throwing drills.”He’s picked up a little niggle,” Mark Boucher, Mumbai’s head coach, said after the match. “We’ve got a fantastic medical team that are looking after him. He’s obviously a massive player for us, so hopefully they can pass him fit sometime soon.”We will always look after the player, so if he’s not ready to put his hand up to play then we’ll look after him as well, but we’re following medical advice from our team at the moment. Hopefully he’s up for selection pretty soon.”Related

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Mumbai bought Archer for INR 8 crore (£800,000 approx) last year, even though they knew he wouldn’t be able to play IPL 2022. Saturday’s game was his debut for the franchise, having previously represented Rajasthan Royals. He went wicketless, giving away 33 runs in his four-overs spell as Royal Challengers cruised to victory.Having broken onto the scene as a generational talent, Archer suffered a major injury setback in 2021 when he began to have trouble with the same right elbow that is causing concern now. The England fast bowler had to undergo two operations for it, and missed nearly two years of international cricket after suffering a lower-back stress fracture during his rehabilitation.He had only just returned to cricket in January this year, playing for another Mumbai franchise – MI Cape Town – in the SA20. In total, Archer has played 10 T20s and four ODIs since his comeback. The 28 year-old has been careful about doing too much too soon and is already seeing the possibility of playing anything more than one Ashes Test – the five-match series begins on June 16 – as a bonus.Super Kings without Stokes and MoeenBen Stokes, Archer’s England captain, was also ruled out of Saturday night’s fixture. Stokes said earlier this week that he had bowled “pain-free” during Super Kings’ victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Monday night, but reports emerged on Friday night that he had a sore heel after training. Stokes has been clear that he wants to be fit and ready for the new English summer, which begins with a Test against Ireland on June 1 and leads into the Ashes.Archer, Stokes travelled to the Wankede on Saturday night but took minimal part in the team’s warm-ups. The franchise clarified on Sunday afternoon that Stokes was “nursing a minor toe injury” which he had sustained in training.A third England player, Moeen Ali, was also ruled out of the game due to illness. Moeen played in both of Super Kings’ first two matches of the 2023 season and addressed a press conference on Friday evening, but Dhoni said he was “not well” at the toss.Deepak Chahar was added to this list when the game began, the fast bowler only able to complete one over before leaving the field with his left hamstring causing problems. He’s already had a difficult time with injuries to his back and quadricep in 2022.

The USMNT defender shared his frustrations about missing international duty and outlined his perspective on what the team needs to improve

• Dest maintains regular communication with USMNT coaches
• Emphasizes need for complete commitment from squad
• Identifies work rate and creative spark as key areas for improvement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  After being sidelined for nearly a year with an ACL injury, Sergino Dest finally made his comeback for club and country earlier in 2025, and it has many excited for the 24-year-old’s future. However, that spell out has seen Dest miss out on a lot of chances to impress. But Dest acknowledged that while he stays in regular contact with Mauricio Pochettino's coaching staff.

  “I’ve had conversations with the assistant coach, and they’re watching me, we keep in contact, but yeah, it’s different,” Dest told when asked if he’s in touch with the USMNT coaches. “It’s different to meet them all in person, be at the camp, be with the players again, and I miss the players again because the last time was March 2024."

  He added, "And it’s been way too long, and we have a World Cup coming up, and I want to spend as much time with the players to be in the best shape with the team to be ready for the World Cup."

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• WHAT SERGINO DEST SAID

  Dest also touched upon what he believes the USMNT lacks and what they need to do before the 2026 World Cup.

  “I feel like we have some work to do as well. I don’t know, I'm willing to work 100 percent with the whole team cause that is our spirit, and I think you know if we’re our best version, if everybody gives 100 percent and maybe some creativity,” Dest added when asked what he thinks the USMNT lack.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The USMNT has struggled to find consistency under new coach Pochettino since his appointment in the Fall of 2024. Injury absences to key players like Dest, Tyler Adams, and others have complicated the transition, with the team showing concerning deficiencies in creativity and attacking threat. Dest's identification of work rate and creativity as areas needing improvement aligns with Pochettino's recent assessments as well.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT’S NEXT?

  The USMNT will come together at the end of the 2024-25 season for the 2025 Gold Cup, with Dest likely to be a part of the squad for the tournament. That will be the last section of competitive action that the team will have prior to the 2026 World Cup, beyond regularly scheduled friendly games.

Journalist Miguel Delaney reports that Everton have tabled a £15m bid for an “unbelievable” player on deadline day, also revealing the response.

Everton transfer news

An air of positivity has returned to Goodison Park, with David Moyes doing a great job since returning to the club, picking up a superb 4-0 win at home to Leicester City in the Premier League last Saturday.

Everton have been linked with some late moves in the January transfer window, in order to give them added depth, not least in attacking areas. Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has struggled for playing time this season, due to the imperious form of Chris Wood, and the Merseysiders have reportedly been attempting to bring him to the club.

Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah has also been backed to seal a move to the Blues before deadline day, but time is now running out to get a deal over the line for the exciting 21-year-old.

Defenders have been mentioned as potential options for Everton, too, including Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert, with a loan move until the end of the season mooted. The 23-year-old has scored one goal in Ligue 1 this season, also averaging 1.6 tackles per game.

Everton bid £15m for "unbelievable" player

According to The Independent‘s Delaney on X, Everton have seen a £15m bid for Tom Fellows rejected by West Brom on deadline day, and there is now “likely to be competition from Brentford and Southampton” in the summer transfer window.

To miss out on the 21-year-old is an obvious blow for the Blues, considering he has been lauded by Baggies teammate Karlan Grant this season: “He’s an unbelievable young player. As soon as he does that step-over, I know the ball’s going to be arriving at the back stick and there’s going to be chances.

“I wasn’t here last year, when he played a lot. But he’s very grounded. And I’m learning quickly what to expect from him. If the defender wants to show him inside he’s going to take the opportunity. But he has that sharpness about him that no-one can read him.”

Fellows is enjoying an impressive campaign in a West Brom shirt, proving to be one of the creative hubs of his team, registering 10 assists in the Championship in 2024/25 to date.

Appearances

30

Starts

26

Minutes played

2067

Goals

2

Assists

10

Key passes per game

1.3

Shots per game

1.1

Dribbles per game

1.1

Understandably, the Baggies are clearly hesitant to lose such an important player midway through the season and without time to find a replacement, as they look to secure promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.

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A summer bid for Fellows now feels like the next-best option for the Blues, at which point West Brom may consider the idea of accepting an offer for one of their most prized assets.

Fulham are now keeping tabs on an “outstanding” £34m striker who has previously scored two goals at Craven Cottage, according to a report.

Raul Jimenez's future in doubt

Jimenez has been in resurgent form this season, with nine goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League, but there is still doubt surrounding the Mexican’s future, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old is still waiting to hear whether Marco Silva wants to extend his deal beyond the summer, having shown signs he is back at the level he was at before suffering a skull fracture in 2020.

The Cottagers are seemingly yet to make a decision on whether to keep hold of the striker, with Silva perhaps keen to make sure he continues to perform at his current level, and there are now signs the manager could also look to bring in a new option in the summer.

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The 28-year-old is viewed as a key target for the summer, and the first steps have been taken to get a deal done.

Posts ByDominic Lund Feb 19, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Fulham are one of a number of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on AS Roma forward Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at AC Milan.

West Ham United, Everton, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also hold an interest in Abraham, alongside Championship promotion-hopefuls Leeds United, so there may be a real battle for his signature by the time summer comes around.

The AC Milan loanee is said to be keen on a return to the Premier League, as he is looking to impress Thomas Tuchel and get back into contention for the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Roma paid £34m to sign the ex-Chelsea man in 2021, and while it is currently unclear what sort of fee they would be looking to receive this summer, they would seemingly be willing to sanction his departure, given the decision to loan the 27-year-old to Milan.

"Outstanding" Abraham could be a quality signing

The Englishman has often been utilised as a substitute this season, but he has impressed in the cup competitions, scoring in Milan’s 3-2 Italian Super Cup triumph over rivals Inter, while also bagging three goals in two Italian Cup outings.

Henry Winter lauded the striker as “outstanding” during his time with Roma, and he has previously impressed in England, reaching the 15-goal mark in the Premier League with Chelsea in the 2019-20 campaign.

The London-born forward has a 100% win record in his previous matches against Fulham, and he scored two goals at Craven Cottage for Bristol City during the 2016-17 season.

If Jimenez continues to play at his current level between now and the end of the season, the veteran striker will definitely have earned a contract extension, but Abraham has proven himself in England previously, and could be a top signing for the Cottagers.

Aston Villa have now made contact over the signing of an “impressive” Bundesliga star who is enjoying a fantastic season, according to a report.

Villa could be set for a busy January

There has been a lot of activity at Villa Park in the first two weeks of the January transfer window, with Unai Emery looking to strengthen his squad heading into the second half of the season.

Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen recently became Emery’s first January signing, and the manager has now expressed his happiness about getting a deal done, saying: “We are excited how he can help us and these players. Hopefully we can get his best.”

In terms of outgoings, Jaden Philogene has now completed a permanent move to fellow Premier League side Ipswich Town for a fee of around £20m, which could provide the Villans with important funds to do more transfer business this month.

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The Villans are wasting little time…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 15, 2025

Foot Mercato has now provided an update on a player Villa are targeting, reporting they have asked for information about Mainz’s Anthony Caci, but there is set to be stiff competition for his signature. The former Strasbourg man’s passing ability has particularly caught the eye, and now a whole host of top clubs from across Europe are queuing up for his signature.

Caci is also attracting interest from the likes of Fulham, Valencia, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund, having been impressed by his performances this season, but Mainz are in a strong negotiating position, given that he is contracted until 2027.

However, if the Bundesliga side receive a big offer, they would be willing to consider a sale, indicating that a deal could be there to be done if Villa formalise their interest with an official bid.

Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Arsenal (a)

January 18th

West Ham United (h)

January 26th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

February 1st

Ipswich Town (h)

February 15th

Chelsea (h)

February 22nd

Caci could be a versatile option for Emery

The report details that the 27-year-old has predominantly played at right-back this season, and he has clearly put in some quality performances, having been nominated for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award back in November.

The Frenchman has amassed four assists in 17 league outings, while also filling in at centre-back, as he has done many times throughout his career, showcasing his versatility by also getting regular minutes at left-back and on the flanks.

Mainz'sAnthonyCaciin action with Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson

As such, the “impressive” Mainz star could be capable of pushing Matty Cash for a starting spot at right-back, but he would also be able to deputise in different positions, which could make him very useful, given that Villa set for a busy second half of the season.

The Villans are yet to make a formal offer for Caci, but it is promising news they have now made contact over a deal, positioning themselves to potentially make a move during the final two weeks of the January transfer window.

Zimbabwe couldn’t quite make it a whitewash after Bangladesh trounced them by 105 runs in the third ODI in Harare. The visitors put on a better show with the ball as the home side were bowled out for 151 runs, after fifties from Anamul Haque and Afif Hossain powered Bangladesh to 256 for 9.It was Bangladesh’s lowest total in the series after making 303 and 290 in the last two matches, but Zimbabwe had no answer to Bangladesh’s all-round bowling efficiency on Wednesday. Mustafizur Rahman took four wickets after two each from Ebadot Hossain and Taijul Islam.The win was delayed by an entertaining 68-run tenth wicket stand between Nos. 10 and 11, Richard Ngarava and Victor Nyauchi, who scored 34 and 26, respectively – Zimbabwe were reeeling at 83 for 9. The pair struck nine fours and two sixes as they added Zimbabwe’s highest tenth-wicket stand in ODIs.The hosts had a wobbly start to the chase. Openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Tadiwanashe Marumani fell in the first two overs. Hasan Mahmud trapped Kaitano lbw while Marumani needlessly charged at and missed and was bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The openers’ total of 32 runs in the series is the lowest for any team which has won an ODI series. The previous lowest was the Indian openers making 37 runs against England during their 2017 series.Ebadot then put the mockers on the Zimbabwe line-up with a double-wicket over that included the prized scalp of Sikandar Raza. After removing Wessly Medhevere with one that bounced awkwardly, Ebadot yorked Raza for a first-ball duck.Taijul then took the next two wickets in quick succession too. He removed Innocent Kaia for 10 in the ninth over, before having Tony Munyonga stumped for 13. Mustafizur then had his three wickets in the space of five deliveries. Luke Jongwe holed out to sweeper cover before Clive Madande, on debut, skied one after making 24. Later in the same over, Brad Evans top-edged a slower ball to point.Zimbabwe were all out for 151 when Mustafizur bowled Nyauchi for his fourth wicket.Earlier, the visitors looked cramped with six batters in their line-up, particularly after a less than robust start from Tamim Iqbal. Tamim was on 19 when he was run out after a terrible mix-up with Anamul in the ninth over.Zimbabwe struck twice in the next over to further destabilise the visitors. Evans removed Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim for ducks; Shanto was caught at point while Mushfiqur’s uppercut was caught by Richard Ngarava, who was running in from deep third.Anamul, however, kept Bangladesh going with a 77-run fourth-wicket stand with Mahmudullah. Anamul struck six fours and four sixes in his 71-ball 76, his first six over extra cover came off Ngarava, shortly after Tamim’s dismissal. He hooked the same bowler in his next over, before hammering Evans for two more sixes over square leg. But Jongwe removed him with a fine delivery, giving wicketkeeper Clive Madande his first ODI catch.Zimbabwe missed a chance shortly afterwards when Innocent Kaia dropped Afif on two off his bowling. Afif and Mahmudullah went on to add 49 runs before Ngarava had Mahmudullah dragging onto his stumps in the 35th over. Mahmudullah made a slow 39 off 69 balls.After a brief partnership with Mehidy, Afif had only the tail for company in the last eight overs. He struck a few boundaries as he farmed the strike with wild swishes and falling wickets at the other end. He hit six fours and two sixes to stay unbeaten on 85 off 81 balls, helping Bangladesh to a total that proved enough.

After 5-1 thumping of London rivals Crystal Palace was clouded by Bukayo Saka’s injury, Mikel Arteta has revealed a second Arsenal blow ahead of their next game against Ipswich Town.

Arsenal injury news

Perhaps silencing a few doubters, Arsenal were in a free-scoring mood from the off against Palace with the revived Gabriel Jesus stealing the show for the second time in a week against Palace. Scoring twice, the Brazilian has suddenly burst into life at the perfect time for the Gunners and was joined by Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli on the scoresheet.

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ByMatt Dawson Dec 22, 2024

Arsenal’s day was far from perfect, however, with Saka limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury before he was then pictured leaving Selhurst Park on crutches in worrying scenes for Arteta in the middle of such a hectic schedule.

Speaking about the injury, Arteta told reporters as relayed by Fabrizio Romano: “We are pretty worried about Saka’s injury. He grabbed his hamstring and couldn’t continue. He will have to be assessed but we are pretty worried, yes.”

He’s not the only one that the Spaniard is concerned about, however. As confirmed by Arteta, Raheem Sterling has handed Arsenal another injury scare and could now miss the Ipswich game, meaning that they’ll also be without their potential replacement for Saka.

Arteta told reporters via Connor Humm: “We lost Raheem [Sterling] yesterday, we don’t know how long for as well.”

Already struggling in open play at times this season, Arsenal will have quite the battle on their hands if they’re forced to go ahead without Saka and without an ideal replacement in Sterling. That said, the latter’s injury almost sums up his struggle to make an impact since arriving on loan from Chelsea in the summer.

"Great" Sterling has struggled at Arsenal

Whilst a loan deal to sign the £163,000-a-week winger was relatively risk-free, some in North London may have believed that Sterling would have made his mark by now. The Gunners are crying out for a world-class left-winger, but it’s become clearer than ever that Sterling is no longer the player capable of providing that despite stealing the headlines for so many years in the Premier League.

With his best days arguably behind him, Sterling has started just two Premier League games with his only Arsenal goal coming in a 5-1 mauling of Bolton Wanderers. With Saka injured, an opportunity would have arguably been there for the former Manchester City star to prove any doubters wrong, only for Sterling to suffer an ill-timed blow of his own.

Among those who may have been expecting slightly more is Arteta. The Spaniard praised Sterling back in September, telling reporters as relayed by Arsenal Insider: “He looks great. First of all, because he’s got a big smile on his face, a lot of energy, he’s at it and wants to prove a point.

“When someone’s got that in his belly, you sense it straight away. Obviously I don’t need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team.”