Amelia Kerr, the New Zealand spin-bowling allrounder, has tested positive for Covid-19 while on tour to England. The squad is travelling to take part in the cricket event at the upcoming Birmingham Commonwealth Games, starting July 28.The positive result came out after a round of Rapid Antigen Tests conducted on the team members on Saturday. Following the positive test, 21-year-old Kerr is in isolation at the team hotel.Related
Down, Jess Kerr out of NZ's CWG squad
Tahuhu hopes to put low phase behind
A NZC media statement said that Kerr was the only player from the touring party to test positive, while “the rest of the group will continue to be monitored and tested, as required”.The entire New Zealand contingent had travelled for England from Lincoln on July 12. New Zealand are scheduled to play their first match of the competition against South Africa on July 30.But first, they will have another week of training at Millfield School in Somerset – including two practice matches against England A – before moving to Birmingham towards the end of July.Kerr has been an integral part of the New Zealand set-up, having picked up 41 wickets in 41 bowling innings in T20Is at an economy of 5.94. With the bat, she has scored a total of 234 runs in 24 innings.Women’s cricket will feature at the Commonwealth Games for the first time at the upcoming edition, and cricket as a whole for only the second time after a men’s ODI competition was held in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, won by South Africa.
Who's hot, who's not? GOAL ranks all 30 teams across Major League Soccer
Matchday 6 of the MLS was one for the books.
Goals galore, there was no shortage of attacking talent from across the league – while a major flaw for some teams was put on display: defending.
Reigning champions LA Galaxy are winless through six matches to begin the campaign, while their crosstown compatriots in LAFC put forth a disastrous showing against their Southern California rivals, San Diego FC.
Elsewhere, Atlanta United and NYCFC played out a seven-goal thriller, while just three matches played out to a draw across the weekend, with Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps being the lone scoreless affair. In Southern Florida, Lionel Messi returned from injury for Inter Miami, leading the to a thrilling victory over the Philadelphia Union in a battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the East heading into the weekend.
In the West, the Colorado Rapids, MNUFC, and the Portland Timbers pulled off impressive victories, too, as contention for the top spots in the conference heats up.
So, who's leading the pack, and who's falling short of expectations? GOAL presents the latest 2025 MLS Power Rankings.
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30Sporting Kansas City ⬇️
It's hard to imagine things get worse from where they are right now with Sporting. The lone takeaway, take it how you will, is that they're hopefully entering a new era following the removal of Peter Vermes as head coach Monday morning.
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29Houston Dynamo ⬇️
Another shocking performance from Houston, with Portland hammering them 3-1. Things just are not going Ben Olsen's way.
28CF Montreal ⬆️
A point against an in-form Fire side can be seen as a good result for Montreal. As their permanent head coach search gets underway, they'll look to find a sense of identity on the pitch, with their Matchday 6 result potentially serving as a wave of inspiration.
27Toronto FC ⬆️
A scoreless draw against Vancouver is a good point for Toronto, however, it does not change the fact that they have been dreadful to start 2025.
A confusão envolvendo os jogadores do Botafogo após a vitória sobre o Fluminense não passou batida porPaulo Renato Moreira da Silva Coelho. O árbitro citou o acontecimento do Maracanã, em jogo válido pelo Campeonato Carioca, na súmula da partida, divulgada pela Ferj na manhã desta segunda-feira.
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+ Prazer, Erison! Atacante do Botafogo mostra credenciais e se despede como artilheiro do Carioca
Os atletas do Alvinegro ficaram revoltados quando o árbitro acabou o jogo com uma falta na intermediária para o Glorioso. Uma das reclamações do elenco é que ele tinha prometido que o jogo acabaria antes mesmo do gol marcado por Germán Cano, minutos antes.
Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW
O árbitro relatou a invasão de jogadores reservas e membros da comissão técnica na súmula, além de ter registrado uma expulsão a Barreto, volante do Botafogo.
SÚMULA DO JOGO
“Após o término da partida os jogadores reservas e membros da comissão técnica da equipe do Botafogo F.R adentraram ao campo de jogo para reclamar das decisões da arbitragemsendo contidos pelo policiamento local.”
“Expulsei com cartão vermelho direto após o término do jogo, o jogador de nº 05 da equipe do Botafogo F.R, Sr. Gustavo Bonatto Barreto, por após ter invadido o campo, ter puxado minha camisa de forma agressiva, ter segurado o assistente nº 02 pelo pescoço e ter dado uma ombrada no 4º árbitro. Ressalto que não foi possível apresentar o cartão no campo de jogo devido as circunstânciashostis apresentadas.”
West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten is convinced that one striker can make an “immediate” impact at the club, with the German personally setting his sights on the forward as a January deal could also be on the cards.
West Ham targeting January move for striker
Julen Lopetegui was spared his P45 after his side ran out 2-1 winners at home to Wolves, at least for now, with the Spaniard surviving Monday’s ‘El Sackico’ by the skin of his teeth.
West Ham offered "extraordinary" ex-Chelsea boss to replace Julen Lopetegui
The Irons are apparently open to it.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 7, 2024
Tomas Soucek’s breakthrough and a stunning solo effort from Jarrod Bowen cancelled out Matt Doherty’s brief equaliser, putting breathing room between Lopetegui and the West Ham exit door, with attention turning back towards the looming January transfer window.
There have been recent reports that Lopetegui wants West Ham to sign reinforcements when the window reopens next month, and it is believed a striker is pretty high on their agenda alongside a potential centre-back.
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#17
09/12/2024
Wolves (H)
Premier League
2-1 win
#16
03/12/2024
Leicester City (A)
Premier League
3-1 loss
#15
30/11/2024
Arsenal (H)
Premier League
5-2 loss
#14
26/11/2024
Newcastle United (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#13
09/11/2024
Everton (H)
Premier League
0-0 draw
#12
02/11/2024
Nottingham Forest (A)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#11
27/10/2024
Man United (H)
Premier League
2-1 win
#10
19/10/2024
Tottenham (A)
Premier League
4-1 loss
Reports in France late last week indicated that West Ham have made an approach for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo as one option, given the Irons currently possess one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League, but a potential new marksman is something regularly mentioned by the media as well.
While Niclas Fullkrug has now returned from his achilles tendon problem, which had ruled him out for months, fellow striker Michail Antonio was involved in a horrific car crash on Saturday – with the Jamaican expected to be out for at least a year after undergoing surgery on a broken leg (The Guardian).
Bowen celebrates scoring with Antonio's shirt
Antonio is now set to undergo extensive rehabilitation, as West Ham potentially look to the market for another option in the forward area.
Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze is one target on West Ham’s list, after he finished Euro 2024 as one of the tournament’s top goalscorers, while it is now believed FC Mainz star Jonathan Burkardt has admirers in east London.
Steidten convinced Jonathan Burkardt can make West Ham impact
According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, one of the Germany international’s biggest fans is West Ham transfer chief Steidten.
The outlet reports that Steidten is convinced Burkardt could make an “immediate impact” at West Ham, with a January deal potentially possible for the forward who’s scored 10 goals in 13 Bundesliga appearances so far.
Valued at around £12 million by Transfermarkt, Burkardt is contracted until 2027 and likely to cost more than this considering his form right now, but we’re yet to see any reports of Mainz setting a definitive asking price.
“We know he’s a good player, this time he was incredibly important because he also ran a lot to defend,” said Mainz head coach Bo Henriksen on Burkardt.
“What a man, what a player, I’m proud. He is of course also a leader for us. A player we always trust. He wants to do everything for this club.”
Crystal Palace are now confident that a £20 million player they are keen to sign is available for a January transfer, according to a recent report. The Eagles have had a poor Premier League campaign so far compared to their previous standards, so January could be pivotal in them turning this season around.
Crystal Palace make transfer approach for striker who is valued at £5m
Palace are among several teams chasing a young English striker.
ByBrett Worthington Dec 2, 2024 Crystal Palace transfer news
Palace have decided to stick with Oliver Glasner so far thanks to the credit he earned last season, and the Austrian will certainly be hoping to get the opportunity to further strengthen his side in the New Year.
Adding more firepower to the team will be high on the club’s agenda, as a lack of goals is costing them points in the Premier League. One player Palace have been linked with in recent days is Atlético Madrid’s Angel Correa. The forward has struggled for regular minutes so far this season, so he could be on the move in the New Year if new opportunities arise.
As well as Correa, Palace have also made an approach to sign James Berry-McNally from Chesterfield. The 23-year-old has been impressive in League Two this season, and Palace are among the teams keeping a close eye on his development, with it possibly costing just £5 million to get a deal over the line.
It could be a busy January for Palace and Dougie Freedman, as they are also keen on landing a Premier League midfielder.
Crystal Palace confident James McAtee will be available in January
According to Give Me Sport, Crystal Palace are now confident that James McAtee will be available in January. The attacking midfielder is a product of Manchester City’s academy, playing for their under-18s and under-21s before moving up to the first team.
McAtee has had two very successful loan spells at Sheffield United in recent seasons, but this season it was decided that he would be best staying at the Etihad. The 22-year-old would have been hoping for first-team action, but it hasn’t worked out that way yet, as he’s played just seven times in all competitions. His last appearance in the Premier League came against Ipswich Town back in August.
Give Me Sport is now reporting that Palace, along with West Ham United, are eager to enter discussions over a transfer, as they look to get their seasons back on track.
James McAtee’s Premier League record
Apps
34
Goals
3
Assists
3
Palace are said to be “desperate” to have a chance to land the youngster and City have refused to rule out a permanent sale, so a switch could happen for around £20 million, with Eagles chiefs now seemingly of the belief that his current employers will be open to any and all offers come the winter window.
Wellington Women 175 for 4 (Devine 92, Green 55, Black 2-36) beat Otago Women 100 (Black 16, Kasperek 3-23, Devine 2-14) by 75 runsWellington Blaze went through the T20 summer undefeated en route to their fourth crown in five years while Northern Brave’s men outclassed the Canterbury Kings in two dominant displays at Seddon Park on Dream11 Super Smash Grand Finals day.Sophie Devine made a splash with both bat and ball to help Wellington Firebirds went through the T20 summer undefeated en route their fourth Super Smash crown in five years.Opening the batting, she smashed a 62-ball 92 to help Firebirds set a target of 176. Then with the ball, she prised out the big wickets of Katey Martin and Kate Ebrahim with her seam-ups to help skittle Otago Women for 100.Devine’s century stand with Maddy Green, the captain, was instrumental in setting a launch pad for Firebirds. Green’s contribution of 55 came at a strike rate of 157.14, with their 110-run stand coming off just 72 balls.Both Devine and Green fell in the final over of the innings, as Amelia Kerr, the star allrounder, missed out with the bat, making just 20.Otago were pegged right at the start, as openers Polly Inglis and Suzie Bates fell off consecutive deliveries. Just three batters in their top seven got into double digits, and none managed more than the 16 by Martin and Emma Black. Leigh Kasperek ran through the middle and lower middle orders to finish with three wickets.
A tough period for the 22-year-old has coincided with the club's overall dip in form, and Enzo Maresca needs him back to his best as soon as possible
It's little surprise that Chelsea's alarming downturn in form has coincided with their talisman looking a little off colour. Ever-consistent Cole Palmer has gone through a rare, long-overdue rough spell of late, exposing just how important he is to the Blues' prospects.
Chelsea and Palmer hit a new low last week, with the attacking midfielder ineffective as he was subdued by Brighton's vigilant defence for the second time in as many games, contributing in large part to a blunt 3-0 defeat on the south coast for Enzo Maresca's side that left them down in sixth place in the Premier League by the end of the weekend.
This alarming dip means they have now registered just three wins in 11 games, with one of those coming against League Two strugglers Morecambe in the FA Cup.
Compared to a number of his team-mates, Palmer can still hold his head up high having continued to come up clutch in a number of challenging situations, but there is no doubt that his level has dropped as Chelsea begin to flounder. He needs to rediscover his best form to get them out of a rut.
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Still outstanding in adversity
Let's get this straight first: this is not simply a Palmer problem – Chelsea's No.20 has, until recently, continued to deliver despite the team's overall downturn in form.
It was Palmer who strolled through Fulham's defence to score an outrageous individual goal before the Cottagers came from behind to win on Boxing Day, Palmer who swept home a clinical opener in the disappointing draw at Crystal Palace, Palmer who sat the goalkeeper down and rolled the ball into the back of the net before the Blues surrendered a two-goal lead to be held by Bournemouth.
However, while Chelsea have found a way to win again in the month since amid some continued poor results, Palmer's influence has waned somewhat – although he was still the catalyst for own goals conceded by West Ham and Brighton.
Without his usual influence on proceedings, the west Londoners look far, far less threatening going forward and are evidently struggling for creativity and goals.
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Frustrated figure
Such has been Palmer's consistency since he emerged as a genuine superstar at Stamford Bridge last season that he has been conspicuous in his anonymity in recent games. There is a sense that, when Chelsea have really needed him of late, he has not been able to haul them over the line.
Having been quiet in the victory over Wolves, he went AWOL against former club Manchester City, spurning a glorious chance to lay the ball on a plate for Nicolas Jackson when the Blues were already leading 1-0, although the striker could have done better. Maresca's men were made to pay as a City side that was there for the taking came from behind to triumph 3-1.
Another subdued display against West Ham preceded back-to-back defeats in the FA Cup and Premier League, respectively, where he was thoroughly dealt with by Brighton, cutting a particularly frustrated figure in the latter game as he was frozen out by the Seagulls' intelligent pressing as they hunted in packs – a stark contrast to the reverse league fixture when Palmer scored all four goals in a 4-2 victory.
According to , the 22-year-old gave the ball away 12 times in the second half alone at the Amex Stadium as he hit a new low in this current dip in form.
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Overelliance
Chelsea's recent struggles have undoubtedly highlighted an overreliance on Palmer's goals and creativity, meaning that when he is out of form, the whole team seems to be out of form.
With Mykhailo Mudryk serving a doping suspension, Chelsea's available wingers – Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke – have provided a combined 20 goals and assists in the Premier League this season – the same number Palmer has weighed in with all on his own.
Although he was in the midst of his own goal drought, Jackson's hamstring injury earlier in February has exacerbated the situation over the past two games, with defenders zoning in on the Blues' key attacking midfielder in the absence of the tireless Senegalese striker, who is so good at occupying backlines even when he isn't troubling the scoreboard.
Christopher Nkunku has deputised up top, but he doesn't have the same understanding with Palmer and is very clearly not the out-and-out No.9 that Chelsea dearly lack. If anything, the Frenchman arguably gets in Palmer's way as he drops deep to get on the ball having made his name as a roaming No.10.
Maresca needs his other attacking players to do their share and take the initiative, having perhaps grown over-reliant on Palmer's exploits over the past 18 months.
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'Not only Palmer who is frustrated'
Concerningly for Chelsea and their followers, there are the early signs of discontent behind the scenes; Palmer went straight down the tunnel following the full-time whistle on the south coast on Friday before being ushered back onto the pitch to acknowledge the disgruntled away support, who had vented their frustration during the dire 3-0 loss.
Addressing the situation later on, Maresca said: "Football is a team game, it’s not tennis; it’s not only Cole Palmer who is frustrated. In one way it can show the desire of Cole to improve things. But it’s not just about Cole, it’s about all the players.
"It’s a little bit like the fans, when you don’t win a game it’s normal that they are not happy and when we win games everyone is happy and the players are exactly the same. When we don’t win, they feel frustrated. We need all of them in this moment to be more positive because this is a moment where we need to stick together and try to finish in the best way."
Newcastle United entered the international break off the back of a subdued 0-0 draw away at Everton, with Anthony Gordon’s gutting penalty miss the main point of action from the contest, as the Toffees home faithful took great joy in ridiculing their former youth product’s blunder from the spot.
Still, even with this underwhelming stalemate being his side’s final taste of Premier League action before the break, Eddie Howe will be pleased with the efforts of his Magpies team on the whole, with the Tyneside outfit only losing one of seven league clashes to date.
Howe will hope he can call upon Alexander Isak in the games to come, with the Swedish sharpshooter nowhere to be seen away in Merseyside owing to a broken toe.
It remains to be seen whether he will be immediately thrown into action for Newcastle’s first game back versus Brighton, with Isak a hit with the St. James’ Park masses when at the top of his game.
Isak's time with Newcastle
Isak cost the Magpies a club-record £63m fee when he arrived through the door in the summer of 2022, leaving behind Real Sociedad for a new challenge in England having set La Liga alight with his goalscoring prowess.
Boasting 44 strikes from 132 games playing out in Spain, the 25-year-old has since taken to his new surroundings like a duck to water, with an impressive goal tally already next to his name when donning a Magpies strip.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
The lofty 6 foot 4 menace has bagged 36 strikes from 73 games since making the switch to Tyneside, with this debut campaign seeing the Scandinavian bag a quickfire ten goals from just 22 clashes.
He hasn’t quite got up and running this season to date, however, with only a goal and one assist collected, with Isak having to sit out the last three encounters in league and cup due to that broken toe.
Still, everyone with associations to the Tyneside outfit will expect Isak to return to his goalscoring best as soon as shrugs off his injury, with Howe’s men very much missing the exploits of their star man away at Everton when Gordon unexpectedly started up top.
With Callum Wilson also sidelined, there aren’t plentiful striker options at St James’ Park, which will be a concern to the Magpies boss moving forward.
If only Newcastle could turn back time to stop one catastrophic error from happening in a bid to strengthen their attacking numbers.
Newcastle's major striker error
Nobody would have anticipated the amazing rise of this former youngster when he spread his wings away from Newcastle, but it’s a decision that will be haunting all the same.
In 2018, the Magpies inexplicably allowed Ivan Toney to leave the building for just £500k to League One Peterborough United, after continually shipping the then wide-eyed forward out on loan to various different EFL clubs, instead of ever really giving him extended time in the senior mix.
In total, Toney would only make a paltry four appearances in the Newcastle first-team fold, before exploding into life in Cambridgeshire with sublime strikes like the one above nothing out of the ordinary during his spell at Peterborough.
He would seamlessly slot into the set-up at Posh, with a stunning 49 goals registered from 94 games, before moving up a division to the Championship with Brentford in 2020.
Already, Newcastle would have been plagued with regret, knowing that they never quite gave Toney the chance to blossom into a terrifying goal machine back at their own patch.
Instead, Brentford managed to get even more out of the deadly 6 foot 1 striker after he left Posh behind, with the now 28-year-old attacker hammering home a ridiculous 33 league goals during his debut season with the Bees, which culminated in Thomas Frank’s men winning promotion up to the big time.
23/24
17
4
22/23
35
21
21/22
37
14
20/21
52
33
Although his final year on the books of the West London club would be embroiled in controversy, owing to a betting ban significantly reducing his minutes on the pitch, Toney would undoubtedly walk away from Brentford as a modern-day great earlier this year, having notched up 72 strikes from 141 total games.
He would even be labelled as “unplayable” by Toon hero Alan Shearer in 2022, with the legendary striker no doubt aggrieved that the ice-cold finisher wasn’t given a fair crack of the whip at St James’ Park.
The 28-year-old striker won’t ever replay his ending with Newcastle back in his head, however, with the decision to walk away from Tyneside proving to be a genius one, as Toney now rakes in obscene amounts of cash playing out in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli.
Toney's wage at Al-Ahli
Before examining his outrageous pay packet, Newcastle will also feel sick with how little they got out of Peterborough four years ago, considering Al-Ahli had to fork out £40m to win the England international’s services.
Toney is already justifying that bumper price tag, with three strikes from seven games while donning his new Al-Ahli colours, with the 28-year-old presumably loving life in his new Middle Eastern location.
Player
Wage
1. Bruno Gumiaraes
£160k-per-week
= 2. Joelinton
£150k-per-week
= 2. Lloyd Kelly
£150k-per-week
4. Sandro Tonali
£120k-per-week
= 4. Kieran Trippier
£120k-per-week
= 4. Alexander Isak
£120k-per-week
5. Matt Targett
£100k-per-week
Sourced by Capology/FFC.
Whilst Isak will be content with his £120k-per-week pay packet, alongside Bruno Guimaraes being the top Magpies earner at £160k-per-week, Toney will be staggeringly raking in £411k-per-week out in Saudi Arabia as he continues to benefit at his old club’s expense.
In an alternate reality, Newcastle would have got the best out of Toney and played a major role in the milestones he has managed to achieve, instead of just being one of the insignificant first chapters of his whirlwind story.
But, the Magpies won’t want to feel too bogged down by their past errors for long, especially if Isak returns fully fit soon and hopefully fires in more goals for Howe’s men to take strides up the league standings.
Left in 2014: Goal-shy Newcastle flop is now outperforming Isak & Gordon
One former Magpies striker is now delivering the goods away from St James’ Park.
An “underrated” £90,000-per-week West Ham United player is growing frustrated and wants out of the London Stadium, according to a report this week, with manager Julen Lopetegui at risk of losing him soon.
West Ham players who could leave in 2025
A quartet of senior squad members in Michail Antonio, Danny Ings, Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell and Lukasz Fabianski are all out of contract next summer as things stand, so Tim Steidten will have to agree extension deals or let them depart for free.
Saudi side make £83 million out-of-window offer to sign West Ham star
The Middle East has emerged as a potential destination for him.
ByEmilio Galantini Oct 26, 2024
Antonio and Ings are part of an aging strike force, with Lopetegui pushing the West Ham hierarchy to sign a striker in January amid concerns over a lack of options. Long-serving shot-stopper Fabianski is now 39-years-old and in the twilight phase of his career, and the same can be said for Cresswell, who’s been at the club for over a decade.
Vladimir Coufal will go down as a fan favourite and key player during the 2020/2021 season under David Moyes, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s arrival in the summer has negated the need for him to remain at Rush Green for much longer.
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#10
19/10/2024
Tottenham (A)
Premier League
4-1 loss
#9
05/10/2024
Ipswich (H)
Premier League
4-1 win
#8
28/09/2024
Brentford (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#7
25/09/2024
Liverpool (A)
Carabao Cup
5-1 loss
#6
21/09/2024
Chelsea (H)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#5
14/09/2024
Fulham (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#4
31/08/2024
Man City (H)
Premier League
3-1 loss
#3
28/08/2024
Bournemouth (H)
Carabao Cup
1-0 win
#2
24/08/2024
Crystal Palace (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#1
17/08/2024
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
2-1 loss
Bizarrely, summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has already been tipped to leave West Ham, with an achilles tendon injury blighting his career at the club so far. The 31-year-old’s overall fitness record has been looked into, and it doesn’t make for pretty reading, which has prompted some to question why they struck a deal with Borussia Dortmund in the first place.
“He had a few issues during his time in Germany with his fitness,” said former recruitment chief Mick Brown to Football Insider.
“That, I’ve heard, played a part in the reason Dortmund were keen to let him go. So if that was an issue, and it was known in Germany, you’ve got to ask serious questions about why it was overlooked by West Ham.
“Paying almost £30million for a 31-year-old is always risky, but spending that money on a player with fitness issues at that age is a huge problem.”
A much bigger blow than losing Fullkrug would be having to part company with forward Mohammed Kudus, who is reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Barcelona and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Kudus growing frustrated at West Ham and taking action to leave
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool are firmly among the growing list of suitors for him. They add that Kudus is growing increasingly frustrated at West Ham, and has told his agents to explore a possible move to Merseyside. The Ghana international, called “underrated” by some, has stood out as one of Lopetegui’s key attacking players so far this season.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
If West Ham’s disappointing start to the season continues, there is every reason reports of this nature could begin to hold weight behind them. The 24-year-old, on a reported £90,000-per-week, was rumoured to have an £85 million release clause in the summer – but it has now expired.
Amid such a frustrating search for their first Premier League victory of the season, Crystal Palace will now be without two top talents against Everton on Saturday afternoon.
Crystal Palace injury news
The Eagles have already been without Matheus Franca for a number of months, but have also been forced to cope without the likes of Trevoh Chalobah since his summer arrival on loan from Chelsea in the summer. Injured in his first session with his new side, Chalobah is at least finally in line to make his debut for Crystal Palace at Goodison Park, having returned to full fitness.
"Excellent" – Pundit reacts as Crystal Palace now eye new Eze-like signing
He’s been catching the eye of those at Selhurst Park.
ByCharlie Smith Sep 25, 2024
The Everton game has suddenly become all important for those at Selhurst Park, with Oliver Glasner’s side yet to pick up a Premier League victory after five frustrating games. Their imperfect performance against Manchester United last time out was nearly enough for three points, only for Andre Onana to superbly deby the Eagles on more than one occasion.
Now, in what could be an early relegation six-pointer if they aren’t careful, the London club travel to Goodison Park with fresh injury news. As confirmed by Glasner and relayed by London News Online, Chris Richards will miss Crystal Palace’s trip to face Everton later today alongside Franca, who is not yet ready to feature after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Glasner told reporters: “[França and Chalobah] are available, but Franca won’t be in the squad after it was his first complete week with us. After almost six months, it would be unfair for him to be in the squad – but he feels well and he has no problems.
“Trevoh will be win the squad, and he is available, but we lost Chris Richards this week. He is not available for the next week as he has a hamstring injury. The other players are available. It’s Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad who can’t play, but the others had a good week.”
"Strong" Richards adds to Crystal Palace woes
Just six games into the season, Crystal Palace’s trip to Goodison Park feels like a must not lose if they want to avoid a relegation battle and return to the form that they initially showed under Glasner last season. Against a struggling side, the likes of Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah should thrive, but the Palace defence will have no choice but to cope without Richards.
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The defender has often found himself at the centre of praise, even during his Bayern Munich days when then-manager Hansi Flick said via the Bundesliga’s official website: “Chris has very good qualities – he is strong and knows how to jump for the ball. He absolutely deserves his playing time with the first team.”
So, there’s no doubt that Palace will miss their £55,000-a-week star against Everton, but Glasner will be desperate to see his side put their attacking talents to good use to ease any defensive blows caused by the American’s absence.