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Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt yet another injury setback ahead of their Premier League clash with Watford on Saturday.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by football.london, manager Antonio Conte revealed that winger Steven Bergwijn missed out on Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Southampton on Tuesday afternoon as the 24-year-old forward was suffering from a calf strain picked up in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.

The 52-year-old went on to state that, as a result of this knock, the Netherlands international looks as if he will remain sidelined for the visit of Watford on Saturday afternoon, as the player will need more time to recover before returning to first-team football.

When asked whether Bergwijn was injured for the Saints game, Conte said: “Yeah, yeah. During the game against Crystal Palace, he felt a problem in his calf. Yeah, he was injured. Together with [Giovanni] Lo Celso and [Cristian] Romero and [Ryan] Sessegnon.”

The Italian was then asked whether the winger would be back for Watford, to which he replied: “I don’t think so. He has a muscular problem and he needs to recover more time than 10 days or only a week.”

Conte will be livid

As we are well and truly in the thick of the busiest period of the Premier League calendar, with Spurs having at least six fixtures to play between now and the end of January – with the potential of more being scheduled due to earlier postponements – the news that Bergwijn will be unable to feature against Watford is sure to come as a huge blow to Conte, as well as leaving the manager livid.

Indeed, with the 52-year-old recently revealing that he considers the forward as a backup to Harry Kane – currently Tottenham’s only recognised centre-forward – something that is evidenced by Bergwijn replacing the 28-year-old at Selhurst Park last week, the Dutchman’s injury severely limits the Italian’s options should he wish to give the England captain a rest in the club’s upcoming games.

Furthermore, with the likes of Lo Celso, Romero and Sessegnon already in the Tottenham Hotspur treatment room, a fresh injury is the last thing Conte needs heading into 2022, as the former Inter Milan manager will need as many of his first-team squad fit and firing as possible if he is to have any chance of guiding Spurs to a top-four finish in the league this season.

In other news: “Serious chance”: Romano drops teasing Spurs transfer update that’ll have fans buzzing

Jesse Marsch’s track record when it comes to developing young players is certainly impressive, so Leeds United’s latest up-and-coming prospects are in very good hands.

During spells in charge of Red Bull conglomerates, Salzburg and Leipzig, the American coach had many a talent at his disposal, trusting them to start for him in the senior game.

These names ranged from goalscoring superstar Erling Haaland and Patson Daka, who is now at Premier League rivals Leicester City, to mooted Whites transfer target Brenden Aaronson.

Whilst the likes of Hwang Hee-chan, Takumi Minamino, Dominik Szoboszlai, Karim Adeyemi, Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol have all benefitted from his influence.

Some of the players listed went on to score a pretty neat profit but who could follow in the footsteps of say, a Haaland, at Elland Road?

The Yorkshire giants are blessed with a pretty exciting academy set-up, where we have seen players such as Joe Gelhardt, Lewis Bate and Sam Greenwood go from starting for the youth team week-in, week-out, to earning minutes in the top-flight of the men’s game.

But it could be Leo Hjelde who benefits most from the arrival of Marsch.

The 18-year-old defender has recently been absent through injury but made his return on Monday night as the U23s were walloped by West Ham United, though these valuable minutes are positive for his comeback.

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Described as “rusty” in the game by LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, it was more of a first runout for the Nottingham-born Norwegian in two months.

Capable of playing at left-back and in the middle, Hjelde could be hugely valuable to the 48-year-old going forward, particularly into next season, where the makeup of this Leeds squad is surely set to change following a torrid season full of injury and inconsistency, leading to them largely fighting a relegation battle.

His debut for the Yorkshiremen came against West Ham United earlier this season highlighted his true potential, earning immense praise from club legend Jermain Beckford, who told the club’s official podcast:

“The young boy, Hjelde when he came on as well, what a player he’s looking by the way. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. But that’s twice we’ve seen him, twice we’ve seen him against West Ham, against a very physical, very strong, very quick centre forward in Michail Antonio and a tricky player in Jarrod Bowen. I don’t want to say he had them in his pocket, but I think he did.”

Meanwhile, during his time at Ross County, his former manager John Hughes likened him to a current Premier League star, which only bolsters claims that Hjelde could emerge as a big money-making sensation in the future.

“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk. Trust me on that,” he said. “The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo. He’s got massive things in front of him.”

Also dubbed a “massive talent” by his ex-boss, it’s clear that Leeds – and Marsch particularly – have a special defender in their grasp. He should be in line for more game time next season as the league’s worst defence will surely be altered.

The Norway U21 international could earn Leeds a pretty penny one day.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon drops 12-word Kalvin Phillips transfer update…

Celtic target Fernando Henrique has followed the Hoops on Instagram, @about_celtic report.

The Lowdown: Henrique links

Ange Postecoglou appears to be on the lookout for midfield reinforcements in the winter window after relying heavily on Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic when fit this season.

Michael Nicholson and co made contact with Gremio over a move for Henrique last month, with the 20-year-old strong with both feet and able to play in three different midfield roles.

Reports in recent days from Brazil, cited by The Daily Record, have suggested that a move to Parkhead for Henrique is ‘likely’, and it seems as if a possible Scotland switch is on the cards following the midfielder’s social media antics.

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The Latest: Instagram follow

Hoops fan page @about_celtic posted two pictures on Wednesday afternoon.

They shared an image of Henrique’s verified Instagram account, with Celtic now one of the 1,253 accounts he follows.

The Verdict: January move imminent?

This latest spot regarding the Brazilian midfielder appears to be pointing in the direction of a Scotland switch in the New Year, especially after the reports in Brazil shared by The Daily Record.

Celtic’s two midfield additions over the summer, Liam Shaw and James McCarthy, have both struggled to make the impact they would’ve hoped for in Glasgow, so should Henrique seal a move in January, hopefully, he’ll make an instant start.

However, he hasn’t featured in Gremio’s last 14 games, so on that basis, it could take him a while to get up to speed at Celtic Park, so perhaps the 20-year-old could be a long-term project for Postecoglou.

In other news: Injury woes continue for Ange as worries on ‘excellent’ Celtic beast emerge prior to semi-final. 

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a summer move for Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Lowdown: Awoniyi having a ‘remarkable’ season

As per Bundesliga journalist Stefan Bienkowski, the Nigerian striker is having a ‘remarkable’ season at Union Berlin.

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He has scored no fewer than 17 goals and supplied a further four assists in 37 games across all competitions so far this term (Transfermarkt), so a number of clubs will no doubt be looking at him over the summer.

The Latest: Newcastle lurking for Awoniyi

As per Soccernet, sources close to Awoniyi have revealed that he is now ‘set’ for a move to the Premier League at the end of this campaign, but he has not yet decided who he would like to sign for.

Newcastle are joined by West Ham United and Southampton in having already ‘signified interest’ in the Nigeria international, and his departure is expected to be a record sale for Union.

They signed him for just €5m (£4.2m) last summer, so they could end up cashing in for a tidy profit.

Sources believe that Awoniyi has ‘unfinished business’ in English football after leaving Liverpool, where he was sent out on loan seven times before being sold without ever playing for the Reds.

The Verdict: Get it done

Currently rated at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, Newcastle could snap up Awoniyi for a tidy fee.

Given Callum Wilson’s injury problems, and with Chris Wood only finding the net twice since signing from Burnley in January, Eddie Howe could do with another option up top, and the Nigerian powerhouse would be perfectly suited to the pace and demands of the top flight.

Described as having ‘explosive power, a poacher’s instinct and cool head’ on the Bundesliga website, the 24-year-old could thrive on Tyneside, and of course he will have the extra motivation to show everyone what he can really do on these shores.

In other news, find out what amazing PIF claim this transfer insider has now dropped

Rangers travel to face St Mirren today as they look to reclaim their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership after Hearts leapfrogged them on Saturday.

The Gers are sat on 20 points and are currently behind Hearts on goal difference, with a draw against today’s opponents enough to see them move back to the top.

Steven Gerrard’s side come into the match off the back of a 2-0 win in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Leon Balogun and Kemar Roofe scoring the goals.

How many changes will Gerrard make for the game? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that the head coach will bring four players into the side, with Jon McLaughlin, Calvin Bassey, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield taking up spots in the XI.

The first change we are predicting comes between the sticks. McLaughlin could come in for Allan McGregor as Gerrard rotates his goalkeepers. The 39-year-old academy product has started the last four games, which means that it could be time for McLaughlin to get the nod in goal.

At centre-back, Leon Balogun could miss out after Gerrard revealed that they will make a late decision with the Nigerian. He said:

“We will give Leon every chance for the weekend, he is still a doubt but not ruled out just yet.

“We will assess him as the day goes along and we will try and get him recovered.

“He has an outside chance for the weekend but we also have to analyse the risk so we will make a really late decision on that one but it is probably 50-50.”

This leaves a gaping hole next to Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey, a left-back by trade, could slot in as a makeshift option. He played at centre-back against Sparta Prague earlier this season and may be called upon again to cover for Balogun.

Glen Kamara watched on from the stands against Brondby due to his suspension and now returns to the fold for this clash with St. Mirren. Gerrard could axe 27-year-old John Lundstram from the team, after his struggles against Brondby, and start the Finland international in the heart of the midfield set-up.

We published an article explaining why Steven Davis should be taken out of the XI for Arfield. The Scottish-born Canadian deserves a chance to show what he can do from the start after an impressive cameo on Thursday night, which is why he should play alongside Joe Aribo and Kamara.

The front three may stay the same. Ianis Hagi, Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe could be given another opportunity to prove that they can function to a high level as a front three.

AND in other news, Forget Davis: Gerrard must unleash £16k-p/w Rangers beast who “shows fight”…

Ian Evatt has had a strong start to the campaign with Bolton as they currently sit unbeaten after five competitive matches.

The Trotters have won three and drawn two of their first five games, winning two in League One and progressing through in the Carabao Cup by beating Championship side Barnsley on penalties.

They now travel to fellow League One outfit Wigan in the second round of the Carabao Cup as they attempt to extend their unbeaten run and make their way into the next stage of the competition, which is where the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool enter the draw.

Will Evatt shake things up? Here is our predicted XI for the match tonight:

We are predicting that he will make four changes to the side from Saturday’s win over Oxford, with Matt Gilks, Harry Brockbank, Liam Gordon and Elias Kachunga all coming in.

Between the sticks, we are predicting that experienced veteran Gilks will be handed the gloves to give 27-year-old Joel Dixon a rest. The latter has started the last four matches in all competitions, so it could be time to give the 39-year-old a match in goal to prove that he still has it in him to perform at this level.

In defence, we are predicting the two full-backs to switch out. Young prospects Brockbank and Gordon should be given the opportunity to impress, allowing Evatt to omit Gethin Jones and £8.4k-per-week gem Declan John in order to give them a rest.

We believe that the spine of the team will remain the same, though. Ricardo Santos, George Johnston, Jordan Williams, Josh Sheehan and Antoni Sarcevic all registered SofaScore ratings of 6.6 or higher in the 2-1 win over Oxford last weekend, and keeping the core of the team could help to build momentum and confidence moving forward.

This is also why we think that Eoin Doyle and Oladipo Afolayan will keep their places in the team. They both scored in the win against Oxford and will be on a high after their respective performances, so it would be counterproductive to then place them on the bench for this game.

The final change we are predicting is Elias Kachunga coming in for Lloyd Isgrove. The former Southampton winger was given a disappointing SofaScore rating of 6.3 against Oxford, as he lost 10 of his 14 duels on the pitch and relinquished possession 14 times.

This is why we are predicting the Welshman to be dropped, and we have published an article explaining why Kachunga should come in, stating that he could provide quality end product given the impact he has made as a substitute in recent games.

AND in other news, Evatt must unleash “fantastic” £720k-rated Bolton gem vs Wigan, he’s a game-changer…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has revealed that the club’s ‘intention’ is to act in the January window after the huge news of an injury to Kalvin Phillips.  

The Lowdown: Phillips’ surgery

Marcelo Bielsa’s squad has been impacted massively due to a number of injuries this season, with plenty of key players sidelined.

Phillips is one of the latest out after suffering a hamstring problem against Brentford earlier this month. Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford also injured the same muscle in the 2-2 draw with the Bees, whereas Rodrigo is sidelined with a heel issue and Pascal Struijk with a foot problem.

News emerged on Monday that the holding midfielder has now had surgery to repair the issue but is expected to be out for at least two months as a result.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay ran a Q&A on The Athletic prior to Leeds’ defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.

He was asked for an update by one fan in regards to any January incomings, to which he said:

“The intention is there after the injury to Phillips. But it will depend on budget and available options. You know the drill.”

The Verdict: Good news…

A midfielder appears desperately needed at Elland Road following the injury to Phillips. Bielsa has just four midfielders on the books, two of which are injured after Jamie Shackleton hobbled off at the Etihad.

That leaves just Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich as his remaining options, although Stuart Dallas can provide cover when needed.

However, it is clear to see that the Whites would benefit from a midfield addition for the second half of the season, and it’s good to see that owner Andrea Radrizzani is ready to take action over the coming weeks, should the right deal appear.

In other news: Leeds now back in for summer target who is ‘like a beast’ – reliable journalist. 

Liverpool are interested in making a move for Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to reports in Spain.

The Lowdown: De Jong is a huge talent

The 24-year-old has stood out as possibly one of Europe’s most gifted young central midfielders in recent years, having emerged from Ajax’s youth system.

While Barca are struggling badly as a club, exiting the Champions League in midweek, De Jong has been a silver lining in the squad, starting 11 La Liga games this season and averaging a remarkable 91.7 pass completion rate in the competition.

Xavi has hailed De Jong as an ‘extraordinary’ player in the past but it could be that the Dutchman feels his future lies away from Barca if these reports are to be believed.

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The Latest: Liverpool linked with move

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are eyeing up the midfielder, with the report stating that they are ‘crazy to sign him’.

There are concerns at Barca that De Jong isn’t happy and there are ‘important offers on the table’ for his services, even though it is not known whether the Reds have made a concrete bid.

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The Verdict: Magnificent summer signing

De Jong is an outstanding footballer and he could be the perfect summer addition at Liverpool next year, at a point where some fresh blood will be needed in the middle of the park.

The likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are all in their 30s – Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are 28, too – so De Jong could be a brilliant young option to address the long-term future in the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Not only is he a class act on the ball, averaging 1.5 key passes and 2.4 dribbles per game, but also works hard off it, making 1.7 tackles per match – more than Thiago (1.6), Milner (1.5), Fabinho (1.4) and Henderson (1.1).

In other news, Liverpool are still believed to be monitoring a rumoured signing. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri is closing in on a move to Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, as reported by prominent transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio on Twitter.

In 2020/21, the Switzerland international registered five goal contributions in 22 fixtures for the Reds; one goal and four assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he looks set to depart Anfield after three years at the club owing to recent developments. As relayed by Di Marzio to his followers on social media, Shaqiri is ‘very close’ to a move to France.

The French giants are said to have offered a fee of around €6million to Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s men believed to be holding out for around €8M for his services.

With an agreement expected to be reached soon, no wonder loads of Liverpool diehards took to social media to vent their reactions to the update.

Liverpool FC fans react:

Replying to Gianluca Di Marzio on Twitter, here is what some Liverpool fans had to say about the notion of Shaqiri departing for France:

“Absolute bargain for Lyon. They have robbed us. Still hoping other interested parties might bid more for him.”

Credit: @nayanmoha”8 million isn’t good enough we might as well keep him he’s to good to let go at that stupid price”Credit: @MrDPsmith1″Quality player and £6m is a bargain. If we didn’t already have him, I’d say we should sign him. Keep Shaq and sell Origi.”Credit: @_MarkL33″What’s the point at that price. Keep him”Credit: @KierT82″That’s a disgrace”Credit: @footballlfc3690″Peanuts that, might as well keep him”Credit: @DDaliniIn other news, Liverpool fans fume at a transfer update.

Aston Villa are eyeing up a move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey and are said to be preparing an offer for the 23-year-old [Daily Mail].

Enjoying a fantastic 2020/21 campaign, the Jamaican registered 26 goal contributions in 40 appearances; 15 goals and 11 assists [Transfermarkt].

Setting the Bundesliga alight, Bailey could now have a decision to make on his future.

Villa are said to be readying an official approach for the wide-man, who is reportedly seen as being worth between £25 million to £30million [Daily Mail].

He is said to be seen as an attainable target for the Villains, who are looking to bolster their squad depth as Trezeguet recovers from injury.

As you can imagine, loads of Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to rejoice at these latest developments.

Aston Villa FC fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet villareport, here is what some supporters had to say about the possibility of Bailey joining the club:

“A fantastic signing if true. Be keen to see us looking to other areas of the pitch too, particularly defensive midfielder #avfc”

Credit: @mrthompson81″What a signing this would be”Credit: @GW_94″Scenes”Credit: @scottwilson777″Watkins Bailey Grealish Buendia That’s actually not fair”Credit: @HarryUTV”If this turns out to be credible then goddamn. Haven’t seen either of the writers’ Villa stuff before, but definitely wouldn’t complain.”Credit: @rad_nauseam”GIVE HIM TO MEEE”Credit: @catrinedwards18In other news, Aston Villa fans react to an official club anniversary.