Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says defender Jurrien Timber was taken off as a precaution during the 2-0 Champions League win against Paris Saint-Germain.
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Timber taken off at half-time vs PSGPlayer says he felt something during gameArteta wanted to take no risksFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Timber was a big part of Arsenal's fast start and commanding performance against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, but concern filtered around the Emirates Stadium when the Dutchman did not emerge for the second half. Head coach Mikel Arteta says his substitution was just a precautionary measure as he felt some muscular discomfort.
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Speaking after the match, Arteta said: "He was unbelievable. He felt something muscular and we didn’t want to take any risks. He has been out a year and played a lot of minutes. We have to manage him."
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Timber's Arsenal career got off to the worst possible start when he tore his ACL in the Community Shield last season. But the defender is finally back and playing at his best as Arsenal's new left-back, which was a bit of a problem position for Arteta last term.
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ImagoWHAT NEXT FOR TIMBER?
Providing he has not picked up anything serious, Timber should still be in line to start when Arsenal host Southampton in the Premier League this weekend. However, Arteta will be able to rely on the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori should he need to.
Chelsea have already got two new additions through the door this summer, although not both of them are players. Following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the season, the Blues had to search for a new manager, and, after much deliberation and rumours linking them with several targets, they finally got their man.
Chelsea appointed Leicester City’s Championship-winning manager, Enzo Maresca on a five-year contract, with the option of a sixth season at Stamford Bridge. His time in west London will be the first time Maresca has managed in the Premier League, but he has experience as a coach at the highest level, having been under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in previous years.
Maresca was joined by another person linked with City just days later, after centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo signed for the Blues on a free transfer from local rivals Fulham. He becomes the first signing of the Maresca era.
However, there is no doubt that Chelsea will not stop there, given their extortionate spending in recent transfer windows. They have been strongly linked with one Premier League star this week, with a deal for the player having great potential in the last few days.
Chelsea looking to sign Premier League striker
The player in question here is Manchester City and Argentina attacker Julian Alvarez. Having already signed Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer from the Cityzens in recent seasons, Chelsea could once again look to buy from the Premier League champions.
According to a report from Argentine media outlet TyC Sports, Alvarez is currently thinking 'about his future' whilst away on international duty with Argentina. However, the report states that City have a 'categorical position' on Alvarez’s future; that is, they do not intend to sell him this summer.
However, despite City wanting to keep Alvarez, the World Cup winner has one aim for next season, 'which is to play more', according to the report. He has played second fiddle to Erling Haaland for his whole career at the Etihad Stadium, and understandably wants to move on in order to get more minutes.
In terms of a price, Chelsea – who are said to be ready to make a bid – could have to pay upwards of €80m (£68m) for the attacker, as per the report. They are also competing with two European heavyweights for Alvarez’s signature. The two other sides interested are PSG, who need to replace Kylian Mbappe and Atletico Madrid, although the Spanish side would struggle to meet City’s valuation should they pursue a deal over the summer.
How Alvarez would benefit Chelsea
If there is one thing that Chelsea struggled with last season, it was consistently finding the back of the net. Palmer scored 22 times in the Premier League, but Nicolas Jackson was the only other player in double figures, with 14 strikes last season. Alvarez, however, did manage to break the ten-goal barrier for City last season, with 11 goals in the Premier League.
Instantly, you can see what he would bring to this Chelsea side, an influx of much-needed goals, and with more game-time, he could find the back even more than 11 times. As Tifo Football presenter Jon Mackenzie described him Alvarez is a “cheat code footballer” who will “play elite attacking football”, certainly something Chelsea could add to their side.
Not only that, Alvarez possesses impressive versatility. Last season for Guariola’s side, the 24-year-old played in six different positions, albeit three of those were only for a sole appearance each. However, suppose Chelsea were hoping to fit both Alvarez and Jackson into the same side. In that case, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue, given Jackson’s ability to play out wide, and Alvarez’s proficiency as a second striker.
Position
Games
Goals
Assists
Centre-forward
22
9
3
Second striker
18
7
6
Attacking midfield
10
2
3
Right midfield
1
0
1
Left midfield
1
0
0
Right winger
1
0
0
The Argentine is also a superb creator, registering nine Premier League assists to go along with his 11 goals last season. As per Fbref, the 2.55 key passes per 90 minutes he averaged last season placed him in the top 1% of forwards in Europe, showing off his impressive creative nous.
Should Chelsea manage to get a deal for Alvarez across the line this summer, he would represent a superb piece of business. It could even eclipse the £40m deal to sign what was then a relatively untested Palmer from the Etihad, given his goals and assists record and his pedigree in winning trophies – the Englishman having notably made just three Premier League starts prior to moving to Stamford Bridge.
The one-time River Plater man would only add to the quality and experience of Chelsea’s side, increasing Maresca’s chances of success in his first season in charge.
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Spinner stakes her claim with Player-of-the-Match performance
Valkerie Baynes23-Sep-2020Sarah Glenn took a big step in her mission to prove herself as an all-round prospect for England with a match-winning performance on the international stage.Glenn claimed the important wickets of Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor as part of England’s three-pronged spin attack, who shared six of West Indies’ eight wickets to fall between them as the hosts romped to another comfortable victory in their T20I series in Derby on Wednesday night.But it was Derby native Glenn’s knock of 26 from 19 balls as England’s top-scorer that, in this instance, set her apart from fellow spinners Mady Villiers and Sophie Ecclestone as Player of the Match.Not only did she help salvage what proved to be a decent total for England, but Glenn did exactly what coach Lisa Keightley had asked of the side she took over in January when identifying areas to improve after the World Cup – score runs in the lower order. And, after England failed to do so in the opening match of the series – losing five wickets and adding just 31 runs in the last five overs – the task took on more urgency, with captain Heather Knight reiterating the objective before the second game.”It really means a lot because I really, really don’t want to try and be seen as just a bowler or batter, I want to be seen as a genuine allrounder,” Glenn said after the match. “I’ve been working hard on my batting over the last few years to be genuine allrounder.”ALSO READ: Glenn shines with bat and ball as England take 2-0 leadHaving turned 21 just last month and playing her 12th T20I, Glenn had only batted once before at this level, scoring 7 in Monday’s series opener, which England also won by 47 runs.And, after gaining a confidence boost with her bowling at the T20 World Cup earlier this year – where she claimed six wickets in four matches, including 3 for 15 against Pakistan – Glenn said the pandemic-enforced break between that tournament and this series had helped her return to action refreshed with bat and ball in mind.”I came back with a fresh mindset to just try and be really positive and I want to keep playing my attacking way, whatever the situation is,” Glenn said. “It felt really special to do it [make runs] with an England shirt on. I’ve been wanting to work my way up the order as well so it’s felt quite a special moment to get some runs today.”Glenn shared a 46-run partnership off 30 balls with veteran Katherine Brunt for the seventh wicket after England had stumbled to 96 for 6 in their second of five matches against West Indies. With Dottin and Taylor at the crease in West Indies’ reply, the tourists looked capable of overhauling the target of 152 but, when Glenn trapped Dottin lbw for 38 and had Taylor brilliantly stumped by Amy Jones for 28, they fell away.”It can be hard to bowl at these batters and you can end up going for a few runs in trying to figure out a way,” Glenn said. “I’ve just got to keep being brave and trust in my game for it to pay off.”Villiers was economical in claiming 2 for 10 from three overs, including another excellent stumping by Jones to remove Lee-Ann Kirby, while Ecclestone – the No.1 bowler on the ICC T20 rankings – snared late wickets that ensured only Dottin and Taylor reached double figures for West Indies.
Scotland’s hopes of causing a major upset in the opening match of Euro 2024 ground to a halt after just 20 minutes on Friday night, as Jamal Musiala lashed home a wonderful effort from just inside the Scottish penalty area to put the hosts 2-0 up.
The Germans may have come into the tournament under pressure to deliver, but their five star show against Steve Clarke’s men has certainly boosted expectations.
Scotland, on the other hand? The pressure to gain a result against Switzerland on Wednesday evening has just increased massively, as a loss will likely end their hopes of qualifying for the second round.
Not one person in the starting XI stood out, as the defence were very suspectable to the sheer speed of the German attack.
Scotland struggled to cope with the Germans
As the game edged towards half-time, going into the break just two goals down wouldn’t have been a bad result considering how poorly Clarke’s men had performed.
With just a minute to go, Ryan Porteous made a block to prevent iIkay Gundogan from scoring from a rebound, but his trailing leg went straight into his ankle, giving Germany a penalty and resulting in the Watford centre-back being sent off.
Porteous looked shaky on his major tournament debut, completing just 16 passes during the first half while also delivering just one accurate long ball from four attempts and losing possession six times.
His sending off will mean Clarke has to reshuffle his defence ahead of the clash against the Swiss, especially as Anthony Ralston was arguably just as poor as Porteous on Friday evening.
Anthony Ralston’s game in numbers vs Germany
Truth be told, if Aaron Hickey or Nathan Patterson were fully fit and in the squad, Ralston would be nowhere near the starting XI against the hosts.
In fact, he may not have even been in the 26-man squad full stop. It was apparent during the first ten minutes that the Celtic defender was out of his depth, struggling to cope with Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz on the flank.
Accurate passes
15/21
Total duels won
4/6
Possession lost
11
Dribble attempts (successful)
1 (0)
Touches
37
He may have won four of his six total duels, yet Ralston – who was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by GOAL's Richard Mills – completed only 15 passes, managed just 37 touches and lost the ball 11 times during the game. That ensured he squandered possession roughly every 3.4 touches, a grim return.
Hickey and Patterson love bursting forward on a regular basis, but Ralston failed to support the attack, failing with his only dribble attempt along with not making a key pass during the clash.
Unfortunately, Clarke doesn’t have many other options to replace Ralston for the crunch tie on Wednesday evening against the Swiss, yet it may be worth considering a tactical reshuffle to oust the full-back from the starting lineup – with club colleague James Forrest one potential solution on that flank.
The tartan army will expect a much better showing against a team who are certainly beatable, but much will depend on how low the morale is around the Scotland camp.
Putting the 5-1 defeat firmly behind them is the best course of action, especially as there are still six points to play for in the group.
Scotland starting XI
With four of the best third placed sides qualifying for the second round, four points may even be enough to make it through to the coveted knockout stages.
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Lionesses goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck is in a Barcelona squad for the first time this season for the Champions League clash with her old team, Man City.
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Barca face Man City on WednesdayRoebuck in Catalans' squad for first timeLionesses goalkeeper will take on former teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Roebuck left City to join Barca on a free transfer this summer, ending a nine-year association with the club. She didn't play a game during her last season in Manchester, revealing midway through the season that she had suffered a type of stroke.
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Roebuck is yet to take to the field for her new club, despite being part of the travelling squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, as she has been continuing with her rehabilitation process. She has now been included in a squad for a competitive match for the first time though and will travel to England this week for the UWCL group stage meeting with Man City.
DID YOU KNOW?
Barca have won both of the last two Champions League titles and so will be favourites to finish top of their group, with Man City expected to be their toughest test at this stage. Hammarby and St. Polten are the other teams in Group D.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ROEBUCK?
Roebuck should get a warm reception at the Joie Stadium on Wednesday night as her new and former teams go head-to-head in this highly anticipated match.
Cameron Gannon, batting at No. 10, played his part with a maiden fifty
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2020Shaun Marsh produced a magnificent century in testing conditions to rescue Western Australia on the opening day against Tasmania.Marsh’s innings – which included reaching his century with a six – lifted Western Australia from 5 for 64 in the opening session alongside important contributions from Josh Inglis, who started the recovery with a counterattacking half-century, Aaron Hardie and Cameron Gannon, the No. 10 who arrived at the crease when Marsh was on 66 and then hit a maiden first-class half-century.The day after his first Australia call-up, Cameron Green could only manage 7 as he edged Jackson Bird to slip during a very fine opening spell in which Bird also removed both openers to leave Western Australia 3 for 23.Cameron Bancroft was again caught at leg gully – a position he fell to with great regularity last season – although it was off a thick inside edge rather than the face of the bat.In an action-packed pair of deliveries D’Arcy Short, recalled for this match in place of Ashton Turner, was bowled off a no-ball by Nathan Ellis but was then caught behind next delivery while Ashton Agar also fell before lunch – another victim for Beau Webster’s developing medium pace.Inglis responded with a stroke-filled response after the break to try and drag back the initiative and took advantage of some loose bowling from Ellis who did not sustain the pressure as well as Bird and Peter Siddle.It was Siddle who broke through, having Inglis caught at second slip, but Hardie then accompanied Marsh in a seventh-wicket stand of 58. When Ellis improved his day by removing Hardie and Matt Kelly in the space three balls, Marsh knew it was the time to take the aggressive route and he was able to take Western Australia further than they probably dared to imagine.Marsh took advantage of Matthew Wade’s decision to keep bowling the left-arm spin of Tom Andrews before the new ball became available and Gannon also grew in confidence.Shortly after Marsh was eventually removed by Siddle, who squeezed one through his defenses, Gannon went to his fifty with the first of two consecutive sixes off Siddle as Western Australia reached the heady heights of 300.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has discussed Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard's respective returns from injury ahead of Saturday's trip to Bournemouth.
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Arteta provides injury update on key duoSaka could return for Bournemouth clashOdegaard recovery close but not fit just yetFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal have picked up a number of injuries at the start of this season. Saka sustained a hamstring problem while representing England in the Nations League while Odegaard has not played for the Gunners since late August after picking up an ankle issue while away with Norway.
AdvertisementWHAT ARTETA SAID
Speaking to the media on Friday, Arteta responded when asked about Saka: "It is not a serious injury. He is evolving really well. He has done a few things in the last two days… we are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon, he did some bits yesterday, let's see if he can make it on time."
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While Arteta revealed that Saka could return for the next game against Bournemouth, he revealed that Odegaard is not yet ready. Arteta said: "[Odegaard is] in that later stage of rehab, where he is at the moment, he needs to clear some markers, he needs to be comfortable, especially with the ball. Next week will be crucial to understand how close he is."
When questioned whether the Arsenal captain will return before the November international break, he said: "Yes."
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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
The Gunners will take on Bournemouth on Saturday, October 19 as they look to catch up to Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League standings.
“It will be difficult to win by playing normal cricket with set plans, because of the resources we have”
Mohammad Isam21-Nov-2020Tamim Iqbal says he will have to have “out of the box” plans for Fortune Barishal to do well in the forthcoming Bangabandhu T20 Cup. Head coach Sohel Islam and manager Hasibul Hossain, who were at Barishal’s table during last week’s players draft, started off well by picking Iqbal with their first call but then went on to take a lot of young cricketers who lack T20 credentials.As a result, Barishal, who take on the tournament favourites Gemcon Khulna on November 24, look the weakest as of now. They don’t have enough forceful middle-order batsmen and allrounders; Irfan Sukkur and young Towhid Hridoy have to take care of the middle-order while offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and young legspinner Aminul Islam make up a long-ish tail.Iqbal said they didn’t have a good players’ draft but hoped some of the youngsters will step up in the tournament.”There’s no doubt we have made some mistakes in the draft but cricket is a game of uncertainty,” he said. “Maybe we are not counting some of the players in this team but they can all have a great tournament. Those who are not in the limelight may have to end up doing more for this team. In the President’s Cup, we ended up talking about a couple of players we didn’t think would do well.”To be successful with this squad, we have to play out of the box, by surprising the opponent. It will be difficult to win by playing normal cricket with set plans, because of the resources we have. I believe that anything can happen if one or two of our players can perform really well.”Iqbal, who recently played in the PSL playoffs for the Lahore Qalandars, hinted that he may even have to bat down the order to plug the gaps in the Barishal line-up.”My performance is going to be very important,” he said. “If I lead from the front, if you leave aside my captaincy and I just score runs, it will definitely motivate the team. I may have to play different roles in the tournament. As I said, depending on resources, you have to think differently and act according to the situation.”I am in good touch. I would like to score some more runs. We may not have played a lot of cricket but many of us have been in regular training over the last six months. It is going to be important to start the tournament well. It will give me confidence.”Given the lop-sided experience within the squad, Iqbal said he was relying on the likes of Sukkur, Towhid and Afif Hossain. But at the same time, he is also expecting others to take responsibility.”Irfan had a very good tournament. I am waiting to see how Towhid Hridoy performs in the T20 format but he is a quality player. Afif, Irfan and Towhid will have to play out of their skins. They have to take responsibility, like all the others in the team, to make this a success.”We don’t have any seniors or juniors in this team. I am the only experienced player in the team, but to make it a successful team, everyone has to take responsibility. It doesn’t matter if I have played for 13 years or they have been playing for two years.”
Everton are believed to be closing in on their third signing of the summer transfer window, with a fresh report even claiming an announcement is imminent.
Everton transfer news
The Blues know the importance of nailing their summer business, as they look to kick on into the future and move on from a dispiriting period in the club's history. The ongoing takeover situation still hasn't been sorted, as the Farhad Moshiri era drags on, with Dan Friedkin's bid to become the club's majority shareholder hitting a snag in recent days.
New signings are essential if Sean Dyche's side are going to push for a genuinely positive finish in the Premier League next season, and Chelsea striker Armando Broja has been linked with a summer switch to Goodison Park. The Albanian spent last season on loan at Fulham but was limited to just eight league appearances, none of which were starts. He featured twice for his country at Euro 2024, though.
Meanwhile, Hull City winger Jaden Philogene has emerged as an exciting young option for Everton, too, seeing him as an alternative to Yankuba Minteh, who has now joined Brighton from Newcastle United. The former scored 12 goals and chipped in with six assists in the Championship in 2023/24.
A new centre-back will be needed if Jarrad Branthwaite moves on to pastures new this summer, and Republic of Ireland and Lyon ace Jake O'Brien is seen as a potential addition for the Blues. The 23-year-old has made 27 appearances in Ligue 1, gaining some invaulable experience abroad.
Everton close to third signing of the summer
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are now very close to agreeing the signing of Marseille attacker Iliman Ndiaye, as he looks set to become the Blues' third signing of a promising summer transfer window to date. They have reportedly been closing in on a deal for him recently.
The report even says that a "permanent transfer" worth approximately €20m (£16.9m) including add-ons is "100% done", with an announcement expected soon.
Marseille midfielderIliman Ndiaye.
Ndiaye could be such a popular signing for Everton, possessing the flair and quality in the final third that has too often been lacking in recent years, with the Merseysiders rarely renowned for being one of the Premier League's more entertaining sides.
The Senegalese has played for Sheffield United in the past and his brilliance didn't go unnoticed by former teammate Oli McBurnie, who lauded his ability: "Ili's excellent. I think he's been excellent for the last few games. It's just maybe not fell for him and he's been excellent today, and he deserved the goal.”
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Still only 24, Everton could be getting the best years of Ndiaye, but it is worth stressing that his all-round game needs to become more polished if he does complete a move to Goodison. Four goals and five assists in 46 appearances for Marseille isn't a ruthless return for an attack-minded player, but the raw ingredients are there, and he represents an eye-catching addition.
“He will be on oral medications and will be monitored by doctors and nurses on a daily basis at home”
Vishal Dikshit05-Jan-2021Sourav Ganguly will be discharged from Kolkata’s Woodlands Hospital, where he was admitted after complaining of chest pain and discomfort on January 2, on Wednesday.Hospital spokespersons have confirmed that blockage in his coronary arteries were found, for which he underwent “stenting of the right coronary artery”, and that the former India captain and present BCCI president was “doing well”. After being discharged, Ganguly would be on oral medication and would be “monitored by doctors and nurses on a daily basis at home”.”Sourav Ganguly is doing well as clinically expected by all of us,” Dr Rupali Basu, MD and CEO of the hospital, told reporters in Kolkata on Tuesday. “He slept well, he had his breakfast, he spoke to us and he’s seen by his team of doctors. Dr Devi Shetty (renowned cardiac surgeon) is here and he has not only spent time with Sourav, but also with the team of doctors physically today.
“Sourav had only three tiny areas of critical blockage and once it is dealt with, his heart is going to be as normal as anybody else’s. This is the advantage of exercising and not indulging in any of the vices and leading a very, very so-called healthy life”Dr Devi Shetty
“We reconfirm the consensus decision from the very experienced medical board with 13 members and two expert opinions – total 15 doctors from abroad and India – that we have decided that Sourav will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow, January 6th, 2021. He will be on oral medications and will be monitored by doctors and nurses on a daily basis at home. Sourav will of course be ready for the next course of procedures or medical interventions after about two to three weeks.”Dr Basu also said that Ganguly had no known comorbidities, but a family history of heart diseases, and that he had tested negative for Covid-19.Addressing the media contingent outside the hospital, Dr Shetty said, “Sourav didn’t have any major problem. This is the problem which most Indians experience at some point of their times, that is blockage in the coronary artery.Kolkata-based media personnel have been at the hospital since Ganguly was admitted there on Saturday•PTI “Did he have a heart damage? No. He had a blockage and he was getting some discomfort, but at the right time he landed in the right hospital and he had the right treatment. His heart is today as strong as it was when Sourav was 20 years old. I want everyone to understand that he didn’t have a major cardiac event which has damaged his heart. He has a very, very strong heart.”Ganguly was taken to the hospital on Saturday morning after he complained of “chest pain, chest discomfort, heaviness of head, vomiting and a spell of dizziness while doing his physical exercise at home,” Dr Basu elaborated. The doctors later learnt Ganguly had suffered a heart attack but, being an athlete for the best part of his life, he had “only tiny blockage” in his arteries.Related
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“Sourav had blockage in tiny, isolated area of the coronary artery, which is a long pipe,” Dr Shetty explained. “Most of the people who drink like fish and smoke like chimneys, they develop blockage in the whole length of the artery. Sourav had only three tiny areas of critical blockage and once it is dealt with, his heart is going to be as normal as anybody else’s. This is the advantage of exercising and not indulging in any of the vices and leading a very, very so-called healthy life.”Dr Shetty added that Ganguly would require an angioplasty after two weeks or so, but the decision on that was left to him. “Will this event have any impact on his life for the future? Certainly not. Sourav, with the right care he has received so far and the care he is going to receive in the future, is going to lead a normal life like anybody else. This event should not affect his lifestyle or the life span.”The consensus among all the doctors is that he had an angioplasty, he should go home and get back to work. Sourav can get back to work from home as soon as he reaches home. At some point of time in the future he may require an angioplasty which is like a routine angioplasty done in most hospitals of the country. It is nothing very complicated or life-threatening.”Medically speaking, we believe it’s a good idea for him to go for an angioplasty. That decision we have left it to him. We thought at least two weeks he has to wait then he can take a call.”