The Nepal legspinner had just signed for Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Nov-2020Sandeep Lamichhane, the Nepal legspinner, has tested positive for Covid-19. He revealed this in an Instagram post, in which he said he has experienced body aches since Wednesday, and that he has now gone into home isolation.The news comes just over a week after Lamichhane had signed for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, and puts his participation in the tournament in serious doubt. It was to be his third season in the BBL; he has previously featured for the Melbourne Stars.
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Lamichhane is the fourth Nepal player known to have tested positive for the virus in the lead-up to the team’s training camp at Tribhuvan University Stadium in Kathmandu. On Wednesday, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) had announced that captain Gyanendra Malla, vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee and batsman Rohit Paudel had tested positive alongside Pradeep Lama, a member of the staff.The 20-year-old Lamichhane is Nepal’s highest wicket-taker in international cricket – his 57 scalps put him ahead of the seamer Karan KC – and also their most recognised cricketer globally. Apart from the BBL, he has also played in the Bangladesh Premier League, the Caribbean Premier League, the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League.
Ipswich Town won't just be targeting flashy additions ahead of their voyage into the Premier League, with a focus on adding in future talents also on the agenda at Portman Road.
Kieran McKenna will be content with the main components of his squad currently, knowing that the back-to-back promotions that were achieved was due to having a tight-knit group moving up to League One and then the Championship, but that doesn't mean the Tractor Boys won't seal some incomings soon.
One potential incoming won't instantly break into the first-team, considering Ipswich are entering into an almighty tough season ahead as underdogs in the elite division, but he could end up being a Wes Burns repeat, who joined from lowly Fleetwood Town in 2021 and is now a key first-team performer.
Ipswich looking at exciting non-league starlet
According to a report by football journalist Graeme Bailey, Ipswich, alongside a whole host of other clubs up and down the English leagues, are eyeing up 18-year-old centre-back George Nevett from Rochdale this summer.
Crystal Palace and Southampton have allegedly been looking at Nevitt since January, according to Bailey, whilst the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall and Peterborough United are also keeping tabs on the Dale youngster.
Calm on the ball when playing out from the back for the National League side this season just gone, as can be seen in the video above, Nevett would go on to amass 34 league appearances.
It would still be a gigantic leap up for Nevett if Ipswich were successful in winning his services, however, considering this was his first full senior campaign.
Yet, Burns was playing at the same level for Forest Green once upon a time, with the Welsh winger now immortalised into the Ipswich hall-of-fame after bagging versus Huddersfield Town on the final day of the campaign, in a match that saw automatic promotion be clinched.
His compatriot in Nevett would be some way off becoming a hero in the first-team ranks if he does join, but he will take inspiration from Burns' ascent, as well as looking at Luke Woolfenden's rise, who was once a youngster learning the ropes at Portman Road himself before becoming a promotion-winner.
Why Nevett can look at Woolfenden for inspiration
Woolfenden is a story of perseverance paying off, with the 25-year-old very much contemplating an exit from his hometown club before McKenna's arrival on the scene, having found his first team opportunities limited.
It was a breakneck start to his senior career, making his Championship debut when just one year older than Nevett for the Tractor Boys back in 2018, before opportunities began to dry up in the first-team mix.
Woolfenden's career at Ipswich to date
Season
Games played
Goals
Assists
23/24
42
1
1
22/23
47
2
1
21/22
38
0
0
20/21
28
1
0
19/20
36
1
2
18/19
1
0
0
17/18
4
0
0
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Making a combined 89 appearances over the last two campaigns in all competitions, with McKenna at the helm, Woolfenden will hope he's still a vital name on the team sheet for the move up to the Premier League, having worked hard to get to this point.
Nevett will strive to be as patient if he ends up leaving the comforts of Dale behind for Suffolk soon, having been tipped to go "right to the top" by football analyst Tom Williams, when being linked with a switch to Oliver Glasner's Eagles back in January – having also been lauded as a "highly-rated" by journalist Pete O'Rourke.
This could end up being a major transfer battle, as Nevett weighs up whether a move to the Premier League early into his fledging career would be beneficial, or a switch that could be detrimental to the teenager.
Transfer reunion: Ipswich eyeing dream Hutchinson alternative
Ipswich Town could set their sights away from Omari Hutchinson with this summer addition.
As much of the Stamford Bridge faithful have become accustomed to under the ownership of Todd Boehly, this summer looks set to be another one in which Chelsea spend big on a number of young players.
Boehly eyes the next generation of Stamford Bridge stars
Whilst splashing the cash on big name talents has been part of the Blues' transfer strategy in recent windows, Chelsea are constantly looking to bring in young players with high ceilings.
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The most recent name linked with a move to West London is Mathys Tel. The 19-year-old currently plays for Bayern Munich, where he has scored 16 goals and supplied 6 assists across 69 senior appearances for the German giants.
Joining Tel on Boehly's wishlist is American teenager Caleb Wiley, who already has two caps for the USMNT despite being just 19 years of age. As a natural left back, Wiley could be an excellent option to fill the void left by Ben Chilwell, who has struggled with injury issues since arrving at Chelsea from Leicester City.
The final young star linked with a move to the Blues is Aaron Anselmino. Currently at Boca Juniors, the Argentine sensation has been in talks with the West London club for some time and it appears that a new development has brought the deal almost to completion.
Agreement reached in Chelsea's pursuit of teenage talent
As first reported by Sport Witness, the Argentine press are claiming that Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Boca Juniors' Aaron Anselmino. The outlet have stated that the 19-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge has entered it’s decisive stage as the final details of the deal are ironed out.
This follows recent news from Fabrizio Romano that Anselmino is set to travel for medical tests as soon as a decision is made on an agreement to loan him back to Boca upon completion of the transfer.
The recent development from Sport Witness suggests that this issue around a loan back has now been sorted. The Blues are said to be considering Boca's request to have the player back on loan for another year, with Chelsea reporedly holding an option to cut short the loan in December.
With a reported fee of £14million, it is clear why the local press have been swept up in the excitement surrounding the transfer, with one outlet there describing the fee involved as an "exorbitant" amount for such an inexperienced player.
With just ten first team appearances for Boca to his name, a loan back to the club would prove a sensible option for the 19-year-old centre back's development.
Boca Club President and Argentina icon Juan Román Riquelme has already spoken highly of the teenager however, telling the press: “He is going to compete with the center backs. He seems bigger. With the growth, the head he has and the desire to learn that he shows, he is on his way to being a great footballer.”
With this current iteration of Chelsea well known for giving chances to young players, there is every possibility that Anselmino will return from a loan spell at Boca ready to break into the starting eleven at Stamford Bridge.
خاض فريق ريال مدريد، بقيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو، مباراته مساء يوم الأحد في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم ضد ديبورتيفو ألافيس على ملعب الأخير.
وحل ريال مدريد ضيفًا على خصه ديبورتيفو ألافيس، في إطار منافسات الجولة السادسة عشر من الدوري الإسباني 2025/26، حيث حقق الملكي فوزًا بهدفين لهدف. أهداف مباراة ريال مدريد وألافيس في الدوري الإسباني
وتمكن ريال مدريد من تسجيل هدف أول في شباك ألافيس، في الدقيقة 25 من عمر الشوط الأول، عن طريق النجم المتألق كيليان مبابي.
جاء الهدف بعدما تسلم كيليان مبابي الكرة حيث توغل داخل منطقة الجزاء، وسددها بباطن القدم وسكنت الكرة المرمى، بطريقة رائعة، معلنًا عن تقدم كتيبة تشابي ألونسو.
وبعد ذلك بدقيقتين، تمكن ريال مدريد من تسجيل الهدف الثاني عن طريق جود بيلينجهام، ولكن تم إلغائه على الفور بداعِ وجود حالة تسلل.
وكاد ألافيس أن يسجل هدف التعادل قبل ثوان من نهاية الشوط الأول من عمر المباراة، ولكن الحارس تيبو كورتوا نجح في التصدي ببراعة، ليحافظ على نظافة شباكه قبل الاستراحة.
وسنحت فرصة لريال مدريد من أجل تسجيل الهدف الثاني، في الدقيقة 52، حيث سدد كيليان مبابي كرته وتصدى حارس ألافيس، قبل أن ترتد وتصل إلى فينيسيوس الذي سددها بطريقة رائعة، ولكن حارس الخصم تألق وتصدى لها.
وأشعل ألافيس المباراة بعدما سجل هدف التعادل في الدقيقة 68 عن طريق كارلوس فيسينتي، وألغاه الحكم ولكن تقنية الفيديو تدخلت قبل التأكد من صحته واحتسابه.
ونجح ريال مدريد في العودة من جديد والتقدم بهدف سجله رودريجو، في الدقيقة 76، بعد عرضية من فينيسيوس جونيور، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى مواطنه الذي سددها على الفور في الشباك، واضطر إلى الخروج مصابًا في الدقيقة 83.
وطالب ريال مدريد بضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 86، بعد تعرض فينيسيوس جونيور للعرقلة داخل المنطقة، ولكن الحكم رفض احتساب أي شئ، ولم يتغير الأمر مع تدخل تقنية الفيديو.
بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد ريال مدريد إلى 39 نقطة في المركز الثاني في جدول البطولة، بينما تجمد رصيد ألافيس عند 18 نقطة في المركز الثاني عشر.
Looking to welcome their sixth arrival of the summer transfer window, Southampton are now reportedly initiating attempts to beat a Serie A club to the signature of a defensive reinforcement for Russell Martin.
Southampton transfer news
The Saints have already enjoyed a busy window ahead of their return to the Premier League, having signed Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Adam Lallana, Rento Takaoka and most recently, Ronnie Edwards in an attempt to build a squad capable of avoiding relegation at the first time of asking since their Championship promotion.
Southampton's most recent signing, Edwards, told the club's official website: “I’m buzzing to be here. It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to get started.
"Obviously from what happened last year they had an unbelievable season. The manager seems like he’s got a great bunch of lads and they’ve got a real togetherness, and the style of play Southampton plays suits me the best. I’m excited to get going. It’s a dream come true for anyone, so I’ve got to be excited and obviously looking forward to it.”
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He scored against the Saints last season.
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He may not be the last name through the door this summer, however. According to TuttoSport via Sport Witness, Southampton are now initiating attempts to sign Welington from Sao Paulo this summer as they look to beat Torino in the race for the left-back's signature.
Valued at a reported €6m or €7m (£5m or £6m) by Sau Paulo, Southampton will need to act fast if they want to secure a deal, given that Torino have already reportedly submitted a €3.5m (£3m) bid.
Welinton would complete left-back depth
Having just signed Charlie Taylor, who is likely to become Southampton's starting left-back next season, Welington can now arrive to complete the depth of the role for Martin. Still just 23 years old too, it would be wrong to write off the Brazilian's chances of making the starting spot his own ahead of Taylor and Ryan Manning if he completes a move to St Mary's this summer.
Charlie Taylor Burnley
Before anything, of course, Southampton must decide whether they deem his reported £6m price tag as one worth pursuing, especially with Taylor through the door. Welington would hand Martin depth, but with Manning and Taylor to call on already, questions must be asked whether Southampton's funds would be better spent elsewhere ahead of next season.
What's more, given Martin's praise upon Taylor's arrival, he may be happy with the left-back options that he now has. The Southampton boss told the club's official website: "Charlie brings a wealth of Premier League experience to the side which will be vital for us.
“He’s a great character who will fit into what we’re building here. Technically he’s a gifted passer of the ball and has versatility. I’m delighted we’ve brought him in. It’s going to take everyone again next season, so it’s important we have competition for places across the board.”
As the Saints reportedly initiate attempts to sign Welington, however, Martin could start next season with more competition than ever down his left-hand side.
Six members of the T20 squad will not have completed their isolation till the eve of the first game in Auckland
ESPNcricinfo staff01-Nov-2020
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West Indies coach Phil Simmons has backed the players arriving on the New Zealand tour from the IPL to be ready for the T20I series at the end of November, despite the fact that they will not have completed their managed isolation until the eve of the opening match in Auckland.While the remainder of the touring party arrived on Friday after a 54-hour journey from the Caribbean, six members of the T20I squad, including captain Kieron Pollard, will leave the UAE following the conclusion of the IPL on November 10. The other players to join Pollard are Fabian Allen, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Oshane Thomas and Test captain Jason Holder, who is not part of the T20I squad.However, Simmons did not believe the benefits of being in the competitive environment of the IPL would wear off during their two weeks of managed isolation where players are able to train in various sized bubbles.”It’s a little bit difficult this time because when the main T20 guys get here they are in isolation until [just before] the first game,” Simmons said. “But the plus about that is that they are coming from playing in a high-quality tournament so they will be sharp. The guys that are with us, we have to get them up to that level so when we meet on [November 27] as a full squad everyone is on the same page.”West Indies, who last played T20Is in early March against Sri Lanka when they won the series 2-0, will be missing two of their key allrounders, with Dwayne Bravo ruled out through an injury sustained at the IPL and Andre Russell opting out of the tour. Simmons,, however, said this was a chance for other players to press their claims for next year’s T20 World Cup in India following the postponement of the 2020 event in Australia which would have been taking place now if it weren’t for the Covid-19 pandemic.”We are going to try and continue how we planned the preparation,” he said. “In this series especially there are a few guys who weren’t in that team in Sri Lanka and they will be trying to push themselves into the final 15 next year because we are missing the two main allrounders.”At this point you have quite a few players trying to understand how exactly they fit into the line-up and that’s what the build-up is now – if you are on the bench you know exactly what you have to do and if you are in the XI you know what you have to do.”Looking further ahead to the Test series in December, Simmons wants his players to learn the lessons from the England tour which included a notable victory in Southampton before their form slipped to lose the series 2-1.”We are trying to continue to build,” he said. “We have to take that Southampton performance and see what the points are that we need to work on to better that. It’s very difficult to beat teams [at their] home now and we need to play the best cricket we can in any Test to beat teams high up the table, of which New Zealand is one of them.”
The batsman said Kohli and Pujara – who didn’t play the pink-ball warm-up against Australia A – have been practising in the nets
Sidharth Monga13-Dec-2020India middle order batsman Hanuma Vihari believes their batsmen are ready to face the challenge of Test cricket in Australia, starting with the day-night game in Adelaide this Thursday. Vihari scored an unbeaten second-innings century in the second tour game played under lights against Australia A at the SCG, and said the unique challenge of facing the pink ball lay in the evening.”Getting to practice with the pink ball just before the day-night Test is ideal practice for us,” Vihari said. “I think we played against a decent opposition in both games. The challenge with the pink ball is during the twilight and when the floodlights are on. It does a little bit in the air and off the wicket. That is the challenge we have realised as a team. I hope not only me but all the batsmen will take it as a challenge going into Adelaide, and we will make sure as a batting group we put up a good total.”India will miss their regular captain Virat Kohli after the first Test as he goes home for paternity leave. He didn’t play any of the tour games, but in his absence the others didn’t move a spot up. The vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane seems like he doesn’t fancy a change from his usual No. 5 position, which pushed the No. 6 Vihari to bat at No. 4 in both games. If India do that in the three Tests that Kohli doesn’t play, they run the risk of putting together two similar, defence-oriented batsmen, Vihari and Cheteshwar Pujara, together at the same time. Vihari was asked how different it was to bat with Pujara and Rahane. Predictably he didn’t give much away.ALSO READ: Kuldeep backs spin for pink-ball Test: ‘Difficult to read spinners at night'”At No. 4, I always feel you have more time than you think,” he said. “In domestic cricket I have batted No. 3, so I am a bit familiar batting up the order. Obviously batting with Puji is completely different. We try to communicate, and he tells me what the bowler is trying to do. We always have good communication. And batting with Ajinkya, I think he is more flamboyant. I also feel he has got a good sense of the game situation. I enjoy batting with both of them. But coming in at No. 6 is a totally different equation altogether. You have to bat with a batsman and then the keeper and the allrounder or the bowlers. I enjoy batting at both positions but it depends on the team situation and the need for the day.”Vihari said these two games have given them a good chance to get used to the extra bounce in Australia. “Bounce plays a major part,” Vihari said. “We as Indians tend to play at every ball because of the bounce back home. But we are coping with the extra bounce pretty well. The first two practice games, if you see we have left the ball very well, and we are trying to acclimatise with the conditions here. Coming into the first Test, we are very well equipped with the pace and the bounce of the wickets. I am pretty sure we will do well.”Those who haven’t played both the games – Kohli, Pujara being the significant ones – have been working hard in the nets, Vihari said. “They have been practising every day in the nets,” he said. “They have been putting in the hard work. They are senior players, and they have been playing international cricket for a long time. We have played one pink-ball Test before this as well so they are used to it. And they are practising with it every day. I am sure being the professionals they are, they will be very well equipped with their game.”When Vihari last came to Australia, he had to open during a crisis period to get a look-in. He is proud of that effort at the MCG, but feels much more confident of his ability now that he has cemented a spot in the side. “Coming in 2018 I was coming into my second tour [he had debuted in England earlier that year],” Vihari said. “It was a good challenge for me back then. Although I contributed a bit, now I am very well equipped with my game and I am pretty sure with my game plan as well. I am really looking forward to the series.”
A vitória por 2 a 0 do Flamengo sobre o Barcelona de Guayaquil (EQU), na noite desta quarta-feira (22), teve um gosto especial para a trajetória de Renato Gaúcho na competição. O comandante rubro-negro igualou Gabriel Uribe como o técnico que mais triunfou na história da competição continental.
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Renato chegou ao comando do Flamengo com 44 vitórias. A equipe engatou cinco vitórias consecutivas até o momento (duas contra o Defensa Y Justicia, nas oitavas, duas sobre o Olimpia e a desta quarta-feira, sobre a equipe aurinegra). Um novo resultado positivo em Guayaquil pode significar a primeira colocação.
Antes do Flamengo, Renato Gaúcho comandou outros dois times na Copa Libertadores: o Grêmio, que foi campeão da Libertadores de 2017 e o Fluminense, vice em 2008.
Renato também chegou a 79 partidas, igualando o número de Muricy Ramalho como brasileiro com mais jogos na Libertadores.
– Números importantíssimos. Feliz por isso. Muricy foi um grande treinador, é um grande amigo. Aqui a gente procura fazer o melhor para o Flamengo – afirmou à ESPN o comandante, antes do confronto.
Milan Skriniar could make a sensational return to Serie A as Juventus are eyeing a move for the PSG centre-back.
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Skriniar could make Serie A comeback
Juventus want him to bolster defence
Was a pivotal player for Inter before PSG move
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Milan Skriniar could be on his way out of Paris Saint-Germain, just a year-and-a-half after joining on a free transfer from Inter, as Juventus are keen to bring him back to Serie A in the January transfer window. according to Calciomercato.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Juventus coach Thiago Motta wants to sign a centre-back to compensate for the absence of Gleison Bremer, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury in the Champions League against Leipzig.
Skriniar serves as a good alternative for the Bianconeri. The 29-year-old has played just 201 minutes of football (two starts, one substitute appearance) under PSG coach Luis Enrique this season.
As such, Juventus want to pursue a loan move for Skriniar in the upcoming winter transfer window. Given his previous experience in Serie A, the former Sampdoria man could be the perfect player to shore up Motta's defence.
DID YOU KNOW?
While Skriniar certainly had a successful spell at Inter, earning him recognition as one of the more solid centre-backs in Europe, the final chapter of his stint with the defending Serie A champions was rather torrid. PSG and Inter were negotiating for a transfer in the summer of 2022, but it didn't go through. Then, Inter insisted on extending the Slovak's contract — which was expiring in 2023 — before they gave up and saw him leave for free to arrive at Parc des Princes.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MILAN SKRINIAR?
Skriniar has made just three appearances this season and has cut a frustrated figure on the bench. It remains to be seen if Enrique will call upon the former Inter defender's services during PSG's next game against Lens on Saturday, November 2.
With the European Championships in the rearview mirror, teams will likely start making more aggressive moves in the transfer market, and Arsenal are no different.
Aside from making David Raya's move permanent, the Gunners have made no additions to the first team yet, but over the last few weeks, it has looked increasingly likely that they will add Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori to their ranks.
The Bologna ace was among the few bright sparks in the Azzurri's dismal Euro campaign.
Still, based on recent reports, the North Londoners could shift their attention to another exciting young defender who'd be unreal alongside William Saliba.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio.
Goncalo Inacio in action for Sporting Lisbon
However, alongside the Gunners, the report claims that Manchester United and Liverpool are also keen on the 22-year-old, and the latter are the furthest ahead in the race to sign him at present.
It would also be expensive for Edu Gaspar and Co to get over the line, as the player's contract has a €60m release clause, which converts to around £50m.
ousmane-diomande-goncalo-inacio-liverpool-opinion
In all, it could be a complicated transfer for Arsenal, but with his recent performances and potential partnership with Saliba, one worth pursuing.
How Inacio compares to Calafiori
So, if Arsenal are to change course and sign Inacio over Calafiori, it's probably worth examining how they stack up against one another, and the best way to do that is by looking at their underlying numbers.
Inacio vs Calafiori
Stats per 90
Inacio
Calafiori
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.05
0.10
Progressive Passes
8.55
3.69
Progressive Carries
1.27
1.08
Passing Accuracy
89.1%
89.6%
Live Passes
84.0
66.2
Goal-Creating Actions
0.36
0.31
Shot-Creating Actions
1.60
1.70
Tackles
1.74
1.81
Shots blocked
0.51
0.50
Passes Blocked
0.54
0.96
Interceptions
0.91
1.94
Errors Leading to a Shot
0.04
0.12
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 Season
Interestingly, looking at their underlying numbers, it becomes clear that while both players excel in certain areas, neither one comes out way ahead overall.
For example, the Bologna ace has better passing accuracy, makes more tackles and interceptions, blocks more passes, produces more shot-creating actions, and has a higher non-penalty expected goal and assists figure per 90.
Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
The "exceptional" Portuguese star, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, comes out ahead in metrics such as progressive passes and carries, live passes, goal-creating actions, shots blocked, and errors that lead to a shot, all per 90.
However, while their underlying numbers do not differ greatly, the Sporting ace is comfortably ahead of the Italian in injuries.
Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio
For example, he has missed just 12 games in his entire career, whereas the Bologna star has missed a whopping 71 games since 2020/21 alone.
Ultimately, if Arteta wants to sign a talented young defender to partner with Saliba for the long term, Calafiori or Inacio would be an excellent choice.
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That said, considering his injury record, it would make far more sense to sign the Sporting star, as he can be relied upon to remain fit.