أوضح كارلو أنشيلوتي مدرب ريال مدريد، موقفه من جلب تعاقدات للفريق خلال سوق الانتقالات الشتوي في يناير، مع تعدد الإصابات، وخاصة إصابة داني كارفاخال.

وأصيب كارفاخال بقطع في الرباط الصليبي، وخضع لجراحة ناجحة وسيغيب مدة طويلة عن النادي الملكي.

وتحدث أنشيلوتي خلال مؤتمر صحفي اليوم الجمعة، قبل مباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو المقرر خوضها غدًا السبت.

وقال أنشيلوتي: “نحن آسفون جدًا لكارفاخال، فهو لاعب مهم جدًا، في الأشهر القليلة المقبلة فقدناه كلاعب، ولكن ليس كقائد في غرفة خلع الملابس، لأنه سيكون هنا وسيعمل معنا، سوف نستفيد من قوته وتفكيره”.

وأضاف: “لقد عملنا بشكل جيد خلال هذه الاستراحة، انتهز العديد من اللاعبين الفرصة لتحسين حالتهم البدنية، لقد عاد اللاعبون الدوليون في أعلى مستوياتهم، لدينا مشاعر طيبة بشأن مباراة الغد ضد فريق جيد، أرى أن اللاعبين أكثر تحفيزًا”.

وعما إذا كان يفكر في التناوب غدًا، رد: “اللاعبون الذين وصلوا أخيرًا، رودريجو وفالفيردي، تدربا اليوم وسنقوم بتقييمهما غدًا، الآخرون بخير”.

اقرأ أيضًا | أنشيلوتي عن أزمة مبابي: لا أرد على تكهنات ولا أملك وكالة سفر للاعبين

وسُئل أنشيلوتي إذا كان من الضروري تعزيز الفريق في الشتاء، وأجاب: “لم أطلب تعزيزات من النادي، لأننا في العام الماضي تعاملنا بالفعل مع الإصابات التي تعرضنا لها بشكل جيد وسيحدث نفس الشيء هذا الموسم”.

وإذا كان ذلك يعني استبعاد التعاقدات في انتقالات يناير، أشار أنشيلوتي: “إذا كنا بحاجة إلى لاعب مناسب لريال مدريد، فلن نستبعد ذلك، لكن الأمر ليس بهذه البساطة، لدينا لاعبون شباب يمكنهم المساهمة، عودة ألابا الذي سيكون قريبًا مع الفريق… في الوقت الحالي لا نفكر في التعاقدات”.

وحول اللاعبين بمركز الظهير في فريق الشباب، ومن سيتواجد مع الفريق الأول، أوضح: “لورين، فورتيا، جاكوبو… نقوم بإجراء تقييم يومي لما يمكنهم المساهمة به لنا”.

وبشأن بدلاء كارفاخال ومن يمكنه اللعب كظهير بخلاف لوكاس فاسكيز، علّق: “ميليتاو”.

وتابع: “إحدى أفضل الصفات التي يتمتع بها لوكاس فاسكيز هي قوته البدنية، لن يواجه أي مشكلة في لعب جميع المباريات التي أعطيه إياها، إنه شيء لا نفكر فيه حتى، على الصعيد البدني فهو في أفضل حالاته، لدينا ثقة كاملة معه”.

وفيما يتعلق بجاهزية فينيسيوس جونيور والاستفادة من فترة التوقف الدولي، أستطرد: “لقد كان جيدًا جدًا بالنسبة له، لقد اغتنم الفرصة، مثل كيليان مبابي أو ميندي، للقيام بعمل شاق ومكثف وكذلك الحصول على أيام راحة أعتقد أنهم استمتعوا بها، مشاعري هي مشاعر شخصية، ثم سيكون القاضي هو الميدان غدًا”.

وعن رؤيته للفريق بشكل عام، أوضح: “الأحاسيس مختلفة تمامًا، أنا أكثر ثقة الآن مما كنت عليه قبل شهر، يمكننا تقديم نسخة أفضل مما كانت عليه في الآونة الأخيرة، هناك لحظة مهمة في الموسم قادمة، لدينا منافسون أقوياء للغاية في دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري وقد وصلنا بمشاعر جيدة”.

Glasgow Rangers continued their 100% record in 2024 after securing passage into the Scottish Cup quarter-finals following a 2-0 win over Ayr United at the weekend.

As the saying goes, there is no rest for the wicked and the Light Blues are back in action this evening against Ross County, with Ibrox being the venue.

The Gers have the chance to move level on points with Celtic at the top of the Premiership table with a win over the Staggies tonight, and this is clearly all the motivation the starting XI need to hear.

Philippe Clement has totally transformed the club since taking over last October and won one trophy already in the bag this term. Could he secure what would be a sensational treble in the coming months?

With the tie tonight being their fourth game in 11 days, the rotation of his squad will be vital in order for the club to continue their excellent run and Clement will surely make a few changes to his team.

Rangers team news vs Ross County

Clement spoke to the media prior to the clash against Ross County this evening and gave an update on a couple of squad members, most notably Leon Balogun and Ryan Jack.

“Leon trained with a mask,” said Clement following Balogun’s withdrawal against Livingston after suffering a facial injury.

“We still need to make some adjustments with the mask. That’s always normal, I have some experience with that getting some knocks. So yeah we will see tomorrow how he is, if he can be in the squad or not.

“Ryan Jack will not be in the squad because he is still in a kind of individual programme to rebuild him.”

While Balogun may miss out, Jack will certainly be absent from the squad this evening.

Ryan Jack’s season in numbers

The midfielder has entered into the final few months of his contract at the Ibrox side, and with his recurring injury problems, might he depart at the end of the season?

Once a regular in the starting XI, Jack has been utilised as more of a rotation option this term, making just 21 appearances throughout 2023/24, of which only 12 have been starts.

Among the squad this season, Jack ranks in a lowly 11th spot for accurate passes per game (26.7), while also ranking 24th for tackles per game (0.2) and 16th for key passes per game (0.6), which clearly shows that even when he has been given a chance in the starting XI, the 31-year-old has failed to produce the goods.

With Clement signing Mohamed Diomande during the January transfer window, plus being able to call upon Nico Raskin, John Lundstram and even Dujon Sterling, his central midfield area looks stacked.

This could suggest Jack won't be given an extended contract, yet he still has a big part to play between now and the end of the season, especially with the club in a title race.

Against County, however, the Belgian manager will have to replace Jack and this could mean Lundstram comes back into the starting XI having been rested against Ayr last weekend.

John Lundstram will play against Ross County

Since Clement arrived in Glasgow, Lundstram has been one of the first names on the team sheet and his performances have been wonderful.

In fact, the former Sheffield United midfielder has missed just one match since then, a 2-0 win over Motherwell on Christmas Eve due to injury, and he has looked back to his old self under the Belgian.

The Englishman has been a rock in the heart of the midfield and his performances have been key to the Ibrox side going on a wonderful run under the former Club Brugge manager, losing just once since he took charge.

A rest against Ayr would have done him the world of good, and he will be thrust back into the starting XI this evening as County are the visitors to Ibrox.

John Lundstram’s future is still unclear

Like Jack, the 29-year-old is also out of contract at the end of the current campaign, yet his displays will surely mean Clement offers him an extension sooner rather than later.

The £22k-per-week dynamo has made 136 appearances for the Gers since joining in the summer of 2021 and has worked his way to being a key figure in the starting XI.

John Lundstram's Premiership statistics since August 2022	2022/23	2023/24
Accurate passes per game	60.9	63.6
Tackles per game	1.4	1.7
Interceptions per game	0.9	1
Total dues won per game	3.6	4
Big chances created	0	4
Stats via Sofascore

The first few months of his Ibrox career were a struggle as he took a while to adapt to the physical nature of Scottish football, but he found his feet during the club’s stunning run to the 2022 Europa League final.

Garnering “cult hero” praise from Ibrox legend Ally McCoist ahead of the final against Eintracht Frankfurt, Lundstram had proven the doubters wrong.

A difficult 2022/23 campaign in which the Gers failed to win any trophies while suffering humiliation in the Champions League group stages once again saw Lundstram face his critics, but he has responded well under Clement.

Indeed, across the whole squad, the midfielder currently ranks third for big chances created (four) in the top flight, along with ranking third for accurate passes per game (63.6), second for accurate long balls per game (5.4) and third for tackles per game (1.7), clearly showcasing his strengths across a range of performance metrics this season.

With these statistics, it is a no-brainer for him to be included back in the starting XI. The question is, who will partner him against County?

Tom Lawrence could potentially come back into the heart of the midfield having missed the Ayr clash due to a precaution, while Clement also has the likes of Raskin, Sterling and Diomande to choose from.

This "thriving" Rangers wizard should be unleashed alongside Silva

The impressive attacking midfielder should return to the starting line-up tonight.

By
Dan Emery

Feb 14, 2024

It is not a bad selection headache to have, but the only important thing tonight is securing another three points and piling the pressure on Celtic ahead of the weekend.

Not many supporters felt there could be a title challenge when Michael Beale was sacked a few months ago, but it is testament to the wonderful job Clement has done since taking over at the Glasgow Side.

Lionel Messi cannot use injury as an excuse for his Panenka penalty miss, as the Argentina superstar “felt well” on his return to Copa America action.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Recovered from a muscle complaintPlayed 90 minutes against EcuadorClipped spot-kick against crossbarWHAT HAPPENED?

Having nursed his way back from a muscle problem, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was thrust straight back into the fold as the Albiceleste took in a quarter-final clash with Ecuador. Messi played the full 90 minutes of that contest, which ended up having to be settled in a shootout.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SCALONI SAID

Messi stepped up first, but clipped his effort onto the crossbar. Asked afterwards if the Inter Miami forward was still feeling the effects of an untimely injury, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said: “No. Leo had a good game, in the end, they also planned a game or system where when we had the ball, two defenders came to attack, so, this is a chess game. He has had seven days away, we didn't notice the inactivity mentioned in the question.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Scaloni added when delivering a fitness update on Messi, who has five days to prepare for the Copa America semi-finals: “He finished well, the last time we asked him with five or six minutes left in the game he said he felt well.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Messi was bailed out against Ecuador by Emiliano Martinez, with the enigmatic goalkeeper producing more penalty shootout heroics as he saved two spot-kicks. Argentina prevailed 4-2 as a result and are now waiting to discover whether they will face Canada or Venezuela in the last four.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is thought to be ready to give the green light for Manchester United to sign a highly-rated "complete" player this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

Man Utd transfer news

The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be an exciting one at Old Trafford, with Ratcliffe now overseeing football matters after acquiring a 25% stake in the club. The boyhood fan may well be eyeing plenty of business, in order to help the Red Devils to return to the top of the English game, and plenty of players have been linked with moves.

In one audacious transfer rumour that has emerged, United have even been backed to sign Bayern Munich and England superstar Harry Kane at some point in the future, should he seal a return to England. That's according to West Ham coach Kevin Nolan, who said:

"I can certainly see him back in the Premier League. I don’t think Tottenham would have ever have sold him to Manchester United, but for him to go to Bayern Munich, then it’s easier for him to come back from Germany and I think Man United will be his destination."

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has also been linked with a switch to United, with the Nigerian once again enjoying an impressive season for the reigning Italian champions, scoring 11 goals in 15 starts in Serie A.

Away from possible incoming signings, Ratcliffe will look to bring in a new sporting director, with Dan Ashworth a primary target after being placed on gardening leave by Newcastle United, and it isn't out of the question that Erik ten Hag could be sacked as manager in the summer.

Bologna boss Thiago Motta has emerged as an option to replace the Dutchman once the season is over, guiding his team to fourth place in Serie A, and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi is also among the targets.

Ratcliffe ready to approve Man Utd move for midfielder

According to The Sunday Mirror [via Sky Sports], Ratcliffe 'is set to approve a record-breaking offer of just over £100m' to secure the signing of Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this summer.

A record-breaking deal of over £100m is mooted, with the 19-year-old considered one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football, being hailed by former coach Luis Castro:

"My friends ask me if Kokcu cost 25 million euros, how much will Joao Neves cost. He will be worth much more than €25 million. He can play in any championship in the world. (He’s) a complete and very intelligent player. The Premier League is the best league in the world, and not only would he be able to adapt, but he would also play and shine."

Man Utd's 10 most expensive signings

Total

1. Paul Pogba

£89.3m

2. Antony

£80.8m

3. Harry Maguire

£74m

4. Jadon Sancho

£72.3m

5. Romelu Lukaku

£72m

6. Rasmus Hojlund

£62.8m

7. Casemiro

£60.1m

8. Bruno Fernandes

£55.3m

9. Mason Mount

£54.6m

10. Anthony Martial

£51m

Midfield is an area of the pitch that may well need improving soon, with both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both in their 30s, so Neves could be viewed as Kobbie Mainoo's long-term partner in the middle of the park, completing 89.7% of his passes in the Primeira Liga this season and averaging two tackles per game.

St Lucia Zouks are placed fourth, with just one match left for them to make the playoffs

The Report by Annesha Ghosh28-Sep-2019Rahkeem Cornwall’s blistering 25-ball 51 followed by sensational hitting from Darren Sammy ensured St Lucia Zouks knocked Jamaica Tallawahs out of the race for the CPL 2019 playoffs. A 38-ball 58 from Dwayne Smith had headlined Tallawahs’ 165 for 7 and even though they made the hosts huff and puff towards the end of the chase, Zouks’ 11 sixes were too much to handle for them.Zouks are now only one point behind third-placed St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, with both teams left with a match each. Barbados Tridents, in fifth spot, still have two games in hand and could also make the playoffs, being only one point behind Zouks.With rain around the corner in Gros Islet on Friday night, Zouks needed 35 off 30 with five wickets in hand. Sammy had yet to get off the mark while his partner Chris Barnwell adopted a cautious approach, tiptoeing to 5 off seven deliveries. A six-run over from medium pacer Shamar Springer did little to help.The Khans – Zahir and Imran – tightened the screws further as the next two overs gave away only ten runs without a single boundary, and fetched Zahir a reward for his persistence with the around-the-off stump line, in the form of Barnwell’s wicket. The momentum, however, swung Zouks’ way decisively as Springer strode in to bowl his last over, the 19th of the innings.Sammy sizzles in the nervous 19th
With 19 needed off 12, Springer began with two wides down leg to the left-hander Krishmar Santokie. He then came over the wicket to bowl the first legal delivery of the over, which Santokie nudged to point for a risky single as Sammy put in a desperate dive at the wicketkeeper’s end to get home.Back on strike, Sammy swung the next ball over cow corner for a six to bring the equation ten in ten. Springer followed it with a high full toss, meaning the slog-sweep that Trevon Griffith pouched at deep midwicket came off a no-ball. Sammy, however, decided against taking a single to keep strike for the free-hit, but Springer slipped in a yorker for a dot ball.Two singles off the next two deliveries preluded the defining six of the innings as Sammy bludgeoned a waist-high full toss over the roof beyond midwicket. Scores level. And first ball of the 20th over, Kesrick Williams, the most successful bowler on the night, struck a powerful drive over extra cover for four to seal the game.Smith, Williams sparkle, Zouks fielders fluff chancesZouks’ decision to bowl paid dividends to some degree, thanks to a three-for from Williams and Fawad Ahmed’s miserly none for 22. Tallawahs’ openers – Chris Gayle and Glenn Phillips – scored a combined 52 off 41 deliveries, with Gayle scoring 29 off 30, but they got to 60 for 1 by the end of the Powerplay after Hardus Viljoen bounced out Phillips for an 11-ball 23 in the fifth over.Smith was involved in stands of 36 with Gayle and then 56 with Liton Das, hammering three sixes and six fours en route his 38-ball 58, but with three lifelines. Jeavor Royal handed him a reprieve on 14 off Cornwall in the eighth over, shelling a flat catch at deep square-leg. The next two chances came off back-to-back deliveries – first off Royal and then Santokie, across the 11th and 12th overs. Santokie made a hash of a straightforward chance at extra cover while Colin de Grandhomme made it look even worse the following delivery, spilling a top-edged pull despite settling under it after running in from square leg. Smith brought up his first fifty of this CPL, off 30 balls, before holing out to long-on in the 17th over, just after Williams had taken a return catch to send Liton back for a run-a-ball 21, leaving Tallawahs on 140 for 4.Santokie and Williams did well to contain the lower order by conceding only 22 in the last three overs. Santokie gave away only four in the last over, ending with 2 for 31, with the wickets of Chadwick Walton and Ramaal Lewis in consecutive overs.Cornwall carnageBetween his last half-century this CPL, that goes back to September 12 and the one on Friday, Cornwall scored 6, 13, 8, 8 and 5, and also went wicketless in his last three matches. But he struck form with a smashing half-century on the night, oozing oodles of his trademark belligerence.All five of his sixes came in the arc between long-on and deep midwicket, some clearing the boundary rider by up to ten yards, others flying over the roof, out of the stadium and into the car park. He contributed 30 to the opening stand of 49 – that ended in the fourth over – with Andre Fletcher, whose eight-ball 17 was not bereft of fireworks either. With Colin Ingram, Cornwall put on 30 off 3.1 overs, and by the time he departed, Zouks had raced away to 79 in seven overs, setting a strong platform for the middle and lower order.

As Tottenham Hotspur continue their hunt for Champions League football, many fans feel that a lack of depth in key areas will be to blame if they don't manage to finish in the top four.

Spurs' search for a midfielder

No Spurs midfielder has started more than eighteen games in the Premier League this season, leaving Ange Postecoglou with a selection headache going into most matches. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have been the Australian's pairing of choice, but a mix of injuries, international duty and suspensions has seen once outcast Pierre-Emile Højbjerg return to the fold and play more minutes than expected.

Spurs star showed he's undroppable with "incredible" display v Palace

The Spurs star was immense versus Crystal Palace.

ByTom Lever Mar 3, 2024

In an attempt to address the problem areas of the pitch, Spurs have been working quickly to get deals done early and ensure they are not hamstrung by absences like they have been this season.

Going into this summer, Daniel Levy will have a long list of improvements necessary to take Spurs to the next level. Adrien Rabiot has been linked with a move to Spurs this summer with the North London club hoping to capitalise on the 28-year-old's expiring contract.

Despite the interest from Spurs, a new development appears to have put these rumours to bed for now and may force Levy to pursue other targets.

Fabrizio Romano gives Rabiot update

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Spurs' attempts to sign Adrien Rabiot. Romano told the outlet: "People at Spurs are monitoring midfielders in general and Adrien Rabiot could be big opportunity for many clubs. Still, I’m not aware of concrete contacts between Tottenham and Rabiot for now.

“From what I heard, Rabiot will also give priority to talks with Juventus over a new deal before deciding his future.”

This news will be a cause for frustration among Spurs fans with Rabiot long reported to be heading to North London this summer. At 28-years-old the Frenchman is not one for the future, but experience in the middle of the park is exactly what Spurs are crying out for at the moment.

In-and-out of the side in Turin, Rabiot signed a one-year extension with Juventus last summer meaning that he will be a free agent at the end of the season. A player with proven pedigree at the top level, it is likely that the midfielder will have top sides queueing up to secure his services this summer.

A powerful presence who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, Rabiot would make an excellent addition to a Spurs side that relies on quick transition attacks.

Non-Penalty Goals

0.19

82nd Percentile

Assists

0.14

74th Percentile

Successful Take-Ons

1.08

84th Percentile

Touches

2.72

90th Percentile

Progressive Carries

2.35

86th Percentile

Aerials Won

1.83

88th Percentile

Signing a player with a proven track-record on the biggest stage could be the key to taking Spurs to the next level. Out of contract in the summer, Levy could get an absolute steal by securing the services of Rabiot at the end of the season.

MatériaMais Notícias

Quando o Corinthians entrar em campo, nesta quinta-feira, diante do Sport Huancayo-PER, registrará um fato histórico para o clube, que pela primeira vez vai enfrentar um adversário peruano em uma competição oficial. Segundo informações do Almanaque do Timão, do jornalista Celso Unzelte, todos os confrontos do Timão contra clubes do Peru foram em amistosos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansEstreante na competição, zagueiro projeta início do Corinthians no Brasileiro sub-17Corinthians05/05/2021CorinthiansYamada deixa a gerência da base do Corinthians e será remanejadoCorinthians05/05/2021CorinthiansRelacionado para a viagem, Vital comemora retorno ao Corinthians: ‘Vestir essa camisa não tem preço’Corinthians05/05/2021

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador da Copa Sul-Americana-2021 clicando aqui

GALERIA
> Cazares já foi! Veja quem deixou o Corinthians para a temporada 2021

Ao todo, o Alvinegro disputou oito partidas contra peruanos e nunca perdeu. Todas elas foram realizadas no Peru nas décadas de 50 e 60 em excursões do clube. Nenhum desses jogos foi contra o Sport Huancayo, adversário desta quinta-feira, às 21h30, mas todos foram realizado no Estádio Nacional do Peru, palco da partida pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana.

Nesses oito duelos, foram quatro vitórias e quatro empates, nenhuma derrota. Além de 22 gols marcados e 16 sofridos. O Universitario-PER foi o adversário mais enfrentado, com três partidas (2 vitórias e 1 empate). Curiosamente, por duas vezes no ano de 1954, o rival corintiano foi um combinado de times peruanos: contra Chalaco/Sport Boys e contraDeportivo Municipal/Iqueño.

Desde a última vez que o Corinthians enfrentou um adversário peruano, em 1969, 52 anos se passaram. Antes disso, o clube já havia feito duas excursões ao país: em 1954 e em 1963. Não é à toa que Cássio vai se tornar o primeiro corintiano a defender o clube em todos os dez países da Conmebol. O destaque do Timão na última vez no Peru era o ídolo Roberto Rivellino.

Confira o retrospecto do Corinthians contra adversários do Peru:

1ª Excursão em 1954
– Universitario-PER 3 x 3 Corinthians – 13/2/1954 – Amistoso
– Combinado Chalaco/Sport Boys 3 x 3 Corinthians – 17/2/1954 – Amistoso
– Combinado Dep. Municipal/Iqueño 1 x 2 Corinthians – 20/2/1954 – Amistoso
– Sporting Cristal 3 x 3 Corinthians – 24/2/1954 – Amistoso

2ª Excursão em 1963
– Universitario 1 x 2 Corinthians – 4/2/1963 – Amistoso
– Deportivo Municipal 2 x 3 Corintians – 7/2/1963 – Amistoso

3ª Excursão em 1969
– Alianza Lima-PER 1 x 1 Corinthians – 8/2/1969 – Amistoso
– Universitario 2 x 5 Corinthians – 11/2/1969 – Amistoso

continua após a publicidade

On Monday, Nuno Espirito Santo and Nottingham Forest heard the news that Premier League relegation rivals Everton had seen their points deduction reduced from 10 points to six on appeal, shifting the landscape at the bottom of the table. With the Toffees' points tally increasing from 21 to 25, Forest (on 24) have now dropped to 17th place, making them the immediate target for Luton Town in 18th.

Nottingham Forest's big mistake cost them £3m-per-goal

He failed to make an impact during his time at the City Ground.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 26, 2024

More significantly, the league have charged Forest with breaching the Profit and Sustainability Rules in the period up to the end of last season. Everton have also been charged, and it remains to be seen whether they face a further penalty.

Forest deduction appears inevitable

Writing on X, The Times' chief sports reporter Martyn Ziegler shared a bleak warning for Forest ahead of their disciplinary hearing at an independent commission early next month.

Ziegler says a "points deduction looks certain" for Nuno's side, pointing to a paragraph in the Everton appeal ruling that says "any breach of rule E.51 [excessive losses] warrants a points deduction, and nothing less".

Delay could hurt Forest

Let's say based on precedent that Forest also lose six points for their alleged breach, then they would fall into the relegation zone, two below Luton, who retain a game in hand after the abandonment of their clash with Bournemouth in December.

Rank

Club

P

GD

PTS

15

Everton

26

-6

25

16

Brentford

26

-11

25

17

Luton Town

25

-16

20

18

*Nottingham Forest

26

-14

18

19

Burnley

26

-33

13

20

Sheffield United

26

-44

13

However, the reality is that the table will look different by the time any such penalty is applied. Indeed, based on Ziegler's report, it could be another six weeks before a verdict is reached. There's a scenario where Forest only discover their fate with six league games to go, and then there's the possibility of a challenge from the 2022 Championship play-off winners, just like we saw from Everton.

If you're a Forest player or supporter, you just want clarity this point so you know where you stand – the delay feels like a punishment in itself. What's abundantly clear, though, is that the Tricky Trees have a series of vital games on the horizon, travelling to Luton just before the international break and then hosting Crystal Palace. They will head to Goodison Park to face Everton before the end of April too.

Even if Forest avoid a deduction, which looks extremely unlikely at this point, these are arguably must-win fixtures to ensure survival. The message from Nuno to his players should be to focus on what they can control, starting with Saturday's home game against Liverpool.

Emma Hayes has highlighted a key area the USWNT must improve in ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, with xG being used to support her argument.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Quest for glory about to be opened in France
• Have one more friendly date to take in
• Looking to become more clinical in final third

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States have started the countdown to a gold medal bid in Paris, with former Chelsea boss Hayes ready to oversee her first shot at tangible success. A couple of friendly dates against Mexico and Costa Rica are set to carry them into that tournament on French soil.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The first of those outings saw the USWNT battle their way to a 1-0 win over Mexico, with Sophia Smith netting the only goal of the game just past the hour mark. Hayes’ side were more dominant that the final scoreline suggests, with there much for them to work on in the final third of the field.

• WHAT HAYES SAID

  Hayes told reporters afterwards of the need to become more clinical: “You only have to see from just an xG perspective at the end of the game: It's two-point-something and should be much bigger because for the chances we've created, we're not hitting the frame enough. I still think that's something to add, but I think the difference in momentum from first half to second half was even bigger for us. Much more controlled. I think we're only scratching the surface. I think there's a lot of layers to go from everyone. If we use [the Concacaf Gold Cup] as a reference point, I think it's fair to say this game was much more measured, much more controlled. [We] limited them to very little, so [it's] a step in the right direction.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The USWNT will face Costa Rica on Tuesday in their final preparation fixture. A bid for Olympic glory is set to be opened on July 25 against Zambia, with Hayes’ side going on to tackle Germany and Australia in the group stage.

Chelsea are under more pressure over Enzo Fernandez, after David Datro Fofana became the latest player to condemn his team-mate on social media.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Fernandez allegedly sang racist songMidfielder in hot waterAlready been called out by Wesley FofanaWHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea have issued a strong statement after Fernandez allegedly sang a racist chant on Argentina's team bus after their Copa America triumph. The song was allegedly aimed at the French national team, and Wesley Fofana has already criticised his team-mate on social media.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

While Fernandez has apologised, he has now been criticised by striker Fofana, who posted a message insisting that racism "has no place in football".

@datro_9WHAT DATRO FOFANA SAID

Fofana wrote: "The football that I like is multi-ethnic. Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else. This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in this sport."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty.WHAT NEXT?

It remains to be seen what kind of disciplinary action Chelsea may take against Fernandez once he returns from the Copa America, although he is likely to be fined. The Blues play Wrexham in a pre-season friendly on July 25.