Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane picked up an injury on international duty with England and could be doubtful for the clash against Borussia Dortmund.
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Kane leaves England camp with injury
Could miss Borussia Dortmund clash
Bayern to assess the situation on Monday
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Having picked up an ankle injury ahead of the Three Lions' 1-0 loss to Brazil, Kane missed the clash altogether and it was confirmed that the striker had suffered an injury. Kane appears to be a major doubt for the upcoming Der Klassiker. However, As per Abendzeitung, Bayern are still hopeful that the striker can make a return to action for the clash but will take a cautious approach.
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WHAT BAYERN MUNICH SAID
Bayern Munich released a statement regarding the injury, which read: "Harry Kane will return early from the English national team to FC Bayern in order to receive further treatment in Munich. England coach Gareth Southgate confirmed this on Saturday evening following the Three Lions' friendly match against Brazil (0-1) at Wembley Stadium in London. The FC Bayern attacker was not in the English squad for the duel against the South Americans due to an ankle injury that he sustained last weekend in the Bundesliga game against SV Darmstadt 98."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Kane has left the national team camp and is confirmed to be missing the friendly clash against Belgium for Gareth Southgate's side. Bayern expect the striker to return to the training facilities on Monday, March 25, where they will assess the situation to cut out the risk of aggravating the injury.
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WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?
The 30-year-old's injury will be thoroughly investigated before Thomas Tuchel's side make a call on his availability. The striker has had a history with ankle injuries and therefore the club may ultimately decide not to risk aggravating the injury.
Tottenham Hotspur remain one of only two unbeaten sides in the Premier League at this point in the season. The Lilywhites, alongside North London rivals Arsenal, have got off to a blistering start, defeating the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. With every week, the appointment of Ange Postecoglou looks more and more like Daniel Levy's first act of genius since welcoming Mauricio Pochettino all those years ago.
Whilst in a position of strength, Spurs must take advantage, both on and off the pitch. On the pitch, they have the chance to begin the cycle of creating history. Meanwhile, away from the flawless turf at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they could return to the transfer market to welcome one particular rising star.
Spurs transfer news
Spurs' start becomes all the more impressive when you consider the exit of record goalscorer Harry Kane in the summer. The England international swapped North London for Bayern Munich in the hope of finally ending his search for silverware. His former club, meanwhile, spent their newfound riches on the arrivals of players such as James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, and Micky van de Ven.
Now, however, the latest Kerem Akturkoglu transfer news suggests that Levy could make his move for the winger. According to Milliyet, Spurs sent scouts to watch the Galatasaray man in his side's 2-1 victory over Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig. The Premier League side were reportedly not alone in their scouting, however, with Atletico Madrid also sending officials to watch Akturkoglu.
It remains to be seen whether Spurs will push ahead with a deal to sign the 25-year-old. If the scout reports come back and highlight a number of positives, then he may well find himself on Levy's shortlist for either January or next summer's transfer window.
Who is Kerem Akturkoglu?
Now 25, Akturkoglu's appearances have seen him become Mr Consistent at Galatasaray. He has featured in 129 of his last 133 possible matches for both his club and the Turkish national team. Availability can mean more than most traits these days, too, given the incredible number of games that sides play week in, week out. The winger has the ability to go with that injury-free run, too.
Akturkoglu's stats also speak for themselves. The winger has gotten off to a flying start for Galatasaray on that front this season, recording 12 goal involvements in just 17 games, having scored five and assisted a further seven. It is the type of numbers that Maddison has been applauded for at Spurs, which only makes the mind wonder just how clinical both the England international and current Spurs target could be together.
Postecoglou certainly has a lot to think about if Levy is willing to sanction a deal. As things stand, Richarlison and Johnson share the role on the left of the attacking quartet in North London, but the arrival of Akturkoglu could change that. The Galatasaray man has more than done enough so far this season to warrant a move in the next two transfer windows, so it could be one to watch.
Jurgen Klopp was stunned by the "genius moment" that created Mohamed Salah's winning goal as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1 on Sunday.
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Salah scored vital winner vs Brighton
Klopp impressed by 'genius' move
Reds still in Premier League title race
WHAT HAPPENED?
With the teams tied at 1-1 in the second half, Liverpool sealed a vital three points when Dominik Szoboszlai blasted the ball towards Alexis Mac Allister outside the Brighton box. The Argentine found Salah in a dangerous position and he turned in the crucial goal in the 65th minute.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The victory is a vital one for the Reds, who are battling with Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Liverpool moved three points ahead of Arsenal ahead of the Gunners' clash at City later in the day.
WHAT KLOPP SAID
Asked for his thoughts on the goal, Klopp told : "That is an unbelievable ball [from Szoboszlai]. It is the creativity and the quality, seeing that. He sees Macca, his first touch is incredible and then he sees Mo. How wasteful we were at all the other moments it was good we had this genius football moment to finish the game off.
"Brighton have incredible quality. That is the measure I have for how good we were today because I really respect them. They had chances, they took more risks all of a sudden and we got slightly tired. We deserved to win the game. That is what you want and then on top of that it is really cool."
Discussing the title race, the coach added: "We just have to win our games and see where we end up."
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WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
The Anfield side will hope to keep their title hopes up when they host Sheffield United in the league on Thursday. Three days later, Klopp's team face a trip to Old Trafford to take on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola confirmed that USMNT captain Tyler Adams missed their match Saturday as a result of a newly acquired injury.
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Bournemouth fall to Luton 2-1
Adams missed matchday squad
Cherries boss confirms new injury
WHAT HAPPENED?
Per the Cherries boss, Adams woke up dealing with back spasms over the past week and was excluded from the matchday squad on Saturday as a result. He did not travel with the team to Kenilworth Road, either, as Bournemouth lost 2-1 against the relegation-threatened Hatters.
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WHAT IRAOLA SAID
"We have been through some illness situations and Tyler woke up two days ago with back spasms and he wasn’t available," the manager confirmed. "It is nothing related to the hamstring, but he was not available for the game."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Adams has missed the majority of the season for both club and country, being sidelined for all but one game from the start of the 2023-24 campaign up until March due to a hamstring injury. He notched his first start of the Premier League campaign just six days ago, earning Man of the Match in a stupendous 2-1 victory over Everton. His heat map from the match even went viral on social media, but now, the Cherries could be without him for an extended period. Iraola did not confirm the severity of the spasms, but this was the second-straight match Adams has missed since his heroic performance against the Toffees.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ADAMS AND BOURNEMOUTH?
The Cherries take on Manchester United on Saturday, April 13 in Premier League action. With just seven matches in the season left, it remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined for.
Leeds United supporters have been optimistic that promotion could be achieved under Daniel Farke this season, but now will be exhilarated by the prospect of charging toward the automatics after defeating Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Farke's side might have started off slowly this season – winning just three of their first nine matches in the second tier – but the system has slowly instilled and now there is a tangible prospect of securing an instantaneous return to the Premier League.
Indeed, having now won five of their past six, the Whites have reduced the gap on Leicester to 11 points, ending a remarkable nine-match winning run for the hosts.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
But it is the manner of the performance, the togetherness and the spirit, that would have pleased Farke most, who always knew of his players' quality but had yet to see them come into bloom.
While Leicester still boast a healthy advantage, there is so much football still to be played, and the collective performance of the squad proves that success can be achieved.
Not quite at their apotheosis yet, Leeds have illuminated their credentials and will now seek to maintain a scintillating streak of their own, but to do so, Farke will need to uphold the vigour of the engine room, but no fret, Glen Kamara holds the key.
How much Leeds paid for Glen Kamara
Signing from Rangers in a £5m transfer in the summer, Kamara could prove to be a masterful signing for the Elland Road side, who have countered the mass exodus following relegation earlier this year with some exciting, impactful additions.
He hasn't quite cemented himself as the very centrepiece of his side yet, but Kamara is undoubtedly showing signs of being a key figure in a promotion-pushing team.
As per FBref, the 6 foot midfielder ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Championship for assists, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 15% for passes attempted and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90.
Former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.
A superb distributor and a wise reader of the game, Kamara has been impressive for the Whites thus far, though he has only made six starts in the Championship and will now be expected to continue his development in Yorkshire and start sustaining his performances.
Across those displays, as per Sofascore, Kamara has completed 91% of his passes, made one key pass per game and succeeded with 63% of his dribbles and ground duels.
Over the coming months, the 28-year-old will now be expected to properly click into gear, but with further displays such as the one that subdued the Foxes, the Leeds faithful can rest assured.
Glen Kamara's performance vs Leicester by numbers
Against Leicester, the Finnish star was at the heart of Leeds' success, with Jermaine Beckford even pronouncing him an "absolute machine" on Sky Sports' live commentary, such was the relentless nature of his all-action performance.
Leeds Live writer Beren Cross bestowed a 9/10 match rating for the one-time Arsenal youngster, remarking on how intelligent and omnipresent he was in the centre of the park against the division's mightiest team.
Cross wrote: 'Incredible example of a central midfielder's performance. Read danger brilliantly and acted on it. Broke up play and then got his own side moving forward with superb passes. Contributed with late runs from deep too.'
The 56-cap international was certainly among the foremost performers on the night, demonstrating his crispness, progressive nature and combative presence against a formidable foe.
Glen Kamara vs Leicester by numbers
Statistic
#
Minutes played
90'
Touches
64
Pass completion
47/53 (89%)
Key passes
2
Dribble attempts
4/5 (80%)
Duels won
7/11 (64%)
Tackles
1
Interceptions
1
*Statistics sourced via Sofascore
Kamara might have been immense and indeed proved to be the star man despite Georginio Rutter's goal, but the display of Joe Rodon behind him in central defence must not be overlooked, with the Welshman continually proving his worth since joining the club in the summer.
Joe Rodon's performance vs Leicester in numbers
Rodon has failed to make his mark at Tottenham Hotspur since joining from Swansea City in a deal worth up to £15m in 2020, having made just 24 appearances to date.
Now 26-years-old, he joined Leeds on loan in August and has since started 11 times in the second tier for Farke's outfit, earning praise for his "warrior mentality" from his manager after a 3-0 victory over Millwall in September.
Against Leicester, he arguably reached his apex so far, with Sofascore recording the metrics that prevented the division's frontrunners from breaking the rearguard, taking 61 touches, completing 86% of his passes, blocking a shot and making a staggering seven clearances.
Furthermore, Rodon embodied the spirit that Leeds fans hold so dear, with TEAMtalk editor and lifelong Leeds supporter James Marshment hailing that mentality, dubbing him an "absolute rock" at the back.
Leeds defender Joe Rodon.
Cross seemingly echoed this sentiment and believed that Rodon matched his Finnish counterpart on the night, also handing him a 9/10 match rating and writing: 'Tremendous. Came into his own as the pressure was piled on in the final quarter of the match. Reduced Jamie Vardy to a spectator in the first half. Some massive slides, blocks and clearances in the second period.'
Considering the £10k-per-week titan won 100% of his duels (3/3) against an almighty strike force, then it does appear that such effusive words are warranted.
Rodon ranks among the top 5% of centre-backs across divisions similar to the Championship over the past year for pass completion and an interesting ball-playing inclination is starting to materialise in this Farke team.
The German manager has implemented a progressive, possession-based system at Elland Road and it's a small wonder that such a composed distributor in Rodon was signed.
Having conquered the King Power, the Whites now know that they boast the calibre to defeat any opposition that the Championship has to offer, and while there will be many tests – and not all successful – to come, there is a growing belief that Premier League football will soon return to this proud football club.
Joshua Kimmich's second-half header was enough to give Bayern the win over Mikel Arteta's side at the Allianz Arena
Arsenal's season is on the brink of collapse after a tame exit at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals. Joshua Kimmich's second-half header was enough to seal a 1-0 victory for the hosts at the Allianz Arena, which earned them a 3-2 aggregate success following the 2-2 draw in north London last week.
It was a disappointing night for the Gunners, who despite dominating large parts of the contest, never really looked like scoring against a Bayern side who comfortably saw off the visitors' threat and booked their spot in the semi-finals.
The defeat leaves Arsenal's hopes for the season hanging by a thread following Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa, which left them lagging behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Allianz Arena…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (6/10):
Barely had a thing to do in in terms of shot stopping. Could do nothing with the goal.
Ben White (6/10)
Played his part defensively, but would have been nice to see him supporting Saka more when he had the ball.
William Saliba (7/10):
Had a good game against Kane. Looked calm and measured on such a big stage.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Unflustered throughout. Strong as always against Kane.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (7/10):
Solid performance having been brought back into the side on the left. Dealt with Sane well.,
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Midfield
Jorginho (6/10):
Struggled a bit in the opening quarter of an hour, but really settled into the game as it wore on. Solid display before being replaced just after Bayern broke the deadlock.
Declan Rice (6/10):
Unable to really dominate the midfield. His best spell came at the start of the second half, but faded after Bayern edged in front.
Martin Odegaard (6/10):
Typically industrious display, but was unable to really get on the ball in dangerous areas to hurt the Bayern defence.
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Attack
Bukayo Saka (4/10):
Always on the fringes of things. Bayern did well to keep him quiet and starved of possession. His awful corner with the last kick of the game summed up his night.
Kai Havertz (5/10):
Caused the Bayern backline some problems with his movement and physicality, but was unable to get that one big chance to make something happen.
Gabriel Martinelli (4/10):
Worked so hard all night to double up with Tomiyasu down the left-hand side. Could have done better with the one big chance in the first half that he put straight at Neuer, and then didn't track Kimmich for the match-winner.
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Subs & Manager
Leandro Trossard (5/10):
No impact at all having replaced Martinelli.
Gabriel Jesus (5/10):
Never got into the game after being introduced at 1-0. Couldn't make a difference.
Eddie Nketiah (N/A)
On for the last few minutes.
Mikel Arteta (5/10):
Bad night for the Arsenal boss. It felt like he got his line up right, but his players just didn't perform at their best level. Subs made no difference, either.
After defender Micky van de Ven's hamstring injury, it has now been reported that one Tottenham player is ready to step in as a makeshift centre-back.
Postecoglou's injury problems at Spurs
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was enjoying the finest start made by any new manager in Premier League history last week, but injuries and suspensions from their 4-1 defeat to Chelsea has brought the Australian right back down to Earth.
Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero, two huge parts of Tottenham's early-season success, are now ineligible to play through suspension after their red cards on Monday, while both James Maddison and van de Ven are sidelined due to injury.
Spurs officially confirmed that Maddison is set for rehabilitation on an ankle injury, with the Lilywhites boss later revealing his problem is worse than first thought and could be sidelined till 2024.
Van de Ven, who barely hobbled off the pitch clutching his hamstring earlier this week, is also set for a spell on the sidelines. van de Ven will be out till January, dealing a big blow to Postecoglou who will be without both of his star centre-backs against Wolves and further along the line. The duo join Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon and Richarlison on the treatment table, with the latter player undergoing surgery on a pubic bone issue.
Hojbjerg ready for makeshift centre-back role
Postecoglou is going to have to get creative amid his serious lack of depth at centre-back, with the previously out-of-favour Eric Dier coming as his only senior option right now. Summer signing Ashley Phillips may also be called upon with the youngster being another candidate to fill in for van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who was scarcely handed league minutes before recently, has even been linked with a move away in January but is now reportedly ready to do his bit.
According to TEAMtalk, some "sources" believe Hojbjerg "will be up" for playing a makeshift central defensive role in the absence of van de Ven. Hojbjerg was a regular under Antonio Conte, and according to WhoScored, he ranked among Tottenham's best for tackles and interceptions made per 90 in the final third.
Called "sensational" at times by reporter Seb Stafford-Bloor, Postecoglou has also called the former Southampton star a "very important" player, which may be more true than ever at this moment in time.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg strengths
Passing
Through balls
Interceptions
Concentration
“He has also been very important in a lot of the games that we’ve won late or had to shore up late," said Postecoglou on Hojbjerg.
"He has been one of the people who has helped us and it is not like he hasn’t contributed at all. He’s been a really important part for us.
“We wouldn’t be in this position if we were just reliant on our starting XI. It is something we impress on all of the guys that as disappointed as you are at not starting, it doesn’t mean you are not playing. You are still playing at some point and what you do with those minutes will help us be successful and push your own cause."
Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been “dealt with” by Manchester United after liking social media posts questioning Erik ten Hag’s decisions.
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Hauled off at interval vs Cherries
Did not take kindly to that decision
No word on any disciplinary action
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils boss opted to replace Argentina international Garnacho during the disappointing 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. The 19-year-old winger was taken off at half-time in that contest, with Amad Diallo sent on in his place.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Garnacho went on to like two comments from a YouTuber questioning why he was hauled off at the interval. The reports that Ten Hag has spoken with the teenager since then, with the matter considered to have been “dealt with internally”.
WHAT TEN HAG SAID
Ten Hag told reporters of his decision to replace Garnacho at the Vitality Stadium: “I think we had to repair over the right side. We didn't play well, the spaces were there. In possession, we had to bring a sub there. Garnacho was during the week not training. Only yesterday. We thought bring some energy and bring some more quality, quality in the sense of cooperation and togetherness on that right-hand side.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?
There is no word on whether Garnacho has been disciplined as a result of his actions – with the likes he made public quickly being rescinded. He will be hoping to figure in Ten Hag’s plans when United face Coventry at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for an "incredible" Premier League player, and his current club's asking price has now been revealed.
Liverpool eyeing Premier League ace
The Reds could be in the market for a new signing or two during the January transfer window, even though Jurgen Klopp has assembled one of the strongest squads in the club's history.
While Liverpool did some excellent summer business when it came to bolstering the midfield, the lack of an elite No.6 is continuing to hold them back, with Alexis Mac Allister not looking like a natural in the role.
Elsewhere, Klopp could feel that he needs to bring in a centre-back who is also adept at left-back, providing competition for Virgil van Dijk and also acting as an upgrade on Kostas Tsimikas, who arguably isn't a strong enough deputy to Andy Robertson.
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly has been linked with a move to Liverpool, having matured into a consistent performer for the Cherries, with his versatility at the back something that immediately stands out.
The Reds transfer target is out of contract at the end of this season, so January would be the last chance for his current club to receive a fee for him.
Liverpool learn Lloyd Kelly asking price
According to Football Insider, Liverpool will have to pay approximately £25-30m to sign Lloyd Kelly, but they aren't alone in showing an interest:
"Liverpool and Tottenham will have to pay around £25-30million for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed such a fee would be too good to turn down for the Cherries, with Kelly, 25, out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
[…]
"It is believed Spurs had a late £20million bid for Kelly rejected by Bournemouth in the most recent summer window as they did not have adequate time to find a replacement. And Liverpool are now ready to go head-to-head with Ange Postecoglou’s side for the former England Under-21 man as they target a versatile defender."
Kelly could be a brilliant option for Liverpool in January, not necessarily being the household name that some supporters want to come in, such as Reds target and Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio, but acting as a solid signing who can shine in a couple of positions.
This season, Kelly's statistics for Bournemouth have been impressive, with the 25-year-old averaging 2.1 clearances and 1.3 tackles per game in the Premier League, starting seven matches in the competition.
The Englishman has also been lauded by former Cherries manager Gary O'Neil, who said of him earlier this year after an impressive performance up against Mohamed Salah:
"I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn't have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world."
The fact that he held his own so well when faced with Salah last season further speaks volumes about what a good signing he could be for Liverpool, and he would also add to the Reds' homegrown quota at Anfield.
West Ham are set to launch fresh approach for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, who also attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan.
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West Ham still eyeing Gimenez
Talks took place in January
Arsenal, Tottenham & Milan interested
WHAT HAPPENED?
West Ham continue to target a new striker, with Gimenez remaining on the club's radar following January interest. reports that, having held "extensive talks" during the winter window but failing to agree a deal, the Hammers are back in for the Mexican forward. But Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan are all thought to hold similar rival interest.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gimenez has risen to prominence due to his goalsoring prowess for Feyenoord. Since joining the Dutch side in July 2022, he has found the net 47 times in 85 appearances across all competitions, securing the Eredivisie title in 2022-23 and the KNVB Cup in 2023-24. Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham have all lacked a consistent source of goals from a 'number nine' this season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Arsenal haven't had a player reach 20 goals in all competitions since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019-20, although winger Bukayo Saka could reach that milestone this season after scoring 18 so far. For West Ham, a 20-goal season as a top flight club hasn't happened since John Hartson way back in 1997-98.
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WHAT NEXT FOR GIMENEZ?
Gimenez's Feyenoord trail PSV in the Eredivisie by nine points with only four points to go, all but ensuring their title will soon be lost. But the 23-year-old will quickly be in international action this summer in the Copa America, with Mexico expecting to do well after being drawn into a favourable group with Jamaica, Venezuela and Ecuador. A big performance in the tournament could even inflate his price tag.