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MI Cape Town batter sustained injury while fielding in SA20 on Wednesday

Firdose Moonda15-Jan-2025Rassie van der Dussen is willing to play some shots. Like the not-quite-a-ramp after he switched his stance, then changed it back and kept the bat face open but still managed to send Kwena Maphaka over deep third for six.”I hit him for a four the previous ball and nine times out of ten that will go for six, because I hit it nicely and it was a full toss,” van der Dussen explained. “The next ball, I thought he was going to be on the stumps but the key in those types of things is when you’re lapping a guy that’s bowling at pace you’ve just got to be willing to take it on the body if you miss it, so keep your head still.”He obviously saw me coming, pushed it wide and I just had to get bat on it. It was just the energy on the ball and the wind but it’s always nice when those come off. It’s obviously a large risk of going out but also of physical pain, soo it’s nice when you see it go like that.”That shot took van der Dussen to 15, and he went on to score an unbeaten 91 which was the highest but arguably not the best knock of the night. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who smashed a 52-ball 83, took that honour and with successive half-centuries at his home ground and shades of Quinton de Kock in his approach, there are already questions about higher honours and players who he could displace in the national white-ball side.Van der Dussen was willing to play some shots in that direction too. “As a senior player, it pushes you to never be complacent but also it shows you the talent we have in our system coming through,” he said. “There’s a lot of people, especially from outside our borders, who are very critical of our system and the way our CSA handles it.”But it shows you the best players will always come through. It doesn’t matter what age they are.Obviously something is working. You’ve got to give credit where credit is due and we’re still producing world-class cricketers.”Related

Ryan Rickelton, the new showstopper at Newlands

Coetzee ruled out of SA20 but CSA still hopeful

'Can't keep making the same mistakes,' says vd Dussen

vd Dussen targets T20 World Cup spot

Back injury rules Nortje out of Champions Trophy

Best we remember that van der Dussen is one of those and still very much part of the national plans – at least in one format. He has been named in South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad and confirmed as its No. 3, though there may be some jitters about whether he will make the trip after he suffered a finger injury in the field.Van der Dussen was fielding close in at cover-point when Joe Root hit Trent Boult ball just over him. He jumped and got fingertips to the ball, which only helped it on its way for four, and then had to leave the field. He held an ice pack to the ring finger of his right hand, which was swollen but not blue after the match and was able to shake hands with several people without pain.Whether that is the end of the issue remains to be seen but South Africa will be sweating on it. They are already without Anrich Nortje, who was ruled out of the SA20 and the Champions Trophy with a back problem, and would not want to lose more experience – especially as van der Dussen looks in good touch.Van der Dussen top-scored with 91* for MI Cape Town•SportzpicsIn blustery conditions, facing 15 overs of spin, van der Dussen was industrious in his strokeplay, excellent with his running between wickets (he scored 25 singles and eight twos) and clinical in his intention about who to attack. He took 19 runs off Maphaka’s last over, and his takedown of the 18-year-old quick included 33 runs off the 14 balls he faced from him, in keeping with the way he has played the game over the last year: go after pace.In 2023, van der Dussen’s strike rate against seamers was 131.7 but by 2024 it was up to 160.4, and it’s part of an overall trend of him going harder. Last year, van der Dussen scored 1395 runs in 43 T20s at a strike rate of 142.34, which makes it his productive and successful year in the format. He has only once had a higher strike-rate, in 2016, when he played far fewer matches: 16, and it’s the result of a clear plan.”I’ve taken a conscious decision, especially if I’m opening the batting, to try and put the bowlers under pressure,” he said. “In the last few years, I’ve been looked at as that guy who bats through, and I’ve done that today to an extent. I’ve got the game to do what some of the other guys around the world are doing, regarding hitting boundaries, especially upfront.”Playing in the T10 leagues has helped me a lot with that. But yes, it was a conscious decision. I’m going into my latter years now and Faf [du Plessis, who is 40] is inspiring me. He’s saying he’s always adapting and trying to renew his game and so forth and that’s pretty much similar for me.”The desire to keep improving comes despite snubs in the other two formats. Van der Dussen was dropped from the Test squad when Shukri Conrad took over in February 2023 and, despite finishing sixth in last year’s SA20 run-charts, was left out of the T20 World Cup squad.He was also handed the worst of the consolation prizes and was asked to captain South Africa in a three-match series that preceded the T20 World Cup – for which the IPL players were not available – and then to return to the Caribbean for another three-match series after the tournament. They were blanked three-nil both times, and enduring that along with missing the main event hurt.Van der Dussen has expanded his T20 game•Sportzpics”It was a tough one,” he said. “I had a great year in T20 cricket, leading up to that World Cup and I’ve never said I should have been in place of anyone but I just felt like it was a tough one. Always with ICC events, if there’s only 15 guys, some guys are going to miss out that you feel deserve it. So it was tough, but it is what it is.”The guys did really well and made us proud. But that opened some opportunities for me to go to leagues and, going into the latter part of my career, that’s something I’ll look to do for a few years and see where I go. My first priority has always been to play for the Proteas. I don’t know when that stops, how long I’ll keep playing leagues.”For now, van der Dussen is committed to the MICT cause and to turning things around after last-place finishes in both previous editions of the tournament. “It feels different in the squad, there’s a different vibe,” he said. “When you do so badly you learn what not to do. We really took those lessons of the first two years to heart.”It’s always tough for an overseas captain [Rashid Khan] coming in, but we made a conscious decision – myself, Colin [Ingram], KG [Rabada], Dane Piedt and some of the senior players – to say, we’re going to assist this guy as much as we can. This year, there was a really clear plan of ours to get the communication better, to help Rash out and just be a lot better in actually all aspects than we were in the last few years.”

Teams across Major League Baseball are settling into their weekend series and, as a result, we have a loaded slate of games to bet on today with all 30 teams in action.

If you're looking to place a few bets, you've come to the right spot. I have three bets locked in for tonight's action, including a bold underdog call in Cubs vs. Tigers.

Top MLB Picks Today

Odds via BetMGM Sportsbook

• Cubs +165 vs. Tigers
• Mets vs. Rockies OVER 10.5 (-110)
• Braves vs. Giants UNDER 7.5 (-105)

Cubs vs. Tigers Prediction

It may be blasphemy to bet against the Detroit Tigers when Tarik Skubal is on the mound, but I think there's enough there to justify a bet on the Cubs at their +165 price tag. Mainly, the Cubs have been one of the best teams against left-handed pitchers this season. They rank sixth in OPS against lefties at .767.

Meanwhile, the Tigers' offense has been cold of late, ranking 20th in OPS at .679 over the past 14 days. That could be enough to lead to the Cubs squeaking out an upset win.

Mets vs. Rockies Prediction

The Mets and Rockies are playing at Coors Field, and Colorado will be starting Antonio Senzatela and his 7.14 ERA. That's enough for me to convince you the Mets will be able to put up plenty of runs, but to cash an OVER with the total set at 10.5, we're going to need more than that.

Kodai Senga gets the start for the Mets, and while his 1.60 ERA may scare you away from betting the OVER, consider the fact that his FIP (Field Independent Pitching) is 3.21. That indicates some significant regression is on the horizon for him, and no place can dish out some harsh regression for a pitcher quite like the elevation of Coors Field.

Braves vs. Giants Prediction

The San Francisco Giants have one of the coldest offenses in baseball of late, ranking 28th in OPS (.592) over the past two weeks while batting just .211. The Braves haven't been much better, ranking 18th in OPS in that time frame at .691.

Things won't get easier for either lineup tonight, considering we're in for a great duel between the two starting pitchers. Spencer Schwellenbach (3.13 ERA) of the Braves will take on Hayden Birdsong (2.37 ERA) of the Giants.

Expect a low-scoring affair in San Francisco tonight.

Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool stint appears to be approaching a breaking point as Serie A giants Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma circle ahead of a possible January move, with the winger still struggling for minutes under Arne Slot. Despite Liverpool’s inconsistent form and growing fan pressure, the Italian has yet to start a league game, fuelling rumours of a swift escape back to Italy.

• Chiesa courted by three Serie A giants

  Chiesa’s Liverpool career has taken another difficult turn after the winger was once again limited to a brief cameo in a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend. The Italian played just 22 minutes, continuing a pattern that has defined his frustrating campaign under Slot. The match was his ninth Premier League appearance of the season, yet not a single one has come from the start, with his only 90-minute outings arriving in the Carabao Cup.

  Despite Liverpool’s struggles and clear inconsistency in wide areas, Slot has shown no indication that Chiesa is part of his preferred rotation. The manager has consistently turned to Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo ahead of him, with even Hugo Ekitike getting time on the wings, leaving the 28-year-old unable to build rhythm or match fitness. This limited involvement has been heavily scrutinised in Italy, where analysts and supporters believe Chiesa should be given far more responsibility.

  According to reports from TuttoJuve, multiple Serie A clubs have already approached his entourage and Liverpool ahead of the January window. Inter Milan and AC Milan are understood to be the two leading candidates, with both clubs viewing Chiesa as a player who could immediately elevate their attacking depth. Roma have also registered interest, widening the list of potential destinations as the winger searches for a situation that offers minutes and a clear role.

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  Chiesa needs regular minutes for Italy recall

  Chiesa joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024 in what was widely hailed as a “smart gamble” for a fairly low fee, given his pedigree and the upside he possessed. However, his move to England quickly became overshadowed by recurring fitness issues, and his inability to withstand the physical demands of the Premier League has limited his contribution. Without regular playing time, his confidence and sharpness have steadily eroded, prompting debate over whether a move back to Italy is the only way to relaunch his career.

  Slot’s tactical structure has also compounded the problem. The Dutchman’s system relies heavily on high-intensity pressing and constant off-the-ball running, something Chiesa has struggled to maintain due to repeated muscular setbacks. While his per-minute productivity remains respectable, the lack of sustained involvement has left him unable to meaningfully challenge Liverpool’s established attackers. As the season progresses, it has become increasingly clear that Chiesa is not central to Slot’s long-term plans.

  This situation is drawing concern from the Italian national team setup, with regular minutes viewed as essential ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs. A January transfer, especially back to Serie A, is seen as the best possible scenario for Chiesa to reclaim a starring role and rebuild his standing with the Azzurri.

• Chiesa's injury crises over the years

  Chiesa’s Liverpool difficulties have highlighted deeper issues that predate his Premier League move. Since suffering a major ACL injury in 2022, the winger has been unable to maintain the explosive consistency that once made him one of Europe’s most feared wide forwards. His time at Juventus was similarly disrupted by stop-start spells of form, and his move to England was meant to offer a clean slate that has ultimately not materialised as hoped.

  Injuries remain central to the story. Chiesa has already missed extended periods since joining Liverpool, including over two months across 14 games in the 2024/25 season due to muscle problems. Even when fit, he has yet to start a league match this campaign, making just eight Premier League appearances from the bench and accumulating just over 100 minutes. Despite scoring twice, he has not done so with the regularity required to break into Slot’s preferred XI.

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  Chiesa likely to leave Liverpool in January?

  This lack of stability has fueled mounting speculation regarding a mid-season exit. Inter Milan are said to view him as an ideal depth option who can bring unpredictability to Simone Inzaghi’s forward line, while AC Milan consider him a player capable of complementing Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. Roma are also monitoring the situation, emphasising that Chiesa’s stock in Italy remains high despite his struggles in England.

  Liverpool’s stance ahead of January will likely hinge on whether Slot sees any future role for Chiesa beyond rotation cameos. If his limited involvement continues, the club may be open to approving a loan with an option or obligation to buy, especially with multiple Serie A sides ready to negotiate. With Chiesa eager for minutes and Italy’s coaching staff pushing for a move that guarantees playing time, all signs point toward an exit gaining momentum.

It’s the news Manchester United supporters were dreading, but boss Ruben Amorim has confirmed £74 million summer signing Benjamin Sesko will endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the draw with Tottenham before the international break. And in a worrying update, Sesko is in a race to return before fellow United striker Bryan Mbeumo heads off to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.

• Misfiring start to life at Old Trafford

  The Slovenian striker joined Man Utd from RB Leipzig in August, opting for Old Trafford over other interested clubs like Newcastle. The 22-year-old is seen as a key part of the future project under manager Amorim, possessing a rare combination of pace and physical dominance, but has scored only twice in 12 appearances. 

  However, his early impact was hampered when he sustained a knee injury during the 2-2 draw with Spurs earlier this month. Sesko came on as a second-half substitute but was forced off prematurely following a hefty challenge from Micky van de Ven, leaving United with 10 men as they had used all their substitutes. Initial fears of a serious, long-term injury, such as an ACL tear, were allayed by scans, but the injury ruled him out for several weeks. 

  Amorim confirmed Sesko would be sidelined for "a few weeks" but expected him to return around the same time other forwards leave for the Africa Cup of Nations in December.

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  Amorim: 'I don’t want to say for sure'

  "He is going to be a few weeks out," the United boss said. "Not that serious, we have to be careful. He is feeling better." And on whether Sesko will be back before Mbeumo heads off to play at AFCON, he added: “It’s going to be more or less the same time – I don't want to say for sure but when they are going to the camp I expect to have Ben back." 

  And Amorim provided an update on Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, saying: "Maguire is not ready. Kobbie didn’t train today but I think we could see Kobbie tomorrow so we’ll see. There is an opportunity for other players like the Under 21s. We will see it is not ideal. They are so important in our team."

• 'Cash in' on Fernandes

  While Amorim remains desperate for his star striker to return, the club have been told that they should not ignore any "stupid" transfer offers from the Saudi Pro League for Bruno Fernandes. Interest from that part of the world was shown in the Portuguese midfielder over the summer, but the Portuguese decided to stay at Old Trafford. 

  Former United defender Wes Brown said: "He’s getting to that age now where he still wants to be part of it, but you can’t just dismiss everything because that’s not how the world works. I don’t think anyone would take it too personally if that did happen. He’s done everything he can to try and help the team. At some point it will come to that crunch if someone comes in – probably talking Saudi with that money. If that happens again, whatever happens you can’t blame Bruno. You have to accept that he did right by what he needed to do and then move on again."

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  Monday showdown with Everton

  United can extend their five-match unbeaten run when they host Everton on Monday. After a patchy start to the season, the Red Devils have found form under and sit seventh in the Premier League table, just a few points off the Champions League places and in-form forward Mbeumo, who has four goals in his last four league games, will be crucial to United's attack. Everton are winless away from home since August, and United are strong favourites to secure a vital home victory.

حقق منتخب مصر الثاني، الفوز على الجزائر، بثلاثية مقابل هدفين في اللقاء الذي أقيم، اليوم الجمعة، ضمن استعدادات المنتخبين للمشاركة في كأس العرب.

واستضاف منتخب مصر الثاني، نظيره الجزائر على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي ضمن استعدادات المنتخبين للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب.

وجاء هدف الجزائر الأول في الدقيقة 31 عن طريق عادل بولبينة بعد اختراق من الجهة اليمنى للفراعنة ليسجلها في المرمى.

طالع.. تغيير في التشكيل.. إصابة لاعب منتخب مصر قبل مباراة أوزبكستان

وتعادل منتخب مصر عن طريق عماد الدين عزي، مدافع الجزائر بالخطأ في مرماه عقب عرضية من محمد شريف في الدقيقة 40 وضغط من إسلام عيسى.

وجاء الهدف الثاني للجزائر في الدقيقة 67 بواسطة نسيم الغول بعد تسديدة تصدى لها محمد بسام وتابعها اللاعب في الشباك.

وسجل رجب نبيل، هدف مصر الثاني لتصبح النتيجة 2-2 في الدقيقة 81 بعد عرضية من محمد النني وضعها برأسه في الشباك.

وفي الدقيقة 89 سجل حسام حسن، الهدف الثالث بعد وصول الكرة له في منطقة الجزاء، ليضعها في المرمى.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي منتخب مصر مع الجزائر في ودية ثانية يوم لاثنين المقبل 17 نوفمبر. أهداف مباراة مصر والجزائر اليوم

It is fair to say that Liverpool would have expected more from their big-money signings than what they have seen so far on the pitch across all competitions.

Alexander Isak was brought in for a £125m British record transfer from Newcastle United to bolster their attack, but his only goal so far came against Championship side Southampton in the League Cup.

The Sweden international did ‘assist’ Cody Gakpo’s goal in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, although some may argue that it was a miscontrol rather than a deliberate touch for the Dutchman.

Jeremie Frimpong, signed from Bayer Leverkusen, has started one Premier League match this season and was an unused substitute against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

Milos Kerkez has not hit the ground running at Anfield, since his move from Bournemouth, but he has, at least, started all seven of the club’s league matches under Arne Slot.

One player who does need to step up with more moments of quality at the top end of the pitch is £115m signing Florian Wirtz in the attacking midfield position.

Why Liverpool need more from Florian Wirtz

The Germany international was a bona fide superstar for Leverkusen in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns, delivering 34 goals and 33 assists in the two seasons combined, per Sofascore.

Wirtz produced consistent quality in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Leverkusen, as shown in the incredible clips in the footage above.

Unfortunately, though, Liverpool are yet to see the best of the 22-year-old attacking midfielder since his big-money move to Anfield, which was a club-record signing before the Isak deal went through later in the window.

Wirtz has yet to deliver a goal or an assist for the Reds since he set up Hugo Ekitike for his goal in the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace at the start of the season.

The German playmaker has, though, been unfortunate not to register an assist or two in the Premier League and the Champions League this term with the chances that he has created for the team.

Appearances

2

7

Starts

2

5

xG

0.37

1.03

Goals

0

0

Key passes

7

11

Big chances created

2

1

Assists

0

0

As you can see in the table above, Wirtz has created three ‘big chances’ and 18 chances in total in nine appearances in those two competitions, which is an impressive return.

However, his teammates have been too wasteful with the chances that he has created, such as when his impressive flick fell Mo Salah’s way against Chelsea, just for the winger to blaze the ball over the bar.

Wirtz does need to improve when it comes to carrying a threat as a goalscorer, though, as his record for Leverkusen suggests that he is much better than he has shown in English football to date.

With the struggles that Liverpool have had at the top end of the pitch this season, with their new signings and the players they already had, it must be frustrating to see one of their former attackers shining.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Reds sold Xherdan Shaqiri to Lyon in the summer of 2021 for a fee of around £9.5m, after he had been a solid rotation player for the club for several years.

Since leaving Anfield, the Switzerland international has played for Lyon, Chicago Fire, and Basel. He is currently on fire in his home country, playing like Salah and outperforming Wirtz.

Why Liverpool may rue selling Xherdan Shaqiri

The left-footed star produced eight goals and nine assists in 63 matches for Liverpool, per Transfermarkt, whilst typically playing as a substitute because of Salah’s form in his position.

Shaqiri returned to Basel, the club he started his career with, in the summer of 2024 and is now playing like he is the Egypt international with his terrific output in the final third over the past 18 months or so.

Salah ended the 2024/25 campaign with a haul of 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, and has started this season with three goals and three assists in ten appearances, per Transfermarkt.

Shaqiri, who was described as a “powerful” player by writer and analyst Kai Watson, did his best impression of the Liverpool number 11 in his first season back at Basel last season.

The experienced forward ended the campaign with an eye-catching return of 21 goals and 22 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions for the Swiss side, which shows that he was almost as influential as Salah as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Not only is the left-footed star playing like Salah, the former Liverpool star is also outperforming Wirtz in the current campaign with his output at league level for Basel, albeit in a different division to the Premier League.

Appearances

7

7

Goals

0

4

Big chances missed

1

1

Key passes per game

1.6

4.6

Big chances created

1

4

Assists

0

3

As you can see in the table above, Shaqiri has provided seven goals and assists in seven Super League matches for his club, whilst the German attacking midfielder is still looking for his first goal contribution in the Premier League for Liverpool.

Whilst the Switzerland international’s form for Basel does not mean that he would be the answer to the club’s current issues at the top end of the pitch, as he is playing outside of the top five leagues in Europe, it does suggest that he still has something to offer.

Shaqiri was a useful player, as shown by his aforementioned output in limited minutes, for the Reds and could have still been a solid option as a back-up to Salah, which would have been helpful with how Wirtz and Isak have started their Anfield careers.

Liverpool star slammed after fewest touches and "dire" display vs Chelsea

It was a hard watch at Stamford Bridge.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 5, 2025

Therefore, Liverpool may rue that they only sold him for £5m when they look at what he is currently achieving in comparison to the players they spent a combined £240m on in Wirtz and Isak.

Former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has issued a desperate plea for help after his beloved dog, Halo, went missing in Mexico. The midfielder, now with Pumas UNAM, has offered a $10,000 (£7,500) reward for information leading to Halo’s return. Despite tireless efforts and global support from fans, the much-loved pet has yet to be found, leaving Ramsey and his family heartbroken.

Ramsey searching for dog

Ramsey has shared a heartbreaking update about the ongoing search for his missing dog, Halo, who disappeared earlier this month in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. The 34-year-old midfielder, who joined Mexican club Pumas UNAM in the summer, has been appealing to the public for assistance since the disappearance. Posters and placards have appeared across the city as local volunteers and residents rally behind Ramsey’s family in hopes of finding their pet.

The Welsh international took to Instagram to post a black-and-white image of Halo alongside the caption: “What I’d do to hold you one last time, Halo.” The emotional post followed days of silence from the player, who has been using social media to amplify the search. His wife, Colleen, also shared messages urging residents to look out for Halo, describing the family’s devastation as the days go by without news.

Ramsey revealed that the dog went missing near Hipsterrier, a local dog shelter, and has since offered a $10,000 reward for any credible information leading to Halo’s safe return. Fans from around the world have flooded his posts with words of sympathy and encouragement, as the search for the beagle stretches into its third week. The situation has left Ramsey emotionally exhausted but determined to find answers.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRamsey frustrated by search

Taking to social media on Thursday, Ramsey expressed deep frustration at the lack of progress and conflicting information surrounding Halo’s disappearance. “We’ve remained quiet trying to understand how you can leave your dog on a ranch and never see her again,” he wrote. “Without any explanation? The cameras weren’t recording, a tracker couldn’t find her, no sightings, no body, and a pile of lies. We just want to say goodbye and move on. How can we move on when we don’t know if she’s alive or dead?”

In earlier appeals, Ramsey wrote: “Please help us find Halo. He was lost in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, in the vicinity of Hipsterrier, which is a dog shelter. A reward is being offered. Any information is valuable. Help us get him back to his family.” The post quickly went viral, with messages of solidarity pouring in from supporters, animal rescue groups, and fellow footballers.

Ramsey's mind not on football

Halo has been part of the Ramsey family for over a decade, accompanying Aaron and his wife Colleen through moves across England, Italy, and now Mexico. The family’s three sons — Sonny, and twins Tomas and Teddy — have also been devastated by the loss of their pet, who has been described by the couple as “the heart of our home.” Ramsey has continued to use his platform to appeal for help, sharing images and videos of Halo across his social channels while coordinating with local volunteers.

Since moving to Mexico in July, Ramsey has made six appearances for Pumas UNAM, having joined the club on a free transfer after leaving Cardiff City. He had spoken enthusiastically about the challenge of playing in Liga MX, praising the league’s technical quality and ambition. “This league is very technical. Great players have been produced, and the national team is very good,” he said upon signing. “I’ve played for some of the best teams in the world and there’s always an expectation to win — I’m sure it’s no different here.”

However, the emotional toll of Halo’s disappearance has overshadowed Ramsey’s early months in Mexico. His focus has shifted almost entirely toward the search, with friends and teammates joining in to spread awareness. Local media have also covered the story extensively, turning it into one of the most talked-about human interest stories in Mexican sport this month. Despite the growing coverage, the trail has yet to yield any concrete leads.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

Ramsey remains hopeful that Halo will one day be found, telling friends he has not given up faith despite the silence surrounding the search. The player and his family have been in contact with animal shelters, rescue organisations, and local authorities in San Miguel de Allende, who continue to investigate any reported sightings. Ramsey has promised to continue funding private searches and says he will “never stop looking” until he knows what truly happened.

His wife Colleen has been equally determined, recently posting: “I refuse to believe Halo has simply disappeared. She’s likely been taken. I urge local residents to share her photo. We’re looking for her, dead or alive. There’s a reward. If you see her, please take a photo and send it to me or Aaron.”

As the family waits for news, Ramsey’s emotional messages have struck a chord with fans across the globe, many of whom have shared similar experiences of losing pets. The 34-year-old has said that even if Halo cannot be found, he hopes for closure and clarity about what happened. For now, the search continues for the Ramseys’ beloved pup.

Noa Lang has expressed frustration over his lack of playing time at Napoli, revealing he has only spoken to Antonio Conte once since joining in the summer. After being benched in a humiliating 6-2 defeat to former club PSV, the Dutch winger admitted he “has to accept” his situation while Conte warned he must avoid being “selfish” and focus on the team.

Lang’s frustration grows as minutes remain scarce under Conte

What should’ve been a special return to PSV turned into a nightmare for Noa Lang. Napoli were thrashed 6-2 in Eindhoven, with the Dutch winger who came through PSV’s youth ranks once again left out of the starting XI. He was only brought on in the 58th minute to replace Billy Gilmour. Lang has featured in just six games this season, all as a substitute, totalling 110 minutes of action since his €28 million (£24m/$30m) move in July.

Lang didn’t hide his frustration after the full-time whistle. Speaking with visible anger, he admitted he expected more opportunities by now and was shocked to remain on the sidelines during such a heavy defeat. He added that while he is training hard, selection is out of his control and all he can do is “accept the situation for now.”

The 26-year-old signed a long-term contract until 2030, but just months into his Napoli career, the relationship between player and coach already appears strained. His comments suggest a breakdown in communication with Conte, raising early concerns about his role in the squad.

AdvertisementAFP‘I’ve only spoken to him once’ – Lang’s strained relationship with Conte

Lang openly voiced his frustration with the team’s performance and his role: "I better not say anything," he said with a mix of anger and disappointment. "The result says it all," sighed Lang on . "Losing 6-2 to PSV? That's just scandalous. We didn't even get a chance. We were simply outplayed." 

He added: "I wasn't allowed to play? I don't know what else to do. I'm training hard. I have no other choice. I signed a contract here, so I have to accept it as it is right now.

"I don't speak to him [Conte] very often. I spoke to him once. I'm a bit confused now after this result. It's better not to say anything."

Conte fires back and warns against selfishness

The Italian was questioned shortly after Lang’s comments but refused to focus on one individual. Before addressing his winger specifically, the coach made it clear that no player can put personal concerns ahead of the collective.

"We need to talk about the team, not just one player," he said. "I don't want to talk about just one player, because it's dangerous if you become selfish. That's not good for our season. He needs to keep working hard. If I decide to play him, I will; otherwise, he'll stay on the bench."

Gli Azzurri's form has made the situation even more tense. They have suffered back-to-back defeats against Torino and PSV and are struggling to find stability in Europe losing twice already in their Champions League group. While they sit third in Serie A and only one point behind leaders AC Milan, pressure is mounting on Conte to quickly restore order.

Lang, who registered 11 goals and 10 assists for PSV last season, was expected to bring creativity and unpredictability to Napoli’s attack. Instead, he finds himself on the fringes of the squad at a time when expectations are high and results are slipping.

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Napoli and Noa Lang after PSV humiliation?

The Scudetto winners' schedule now intensifies. In Serie A, they face Inter next – a direct rival level on points in second place before returning to Champions League action against Eintracht Frankfurt, Qarabag and Benfica in a must-win run of fixtures to stay alive in Europe.

For Lang, the path forward is simple but demanding: continue working, stay patient, and wait for Conte’s trust. The winger remains under contract until 2030, but unless his situation improves, frustration could quickly turn into something more serious.

Conte, meanwhile, will be judged not just on results, but on how he handles big personalities in the dressing room. With pressure building, Napoli’s next few matches could shape both their season and Noa Lang’s future.

President Joan Laporta hailed Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal as a "genius" and accepted the fact that the 18-year-old can be prone to making mistakes due to the superstardom he has achieved. Yamal, who has been criticised for his lifestyle at times, was defended by Laporta, who added that the attacker is "already more mature than other boys his age."

The world at Yamal's feet

Yamal has had a sensation last year-and-a-half. After being named the best young player at the 2024 European Championship, which Spain won, the teenage sensation played an instrumental role in helping Barcelona win a domestic treble in the 2024-25 season, registering 18 goals and 21 assists. His exploits saw him finish as the runner-up to Ousmane Dembele for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, with the notion that Yamal will lift the prestigious individual award sooner rather than later. 

AdvertisementGetty/GOALFame and fortune threaten to derail Yamal's progress

With the world already at his feet at the age of 18, Yamal has often been warned by legends of football and other sports to navigate the pitfalls of fame and fortune very carefully. Boris Becker, who created history by becoming the youngest male Wimbledon champion at the age of 17 in 1985, said last month that Yamal's early success "rings alarm bells" for him, urging the Barca wonderkid to not "make the obvious mistakes."

The teenage boy wonder often makes headlines due to his lifestyle and his romance with Argentine singer Nicki Nicole. His lavish 18th birthday celebrations were criticised, too, as he invited professional dwarfs for entertainment. At one point, he was even threatened with legal action against him.

Laporta knows Yamal can be overwhelmed by fame

Speaking in an interview with , Laporta said: "Lamine is a genius. We have to support him and give him the best advice, but he is already much more mature than other boys his age because of what he has been through. This fame can overwhelm him, but he is handling it very well. He is 18 years old and trains every day. He is disciplined with his groin injury and with what the club tells him, he follows everything to the letter so that he can improve. The way to treat him is to help him. He will make mistakes like everyone else, and perhaps more so because he is very young. He is a lad who makes himself loved."

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Getty ImagesHas Yamal become injury-prone?

Yamal has already clocked over 9,000 minutes of football in two seasons, having become indispensable for both club and country. However, with his minutes not being managed carefully, the right winger has become prone to injuries, with his latest setback set to keep him out of action for at least another week. His management has sparked tensions between Barca head coach Hansi Flick and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Newcastle United’s search for a striker has dominated the final weeks of the transfer window, as Eddie Howe looks to reshape his attack following a turbulent summer.

At the heart of the saga is Alexander Isak, who has made clear he has no intention of playing for the club again.

The Swede has not trained with the squad, did not feature in Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixture away at Aston Villa, and issued a statement on Instagram this week citing a belief that change was in everyone’s best interests.

Eddie Howe admitted in a press conference that he had been aware of Isak’s desire to leave since the end of last season, and while Liverpool remains the forward’s preferred destination, the deal will not happen until Newcastle have found a replacement.

That need has grown increasingly pressing.

Over the course of the summer, Newcastle have already missed out on a succession of striker targets. Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko all moved elsewhere, leaving the Magpies short of options.

The club have also registered interest in Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen, though any move there would prove expensive.

While Howe has strengthened in other areas – signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, and Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton – the striker issue continues to define Newcastle’s summer.

Newcastle hold talks over Chelsea forward

According to Fabrizio Romano, in the “last 48 hours”, Newcastle have opened conversations regarding a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.

However, the reporter claims that both Bayern Munich and Aston Villa are also in the mix, which means that there is plenty of competition to sign the Senegal international.

Villa are pushing hard for Jackson’s signature, with Unai Emery keen to reunite with the striker he coached during their time together at Villarreal.

The news of Jackson’s exit comes after falling down the pecking order at Chelsea, with new arrivals Joao Pedro and Liam Delap deemed more credible options by manager Enzo Marseca.

Chelsea have placed a price tag of £80m on the 24-year-old, but any potential suitor will hope that figure comes closer to £70m as the window draws to a close.

Why Newcastle should sign Nicolas Jackson

Jackson has enjoyed strong levels of returns since his arrival from Villarreal, scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists in 65 Premier League appearances, per Transfermarkt. He also netted in the Conference League final against Real Betis in May, but discipline has occasionally been an issue.

The Blues forward was sent off against Newcastle in a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park last season and again at the Club World Cup against Flamengo.

At 1.87m tall and just 24 years of age, Jackson fits the recruitment model Newcastle have tried to maintain under Howe, targeting young players with room to develop into long-term assets.

Yoane Wissa of Brentford is another forward who has been the subject of interest from Newcastle this summer. The Congolese striker has just enjoyed the most productive season of his career, scoring 19 goals and supplying five assists in 35 appearances.

Only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals in the Premier League last term, underlining Wissa’s consistency in front of goal.

Since joining Brentford, he has registered 45 goals in 137 league appearances overall and has openly expressed a desire to join Newcastle in order to play Champions League football. The Bees, however, have rejected Newcastle’s bids, including an offer worth £40m, and are said to value Wissa closer to £60m.

The forward, who turns 29 in September, is older than the preferred age profile for recruits at St James’ Park, which is said to focus on players aged 24 and under.

He may also be absent in early 2026 due to AFCON commitments. With Brentford enduring a difficult summer that has already seen the departures of manager Thomas Frank, goalkeeper Mark Flekken, captain Christian Norgaard, and winger Bryan Mbeumo, they are reluctant to sanction another key exit.

The debate for Newcastle is whether to prioritise an immediate end product or invest in potential. Wissa’s case is built on proven returns.

Seasonal Returns – Yoane Wissa
2024/25 – Premier League	19 goals, 5 assists
2023/24 – Premier League	12 goals, 4 assists
2022/23 – Premier League	7 goals, 3 assists
2021/22 – Premier League	7 goals, 1 assist
2020/21 – Ligue 1	10 goals, 5 assists
Source: Transfermarkt

According to FBref, his 19 goals last season came with impressive underlying numbers: 2.77 shots per 90 minutes, 1.27 of those on target, and a progressive passing distance of 49.9 metres per 90, reflecting his ability to create and stretch play.

At 28, he is entering the peak years of his career and would represent a striker capable of delivering right away.

Jackson, by contrast, offers a younger, more malleable profile.

His 3.08 shots per 90 minutes, with 1.38 on target, show a player more inclined to get into scoring positions, even if his shot-on-target percentage of 44.7 is fractionally below Wissa’s 45.6.

Where Jackson stands out is in creative involvement: he averages 2.80 shot-creating actions per 90, compared to Wissa’s 2.13.

Though he lags behind Wissa in progressive passing numbers, Jackson’s ability to carry the ball – 1.90 progressive carries per 90 compared to Wissa’s 1.85 – highlights a player able to move defences through dribbling rather than distribution.

Market value also plays a role. Wissa is currently valued at £27m, while Jackson sits at £43m, but Chelsea’s asking price is substantially higher than that.

Brentford’s hardline stance means Wissa could cost close to £60m despite being older and closer to the end of his peak.

Jackson, at 24, is four years younger and represents the sort of asset Newcastle can build around and potentially resell at value in the future.

Wissa, while immediately reliable, may represent a shorter-term option with less scope for growth. For Howe, the decision will hinge on balancing short-term needs with long-term strategy.

Isak’s refusal to return has left Newcastle desperately short, and with Champions League football on the horizon, the temptation to secure an experienced, proven finisher like Wissa is clear.

Yet the club’s transfer policy under its current ownership has been consistent in pursuing players who can grow with the project. In that regard, Jackson offers a player who, if developed properly, could become a central figure for Newcastle for years to come.

Better than Wissa & Strand Larsen: Newcastle "really like" £60m striker

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be even better than Wissa and Strand Larsen.

1

By
Will Miller

Aug 22, 2025

The urgency of the situation means Newcastle may have little time to deliberate. Every week without a replacement is a week where Howe is forced to field a side without a natural striker.

Wissa has shown he can deliver goals immediately, but Jackson represents the future. For a club determined to compete not only this season but in the seasons ahead, that future may prove more valuable than the present.