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Paul Pogba’s long-awaited Monaco debut has been delayed yet again after the midfielder picked up an ankle injury in training just 24 hours before his expected return. The 32-year-old, who last played competitively over two years ago, is now set to miss this weekend’s Ligue 1 clash against Paris FC, with his first appearance for the club pushed back beyond the November international break.

• Paul Pogba's return to action delayed again

  Just as anticipation built around Pogba’s long-awaited return to competitive football, the Monaco star has suffered another unfortunate setback. The 32-year-old picked up an ankle injury during Thursday’s training session, ruling him out of Saturday’s Ligue 1 fixture against Paris FC. Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli had raised hopes earlier in the week by suggesting Pogba could finally be named in the matchday squad, potentially ending his 26-month absence from professional football.

  Pogba last played for Juventus in September 2023 before being handed a doping suspension that initially ran for four years but was later reduced to 18 months. He had spent the last three months on a rigorous fitness programme following his June arrival at Monaco, working to rebuild both physical strength and sharpness after a long layoff. His debut was already delayed once due to a minor knock before the Angers match, and this latest ankle issue now prolongs his wait for a first appearance in Ligue 1.

  Monaco confirmed that they are awaiting confirmation of the injury’s severity but remain hopeful that Pogba will only be sidelined for a further two weeks. “We are awaiting confirmation of the severity, but it’s hoped he’ll only miss two weeks,” Pocognoli told reporters. “We’re all disappointed,” he added, explaining that the team now hopes to have the Frenchman fit in time for their home clash with Rennes on November 22.

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  What the Monaco move means for Pogba…

  Pogba’s repeated setbacks have cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a redemptive new chapter in his career. After signing a two-year deal with Monaco as a free agent in June, the move was seen as both a fresh start and a statement of intent; a chance for one of France’s most gifted midfielders to reclaim his place in the footballing elite. However, since his arrival, the World Cup winner has been restricted to gym work, recovery sessions, and individual training routines, with fans still waiting to see him in Monaco colours.

  At 32, Pogba is no longer the explosive presence he once was at Manchester United or Juventus, and his transition back to top-flight football has required patience and careful management. Monaco’s coaching staff have publicly backed his rehabilitation process, with Pocognoli and his medical team determined not to rush him back prematurely and risk further injury setbacks.

• Pogba's footballing journey: A mix of high highs and low lows

  Pogba’s footballing journey has been one of the most eventful of his generation. A product of Manchester United’s academy, he first burst onto the scene with Juventus, winning four consecutive Serie A titles before returning to Old Trafford in 2016 for a then-world record £89 million fee. Across his two spells with United, he made over 150 appearances, winning the Europa League and Carabao Cup while establishing himself as one of France’s most technically gifted midfielders.

  His international career reached its pinnacle in 2018 when he played a pivotal role in France’s World Cup triumph, scoring in the final against Croatia. Yet injuries and inconsistency began to plague his club form in subsequent years. The doping suspension handed down in 2023 proved to be the lowest point of his career.

  Joining Monaco represented a chance to rebuild. The emotional scenes that accompanied his signing, Pogba was seen breaking down in tears as he put pen to paper, capturing how much the return meant to him personally. His stated goal has been to “rediscover happiness through football” and, eventually, earn a recall to Didier Deschamps’ France squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. For now, though, his dream remains on hold, with recovery once again his main focus.

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  Pogba's debut could now come after the November international break

  Pogba’s immediate objective will be to recover in time for Monaco’s November 22 clash against Rennes, which now stands as the new target for his long-awaited debut. The club’s medical team is monitoring his ankle closely, and while the injury is not thought to be serious, Monaco are taking a cautious approach given his recent history. If all goes to plan, the Rennes fixture could mark his first appearance in professional football in more than two years.

  Until then, Monaco’s focus will remain on maintaining form in Ligue 1 as they juggle a busy schedule without their marquee summer signing. Pocognoli’s men face Paris FC this weekend and Reims shortly after, fixtures that could prove decisive in maintaining their early-season momentum. The team will continue to rely on the likes of Mohamed Camara and Eliot Matazo to anchor the midfield while Pogba completes his recovery programme.

Lamine Yamal has risked the wrath of Real Madrid supporters once again after the Barcelona forward sent out a defiant message ahead of the first Clasico of the season. Having already received scorn from the Blaugrana’s bitter rivals, the 18-year-old decided to prod them for a second time before Sunday’s mouth-watering fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Getty Images SportIn-form Barcelona and Real lead the way at the top of La Liga

All eyes will be on Madrid this weekend when Barcelona and Real renew hostilities in La Liga. The Spanish giants have set the pace in 2025-26, occupying the top two spots in the table. Xabi Alonso’s Real sit at the summit after winning eight and losing one of their nine league games this term, while Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are second and just two points behind, having won seven from the same number of fixtures. The Catalan side drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano on 31 August, before losing 4-1 to Sevilla earlier this month.

AdvertisementYamal stokes fire with tongue-in-cheek remark about Real

While the fixture does not need any extra hype, extra spice has been added following pre-match comments from Yamal. Igniting controversy before a ball has been kicked, the wonderkid – speaking during a broadcast on Kings League – made tongue-in-cheek remarks about Real, which have not gone down well at the Bernabeu.

In comments which went viral on social media, when asked by Ibai Llanos – owner of Kings League side Porcinos FC – whether his team reminded him of Real, Yamal said: “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…”

Prompting laughter from those on the stream, Llanos, a well-known Real supporter, immediately pushed back by asking: “Real Madrid steals?”

Laughing nervously, Yamal then said: “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”

AFPSpain star goes one step further with new social media post

Not content with his cheeky remarks, Yamal has lit the touch paper once again by taking to social media to send a bold message before El Clasico. In a post on his Instagram stories, the Spain international uploaded a picture which sees him blurred out and a sea of angry Real supporters brought into focus. Yamal was victorious in all four Clasico fixtures last season as Barcelona defeated Real twice in La Liga, while they also got the better of their old foes in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

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Wonderkid on song as Barcelona downed Olympiacos in midweek

Yamal and Barcelona head into Sunday’s Clasico in great spirits following their comprehensive 6-1 win over Greek side Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday. The winger recorded one goal and one assist as Flick’s side got back on track in Europe’s elite club competition, having suffered a late 2-1 defeat against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in their second fixture. Barcelona opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on 18 September, with in-form forward Marcus Rashford scoring twice.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs made a huge prediction regarding his former club and Liverpool back in 2011, and they are coming back to haunt him now.

Liverpool and Man Utd's spells of success

The Red Devils and the Reds remain the two biggest clubs in English football, enjoying a great rivalry throughout history and having different periods of success.

Liverpool were on top for much of the 1970s and 1980s, winning First Division titles and European Cup glory, but their era of glory ended around 1990, prior to United becoming the dominant force in the Premier League.

For nearly 20 years, they ruled the roost, even though the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal enjoyed strong periods as well, and it felt as though they would go nowhere with Sir Alex Ferguson in charge.

Since the Scot departed, however, United have fallen away dramatically, not winning the league since 2013 and often being a laughing stock, while Liverpool have returned to the top, winning two Premier League titles in the past five years.

Giggs' bold Man Utd and Liverpool prediction in 2011

Speaking back in 2011, Giggs boldly claimed that Manchester United would never collapse and fade away like Liverpool after a period of dominance, which in hindsight, has ended up looking foolish.

It’s fair to say that Giggs’ comments now look foolish, considering United’s period of dominance in the 1990s and 2000s is long gone, having not won a Premier League title in 12 years.

Liverpool are now streets ahead of their rivals, excelling under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, and it feels like a long time before United will be able to compete for the top honours again.

History has shown that both the Reds and Red Devils are far too big not go away forever, though, and there is every chance that United will be back again at some point.

Man Utd’s most embarrassing defeats since Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford

The Red Devils have had multiple humiliating losses since 2013.

ByCharlie Smith Aug 28, 2025

Liverpool could just do without one of their current players tempting fate like Giggs did all those years ago.

Portugal failed to wrap up 2026 World Cup qualification after conceding a late Hungary equaliser to draw 2-2 in Lisbon. Roberto Martinez's side had initially come from behind to get in front, courtesy of two Cristiano Ronaldo goals that set a new all-time World Cup qualifying record, and were on the brink of booking their ticket to North America thanks to Armenia's defeat to Ireland providing the extra nudge required. But Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai intervened at the death and it means Ronaldo and co. must now wait until November for their next chance instead.

Portugal knew that only a win could seal qualification on Tuesday, but while Ronaldo fired a shot over in the first few minutes, they got off to the worst possible start when Attila Szalai gave Hungary an early lead as goalkeeper Diogo Costa flapped at Szoboszlai's whipped in-swinging corner and Szalai headed in at the far post.

Ronaldo soon had Portugal's first shot on target when striking from distance, before equalising from close-range midway through the first half. That was his 40th goal in World Cup qualifying, a new all-time record surpassing the previous tally of 39 held by Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz. Both sides continued to miss the target or see efforts blocked, until Costa saved from Roland Sallai towards the end of the first half. But Ronaldo ensured Portugal took a lead into the break with another close-range finish, coming in first-half stoppage time after Nuno Mendes crossed into the box.

Portugal hit the post twice in quick succession within 15 minutes of the restart, Ruben Dias thwacking the woodwork from distance and then Bruno Fernandes also hitting the upright via the slightest of touches from Hungary goalkeeper Balasz Toth. As pressure built, he saved again from substitute Joao Felix in outstanding fashion.

It was a slender lead, though, and Szalai almost equalised from another set-piece, heading against the bar. Hungary continued to attack into the final stages and eventually got their reward through Szoboszlai, finishing at the far post after Portugal failed to deal with a low cross into the box.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio Jose Alvalade…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (6/10):

Should have done better in the moment Hungary went ahead early on. Needed to be more commanding of his six-yard box. Later showcased his superior skills as a shot-stopper.

Nelson Semedo (7/10):

Made the Portugal equaliser with some excellent play down the right and a precise cutback for his captain to tap in.

Ruben Dias (5/10):

Almost netted the best goal he'll ever score in his career, but his long-range strike cannoned off the post instead of rippling the net. Had to cut out the ball across the box that gave Hungary their last-ditch equaliser.

Renato Veiga (5/10):

Left Chelsea after a matter of months because he wanted to play consistently as a centre-back. This was his first start for Portugal since June but he might need to do more to earn himself the position consistently.

Nuno Mendes (8/10):

The best left-back in the world? It was his sumptuous first-time cross that gave Ronaldo his second to put Portugal ahead. Solid defensively.

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Ruben Neves (7/10):

Controlled things from his deep-lying position, which helped Portugal find a foothold and move towards a dominant display after conceding from an early set-piece.

Vitinha (7/10):

Deserves credit for the 'pre-assist' for Ronaldo's first goal, splitting the Hungary defence with a pass that played in Semedo.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

Created a number of chances that never quite materialised into anything proper. Withdrawn just over an hour in, which will probably please Manchester United.

AFPAttack

Bernardo Silva (7/10):

Had plenty of the ball and used it well enough to create chances that weren't taken.

Cristiano Ronaldo (9/10):

Still completely irrepressible, even pushing 41 years of age. By half-time, Portugal had registered three shots on target, all were him, and he'd scored twice. The fact that both were 'easy' chances from close-range is irrelevant.

Pedro Neto (7/10):

Looked a threat with quick feet in wide areas and was involved in the go-ahead goal specifically. Drew several fouls and also tested Toth himself shortly before coming off.

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AFPSubs & Manager

Joao Felix (6/10):

Almost made an instant impact, but for a top save. Peaked in that moment.

Joao Palhinha (6/10):

Like for like swap for Neves and continued that role to decent effect.

Francisco Conceicao (6/10):

Had a shot that narrowly missed, but his threat was consistent enough.

Nuno Tavares (4/10):

Was a serious downgrade when Mendes went off. Too easily allowed Lukacs the space to cross for the tying goal.

Goncalo Ramos (N/A):

Touched the ball four times in 12 minutes.

Roberto Martinez (5/10):

Encouraging his adventurous full-backs to go with their natural instincts proved decisive. Might need to reconsider the second-half changes he makes in future.

UEFA have been presented with a final proposal for the Super League project that would include dramatic evolution of the current Champions League format. According to Mundo Deportivo, the project has been under tight wraps for the past eight months, with UEFA, Super League backers A22 Sports Management, and key powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid conducting secret negotiations to hammer out a deal that could end football’s civil war.

• Carl Recine
  

  From war to peace: a secret deal in the making

  Since the infamous Super League breakaway fiasco in 2021, tensions between UEFA and Europe’s elite clubs have simmered beneath the surface. But now, after seven rounds of discreet meetings, some even taking place inside UEFA’s own headquarters, both sides are finally edging toward a compromise. The goal? A revamped European competition that keeps UEFA in charge, satisfies the big clubs’ financial ambitions, and prevents the re-emergence of a rogue Super League.

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• The final offer: Free global tv and a supercharged format

  The Super League’s latest and perhaps last proposal includes two revolutionary ideas designed to win UEFA’s approval.

  1. A free global streaming platform, making top-tier European football accessible to fans everywhere.

  2.  A revamped tournament structure that mirrors the Champions League but promises more thrilling, high-stakes clashes from day one.

  The free streaming service, named UNIFY, would feature both ad-supported and premium options, offering global access to every match while keeping viewing costs low. It’s being hailed as a modern, fan-first approach that could revolutionise football broadcasting, bringing in bigger revenues and broader reach than existing TV deals.

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  A new “super” champions league format

  Under the proposal, the Champions League would remain by name, but with a bold new look. The current 36-team setup would stay, yet the structure would be split into two separate groups of 18 clubs each. The top 18 clubs, ranked by UEFA coefficients, would face off in eight blockbuster first-phase matches against fellow heavyweights. Meanwhile, the lower 18 clubs, ranked 19th to 36th, would play their own eight fixtures, a mix of competitive, evenly matched encounters determined by draw. Qualification for the tournament would still come via domestic league performance, keeping national competitions relevant.

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• Knockout chaos: A fresh twist to the finals path

  The knockout stages would also get a makeover. The top eight teams from the elite group would automatically qualify for the round of 16. The remaining 16 spots would be filled through a dramatic playoff round, with teams ranked ninth in Group 1 battling lower-ranked qualifiers from Group 2 in what promises to be explosive, winner-takes-all ties. Once the round of 16 begins, the structure will follow the familiar knockout route to the grand final. The goal? To keep the essence of the Champions League intact while supercharging the competitiveness and unpredictability of every round.

Darwin is in the box seat to host its first Test in 22 years with Cricket Australia keen to split next year’s Bangladesh tour between the Territory and North Queensland.Players are understood to have been impressed with international cricket’s return to Darwin this month, as part of the white-ball series against South Africa.More winter internationals are scheduled for next year with Australia set to host a two-Test series against Bangladesh which is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) in the Top End. Mackay, Cairns, Townsville and Darwin all loom as options to host, which would double as the first winter Tests in Australia since 2004.But Darwin is the most likely to secure one of those Tests with Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg keen to spread the series across more than one state.”Ideally [we will],” Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said. “We want to make sure we continue to play cricket in lots of different locations, so the next generation of kids can see their stars.”I spent some time with the Chief Minister there and they’ve got a strong appetite for more cricket, as have we, to play more cricket there. The conditions up there are amazing when you take out the biggest variable we have in cricket, which is weather, and you have nothing to worry about.”The Bangladesh Tests had originally been scheduled for March 2027 but the 150th anniversary contest between Australia and England at the MCG has meant the series needed to be moved. Afghanistan had been due to tour Australia next July and August for a one-off Test and three T20Is, but CA has suspended bilateral cricket with them.Darwin last hosted Tests against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2003 and 2004 respectively, before largely falling off the cricket calendar for the past two decades.Australia A played out two draws in unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A in the city in July, before this month’s T20Is against South Africa at TIO Stadium.Mackay looms as the more modern regional venue in Queensland with the Great Barrier Reef Arena upgraded in 2023 and having hosted regular WBBL matches.Players were also buoyed by the wickets in the T20I and ODI against South Africa there this month, which doubled as Australia’s first men’s internationals there.A Test would be the first in Mackay’s history with Cairns having previously hosted two in the early 2000s before last week’s ODIs in the northernmost city. Townsville is the other option after hosting ODIs in 2022, but issues such as lighting have seen it drop behind Cairns and Mackay as an option in recent years.A match at any Queensland venue would also count as the state’s Test for the 2026-27 summer, given the Gabba has missed out on a red-ball match with the touring New Zealand.CA is open to the idea of more winter internationals in the Top End, as a way of extending the season and easing the load on the main part of the summer.”We had such good support [in the white-ball games], we were sold out in almost every stadium we played in,” Greenberg said. “Playing on each of the shoulder parts of the season [works].  Our Australian women’s team will play a Test match in mid-March in Perth this year. International cricket is played 12 months of the year.”

CSK have looked out of their depth in IPL 2025 with key players out of form and no quality on the bench

Deivarayan Muthu23-May-20253:10

Which big player will CSK release after IPL 2025?

At around 8.45pm on April 11, there were unprecedented scenes at Chepauk.As MS Dhoni walked out to bat at No. 9, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) 72 for 7 in the 15th over against Kolkata Knight Riders, several fans began to leave the stadium. CSK’s devoted followers have sworn by their but those exiting had realised that even he couldn’t save this team this season. Having taken over the captaincy after five games in in IPL 2025, the magnitude of the miracle required was beyond his ageing capabilities.At around 10.30 pm, Fortress Chepauk crumbled. It was the first time CSK had lost three consecutive home games. They went on to lose their next two in Chennai as well, and for the first time, CSK will finish last in an IPL season.After finishing fifth last year, CSK have also failed to make the playoffs in two consecutive seasons for the first time – an indicator that their trusted methods, with which they have won five titles, may now be outdated in the IPL.Related

Dhoni on his IPL future: I have four-five months to decide

Dhoni takes blame for CSK's defeat

'Nothing for me to decide as of now' – Dhoni on IPL future

CSK's transition 'will develop on its own' – Bangar

Their problems began with squad formation. Their bets on old CSK players – like Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra – didn’t come off. Their punts on buying players who had struggled for other franchises in recent seasons – Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tripathi – fell flat too. There was no revival for them like Robin Uthappa, Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube had enjoyed at CSK.They splurged INR 9.75 crore for 38-year old R Ashwin, who played for CSK last in 2015, at a time when other teams are barely picking players whose primary skill is offspin. That reunion hasn’t been productive either: seven wickets in nine matches with an economy rate of 9.12, his highest in an IPL season.Barely a month into the season, the first four players CSK had bought at the mega auction for a total of INR 23.4 crore last November – Conway, Tripathi, Ashwin and Rachin – were all on the bench.1:26

Bangar: If I was Dhoni I would say ‘enough’

After realising that CSK things weren’t working for them this season, they did some un-CSK things. Like cycling through 22 players, the most they have used in an IPL season since 2010; promoting Ravindra Jadeja to No.4 though his struggles against spin is well known; pushing Shivam Dube down the order and exposing him to high pace when his strength is hitting spin; and handing the new ball to Jamie Overton, who is a middle-and-death overs specialist for England and various franchises around the world.The spate of defeats and the weakness of their bench forced CSK to blood young, inexperienced players, something they rarely do. Two of their mid-season replacements, Dewald Brevis and 17-year old Ayush Mhatre, their youngest player ever, have been successful and could be part of CSK’s plans for 2026.But with or without Brevis and Mhatre, the batting looks fragile and uncompetitive, lagging far behind in terms of explosiveness or inventiveness. Against RCB in Bengaluru, CSK needed 35 off 18 balls, but Jadeja and Dhoni were unable to finish a game they would have won more often than not a few years ago. Their inability to exploit scoring areas behind the wicket was amplified as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal shackled them with several full tosses.Which brings us to one of the biggest talking points of CSK’s season. Dhoni, who will turn 44 in July, is functioning at reduced capacity because of his knees. He can’t play long innings any more, and in this age of match-ups teams simply throw the ball to a spinner when he walks in. Rajasthan Royals even gave part-time offspinner Riyan Parag the 16th over because Dhoni was batting.Since IPL 2020, Dhoni has a strike rate of 95.88 against spin – the lowest among batters who have faced 250 balls of spin in this period. CSK’s other problem is that Jadeja is third on this list with a strike rate of 101.68 against spin, making it too simple for opponents to slow them down when these two are in the middle. Sometimes they don’t even look as if they are trying to attack spin.Jadeja has had problems with his left-arm spin too. He has trouble against left-handers and doesn’t usually bowl in the powerplay; these limitations have resulted in him completing his four-over quota only once in 13 matches. Jadeja has eight wickets with an economy of 8.81 and 280 runs at a strike rate of 137.25 this season.R Ashwin has not had a happy homecoming on the field this season•PTI Jadeja and Dhoni, retained for INR 18 crore and 4 crore respectively, don’t play any T20 cricket between IPL seasons. Dhoni’s future remains unclear but if he wants to play IPL 2026, can CSK afford to keep both of them?Yes, according to former SRH and PBKS coach Tom Moody who has vast experience in constructing and reconstructing T20 teams around the world, and especially if Dube rediscovers his explosive power and CSK bring in an overseas power-hitter.”Well, Dube has to fire and he, historically, has been a brilliant finisher for them,” Moody said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “His form has been a concern, along with obviously the clock ticking on Dhoni’s career. It doesn’t get easier when you’re older. It gets harder and harder.”Jadeja has never ever been a strong finisher. He’s a very fine player, but do you see him as a player with 15 or 20 balls to go, as your impact player? Probably not. Therefore, you go back to the auction and look at ‘did we get it wrong’ or maybe we needed to get an overseas finisher to support what we already have.”While CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming has kept emphasising the importance of experience, they may not have many options to pick from at the next mini-auction. And the really good players will be in high demand and go for hefty prices.”If you’re needing to release funds, the obvious one would be Ashwin because I think it was about 10 crore,” Moody said. “That’s a lot of money for someone that’s not guaranteed a place in the XI. So, that’s going to be a hard conversation that the management has to have with him.”I think they need more of a batting powerhouse at No.5 or 6. They’ve got enough allrounders in their set-up – Rachin, Sam Curran, Jadeja. To me, they need a specialist impact player that can take games away a bit like your Livingstone, Tim David and Hetmyer – these types of players they have to find and target. They may do that through trade. You never know someone like Ashwin might find himself traded.”The return of Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose IPL 2025 was cut short by injury, may remedy some top-order issues but the CSK management has been working behind the scenes on scouting and developing new talent. Other teams have already got tremendous value from less-known players – Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, Digvesh Rathi to name just a few – plucked out of various T20 leagues around the country.The fact remains, though, that a long and successful era may have run its course, and that rebuilding a team in the second season after a mega-auction will pose challenges. Tough questions and decisions await CSK, and it could begin with Dhoni and his knees.

Sean Dyche has now personally requested the signing of a “fantastic” Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku at Nottingham Forest, and his current club may be tempted to cash-in.

Reinforcements may be needed in the January transfer window, given that Forest are looking like they could be involved in a relegation battle this season, although there has been an uptick in results since Dyche arrived just under a month ago.

The 54-year-old has made a solid start in the Premier League, collecting four points from his opening three games in charge and signing off before the international break with a 3-1 win against fellow strugglers Leeds United, which could be an important result come May.

The former Everton boss has experience in relegation battles, having managed to guide the Toffees to safety in the 2022-23 campaign, while also stabilising Burnley in the Premier League, so Evangelos Marinakis should have full trust in his manager as we approach the January transfer window.

Sean Dyche requests signing of Jerome Opoku

Given Dyche’s impressive start, Marinakis may be willing to back him this winter, and the Nottingham Forest boss has now personally requested the signing of Istanbul Basaksehir defender Opoku, according to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness).

The 27-year-old has attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs as of late, with Everton making an offer in January, while Fulham are also in the race, so the Tricky Trees may have to fend off competition from elsewhere to secure his signature.

Such is the level of interest in the centre-back, he could become ‘one of the hottest topics’ of the upcoming window, and the Turkish club may be tempted to cash-in, given that his current contract is set to expire in 2027.

The Basaksehir defender hasn’t played in England since a spell at Plymouth Argyle in the 2020-21 campaign, at which point he received plaudits from manager Ryan Lowe, who described the 6 foot 5 colossus as “fantastic”.

Since then, the Ghana international has gone on to establish himself as an important player for Basaksehir, making 14 appearances in all competitions this season and helping his side keep clean sheets in three of their last four matches.

Opoku is yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, meaning it would be a risk for Nottingham Forest to make a move, but Dyche knows what it takes to avoid relegation from the top flight, so if the manager wants to make the Basaksehir star his first signing, Marinakis should back him.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign midfielder Dyche called "terrific"

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is keen to buy a £13.5m Barcelona mansion as his divorce with wife Cristina Serra nears completion. The pair are finalising the final details of their separation with reports in Spain stating there is no way back for the pair. Guardiola and Serra confirmed that are to part ways back in January, with the divorce described as 'imminent' in August.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Relationship between pair described as 'amicable'

  The couple have been together for over 30 years having first met in 1994 and married in 2014. However, despite separating, reports suggest that Guardiola and Serra have remained amicable and continue to see themselves as a family with their three children.

  Negotiations over their divorce have been described as "friendly" as the pair use the same lawyer to iron out the finer details in their divorce. By using the same lawyer, it means that the end of their marriage will not be contested by either Guardiola and Serra.

  The divorce was described as "imminent" back in August with reports in Spain suggesting that there is no way back for the Spanish pair as the couple. And Guardiola is said to be eyeing up a £13.5m Barcelona mansion, which is just a short walk from Guardiola and Serra's £8.5m marital home.

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• 'The only limit is the horizon' to Pep's new home

  A brochure for the £13.5m mansion, which is situated in the affluent Barcelona neighbourhood of Pedralbes, claims: "The space, light and views are more powerful than anything that can be built. The scope of each super-luxe villa stretches far beyond its four walls and expansive grounds. The only limit is the horizon – as far as the eye can see."

  Developers also promise to protect the privacy of owners with "evergreen oaks, lemon trees, cypresses, magnolias and ancient olive trees".

  One source added that the property is being viewed as a future home or potential investment for the couple's youngest daughter, Valentina, who is just 17 years of age.

• AFP
  

  Guardiola could leave City in 2027

  Pep Guardiola is currently the longest serving manager in England's top tier having taken over the City reins back in 2016. In that time, the 54-year-old has won numerous pieces of silverware for the Cityzens, including the Premier League six times, setting a record for four successive title triumphs between 2021 and 2024.

  In addition, Guardiola has overseen two FA Cup successes, while City also won the Champions League for the first time in their history in 2023, having finished runners' up to Chelsea back in 2021. The Spaniard signed a new deal at the Etihad Stadium last November in the midst of a downturn of domestic form to keep him at the club until 2027.

  However, Guardiola has vowed to leave City once his current deal in Manchester expires in 2027, which would bring to an end an 11-year spell as Cityzens boss, marking his longest stint in charge of a club since his move into management in 2008 with Barcelona.

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  City though lost ground in the Premier League title race on Saturday night as a Harvey Barnes brace condemned the eight-time champions to a 2-1 loss at Newcastle, a match in which Guardiola appeared to bizarrely confront a camera operator. The defeat, City's fourth in the Premier League this season, saw the Manchester giants drop to third in the table after Chelsea claimed a solid 2-0 win at newly-promoted Burnley in Saturday's lunchtime kick off.

  City remain four points off top spot in England's top tier, with Arsenal looking to extend their lead at the summit to six points over the second-placed Blues when they take on Tottenham on Sunday afternoon. The Gunners are currently top the table with 26 points from their opening 11 games as they look land their first Premier League title in over 20 years.

  However, while the Gunners have a fine home record against Spurs, Thomas Frank takes his men to the Emirates in fine form away from home. No team can better Spurs' return of 13 away points in the Premier League this season, and they travel to the Emirates as the only side yet to lose a match on the road this season.

Oval Invincibles launch bid for ‘three-peat’ with convincing win over rivals at Lord’s

ECB Media05-Aug-2025Oval Invincibles brushed London Spirit aside with ease in the opening game of the men’s Hundred as they began their bid to win the title for the third year in a row.Sam Billings’ side, who lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024, are backing themselves for a ‘three-peat’ and the manner of their victory in the competition opener bodes well, a comfortable six-wicket stroll past a London Spirit side who never seemed at the races.Spirit batted first and were soon in trouble – Keaton Jennings, Kane Williamson and David Warner all back in the pavilion with the score on only 26. It wasn’t to get any better for Justin Langer’s side, who could only limp to 80 all out, undone by the combined guile of Sam Curran (3 for 16) and Rashid Khan (3 for 11), Rashid impressing on debut for the Invincibles.”It was nice to get that start, with the win most importantly and then to perform for the team was amazing,” Rashid said. “It’s been a good start for me. I’ve been out of the game for the last two months but it’s nice to get back and get back with a win.Will Jacks steered the Invincibles chase•Getty Images

“The break [since the IPL] has really helped. Physically but also mentally, to get ready for the next competition. The IPL is three months, it’s a long competition, and I needed a break mentally as well and that’s really helped. I’m quite happy with today.”Needing just 81 under the lights, Oval used the chase as a chance for more batting practice – Billings and Donovan Ferreira unbeaten and unfussed at the end, with Ferreira ending proceedings with a mighty six – the only one of the match – into the Tavern Stand.Rashid defended the quality of the pitch, and said: “It was a good surface. Spin was there but the length you bowled was really important today. When I bowled it was just in my mind to hit the right areas consistently, to bowl a good line and length, and it went really well.”