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A Rangers injury update has emerged on Ibrox centre-forward Kemar Roofe…

What’s the latest?

Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that the attacker could return to the squad against Hibernian on Wednesday night if he gets through training unscathed.

He told the Daily Record:

“We have no fresh injuries, nothing important to report. Hopefully, Kemar Roofe comes through on Wednesday and can hopefully be part of the squad.”

Big boost

This update will be a big boost to the Dutch manager and will be news that the fans will love to read as Roofe closes in on his return.

The forward’s last appearance for Rangers came on the 7th of November in the 4-2 win over Ross County, which means that he has missed both of Gio’s first two games in charge of the club. He has been absent for the 2-0 and 3-1 wins over Sparta Prague and Livingston, but could now offer the 46-year-old another quality option in the final third of the pitch.

Ex-Gers manager Steven Gerrard previously lauded the attacker’s work rate off the ball. He said:

“Touch wood he stays fit and if he does then he will be a real handful at this level. He works his socks off, he does everything out of possession that you ask of him, he is clever and bright and he can create and score. He has got the mentality that I really like.”

He has scored 27 goals and provided three assists in 54 games for Rangers since his move from Belgian side Anderlecht. This includes an impressive 15 goals in 31 Premiership games for the club, showing his quality as a striker at this level.

His excellent goal return is why this injury update could be a big boost for van Bronckhorst. Roofe could return to the fold and add an extra goalscoring threat to play alongside the likes of Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, to increase Rangers’ chances of winning matches.

With Rangers looking for revenge against Hibernian after their 3-1 defeat to them in the League Cup semi-final, having as many of their key players available as possible could be vital and the supporters would be buzzing to see Roofe play a part in one way or another.

AND in other news, Rangers pulled off dream swoop for “outstanding” beast whose value has rocketed 75%…

A number of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to their club’s renewed interest in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

It was in July that Fabrizio Romano initially revealed that Palace were keen on the Englishman. and according to Transfer Market Web, the 22-year-old is back on the Eagles’ radar.

The report claims that Leeds United, where Nketiah has previously spent time on loan, face fresh competition from Palace, as well as Bundesliga duo Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach, in their pursuit of the striker.

The 22-year-old is apparently valued at €12m, which equates to about £10.2m, and he holds the record as England under-21s’ all-time leading scorer with 16 goals in 17 caps at that level.

He will be out of contract at the end of this season, and so there are three possibilities: he extends with the Gunners, he leaves in January so that they can recoup a fee, or he walks away in the summer on a free transfer.

Why might Palace fans be underwhelmed?

Nketiah has made 38 Premier League appearances but only scored five goals (via Transfermarkt), while Palace have recently shelled out £14m on a new striker in the form of Odsonne Edouard, who has already struck three goals in eight English top-flight appearances (via Transfermarkt).

The response to the news, as relayed by Palace Xtra, was mixed among some Eagles supporters.

Palace fans split on fresh Nketiah links

“Based on what happened in the summer I think we should move on. However if we can pick him up on a free in the summer……”

Credit: @brock_a_d_84

“Would be good on a free if wages aren’t crazy”

Credit: @davidjcayley

“RB pls”

Credit: @cpfctomm

“no”

Credit: @Eberzee

“We don’t need an ST”

Credit: @tomjones2610

“No, I beg”

Credit: @eaglessss_

In other news, many Palace fans were delighted by this international development

Brad Haddin has revealed that the finger broken during the Ashes series was worse than originally thought, and has forced him to push back his comeback date to Australia’s one-day tour of India

Alex Brown02-Sep-2009Click here to listen to the full audio interviewBrad Haddin missed the third Ashes Test due to a broken finger, and has ruled himself out of the Champions Trophy•Associated Press

Brad Haddin has revealed that the finger broken during the Ashes series was worse than originally thought, and has forced him to push back his comeback date to Australia’s one-day tour of India. Surgeons inserted two plates and five screws into Haddin’s left ring finger during a two-and-a-half hour operation last Thursday, with the ensuing recovery period expected to extend beyond Australia’s one-day series in England and the Champions Trophy in South Africa.Haddin broke the finger moments after the coin toss before the third Test at Edgbaston, forcing Australia’s team management to draft in Graham Manou at short notice. Australia’s senior wicketkeeper recovered to play the final two Tests of the Ashes series with the assistance of pain-killing injections, but was ordered home ahead of the limited-overs series in England for further scans.Those revealed significantly more damage to the top of Haddin’s finger than initially thought, and prompted a revision of his likely comeback date. Haddin had originally hoped to return in time for the Champions Trophy, but is now targetting the seven-match limited-overs series against India, which will begin in Jaipur on October 25.”The surgery was a success from the point of view that the surgeon got everything back in the place it should be, but he also said that it will probably take a little bit longer than we first thought with the rehab,” Haddin told Cricinfo’s Switch Hit podcast. “There was a bit more damage in there than they first thought going in. It’s going to be a long road back. By the time I come back it should be 100% this time.”I’ll be definitely back for the first Test of the Australian summer and I’m hoping to be right for the seven one-dayers in India. I’ve just got a week or so until the stitches come out and then I’ll know a bit more about how the joint is and how I respond to some treatment. In the past when I’ve broken fingers my joints have come back into working order pretty quickly.”Haddin only entered the Test arena after Adam Gilchrist’s retirement, but has already suffered two broken fingers in the line of duty. The first came in the opening session of his debut Test at Sabina Park last year, and resulted in him handing over the gloves to Luke Ronchi for the ensuing one-day series against West Indies. The latest injury has opened the door for Tasmania’s Tim Paine, and Haddin admitted his annoyance at the prospect of another extended stint on the sidelines.”It’s extremely frustrating,” he said. “We’ve played a lot of Test cricket over the last 12 months and I was really looking forward to playing some one-day cricket. I’ve been happy with the way things have been going in my one-day game. But those are the breaks of the job we do. I can’t whinge about it too much. I’ve just got to get on with the rehab and make sure when I come back that it doesn’t happen again.”Haddin conceded the broken finger had caused him significant discomfort during the second half of the Ashes series, though not nearly as much as the pain of defeat at The Oval. “Once you pass yourself fit and step on the field, broken fingers all go out the window,” he said. “It was an uncomfortable time. The wicketkeeping was okay. The biggest problem was with the bat because you couldn’t have any protection on it because it didn’t fit in the glove.”It was obviously disappointing to go out there and lose the Ashes especially when you sit back and take the emotion out of it and look at the stats of some of our guys throughout series. I think from a statistical point of view we were way in front of England but we let ourselves down in a couple of big moments. We’re not far away. We’ve just got to be a bit more consistent and recognise those big moments in the game a bit better.”

West Ham have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their Europa League clash this evening…

What’s the latest?

The Hammers are expected to be without the services of right-back Vladimir Coufal for the next three matches due to an ongoing problem, according to club insiders Claret and Hugh.

He missed the weekend’s 1-0 win over Everton, having pulled out of his Czech Republic duties over the international break, and now it appears he will miss both the Genk game and the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

It is hoped that he could resume training next week but a clash with defending champions Manchester City may prove to be too soon for a return.

Speaking about the 29-year-old after the game on Sunday, the Irons boss said, via football.london.

“Vladimir has taken an injection he had a bit of discomfort in his pubis. He has had an injection in there, he got the injury in the Man United cup game and he has been carrying it for a few weeks.”

Huge blow

This will come as a massive setback to Moyes and West Ham.

Coufal missed their last Europa League game with what seemed like a knock but was able to return in the defeat to Brentford right before the break, though you could tell that he was far from 100% as he put in a disappointing display.

He was then not named in the squad to face the Toffees and according to the reliable insiders, he’s set to be out for the next three matches, which is certainly devastating as he is the clear first-choice option in the role.

The Irons have some important and tricky fixtures coming up, so to not have the £18m-rated right-back available is certainly gutting news.

His value to the side and their chances of success cannot be understated. He finished last season with the second-highest number of assists (seven), only behind fellow full-back Aaron Cresswell (eight).

That goes to show that Moyes’ wide department is a crucial creative cog in this system.

Furthermore, Coufal has been an absolute animal defensively, too – as per WhoScored, he averaged a squad-high 2.1 tackles per game and wasn’t far behind for interceptions (1.2 per game) either.

That form had continued into the current campaign, where he is averaging 2.1 tackles each outing once again.

Perhaps Jamie Carragher’s endorsement of him on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football last season truly hints at his influence, he said [4th May, 22:24pm]:

“We talk about [Tomas] Soucek, but Coufal whether it’s right wing-back or right full-back at different times, he’s just one of those players that’s 7/10 minimum every time you watch him play.

“He’s the type of player you’d love to play with him. A manager’s dream, never injured, he’s there week in week out.”

On the above evidence, this will be a frustrating development that is sure to leave Moyes hugely worried heading into some very important fixtures.

A win over Genk would keep up their 100% record in the Europa League, whilst matches against Spurs have always offered up goals and drama, and then there’s the small matter of Pep Guardiola’s City.

In an ideal world, Moyes would have loved to have Coufal available, so it’s a major blow to the Hammers.

AND in other news, Big call: Moyes must ruthlessly axe West Ham’s £10.8m-rated “complete beast” vs Genk…

Manchester United’s problems appear to be mounting by the second at this moment in time as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure seems destined for an unsavoury ending.

The Norwegian tactician has come under intense pressure in recent weeks as United have continued to put in underwhelming performances, and Sunday’s humiliating 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool may have served as his final warning.

However, if Solskjaer manages to turn things around at Old Trafford, then there could be a bright future ahead for the 20-time English champions.

Although major doubts remain over the 48-year-old’s ability to guide the 20-time English champions to major silverware, there’s no questioning his eye for a talented youngster and willingness to reward him with an opportunity in the first team.

And 20-year-old full-back Ethan Laird could be the next academy graduate to benefit from the Scandinavian’s bravery if he remains in the United hot seat.

The youngster rose through the ranks at his boyhood club before experiencing senior football for the first time last season, joining MK Dons on a short-term loan spell back in January.

Laird impressed throughout his 24 League One appearances for the Dons, providing four assists and catching the eye of captain Dean Lewington.

Lewington spoke to MK Citizen about Laird, saying: “It’s a different dynamic on the right. It’s a bit more direct with Ethan, using his raw pace. I’m still getting used to playing with him, but it’s working pretty well.

“He just needed a bit of encouragement and the freedom to express himself. I try and do as much of his defensive duties as I can to help him express himself.

“He’s really improved since he first came here, he’s come on leaps and bounds. It’s just a shame we won’t get to keep him,” the experienced campaigner concluded.

And Laird has carried his solid form over into the Championship this season after joining Swansea City for the entirety of the 2021/22 campaign.

As per SofaScore, the former England Under-19 international has already created four big chances for his teammates, averaged 1.4 key passes per game, 2.2 successful dribbles and 1.7 tackles, highlighting his effective displays in south Wales.

United’s desire for a more attack-minded upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka was an open secret over the summer, with Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier their no.1 target.

A deal couldn’t be reached between the two clubs, though, and with Trippier now 31 years old, Solskjaer may turn his attention to a young prodigy already within United’s ranks over the coming months.

And, in other news, Report reveals concerning update over “quality” Man Utd maestro, fans may be worried…

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has revealed the latest on Newcastle United’s talks with Eddie Howe to become their new manager.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had pointed towards Villareal manager Unai Emery being the man the new owners wanted in place for this weekend’s Premier League game against Brighton, but after that fell through on Wednesday, attentions have quickly towards elsewhere.

Writing on Twitter, Downie said: “Talks are on-going between Newcastle and Eddie Howe over their vacant manager’s position. Howe is under serious consideration following Unai Emery’s rejection yesterday. Understand he also held talks previously with Newcastle pre-takeover.”

Newcastle’s search could finally be over

In what has been a roller-coaster of a couple of days, it appears the Magpies finally look set to end this managerial saga and appoint Howe as the man to permanently replace Steve Bruce in the dugout at St James’ Park.

While missing out on Emery is no doubt a big blow to the new ownership, getting someone in place for the clash against Brighton was absolutely critical.

Though the Premier League campaign may still be in its early days, the Tyneside club’s wretched start has seen them firmly fixed in the bottom three of the table with just four points – they remain six points off safety.

Howe’s appointment would at least give the Newcastle players and the fans as a whole a sense of relief and clarity about things going forward, instead of the state of uncertainty currently clouding the club.

Though Howe may not be everybody’s first-choice, the fact Downie claims that talks are ongoing with the former Bournemouth boss and that he is “under serious consideration” should delight fans who must be getting tired of all this managerial drama already. All they want is a manager, and that dream could finally be realised in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has dropped a late-night twist on Newcastle’s manager hunt…

MatériaMais Notícias

Noel Whelan says he’s been left ‘questioning’ whether Carl Starfelt was ‘a good signing’ for Celtic. 

The former Leeds United, Coventry City and Middlesbrough forward was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Celtic signed Starfelt from Russian outfit Rubin Kazan for a fee of £4million back in July.

He joined the Hoops on the same day that Kristoffer Ajer left for English Premier League outfit Brentford.

Starfelt wasn’t the only addition to Celtic’s centre-back ranks, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales arriving from Tottenham Hotspur and Shamrock Rovers respectively.

The Swede struggled in Thursday’s Europa League defeat at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen at Celtic Park.

The Daily Record’s Craig Swan handed him a rating of just 5/10 for his display, saying he was ‘never comfortable on the ball’.

The latest

Whelan says that Starfelt hasn’t had the impact that would have been desired at Celtic Park.

He’s been told he needs to step up if he’s to justify Celtic’s outlay.

“They brought in new players this year, Starfelt being one of them,” he said. “You expect them to turn the tide.

“Now you’re questioning was it a good signing? Is he the right man for it?

“Because performances need to be a lot better from a player of that standard. You can’t hide away when you’re out there on the field, everyone sees it.”

The verdict

Starfelt is effectively playing for his place right now, with Christopher Jullien’s return on the horizon.

When everyone is fit, you’d have to say Carter-Vickers ought to be starting alongside the Frenchman.

It was worrying how cautious Starfelt looked on the ball against Leverkusen. It doesn’t really chime with Postecoglou’s philosophy whatsoever.

In other news, read Kieran Devlin’s worrying line on Postecoglou. 

Daniel Vettori was desperate for a Chappell-Hadlee Series trophy but will settle for having a young side that is showing it can match the best teams in the world. New Zealand frightened Australia during the five-match contest and were only a few overs from being in a position to take the overall prize when rain intervened at the Gabba, ending their chase with 33 required from 36 balls.Martin Guptill, the Auckland batsman in his seventh ODI, charged to an unbelievable 64 from 34 deliveries to set up the frenetic pursuit. “I feel pretty good at the moment,” Guptill said. “I’m finding some good areas and hitting the ball cleanly. It was good to get a good score from so few balls.”Guptill launched his second delivery for six behind square leg and pulled Mitchell Johnson’s opening offering into the grandstand. “I knew he was going to bounce me early,” he said. “I saw it, went after it and it went into the first tier. That’s one of the biggest hits in my career so far.”He sped to a half-century in 24 balls and with the debutant Brendon Diamanti took New Zealand closer to an out-of-reach victory. Guptill said the explosive performance “was an exception”. “I’m attacking, but probably not that attacking,” he said.Vettori was amazed by the performance, calling it “some of the best strokeplay I’ve ever seen”. “That was a fantastic innings,” Vettori said. “It was some clean hitting and those are some pretty big boundaries he’s clearing. Those are really big hits back in New Zealand.”In partnership with Diamanti, Guptill led his team to the verge of victory when the rain ended their 50-run stand. “That’s pretty impressive doing that against Australia in a must-win situation,” Vettori said.Vettori saw plenty of good signs for the future in Brisbane, and during the series. “I’m happy that these guys keep turning up and performing,” Vettori said. “If you look at the line-up Martin Guptill continues to impress, Grant Elliott had a successful series, Neil Broom has impressed me, Iain O’Brien has done a pretty good job with his role in the side.”You throw in the likes of Styris, Oram and Ryder back in the mix and you have a nice group of 15 or 16 guys.” After Sunday’s Twenty20 New Zealand’s next engagements are against India later in the month.

Former Premier League star Dean Windass insists that Manchester United won’t win the league, even with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sealed the headline-grabbing return of the legendary Portugal international in the final week of the summer transfer window.

Ronaldo had been reported as a target for Manchester City, perhaps prompting United into action as they looked to ensure he did not move to a major rival.

He will make his debut after the international break, in which he became the all-time leading international top scorer by scoring a brace versus the Republic of Ireland.

But Windass does not believe that the signing of the former Real Madrid star from Juventus will propel the club to the title.

Instead, he thinks that there are already three clubs who are more likely to win the competition: Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

The former Hull City star exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “I don’t think they’ll win the league even with Ronaldo.

“I think they’ll be in the top four but your top three, for me, this season, maybe top four, Leicester could be up there again, Jamie Vardy’s scored a couple of goals now, he scored at the weekend. It’s a situation where I think you’re going to have to beat Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea this year.

“You finish above them, any of them three, you’ve won the Premier League. Man United will be in the top four without a shadow of a doubt.”