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Former Manchester City and England defender Danny Mills has suggested that the Magpies could suffer without the presence of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka after details emerged over his injury setback.

It had been reported that Dubravka is facing an extended injury lay-off with his return to action from a heel injury pushed back until at least December, due to the issue not healing correctly after surgery, per The Times.

In Dubravka’s absence, it has been Karl Darlow who has stepped up into the number one position. The former Nottingham Forest keeper has finally been given the chance to impress after spending the last two seasons out of the side, which he is so far taking after pulling off a number of impressive saves.

Darlow has made the most amount of saves in the Premier League so far this term with 28. Against Manchester United, the keeper was forced into action on eight occasions including the save he made to deny Bruno Fernandes’ penalty. That brought his average saves per game so far this term to 5.6 (via Sofascore), which also shows just how many quality chances the Magpies are allowing.

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills suggested that not having Dubravka available will be a major blow for the Magpies over the next few months, clearly believing Darlow’s superb form cannot last.

He said: “He is a big loss for Newcastle. He was magnificent last season. Absolutely superb.

“Over the course of the last 10 years we have seen the rise of the goalkeeper. It is such an important role.

“He has made some vital saves and has been crucial to that team. Dubravka’s a fantastic shot-stopper. He has been probably their best player.

“A good goalkeeper gives the defence confidence and belief and allows them to play with freedom and confidence. That flows all of the way through a team. It is so important to have a good goalkeeper.”

Dubravka absence a major blow if Darlow form dips

Last season it was Dubravka who made the most amount of saves in the Premier League with 140, averaging an impressive 3.7 saves per game (via Sofascore).

Although Darlow has started well this season, there is a concern that he might not be able to sustain such outstanding performances over a whole campaign. The keeper does not have much top-flight experience and therefore he may suffer lapses in form. That would leave the Magpies in big trouble if they continue to allow as many shots on goal as they are doing.

Newcastle fans, you can read more about Dubravka’s injury here and don’t forget to comment your thoughts down below!

Glasgow Rangers showed their intent to strengthen their squad and battle Celtic for the Scottish Premiership as they signed Cedric Itten earlier this week.

The 23 year-old striker came from Switzerland having made 36 appearances last season in the Swiss League, scoring 20 goals and providing 6 assists, per Transfermarkt. Throughout his whole career, including the 2019/20 campaign, Itten made 204 appearances, scoring 78 goals and picking up 26 assists. This highlights his potential to be a prolific striker in Scotland and many will be excited to see how he gets on.

Clearly the player is excited to join the Scottish side as he

/CDjphlOn3EB/”>posted a picture of himself on Instagram in the kit, with the caption: ‘I’m very happy to join @rangersfc. It’s a big honour to play for such a huge club with a lot of glory and a big history. I can’t wait to start with the team’.

His post also showed that he will wear the number 11 shirt next season, and some supporters have written on his post to welcome him to the club. The number has been worn by former Glasgow Rangers players like Denmark Legend Brian Laudrup, who scored 33 league goals whilst at Ibrox.

It is never easy signing for a new club as a striker, as you have a lot of pressure on you to score, and everyone associated with the Gers will hope that he hits the ground running.

Glasgow Rangers fans, are you excited by this signing? Comment below!

Spurs’ tedious Tanguy Ndombele saga continues to rumble on – and it’s likely to continue as long as the transfer window is open but the whole situation is down to one man…

What’s the word?

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the French powerhouse appears to be the top target for Serie A outfit Inter Milan this summer as a move for Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante is rather unachievable.

It’s claimed that the Italians will have to sell some of their current squad in order to fund a move for Spurs’ club-record £55m star with both Marcelo Brozovic and Milan Skriniar likely to be sacrificed.

Earlier in the year, Ndombele was also linked to La Liga giants Barcelona amid reports he had fallen out with Jose Mourinho, as per the Independent.

Another Levy failure

It seems quite absurd that a midfielder who arrived with so much potential has caused such a scenario as this. It’s through no fault of his own, though.

The club knew what they were getting with him; medical was completed with no hitches. A change of manager wouldn’t have helped matters either, do we truly know if Mourinho wants him as a start?

Therefore, it all boils down to Levy splashing that club-record fee on him, putting the pressure at his feet from day one. This one can be filed alongside his failure to bring in another striker as well as his moves for Ryan Sessegnon and Jack Clarke, who both have rarely featured in north London.

Since the 23-year-old joined on the 2nd of July last year, Spurs have blown around £66m from his transfer fee to reported £200k-per-week wages.

Ndombele has averaged just 49.8 minutes per appearance this season and started only 12 of their 38 Premier League matches, via Transfermarkt.

Whether Levy looks to cut ties with his mistake remains to be seen, but there’s hope that the Spurs outcast can thrive next season following the introduction of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

What is certain, however, is this situation is only going to drag on and on.

And in other news, £50m target can become Mourinho’s next John Terry…

The return of the Premier League has the potential to be an invaluable morale boost for fans across the UK. Will Liverpool throw it all away, will Bramall Lane be giving Lionel Messi a warm Yorkshire welcome, will Daniel Farke lead Norwich to a miraculous escape? These intertwining storylines are set to ignite excitement into what has become a pretty tedious lockdown, and the potential that something special might happen is enough to make even the most miserable of fans twitch with nervous energy.

When we talk of potential we are expressing hope, and we can all agree that now, perhaps more than ever, hope is an admirable thing. Excited conversations about youth players are a way to project towards a better future, fanciful bets on promotions are a way to dream about new and spectacular away days. It is hope that lights a fire underneath us and provides a moment of fantastic ‘what-iffery’, albeit one that in the back of our minds we know will probably never come to anything.

It’s worth pointing out that this preoccupation with potential is not just confined to football, it is something we experience in our everyday life. Take film trailers, for example, which exist solely to get your hopes up. Then the film is released, and you realise there’s no such thing as de-aging, and Robert de Niro is too old to be curb-stomping small business owners.

Or what about first dates, a phenomenon that terrifies and thrills in equal measure. Could this be the one, or more importantly, will I get laid? Ah no, l’ve accidentally brought my own empty glass back from the bar again, complained bitterly that they forgot to put the gin in, and fallen over before I even reached the bar anyway.Or New Year’s Eve, which has never, in the history of years and eves, lived up to expectations.

The enormous transfer value of footballers with ‘potential’ is the most tangible way to assess this affliction because history shows us just how rarely players reach this mythical promise. How many wonderkids genuinely live up to the hype? The answer is depressingly few, and while that’s not to deny that players like Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, or even Freddy Adu had great careers, did they achieve what millions half-suspected they would?

Even the freak exceptions to the rule, messrs Messi and Ronaldo, failed to deliver world cup glory to their adoring nations. And if you think this sounds like a harsh assessment of two of the greatest players to ever grace the game, ask yourself what your hopes and dreams were when Wazza burst onto the scene. Or Gazza. Or whatever ‘azza’ you decide to label Jadon Sazza with? I don’t think it’s a stretch to suggest we all believed, no matter how fanciful, that these players had the potential to bring football home, that they still might.

Stepping down from this tirade against legends of the game for a second, it’s important to point out this wonderfully pessimistic formula can be applied to players throughout the professional game. Across the football league, players under the age of 23/24 are assigned this multiplier, gifted with an assurance that massive improvement is inevitable. Are there cases where a player’s raw ability at 21 is harnessed to an extent that he is genuinely worth double, even triple his actual value in a few years’ time?? Perhaps, but these are rare, and canceled out by the numerous players who improve at an ‘old age’ (James Vardy and Chris ‘Bashambauer’, we’re looking at you).

Yet in spite of all this, I get it. Given the choice between a 28-year-old striker who will almost definitely bag 15 goals a season, and a teenager who might potentially score 20+ in a few years time, I go with the kid 100%. I accept the youth premium, the yearly wage rise, the personal development crises, the nightclub incidents, the inexperience, the loud haircuts, the inability to do anything vaguely interesting and not post it on Instagram – I am willing to put up with all of that, because you never know.

Yes, potential is the gap between reality and an imagined future, but it’s also hope. Hope that Christopher Nolan’s next film isn’t as confusing as the trailer makes it look. Hope that your Tinder date doesn’t notice you photoshopped your jawline. Hope that your New Year’s Eve plans fall through and you get to just sit in your pants watching Jules Holland’s Hoota-Granny with a cup of tea and a mound of own-brand oat nobblies.

We hope that the return of Premier League football will be every bit as wonderful and traumatic as we think it might be. After all, as either Dumb or Dumber once said: “So you’re telling me there’s a chance”.

Newcastle United have reportedly requested to sign Patrik Schick as Il Sussi Dario (via The Shields Gazette) claim that the Tyneside club are ready to revisit their interest in signing him in the upcoming summer transfer window, having failed with a previous move in January.

As per the outlet, the striker is said to be made available for a transfer by AS Roma having spent time on loan at RB Leipzig in the 19/20 season.

The Transfermarkt.

On the other hand, Joelinton has had quite the opposite campaign since arriving for a club-record £39.6 million from TSG Hoffenheim, but he has arguably far from lived up to his big price tag.

The 23-year old has only managed to score four goals and made four assists in 42 matches in all competitions since his arrival in the North East (via Transfermarkt).

Schick has also topped the Brazilian in other key stats for a centre-forward in their respective domestic leagues in this term, averaging more shots and key passes per match (per Whoscored).

Indeed, the Tyneside club may wish to cut their losses on Joelinton, who may still have a relatively high re-sale value being only 23 years of age and the fact that he does play up top.

This may be an added incentive if Schick could potentially come in to replace him, giving Steve Bruce a possible headache for when the window opens.

Nevertheless, everything is only speculation at this point, but the potential arrival of the Czech Republic international could well mean the end for Joelinton after his rather poor season.

Geordies, would you swap Schick for Joelinton if the chance arises? Comment below!

According to The Sun, West Ham United are amongst the Premier League clubs to be making regular checks on Queens Park Rangers attacker Eberechi Eze.

The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for QPR during the 2019/20 campaign, finding the back on seven occasions in 19 Championship appearances.

According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur had been strongly interested in a January swoop, but Jose Mourinho’s arrival as head coach could scupper the move.

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West Ham are still said to be in the hunt for the youngster, though, and there are a selection of supporters who would be keen on a deal.

Not all of the West Ham supporters feel that way, though, with some believing that signing Eze could cause a problem for some of the youngsters already at the club.

Indeed, one fan mentioned Joe Powell, whilst another was concerned what would happen to Grady Diangana and Nathan Holland if the R’s midfielder were to arrive. Diangana has been in impressive form himself this season, notching four goals and five assists for West Brom in the Championship.

Another supporter outright rejected a move, insisting that whilst Eze was undoubtedly a talented footballer, West Ham would be better off strengthening in the position that needs it the most, although the individual was not prepared to state which area he meant.

The West Ham fans, meanwhile, have also been reacting to a key fitness update surrounding one of their star players against Chelsea at the weekend.

Everton caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson addressed the rumours linking Carlo Ancelotti with the vacant role during his Arsenal pre-match press conference on Friday.

Watch Everton Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

The 47-year-old has been at the helm ever since Marco Silva was sacked earlier this month, leading the Merseyside outfit to four points from a possible six in the Premier League against Chelsea and Manchester United, before drawing 2-2 with Leicester City in the Carabao Cup in midweek – although they were eliminated from the competition on penalties.

Watch Everton vs Burnley Live and Free with Amazon Prime on Boxing Day

The Telegraph has reported that the Italian is expected to be announced as the new boss this week following successful talks with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, and the Scot was asked the question by the press ahead of the visit of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners side this weekend.

He said, via The Liverpool Echo: “The same rumours as everyone else has heard. That’s it really. I’ve not spoken to anyone.

“It’d be fantastic to work under a top manager. I have in the past and I’d like to continue doing that.

Asked more about Ancelotti, he added: “I don’t want to really comment to be honest because I don’t know who the manager is going to be next… but the guy’s an incredible manager. He’s won everything, hopefully we’ll get a top top guy coming in.

“I think we’re really ambitious as a club. We want to attract the best guys to the club. It’s a massive club Everton and we’d love these type of guys at the football club.”

How much do you really know about the Farhad Moshiri era? Answer 25 simple questions below…

While certain media outlets seem convinced the 60-year-old is set to be named as Marco Silva’s successor, no announcement has yet been forthcoming even though The Telegraph report that he should be in and ready to start work on Monday morning.

If he is his first match in charge would be against Burnley on Boxing Day, and he will be tasked with firstly dragging the club away from the relegation battle they currently find themselves in, lying just three points above 18th-placed Southampton.

In other Everton news, a report has named the two players Carlo Ancelotti wants to build his team around when he arrives at Goodison Park…

Tottenham Hotspur go into Jose Mourinho’s first Champions League match in charge of the club against Olympiacos knowing that three points will take them through to the knockout stages of the competition.

It was something that looked potentially in doubt following a draw with Olympiacos and a home thrashing by Bayern Munich, but successive big victories against Red Star Belgrade have put them back in the driving seat to finish as likely runners-up to Bayern Munich in Group B.

Of course, since then Mauricio Pochettino has been axed and replaced by Jose Mourinho, who got his reign off to a winning start with a 3-2 success against arch-rivals West Ham United at the London Stadium at the weekend.

Will the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager make any changes for this one though?

Here is the XI we think the 56-year-old will select against the Greek giants at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

At times – especially this season – Pochettino has been something of a tinker man, but we don’t foresee too many changes from Mourinho for this one.

In fact, we only expect Ben Davies to be replaced by Danny Rose because of the knock he picked up against the Irons that saw him replaced, with Paulo Gazzaniga, Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez all keeping their spots.

There is another change in the other full-back role though, as we believe the Portuguese Head Coach will give Kyle Walker-Peters a chance to show what he can do in place of Serge Aurier, in what would be his first appearance since September.

Ahead of the backline, we expect Tanguy Ndombele to partner Eric Dier in midfield with Harry Winks dropping to the bench, while we think Mourinho will also pick exactly the same front four who impressed against West Ham – Son Heung-min, Dele Alli, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane.

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That of course means there is still no room in the XI for Giovani Lo Celso – who was an unused substitute against Manuel Pellegrini’s men – and Ryan Sessegnon, who was left out altogether in east London.

In other news, lots of Tottenham fans think Pochettino favourite could be on his way after Mourinho’s comments…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Injury News series, which considers the impact of the latest updates on players’ fitness.

Speaking ahead of his side’s game against Watford this Saturday, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl had two contrasting pieces of team news in terms of cruelness and hilarity.

Firstly, the more humorous update came when the former RB Leipzig boss revealed that Sofiane Boufal would be a doubt against the Hornets after stubbing his toe on a kitchen table at home, a situation that has left the Moroccan with a swollen toe while also sitting out training for the last three days.

However, another update is slightly more hard-hitting.

Stuart Armstrong – who impressed against Arsenal in just his third Premier League start of the campaign, having had two shots and embarking on one dribble – looks set to be out for around two weeks after having a “few problems” with his hamstring.

“He has a few problems with his hamstrings. He isn’t able to play at the weekend. Maybe two weeks he is out – after Newcastle we will look again.”

While you may argue that a player who has made only three league starts this term won’t be a huge miss, Armstrong was just starting to find some sort of rhythm for the first time this season – his injury comes at a cruel time for both himself and the club.

We recently outlined how the former Celtic man – who has 19 caps for Scotland – offers something that Oriol Romeu, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and James Ward-Prowse do not in terms of intensity and that yard of pace to push higher up the field – it was detailed that he may soon become the Saints’ most important midfielder.

In fact, Armstrong’s inclusion in a 4-3-3 against the Gunners saw Romeu drop out of the XI for the first time this term, a change that merited 21 shots, two goals and a much-improved performance that really should have seen Southampton leave north London with three points.

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So, it will be a real shame to see that added energy now be absent from the XI for at least two weeks, it seems.

Having waited extremely patiently for a chance in the side, Armstrong’s injury is a real blow.

In other news, see which January target for Southampton is a perfect fit for Hasenhuttl’s style, and also fits Gao Jisheng’s winter budget…

Manchester City fans are more than happy to see the return of defensive midfielder Rodri. The Spaniard has been on the sidelines since he came off with a hamstring issue against Atalanta towards the end of October.

As reported by Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News, the 23-year-old returned to training on Tuesday. did some ball work and stretched before he went back indoors. However, it is important to note that Rodri did not complete a full training session and only did some ball work and had a stretch before leaving the pitch, as Marshall confirmed.

Rodri signed for City in the recent window for a club record fee of £62.6m, and the former Atletico Madrid man has since gone on to be a great addition to the squad. The versatile player has pitched in with a goal and averaged a rating of 7.54 in the Premier League so far.

Fans are rightfully buzzing with his potential return and one supporter said, “we need this guy” for the Liverpool match, with another fan simply asking “am I dreaming”.

It will be a welcome return to Pep Guardiola’s team, as Aymeric Laporte and Oleksandr Zinchenko remain sidelined. Also, Nicolas Otamendi’s recent form has been poor, with the Argentine playing a hand in the losses to Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers over the past two months.

Here’s what some fans have had to say about Rodri’s return to training…