Rajat Patidar was earlier a part of the India A one-day squad, but has now been moved to the Rest of India squad with Shreyas Iyer coming into the limited-overs side

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2025In a major change, Shreyas Iyer, who skipped the second four-day match between India A and Australia A as part of his break from red-ball cricket, will now lead the India A 50-over side for the three matches against the same opponents between September 30 and October 5 in Kanpur. Earlier, on September 14, the BCCI had announced that Rajat Patidar would lead India A in the first one-day game, and Tilak Varma in the subsequent games.While no vice-captain has been chosen for the first match, Tilak, who is currently in the UAE as part of India’s Asia Cup squad, will be Iyer’s deputy for the second and third games.Meanwhile, Patidar, having recently led Central Zone to the domestic season-opening Duleep Trophy title, has been removed from the India A one-day squad and will instead lead the Rest of India squad against Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha in the Irani Cup, to be played in Nagpur from October 1.Related

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Along with Tilak, other Asia Cup squad members Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh will join the India A squad for the second and third matches. Leaving the squad after the first match will be Priyansh Arya and Simarjeet Singh, as was announced earlier.India A squad for 1st one-day matchShreyas Iyer (capt), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abishek Porel (wk), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet SinghIndia A squad for 2nd and 3rd one-day matchesShreyas Iyer (capt), Tilak Varma (vice-capt), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (wk), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep SinghRajat Patidar will hope to add the Irani Cup to the Duleep Trophy•PTI Gaikwad, Kishan add muscle to Rest of India squadFor the Irani Cup match, the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yash Dhull, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Akash Deep and Khaleel Ahmed, among others, will join forces with Patidar to try and get past Vidarbha at their home base in Nagpur.Of the Rest of India players, Abhimanyu, Kotian, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel and Suthar have been part of the action in the four-dayers against Australia A in Lucknow.Returning from an elbow injury, which kept him out since the first leg of matches in IPL 2025, Gaikwad scored 184 in the first innings of West Zone’s Duleep Trophy game against Central Zone in early September, signalling his good form. Dhull is another batter who comes into the Rest of India squad in good form, having scored 133 in a Duleep Trophy game last month.The match will also mark the competitive comeback of Akash Deep, who was rested for the Duleep Trophy after his exertions in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England, where he played three of the five Tests and starred with a ten-wicket haul in the second Test at Edgbaston. He joins forces with Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar and Khaleel, with the spin department headlined by Saransh Jain, the Player of the Series at the Duleep Trophy, Kotian and Suthar.Rest of India squad for Irani Cup match vs VidarbhaRajat Patidar (capt), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh JainVidarbha squad for Irani CupAkshay Wadkar (capt, wk), Yash Rathod (vice-capt), Atharva Taide, Aman Mokhade, Danish Malewar, Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Aditya Thakare, Akshay Karnewar, Yash Kadam, Shivam Deshmukh (wk), Praful Hinge, Dhruv Shorey

تحدث أحمد عبد الرؤوف، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، عن مواجهة فريق زيسكو الزامبي المقبلة في بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية 2025-2026.

ويستعد الزمالك لملاقاة زيسكو، غدًا الأحد، في الجولة الأولى لدور المجموعات للبطولة، على ستاد القاهرة الدولي، في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً.

وقال عبد الرؤوف في المؤتمر الصحفي: “مباراة الغد ستكون على روح محمد صبري، ونسعى لتقديم لقاء كبير، اللاعبون سيبذلون قصارى جهدهم من أجل تكريم روح النجم الراحل”.

وتابع: “الزمالك في مجموعة قوية وصعبة، وكل فريق فيها له اسم في القارة، الزمالك اسم كبير يسعى لخوض البطولة بقوة، وسنخوض كل مباراة بهدف الفوز وتقديم أداء يليق بتاريخ النادي”.

وأضاف: “لاعبو الزمالك لديهم الخبرة الكافية للتعامل مع الضغوطات، ومباراة زيسكو مهمة جدًا لأنها البداية في مشوار دور المجموعات”.

طالع أيضًا | عمر جابر: نطمح أن تكون بداية الزمالك في الكونفدرالية قوية

وعن الإصابات التي يعاني منها الفريق، قال عبد الرؤوف: “الزمالك خاض 3 مباريات في 10 أيام وفقد لاعبين مؤثرين، وسيتم التعامل مع هذا الأمر بشكل أفضل. جميع اللاعبين في جاهزية تامة للمباراة المقبلة”.

وأوضح بشأن ترتيب حراس المرمى: “محمد صبحي غاب عن مباراة السوبر المحلي بسبب الإصابة، ومحمد عواد تحمل المسؤولية في وقت صعب، وهما رقما واحد بالنسبة لي في الفترة الحالية”.

وحول موقف اللاعبين المتأخرين، قال: “شيكو بانزا لاعبا بالفريق، وأخطرنا بوفاة شقيقه وأرسل لنا شهادة الوفاة، كما أن أوشينج بارون تأخر بسبب ظروف الطيران، ونحن نتعامل مع كل الظروف التي يمر بها اللاعبون”.

واختتم تصريحاته قائلاً: “نحتاج للصبر في الحكم على المدربين المصريين، فهناك مدربين على أعلى مستوى ويحتاجون إلى الوقت لإظهار قدراتهم”.

Barcelona have finally received the kind of news they have been waiting months for. Pedri’s accelerated recovery puts him on course to face Chelsea in a crucial Champions League clash, Joan Garcia is set to return after the break, Raphinha has also entered the final phase of his rehabilitation, with their injury returns coming at an ideal time for manager Hansi Flick.

• Pedri’s fast-tracked return ahead of Chelsea clash

  Pedri’s injury during the El Clasico loss to Madrid was one of the defining blows of Barcelona’s turbulent season. The midfielder tore the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh, a serious hamstring injury that was expected to leave him out for six weeks. The timeline meant missing vital Champions League fixtures and the entire November international window, depriving Barca of the player who dictates tempo, links phases, and provides balance in midfield.

  In his absence, Barcelona visibly suffered. Without Pedri’s positional intelligence and control, their build-up became erratic, transitions slower, and Flick’s game model lost its anchor. Matches against Club Brugge and league opponents highlighted how heavily the side still leans on his presence.

  However, in a major and somewhat unexpected twist, Pedri has responded extremely well to treatment, allowing Barcelona’s medical staff to accelerate his reintegration. Journalist Xavi Campos confirmed that he is now expected to be available for the Champions League clash against Chelsea on November 25 in a match that could decide top spot in the table. Barcelona will not risk him against Athletic Club, but the plan is clear: Pedri will be eased in at Stamford Bridge.

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  Joan Garcia’s return restores stability between the posts

  If Pedri’s injury hurt Barcelona’s structure, Garcia’s absence damaged their foundations. Before tearing his medial meniscus in late September, the 24-year-old was in outstanding form: seven matches, three clean sheets, only five goals conceded.

  His injury, which required arthroscopic surgery on September 27, came at the worst possible moment. Barcelona had begun to settle defensively, and Garcia’s chemistry with the back line was improving every week. His replacement, Wojciech Szczesny, offered experience but struggled to replicate Garcia’s calm presence. Over nine matches, Barca conceded far more chances, lacked assurance in build-up, and visibly missed their first-choice keeper.

  The international break, however, has worked in Barcelona’s favour. With no competitive fixtures, Garcia has been able to use the fortnight to complete the final stages of his rehabilitation without pressure. Reports now confirm he is fully recovered and expected to start against Athletic Bilbao when La Liga resumes.

• Raphinha enters the decisive phase of his recovery

  The international break also offered Barcelona something they have rarely enjoyed this season: a quiet training environment with no new injuries and even better, clear signs of progress. The most encouraging update concerns Raphinha, who has officially entered the final phase of his recovery.

  The winger has been working individually at Ciutat Esportiva, focusing on strength, explosiveness and controlled workload to avoid setbacks. With only a handful of first-team players in training, all eyes shifted to him and every report from inside the club described his evolution as “very positive.” If his progress continues, he is expected to rejoin full sessions right after the international break, giving Flick another guaranteed starter during a period in which rotation will be unavoidable.

  His comeback also arrives at a moment when other attacking options, such as Lamine Yamal, remain in longer recovery programmes.

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  Rare positive window for Flick amid a season of setbacks

  For coach Flick, the first months of the season have resembled a survival test rather than a smooth managerial transition. Multiple key players dropped out with long-term injuries, medical disagreements created tension with national teams, and constant squad disruption made it nearly impossible to establish a consistent style of play.

  At various points, Flick lost Pedri, Raphinha, Gavi, Garcia, Yamal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and several defenders. Tactical adjustments became reactive rather than strategic, and results fluctuated as Barcelona tried to adapt.

  This is why the current wave of good news feels so significant. Pedri’s accelerated return, Garcia’s full recovery, and Raphinha’s advancing rehabilitation collectively give Barcelona something they have not had all season which is continuity. Flick will finally be able to work with a more complete squad, regain tactical balance, and build consistency ahead of a demanding fixture calendar.

Manchester City and Manchester United have entered a fierce battle to sign Burkina Faso sensation Mohamed Zongo, the 15-year-old attacking midfielder who dazzled at the U17 World Cup. Both clubs have already held talks with the Tenakourou Academy as Europe’s elite begin circling for a prodigy who produced goals, assists and man-of-the-match displays to lead Burkina Faso to the quarter-finals.

Man City and Man Utd interested in Burkina Faso wonderkid

City and United have both made formal approaches to the Tenakourou Academy as interest intensifies in Burkina Faso wonderkid Zongo as per Africa Foot. The 15-year-old attacking midfielder burst into global prominence during the U17 World Cup, where his two goals, three assists and standout performances placed him among the tournament’s top breakout stars. City and United held discussions with his academy as recently as Friday, joining Villarreal and Anderlecht in assessing the rising talent.

Zongo’s displays in Qatar captured attention across Europe, especially his decisive strike in the 1-0 victory over Germany and multiple man-of-the-match honours. Clubs are now evaluating potential development pathways and financial proposals, but his current academy has not yet committed to any agreement. All options remain open as interest grows, with both Manchester clubs determined not to miss out on a rare profile in the age group.

With no deal close and the player still developing domestically, the race has entered an early scouting and negotiation phase rather than a formal bidding stage. The teenager is permitted to continue at the academy while clubs prepare long-term plans for his progression into European football. For now, the situation remains fluid, with both clubs confident they can present the most attractive project for the prodigy’s next step.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportZongo viewed as a 'next-gen Yaya Toure'

Zongo’s emergence comes at a time when both Manchester clubs are aggressively expanding their youth recruitment networks. Manchester City, who have built a reputation for signing elite young talent worldwide, view Zongo as another high-upside midfielder who could either break into their first team or generate long-term value within their City Football Group model. His combination of creativity, drive and defensive intelligence aligns with their emphasis on multi-functional, technically strong academy players.

United, meanwhile, are undergoing a structural rebuild under INEOS and see youth recruitment as central to restoring the club’s identity. The success of recent prospects and the signing of former U17 World Cup star Sekou Kone highlight the club’s commitment to securing elite young profiles before their value skyrockets. Zongo’s positional versatility as a No. 10, box-to-box midfielder or wide playmaker fits well within Ruben Amorim’s long-term system, which values intelligence, mobility and ball-carrying ability.

The rivalry between the two clubs adds a competitive edge, with both understanding the symbolic and sporting significance of winning battles at the academy level. Losing a talent like Zongo to their city rivals would be viewed as a major missed opportunity, particularly given his growing reputation as a “next-gen Yaya Toure” based on his physical maturity and all-round influence. As a result, both clubs are preparing stronger cases in the expectation that negotiations will intensify in the months ahead.

Zongo's spectacular U17 World Cup campaign

Zongo became one of the defining figures of the U17 World Cup, demonstrating a blend of technical quality and tactical maturity that far exceeded his age. His direct running, incisive passing and ability to dictate games allowed Burkina Faso to reach the quarter-finals, where he came close to scoring twice against Italy. His return of two goals and three assists established him as one of the most productive midfielders of the tournament.

His development at the Tenakourou Academy has been tracked closely by scouts, who have highlighted his comfort in multiple roles across midfield. He has been praised for his game awareness, work rate and ability to take responsibility in high-pressure knockout matches, which is rare for a player at just 15.

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AFPMan City and Man Utd have competition in race

Manchester City and Manchester United are expected to continue discussions with the Tenakourou Academy in the coming weeks as they refine their proposals. Both clubs will present detailed development plans, outlining how Zongo would be integrated, whether through academy progression, loan pathways or targeted mentorship. With no agreement yet in place, the next stage will revolve around establishing which environment best suits his long-term growth.

Tenakourou Academy are in no rush to finalise a decision and intend to evaluate every option before committing to a transfer plan. Their priority is securing the right project for the player's development rather than the fastest or most financially appealing deal. European interest from Villarreal and Anderlecht also ensures the Manchester clubs cannot afford to hesitate.

While it’s not been smooth sailing, Chelsea are not doing too badly so far this season.

They are currently third in the Premier League and should still qualify for the next round of the Champions League.

Moreover, Enzo Maresca’s side have had to make do without Cole Palmer for most of the campaign so far.

The Englishman is undoubtedly Chelsea’s best player, and so fans should be excited about reports linking them with an incredible talent who could be another Palmer-like addition to the team.

Chelsea target Palmer-like star

Since making his Chelsea debut, Palmer has been one of the very best players in the Premier League, if not in European football at large.

For example, even though he had a few barren runs last season, the former Manchester City prospect has amassed a staggering tally of 74 goal involvements in 101 appearances for the Blues.

The 23-year-old is a truly special player, and while Maresca and Co are never going to find someone just like him, they are clearly looking to sign players who could develop in a similar way.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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At least that is according to a recent report from journalist Simon Phillips, who claims Chelsea are interested in and have reopened contact with Kenan Yıldız.

The report has revealed that, alongside the Blues, Liverpool and Manchester United are keen on signing the Juventus gem, who is currently in talks over a new deal with the club that is not going all that well.

This situation has opened the door to interested parties, though, according to other reports, if West Londoners do want to sign the Turkish wonderkid, they’ll have to stump up around £88m.

It could therefore be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s immense ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should be fighting for, especially as he could be another Palmer.

Why Yıldız would be a Palmer-like signing for Chelsea

So to be considered a ‘Palmer-like’ signing, the player in question has to be someone capable of arriving at Chelsea and, within a relatively short space of time, establishing themselves as one of the best players in the squad and a true game-changer.

Now, while it might still be early in Yıldız’s career, he certainly seems like the sort of player who could fit that description perfectly.

For example, despite being just 19 years old last season, the Regensburg-born maestro scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 52 appearances, totalling just 3520 minutes.

That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.47 games, or every 167.61 minutes, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down this season.

In fact, his tally of three goals and four assists in 14 appearances, totalling 1155 minutes, comes out to an even better average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 165 minutes, which lends more credence to one analyst’s claim that he’s “one of the best wingers in the world.”

Yıldız’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

SCA (Live-ball Pass)

3.22

Top 3%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.11

Top 3%

Shot-Creating Actions

4.87

Top 4%

SCA (Shot)

0.45

Top 5%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.95

Top 6%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

0.97

Top 6%

Successful Take-Ons

2.21

Top 6%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.56

Top 7%

Touches

55.64

Top 7%

Touches (Live-Ball)

55.64

Top 7%

Touches (Att 3rd)

28.18

Top 9%

Carries

36.12

Top 9%

Passes Received

41.82

Top 9%

Passes Completed (Short)

19.41

Top 11%

Key Passes

2.14

Top 11%

Progressive Passes

4.53

Top 12%

Goals – xG

+0.10

Top 12%

Non-Penalty Goals – npxG

+0.10

Top 12%

Passes Attempted (Short)

21.69

Top 12%

Live-ball Passes

38.97

Top 12%

SCA (Take-On)

0.49

Top 12%

GCA (Take-On)

0.07

Top 12%

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Serie A Season

In addition to the youngster’s impressive output, his underlying numbers from last season make for some spectacular reading.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Serie A for shot-creating actions from live passes, the top 4% for outright shot-creating actions, the top 6% for passes into the penalty area and successful take-ons, the top 9% for carries and more, all per 90.

In other words, even when he’s not directly scoring or assisting a goal, the superstar in the making is heavily involved in the team’s attacks.

Ultimately, while it is still early in his career, there is no denying that Yıldız is one of the most exciting talents in European football, and therefore, Chelsea should sign him, as he could have a Palmer-like impact on the team.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell was expected to make a big move in his recovery process on Wednesday by holding his first bullpen session since being placed on the injured reserve list earlier this month with shoulder inflammation.

However, the bullpen session was canceled after Snell felt discomfort in his shoulder when playing catch on Tuesday.

Coach Dave Roberts told reporters that Snell will be re-examined when the Dodgers return to Los Angeles after Wednesday night's away game against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers will return home on Thursday.

Roberts emphasized how the team didn't want to rush Snell as they are looking more at the long-term recovery of the pitcher by not forcing him to come back too early.

Before going on the IR, Snell made two starts this season. He's pitched a total of nine innings resulting in a four strikeouts, 10 hits, seven runs, two earned runs and eight walks..

The two-time Cy Young Award winner just signed a five-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers in November after opting out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants.

Freddie Freeman won't be in the lineup against his former team Monday night for the first game of the Los Angeles Dodgers' series against the Atlanta Braves.

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Freeman is considered day-to-day after the star first baseman rather bizarrely tweaked his ankle. Roberts indicated that the injury to Freeman's ankle occurred as a result of a "mishap" while he was entering the shower at his home.

The veteran first baseman had offseason surgery on that same ankle, which bothered him throughout much of the Dodgers' World Series run.

With Freeman unavailable, Enrique Hernandez will take over at first base for Monday night's game and is slated to hit seventh in the lineup.

The Braves will be in Los Angeles from March 31 to April 2, so there's still a chance Freeman can take the field against the team he played for throughout the first 12 years of his MLB career.

Through three games this season, Freeman has a 1.083 OPS with two home runs and four RBIs.

Celtic have agreed a to a second appointment as a key condition in their deal to bring Columbus Crew mananger Wilfried Nancy to Parkhead.

The 48-year-old Frenchman has been head coach of Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew since December 2022. He began his managerial career with CF Montreal in March 2021 following the departure of Thierry Henry.

Celtic have been searching for a new permanent manager since Brendan Rodgers resigned, with Martin O’Neill, assisted by Shaun Maloney, overseeing the Scottish champions’ last five matches in an interim capacity.

Either Thursday’s trip to Feyenoord or the visit to Hibernian on Sunday will be the duo’s final game in charge however, as Fabrizio Romano revealed the only step left is to iron out the ‘final details’ before exchanging contracts.

The new manager may also have his first Celtic transfer target lined up too, with a move for Columbus Crew star Wessam Abou Ali in the offiing this winter.

And it appears Nancy’s deal with Celtic also includes the arrival of a new assistant manager, with Kwame Ampadu set to follow him from Ohio to Glasgow.

Celtic add Kwame Ampadu to Nancy's coaching staff

As reported by Pete O’Rourke shortly before Romano’s update, Nancy will be joined by Ampadu, who has been his assistant in Columbus since 2023.

The 54 year-old, who was born in Bradford but represented Republic of Ireland as a player, started his managerial career at a youth coach at Exeter City and Arsenal.

He is the father of Leeds United and Wales captain Ethan Ampadu, and has been alongside Nancy for their triumphs in the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup last year.

The pair have been praised for their tactical innovation, with Crew midfielder Aidan Morris explaning: “I think we play a style of soccer that’s very brave, and we’re not scared to try things.

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“We’re always being pushed to try new things, tactically, technically, being pushed outside our comfort zone. Speaking for myself, I’ve had to grow so much since I stepped in with Wilfried.

“He’s asked me do to so many different things and I’ve had some games where I’ve struggled with it, but then the next game or the next few games I’m more comfortable with it.

“So it’s a constant evolution of the game, and he says it’s an infinite game, so he’s always pushing us to try new things, experiment.”

West Ham have been handed an injury update on Crysencio Summervile after the winger missed their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last weekend.

The Hammers have rediscovered hope in their battle against relegation after an impressive three-game unbeaten streak that has breathed new life into their campaign under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

West Ham United’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Liverpool (h)

November 30th

Manchester United (a)

December 4th

Brighton & Hove Albion (a)

December 7th

Aston Villa (h)

December 14th

Manchester City (a)

December 20th

The turnaround began with a crucial 3-1 home win over Newcastle at the start of November, ending a dismal 248-day wait for a London Stadium victory. Lucas Paqueta’s strike and Sven Botman’s own goal overturned Jacob Murphy’s early opener before Tomas Soucek sealed the points in stoppage time.

The victory was significant not just for the three points but for demonstrating resilience after falling behind early, a scenario that had previously prompted capitulations against Chelsea, Tottenham and Brentford.

Six days later, West Ham delivered another comeback against Burnley, grinding out a vital 3-2 victory. After Zian Flemming’s header put the visitors ahead, Callum Wilson equalised before halftime with his eighth career goal against Burnley. Soucek then produced another crucial intervention, bundling home with thirteen minutes remaining before Kyle Walker-Peters wrapped up all three points just minutes from full-time.

The momentum continued at Bournemouth, where Wilson tormented his former club with two excellent first-half goals. Although Nuno’s side surrendered their two-goal advantage through Marcus Tavernier’s penalty and Enes Unal’s late equaliser, the 2-2 draw extended their unbeaten run to three matches.

West Ham have now got eleven points from their last twelve games, climbing out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

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Nuno has brought defensive organisation and tactical discipline that was absent under his predecessor Graham Potter. Wilson’s form has been crucial too. Despite initially not being fancied by West Ham’s boss (ExWHUemployee), the summer signing has now bagged four goals in his last three matches.

Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman have improved recently as well, among others, with vice-chair Karren Brady’s decision to push for Nuno’s appointment now paying dividends.

Nuno is on record suggesting that Summerville will be a crucial player for West Ham, and the winger had started every Premier League game for West Ham’s new boss before last weekend’s draw.

ExWHUemployee shares Summerville injury update out of West Ham

Nuno will be keen to have him back to face Liverpool this weekend, and the consensus is that may well be likely.

However, ExWHUemployee has shared an update erring on the side of caution.

Writing via his Patreon, Ex claims that, while Summerville’s injury is perceived as minor, an eight-word message from one of his sources suggests that there is a degree of uncertainty.

If Summerville isn’t fit enough to take part against Liverpool, Nuno will likely call upon Brazilian talent Luis Guilherme, as he did against Bournemouth last Saturday.

West Ham United’s return to Premier League football didn’t entirely go to plan on Saturday afternoon.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side looked on course to win their third game on the bounce when Callum Wilson made it 2-0 against Bournemouth in the 35th minute. However, the Cherries fought back, and thanks to a penalty and a goal from Enes Unal, came away with a point.

With that said, in the context of the season at large, it’s still a good point for the Hammers, especially as they had to make do without dynamic Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta.

Unfortunately, the Dutchman won’t be fit for the Liverpool game, but Nuno might have the perfect solution, one that involves dropping Luis Guilherme.

Guilherme's game vs Bournemouth

Now, the first thing to say is that Guilherme is still a promising talent and someone who could develop into a real star for West Ham.

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

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However, what is equally true is that he failed to make a case for why he should be in the starting lineup in place of the injured Summerville next time out.

The young Brazilian wasn’t terrible on Saturday, but he was almost entirely ineffective, looking unable to create chances for his teammates or get himself into positions where chances could be supplied to him.

Moreover, the 19-year-old still looks as slight as ever and lacks any real power or pace, which are two traits becoming increasingly important for attackers in the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly, the manager decided to take him off at the break, which only made his dire statistics even more pitiful.

Guilherme’s game

Minutes

45′

Expected Goals

0.00

Expected Assists

0.01

Shots

0

Passes

10

Touches

21

Lost Possession

9

Dribbles (Successful)

3 (1)

Ground Duels (Won)

8 (1)

Dribbled Past

1

All Stats via Sofascore

In his 45 minutes of inaction, the Brazilian registered an expected assists figure of 0.01, failed to take a single shot, took just 21 touches, failed in 66% of his dribbles, lost the ball nine times, completed ten passes, was dribbled past and lost seven of eight duels.

In short, Guilherme proved he cannot come in for Summerville again, so Nuno has to bring in one of the club’s most exciting prospects instead.

West Ham's Summerville solution

The player Nuno should bring into the squad to replace Guilherme and help solve the blow of Summerville’s injury is George Earthy.

Now, that might sound bold, and perhaps it is, but the academy gem has long been talked about as one of the club’s next stars, and his time at youth level and out on loan suggests as much.

For example, in 60 appearances for the u18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.

Then, during his time with the u21s, he scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3618 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 113.06 minutes.

In other words, the Havering-born gem is a dual threat: a goalscorer and a creator.

Earthy’s Junior Record

Team

U18s

U21s

Appearances

60

55

Minutes

4804′

3618′

Goals

25

18

Assists

18

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

111.72′

113.06′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, with 40 appearances for Bristol City last season, during which he was named young player of the year, he has plenty of genuine first-team experience under his belt already.

With all of that said, the “priceless” youngster, as dubbed by coach Steve Potts, is primarily an attacking midfielder, and so it would make sense to play him there against Liverpool, which means the man who’d actually outright replace Guilherme is actually Paqueta.

Yes, the Brazilian is also primarily a central player, but has made 36 club appearances on the left-hand side in his career, as well as six for the Brazilian national team.

Anyway, having the former Lyon gem further forward could help make the team more dangerous in attack, while also allowing the 21-year-old to get up to speed in a more familiar position.

Ultimately, it is not ideal, but Guilherme made it clear against Bournemouth that he cannot start games at the moment. Therefore, bringing the incredibly talented Earthy into the middle and allowing Paqueta to play on the left could be the answer to Summerville’s absence – at least for now.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 21, 2025