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Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash in the attacking department to try and soften the blow of Harry Kane’s departure in 2023.

The Lilywhites spent £55m on the services of Mohammed Kudus this summer, with the Ghanaian occupying a starting role under Thomas Frank off the right-hand side of the frontline.

He’s already made an immediate impact in North London, as seen by his tally of one goal and four assists in the Premier League – with the latter the joint-highest of any player in the division.

However, club-record signing Dominic Solanke has struggled for fitness this campaign, with the £65m addition currently being restricted to just 31 minutes of league action due to an ongoing ankle issue.

Despite the struggles of the Englishman, one first-team member who’s been injury-free has often struggled to meet the high expectations he’s set for himself at the club.

How Johnson compares to Premier League wingers in 2025/26

Last season was arguably the best of Brennan Johnson’s professional career, with the winger ending the campaign on a total of 18 goals across all competitions.

Such a tally was the highest in the first-team squad, which undoubtedly helped catapult the Lilywhites to Europa League glory under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance.

However, many expected the Welshman to kick on after scoring the winner in the final, but Kudus and Frank’s arrival has seen a huge decline in his numbers during the first few months of 2025/26.

The 24-year-old has only registered a total of 0.9 shots per 90 in the league this season, with such a tally ranking him in the 12% percentile – meaning 88% of wingers have managed more in the Premier League.

He’s also created just 0.7 chances per 90 to date, placing him in the 18th percentile, which has restricted him to registering zero assists for his teammates at present.

Johnson has massively struggled to get past the opposition, with his tally of 0.5 dribbles completed per 90 showcasing his lack of impact – subsequently placing him in the 23rd percentile compared to other wingers.

As a result of his dismal form in North London, the club have been constantly on the lookout for other talents, which has resulted in one player appearing on their radar.

Frank's answer to Semenyo

In recent weeks, Spurs have been just one side touted with a potential winter move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo after his incredible start to the current campaign.

The Ghanaian has been Andoni Iraola’s shining light to date, as reflected in his remarkable tally of six goals and three assists in just his first 11 matches of 2025/26.

Such form has captured the attention of numerous Premier League outfits, with Arsenal, Liverpool and the Lilywhites just three clubs on red alert for his signature.

It was reported this week that the 25-year-old has a £65m release clause that becomes active from January 1st, which could see one of the aforementioned sides grab themselves a bargain.

However, with competition being fierce for his services, it’s unclear how much of a chance Frank’s men will have in completing a deal for one of the country’s hottest prospects.

Should the Lilywhites miss out on a deal, the fans shouldn’t worry, with the club already having their answer to Semenyo in the form of winger Wilson Odobert, a player described as “a mixture of [Bradley] Barcola and Aaron Lennon” by one Sky Sports analyst.

The Frenchman joined the club in a £25m deal from Burnley last summer, but has had to bide his time in North London, often resorting to minutes off the substitutes bench.

However, in recent weeks, he’s made a major impact on Frank’s side, registering an assist against Manchester United and subsequently securing a point in the 2-2 draw.

Despite his lack of action, Odobert has been labelled a “super talent” by former boss Postecoglou, with Frank needing to hand him a more consistent starting role.

When comparing his stats to those of Semenyo, the 20-year-old has managed to outperform the in-form star in numerous key areas – subsequently showcasing the talent he possesses.

Odobert has managed to achieve an average of 4.5 progressive carries and 4.3 progressive passes per 90 – with both of the aforementioned tallies higher than the Cherries star.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, with more of his efforts being key passes per 90 – subsequently offering a more creative threat in attacking areas.

The Frenchman’s dominance is further reflected in his higher take-on success rate, with Frank desperately needing to place more faith in the youngster.

£65m for Semenyo would still be an excellent deal in the current climate, but ultimately, the Lilywhites should look to avoid a move for the winger in the near future.

Such a transfer would only halt Odobert’s progress in North London, with the youngster still having bags of potential to fulfil during his period under Frank’s guidance.

Spurs have their new Parrott in academy star who's been "compared to Kane"

This Tottenham Hotspur youngster could be a future star in North London despite his struggles this season.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 20, 2025

يستضيف فريق مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي خصمه فريق باير ليفركوزن الألماني، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26.

تأتي تلك المباراة في خضم منافسات الجولة الخامسة من مرحلة الدوري، دوري أبطال أوروبا، لذلك الموسم على ملعب “الاتحاد”.

طالع | تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام باير ليفركوزن في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. موقف عمر مرموش

ويدخل مانشستر سيتي تلك المباراة وهو يحتل المركز الرابع في جدول البطولة برصيد 10 نقطة، بينما يحتل باير ليفركوزن المركز الحادي والعشرين برصيد 5 نقاط.

ويأمل النجم المصري عمر مرموش المشاركة في مباراة اليوم والحصول على دقائق أكثر مقارنة بما كان عليه وضعه في الفترة الأخيرة، حيث عانى من التهميش، في ظل الأداء الجيد من جانب الثلاثي إيرلينج هالاند، جيريمي دوكو وفيل فودين. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي المتوقع أمام باير ليفركوزن اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: جيانلويجي دوناروما.

خط الدفاع: ريكو لويس، جون ستونز، جفارديول، ريان آيت نوري.

خط الوسط: نيكو جونزاليس، سافينيو.

خط الوسط الهجومي: تيجاني ريندرز، فيل فودين، جيريمي دوكو.

خط الهجوم: إيرلينج هالاند. 

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

Sadaf Shamas has been ruled out of Pakistan’s T20I series in Ireland after tearing her left quadriceps muscle during a practice session in Karachi. Opening batter Shawaal Zulfiqar will replace her in the squad.Zulfiqar, who has played three ODIs and seven T20Is, was among the 24 players who were part of the skills camp in Karachi last month. She will join the Ireland-bound squad on August 3.Zulfiqar’s last T20I was in December 2023, after which she was out of action with a shoulder injury. She made a comeback earlier this year for the Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier in Lahore. She played two games and scored eight runs.The 15-member squad will be led by Fatima Sana and includes 20-year-old batter Eyman Fatima, who was rewarded for her success in the National T20 tournament.The series against Ireland starts on August 6. All three T20Is will be played in Belfast.

Pakistan squad for Ireland T20Is

Fatima Sana (capt), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar

When Chelsea raced into a three-goal lead away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night during a frantic first half, it looked as if Enzo Maresca’s men had the easiest passage through to the next round of the EFL Cup.

Nobody told Vitor Pereira’s hosts to just roll over in the second half, though, as a spirited fight-back from the bottom-of-the-table Premier League side shocked the complacent Blues, who just about got over the line in the end to reach the quarter finals with a surprisingly slim 4-3 victory.

It was very much a night where the attackers shone at Molineux for both sides, with Jamie Gittens sticking out as one of Chelsea’s brightest performers, as the ex-Borussia Dortmund attacker continues to show Maresca why he is deserving of more consistent first-team minutes.

Gittens' standout night versus Wolves

Indeed, the £48.5m summer recruit has just started just two Premier League games so far this season for the Italian.

Yet, he is definitely banging down the door now to be a common starter under the ex-Leicester City boss, with an assist picked up against Ajax in the Champions League earlier in the month, being followed up now by the exciting number 11 sealing a crucial fourth goal for the under-pressure Blues in the West Midlands.

Gittens wasn’t fazed by the strain of a Wolves comeback, though, as he rifled home this fierce effort to gift the under-the-cosh visitors a 4-2 lead, and himself his first ever Chelsea strike, which was well needed in both respects, considering David Møller Wolfe clinched a brace late on.

The 21-year-old’s creative flair was also on full display again in the EFL Cup, with two assists picked up right at the start of the match by the electric left winger, setting the tone for what would become an enthralling contest under the Molineux floodlights.

He will surely be retained in Maresca’s starting XI when Chelsea return to Premier League action, but one of Gittens’ teammates on the night won’t be so lucky, as his feeble defending – in particular – nearly cost his away side dear in their bid to lift the EFL Cup.

Maresca must now axe 5/10 Chelsea star

Heading into this mid-week clash against the Old Gold, the Chelsea manager will have been looking for a response from his troops after they slipped to a late defeat to Sunderland in the league.

Maresca would have been keeping a close eye on how Tosin Adarabioyo fared at the back, after the Chelsea number four was far too lax with Black Cats striker Brian Brobbey in the late stages of that 2-1 loss, which led to Chemsdine Talbi then hammering home a killer blow.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

89

Accurate passes

66/73 (90%)

Tackles won

0/2

Interceptions

3

Clearances

6

Blocked shots

0

Ball recoveries

3

Total duels won

7/12

Safe to say, when looking at the table above, the 45-year-old would have been, once again, let down by his captain’s weak efforts, with the 6-foot-5 centre-back only managing to win three of his seven aerial duels during the 4-3 win.

Moreover, Adarabioyo would also struggle when going in for tackles, with zero tackles actually won – from two attempted – no doubt boosting the confidence of the hosts to go far more gung-ho in the second half to try and pull off a shock comeback.

Adarabioyo has also looked visibly shaky in the Premier League in recent matches, too, with possession being given away 19 times against Manchester United at the tail-end of September, resulting in the London-born centre-back being given limited minutes off the substitutes bench in the following league matches.

With Trevoh Chalobah also being scrutinised at the back as of late, it will be interesting to see who Maresca plays in the heart of defence as Chelsea clash with near-London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the start of November, with Adarabioyo no doubt targeted by Thomas Frank’s set-piece-heavy side, based on his unassertive showing at Molineux.

The leaky 28-year-old would, subsequently, be handed a low 5/10 rating post-match by Football London’s Bobby Vincent, who stated that the lofty number four looked very shoddy when ‘called into action a lot more’ in the second half.

Thankfully, as much as the match will be remembered for some ropey defending, it will also be remembered, rightly, for some top-drawer attacking prowess, with Gittens – who was gifted a 9/10 rating by Vincent – ready to become a Chelsea first-teamer now, while his ex-Fulham teammate prepares for a spot on the bench against Spurs.

Maresca handed Vlahovic boost amid renewed stance with Chelsea "offered" January deal

The Blues could strike a mid-season bargain.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 29, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta semana, Arturo Vidal virou grande preocupação para o Athletico-PR. Na partida entre Chile e Colômbia, pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2026, o volante foi substituído, aos 27 minutos do segundo tempo, com dores no joelho. Posteriormente, o departamento médico da federação confirmou uma lesão traumática aguda do menisco com bloqueio articular do joelho direito.

RelacionadasFutebol LatinoFederação Chilena confirma gravidade da lesão de Arturo VidalFutebol Latino13/09/2023Futebol LatinoCanobbio destaca elemento emocional de estreia nas EliminatóriasFutebol Latino08/09/2023Fora de CampoJogo do Flamengo em Cariacica tem confusão generalizada; veja vídeoFora de Campo14/09/2023

Vidal passou por cirurgia nesta quinta-feira (14), comandada pelos médicos da seleção chilena, e não deve mais entrar em campo neste ano. Isso significa que o volante pode até mesmo não vestir mais a camisa do Furacão, já que seu contrato vai até o final de 2023.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

O chileno chegou ao Athletico-PR em julho depois de rescindir seu contrato com o Flamengo. Desde então, vestiu a camisa do Furacão em nove jogos, sendo titular em oito. Pelas redes sociais, Vidal agradeceu as mensagens de apoio.

Looking ahead to 2026, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign a former Real Madrid defender alongside a number of Premier League rivals.

David Moyed "thrilled" with Crystal Palace win

Without a win in four games in all competitions and heading into the Hill Dickinson to host a Crystal Palace side without a defeat in 19 games, Everton looked destined for an uphill battle on Sunday. The Eagles had just defeated the Premier League champions in Liverpool and were after another Merseyside scalp – taking the lead through Daniel Munoz.

As bad as Barry: Moyes must drop Everton star who won just 30% duels

Everton won vs Palace but some of their new signings struggled to impress.

1 ByWill Miller Oct 6, 2025

From there, it seemed as though Everton were set to hand Palace the 20-game unbeaten run that they were after, only for the Hill Dickinson to get its most dramatic moment yet.

After equalising through Iliman Ndiaye in the final 15 minutes, the stage was set for someone to become a hero and that someone was Jack Grealish. The Manchester City loanee was perfectly placed to benefit from Munoz’s clearance and simply deflected home to hand his side a 93rd-minute winner.

David Moyes, like every Everton fan inside the Hill Dickinson, was left “thrilled” by his side’s dramatic comeback – telling reporters: “I’m thrilled with the three points, thrilled with the result.

“Mixed emotions on the performance. Not very good at all in the first half and could have been three down, but kept defending, kept stuck at it, showed a bit of resilience.

“I’ve been waiting on a late goal here. Aston Villa was 0-0, we couldn’t quite get the winner against West Ham, so I was hoping we’d get one of them. Thankfully, we got it today.”

Having sealed the three points, Moyes’ side now sit as high as eighth in the Premier League and providing an early marker to become shock contenders for a European place – something that should boost their transfer ambitions.

Everton join race to sign Mario Gila

According to The Boot Room, Everton have joined the race to sign Mario Gila from Lazio in 2026. The former Real Madrid defender has attracted interest from all around the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth all joining Everton in the battle to secure his signature.

It’s no real surprise that interest is rising in the 25-year-old, who has been one of few bright sparks in Maurizio Sarri’s struggling Lazio side.

Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was also full of praise for the Spanish defender after signing him from Real Madrid, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”

Considering concerns that Jarrad Branthwaite could still leave Everton, Gila wouldn’t exactly be a bad signing to welcome in 2026. The Spaniard is at the peak of his powers and already has impressive experience under his belt.

It would be yet another ambitious move from The Friedkin Group, who’d be signing a former Real Madrid gem ahead of their rivals.

Gio Lo Celso grabbed the only goal as Argentina eased to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a rather drab international friendly held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The reigning World Cup champions were a little languid as the game wore on in the absence of Lionel Messi, who was rested, but did enough in the first half to secure a narrow win.

enjoyed a positive start in the first half. Nico Paz, handed a place in the starting XI by manager Lionel Scaloni after a fine few months for Como, pulled the strings, and was unfortunate not to score – pinging a shot off the post. They continued to push, and were eventually good value for the opener. A loose ball fell to the feet of Lautaro Martinez, who fed Lo Celso. His shot was poor, but it deflected off the goalkeeper and into goal in the 31st minute. 

Argentina had further chances in the second half. Julian Alvarez had a couple of looks denied. Martinez got more involved in the attack. But they were otherwise slightly off pace in key areas, and missing a final ball as Venezuela sat in. La Vinotinto had their moments, though. They offered some attacking threat late on and cracked a shot off the bar. Scaloni's side struggled as they rotated, their attacking threat diminished as they missed Messi's impetus. Martinez thought he had sealed it late on, but was denied by a remarkable double save to keep the scoreline close. 

GOAL rates Argentina's players from Hard Rock Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

Made a couple of tidy interventions when needed, and offered some calm when his side lost control. 

Nahuel Molina (5/10):

Got done a couple of times on the right. Looked tired by the time he was subbed, too. 

Cristian Romero (6/10):

Up for the fight, but rather lost his head here and there. His side could have done with a little more defensive solidity. 

Marcos Senesi (6/10):

Looked a little vulnerable at times, and could have offered a bit more support when Venezuela broke. 

Nico Tagliafico (6/10):

Very little to report from a solid 45 minutes. Occupied spaces, moved the ball well enough. 

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

Completed by far the most passes in the match, but most of them were sideways. 

Gio Lo Celso (8/10):

Grabbed the opening goal and was really positive in midfield. Comfortable Argentina's best performer. 

Leandro Paredes (7/10):

A good hour. Looked to be a bit more expansive in his passing, and found some valuable pockets of space. Continues to make a case for World Cup inclusion. 

Nico Paz (6/10):

Really lively early on, and made things happen in the pocket. His influence waned as the game wore on. 

GettyAttack

Lautaro Martinez (8/10):

Showed a great bit of unselfishness to feed Lo Celso. Deserved a goal, but saw a couple of shots well denied. 

Julian Alvarez (6/10):

Pressed like an absolute animal, but struggled to get anything going in an attacking sense. 

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GettySubs & Manager

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

A solid half. In with a shout to start at left-back.

Giuliano Simeone (6/10):

Provided loads of energy, but not much in the way of quality.

Alexis Mac Allister (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Rodrigo De Paul (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Leonardo Balerdi (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Lionel Scaloni (7/10):

Experimented a bit with Messi out of the squad. His side was bright early, but ran out of ideas a little late on. Will take the win, even if the performance didn't entirely convince. 

England's Lucy Bronze has lifted the lid on Sarina Wiegman's impeccable tactics from the Euro 2025 final win over Spain in July. The Lionesses came from a goal down to beat the World Cup holders on penalties in a dramatic match in Switzerland. Now, Chelsea ace Bronze has opened up on how Alessia Russo's all-important equaliser was planned to a tee by the boss.

Bronze enhances England legend status

The 33-year-old's glowing reputation improved further still after her starring role in the Lionesses' run to Euros glory this summer. She kick-started their fightback against Sweden with a goal in the quarter-finals of the competition, when they looked down and out, and scored the crucial spot-kick in the penalty shootout to send her side through.

The former Barcelona player also used all of her experience, quality, and craft in the semi-final and final as England retained their Euros crown. Manager Wiegman once again collected the coach of the year award at this year's Ballon d'Or after winning another international trophy, and going by her tactical nous, something Bronze went into detail on, it is easy to see why.

AdvertisementBronze explains England's Euro 2025 final equaliser

She said on the podcast with Jill Scott and Karen Carney: "I loved the goal that we scored, and I didn't even touch the ball. If I'm a second six[with Keira Walsh], [Aitana] Bonmati and Alexia [Putellas] have to pick us up, and then Patri [Guijarro] has to pick up [Ella] Tooney and G[eorgia Stanway] because they don't pick up four very well. We watched it in other games that they leave Patri to run between them.

"So I'm coming in, and Alexia thinks she's picked me up, so she doesn't have to pick up a midfielder behind her, then Bonmati is slow to Keira, Keira gets it, turns, and then Georgia's completely free because Patri's running between two players.

"Georgia gets it, turns, Chloe [Kelly] crosses…and I was like, 'That was us!' I didn't touch the ball, but I just scored for England! That was literally what we were told to do, the tactics. That was my role. I did it so Keira and Georgia could play, and we scored – I couldn't believe it."

Bronze shows her unreal grit for Lionesses

After England won the Euros, defender Bronze revealed she had played the entire tournament with a fractured leg. 

She said in late July: "I actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no one knew. I just hurt my knee today on the other leg. That is why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game because I have been in a lot of pain. But if that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do – they know that. We inspire each other by playing through things like that, and it got us to the end, in the end."

Wiegman was in awe of Bronze's "crazy mentality" after playing almost 600 minutes in the competition, with only Hannah Hampton, Keira Walsh, and Alex Greenwood on the pitch for longer. 

She added: "She had some issues with her tibia so of course we tried to manage that. When you play 120 minutes you're not managing it are you? The whole team has a great mentality but she has a crazy mentality, it's unbelievable."

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AFPEngland return for Bronze may be out of reach

The former Manchester City and Lyon full-back is yet to play for Chelsea this season due to injury, with the defending Women's Super League champions currently top of the table with three wins from three. 

Incidentally, Blues manager Sonia Bompastor said on Bronze's condition earlier this month: "It's difficult for now to put a timeframe on Lucy's return, but she's doing well. She's in a good place mentally and physically, so hopefully she will come back soon. I think she's still some weeks away from a return on the pitch."

The Lionesses are next in action for celebratory friendlies against Brazil and Australia on October 25 and 28, respectively. It may be a long shot for Bronze to be fit for then.

West Ham United are now seriously considering a spectacular move for an “unstoppable” striker, who has made a flying start to the 2025-26 campaign.

West Ham need to sign new striker before deadline

Following Michail Antonio’s departure earlier this summer, West Ham brought in Callum Wilson, but with the 33-year-old joining on a one-year incentive-based deal, he is unlikely to be a long-term solution, especially given the former Newcastle United man’s recent injury record.

Season

Games missed through injury

2022-23

9

2023-24

28

2024-25

29

Jarrod Bowen has led the line for the Hammers in the early stages of the new season, but the 28-year-old is yet to get on the scoresheet, and even clashed with a fan after the most recent 3-2 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.

With Niclas Fullkrug also set to turn 33 this season, the Hammers could without doubt do with signing a young centre-forward, capable of leading the line at the London Stadium for years to come, and they have now set their sights on a striker who ticks those boxes.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, West Ham are now seriously considering a spectacular move for FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju, who is attracting widespread interest after making a flying start to the new campaign.

The Irons and Serie A side Como are among the clubs prepared to make an early move for Dju, with both sides expressing a willingness to offer a fee in the region of £11m for the 21-year-old’s services, although it could be difficult to get a deal over the line.

West Ham in shock talks for "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history"

Potter is in a desperate situation.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 27, 2025

The youngster is viewed as a player with top-class potential by Graham Potter’s side, but FC Midtjylland are very reluctant to sell, given that it would be near-impossible to replace their star player, with the summer transfer window set to draw to a close very soon.

"Unstoppable" Dju has made fantastic start to the campaign

Scout Jacek Kulig has been left enamoured by the way in which the young centre-forward has started the campaign, recently lauding him as “unstoppable”, and it is evident to see why.

The Guinea-Bissau international already has nine goals to his name in all competitions, and he is showing signs of real development, having eclipsed his league goal tally from the 2024-25 campaign at this early stage.

It would be a risk for West Ham to sign Dju, given that the Midtjylland star is yet to prove himself in a major European league, but the Hammers are in desperate need of a new centre-forward, with Wilson making little impact in his three outings up to this point.

It is also an added bonus that the former Benfica man is still very young at 21-years-old, given that Potter is well-known to have worked with the oldest squad in the Premier League last season.

Australia’s captain completed running, fielding and batting just days after being in a moon boot

Alex Malcolm28-Jan-2025Australia captain Alyssa Healy is making a bold bid to play in the historic day-night Ashes Test at the MCG starting on Thursday after completing a full training session two days out despite battling a stress injury in her foot that saw her miss the entire T20I series while wearing a moon boot.Healy participated fully in Australia’s first main session at the MCG and looked impressive with no signs of pain or limitations with her right foot.She began with a running session with six other team-mates, including Ashleigh Gardner who is coming off a calf injury. The pair moved well with other team-mates doing multiple laps of the MCG in intervals at a very solid intensity.Related

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Australia hope Healy can play as a batter in Ashes Test

Healy also did short sprints thereafter without issue and then took part in Australia’s fielding session. Healy will be in the outfield if she does play and had no trouble during the session which was completed at a good intensity. She then had a solid hit in the nets cycling through pace, spin and throw downs and had no trouble at any stage on her feet.Speaking prior to the training session, coach Shelley Nitschke said no decision had been made on whether Healy would play and that the team management would wait to see how Healy pulled up after testing her foot.”She’s going as well as can be expected,” Nitschke said. “I think you’ve all seen her out in a boot and taking some weight off of that foot.”She will have a test today, and we’ll just sort of see where that lands and have some discussions about that, whether or not we think she’s going to be okay for a four day test.”Nitschke said they would try and leave the decision as late as possible but they were wary of creating problems around role clarity given Healy’s significance as the captain and a senior batter.”We don’t have to actually lock it in until the toss,” Nitschke said. “But obviously there’s repercussions around that with who’s the captain and what our line-up looks like. So I think people sort of want to know their role coming in, so as soon as we can we will, but it certainly doesn’t have to be today.”The coach did admit there was some emotion involved in the decision. It is the first time women will play a Test match at the MCG since 1949 and the occasion will be historic as the two teams celebrate the 90-year anniversary of women’s Test cricket.Australia’s women have not played at the MCG since the 2020 T20 World Cup final where Healy was player of the match. There have been multiple WBBL games at the venue since but Healy has not played in any of those. She has played at the MCG just 12 times in her career.Australia do not play another Test until February-March of 2026 by which time Healy will be nearly 36. There is a possibility, given her recent injury struggles, that this could be the final opportunity she has to play Test cricket and to appear at the MCG although she has not given any hint as to when she may finish her international career.Alyssa Healy is pushing to play in the historic day-night Test at the MCG•Cricket Australia/Getty Images

“I think it’s just about keeping in mind what’s best for the team and making sure we’re putting the best team we can out there to perform,” Nitschke said. “So that’s always been front and foremost. But we don’t play a lot of Tests, so there’s sort of some emotion involved there, but we want to do what’s best for the team and see what happens.”Nitschke confirmed Gardner was fit and would play after overcoming her calf injury. She completed her running, batting and bowling without issue and looms as a key player after her player of the match performance in the third ODI and her player of the match performance in the last Ashes Test in England in 2023.Nitschke added the selectors were unsure of how they would structure the XI for the day-night Test. Spin has been a huge part of Australia’s six victories in the white-ball matches so far but the MCG has been one of the most seam-friendly pitches in long-form men’s cricket since the drop-ins were redone in 2019. The pitch was under cover throughout the evening on Tuesday and neither side were able to look at it.”We certainly look at what the pitch has played like in whether it’s Shield and the Test match, and then considering the pink ball as well and what that brings to the game,” Nitschke said. “So we certainly do look at the results and how the wicket has played in the men’s game, because there’s been no female longer format played here. And then obviously use, what’s happened in the white-ball series as well as some intel to how we’re matching up.”England were equally unsure how the surface would play but seamer Kate Cross looms as an option after completing two full bowling spells on Tuesday without appearing in too much discomfort having missed the ODI series with a back problem. Cross wasn’t part of the T20I squad so has been based in Melbourne preparing for the Test.It has been a forgettable tour for England but there is a chance to end on a high•Getty Images

Nat Sciver-Brunt was unsure whether Cross would be available for selection but she was positive about what she faced from her.”I don’t know,” she said. “You’ll have to ask the physios who will review with her as to whether she got through the net sessions, alright. And I’m sure tomorrow will have a good bearing on that as well. She’s tracking good. It’s nice to see her rocking out a few overs in the nets as well. I think she got through two spells today. It’s great to see her back to being herself.”Sciver-Brunt did not shy away from the fact that the tour had been extremely difficult for the team, stating that it might have been worse than their last trip down under in 2021-22 when they lost the Ashes 12-4 under Covid restrictions, only claiming points from the drawn Test and two washed out T20Is.But she said the incentive of performing well in a historic Test had the team excited to finish the tour on a bright note.”It is difficult,” Sciver-Brunt said. “But I think being a Test match at the end of that at this iconic venue, we love putting on the whites. We love the fact that we get to create new memories with our team-mates, with our close friends, and hopefully put a good showing of ourselves.”Grateful that we’ve got opportunity to do that after six games. But the last few days have been tough. But, we’ve regrouped, and we’ll do our best to stay up.”