Chelsea star Cole Palmer sent out an impatient update on his injury status as he celebrated a landmark achievement for the Blues. Palmer has not appeared for the Premier League giants since their 2-1 defeat against Manchester United at home on September 20 as he deals with a groin problem, and any hopes Chelsea fans had that he might have been back in training have been dashed.

Palmer's injury problem

After scoring 18 goals across all competitions and helping the Blues win the Conference League and the Club World Cup trophies, Palmer looked destined to build on his talismanic status at Stamford Bridge. But instead of carrying that momentum into this term, the forward has largely found himself confined to the treatment room. His groin injury has limited him to just three Premier League appearances and a solitary Champions League outing.

It was initially thought that Palmer would regain full fitness by the first week of November and return to action for the Blues, but manager Enzo Maresca later revealed that the situation is far worse than he first thought and that the his initial optimism was misguided. Maresca told reporters: "I was wrong [about Palmer]. Unfortunately, he needs to be out for six more weeks. We try to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is when he comes back, he is fully fit. The medical staff are not magicians. We hope six weeks are enough. We need to see it step by step. For sure, he's going to be OK."

AdvertisementPalmer provides impatient update after landmark achievement

Palmer returned to Cobham on Tuesday, where the club presented him with a special memento for reaching 100 matches for Chelsea across all competitions since completing his transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. The attacking midfielder shared that image on his Instagram story and wrote: "100 & more to come! Can't wait to be back, man." However, any hopes Blues fans had that his presence at the training ground meant Palmer was back on the grass have been dashed. According to the , although he was wearing his training kit, the 23-year-old had been going through rehabilitation work indoors before popping outside for the photo. He is still unlikely to return until late November.

IG:@colepalmer10

Delap set to return from injury

While Palmer will still need some time to recover, there is good news for the club, as Maresca confirmed on Tuesday that Liam Delap has resumed training and is likely to be a part of their matchday squad on Wednesday night against Wolves. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Carabao Cup clash, the Italian tactician said: "Yes, he took part in a complete lead session yesterday and is available for tomorrow. No, 90 minutes, no. It's I think two months now that he's out, so he needs to gradually get back to 100%."

Delap, who joined the Blues from Ipswich Town in the summer, picked up an injury in just the third match of the 2025-26 campaign as he limped off in the first half of the Blues' 2-0 win over Fulham on August 30. Since then, the striker has remained sidelined but is now on his way back to action for the English giants.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportChelsea's hectic schedule ahead

Keeping in mind Chelsea's hectic schedule until the November international break, Maresca might consider rotating his squad against a struggling Wolves side – who are yet to win a game in the Premier League – in their Carabao Cup fourth round tie. After the cup fixture, the Blues face Tottenham Hotspur in a difficult Premier League clash away from home on Saturday, November 1. Before the international break, they play two further games, one against Qarabag FK in the Champions League and a home fixture in the league against Wolves once again.

West Ham United officially confirmed the departure of Graham Potter as the club’s first-team head coach with immediate effect on Saturday morning, less than 72 hours before their Premier League clash with Everton.

The English manager, formerly of Brighton and Chelsea, only won six of his 25 matches in charge of the club in all competitions, a win rate of 24%.

He can have no complaints with the decision by the board, given that record, but the timing of it, after he took the press conference ahead of the game against Everton, is slightly strange.

Former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has immediately replaced Potter in the dugout, as the Hammers look to get their season back on track.

Why Nuno Espirito Santo is a great appointment for West Ham

The Portuguese head coach led Forest to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League last term, before a fractured relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis led to his dismissal earlier this season.

Nuno has led Wolves and Forest to European football in England, which shows that he has a successful track record in the division, and his skills as a defensive coach are exactly what West Ham need.

Heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures, not taking Saturday’s results into account, West Ham were bottom of the Premier League for goals conceded (13) and 16th in the division for xGA (7.6), per FBref.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Last season, Nuno’s Forest team ranked ninth for xGA (48.9) and sixth for goals conceded (46), per FBref, which shows that he can organise a defence and make a side solid and hard to beat.

The biggest winner from Nuno Espirito Santo's arrival at West Ham

The biggest winner from Potter’s sacking and the former Forest manager’s arrival at the London Stadium could be central defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

After starting in defeats to Sunderland and Chelsea, the Frenchman was an unused substitute in the games against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace in the last two weeks.

Nuno’s arrival could revive his West Ham career because the Portuguese boss has often utilised a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 formation, which would open the door for him to return to the starting XI with the extra centre-back spot available in that system.

During his time at Wolves, the tactician explained that the 3-4-3 system allowed Conor Coady, the middle centre-back, to progress the play with his ability on the ball, which is why Todibo could thrive in that formation.

As you can see in the table above, the France international was far more influential in possession during his time with Nice in Ligue 1 in the 2023/24 campaign than he was with the Hammers last term.

This suggests that West Ham were not using Todibo, who was once described as a “ball-playing sensation” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, enough in possession with their build-up play.

Nuno’s 3-4-3 system, should he opt to go with that, could get the best out of the Frenchman by deploying him in the same role that Coady had at Wolves, allowing him time and space to pick out passes or to carry the ball forward as the middle centre-back in a three.

Therefore, the former Nice star could be the biggest winner from Nuno’s appointment because he may go from being an unused substitute under Potter to an influential part of the system under the new manager because of his ball-playing qualities at centre-back.

أعلن بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي، تشكيل فريقه الذي يستعد لمواجهة بوروسيا دورتموند، على ملعب الاتحاد في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويدخل مانشستر سيتي هذه المباراة بمعنويات عالية، بعد الفوز ضد بورنموث بثلاث أهداف لهدف واحد، يوم الأحد الماضي في الدوري الانجليزي.

ويحتل مانشستر سيتي المركز العاشر برصيد 7 نقاط، ويحتل بوروسيا دورتموند المركز التاسع، نفس العدد من النقاط، في ترتيب مرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضاً.. تقارير: مانشستر سيتي حاول التعاقد مع لاعب برشلونة في الصيف الماضي

وتعد هذه هي المرة السابعة التي يواجه فيها مانشستر سيتي، بوروسيا دورتموند، في دوري أبطال أوروبا، إذ حقق الأخير فوزًا واحدًا فقط في المباريات الست السابقة، وتعادل في مباراتين وخسر 3.

ويجلس النجم المصري عمر مرموش على دكة البدلاء أمام بوروسيا دورتموند وقد يتم الدفع به في الشوط الثاني. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام بوروسيا دورتموند

حراسة المرمى: دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: نونيز- جون ستونز- جفارديول- أوريلي.

خط الوسط: نيكو جونزاليس- ريندرز- سافينيو.

خط الهجوم: فيل فودين- دوكو- إيرلينج هالاند.

يجلس على دكة البدلاء: ترافورد، عمر مرموش، بيتينيلي، آكي، ريان شرقي، برناردو سيلفا، ريان آيت نوري، خوسانوف، أوسكار بوب، ريكو لويس.

Ben Duckett praises Ollie Pope’s courage under pressure at No. 3

Matt Roller21-Jun-20252:22

Duckett: Bumrah the best in the world

England’s players were “pretty clear” well before the Headingley Test that Ollie Pope would bat at No. 3 against India despite Jacob Bethell’s emergence. That is according to Ben Duckett, who said he had “goosebumps” watching Pope celebrate his ninth Test century after putting on 122 with him for the second wicket.Bethell’s success at No. 3 in his maiden series in New Zealand heaped pressure on Pope, who batted at No. 6 and kept wicket on that tour, and fuelled speculation ahead of this summer. That only intensified when Ben Stokes inadvertently suggested that Bethell would come back into his side to face India, having missed England’s win over Zimbabwe while at the IPL.Stokes sought to assure Pope, his vice-captain, that his comments had been misinterpreted, but even after he had piled on 171 at Trent Bridge, Rob Key declined the opportunity to confirm he would bat at No. 3 earlier this week. He was eventually locked in when England named their team on Wednesday, and was 100 not out at the close of the second day’s play.Related

Ollie Pope's century buys him the summer at No. 3

India's gaffes overshadow Bumrah's jaffas, Pope ton makes it England's day

Stokes blames media 'agenda' for pre-match pressure on Pope

“There’s noise outside of a dressing room, but there’s no noise in it,” Duckett said. “We’re not having discussions in the dressing room about who’s going to play. It seemed pretty clear coming into this Test match [that] if a bloke scores 170 a few weeks ago, he is going to play this game.”Stokes said on the eve of the match that it would have been “remarkable” to leave Pope out after his hundred against Zimbabwe and that it showed “how well he’s handled that extra scrutiny”. But Pope’s visceral celebration proved that he had felt the pressure, which Duckett attributed to his “courage” and the dressing room’s support.”If someone needs you to get around him, we’ll do that; if someone needs to be left alone, we’ll do the same,” Duckett said. “What’s been going on through Popey’s head for the last few weeks, I don’t know. But to be told two or three days out that you’re playing is probably a good thing… The way Popey’s dealt with it has been superb and just sums up and proves why he’s England’s No. 3.”Duckett himself scored 62 before inside-edging Jasprit Bumrah on to his stumps, and heaped praise onto India’s spearhead.”He is the best bowler in the world,” Duckett said. “He’s extremely hard to face. He’s good in any conditions; he’s good in India on the flattest pitches ever and when he’s coming in down the hill [at Headingley] with the lights on and it’s swinging both ways.”I feel like we minimised the damage early on. It could have been a lot worse today… He is just a world-class bowler, and you can’t let someone like him just bowl; he’s too good for that. You’ve got to still try and put him under pressure, and try to put the bad balls away.”

Looking to bet on the loaded Major League Baseball slate on Sunday afternoon?

With 15 teams in action, there are plenty of games to dive into, but I’ve narrowed down my two favorite plays for June 9, focusing on some key starting pitching advantages. 

With AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal on the mound and Pittsburgh Pirates youngster Jared Jones getting a start against the Minnesota Twins, we have two prime candidates to lead their teams to home wins. 

Let’s examine why in today’s edition of MLB Best Bets:

Best MLB Bets for Sunday, June 9Pittsburgh Pirates Moneyline (-115) vs. Minnesota TwinsDetroit Tigers Moneyline (-170) vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Pittsburgh Pirates Moneyline (-115) vs. Minnesota Twins

Jones has been great for the Pirates this season, allowing three or fewer runs in all but one start so far this season. While the Pirates are just 5-7 in his 12 starts, Jones still has a major advantage over the Twins and starter Bailey Ober. 

Ober has a 4.94 ERA so far this season, with the Twins also posting a 5-7 record when he takes the mound in 2024. 

The key in this one?

Jones has been at home, posting a 1.95 ERA across six starts. While the Pirates are 3-3 in those outings, I expect Jones to keep them in the game and give Pittsburgh’s offense a chance to get to Ober, who has been knocked around at points in 2024. 

Detroit Tigers Moneyline (-170) vs. Milwaukee Brewers

When Tarik Skubal is on the mound, we bet on the Detroit Tigers. Pretty simple.

Skubal has a 1.97 ERA in 2024 and has led the Tigers to a 9-3 record across 12 starts. Easily one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, Skubal has a great matchup against a Milwaukee Brewers team that ranks just 20th in the league OPS against left-handed pitching.

Plus, Brewers starter Bryse Wilson is due for some regression despite posting a sub-4.00 ERA through the first two months of the season. Wilson has a Fielding Independent Pitching over 5.00 and an expected ERA of 4.77 this season.

The Tigers should roll with their ace on the mound.

Strap in, baseball fans. We have a whopping 17 games to watch and bet on today with two double-headers set to take place.

The Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals will face-off in an interleague double-header and the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox will also play against each other twice in an AL Central double-header.

That means we have a lot of games to get through in today's edition of Rounding the Bases. Let's dive into it.

Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals Game 1 Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Cardinals -130

We've seen some significant regression from the Royals offense, ranking 29th in OPS over the past 30 days. Now is the time to sell some stock in Kansas City. The Cardinals have a slight pitching advantage with Andre Pallante (4.00 ERA) on the mound against Alec Marsh (4.57 ERA).

Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals Game 2 Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Cardinals -156

You can go ahead and take what I wrote above and apply it to the second game of the double-header. This time, the Cardinals will be rolling with Sonny Gray, who has been fantastic this season with a 3.30 ERA.

Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox Game 1 Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Twins -162

The Twins offense is on fire. They lead the Majors in OPS over the last 30 days at .906. The next best team is the Mets who sit at .814 over that time frame. Now is the time to bet on Minnesota and they should be in a great spot in their first game with Bailey Ober (4.12 ERA) on the mound.

Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox Game 2 Prediction and Pick

• Pick: White Sox +152

Despite what I wrote about Game 1 above, I'm going to back the White Sox in Game 2. The Twins are even bigger favorites in the second game, but I like their chances a lot more in the first game. Therefore, there's some value on the White Sox. Pablo Lopez gets the start in the second game for the Twins and he's struggled at times this season with an 8-7 record and a 5.18 ERA. Chicago could be an interesting underdog pick in this game.

Chicago Cubs vs. Baltimore Orioles Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Orioles -174

Shota Imanaga has all of a sudden found himself in a slump, allowing at least three earned runs in three straight games. Things won't get easier for him tonight when he takes on the best offense in baseball, the Orioles, who lead all 30 teams in OPS. When Baltimore has Corbin Burnes (2.32 ERA) on the mound, the O's are an intimidating foe.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Tigers +122

I'm going to take a shot on the Tigers as home underdogs tonight. Reese Olson is on the mound, who has played much better than his 3-8 record indicates. With an ERA of 3.22, he gives the Tigers a solid chance to pull off the upset against their divisional rival tonight.

Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Padres -134

I'm stubborn in my ways, but I refuse to believe the Mariners will continue to play at this level while batting just .209 over the last 30 days. That level of offense isn't going to be effective against Michael King (3.51 ERA) of the Padres.

New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Rays -120

Is now the time to buy low on the Rays? After a rough first half of the season, their offense may finally be waking up. They're now 11th in OPS in the Majors over the past 30 days while the Yankees continue to spiral, ranking 20th in that stat over that span. Give me the Rays as slight home favorites tonight.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Dodgers +110

I think this game is a true coin flip, so I'm going to back the Dodgers as +110 underdogs in Philadelphia. Gavin Stone (3.03 ERA) and Cristopher Sanchez (2.96 ERA) will make an intriguing pitching matchup. The two offenses are also sixth and seventh in OPS over the last month. All this makes for a must-watch showdown.

Oakland Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Athletics +158

I'll put some faith in the A's as big time underdogs in this one with JP Sears (4.74 ERA) on the mound. Their offense has been better than you may have assumed over the past 30 days, ranking 14th in OPS over that time frame. I don't they deserve to be this big of underdogs tonight.

Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Mets -198

The Mets have the second best offense in the Majors over the last 30 days, ranking second in OPS over that time frame at .814. Now they get to face one of the worst starters in the Majors, Patrick Corbin, who continues to keep his spot in the rotation despite rocking a 1-8 record and a 5.49 ERA. Mets should run away with this one.

Colorado Rockies vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Reds -178

It's tough to justify a bet on the Rockies with Kyle Freeland (6.62 ERA) on the mound. I'm not high on the Reds, but they're the bet to place in this National League showdown.

Miami Marlins vs. Houston Astros Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Astros -230

This pick is as straightforward as a pick can be. The Marlins have an OPS of .617 over the last month, the worst mark in Major League Baseball. I have no interest in betting on them against anyone right now, let alone the Astros.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Pirates +132

The Brewers offense has been slumping, ranking 18th in OPS over the last 30 days. The Pirates are right behind them in that time frame at 21st. Should the Brewers be favored? Yes. Should they be -156 favorites? I don't think so. I'll back the Pirates as road underdogs.

Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Rangers -126

Michael Lorenzen has had an underrated season for the Rangers, rocking a 3.21 ERA. Meanwhile, you can't say the same thing for the Angels starter, Griffin Canning, who has a 3-9 record and a 4.87 ERA. The Rangers have both the pitching and offensive advantage in this one so they're the bet to place.

Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Braves -134

Slade Cecconi gets the start for the Diamondbacks tonight and he has a 2-6 record with a 6.10 ERA. The Braves should be able to rack up the runs and get the win tonight.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. San Francisco Giants Prediction and Pick

• Pick: Giants -156

I've lost all faith in the Blue Jays after another blown lead last night. Now, the Giants get to start Logan Webb with his 3.09 ERA. They're in a great spot to take down the Jays once again.

One Newcastle United player has found the experience of playing in England “bad” and now wants to leave the club, in a significant new update.

Howe demands more quality from Newcastle

The Magpies have suffered some demoralising home defeats already this season, including against Liverpool and Barcelona, and Arsenal inflicted a last-gasp loss on them on Sunday afternoon.

While Eddie Howe could find positives from Newcastle’s performance, he has also made it clear that he needs to see the same level of quality as he does commitment from his players.

“I think harsh words are sometimes needed. Whether that is to the team or to indviduals, I will usually look to do it on an individual basis. What I look for is effort, commitment, desire and organisation.

“There are so many things that go into a performance. I am seeing the effort there, but the quality was lacking. So I have to be very careful. You don’t want to make the morale or the mood worse, I will be very reflective tonight and figure out a way forward tomorrow.”

This is still a strong Newcastle squad that Howe has at his disposal, but it looks increasingly as though one player doesn’t have a long-term future at St James’ Park, following a fresh update.

Newcastle player wants permanent St James' exit

According to a new update from Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Newcastle goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos wants to leave the club permanently, despite only joining last year.

The 31-year-old is currently out on loan at Sevilla, keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano over the weekend, and he wants to stay there permanently, following a “bad experience” living in England. He is valued at £4.3m by Transfermarkt and hopes to be sold for an “affordable price” by Newcastle.

The January transfer window feels like the right time for Newcastle to sell Vlachodimos for good, considering Howe doesn’t appear to have any plans for him at the club moving forward.

This is despite Jurgen Klopp speaking glowingly about him after an impressive performance for Benfica against Liverpool back in 2022.

“We should have scored much more. I think, mainly because of their goalkeeper, credit to him. Their goalkeeper was probably the game’s best player. We played well, but he made a couple of really good saves.”

Ex-PGMOL chief "simply astounded" by VAR error in Newcastle v Arsenal

Jarred Gillett and VAR are under intense scrutiny after the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 29, 2025

Sometimes, a move simply doesn’t work out for various reasons, which appears to be the case for Vlachodimos at Newcastle, and it’s now a case of them trying to get as much money as possible for his signature.

Scotland international Scott McTominay has moved to quell talk of him moving away from Napoli and returning to the Premier League or making a remarkable switch to Catalan giants Barcelona. McTominay has impressed in Naples since joining from Manchester United for £30 million ($39.6m) last summer, landing the Serie A title in his first season and becoming a cult hero.

McTominay's Italian job 

The rebirth of McTominay at Napoli has been nothing short of spectacular, casting him as the club's new icon. The Scotland international's sensational debut season saw him reinvented under boss Antonio Conte, transforming from a defensive midfielder into a potent, box-crashing raider. His 12 Serie A goals were instrumental in securing the Scudetto, a contribution so profound he was named the league's Most Valuable Player and even earned a Ballon d'Or nomination. Adored by the passionate Neapolitan faithful, who dubbed him 'McFratm' (McBrother), McTominay has found a perfect home where his tenacity is not just appreciated, but celebrated.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportScotland star's 'exit' plan

Speculation regarding McTominay’s future has grown louder in recent weeks, including claims he is attracting interest from top European clubs, including Barca, Tottenham and Newcastle, potentially leading to a summer 2026 exit. Reports suggest McTominay is considering a Premier League return due to feeling 'suffocated' by the intense fan attention in Naples. However, sources and McTominay's camp have since denied this and Napoli are planning to offer him a contract extension to secure his future. 

According to a report, Barcelona are considering a surprise move for the 28-year-old, who previously played for Man Utd, and is on a three-man shortlist for Hansi Flick's team alongside Aston Villa's Amadou Onana and a La Masia graduate. A potential transfer could see McTominay reunited with former teammate Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Barca and is hoping to make his move permanent. The report also states that while the January transfer window is ruled out, a summer switch is possible. 

McTominay settled in Naples

But while the rumours swirl around regarding McTominay, those close to him and the player himself have moved to pour cold water on any speculation regarding him leaving. Speaking to , McTominay said: "I’m really happy in Naples." And a source close to the player has added: "Scott loves the city, the club and the fans. He feels really good here."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesMcTominay eyeing second Scudetto

Napoli sit top of the pile in Serie A yet again, although they are level on points with high-flying Roma. McTominay was a crucial figure again at the weekend as the Partonopei secured a huge victory over Inter, opening up a six-point gap to the dangerous Nerazzurri.

During the summer, McTominay spoke with the about his time so far in Italy, he said: "The people in Naples are incredible, they're so passionate and everywhere you go there are people who say 'Forza Napoli' and they want to speak to you and have a conversation and that inspires you every time you go on the pitch because they care. It's different, a totally different way of life over there – the way you eat, the way you live and all that. It gives you more mental strength. I've always lived very close to my mum, so I could go whenever I wanted. Whereas now I live 1,500 miles away so I can't just go home and see my mum, my family, my sister and my kids so it's different, but in life you sometimes have to take yourself out of your comfort zone and I've always prided myself on that. I would never want to be in my comfort zone, and if I can go away anywhere and establish myself and do well, why not? Who's to stop me doing that?"

As they continue their search for a new manager, Rangers have reportedly set their sights on bringing the next boss’ first new face to Ibrox when the transfer window swings open.

Latest on Rangers' manager search

The main focus for Rangers right now is finding their next manager and if recent reports are anything to go by, that’s likely to be a returning Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool legend has reportedly held “positive” initial talks with those at Ibrox and will be discussing further details about a potential return for the first time since leaving for Aston Villa in 2021.

The 49ers have turned towards the last manager to win the Scottish Premiership with the Gers following the failure of their Russell Martin appointment. The summer appointment lasted just 123 days after winning just once in seven league games.

To say that it’s not the start that the new owners would have hoped for is an understatement, but they’ve now got the chance to start afresh if Gerrard makes his return.

That’s not to say talks will be simple, though. Recent reports have indicated that Gerrard wants more control over transfers and a budget to operate with when the January transfer window arrives if he is to join Rangers again.

The 49ers already welcomed more than 10 fresh faces in the summer, with many yet to make their mark, but may need to spend once again in January to let Gerrard mark his stamp on the side. What that could also see is a return for summer targets that Kevin Thelwell missed out on, including one Championship star.

Rangers targeting Pierce Charles

As reported by Ibrox News, Rangers chiefs are now targeting a move to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday in 2026 after missing out on the shot-stopper’s signature in the summer. The Gers reportedly saw a £1m offer turned down by Sheffield Wednesday, despite the fact that money would have been enough for owner Dejphon Chansiri to pay players and staff on time.

Now, having maintained an interest in the goalkeeper, Thelwell could reignite Rangers’ interest in 2026. Gerrard could yet play an unexpected role in any deal too, after initial reports suggested that Charles was not keen to join the Gers if ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl was handed the vacant managerial role.

Ryan Jack thrilled as Fabrizio Romano shares Rangers manager talks from Ibrox

The Gers are making moves at Ibrox.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 9, 2025

With Gerrard the likeliest to arrive at this stage and Charles’ former goalkeeper coach Sal Bibbo keen to secure a reunion at Ibrox, the 20-year-old is still one to keep an eye on.

Described as an “amazing” prospect by Newcastle United star Anthony Elanga, Charles could bring Jack Butland’s tenure as Rangers’ No.1 to an end and provide the Gers’ next manager with an instant boost next year. Whether it’s Gerrard or another option who benefits from that boost is the big question.

Aston Villa have been dealt an injury concern ahead of their Premier League clash against Tottenham on Sunday, after the player himself had claimed he was fine.

The Villans have found form after a troublesome start to the campaign, winning four on the bounce in all competitions since the 1-1 draw away at Sunderland in September.

Still, there is concern over Unai Emery’s attacking systems and the lack of chances created so far this season, with striker Ollie Watkins searching for form and Morgan Rogers struggling to the point he was sarcastically cheered by his own fans for simply completing a pass in the match against Bologna.

Now, the Villans’ attacking depth has taken a further hit, as Watkins has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

The striker, who is surprisingly not one of Aston Villa’s highest earners on £130,000-a-week, suffered an injury during Thursday’s 3-0 win against Wales when he collided with the post as he attempted to score his second goal of the game. He continued until half-time but was taken off and replaced by Marcus Rashford.

After the game, he said he was “OK” as he limped through the mixed zone, but he has not recovered in time for Tuesday’s game in Riga and has returned to Villa for treatment in a bid to be fit for Sunday’s game at Spurs.

FA release Ollie Watkins statement before Latvia clash

A statement from the Football Association read: “Ollie Watkins has been ruled out of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

“The Aston Villa striker has not recovered from the knock sustained against Wales at Wembley on Thursday evening and has returned to his club.

“A squad of 22 will travel to Riga.”

Captain Harry Kane is expected to return, having missed the Wales friendly with an ankle problem sustained playing for Bayern Munich last weekend. Kane has scored 19 goals in 12 games for club and country this season and will be fancying his chances of adding to his tally against the 137th-ranked side.

If the Bayern striker is not fit, then Anthony Gordon could lead the line as he did in the second half against Wales. Thomas Tuchel’s side will qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they win in the Latvian capital.

Related Weekly wages: Aston Villa FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

Football FanCast takes a look at Aston Villa’s biggest earners for the 2025/26 season.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Sep 23, 2025

They lead Group K with five wins from five and are yet to concede a goal, so the issue for Watkins seems to be of greater concern for his club than his country, with Emery already sweating over Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Youri Tielemans ahead of the return of domestic football this weekend.