Thomas Frank is set to be without star playmaker James Maddison for the foreseeable future, with Tottenham confirming on Thursday morning that the Englishman is set to undergo surgery on a ruptured ACL.

It was solely meant to be a night of farewell glory for club legend Son Heung-min last Sunday, but Tottenham’s fireworks fizzled into despair when Maddison collapsed in agony just minutes after stepping onto the pitch in Seoul.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

Maddison’s right knee – the same one that kept him out of the Europa League final – let him down once again. One moment he was chasing the ball, the next he was on the ground, clutching his face in disbelief. A stretcher carried him off as crutches awaited outside – with Frank describing the injury as a “bad” one.

The worst was yet to come, though, as Spurs have now announced that Maddison is set for surgery on an ACL problem which could force him to miss the vast majority of the season.

The 28-year-old is staring down the barrel of a six-to-nine-month recovery period, as is usually the case with ACL ruptures.

It’s heartbreak, pure and simple. Tottenham, already shaken by Son’s exit, now face a long season without the talent, vision and creativity of their star number 10. If they needed a new attacking midfielder before, they certainly need one now.

Chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange have undoubtedly shot the signing of a playmaker to the very top of their transfer priority list, coming after they missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer.

Spurs booked a medical for Gibbs-White this time last month ahead of a proposed £60 million move before Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, unceremoniously stopped the transfer, threatened Frank’s side with legal action and persuaded the 25-year-old to pen a new deal.

A swoop for Gibbs-White is completely off the table, but Tottenham’s need for another creative presence is more vital than ever before.

Dejan Kulusevski is also still sidelined with a knee injury, and having also lost Son, Spurs must get to work on Maddison’s replacement with just weeks to go before the transfer deadline.

Tottenham offered AC Milan forward Rafael Leao after James Maddison injury

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, intermediaries recently floated AC Milan forward Rafael Leao in their direction, which happened in the aftermath of Son’s exit and Maddison’s injury blow.

However, while Tottenham have been offered Leao by these representatives, it is believed a move for the Portugal international, who’s been called “unstoppable” by Tammy Abraham, and valued at around £74 million by the Rossoneri, is unlikely as things stand.

“My understanding is that intermediaries on the back of Son’s transfer and Maddison’s injury have put Leao to Spurs, in theory,” said Bailey.

“Opportunistic, yes, but that is how some of the biggest deals in the world have come about.

“I am told that [Massimilano] Allegri has informed Milan’s hierarchy that he can turn Leao into one of the very best forwards in the world. They are not planning on losing him, and I don’t believe Leao has the wish to leave at this point; he is excited by Allegri.”

The opportunity to play Premier League football is always a temptation, but given Leao’s current stance, Allegri’s unwillingness to part company and the 26-year-old’s asking price, Levy will likely need to look elsewhere.

Tottenham have made recent contact over Jack Grealish, but face competition from Everton (Fabrizio Romano), while Harvey Elliott has also been named as a potential Spurs target amid discussions over a move to RB Leipzig (Florian Plettenberg).

Their options are growing thin, but Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze could be available for the taking as Arsenal continue to stall a potential deal.

Chittagong have moved up to second spot after a good run of results in Sylhet, but there is a muddle in the middle of the points table

Mohammad Isam14-Jan-2025Rangpur Riders have been in top form for a second week in a row in BPL 2024-25, stretching their winning run to seven out of seven to get to within striking distance of the playoffs. And they have made it fun – both their wins in the Sylhet leg over the past week have been last-over affairs, one of them a last-baller.Against Fortune Barishal, their captain Nurul Hasan smashed 30 runs in the last over off Kyle Mayers for a three-wicket win. Then it was the turn of their fielders and bowlers to make a late turnaround against Khulna Tigers, as they picked up three wickets in the last over, bowled by Mohammad Saifuddin, to win by eight runs.Like Rangpur, Chittagong Kings also won both their outings in Sylhet, beating Dhaka Capitals and Sylhet Strikers quite comfortably. Dhaka and Sylhet also opened their accounts in the competition, while Durbar Rajshahi also won one game in the Sylhet leg.Best batter – Usman KhanNurul’s heist against Barishal was one of many batting highlights of the past week.Zakir Hasan and Usman Khan struck two half-centuries each. Litton Das scored a 73 and his maiden T20 century, a 125 not out, with Tanzid Hasan scoring 108 alongside Litton in that game against Rajshahi as the two put on 241 for the first wicket.Unfortunately for Litton, the sudden burst in form came a tad late as he was dropped from Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad – he scored the century in the evening after the squad had been announced in the afternoon.Usman Khan has been key to Chittagong Kings’ recent success•Chittagong KingsUsman dominated the powerplay in both of Chittagong’s wins, putting together good partnerships as well in the process. Coming into the week after slamming 123 in 62 balls in Chittagong’s 105-run win over Rajshahi, Usman hit 55 in 33 balls against Dhaka and then 53 in 35 balls against Sylhet, when they won by 30 runs. Indeed, his form, and that of the other batters like Graham Clark and Haider Ali and Shamim Hossain has been central to Chittagong’s recent surge.Best bowler – Mohammad SaifuddinThere were no big hauls by any of the bowlers this week, but plenty of them made telling contributions.Khaled Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim did well in Chittagong’s two wins. Akif Javed also bowled a match-winning spell, taking three wickets in Rangpur’s win over Khulna. Rahkeem Cornwall, meanwhile, was the only spinner to take a three-for this week, setting up Sylhet’s win over Dhaka.The performance that stood out, though, was Saifuddin’s superb last over against Khulna. Khulna needed 12 runs off the six balls, and though they were six down at the start of the over, were favourites to pull it off.Saifuddin stuck to yorkers, started the over with two dot balls, then bowled a wide, but then Rangpur got three wickets in three balls as panic set in the Khulna camp. Mohammad Nawaz and Nasum Ahmed were run out off consecutive balls, and Saifuddin then got rid of Abu Hider, before giving away one run off the final ball.Litton Das has found form, but not soon enough to get in the Champions Trophy squad•Dhaka CapitalsUnusual playsNurul became only the second batter to hit 30 runs in the last over of a T20 match, and the 30 runs Rangpur got ranked third in the list of most runs scored off the last over of a men’s T20 game.Sabbir Rahman, meanwhile, scored his first BPL half-century in five years, hitting 82 not out off 33 balls with nine sixes and three fours. But it wasn’t enough as Chittagong won that game against Dhaka.Litton scored his first T20 century in his 227th match in the format.Tale of the tableRangpur are the clear leaders. Chittagong have been the surprise package, now in second position with six points from four games. Barishal, who came into the tournament as one of the favourites, are in third place, also with six points but they have played one game more than Chittagong. Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi will have to battle hard for the fourth playoffs spot, but Dhaka, with one win in seven matches, will have to make a big, late charge to be in with a chance.

Birmingham City are looking to further strengthen their squad in their efforts to be promoted from the Championship back to the Premier League.

The next target is former Arsenal, Liverpool and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who most recently played for Turkish side Besiktas. The Champions League winner has experience at the highest level of the game and would be a statement signing for the club.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is reportedly looking for a move back to England after spending two seasons in Turkey.

Not only would Oxlade-Chamberlain be a good addition to the squad, but he may also come without costing a penny, currently working with Besiktas to terminate his contract and grant him the right to negotiate with any club. This means the only thing Birmingham will have to deal with are his personal terms, including his wages and potentially a signing-on fee.

Sky Sports pundit and former England and Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has spoken to Football League World about Birmingham’s transfer business and the possibility of signing Oxlade-Chamberlain.

“Birmingham just seem to be doing piece of business after piece of business, and you can understand why they’re attracting players of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s caliber.

“With the style they play and the formation that they’re using, you do think that would suit someone like Chamberlain. He can play in wide areas, he can come and play inside.”

Hendrie played over 250 appearances for Birmingham’s rivals and played in the derby on four occasions, going on to add: “I think this would be such a big signing for them, I really do. For their promotion push, this could be another big name entering the building for Birmingham City”.

Birmingham have already made major signings to their squad this window, like former Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

Oxlade-Chamberlain a worthwhile signing despite injury troubles

Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently unavailable as he is suffering from a knee injury sustained back in May. He’s expected to be available in the first few weeks of September, meaning he shouldn’t miss too much of a season with Birmingham, provided he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.

However, this isn’t a new issue, and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career has been plagued by knee injuries that have kept him out of football for prolonged periods of time.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Knee Injuries

Season (Club)

Days Missed

Games Missed

13/14 (Arsenal)

141

48

13/14

40

4

15/16

67

15

15/16

64

9

17/18 (Liverpool)

317

58

20/21

114

20

24/25 (Besiktas)

102*

12*

Total

845

166

* Currently Injured

The above table demonstrates how persistent the issue has been, and although he may be fit again in September, there’s no guarantee that the injury won’t recur.

He may be worth the punt however – even injured, such an experienced player can bring something to the dressing room. He has won nearly every domestic trophy available to him, including the Champions League and the Premier League. He also has promotion experience from the start of his career, as he helped Southampton get promoted into the Championship.

This experience will be invaluable for a team trying to push itself back into the Premier League. When fit, Oxlade-Chamberlain will help the team on the pitch, but if he gets injured, he will still be a massive boon to the squad.

Chelsea are set to make many more summer sales before the transfer deadline on September 1.

BlueCo have already raised around £220 million through transfer income this summer, after agreeing deals to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Armando Broja, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

This has allowed Chelsea to balance the books and free up space for potential new signings, specifically Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with Enzo Maresca’s side believed to be in talks for both (Sky Sports).

Not counting their possible fees for Garnacho and Simons, Chelsea have already spent £277 million (including their pre-agreed summer deals), so they’re likely to go well over the £300 million mark by deadline day.

This means that the west Londoners are actively looking to trim the squad further, with midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka expected to return to the Bundesliga on a permanent deal with Borussia Dortmund.

As well as Chukwuemeka, both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson could be among Chelsea’s next high-profile departures.

The duo were left out of the squad for Chelsea’s 2-0 pre-season win over Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge on Friday, watching on as summer signing Joao Pedro and exciting new teenager Estevao Willian got on the scoresheet.

Now, an update has emerged on Jackson, with his own stance on leaving made crystal clear.

Nicolas Jackson tells Chelsea he's ready to leave

The Senegalese, barring his goal in the Conference League final against Real Betis, endured a torrid end to 2024/2025 – scoring just one Premier League goal since the turn of the year.

He was also sent off in the Club World Cup against Flamengo, and with both Pedro and Liam Delap arriving, he’s now fallen down Maresca’s pecking order.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Jackson has told Chelsea he’s ready to leave, with the forward’s agents informing Maresca’s side that a new challenge is desired on his end.

“I am told that Jackson’s camp have made it clear to Chelsea that he is looking at a move this month,” Bailey said.

“He was concerned when Liam Delap came in, and since the arrival of Joao Pedro the situation has only got worse. Jackson is looking at his options, but I am told that Newcastle do appeal to him, and likewise he has a huge amount of respect for Unai Emery at Villa.

“Given the cost involved, there is a good chance he moves within England.”

The former Villarreal sensation, according to Bailey, commands a lofty price tag of around £70 million, with Newcastle specifically ready to bid £60m.

While the Magpies are about £10m off, Chelsea are said to be open to negotiations, so a move from Eddie Howe’s side could be one to watch.

Rohit Sharma has linked up with Mumbai’s squad for their training sessions ahead of the second phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, starting January 23. The group had a two-hour centre-wicket session at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, and are expected to train through the week as they build up to their sixth-round home fixture against Jammu and Kashmir.India Test and ODI captain Rohit’s participation in the game is not yet confirmed, but his keenness to train with the group in consultation with head coach Omkar Salvi suggests that there is a possibility he could be available for at least one of the two remaining fixtures. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is expected to announce the squad later this week.Related

• Kohli available for Delhi's Ranji Trophy game starting January 30

• Rohit Sharma keeps his spot as captain for England ODIs and Champions Trophy

• India's Champions Trophy squad: Will Bumrah be ready in time? And what about Kuldeep?

• India's decision-makers ponder the Rohit-Kohli question

• Shastri wants Rohit and Kohli to return to domestic cricket

Rohit’s return to train with his first-class side comes at a time when his Test future has become a subject of great debate. Rohit, 37, isn’t ready to give up just yet, having clearly stated his intention to continue playing in the longest format despite having “stood down” from India’s XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney earlier this month.He had scored just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests on tour in Australia. Prior to that, he had averaged 13.30 over ten innings against Bangladesh and New Zealand during the 2023-24 home season, during which he led India to a shock 3-0 defeat to New Zealand, the first time ever that India had been whitewashed at home in a series of three or more matches.Rohit Sharma bats during a training session with the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team•PTI

After the SCG Test, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had stressed on the importance of Test players turning up to play domestic first-class cricket as often as possible. He had also refused to speculate over the future of the Test future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, another veteran who has been well off his best in recent times.When asked about his thoughts on a long-term roadmap for the team in red-ball cricket, and whether it was time to invest in youngsters, Gambhir had said, “Look, it’s too early to talk about it. The series has just got over. I think we still have five more months to plan where we want to head towards. But it’s not the right moment right now for me to talk about that. Where are we going to be after five months?”A lot of things change in sport. Forms change. People change. Attitude change. Everything changes in sport. And we all know that five months is a long time. So, let’s see before the [England] series what’s going to happen. But whatever will happen, will happen for the best interest of Indian cricket.”Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, are primed to make the knockouts. They are currently third in Group A with three wins in five matches, only a point behind second-placed Jammu and Kashmir.

Paul Pogba is a player who massively divided opinion during his time at Manchester United, producing numerous moments of magic, but unfortunately, they were few and far between.

The French midfielder re-joined the Red Devils in a then-world record fee of £89m from Juventus, just a handful of years after he joined the Italian side on a free transfer from Old Trafford.

He racked up over 200 appearances during his second spell in the Premier League, but it was one that was full of questions about his attitude, leading to numerous bust-ups in the North West.

One of the major issues that arose for the 32-year-old was his fallout with José Mourinho, with the former United boss stripping the big-money addition of the captaincy.

He would remain at the club for three more years after the former manager’s dismissal, but he never managed to live up to his price tag, something which Ruben Amorim needs to avoid in his own pursuit of a new midfielder this summer.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer

There is no denying that Carlos Baleba has been United’s most-sought-after midfield target in recent weeks, but a deal now appears dead in the water after Brighton’s reluctance to offload the 21-year-old.

The Cameroonian hasn’t been the only Premier League star in their sights, with Adam Wharton another option under consideration – but the Englishman would be yet another expensive addition, given his current £100m asking price.

However, cheaper alternatives are currently being considered by the Red Devils hierarchy, with journalist Fabrizio Romano stating that Marseille star Adrien Rabiot is an option who could be considered.

He stated that the Frenchman is free to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer, with his representatives approaching Amorim’s side and offering the 30-year-old’s services to the club.

Romano also confirmed the Red Devils’ previous interest in the former Juventus star, which has undoubtedly played a huge part in the player’s agent reaching out once again.

Why United’s target would be their next Pogba

United’s midfield options at present remain sparse to say the least, with Amorim desperately wanting reinforcements in the next couple of weeks before the window slams shut.

Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the first name on the teamsheet in such an area, but there’s no consistent partner alongside him at the heart of the side.

Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are all currently on the books, but there’s trio all have their drawbacks, which have prevented them from nailing down a regular starting role.

The Brazilian is entering the final years of his career, whilst Mainoo has struggled with fitness, but Ugarte has ultimately failed to hit the heights many expected after his £50m move from PSG.

Such situations have opened the door to added investment, leading to Rabiot being touted as one of the latest options in the hierarchy’s sights this summer.

However, caution must be taken with a deal for the Frenchman, potentially landing themselves a player similar to Pogba – but, not all aspects of such a comparison are positive.

Whilst he’s 6”3 – possessing a similar frame to Pogba – whilst also being the same nationality, it’s his actions off the pitch which have drawn the most similarities.

Rabiot, who’s been labelled “world-class” by David Trezeguet, has been allowed to leave Marseille after a bust-up with Jonathan Rowe, with controversy following him just like Pogba during his own time at United.

However, despite his off-field antics, the former Juventus star still possesses a lot of quality, as seen by his tally of 13 combined goals and assists in just 29 appearances.

Adrien Rabiot’s stats for Marseille in Ligue 1 (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

29

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

6.1

Passes into final third

5.3

Tackles won

1.8

Clearances made

1.2

Aerials won

1.2

Aerial success rate

57%

Stats via FBref

He also completed 6.1 progressive passes per 90, whilst winning 1.8 tackles per 90, possessing the perfect qualities, making him the perfect box-to-box option in Amorim’s side.

The club’s hunt for a new midfielder has been ongoing for multiple weeks now, with a solution desperately needed to be made before the September 1st transfer deadline.

Rabiot could well be the answer, showcasing the quality he possesses during his recent spell in Ligue 1, but should they sign him, they will need to keep a close eye on his off-the-field antics, which have tarnished his stint at Marseille.

Related The new Carrick: INEOS now preparing offer to sign £86m talent for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make another big-money move this summer.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 20, 2025

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية أن هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة قد دق ناقوس الخطر في الفريق بعد الهزائم الأخيرة ضد باريس سان جيرمان وإشبيلية.

وبحسب صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية يشعر هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة بالقلق بسبب الحالة البدنية السيئة للفريق ونقص الطاقة والحماس، ودعا لاجتماع عاجل مع إدارة اللياقة البدنية بالنادي.

واجتمع هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة مع المدربيين البدنيين للنادي بعد الخسارة الثقيلة أمام إشبيلية، لتحليل سبب تراجع مستوى الفريق.

أقرأ أيضاً.. جوارديولا: لن أقدم نصائح لـ فليك.. وأشعر بالأسف لمن لا يشجعون برشلونة

وتشير البيانات التي عرضت على هانز فليك إلى أن أداء اللاعبين في برشلونة لا تقترب بأي حال من المستويات البدنية المتوقعة في هذه المرحلة من الموسم.

وانخفض عبء التدريبات مؤخراً لأن لاعبي برشلونة بدأوا يظهرون علامات التعب في وقت مبكر بكثير عن المعتاد، ويهدف هذا الجدول المخفف لمنع الإصابات ولكنه حد أيضاً من قدرة الفريق على بناء القدرة على التحمل.

ويحاول فليك ومساعدوه في الطاقم الفني لبرشلونة فهم ما حدث وكيفية استعادة اللياقة البدنية للفريق قبل أن تتفاقم المشكلة، ويهدف الجهاز الفني لوصول الفريق لقمة مستواه ولكن مع مستويات التعب الحالية يبدو تحقيق هذا الهدف صعباً بشكل متزايد.

ويعد جدول مباريات برشلونة المزدحم من العوامل الرئيسية وراء هذا التراجع حيث لعب الفريق سبع مباريات في 21 يوما فقط، وأجبرت الإصابات فليك على البقاء بنفس التشكيل الأساسي من اللاعبين مما قلل من مساحة التبديل وتسبب في إجهاد بدني وتقليص وقت التعافي مما أثر على الأداء وكثافة اللعب.

وتجسد حالة بيدري المشكلة الأكبر في برشلونة رغم أن ذكاءه الكروي وإبداعه لازالا متوفرين في الملعب لكن بياناته البدنية تشير لصورة مقلقة، وتأثر أداء اللاعب عن الموسم الماضي.

ويعتقد فليك أنهم كانوا يتوقعون انخفاض مستوى اللياقة البدنية لبرشلونة مع نهاية نوفمبر وليس أوائل أكتوبر، ويجري الجهاز الفني دراسة معمقة لكل التفاصيل من أساليب التدريب لروتين التعافي لإيجاد حلول سريعة.

Getafe are closing in on signing former Leeds and Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford. The free agent was released from his contract by the Premier League side just a few days before the deadline day after falling out of coach Daniel Farke's plans and is reportedly set to travel to Spain to discuss a possible transfer.

Getafe interested in Bamford

Getafe have been looking for a new striker since seeing Christantus Uche move to Crystal Palace on the last day of the transfer window. According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Getafe, who did not sign a replacement until now, are closing in on the 32-year-old. His agent is in contact with the Spanish outfit, and the contractual details are expected to be wrapped up on Tuesday. The player is currently preparing to fly to Madrid, where he will sign for his new club as a free player.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBamford was a goal-machine at Leeds

Bamford rose through the ranks at Chelsea and had a number of loan spells before signing for the Elland Road club in 2018 from Middlesbrough. He remained a mainstay at the club over the next seven years, thriving the likes of Marcelo Bielsa and Sam Allardyce, among others. During his time at the club, he featured in 205 matches and scored 60 goals. He won the Championship twice – in 2020 and 2025 – and was also named the Championship's Player of the Year in the 2014-15 season.

Will Bamford be a starter at Getafe?

Bamford's last season as a regular starter came in 2020-21, when he played every game in the Premier League and recorded 17 goals and nine assists. At Getafe, manager Jose Bordalas has the likes of 28-year-old Borja Mayoral, the only proper No.9 profile after Uche's departure. Hence, it would not be easy for Bamford to make his way into the lineup straightaway. 

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Getty Images SportDid Bamford ever play for England?

Bamford made his international debut under Gareth Southgate as a 28-year-old against Andorra at the World Cup qualifiers back in 2021. He featured for only 62 minutes and has never played again for the Three Lions.

After Strikers posted BBL’s second-highest total of 251, D’Arcy Short took 4 for 15 to bowl Heat out for 195

Tristan Lavalette11-Jan-2025

Matthew Short made 109 off 54 balls•Getty Images

Captain Matthew Short returned from a toe injury in spectacular fashion with a blistering century against Brisbane Heat as Adelaide Strikers revived their finals hopes after making the second highest total in BBL history.Sent in to bat on a very flat Adelaide Oval surface, Strikers smashed 251 for 5 highlighted by Short’s 109 off 54 balls after he missed the last three matches. He reached his ton in 49 balls to set a new franchise record.Heat never seriously threatened in the chase and were bowled out for 195 after 20 overs.The result has breathed life into Strikers’ season (three wins in eight games) having entered the match in last position and they moved within striking distance of fourth-placed Heat.Short/Lynn rampage before Carey’s brief knock in season debut There was a lot of anticipation over the season debut of Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was listed at No.3 but made to wait until almost the ninth over after a destructive 121-run opening partnership between Short and Chris Lynn.During Short’s absence, Lynn moved up to open from three and such was his success that he stayed in the position. He dominated the powerplay and thrashed quicks Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett, normally so reliable with the new ball.Lynn raced to 42 off 13 balls as Strikers motored to 62 for 0 in the most runs hit by a team in the powerplay this season. Short then took over with two sixes off left-arm quick Spencer Johnson as Strikers moved to 81-0 after five overs.Hogging the strike, Short soon sped past Lynn to reach his half-century off 24 balls. In the first seven overs, Short and Lynn smashed seven sixes while they failed to score off just 11 balls.Matt Short and Chris Lynn turn the crowd into umpires•Getty Images

But Lynn did lose his rhythm and was also ailed by a tight hamstring before being knocked over by a quicker delivery from left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.Carey finally came to the crease, but only lasted eight deliveries after being bowled by another faster ball from Kuhnemann. He did, however, hit arguably the best shot of the innings after a classy check drive sailed prettily over extra cover and into the crowd.Short was unperturbed as he fittingly reached his ton with a boundary. Travis Head had held Strikers’ previous fastest century with his famous 53-ball ton against Sydney Sixers on New Year’s Eve in 2015.It was a brilliant knock from Short, who has recently opened for Australia in white-ball cricket, marked by staying still at the crease and clean ball striking. He ruthlessly targeted the shorter boundaries on the legside before finally holing out to deep midwicket.Alex Ross clubbed 44 not out from 19 balls at the death to ensure Strikers’ momentum continued.Spinners Kuhnemann, Swepson try their best With their star quicks Neser, Bartlett and Johnson having rare off performances, unable to hit their lengths, spinners Kuhnemann and Swepson took five wickets between them in battling efforts.They weren’t spared, with 91 runs hit off their eight overs, but at least ensured Strikers didn’t reel in the BBL record score of 273 for 2 set by Melbourne Stars three years ago.Kuhnemann, in his first match since being selected to the Test tour of Sri Lanka, got some zip off the surface, while Swepson cleverly mixed up his bowling to be the most economical of the five bowlers used.Debutant quicks face tough initiation, D’Arcy Short takes four wickets On a surface that rivalled some of the unforgiven pitches seen in the IPL, Strikers debutant quicks Liam Haskett and Jordan Buckingham faced a difficult initiation.Haskett impressed last season for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, but had a delayed start to this summer due to a back injury. The tall left-arm quick was unleashed in the second over, but struggled with his lengths initially and whacked over the legside for successive sixes by Neser.D’Arcy Short finished with 4 for 15•Getty Images

Haskett was later pulled for six by Nathan McSweeney and caught, remarkably, by his father in the terraces. He returned later to dismiss Tom Alsop to finish with 2 for 43 from 3 overs.The 24-year-old Buckingham was given a chance in the BBL having impressed in the Shield in recent seasons. Like almost every other bowler in the match, he copped some punishment but claimed the key wicket of Matthew Renshaw in the 14th over.With bowlers sporting bowling figures that were an eyesore, D’Arcy Short’s handy legspin was used to good effect as numerous Heat batters holed out to him. He finished with 4 for 15 off 3 overs.Munro bats well down the order after injuries in the field Heat’s monumental task was made harder with skipper Colin Munro batting well down the order after dislocating a finger in his left hand and suffering a shoulder injury in a torrid time in the field. He came out at No.7 and made a second ball duck.Neser was promoted to open and ordered to go for broke, but it didn’t do the trick. McSweeney played fluently with several gorgeous drives and he made an attractive 43 off 24 balls.But he was run out attempting a second run as Heat’s slim chances effectively ended despite entertaining cameos from Renshaw, in-form Max Bryant and Johnson, who hit 27 from 13 balls at No.11.

MatériaMais Notícias

Reviravolta no São Paulo: o goleiro Felipe Alves pode ser reintegrado ao elenco. O jogador, que tinha sido afastado pelo técnico Dorival Júnior na última semana por acusações de indisciplina, teria pedido perdão pelos seus atos em uma reunião fechada com a comissão técnica e as principais lideranças do plantel tricolor.

O LANCE! apurou que Alves disse que na verdade ocorreu um erro de comunicação dele com Dorival. E reiterou informação que a reportagem já havia divulgado: de que estava enfrentando problemas particulares de saúde de sua mulher.

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O goleiro ainda teria ressaltado no encontro que seu objetivo não é o de deixar o São Paulo. E se colocou à disposição para ajudar no restante da temporada.

Segundo o L! apurou, Alves e o treinador começaram a deixar de falar a mesma língua na vitória na vitória do Tricolor sobre o Internacional, no último dia 7.

Desde que chegou no Morumbi, Dorival mudou uma tradição do antecessor Rogério Ceni e passou a levar apenas um goleiro para o banco de reservas, ao invés de dois. Com isso, promove um rodízio sobre qual arqueiro se senta no banco, na ocasião entre Jandrei (hoje machucado) e Alves. No referido jogo, ao saber que não seria relacionado, o camisa 1 teria se recusado a participar do aquecimento no gramado e teria deixado o Morumbi pouco depois do início da partida.

Como Jandrei se machucou pouco antes da partida contra o Fortaleza fora de casa, dias depois, Alves foi convocado para viajar com o grupo para completar a trinca de goleiros, apesar do fato de não poder entrar em campo por estar emprestado justamente pelo clube cearense até o fim deste ano. É uma prática de Dorival. Mas novamente o goleiro teria se recusado. E o treinador teve que levar um garoto das categorias de base junto de Leandro, do sub-20, relacionado pela primeira vez para uma partida, e que foi o reserva no Castelão.

Segundo uma fonte do dia-a-dia do CT da Barra Funda, o assunto teria sido tratado em uma primeira reunião interna. E diferente dos tempos de Ceni, onde boa parte do elenco costumava reclamar do treinador, desta vez Alves teria ficado sozinho na questão. Teriam havido reclamações sobre uma suposta falta de dedicação dele nos treinos.

À diretoria, o goleiro teria afirmado que passa por um momento difícil fora de campo com a mulher. Com problemas de saúde, ela teria passado por um procedimento cirúrgico.

Apesar da justificativa, os dirigentes optaram por afastar Alves dos trabalhos com o restante do grupo. O plano era devolvê-lo ao Fortaleza, maso clube nordestino já sinalizou que não há cláusula que o obrigue a aceitar o goleiro de volta. Ele teve atritos com o atual técnico do Leão, Pablo Vojvoda, e por isso estava no Juventude quando o São Paulo foi atrás.

Contratado na urgência após grave contusão de Jandrei no meio da temporada passada, o camisa 1 assumiu a posição de titular e disputou ao todo 21 jogos pelo Tricolor, perdendo de vez espaço neste ano com a chegada de Rafael. Em suas redes sociais, Alves se manifestou apenas na terça-feira (23), depois de Dorival já ter tornado o assunto público. Postou uma foto treinando com a legenda ‘Foco e trabalho sempre!’

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