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Legspinner goes from bowling to Joe Root in nets, to being signed by Yorkshire and a first England call-up

Matt Roller28-Oct-2024Jafer Chohan flew to the Caribbean on Monday as England’s latest wildcard selection in their white-ball squads. A young legspinner with only 23 professional appearances, Chohan did not have a professional contract two years ago but has thrived under the guidance of Adil Rashid and his brother Amar, and has now been fast-tracked into the national set-up.He could easily have been lost to the game altogether: Chohan spent his teenage years in the Middlesex system but was let go at 17 and had fallen out of love with cricket. He started his first summer at Loughborough University playing for the third XI, but was making his debut for Yorkshire in a televised T20 Blast game barely a year later.There are a few different strands to unpick in the story of Chohan’s rise but the central thread is the impact of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA), a scheme launched in late 2021 to stop talented young players dropping out of the English professional game.Chohan was playing National Counties cricket for Berkshire in 2022 – where he encountered Shoaib Bashir – when he was recommended to SACA’s founder Tom Brown. He quickly became part of the set-up, playing some of their first-ever fixtures against county second XIs and impressing county scouts at an open trial at the Adil Rashid Cricket Centre in Bradford.Related

Jafer Chohan, Yorkshire legspinner, fast-tracked for England white-ball tour of Caribbean

Chohan named in England Lions squad to South Africa as Flintoff takes reins

England add Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed to Caribbean tour

He had also played club cricket against the son of Darren Gough, then Yorkshire’s managing director, while their bowling coach Kabir Ali was heavily involved at SACA. By that stage, Chohan had broken into the UCCE set-up at Loughborough and in late 2022, an opportunity arose to bowl to England’s batters in the nets ahead of their Test tour to Pakistan.”I bowled to Rooty for a quite a while at one of the sessions, and at the end of that he was like, ‘Do you play for a team?'” Chohan told ESPNcricinfo. “I said no – and at this moment, I’m just like, ‘Oh my God, Joe Root is speaking to me. This is the coolest thing ever.’ Then he was like, ‘Okay, leave me your number somewhere and I’ll get in contact with Yorkshire.'”By January 2023, he had signed a professional contract and with Rashid injured at the IPL, he became Yorkshire’s main spinner for the Blast. He has continued to work closely with the Rashids – both Adil and Amar – since: “They’ve done so much for me. They’re like having two big brothers. They’ve properly looked after me.”After a quiet first Blast season, Chohan took 17 wickets in 10 games this year including a five-for on his 22nd birthday, defying medical advice to play through the pain of a broken thumb. That injury caused him to miss the rest of the season – including ruling him out of contention for a replacement deal in the Hundred – but at the start of October, England called.Chohan took 17 wickets in this year’s Vitality Blast•Getty Images”I woke up and saw that I had a missed call,” Chohan recalled. “Then I got a call again, and as soon as I heard, ‘It’s Luke Wright, you’ve been selected to go to the West Indies,’ I ran into the office. I was in my boxers still. My dad’s just started this Zoom meeting – I’m just freaking out a bit over the phone, not saying anything – and then he figured out what was happening.”Rashid had hinted to Chohan that he was on England’s radar. “A couple of weeks before, he said, ‘Just don’t be surprised if you get called up to that squad’… even last year, during the Hundred, we went out for dinner and he said, ‘There’s a chance in 12-18 months that you could get a call-up.’ Rash has always told me that, but I’ve never actually believed him.”Chohan describes himself as a “good blend” between the traditional legspinner and the modern version. “I have that longer run-up, which was inspired by Shahid Afridi when I was young. I’ve always bowled a little bit quicker than most spinners, but I’m not as quick and flat as a Rashid Khan… watching Rash bowl has definitely made me want to still be able to have that traditional legspin side, where I can bowl it slower.”And he believes that his inexperience could play to his advantage. “I think the West Indian players will be like, ‘Who is this guy?’ And there won’t be a huge amount of footage of me. I’ve got to make the most of that opportunity where I’m a bit more unknown… You don’t know how many chances you’re going to get to put an England shirt on, so it would be a really special feeling if I can get a game.”Chohan may find it tough to break into the side on this tour: England have no shortage of spin options, with Rehan Ahmed, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Dan Mousley and Will Jacks joining Rashid. If a debut does come, it is more likely to be in the five-match T20I series than in the ODIs, given he is yet to play a List A game.But regardless, his status as the first SACA graduate named in an England squad marks a landmark moment. “SACA helped me a hell of a lot,” he said. “I felt like my game was in a pretty good place, but there’s no real way in, once I got out of the system. It was really tough to think, ‘OK, I want to become a pro cricketer, how can I actually do it?’ And SACA provided that opportunity for me.”

Despite being blitzed for the most part of the Test, hosts ended day three in a position to make England worry

Vithushan Ehantharajah26-Feb-2023There’s an argument to say Sunday was New Zealand’s best day of the series.Tom Latham and Devon Conway scored fine half-centuries, registering New Zealand’s highest partnership of the series, beating the previous best set a few hours earlier. They frustrated England no end, almost mockingly chipping away at a bumper lead steadily, at odds with the manner it was accrued. Context, though, is important.Latham and Conway’s stand of 149 in 320 balls was coming in a follow-on innings, the first England had imposed on their opponents since August 2020. New Zealand trailed initially by 226, and it was that much because of skipper Tim Southee’s blitz of 73 from 49 deliveries. He forged a partnership of 98 with Tom Blundell, which at the time was the team’s highest of the series.Related

• Tom Latham, Devon Conway lead fight after New Zealand made to follow on

What frustration England had was relative. An entire day in the field was taxing work, particularly for a three-prong seam attack who were sore after the intensity of last week’s victory in the first Test in Mount Maunganui. For a team that likes to win in a hurry, the 94.2 overs in the dirt on the third day would have grated. Nevertheless, the spinners showed up – Jack Leach with two, Joe Root with one – to do their bit. Leach’s dismissal of Will Young, pitching around middle stump, taking the top of off, showed signs the pitch is taking turn more than it usually does at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.Ultimately, the only reason the game is at this stage going into day four is because of the weather. A scheduled 50 overs have been lost, split evenly across days one and two. The latter might have seen New Zealand’s first innings end earlier and cheaper, the follow-on still instigated to expose cracks in a frail batting line-up from Saturday evening into Sunday morning.Ben Stokes arrived at the ground on Sunday morning with a view to enforcing no matter what, which is what he relayed to his charges before heading out there. Across the corridor of the player’s pavilion, things were far less certain.Tom Latham and Devon Conway put a 149-run stand for the opening wicket•AFP/Getty ImagesFast forward to the end of the day and things are a little clearer. A little more hopeful. England have a second go to come – but the arrears are just 24, Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls set and there is a quiet sense New Zealand could be onto something here.Learning from mistakes has been key. As much as batting coach Luke Ronchi rallied against the idea England’s attacking mantra seeping into the subconscious of their opponents was not the issue with the batting missteps on day two, it was hard not to think otherwise. Latham and Nicholls’ reverse sweeps, Williamson’s uncharacteristic looseness out wide. Issues were trying to be forced when that’s not really the Kiwi way.It was under Brendon McCullum’s leadership, of course, and there’s something neat about him being here for this. You wonder if he is secretly relishing the prospect of a slobberknocker of a finish, as much for another test of the mettle of those now under his care as simply putting on a show.That McCullum is sat in the “other” balcony in “their” stash is something of a sore point for locals. They get it, no doubt, but the transformation of the England team has made them yearn for more excitement from theirs.

“Absolutely. Whether it’s 200, 250 – you just never know. We’ve seen the wicket, it’s still doing enough with the old ball and the new ball, and there’s plenty of turn there.”Latham on whether New Zealand had a chance to force a win

They might still get it in the next couple of days, but it’s worth noting the path to that point began with the kind of grind that led to the 2019 World Test Championship win.”The character of this group, we stand up when things aren’t going so well,” said Latham, who was a surprise runner-up in the leadership race after Williamson stepped down. His role is still as a big personality in the dressing room, not least on ability alone. He became the seventh New Zealand batter to pass 5,000 Test runs, and primarily did that by packing away most of his shots.”We probably didn’t quite do that quick enough the other day,” he said of a lack of leaving in the first innings. In turn, England’s bowlers “came to” the New Zealand batters, trying to target the stumps which allowed enough deliveries to drive or pop into gaps to keep the scoreboard ticking over steadily. Scoring more or less stopped for the second noteworthy partnership between Williamson and Nicholls which was more about the 128 balls than the runs (35) for the fourth wicket.They made it to the new ball, then survived three overs of it. They will rest knowing they have to go again from scratch in the morning, but also aware the overs taken out of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson today will count against them tomorrow. And having seen Stokes bowl two poor overs in which he was warned twice and then no-balled for overdoing bouncers, there is reason to believe they can begin to dictate a little more once the AM movement has subsided.Tom Latham scored 83 off 172 balls his second innings•Getty ImagesEven Latham, a pragmatist at heart, admitted to a degree of excitement heading into Monday. The prospect of a series-squaring result and first win under Southee is not something New Zealand are shying away from.”Absolutely,” was Latham’s immediate response to the prospect becoming only the fourth side to win after following on. “You’ve always got to look at [different] ways to win a Test match. We certainly know there is a lot of work to do before that point.”Whether it’s 200, 250 – you just never know. We’ve seen the wicket, it’s still doing enough with the old ball and the new ball, and there’s plenty of turn there.”Just as the weather delayed the progress of this game, it may also curtail the end, to a point. England fell victim to the unpredictable Wellington rains in 2013, similarly asking New Zealand to bat again in the third innings. But respective desire and need for a result other than a draw could win out.After getting pasted in the first Test and blitzed for the best part of three days here, New Zealand are somehow still in a position to make England worry. Granted there is still a lot to be done, and even then Stokes and McCullum run a worry-free dressing room that will back themselves to knock off any total, no matter how big.But that New Zealand are an outside shot is in its own way something to savour. This two-match series could be set for a thrilling finale and, moreover, a smash-and-grab that could give a much-needed push to a transitional era for the hosts.

The latest round-up of how the Australia players are going in the UAE as the IPL starts to take shape

Andrew McGlashan12-Oct-20203:57

What’s behind the success of Anrich Nortje and James Pattinson?

While the Australian domestic season comes to life in Adelaide a group of players continue to ply their trade at the IPL in the UAE. It’s been a mixed week as the points table starts to take a bit of a divide between those pushing for the playoffs and those struggling for momentum. Here’s a round-up of some of the highlightsMaxwell’s frustrationsSo far it has been an IPL to forget for Glenn Maxwell – he has 58 runs from seven innings (and just 61 balls faced) for bottom-of-the-table Kings XI Punjab. Against the Sunrisers Hyderabad he again walked in with his team in bother at 58 for 3 chasing 202 and could only manage 7 off 12 balls before being run out. Against Kolkata Knight Riders he came in during the penultimate over with the Kings XI having made a mess of another chase and faced his first ball at the start of the last over needing 14 to win. When he was on strike for the final ball a six would have forced a Super Over and he came within inches of doing it, but he couldn’t quite get the distance against Sunil Narine. “Shattered,” was his succinct response on Twitter.

Shattered… #gameofinches

— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) October 10, 2020

Stoinis’ new role?Marcus Stoinis began the IPL by plundering 53 off 21 balls and he has had another productive week for the Delhi Capitals. His second fifty – coming off 24 balls – helped provide a critical late surge against the Royal Challengers Bangalore to propel an innings that had been losing its way although he was given three lives. Against the Rajasthan Royals he produced a telling all-round display hitting 39 off 30 balls before taking 2 for 17. Most of Stoinis’ T20 success has come at the top order – Australia coach Justin Langer said that was his best spot – but if he returns from the IPL with another string to his bow it will be very interesting to see where he finds a space in the T20I side to face India having moved around the order against England last month. Before the IPL, his strike-rate at Nos. 5 and 6 was 131.22 but in the this tournament it’s up at 175.00.Marcus Stoinis sent Hardik Pandya back for a duck•BCCIFinch’s Ashwin warningAaron Finch almost became the latest run-out backing up victim for R Ashwin when the Royal Challengers faced the Capitals. Australia’s limited-overs captain strayed a long way out of his crease as Ashwin prepared to bowl the fourth delivery of his opening over, but was spared when Ashwin offered a smile – and later a stern ‘warning’ to any other batsmen. There was much made before the IPL began of Ricky Ponting’s comments that he did not agree with the mode of dismissal and he, too, wore a smile from the dug out when Ashwin resisted. For Finch himself, he has yet to find his best form with just one significant score – his 52 against Mumbai Indians – in six innings.

Let’s make it clear !! First and final warning for 2020. I am making it official and don’t blame me later on. @RickyPonting #runout #nonstriker @AaronFinch5 and I are good buddies btw. #IPL2020

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) October 5, 2020

Smith fadesSteven Smith started the tournament in strong form after his return from the concussion that curtailed his series in England, but in the last couple of weeks the runs have been hard to come by. In his last five innings he has a top score of 24 amid a misfiring Royals top order and there have been some ugly hoicks among his dismissals. On Sunday he was run out for 5 against David Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad following a mix-up with Jos Buttler. As captain, though, he is now able to call on Ben Stokes who made his first appearance of the competition after returning from compassionate leave.Archer gets Warner, againIt is turning into another very consistent campaign for Warner – only one score below 28 in seven innings – although he has not hit the destructive heights he has shown in the past. His innings against the Royals was particularly hard work to begin with as he ended the Powerplay with 8 off 13 balls as part of a very sluggish 26 for 1. He started to move through the gears after that, but just as he was threatening something substantial his 2020 nemesis struck again: bowled by Jofra Archer for 48.

Looks like @JofraArcher will be getting a new console @xboxuk #SRHvRR | #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/tcVvDbnlk6

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 11, 2020

Ins and outsAlex Carey made his first appearance for the Capitals after Rishabh Pant picked up a hamstring injury and will likely get a few more games with Pant expected to be out for a week. AJ Tye was brought by the Royals but went 1 for 50 against the Capitals (and batted No. 7) before being left out again due to Stokes’ return. After two matches in the RCB XI, Adam Zampa is back on the bench. Nathan Coulter-Nile, Daniel Sams, Chris Lynn, Chris Green and Billy Stanlake are still yet to play.

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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• Getty Images Sport
  

  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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• Getty Images Sport
  

  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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• Getty Images Sport
  

  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.