Arsenal are set to be forced back into the market, following the devastating news recently disseminated through the mainstream media…

Who could Arsenal sign to replace Jurrien Timber?

Having hobbled off in the Gunners’ opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest, fans had their worst fears realised on Monday as The Athletic released an article regarding Jurrien Timber’s fitness.

Within, it detailed how the Dutchman’s knee ailment was far more serious than first expected, with his absence expected to be lengthy.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

As such, Mikel Arteta will likely look to add to his summer spending in an effort to offset this hefty blow, with The Express suggesting some potential stand-ins.

One such name is Joao Cancelo, who despite having agreed personal terms with Barcelona, could have his head turned given should the north London outfit offer him a suitable package. After all, they do retain an interest in the Manchester City maverick, who is valued at just €40m (£34m).

What position does Joao Cancelo play?

Despite being a natural right-back by trade, the Portugal international rose to prominence a few years ago when he traded Juventus for the Etihad.

At the time, Pep Guardiola was struggling to nail down a true starter for his left-back spot, and to fill that vacancy he decided to try something new. Slotting the 29-year-old in an unorthodox role, the right-footed gem starred, inverting from defence into midfield and providing plenty contributing to attacks.

His standout campaign arguably came during the 2021/22 season, where he maintained a 7.33 average rating, buoyed by his seven assists, 85% pass accuracy, 1.1 key passes and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

There was little he could do wrong, and everything he touched turned to gold as they strolled to Premier League title success.

His Spanish boss led the praise back in 2020: “He played exceptionally, with the ball and without the ball. He is a special talent. Defensively sometimes he needs to be consistent but when he is consistent, his focus is fantastic. He’s a fantastic guy and a football player.”

Former professional footballer Ahmed Elmohamady supported such a claim, outlining just how much the defender had evolved: “PEP has improved so many players over the years but Cancelo became a world-class player."

This kind of creativity, in the role that Arteta likely envisioned Timber fulfilling for the campaign, would have fans speedily forgetting the frustrating injury saga that is set to drag on.

Last term in the Eredivisie, the 22-year-old’s 7.03 average rating was underpinned by his four goal contributions, paired with a 92% pass accuracy and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Considering he mainly operated as a centre-back, these were figures sure to improve in the more advanced role set out for him. Especially given, when compared to others in that role across Europe, he still sits in the top 1% for passes attempted, pass completion, progressive passes and progressive carries all per 90, via FBref.

If they are to be without the former Ajax star for the bulk of the season, it is certainly worth adding to their ever-growing list of big-money signings acquired this window.

After all, it would all be worth nothing if they allowed such a blow to derail what promises to potentially be the year where they finally overthrow the Citizens.

أعلن النادي الأهلي، تجديد عقد الإسباني فيرناندو مونزو، المدير الفني للفريق الأول للكرة الطائرة “رجال” بالقلعة الحمراء، اليوم الخميس، بشكل رسمي.

وكان فيرناندو مونزو، نجح في التتويج مع الأهلي بـ 4 بطولات هذا الموسم هي الدوري وكأس مصر وكأس السوبر وبطولة إفريقيا والتأهل إلى بطولة كأس العالم للأندية للكرة الطائرة.

وبعد تلك الرباعية مع الأهلي، أعلن الاتحاد المصري للكرة الطائرة عن تولي المدرب الإسباني فيرناندو مونزو تدريب منتخب مصر في أولمبياد باريس 2024.

طالع | اتحاد الكرة الطائرة يُعين مدرب الأهلي مديرًا فنيًا لمنتخب مصر في أولمبياد باريس 2024

ووفقاً للموقع الرسمي للأهلي، أعلن خالد العوضي، مدير عام النشاط الرياضي بالنادي، عن تجديد عقد الإسباني فيرناندو مونزو، لمدة ثلاثة مواسم.

وأوضح العوضى أنه تم تجديد عقد فيرناندو مونزو لمدة 3 مواسم تبدأ من موسم 2024-2025، وذلك في ضوء النجاحات التي تحققت بعد فوز فريق الكرة الطائرة ببطولات الدوري وكأس مصر والسوبر المصري وبطولة إفريقيا والتأهل إلى مونديال الأندية.

وأشار العوضي إلى أن هذه الخطوة تأتي في إطار توجيهات مجلس الإدارة برئاسة الكابتن محمود الخطيب؛ لتوفير الاستقرار والأجواء اللازمة لاستمرار مسيرة البطولات من خلال توفير عقود طويلة مع المدربين الذين حققوا نجاحات كبيرة.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their efforts to bolster the attacking options in the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

According to Italian outlet il Resto del Carlino, the Black Cats are one of two Championship clubs interested in signing Bologna centre-forward Sydney van Hooijdonk.

It's thought that Tony Mowbray's side and Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are both keen on the 23-year-old ace after his impressive spell on loan with Heerenveen in his home country.

The Sunderland boss has already confirmed that he is in the market for another number nine option before the window slams shut and now appears to be eyeing a deal for the Dutch marksman.

How good is Sydney van Hooijdonk?

The 6 foot 3 finisher showcased his ability to be a reliable goalscorer at first-team level during his Eredivisie spell over the last 18 months and could come in as a dream heir to Ross Stewart at the Stadium of Light.

Van Hooijdonk scored 16 goals in 30 Dutch top-flight starts during the 2022/23 campaign, which was two more than any Sunderland player managed at Championship level last term and four more than any current member of the squad following Amad Diallo's return to Manchester United.

Stewart produced an outstanding ten goals in 13 league outings for the Black Cats but has been out since January with an Achilles injury and it would be a huge ask for him to return to the same level whilst maintaining that consistently over the course of an entire campaign.

His record of 26 goals in 49 League One starts throughout the 2021/22 campaign may be a more realistic expectation of where his scoring rate could fall upon his return, which is an average of a strike every 1.88 starts.

Van Hooijdonk scored once every 1.88 league starts on average for Heerenveen last season and produced six goals in 13 appearances for the side in the second half of the previous term on loan from his Serie A club.

This suggests that the right-footed whiz, who was once hailed as "prolific" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the potential to replace Stewart's goalscoring prowess at the top end of the pitch for Sunderland.

The Scotland international is now in the final year of his contract on Wearside after two-and-a-half-years since his move from Scotland and it remains to be seen if he will be willing to put pen to paper on an extension with the club.

This means that Mowbray and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman must plan for life after the former Ross County man moves on and the signing of van Hooijdonk could be an excellent piece of business to ensure that the club have a lethal number nine in the building.

The reported Black Cats target, who scored an eye-catching 35 goals in 41 U19 matches for NAC Breda earlier in his career, would be the dream heir to Stewart – whether that is this season or in a future year – if he can replicate his Eredivisie form in England.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGetty Images

Suzie Bates scored her second successive half-century to lead New Zealand women to a series-clinching 42-run win over Pakistan women in the third T20I in Sharjah. Bates’ unbeaten 65 off 57 balls (3×4, 2×6) proved the difference in a low-scoring contest, as Pakistan, chasing 127, slumped to 84 all out.Bates steered New Zealand out of early trouble after they chose to bat first. Natalia Pervaiz struck two early blows to leave New Zealand 31 for 3 in the seventh over, following which Bates took control, adding 57 for the fourth wicket with Katey Martin (25) and an unbroken 38 off 19 balls for the fifth wicket with Katie Perkins (14*).Pakistan’s chase got off to a good start, with Nahida Khan (23) and Sidra Ameen (16) adding 39 in 29 balls. But Sophie Devine’s dismissal of Ameen triggered a collapse that saw all ten wickets fall for the addition of only 45 runs. Medium-pacer Hannah Rowe grabbed three wickets, while the legspinner Amelia Kerr picked up two.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após sair da partida contra o Corinthians, na Neo Química Arena, com fortes dores, o lateral esquerdoGuilherme Santos está fora da próxima partida do Botafogo contra o Athletico-PR, na Arena da Baixada. Em exame realizado nesta segunda, foi constatada uma lesão na posterior da coxa esquerda, e o atleta já iniciou o tratamento.

Com o desfalque de Victor Luís (em recuperação de cirurgia de apendicite) e a saída de Danilo Barcelos, Paulo Autuori têm apenas duas opções para a posição.Hugo, jovem de 18 anos, da base, que jamais fez um jogo pelo profissional, e Rafael Forster, zagueiro, que atuaria improvisado pela esquerda. Outro lateral do elenco, Lucas Barros, lesionou o joelho e só volta em 2021.

Com cinco empates em sete jogos, o Glorioso segue em busca da regularidade no Campeonato Brasileiro e volta a campo na quarta, às 17h30, contra o Athletico-PR, na Arena da Baixada, pela nona rodada da competição. O clube está com oito pontos na décima quinta posição, com um jogo a menos.

Já no próximo dia 17, a equipe de General Severiano fará o primeiro jogo da quarta fase da Copa do Brasil contra o Vasco, no Nilton Santos. Uma disputa importante para o futuro do clube na temporada, já que pode garantir uma vaga nas oitavas da competição. O segundo jogo está marcado para o dia 23, em São Januário.

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Liverpool have been dealt many blows in their midfield search.

After dramatically missing out on the signings of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who both opted to join Chelsea, their transfer window was heading toward disaster.

However, the signing of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart has provided some relief and depth to the defensive midfield position, but Jurgen Klopp is still on the hunt for more reinforcements…

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to ESPN Brasil, Liverpool have had a €30m (£26m) bid rejected for Fluminense’s Andre.

The Premier League outfit wants the midfielder to join the club before the transfer window shuts on 1st September, though Fluminense are ‘reluctant’ to let Andre leave before the end of their current season.

Andre is contracted with the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A giants until 2026 and the club has their Copa Libertadores quarter-final next month, in which he will play a crucial role.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

The Brazilian outfit’s hierarchy have reportedly informed the Reds that even if they up the offer for Andre they would not allow the player to depart, but given the volatile and unpredictable nature of the transfer window, a deal cannot be ruled out.

The outlet firmly believes that the six-time European champions will not make a move for the Brazilian in 2024, so this transfer really is a case of now or never.

Would Andre be a good signing for Liverpool?

Andre joined Fluminese’s youth setup in 2013, before making his senior debut for the club in 2020 – since then, he has accumulated 148 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most influential and effective players.

During his career, the 5 foot 9 gem has predominantly appeared as a defensive midfield, but he has shrewdly displayed the qualities of an accomplished box-to-box figure.

This season in the Brazilian top-flight, he has started 16 games, managing 94% pass accuracy, averaged 2.5 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, made no errors leading to an opposition shot or goal, completed 70% of his dribbles, and won 63% of duels, as per Sofascore.

Therefore, he appears equally comfortable in the technical and defensive segments of play, and his qualities extend far beyond simply being a protector of the backline.

This has been echoed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who said:

“He’s much more than a defensive midfielder. He’s very mobile. He loves to have the ball at his feet, he orchestrates the play not only with his passing but also with his ball carries.

“His progressive carries are really impressive, he’s combative, and his work-rate is really, really high.”

Therefore, Andre offers a different profile to Endo’s.

Last term, the Japanese international was a strong defensive asset, averaging 2.1 tackles per game, making no errors leading to a shot or goal, and winning 58% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

But, on the ball, his numbers look unrefined and uninspiring. Over the past 365 days, ranked against his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Endo sits in the lowest 36% for pass completion per 90 (80.1%), and progressive carries per 90 (0.81).

In summary, it would be logical for Liverpool to continue exploring Andre as he could provide a different dimension from a deep-lying berth.

The team begins it’s World Cup campaign on January 13, with a game against Afghanistan

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2017Pakistan have selected a 15-member squad for the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand which begins in January 2018. The squad, which also includes five reserve players, will be captained by Hasan Khan. A left-arm spin bowler, Hasan was one of Pakistan’s brightest young prospects in last year’s Pakistan Super League, playing for Quetta Gladiators.Before the World Cup, the team will play a three-match ODI series against Australia, with the games to be played on December 27, 29, and 31. After that, they will also play two ODIs against New Zealand in January – on the 3rd and 5th. The squad was selected by the PCB’s junior selection committee, headed by Basit Ali, and will depart for Australia on December 21. Their World Cup campaign begins on January 13 with a game against Afghanistan.Squad: Mohsin Khan, Imran Shah, Zaid Alam, Rohail Nazir (wk), Muhammad Taha, Emmad Alam, Ali Zaryab, Saad Khan, Hassan Khan (capt), Musa Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Munir Riaz, Arshad Iqbal, Muhammad Ali, Suleiman Shafqat
Reserve players: Muhammad Junaid, Haider Ali, Muhammad Ilyas, Azam Khan, Mukhtar Ahmed

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their plans to bolster their defensive options before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Villans are exploring a deal to sign left-back Nuno Tavares from fellow Premier League side Arsenal, as Unai Emery eyes a move for the defender.

The reporter has claimed that Nottingham Forest's swoop for his services has now collapsed, which has opened the door for another team to snap him up.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Romano also added that personal terms are yet to be agreed between Villa and the Portuguese full-back as it is up to the clubs to agree on a fee first.

It was recently reported that the Gunners would demand a fee within the region of a staggering £22m to sell him on a permanent basis this summer, amid interest from West Ham and Galatasaray.

How good is Nuno Tavares?

The 23-year-old dud's performances in recent years suggest that he would not be a very good option for Emery this season and that means that the club could land Lucas Digne 2.0 by signing him.

Villa signed the France international from Everton for £25m in January of last year and he struggled badly throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

The 30-year-old flop averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.67 across 28 Premier League appearances, which placed him 16th within the squad. This shows that he was far from being one of the club's top performers despite his big-money switch from Goodison Park.

He failed to provide a threat in possession from left-back as the season ended with one goal and zero assists for the former FC Barcelona defender, whilst his 0.6 key passes per outing was the seventh-best in the team.

Emery could now sign Digne 2.0 in a move for Tavares as his poor form for Marseille is a huge cause for concern, particularly if it would cost £22m to secure his signature this summer.

The Portugal U21 international spent last season on loan in France and averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.67 across 31 Ligue 1 appearances, which shows that he was as disappointing as the French dud was for the Villans.

Tavares was beaten far too easily by attackers as he was dribbled past 0.9 times per game and Alex Moreno (1.2) was the only Villa defender who was dribbled past more per match in the Premier League last term.

The ex-Benfica prospect also lost 58% of his duels and failed with 58% of his attempted dribbles, which shows that the opposition found it too easy to outmuscle him in physical contests and were able to stop him moving forward the majority of the time.

This also came after he averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.63 over 22 Premier League clashes for Arsenal during the 2021/22 campaign.

Tavares, who was described as "catastrophic" by Casa Sports director of development Cherif Sadio during his time at Marseille, also failed to register a single assist in Ligue 1, although he did rack up six goals from left-back.

Therefore, Emery must now avoid a deal to sign the Arsenal dud as his performances over the last two years suggest that it would be another expensive flop at left-back for the club.

فرض التعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق كلمته على مباراة فريقي المقاولون العرب وفاركو، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري.

المباراة التي أقيمت على ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب في إطار مواجهات الجولة الرابعة والعشرين من عمر الدوري المصري الممتاز “النيل”.

حسام حسن يحضر مباراة زد والاتحاد السكندري في الدوري 

وسجل هدف اللقاء الأول لاعب المقاولون أمير عبيد في الدقيقة 41 من عمر اللقاء عن طريق ركلة جزاء نجح في تنفيذها.

ومن ركلة جزاء أخرى، تعادل عمرو ناصر لفريق فاركو في الدقيقة 86 ليقتنص نقطة تعادل لفريقه.

بتلك النتيجة يرتفع رصيد المقاولون العرب إلى 16 نقطة محتلًا المركز السابع عشر (قبل الأخير) في جدول ترتيب الدوري.

وحقق اليوم فريق المقاولون تعادله السابع في الدوري هذا الموسم، فيما فاز في 3 مواجهات وخسر 12 مباراة.

أما فاركو فرتفع رصيده إلى 20 نقطة محتلًا المركز الخامس عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد أن فاز في 4 مباريات وتعادل في 8 وخسر 10 لقاءات. أهداف مباراة المقاولون وفاركو

Barresi smacked 120 while Cooper hit an unbeaten 109 to add 236 runs for the second wicket, a record in WCL history

The Report by Peter Della Penna in Dubai06-Dec-2017
ScorecardBen Cooper and Wesley Barresi hit 236 runs together, a record partnership in WCL history•Peter Della Penna

Nearly four years after losing ODI status on a disastrous day in Lincoln, New Zealand, Netherlands won it back in Dubai. A 236-run second-wicket stand between Wesley Barresi and Ben Cooper smothered the Namibia bowling attack as the Netherlands coasted to an eight wicket win with 53 balls to spare at the ICC Academy Oval 2.Just over an hour later on the adjacent ICC Academy Oval 1, Hong Kong secured a tense 23-run win over Papua New Guinea to guarantee the Dutch the WCL Championship title and a spot in the 13-team ODI League beginning in 2020. The pair of results put Netherlands four points clear of PNG and three ahead of Scotland with one match remaining.The duo came together in the first over of their chase of Namibia’s 269 after Stephan Myburgh drove a sharp catch to extra cover off JJ Smit. Namibia stayed disciplined for the next several overs. But when Barresi swept and cut legspinner Colin Peake for three consecutive boundaries to end the sixth over, it set the tone for two hours of almost uninterrupted leather-chasing for Namibia in the field.Barresi continued to milk boundaries mostly square of the wicket and ended with 11 fours and a six in his 127-ball 120 before his innings ended with a tired gallop down the wicket to Bernard Scholtz. Cooper filled up the gaps in Barresi’s wagonwheel with a clinic in straight driving. When Namibia’s medium pacers dropped short, he didn’t hesitate to pull behind square for more boundaries, collecting 15 fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 109.When Barresi and Cooper were together, they created history with the highest partnership in the six-year history of the WCL Championship, breaking the previous mark of 197 made by Babar Hayat and Anshuman Rath against Netherlands in January. It was on that tour that Cooper teamed with Pieter Seelaar for another epic record-breaking stand, as they battled for the final two and a half sessions of their Intercontinental Cup match in a 288-run sixth-wicket partnership to secure a memorable draw. The Barresi-Cooper stand was just six short of the all-time Netherlands List A record of 242, set by Bas Zuiderant and Daan van Bunge against Denmark at the 2005 ICC Trophy.Namibia had produced a dogged effort after being sent in at the toss with Louis van der Westhuizen and Gerhard Erasmus making half-centuries while JP Kotze contributed 48 from No. 6. Yet all three fell at key junctures to relax any pressure that was building on the Dutch.Roelof van der Merwe also played a pivotal role to rein in the Namibia scoring-rate, attacking the stumps with a disciplined line to claim three wickets. Zane Green was trapped in front for his first victim and a few overs later Craig Williams was bowled for 13. Van der Westhuizen chopped onto his stumps in the following over and from there Namibia’s hopes of a 300 total were dashed.Sarel Burger and Jan Frylinck provided a strong surge in the final five overs as Netherlands fielding became ragged. They dropped five chances in all and Timm van der Gugten slammed the stumps in frustration after the final ball of the innings.But after the dominant stand by Barresi and Cooper, followed by Papua New Guinea’s collapse against Hong Kong, the Dutchmen will be flying into the top flight of one-day cricket all over again.