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Arsenal's defensive injury crisis has deepened as Cristhian Mosquera became the club's latest defender to suffer an injury after William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The 21-year-old centre-back was forced off the pitch against Brentford in the first half after picking up a knock. Despite yet another fitness setback, Mikel Arteta's side secured all three points as they registered a 2-0 win at home.

Another injury setback for Arsenal

Arsenal have made a dream start to their 2025-26 campaign as they have lost just one match in the Premier League after 14 rounds of fixtures, and at the moment, they appear to be the clear favourites to win the title. However, they have had some bad luck when it comes to injuries, as the Gunners have had to contend with the absences of several first-team players since the start of the season.

While key players like Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke returned to the starting line-up against the Bees, star defenders Saliba and Gabriel watched the game from the stands. In the two first-choice centre-backs' absence, Arteta fielded new signings Mosquera and Piero Hincapie. However, the Gunners were dealt a fresh injury blow as the former was forced off the pitch on the stroke of half-time.

AdvertisementArteta's update on Saliba and Gabriel

Ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash, Arteta had provided an update on Saliba and Gabriel as the Spanish coach said: "He (Saliba) had a little niggle, so I think it’s going to be a matter of days, so let’s see if he’s able to be there tomorrow. Well, the ankle one was a really random and a very unlucky action that kept him out for a few weeks. He tried at Anfield, he wasn't comfortable, and he had to stay away and this one as well, very bizarre. But hopefully it will be a matter of days."

On Gabriel, Arteta added: "Big Gabi is doing very well as well, but that’s weeks as well."

Getty Images SportHow are Trossard and Havertz doing?

Leandro Trossard, who limped off the pitch in the Champions League win over Bayern Munich last week, underwent tests on Friday and a minor calf problem was detected. Arteta, however, expects the Belgian winger to be available again in a few days.

On Kai Havertz's condition, who has not played since the opening-day fixture against Manchester United, the Spaniard said: "We are all desperate to have him. I mean, it is a player that, personally, I love so much for what he brings to the team – his character, his personality. I see him suffer, being outside. Matter of weeks; let’s see how it evolves in the next few weeks. He’s doing really well, he’s doing stuff on the pitch, but I think he needs some time."

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Rice forced off the pitch towards end of Brentford clash

Mosquera was not the only Arsenal star who picked up an injury, as star midfielder Declan Rice was also forced to leave the pitch in pain after suffering an ankle or leg problem. Rice was replaced by forward Viktor Gyokeres, who also recently recovered from a problem of his own.

Despite the fitness issues, the Gunners came through the match with flying colours in the end as they rode on Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka's goals to collect three crucial points from the home fixture. The win helped them to restore their lead to five points at the top of the table. The Gunners next face Aston Villa in a difficult away fixture in the Premier League on Saturday. 

Notts gain vital first-innings advantage before Matthew Fisher’s second five-for keeps Surrey in touch

Vithushan Ehantharajah16-Sep-2025

Lyndon James starred with bat and ball on day two•Getty Images

Nottinghamshire 231 and 219 for 8 (Patterson-White 58, Fisher 5-57) lead Surrey 173 (Burns 47, James 3-35, Tongue 3-43) by 277 runsThe 2025 Division One season has been a scrappy affair. Sparse on real, top-tier quality, in part because of a wayward schedule. Even here at the Kia Oval, the home of the defending champions, it has been far from vintage. Nevertheless, 80,484 people have come through the gates this summer. Around 41,000 of them Surrey members wanting to vibe with a historic four-peat push.On Tuesday, however, for the first time this season, those of the brown cap persuasion had to confront the idea that, maybe, this might be a County Championship title too far. Worse still, the team that may take it from them were doing it on their patch.Nottinghamshire were trailing by a point coming into this penultimate round, and then four after being rolled for 231 in their first innings. But by stumps on day two, after 17 wickets had fallen, they were very much in front. They will start Wednesday on 219 for 8, 277 ahead, meaning Surrey will need the highest score of the match to win, on a pitch playing tricks off the straight. Nottinghamshire, having had the better of the first two days, are on the cusp of inflicting Surrey’s first home defeat since June 2023, and stealing a march on their title rivals into the final round.They have Lyndon James to thank for that. The allrounder, having the best season of his career, blew the match wide open in the morning session, taking 3 for 35 and then provided 47 vital runs. He was robbed of the honour of seeing out the day by Matthew Fisher, trimming him off for a for his second five-wicket haul in the match. Fisher’s 5 for 61 on day one – his first five-for for Surrey – gave his new county control. And when they relinquished it, dismissed for 173 in their own first innings, the 27-year-old dug deeper with five more and a maiden 10-wicket haul. He wrestled the game back Surrey’s way, at one point possessing figures of 4 for 11 from 3.3 overs, with Nottinghamshire reeling on 53 for 5, just 111 in front.But back came James to the fore, initially with a 36-run stand with Kyle Verreynne before finding an effective cruising speed with Liam Patterson-White for a collective 91 for the seventh wicket. Patterson-White, having brought up his third fifty-plus score of the season in 63 deliveries, looked on course to return on day three only to fall as Dan Worrall’s third victim shortly after 6pm with the close in sight.After a sedate start to day two, the match seemed to accelerate all of a sudden, almost as if it suddenly tipped over the peak of a roller coaster, which was when Surrey were cruising on a steady ascent. From 101 for 1, nine wickets were lost for 72 in 19.4 deliveries, a collapse triggered by a nine-over spell of unrelenting class from James.The 26-year-old’s 3 for 35 at the Vauxhall End began with the removal of nightwatcher Tom Lawes – chipping to cover to end a stand of 59 with skipper Rory Burns – before using a lacquer-less, 30-something-overs-old Dukes ball in tandem with Brett Hutton to send Nottinghamshire into lunch with the home top six accounted for.A lifter that left Ben Foakes was followed by something a little fuller, shaping away. Foakes, now sitting a little more on the back foot, reached and edged through to Verreyne. That ended up being the third dismissal for just 17 in 37 deliveries, sandwiching Hutton’s vital wicket of Burns on 47, moving one into his front shin.A leading edge gave Dan Lawrence a three-ball duck, and when Ollie Pope skewed a poorly judged drive to second slip, James had his third – the fifth dismissal in 48 deliveries. Emerging after lunch on 141 for 6, the heavies were brought on – Josh Tongue and Dillon Pennington – to feast on what remained.By now, batters were casting anxious glances at the pitch, particularly the off-stump channel that, as ever, was a productive area to plough. That ramped up when Worrall got one to scuttle into Ben Slater’s off stump. And it was in this area that Fisher got to work, angling a couple off the seam to dismiss visiting captain Haseeb Hameed and Joe Clarke leg before.Left-hander Freddie McCann was done similarly from around the wicket, and when Jack Haynes inside-edged onto his stumps, Fisher had seen off one of the top order in each of his first four overs.Perhaps Nottinghamshire were guilty of being a little too passive early on. But James and Patterson-White learned, and when the latter pulled Lawes to midwicket for six on the shorter side, there was a subtle shift in mood.Maybe even a template for Surrey to follow, who themselves were a little shy with the bat. Though they finished the day with renewed enthusiasm having seen off both James and Patterson-White in the space of 3.1 overs, the target that will eventually come there way will require the very best of them. Something that has not been seen thus far.

MatériaMais Notícias

A trajetória do Fluminense até a final da Libertadores passa diretamente pelos pés de Paulo Henrique Ganso, cérebro do Tricolor das Laranjeiras que conseguiu reviver sua carreira com a ajuda de Fernando Diniz.

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+ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

SUCESSO METEÓRICO

Desde as categorias de base no Santos, Ganso era apontado como uma das maiores promessas do futebol brasileiro, sendo a visão de jogo e a inteligência com a bola nos pés suas maiores qualidades. O meia estreou pelo Peixe em 2008 e, ao lado de Neymar, liderou uma das melhores equipes do Brasil até 2011.

A derrocada começou em 2012, quando as lesões se tornaram cada vez mais frequentes e o meia não conseguia engatar uma sequência de jogos no Santos. O São Paulo surgiu como solução para o meia, que foi protagonista no Tricolor do Morumbi entre 2012 e 2014.

DIFICULDADES NA EUROPA

O salto para o futebol europeu parecia cada vez mais claro na carreira de Ganso, e a movimentação finalmente aconteceu em 2016, quando o técnico Jorge Sampaoli pediu a contratação do meia quando o treinador argentino dirigia o Sevilla. Porém, a relação entre eles foi conturbada desde o começo.

Sampaoli queria que Ganso jogasse como volante, mas o brasileiro demorou para se adaptar ao futebol europeu e perdeu prestígio com o treinador, que o deixava no banco de reservas.

O meia tentou reviver sua carreira em solo europeu no Amiens, da França, onde ficou uma temporada emprestado, mas o acúmulo de lesões e a falta de motivação quase colocaram um ponto final na carreira de Ganso

+ Veja tabela e simule os resultados do Brasileirão

DINIZ E A VOLTA POR CIMA NO FLUMINENSE

Ganso queria retornar ao Brasil, e o Fluminense apostou no meia em 2019. Não demorou para ele se tornar um dos jogadores mais importantes do Tricolor das Laranjeiras, sendo fundamental no bicampeonato carioca.

E o responsável por entender e extrair as características de Ganso foi Fernando Diniz. O treinador sempre foi um admirador do meia, e chegou a dizer que a genialidade do brasileiro era superior a de Xavi.

O estilo único de Diniz em dominar a posse de bola através da saída curta fez Ganso retomar a confiança, e mesmo aos 34 anos, ele é um dos meias mais habilidosos do Brasil, e o treinador aposta nele para conquistar a Libertadores.

#LancecomFlu

O Lance! está ao lado do Fluminense na final da Copa Libertadores. Aqui, você acompanha a cobertura mais completa do Tricolor na decisão do torneio continental. #LanceComOFlu. 

Newcastle United’s win over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Wednesday evening was much-needed, but Eddie Howe knows his side have not yet responded to the bitter Premier League defeat at West Ham United last weekend.

Now, they have the opportunity to do that against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. This is a tough match, with Keith Andrews’ side rallying after a difficult summer transfer window and defying a few by easing away from the relegation pack so far this season.

The Bees have lost just one of their five home fixtures in the Premier League this term, a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, and, alarmingly, United have not won away from St. James’ Park, losing three in a row in the top flight. They do, however, have a strong recent record against the Londoners.

Newcastle Recent Record vs Brentford

Season

Competition

Result

24/25

Premier League (H)

2-1 win

24/25

Carabao Cup (H)

3-1 win

24/25

Premier League (A)

4-2 loss

23/24

Premier League (A)

4-2 win

23/24

Premier League (H)

1-0 win

Data via Transfermarkt

With the November international break looming large, this is the perfect opportunity for the Toon to prove they have what it takes to establish consistency both on Tyneside and on the road.

However, they will have to do this without Anthony Gordon, who has been ruled out after injuring his hip in midweek.

The latest on Anthony Gordon's fitness

Gordon has not been in great form for a while. Across his past 19 Premier League outings, the England international has failed to score or assist a goal.

But the 24-year-old is still one of the most talented wingers in the country, and he will be missed against a resilient Brentford outfit.

Howe intimated in his pre-match press conference that Gordon will be unavailable, having suffered a recurrence of the hip injury that has plagued him this year after about an hour of action in the Champions League.

Of course, we can’t ignore the frustrating watch that preceded the setback. Chronicle Live gave Gordon a 5/10 match rating and commented that he didn’t look right down the left channel.

Gordon will be sidelined for this one, but Howe may well have considered replacing him anyway after a tough spell.

Harvey Barnes is the most likely candidate to move onto the left wing, but there’s an even more left-field option that the manager may want to consider, especially after Joelinton found form in the centre of the park several days ago.

Howe can unleash Gordon replacement in new role

Newcastle have enough resources available to find that elusive away win without Gordon in the mix. But it will require a big performance, with players stepping up and kick-starting their season.

Among these is Jacob Ramsey, who joined Newcastle from Aston Villa for £39m plus £4m in add-ons this summer. The Boyhood Villa fan has struggled with injuries over the past few years, but he was a popular and talented figure in the Midlands, and there’s a sense from Newcastle’s rivals that they have lost a potential superstar.

Fitness issues have plagued him at the start of his career in a new setting, and because of this, Ramsey has only featured seven times across all competitions, with just one start in the Premier League.

It was a dour day in the capital for Newcastle last weekend, but Ramsey showed something of his quality when entering the fray after the interval, with Sofascore recording that he completed two dribbles, made three recoveries and won four of six duels throughout the second half.

Given the robustness of Newcastle’s central engine room, it would be foolish to unleash Ramsey in the ten berth against tough-tackling Brentford. However, he has the dribbling ability and creativity to service Woltemade from the left, leaving Howe to pick one of Barnes or Jacob Murphy to play from the right flank.

The former Villan played like a man with a desire to nail down a starting spot at the London Stadium, and while his efforts were to no avail, his commitment cannot be questioned.

This is a versatile playmaker whose skills could damage the home side from the wing. When played out wide, Ramsey has historically had something of a penchant for an evenly spread output.

Jacob Ramsey – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals (assists)

Left midfield

70

12 (12)

Central midfield

67

11 (4)

Attacking midfield

59

17 (10)

Left wing

8

1 (2)

Right midfield

4

0 (0)

Centre-forward

2

2 (0)

Data via Transfermarkt

Hailed as a “monster” of an attacking midfielder by analyst Ryan McKeown, Ramsey’s pace, fluid movement and impressive athleticism – when at full fitness – now need to be channelled into something prolific. Howe signed the player with a vision in his mind, and now he must put that plan into action.

After all, despite a tough year on the Englishman’s part, he has shown his quality through his underlying data, with FBref revealing he ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past yerar for pass completion, the top 9% for tackles and the top 6% for success rate when taking on opponents per 90.

Now, the impetus is on building up match fluidity and avoiding another injury setback. Should Ramsey succeed in this, he might even come to pile pressure on Gordon for a place on the left flank.

Newcastle have options as they prepare to take on Brentford at the Gtech, and after signing a talent such as Ramsey for a hefty fee this summer, surely this is the perfect time for him to announce himself in the Premier League under Howe’s wing.

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Manchester United have now joined the race for a “sensational” Champions League midfielder, with manager Ruben Amorim personally an admirer.

Man Utd eyeing new midfielder amid Mainoo issues

After scoring in the shock 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2024, few would’ve predicted Kobbie Mainoo’s Man United career would pan out the way it has, with the midfielder falling down the pecking order considerably.

Former striker Teddy Sheringham has made it clear he doesn’t believe Amorim is a fan of the youngster, saying: “He’s [Mainoo] obviously not Amorim’s type of player. He’s very casual on the ball, but obviously plays the game in his own way. I’m not saying that in a derogatory manner; I’m saying that he has a certain style that Amorim obviously doesn’t appreciate.

The 20-year-old has featured for just 113 minutes in the Premier League this season, and it has now been suggested he could be the next player to leave United and go on to flourish elsewhere.

With Mainoo’s future up in the air, the Red Devils are now looking to sign a new young English midfielder, according to a report from BILD (via Sports View), which names Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham as a target.

Amorim is said to be a fan of Bellingham’s robustness and physicality, with Man United now plotting a move for the former Sunderland man, who is a few months younger than Mainoo. There is set to be competition for his signature, with Crystal Palace also named as potential suitors.

The 20-year-old only arrived at Dortmund in the summer, joining in a package widely reported to be worth £31m, but his start to life in Germany has been far from ideal, with his dad causing controversy after entering the dressing room after a draw against St. Pauli in August.

"Sensational" Bellingham would be risky signing for Amorim

Given that Jude Bellingham has already established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders at just 22, the Dortmund youngster is likely to be feeling the pressure, although it is important to remember he is still just 20-years-old.

Fabrizio Romano shares what he's heard from Man Utd on £190k-p/w star's Old Trafford future

The Red Devils hold him in high regard and he would be a big loss…

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Sean Markus Clifford

Oct 13, 2025

Much like his brother, the starlet has been impressing at senior level since a very young age, with journalist Josh Bunting hailing him for a top display for Sunderland just over two years ago.

That said, Bellingham would be a risky signing for Man United, given that he is yet to establish himself at the top level, making two Champions League appearances, and it may be a better idea to bring in a midfielder who has more experience.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken has warned defender Nico Schlotterbeck that, while he respects the player’s decision to delay signing a new contract, the German side will not allow the situation to drag on indefinitely. The German international, who has attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Liverpool, has a deal running until 2027.

• Dortmund eager to extend Schlotterbeck contract

  Dortmund are looking to extend Schlotterbeck’s contract, which runs until 2027, until 2030. The extension would see his wages triple, taking his earnings close to €8 million. However, Schlotterbeck has remained non-committal about signing a renewal, as he wants to make a decision that aligns with what’s best for his career.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  BVB chief issues warning

  In an interview with , Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken supported Schlotterbeck’s decision to take his time over the contract renewal, saying: “It is his absolute right to plan his future carefully. We respect that. And I believe that the focus should not be on salary, but on prospects, trust and conviction.”

  However, Ricken also warned that the club would not wait forever, adding: “We will not rush into anything. But of course, we don't want to drag it out indefinitely, everyone is aware of that."

• Interest from Bayern and Liverpool in Schlotterbeck

  Schlotterbeck has attracted interest from European giants Bayern Munich and Liverpool. Bayern and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has urged the club’s management to pursue him, believing he has the quality to succeed at Bayern. "I also believe that perhaps one or two contacts or one or two conversations have already taken place," he added.

  Meanwhile, English club Liverpool are also keen on the German defender, viewing him as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

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• Getty
  

  Schlotterbeck to face Bayern this weekend

  Dortmund will hope to fend off interest from Bayern and Liverpool and secure Schlotterbeck on a long-term deal. The defender, meanwhile, will be focused on Der Klassiker against Bayern on Saturday and aiming for silverware this season, after which he is expected to reassess his options.

A 2-0 lead is the worst lead. So goes the footballing cliché. But it’s a saying aptly applied to Arne Slot’s Liverpool as they continue to face adversity when two goals to the good this season.

Three times had Liverpool ceded their lead when two goals up before meeting Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

After a barnstorming start to the all-Liverpool clash, the Reds looking back to their ferocious best, old habits crept in, with Idrissa Gueye pulling one back after the interval and casting an anxious blanket across most of Anfield.

However, this time Slot’s men didn’t need to dig deep and find a last-gasp winner, instead coming together to repel the impressive Toffees and see the game off.

Five wins from five in the Premier League. The hosts might have made a slight meal of things in the second half, but they got the job done once again, with a series of players stepping up.

Liverpool's best performers vs Everton

Virgil van Dijk is imperious as Liverpool’s leader and centre-back supreme, but Ibrahima Konate performed very well indeed against Everton, putting that shaky start to the season firmly behind him.

Against Everton, the France international won seven of eight aerial duels that came his way (data courtesy of Sofascore), while making eight clearances and two tackles, showing off that physical robustness when powering forward to stamp out danger or cover a wandering midfielder.

In the first half, Liverpool won 55% of the duels, but after the break, it was Everton who showed more impetus in the challenge, flipping that to a 56% success rate against the Anfield side.

That doesn’t tell the full story, though, and Dominik Szoboszlai is a testament to that, having only won half of his eight duels but thrived in an all-action midfield role, leading the press and showing off his first-rate stamina as the match wound down, instrumental to snuffing out a late comeback.

(GK) Alisson Becker

6/10

(RB) Conor Bradley

6/10

(CB) Ibrahima Konate

8/10

(CB) Virgil van Dijk

7/10

(LB) Milos Kerkez

6.5/10

(CM) Ryan Gravenberch

9/10

(CM) Alexis Mac Allister

6/10

(RW) Mohamed Salah

7/10

(AM) Dominik Szoboszlai

7.5/10

(LW) Cody Gakpo

6/10

(ST) Hugo Ekitike

9/10

Record signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak both entered the fray either side of the hour mark, but neither could write their names into the headlines as the visitors applied pressure and pushed for an equaliser.

That pairing have the skills and styles to emerge as Liverpool’s new version of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, but it’s two higher-flying members of Slot’s squad who are emerging as such stars of old.

Liverpool's new version of Gerrard & Torres

Torres and Gerrard formed one of the most iconic partnerships in Premier League history, turning aside opponents from every which way. Liverpool’s legendary skipper once said El Niño was “the best striker in the world”, before he up and left for Chelsea.

Hugo Ekitike has some stiff competition in Isak at number nine at Liverpool, but he’s playing like a man who knows it right now, having scored his fourth goal of the season after calmly collecting from a delicious Ryan Gravenberch pass and sending the ball past Jordan Pickford.

Liverpool’s £69m striker built on Gravenberch’s earlier goal, an incredible finish, dinked up and over Pickford and down and into the net after Mohamed Salah lobbed into space.

The duo have been incredible this season; they are proving invaluable proponents of Slot’s tactics, so coolly hitting the right heights under the head coach’s guidance.

Last season, Gravenberch announced himself as a major contender for a top side, but he now appears to have taken his game to the next level.

Peter Crouch remarked after the match for TNT Sports that he believes Gravenberch “has been Liverpool’s best player this season”, and it would be hard to contest that, so influential has he been across every corner of the midfield.

Now that he’s kindling a devastating attacking side to his game, the Dutchman is truly shaping into a new, modern version of Gerrard, who was the king of complete performances when in his heyday.

Moreover, Gerrard was a constant thorn in Everton’s side, with no man having scored more in the Merseyside derby than him.

Steven Gerrard

Liverpool

9

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

8

Divock Origi

Liverpool

6

Robbie Fowler

Liverpool

6

Tim Cahill

Everton

5

Dirk Kuyt

Liverpool

5

Torres was hardly a pushover on derby day, either, scoring three times against the Blues over five appearances as a Liverpool player; all three strikes came during his first two contests.

Ekitike appears up for the task of emulating the one-time hero, and he might even be playing with an air of the Spaniard’s flair too, with former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster saying during the game that the 23-year-old “looks like prime Fernando Torres running around Anfield”.

There was something Torres-esque about the way Ekitike worked overtime, just as it should be in a meeting of intense rivalry. The Frenchman completed all four of his dribbles, won seven duels and made two tackles for Slot’s side.

Isak, to be sure, has his work cut out this season and beyond. But Liverpool want to defend their Premier League title while challenging for silverware across all the other fronts too this term, and the duality of elite options at centre-forward will go a long way toward achieving that.

Boasting a combined Transfermarkt valuation of £130m and showcasing a budding partnership when Grav threaded through for his new frontman, there’s plenty of reason to be excited on the Red half of Merseyside, with such players already shaping this new charge toward the title.

Gravenberch, too, shares the midfield with a host of world-class players, but it’s hard to argue against the Netherlands international being the first name on the team-sheet right now, immovable and brilliant in the middle of the park.

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Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been forced to clarify comments made about Northern Ireland's style of play. While apologising for any offence caused, Nagelsmann has issued a stark warning to his team about the dangers of their "tough" opponents heading into a crucial World Cup qualifier, with both teams level on points at the top of their group.

Nagelsmann apologises for 'long ball' description

Nagelsmann has issued an apology to Northern Ireland after his description of their style of play caused a stir ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifying match in Belfast. Speaking to the media as quoted by Sport1, Nagelsmann clarified that his comments about their direct approach were not meant to be disrespectful. The controversy arose from his analysis of the clash in September, a 3-1 win for Germany, where he described Northern Ireland as a team that plays "a lot of long balls." Addressing the reaction, Nagelsmann stated, "If anyone took it that way, I'm sorry."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGermany boss warns of 'tough' Belfast test

Despite the controversy, Nagelsmann has warned his squad they face a significant challenge at Windsor Park on Tuesday night. "I expect a tough opponent. We have to give it our all," the Germany coach said. He stressed the importance of defensive solidity against Northern Ireland's "special" style of play, which forces opponents to "fight for the second ball, sometimes the third and fourth." 

Nagelsmann noted their ability to generate pressure, as seen in their recent 4-0 victory over Luxembourg, and emphasised the need for his side to be clinical. "You have to defend very well, you have to mark man-to-man to avoid crosses and set pieces," he added, confirming his team had specifically prepared for their opponents' dangerous set-piece routines.

Crucial Group A qualifier awaits

The clash at Windsor Park is pivotal in World Cup Qualifying Group A, with Germany, Northern Ireland, and Slovakia all level on six points after three matches. Germany currently sit top of the group on goal difference following their dominant victory over Luxembourg on Saturday. Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland side are also in good form, having secured an impressive 2-0 win against Slovakia on the same day. The result of Tuesday's match will be critical in determining which nation takes control of the group heading into the next round of fixtures.

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Getty ImagesWhat next for Germany?

Germany travel to Belfast for the qualifier on Tuesday, October 14. Nagelsmann has demanded full focus from his players, urging them to secure a vital win and not "try to die a beautiful death." A victory would see Germany create a three-point gap at the top of the group and put them in a commanding position to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

اتخذ نادي بيراميدز قرارًا رسميًا بشأن ثنائي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، رمضان صبحي وأسامة جلال، بعد تعرضهما لإصابة وغيابهما عن المشاركة مع السماوي في الفترة الماضية.

وأوضح أحمد زاهر، المدير الإداري لنادي بيراميدز، أنه تقرر سفر الثنائي رمضان صبحي وأسامة جلال إلى ألمانيا، من أجل الاطمئنان على الإصابة التي يعاني منها الثنائي والخضوع للفحص الطبي والبرنامج التأهيلي تمهيدا للعودة في أقرب وقت ممكن للملاعب.

ويُعاني رمضان صبحي من إصابة على مستوى الركبة، فيما يُعاني أسامة جلال من تمزق في الخلفية تعرض له خلال مباراة الأهلي السعودي في كأس إنتركونتيننتال التي أقيمت في جدة وفاز بها الفريق المصري بثلاثية مقابل هدف.

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وأوضح زاهر أن إدارة بيراميدز وافقت على سفر الثنائي للعلاج في ألمانيا مع أفضل الأطباء ومراكز التأهيل، من أجل العودة سريعاً للملاعب، في ظل حاجة الفريق لجميع لاعبيه، خاصة في ظل الارتباطات العديدة للنادي محليًا وقارياً وعالميًا خلال المرحلة المقبلة.

يذكر أن فريق بيراميدز هو حامل لقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا، في النسخة الماضية على حساب فريق صن داونز الجنوب إفريقي، وفاز بلقب كأس القارات الثلاثة على حساب الأهلي السعودي خلال سبتمبر الماضي.

Sunderland fans will still be in disbelief about their beloved side’s opening day heroics in the Premier League.

No nerves were present whatsoever in the Black Cats’ clinical display as Graham Potter’s downtrodden West Ham United were humbled 3-0 by the rampant hosts, gifting Regis Le Bris and Co. a dream start.

Already, the likes of Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard, and Wilson Isidor have cemented themselves further into fan favourite territory as the promoted trio all got in on the goalscoring act on Saturday.

Yet, despite a fair few of Sunderland’s promoted heroes making the step-up look like a breeze on the opening day, the transfer business through the door is showing no signs of slowing down.

Sunderland in talks with £9m defender

Of course, straight after the dust had settled on the mightily impressive 3-0 triumph, Sunderland were confirming signing number 12 of a bumper summer.

Nordi Mukiele has now officially joined Le Bris’ camp from Paris St. Germain for a fee around the £12m mark, pushing up all of the Black Cats’ summer activity to a total spend of £141.5m.

He will be raring to go in his new red and white strip, even more so after Sunderland stormed out of the blocks in style. However, he isn’t the only defensive addition being eyed up with a bid reportedly submitted for Jhon Lucumi.

Despite that, as per reports by TEAMtalk, Sunderland have also been in talks to sign FC Copenhagen centre-back Gabriel Pereira, but are not alone in their advances.

Indeed, it is further revealed that Burnley are also in discussions over a deal, in addition to interest from further afield in Germany from FC Köln.

It will cost the Black Cats in the region of £9m to land the imposing Brazilian, with the report stating that he is content to stick it out in Denmark, despite all this frenzied interest.

How Pereira could become Le Bris' next Ballard

The draw of the Premier League might well prove to be too tempting for Pereira, who would be hopeful he could become Le Bris’ next version of Ballard if he were to swap Scandinavia for the Stadium of Light.

While Mayenda and Isidor would stylishly go about their business against Potter’s men, it was Ballard who would steal the show with his dominant display all afternoon.

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Away from his towering header giving the Black Cats a comfortable two-goal cushion, the former Arsenal youngster would win a commanding ten duels in total, on top of also only misdirecting just four of his 25 passes on the tense occasion.

Pereira has chipped in with a header here and there for Copenhagen, too, with Chelsea well aware of his prowess in the air when he headed home this consolation effort versus the Blues in the Conference League last season.

It’s not just reserved for European nights, either, with the 25-year-old picking up four goals in total across the entirety of last campaign. To add context, Ballard would just come up short in this department by powering home one fewer header than his potential soon-to-be teammate.

Games played

20

26

Goals scored

2

3

Assists

1

1

Touches*

47.0

79.5

Accurate passes*

33.2 (88%)

60.7 (88%)

Ball recoveries*

2.3

3.3

Clearances*

4.0

4.5

Total duels won*

4.6

3.3

Clean sheets

2

6

The similarities don’t just grind to a halt here, though, with the £9m-rated defender also eerily alike to his English counterpart in other areas of their respective games, notably when it comes to looking assured and confident with the ball at their feet, having both averaged the same pass completion percentage at 88% last season in league action.

Yet, much like Ballard, Pereira is also prepared to put his body on the line for the cause, having been lauded for his “strong” ability to win duels and “take charge” of situations by Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup when signing for the Superliga champions just last year.

The hope will be now that Pereira can take to the Premier League in the same warrior-like fashion Ballard managed against West Ham, with the feel-good vibes ramped up even more at the Stadium of Light if signing number 13 is soon to be announced.

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