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“Even if I motivated or inspired a few youngsters, then I would be happy. I feel it was worth it: worth the pain”

Nagraj Gollapudi03-Feb-20231:37

Vihari: I’ve never batted left-handed before

Pain, sweat, and at times, glory. Those are things that make the spectacle of sport a joy to watch. Hanuma Vihari had at least one tale to tell before this week through his heroics in the Sydney Test against Australia in 2020-21, when he – along with R Ashwin – battled through pain to take India to a nerve-tangling draw.This week the normally right-handed Vihari made headlines by batting as a left-hander in innings of Andhra’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final match against Madhya Pradesh in Indore after being hit on his left hand by fast bowler Avesh Khan. On Friday, Andhra bowed out of Ranji this season, but Vihari, their captain, spoke to ESPNcricinfo, after the game to talk about why he did what he did.How is your left forearm?
On the first day [of the match], we were batting first, [and] Avesh bowled a short-of-a-length delivery. I fended it off with my left arm, [but] when I got hit, immediately I knew that something was wrong because I had never felt that [kind of] pain before whenever I had got hit [in the past]. I wanted to continue, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t grip the bat.Related

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So I went off and went for an X-ray. It showed that I had a fracture [in the forearm]. I was devastated because maybe after 113 matches, I’m playing my first quarter-final in the Ranji Trophy. I had waited for so long to play that quarter-final, but that is what it is. The doctor assessed, and [advised] six weeks of rest. Thankfully, I don’t require surgery as of now. I got a plaster done.When did you decide you were going to bat again in the first innings?
When we were 262 for 2, our physio Deep Tomar called me to his room. He told me, “I wouldn’t advise you to bat because if you get hit again, you might need a surgery”. I said, “We are in a good position, so I don’t think I would need to bat”. But next day (day 2), we collapsed to 324 for 4, and then 350 for 7 or 8 [353 for 9]. Then I went and gripped my bat with my left hand, and I couldn’t do it.I looked at my other hand, and then I thought why not try to bat left-handed; just a thought came into my mind. Then I told the coach that I want to try to bat left-handed with one hand. The coach said, “Whatever you feel right, go ahead and do it”. My team-mates helped me actually put on the pads and every protection I needed: chest pad and arm guard. I tried to have a knock in the dressing room itself. I played a few balls [left-handed], then said, “Let me go ahead, and just try and add few runs for the team”.R Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari had battled through injuries to draw the Sydney Test in 2020-21•AFP via Getty ImagesHave you batted left-handed ever before at this level?
I’ve not even batted left-handed when we played tennis-ball cricket or in the street when I was young. I had never imagined that in a first-class game – that too in a quarter-final – I would be batting left-handed with a single hand.What compelled you to do it then?
I just wanted to go out in [on] the field and show that I don’t want to just be retired out and not be able to contribute. Even if I got out first ball, it wouldn’t matter, but I just wanted to be there on the ground, show our team that I’m there to fight for the team, [and] if I do that, then the rest ten of us will definitely give their best to win the game for the side. So that was the main intention.And it was an important game for Andhra: we qualified through a tough group, and we came into the quarters, so I wanted to lead by example, showing the right way forward for my team. Actually, we fought hard after that. Unfortunately, the result didn’t go our way.How light is your bat? It seemed like you were wielding a sweep.
Funnily enough, I didn’t take my bat because my bat is a bit heavier. I took the lightest bat possible in the dressing room.It was Avesh again who you would face first ball. You nicely timed it for a four past the square boundary. Can you talk about the sequence of events around that delivery?
Avesh was running in and bowling quick. He tried to bowl a yorker [first ball], which ended up being a low full toss. So I used the pace, and angled the bat. Luckily, it went to the boundary. But one thing in my mind was to just try and play the stump-line ball. And if he bowls a bouncer, then try to duck it, which is difficult batting left-handed. It was difficult batting right-handed itself, which I couldn’t do in the initial stages [after getting hit on day one]; but doing it with the left hand, [and] with a single hand [was more difficult].”We collapsed quite badly in the second innings. So I had to go in”, Hanuma Vihari on batting despite the injury•AFP/Getty ImagesBut one thing was in my mind that even if I get hit on my body, that doesn’t matter: I’ll play the stump-line ball, and try to play at least 10-15 balls, [and] as much as I could. The fear wasn’t there. Because I knew the basics of batting – whether it’s the right hand or the left hand – I know I can defend the stump-line ball. So I was quite sure about facing fast bowling, and I got out to a spinner later on with the ball turning, which I couldn’t handle with a single hand.In the first innings, at one point it seemed you were able to kind of lightly grip with your bottom hand (left hand)?
I was trying to, but when a bowler was running in, then I removed my left hand because I couldn’t exert any pressure on it. I thought there was no point.Was the opposition surprised watching you bat left-handed?
When I came in at No. 11 [in the first innings], they thought may be I would bat right-handed. But when I took the left-hander’s guard, most of them were surprised. “Is he really doing it?”, that was the kind of expression on their faces. But all the players and even the umpires were appreciative. At the same time they were quite competitive, and didn’t show any sympathy. I wouldn’t expect any sympathy [either], as we were playing a quarter-final.When you came back to bat the second time – as the last man in the second innings – what made you do that? Why did you risk going in?

We didn’t have enough [runs in the second innings] for a start. We collapsed quite badly in the second innings. So I had to go in to bat. I got the plaster [on the left arm] just after lunch. But after the drinks break post-lunch, we collapsed, losing three or four wickets quickly. So after tea, I knew I had to bat; I had to contribute some runs because we were in a tight situation. I thought going in was a right idea. I tried to put the glove in. I just managed to put the glove in, then I just went in and tried to play some shots.Did you need to take an injection as a painkiller?
I took some tablets, but not an injection. I couldn’t really sleep. It was hurting. I slept in patches, but when I have pain I had to get up; it was disturbing.

“The basics of batting helped: how to defend the ball, just watching the ball, and trying to meet the ball, which [though] was a challenge”Vihari on how he managed to bat left-handed despite naturally being a right-hander

You stepped out against spin few times in the second innings. Which was your favorite shot as a left-hander?
I was just trying to play the field (). I was just backing myself to connect a few balls. Actually, I missed quite a few, but luckily enough I connected three balls which went to the boundary. I made up my mind because the offspinner was bowling, and playing right handed is my strength. So I tried to switch [to sweep like a right hander], and play that shot, which went through the gap. The basics of batting helped: how to defend the ball, just watching the ball, and trying to meet the ball, which [though] was a challenge.You had summed up the experience of batting with a strapped right hamstring against Australia in Sydney in 2020-21 as “sweet pain”. How do you describe this one?
If we had ended up winning, I would have still said it was sweet. Although every one of us – the whole Andhra team – gave their best, we collapsed in a session, which is very hurting. But we are proud of the fact that we gave everything for the side. So I wouldn’t be disappointed. Even if I motivated or inspired a few youngsters, then I would be happy. I feel it was worth it: worth the pain.You are bound to be disappointed that Andhra did not make it to the semi-final. But Andhra were not going to make the quarter-final at one point, and you had to erase a tweet which read: “4 wins in 7, but not to be this year. We will come back stronger next year”. So at least you came forward a step?

I am definitely proud of the team for making it to the quarters, but I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied because we have a goal of winning the Ranji Trophy. So we don’t want to restrict or limit ourselves just to the quarter-finals. But next year, we have to make sure we are well prepared, and going all the way and winning the trophy.You have not been part of the Indian Test squad since the one-off Test in England last July. By your standards, you had a lean Ranji season without a century. But still playing this match through pain must give you the satisfaction that you play sport for the joy it brings?
I play sport to win – whether I score a century or whether I’m just contributing to the side. Obviously, any batter will want to get those hundreds and get those big runs in the season. But whether I play for India or whether I play for Andhra, I play to win, even if it’s just batting with one hand or batting with one leg.It is just about going out there, and playing to win and looking at how you have to contribute to the side. That is my main goal when I go into the field. I don’t really look at personal milestones or think about a comeback. I just go out there to win a game for the side.

Test captain Dean Elgar singled out the middle-order batter as a player to watch out for ahead of the West Indies Tests

Firdose Moonda07-Jun-2021Finally, South Africa have their KP.No, not the opinionated one with funky hairstyles but someone with the same two initials. Keegan Petersen is also a batter, a self-confessed bringer of “banter, on and off the field” and is set to make his debut on Thursday against West Indies as South Africa play their first series of another new era. He’ll bat in the top five, wants to score runs and rib both his team-mates and the opposition in the future.”I like to believe I am an energetic, positive-energy type of person,” Petersen said, just before the team departed for the Caribbean. “I don’t take things seriously, in a good way. I find a joke in everything and I lighten the mood so hopefully, it rubs off in the right way. And I hope I bring runs.”So will South Africa, after a lean period in which the batters have collectively produced only three centuries in their last eight Tests, crossing 300 just twice in 15 innings. Their problems range from lack of confidence – especially against spin – to an inability to convert starts or build partnerships, but Petersen could be crucial in ensuring that changes.While his presence won’t bring experience in international caps like line-ups of old, his nine years in the first-class game includes an accumulation of knowledge of a range of conditions that South Africa have historically struggled on. Petersen made his name on the slow pitches in Paarl before moving to the flat decks of Bloemfontein and ultimately the more challenging spinning surfaces in Durban, which he believes are the ultimate preparation for the Caribbean. “Kingsmead has prepared me for any slow or turning wicket because that’s all we get in Durban,” he said. “It almost gave me the worst conditions so whatever I get [on this tour], I’ll be prepared for.”

“I’ve been nervous for a while now. It gives me goosebumps thinking about it. I know I will have big boots to fill. Anyone would be nervous. This is what we dream of as kids and eventually when the dream becomes a reality, it gives your system a bit of a shock”Keegan Petersen

His domestic coach, Imraan Khan, agrees. “He is a very determined, smart player who knows his game well. And he’s got a good all-round game,” Khan told ESPNcricinfo. “He is quite a short guy, so he plays square a lot of the time and he has a good game against spin. That’s one of the reasons he came to Durban – to expand his game against spin. He has good footwork, forward and back, and has really developed his sweep shot.”Petersen announced himself at the Dolphins last season with a score of 173 in his first appearance for his new team after three summers with the Knights.It was with the Knight, in the 2018-19 season, that he had first caught the eye of the national selectors. That year, he was the leading run-scorer in the first-class competition with 923 runs at an average of 61.53. Those numbers earned him a call-up to the South African squad for the 2019-20 season – Mark Boucher’s first in charge – but Petersen could not force his way into the XI ahead of Rassie van der Dussen and Zubayr Hamza. Instead, he was mentored by Jacques Kallis, who was working as South Africa’s batting consultant in that period. “He enjoyed being able to absorb information from someone like Kallis,” Khan said.Petersen pulls Chris Woakes through the leg side•Getty ImagesSince then, his numbers have dipped slightly but he remains among the top performers on the domestic scene. In the 2020-21 season, Petersen finished in the top ten first-class run-scorers and averaged 44. He might have played in the festive Tests against Sri Lanka but missed the series for health reasons. He then travelled to Pakistan but again couldn’t get a game. “That bubble was extremely difficult because we were stuck in a hotel on one floor. We couldn’t go anywhere, we couldn’t do anything,” he said. “I hope the Caribbean will be different.”Related

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It already is. South Africa are staying at the Harbour Club and have access to a golf course and a beach, so any sense of claustrophobia has been mitigated. And Petersen is all but assured he will get the chance to play after new captain Dean Elgar singled him out as the likely replacement for the retired Faf du Plessis before the team’s departure. He also knows there are going to be a lot of expectation from him.”I’ve been nervous for a while now,” Petersen said. “It gives me goosebumps thinking about it. I know I will have big boots to fill. Anyone would be nervous. This is what we dream of as kids and eventually when the dream becomes a reality, it gives your system a bit of a shock. I’ve been around, so for me to get a go in the sides means a lot because I know where I’ve come from and I know the journey has been tough and long. This is what we work for.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is poised to be without a big-name forward for the North London Derby against Tottenham on November 23, and he’ll be the last out of their long line of attackers to return from injury.

The Gunners’ majestic run of eight consecutive wins in all competitions without conceding a single goal came to an abrupt end at the Stadium of Light last weekend, with newly-promoted Sunderland dampening Arsenal’s air of invincibility and continuing their unbelievable start to 2025/2026.

Dan Ballard gave the hosts a surprise lead around 10 minutes before half-time, finally putting an end to David Raya’s run of clean sheets which stretched all the way back to September.

Bukayo Saka’s neat finish and Leandro Trossard’s piledriver did spark a fightback from Arsenal with Arteta’s side battling their way into the ascendency, much like they did at Sunderland’s North East rivals Newcastle nearly two months prior.

However, an acrobatic, last-gasp equaliser from Brian Brobbery ensured that the Black Cats would maintain their unbeaten run at home and break Arsenal hearts in the process.

Man City, who put Liverpool to the sword at Eastlands the next day, will be given some real encouragement as Pep Guardiola’s side now close the gap to four points.

The north Londoners had a few other golden chances in the match with Martin Zubimendi striking the crossbar for good measure, but they arguably ran out of steam creatively and couldn’t kill the game off at 2-1.

This is largely owing to Arsenal’s plethora of injury absentees in the final third.

Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres were all forced to miss the clash, with some being unavailable for weeks as Arteta’s squad depth is seriously tested akin to last season.

Havertz has impressed Arsenal rehab specialists with his recovery from a knee problem, while Madueke is in line for an earlier than expected return to the fold after working hard behind-the-scenes.

In a boost for Arteta, journalist Simon Collings of Standard Sport has revealed that the aforementioned duo, Martinelli, Odegaard and Gyokeres are all racing to be fit for Arsenal’s looming clash with Tottenham right after the international break.

However, the same cannot be said for Jesus.

Gabriel Jesus poised to miss North London derby and last to return from Arsenal injury

Collings reports that, while the others could be available for Tottenham, Jesus “will be the last to return” from his Arsenal injury despite resuming full training last week.

The £265,000-per-week star ruptured his ACL in an FA Cup defeat to Man United in January and hasn’t played since then, with Jesus since stating that it is the worst injury of his career.

The Brazil international has also been heavily linked with a January exit in the last two months, but Arteta moved to quash these rumours by expressing his delight over Jesus’ imminent comeback.

The 28-year-old has missed a total of 54 games for Arsenal since that injury against United, so he’ll now be relishing the prospect of contributing towards their potential first Premier League title in 22 years.

نجح الدولي الإنجليزي فيل فودين، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي في تسجيل الهدف الثاني لصالح فريقه أمام كريستال بالاس ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويواجه مانشستر سيتي نظيره كريستال بالاس، اليوم، الأحد في إطار منافسات الجولة الـ 16 من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا ثقيلًا على كريستال بالاس آملًا في أن يقلص الفارق بينه وبين آرسنال الذي رفع رصيده من النقاط إلى 36 نقطة بعد الفوز على وولفرهامبتون.

وفي الدقيقة 68، نجح ريان شرقي في اختراق منطقة العمق بالقرب من منطقة جزاء لنادي كريستال بالاس ومرر الكرة إلى فودين الذي سددها بمنتهى المهارة على يسار الحارس هندرسون.

Leeds United are battling West Ham United for the signing of Santiago Gimenez, with the Mexican striker “set to leave” AC Milan in 2026.

Farke praises Calvert-Lewin role in Leeds turnaround

Daniel Farke’s job was at risk heading into a period in which Leeds faced three ‘big six’ teams in the space of just seven days.

Three good performance and four points later however, and the German’s position is as strong as it ever has been, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring in each of the defeat at Manchester City, the win over Chelsea and of course the dramatic 3-3 draw against champions Liverpool.

“I have followed his career for years and this is what he has done throughout. He has delivered really good performances and scored many goals,” the manager said.

“This is why we were so desperate to sign him because we know what he is capable of if he is fit and in a good rhythm.”

Calvert-Lewin’s injury record was a point of contention when he signed at Elland Road during the summer, and the club are set to pursue a new striker in January to provide added competition for the 28 year-old.

Gimenez set to leave AC Milan

According to an update from Italian journalist Niccolò Ceccarini, via Sport Witness, Leeds and West Ham are the two clubs fighting it out to sign AC Milan striker Gimenez, who is now “set to leave” the Italian giants in the new year.

The Serie A outfit are already searching for his replacement, and a move for the ‘right candidate’ will depend on the Mexican joining a new club.

Gimenez was praised by Milan legend and Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic upon his arrival at the club, but has failed to cement himself as their top number nine, failing to find the back of the net in Serie A so far this season despite starting eight matches.

Kyle Walker compared the striker to Julian Alvarez having played together in Milan.

That work rate made Alvarez a hit in the Premier League during his time at Manchester City, and if Gimenez could replicate anything close to that at Elland Road he could make Farke and Leeds fans very happy indeed.

Crystal Palace may have a big decision to make in the January transfer window, with it being revealed Real Madrid are preparing a bid for one of their key players.

Palace fighting for European qualification

Palace have taken major strides under the helm of Oliver Glasner, winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history last season, which granted qualification for the Europa Conference League, and they are now knocking on the door to make it to Europe once again.

The Eagles are flying high in the Premier League, currently sitting in fourth, moving into the Champions League places as a result of a 2-1 victory away at Fulham last time out.

Adam Wharton once again put in a top-quality performance, assisting Eddie Nketiah’s opening goal, with the Englishman attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.

Real Madrid have also been named as potential suitors for Wharton in the past, but he is not the only Crystal Palace star of interest to the Champions League club, according to a report from Spain, which states they are now preparing a €40m (£35m) offer for Marc Guehi.

Guehi has been identified as the ideal target for the Spanish side, who are looking to bring in a new centre-back in the January transfer window, given that Éder Militão is set to spend up to four months on the treatment table.

The Eagles will have a big decision to make in the January transfer window, given that Glasner has already made it clear Guehi wants to leave in 2026, and they are currently at risk of losing him on a free transfer in the summer.

Palace sanctioning Guehi's departure would be major risk

Palace currently have a real opportunity to make more history this season, given that they are currently in the Champions League places, and letting their captain leave next month would jeopardise their chances of finishing in the top four.

The England international has been Glasner’s most consistent performer in the Premier League this season, averaging a 7.40 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player in the squad.

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The 25-year-old has averaged 2.03 tackles per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 87th percentile compared to other centre-backs, while he has also displayed his attacking qualities, picking up two goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.

Although it may be difficult to resist a big January bid for Guehi, given that he is set to leave in the summer, Crystal Palace should resist any approaches and keep the centre-back until the end of the season.

Sources have described an incoming Chelsea starlet as another potential superstar, as BlueCo prepare to welcome another Estevao-like talent.

Estevao rise leads Chelsea youth transfer revolution

Estevao has announced himself as one of world football’s brightest young talents since joining Chelsea this summer, producing performances that suggest the Brazilian teenager could become a generational superstar at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to life in English football, scoring five goals and providing one assist in just 740 minutes across all competitions.

Statistically, he’s already surpassed legendary figures at similar stages of their careers, with his goal contributions eclipsing what Lionel Messi and Ronaldo managed in their first seventeen appearances for Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.

Estevao’s finest hour yet came against Barça in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

His breathtaking solo goal left top-level defenders trailing in his wake before the ex-Palmeiras sensation fired into the roof of the net, making him only the third teenager in history to score in each of his first three Champions League starts alongside Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Man City’s Erling Haaland.

Minutes

83′

Expected Goals

0.13

Goals

1

Expected Assists

0.35

Big Chances Created

1

Key Passes

3

Long Balls

1/1

Shots

2

Touches

47

Recoveries

4

Estevao’s Premier League performances have shown similar promise, with the South American’s dramatic last-gasp winner against Liverpool in October sending Enzo Maresca into raptures on the touchline.

Chelsea’s investment in young talent continues to shape their long-term recruitment strategy, with Estevao representing just the beginning of an exciting wave of arrivals.

Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez, who is currently on loan at sister club Strasbourg, has been tipped for an exciting future, with Kairat Almaty forward Dastan Satpaev and Corinthians left-back Denner also set to arrive in 2026 — alongside Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.

As well as the aforementioned quartet, Chelsea will welcome Sporting CP sensation Geovany Quenda to London next summer.

Maresca’s side struck a £44 million deal for the winger in March, and he’s already been described by some as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

Quenda has been on fire this term with five goals and eight assists in 20 appearances, with Chelsea signing Quenda for half of his release clause earlier this year in what could turn out to be a bargain move.

Chelsea have already signed 'the next Cristiano Ronaldo' in Geovany Quenda

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who also says that those in Portugal are describing Quenda as ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’ in very high praise.

Speaking in a video down at the bottom of a Sky Q&A, Solhekol also reports that there are ‘more Estevaos on the way ‘— referencing Quenda as chief among them.

Commenting on his move to Chelsea, Sporting boss Rui Borges did have a word of caution for the Portugal Under-21 international — namely that this hype could ‘affect his mental state’.

Being compared to Ronaldo brings its own pressure, but from what Quenda has shown already, Chelsea could indeed be about to welcome yet another Estevao to Maresca’s ranks.

Arne Slot gambled on Wednesday when he decided to exclude from his matchday squad the majority of his first-team Liverpool stars.

But the Dutch tactician didn’t gamble with his side’s chances of advancing against Crystal Palace to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. The result, plainly, always felt the probable outcome from the build-up, and Liverpool are now condemned to six losses from seven games.

Liverpool did not have the firepower to overwhelm Oliver Glasner’s side, and so he has rested his heavyweights in the hope that the Reds will see an upswing in form across the crucial coming period of football. Up next: Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Premier League, with the visit of Real Madrid in the Champions League in between.

With that in mind, the decision to field a second-string team was understandable, but there was a dearth of experience, and with the outcome almost pre-determined, unleashing the already under-fire Milos Kerkez has backfired.

Milos Kerkez struggles again

Since September 27th, Liverpool have lost more games than any other side across Europe’s top five leagues. Defensively, it’s been a bit lackadaisical and erratic.

In this regard, summer recruit Kerkez has really struggled. The Hungarian arrived from Bournemouth for £45m in July but is unrecognisable to the Premier League Team of the Year inclusion who inspired such awe on the south coast last year.

Slot and Kerkez will take solace in the 21-year-old having created two chances, finding his man with both attempted crosses and connecting well with the lively Rio Ngumoha. However, he also lost the ball 19 times and won only three of his nine contested duels (data via Sofascore).

It was a display that, once again, left plenty to be desired, and Liverpool still wait to see the left-back form into a worthy part of Slot’s project.

There is, however, time on his side. But the same cannot be said for another part of the Liverpool backline, a player who has been at the heart of a series of transfer sagas in recent years and may now be heading for the axe.

Slot must ditch Liverpool stalwart

Liverpool have undergone plenty of change this year, and there’s a sense that some of the veterans need to stick around. This isn’t true in every case, though.

For so long, Joe Gomez has been a part of the club, instrumental in the rise of Jurgen Klopp and the longest-serving active first-team player – and that even before Trent Alexander-Arnold packed and left.

The 28-year-old was part of a three-man backline in the cup, but Slot’s attempts to negate the Palace threat came undone when Gomez found himself at the epicentre of the deadlock-breaker. It was his loose touch that gifted Ismaila Sarr the first goal of his brace, ever the bane in Liverpool’s side.

Perhaps Gomez’s miscontrol was more unfortunate than clumsy, but there was still a flash of a chance to clear the danger and keep that elusive clean sheet.

Moreover, Gomez’s errant pass led to the Eagles’ conclusive third strike, and Liverpool World saw it fit thereafter to hand the England international a 5/10 match rating.

After attracting interest from Newcastle United and, curiously, Palace over the past two summer transfer windows, Liverpool may come to regret not cashing in, especially if that had led to the likes of Marc Guehi, who remains under Glasner’s wing but could have been fielded for the hosts on Wednesday.

After such sweeping changes this summer, Liverpool were always going to need time to develop and reshape as a unit. But this feels messy.

We are not seeing a coherent squad ratcheting up the pace, but instead a sour situation that now threatens to spill over if form is not found before Aston Villa’s trip to Anfield on Saturday evening.

If Slot has learned anything new, it’s that Gomez cannot be placed into the starting line-up against Unai Emery’s well-oiled team.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he is concerned about star striker Viktor Gyokeres after the Swede picked up a muscular injury during the win at Burnley on Saturday. The Gunners return to action this week in the Champions League when they travel to Slavia Prague, but they will face this test without their talisman up front after he missed training on Monday.

• Arteta's Gyokeres concerns

  Gyokeres has settled straight in at his new club, bagging six goals in 14 appearances across all competitions this season. Although he is yet to score against a top-half club in the Premier League, Arsenal fans have been impressed with their new striker's work on and off the ball as he continues to adapt to life back in England. But despite becoming a mainstay in the starting XI, the former Sporting man is expected to miss some time after being taken off at half-time during the 2-0 win at Turf Moor. That will include the latest instalment of Champions League action, as Arsenal look to maintain their perfect record in the competition in Prague.

  Speaking in his press conference ahead of the trip to the Czech Republic, head coach Arteta admitted he is worried about the extent of the 27-year-old's injury. He said: "I am concerned because he hasn't had many muscular issues, and he had to leave the pitch as he was feeling something. That is a concern for a player who is very explosive."

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  Arsenal in familiar territory

  The Gunners now find themselves in a familiar situation. With no Gyokeres, there is no recognised striker available for the club, with both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz missing as well. The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Arteta, as his side look to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. As mentioned by the Spaniard, Gyokeres has never struggled with injuries in his career. The ex-Brighton and Coventry man has missed just five games for club and country in his career, but a muscle issue for a player who relies on being explosive with his movements is not a good sign. Rivals Tottenham had a similar problem with centre-back Micky van de Ven last season. The Dutchman – known for his pace and running power – tore his hamstring, the worst possible injury for a player of his type. Arteta will be hoping that the extent of Gyokeres' injury is far less serious. 

• Squad depth set to be tested

  On top of Gyokeres, Havertz and Jesus, Arsenal are missing several other key players. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi also reported muscle discomfort during the Burnley match and was substituted late on for Christian Norgaard after receiving treatment. Although the Spaniard is suspended for the trip to Prague after collecting three yellow cards in the competition, he did take part in Monday’s training session, which serves as a positive sign ahead of the Gunners' Premier League meeting with Sunderland this weekend.

  Noni Madueke, who arrived from Chelsea in a £50 million deal during the summer, has been out since September with a knee injury picked up during a 1-1 draw against Manchester City. The winger avoided surgery and is reportedly pushing for a return to boost his chances of representing England during the upcoming international break.

  Club captain Martin Odegaard has endured a difficult season with recurring shoulder issues and a recent knee injury sustained in last month’s 2-0 win over West Ham. He has not featured since that match, though Arteta is optimistic that Odegaard, along with Havertz and Madueke, could be fit for the upcoming north London derby.

  If that was not enough damage to the Arsenal squad, Gabriel Martinelli has also missed the past two games after suffering a thigh strain late in the win against Crystal Palace in October. It means the London club must dig deep as we barrel towards the break, and hope that they can regain their core ahead of a crucial winter period as they push for the title.

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  The year of the Gunners?

  Every game will feel like a final for Arsenal this season, as they chase down elusive silverware under Arteta. They remain firm favourites to win the Premier League, and amongst the top dogs in the Champions League as well. But they have been here before, and it only takes one or two slip-ups for the title to slip from a team's grasp; that is a potential banana skin when they visit Sunderland on Saturday.

كشف ديكو، المدير الرياضي لنادي برشلونة حقيقة تدعيم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة.

ويعاني برشلونة من غيابات عديدة في النصف الأول من الموسم بسب تراكم الإصابات العضلية في جميع المراكز مما أثر على نتائج الفريق في مباريات الدوري الإسباني ودوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقال ديكو، في تصريحات عبر “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “إذا كنا نسير على ما يُرام ولم تكن هناك مفاجآت، فلا أعتقد أن ذلك ضروري، نحن نُدرك جيدًا جوانب التحسن والصعوبات التي نواجهها، مررنا أيضًا بأوقات عصيبة في الموسم الماضي وتمكنا من تجاوزها”.

وأضاف: “عندما نتراجع في أدائنا، نعاني بالطبع، نحتاج إلى تواجد أفضل لاعبينا بشكل دائم، لا توجد أعذار لكن عندما لا نستطيع إجراء تغييرات بسبب الإصابات والتي ضربت خط وسطنا، هناك أمور يجب تحسينها حتى عندما نكون فائزين”.

اقرأ أيضًا | زامورانو: لامين يامال لا يناسب ريال مدريد.. وزميله ببرشلونة يمتلك جوهر الملكي

وأردف: “المواسم الثانية دائمًا ما تكون معقدة لكن فليك لديه خطة لعب جريئة وأن الوقت ليس مناسبًا للشك أبدًا”.

واستطرد: “أعجبني حقًا ما قاله فرينكي دي يونج، ما قدمناه العام الماضي كان مذهلًا لكن علينا أن نتطلع إلى المستقبل، إذا أردنا المقارنة فسنرتكب خطأ”.

وتابع: “الشيء الوحيد الذي لا جدال فيه هو التمسك بفكرة المدرب الذي فاز بما فاز به الموسم الماضي والذي جلب لنا السعادة”.

وأتم: “نحن متشددون بعض الشيء، وجودنا في برشلونة يعني هذا وأحيانًا لا يجب أن نسمح لأنفسنا بالتأثر”.