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First Championship win for four months in sight after a day of dominance at New Road

ECB Reporters Network11-Sep-2019 Worcestershire 205 (Hogan 4-53) and 153 for 2 (Rutherford 52, Mitchell 52*) lead Glamorgan 193 (Morris 5-73) by 165 runs
Paceman Charlie Morris and openers Hamish Rutherford and Daryl Mitchell have left Worcestershire daring to dream of a first Specsavers County Championship win for four months after a day of dominance against Glamorgan at Blackfinch New Road.Paceman Morris earned Worcestershire a narrow first innings lead with his third five wicket haul of the season. He finished with figures of 5 for 73 from 17.5 overs as the visitors were dismissed for 193 in 65.5 overs to give Worcestershire a 12-run advantage.Rutherford then raced to a 51-ball half century and, with Mitchell digging in for an unbeaten 52, Worcestershire closed day two on 153 for 2.It was a rare day of success for the home side who began the campaign as one of the favourites for promotion but who went into this game just five points ahead of bottom-placed Leicestershire.Glamorgan will be hoping to make significant inroads tomorrow morning otherwise they could be facing a major fourth-innings target on a wicket still offering some assistance to the bowlers.Morris struck in successive overs after Glamorgan resumed on 44 for 2 when West Indian opener Kraigg Brathwaite (19) was caught behind and Billy Root (8) drove a wide delivery to cover.Samit Patel (5), on loan from Nottinghamshire, pulled a short ball from Adam Finch straight to deep backward square, before Moeen Ali held onto a sharp head high return catch offered by David Lloyd (35). Captain Chris Cooke (24) then fell victim to a low first slip catch by Riki Wessels off Joe Leach.Morris returned after lunch to bowl Ruaidhri Smith (18) and completed his five-for by having Michael Hogan (15) caught at deep fine leg while in between Lukas Carey (16) drilled Moeen straight to cover.Rutherford (52) ensured Worcestershire built on their narrow first innings advantage in quickfire fashion. He reeled off a series of impressive drives and raced to a 51-ball half century with nine boundaries out of an opening stand of 70 with Mitchell.The New Zealander eventually edged Smith to second slip but Moeen kept the momentum going for the home side. He swept Patel for four and twice cover drove Smith to the ropes as the Worcestershire 100 came up in the 26th over.But after making 26 the England all-rounder aimed a big shot through mid-wicket off Patel and holed out to Hogan at mid off.Mitchell completed his first half century since an unbeaten 64 against Glamorgan at Cardiff in early July shortly before the close with a cover drive for four off Smith. It was his sixth boundary and came from 143 balls.Jack Haynes also batted with great maturity and patience on his home Championship debut and was unbeaten on 22 at the close after surviving an early chance.

The Red Devils are set for a first major tournament since the dispersal of an exceptional group of players, but they still have the tools to thrive

No Eden Hazard, no Toby Alderweireld, no Dries Mertens; the Belgium squad will have a very different look to it when their Euro 2024 campaign kicks-off against Slovakia on Monday. The so-called 'golden generation' dispersed in the wake of a disastrous group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup – a tournament that was widely considered to be the country's final chance to claim an elusive piece of silverware.

Eighteen months on, new manager Domenico Tedesco is hoping a blend of experience – in the form of the vestiges of that special era – and youthful exuberance can propel the Red Devils on to spring a surprise in Germany. While many have moved on, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen all remain key players, while emerging talents such as Jeremy Doku and Johan Bakayoko suggest Belgium's time at the top isn't over just yet.

Something of an unknown quantity in their first major tournament since the majority of their golden generation stepped aside, they are barely in the conversation when it comes to Euro 2024 winners or even dark horses – but don't write Belgium off just yet…

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  Remains of a golden era

  The spine of Tedesco's team actually hasn't changed all that much, barring a few notable absentees, which means there is some familiarity and consistency in the group which could well be vital in a tournament setting.

  Belgium's most-capped player, 37-year-old Vertonghen, is still knocking about at the back, fellow veteran Axel Witsel has come out of retirement after just one year to take up a midfield spot alongside stalwart and captain De Bruyne, and Lukaku will continue to lead the line.

  Elsewhere, the likes of Timothy Castagne, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard have been in and around the squad for years and have all been plying their trade at a high level in the Premier League.

  Some established names have been left out of the squad altogether, though, despite being fit, as Tedesco looks to usher in a new era. Veteran forward Mertens has been told he will no longer be considered for selection, and Michy Batshuayi – a staple of the squad for nine years – has been overlooked too, despite having a fine club season with Fenerbahce.

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  In-form creator-in-chief

  Even if they are unfancied, any team's chances are significantly boosted if they have a superstar in their ranks, and Belgium undoubtedly have that in the form of Manchester City dynamo De Bruyne.

  After spending half the season out recovering from surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered on the opening day of the Premier League campaign, the attacking midfielder returned with the bit between his teeth. He racked up 18 assists in just 26 appearances in all competitions, as well as six goals.

  The 31-year-old had not played for his country for more than a year as a result of his fitness issues before returning to the fold to receive his 100th cap in the friendly against Montenegro in early June, scoring to mark the occasion. One of the finest players on the planet, he is in exactly the kind of form Belgium would have hoped for ahead of the tournament.

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  International goal-machine

  Lukaku is the man who will hope to be the main beneficiary of De Bruyne's form. Although he has blown hot and cold at club level in Serie A over the last couple of seasons, he is a different beast in his international colours.

  The striker was lethal in qualifying, bagging 10 goals in just seven games as Belgium went unbeaten en route to sealing their place at the tournament proper, including a hat-trick in their first game against Sweden. He heads into Euro 2024 on a run of 10 goals in his last six international appearances.

  It goes without saying that having someone to put the ball into the back of the net is absolutely crucial on the tournament stage, and the Chelsea hitman – whose future is well and truly up in the air – could hardly be in better goal-scoring form for his country as they prepare to get their Euro 2024 campaign underway.

  "He plays an incredibly important role both on and off the pitch," Tedesco told recently. "On the pitch, his goals speak for themselves, but there's more to him than that. He knows exactly when he should pass if he has his back to goal or if he can turn round and shoot at goal himself. He is dangerous in lots of situations, not just in set-pieces, crosses. In the last third of the pitch, he is unpredictable and difficult to defend against. I don't think many defenders would choose to defend against him.

  "But his importance off the pitch is undoubted because he knows lots of players, particularly young players, whom he can look after and become a sort of mentor to. He concerns himself with many things, he looks after many things in the dressing room, which makes him extremely important."

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  But where is Courtois?

  There will be one very significant absentee, however. Despite overcoming a ruptured ACL and a subsequent knee injury to be fit in time for the tournament, world-class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been overlooked – but this was never a matter of simply winning a race against time.

  Courtois has had a monumental, very-public falling out with Tedesco, and at 32 years old, his international future is in serious jeopardy. It all began when the shot-stopper was overlooked for the captaincy in June last year and took exception to his dirty laundry being aired publicly by the head coach. The Real Madrid star then fanned the flames in March this year – calling Tedesco a liar on social media after the manager claimed he had "tried absolutely everything" to repair the relationship.

  Courtois had already ruled himself out of Euro 2024 by that point in the belief that he wouldn't be in peak physical condition, and – ignoring the elephant in the room – Tedesco confirmed in May that the goalkeeper would not be included in his plans, saying: "Thibaut Courtois has been very clear and honest. The latest information we have received is that he is not ready for the Euros."

  Koen Casteels will be Belgium's No.1 in his absence, and it remains to be seen whether we will ever see Courtois play for his country again, with Tedesco extending his contract until 2026.

Jacob Mendy has explained how Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have helped him to recover from the “worst” injury of his career.

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Defender picked up hamstring problemMissed promotion party in Las VegasFeeling positive after undergoing surgeryWHAT HAPPENED?

The 27-year-old defender saw his 2023-24 campaign brought to an abrupt halt in early April. He had been enjoying a productive season up until that point, with Africa Cup of Nations duty worked in alongside a push for promotion out of League Two.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MENDY SAID

Hamstring trouble prevented Mendy from joining wild celebrations at SToK Racecourse, and another trip to Las Vegas, with the Gambia international having to undergo surgery. He is on the mend and has told of his rehabilitation programme: “The operation went really well. Better than expected and I’m recovering fast, so I’m happy. The crutches went two weeks ago and I’m now doing a bit of walking… exercise in the gym, too, so I’m feeling great. This injury at Colchester was the worst one I’ve ever had.”

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Mendy is not expected to return to action until “August or maybe September”, but added on boasting the full support of those around him in North Wales – including a couple of Hollywood chairmen: “They reached out as soon as they found out how bad the injury was. We had a chat. They told me to be calm and patient, that I’d come back stronger and that they’d do everything to help me come back in the best shape I could.”

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Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Reynolds and McElhenney are currently in the process of helping to piece together plans for the summer transfer window, with Phil Parkinson expected to draft in fresh faces alongside Mendy and Co for a step up into the third tier of English football.

Ryan Reynolds claims to “die” when Wrexham lose, with the club’s Hollywood co-owners revealing how their “love” sparked another promotion push.

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Red Dragons wobbled during 2023-24 campaignThreatened to derail push for top-three finishFinished with a flourish after visit from chairmanWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons opened their League Two campaign in 2023-24 with collective sights locked on securing a top-three finish. Just past the midway point, with 26 of their 46 fixtures taken in, the wheels started to come off for Phil Parkinson’s side.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALWHAT REYNOLDS SAID

A run of three straights losses, and just two wins in nine, saw the Welsh outfit slip out of the automatic promotion places. That testing period has now figured on the documentary, with Reynolds saying of how negative results impact him: “I'm not a football expert so what the f*ck do I know? But I can't seem to figure it out, no one can figure out what's going wrong. Our away form has been a little trashy but god dammit I love this club with every cell of my body. It's like I die when they lose.”

He added: “We just have to do better, and I think that Rob and I need to show our face, go to the town, go to the Racecourse and just be there.”

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Reynolds – due to his filming commitments with the new Deadpool film – was unable to travel to SToK Racecourse, but McElhenney made the trip for a welcome 4-0 victory over Accrington. He said: “It just felt like the right time to visit Wrexham and spend some time with the team and the people. I love Wrexham, I consider it my second home. I just think it's one of those places that draws you back and always welcomes you back. It felt like the morale had dropped at that point and I was really concerned. So we wanted to go down there and show our support. As co-chairman of a football club it's good to show your face and give some support in person, especially when they're struggling a bit.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham turned their season around from there, dropping just eight points through their final 12 games of the campaign. That run was enough to land a runners-up finish, with the Red Dragons now readying themselves for life in League One.

Cristiano Ronaldo was ringside for Saturday night's huge Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk title bout, with the Al-Nassr star sharing some imagery.

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Ronaldo filmed asking for his pre-fight predictionAl-Nassr star wouldn't commit to picking a sideShared some photos on social media day after fightWHAT HAPPENED?

Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo had a ringside seat for Saturday night's eagerly anticipated world heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh. Sitting alongside former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, the ex-Manchester United man appeared to enjoy himself as he posted a series of photos from the evening on social media.

AdvertisementWHAT RONALDO SAID

Also doing the rounds on social media was a clip of the 39-year-old arriving at the bout, where he was asked who would win. "I don't know," he said, adding that "I'm supporting the sport".

Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIGHT?

Ronaldo and the capacity crowd at the Kingdom Arena were treated to an epic fight that went the full 12 rounds. Usyk would earn a split-decision victory to become the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in the history of the sport.

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WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

It's back to work for Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Al-Nassr side have their penultimate fixture of the season on Thursday, when they host Al-Riyadh. While Ronaldo's team are guaranteed to finish second in the Saudi Pro League whatever happens in their final two matches, the 39-year-old, who tops the league's scoring charts, will no doubt want to finish the season in good form ahead of Portugal's Euro 2024 tilt this summer.

How the game played outIn what has been a fairly evenly contested PSL tournament, there was one team that stood out, if that is the best way to put it: Multan Sultans. They stood out as being not quite at the same level as the others, and on a day they needed a big performance to stay alive, they put in one that merely drove the point further home. Becoming just the second team in PSL history to fail to hit a six across a completed innings, they limped to 118 for 7, never able to get the innings on track for anything close to a par score.That one fast bowler and one spinner from Karachi Kings registered their best bowling figures of the season didn’t help Sultans’ cause either. Usman Shinwari and Umer Khan’s combined figures read 8-0-37-7.As is the case with several low-scoring games, this one became a bit of a nervy scrap towards the end, particularly after Mohammad Abbas bowled a spotless double-wicket maiden to dislodge Colin Ingram and Iftikhar Ahmed. Until then, the chase had been a stroll, Liam Livingstone and Ingram’s 46-run partnership for the third wicket getting Kings close. But with new life breathed into Sultans, Shoaib Malik’s men conjured up the discipline they had lacked in the field for much of the tournament and made Kings’ life as difficult as possible. Kings themselves didn’t help their cause, almost forgetting about strike rotation in a frenzy to get the job done.Sultans won that passage of play, even taking the match to the final over, but the lacklustre display up to that point had done too much damage to afford them a final stay of execution in the tournament. Livingstone brought up his fifty, and the Kings victory, with a six over deep midwicket with four balls to go, ensuring the one game Sultans play in Pakistan will have little tournament relevance for them.Turning pointWith Sultans 75 for 3 and Malik accompanying Hammad Azam in the 14th over, they had some semblance of a platform to make up for the lost time. But Umer ensured there would be no such launchpad for the batsmen, removing Malik and Dan Christian in the same over.Star of the dayShinwari wasn’t going to play the match until Mohammad Amir was forced out after his mother was taken ill. But such is the depth Pakistan enjoy in the fast-bowling department that Shinwari put in a display that made one wonder why he wasn’t the first name on the team sheet. Cranking up the pace, bowling almost every ball close to 145kph, he wrecked the Sultans top order, knocking back the stumps of Umar Siddiq and Johnson Charles. He wasn’t done, though, and returned to take two more wickets with the final two balls of his spell at the death, this time spelling the end for Hammad Azam and Mohammad Irfan. His 4 for 15 meant he made a strong case for a place in the first-choice XI, no matter who is available for the remainder of the tournament.The big missThe PSL has had its share of low-scoring games, but this was a particularly odd one in one respect. Sultans’ innings was just the second in the history of the PSL without a single six over 20 overs. But amazingly enough, Kings – who had until now been the only team to suffer that fate – failed to clear the ropes right until the final delivery of the match when Livingstone lifted legspinner Mohammad Irfan over deep midwicket for the only six of the match. The crowd may have seen a thriller, but they came within a whisker of sitting through that rarest of T20s: the one without a six.Where the teams standSultans became the first team to be eliminated, having managed just two wins from nine games. Kings bolstered their chances of qualification for the playoffs, having split their eight matches right down the middle, placing them fourth above Lahore Qalandars and Sultans.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are the newest investors in Liga MX team Club Necaxa, joining Eva Longoria in the ownership group.

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• Wrexham co-owners purchase stake in new club
• Joining ownership group at Necaxa
• Mexican side could be sleeping giants

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Hollywood actors are reported by to have bought a "substantial" but still minority stake in Club Necaxa. Longoria is said to have "helped" bring Reynolds and McElhenney into the ownership group, having become involved with the club herself in 2021 as part of a 50% purchase deal with fellow investors Al Tylis and Sam Porter. Justin Verlander, Kate Upton and Odell Beckham Jr have also invested in the club in the past few years.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Although Necaxa have always been a member of Mexcio's top flight, the club hasn't been particularly prominent in terms of winning consistent trophies since the 1990s. Therefore, comparisons have already been drawn with Wrexham and the possibility of turning a historic club into an international sensation through similiar kinds of publicity and hype. Wrexham have become globally famous because of the success of the award-winning , leading to early speculation about a Necaxa docuseries also featuring Longoria, most known her for long-running role in . But talk of such a project is considered premature for the time being.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The year after Longoria's Necaxa investment, the club was valued at $200 million. They finished bottom of Liga MX during the Apertura 2023 but recovered to place ninth in the recently concluded Clausura 2024 in the second half of the campaign.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REYNOLDS & McELHENNEY?

  Planning for next season in League One is already underway for the Wrexham owners, having finished 2023-24 on a high after beating promotion rivals and newly crowned League Two champions Stockport County at the Racecourse on the final day of the season. But first will come a post-season celebration as they head back to Las Vegas for the second year in a row.

Leeds United are in a blistering run of form under Daniel Farke and could now look to strengthen one key area in the January transfer window, according to journalist Phil Hay.

Leeds United prepare for Sunderland…

Leeds United secured a precious three points at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers as goals from Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville secured a 2-0 victory and kept the Whites on track in their hunt for Championship promotion. Now, the Yorkshire outfit sit third in the league standings with 41 points from 20 fixtures played; however, they still find themselves seven points adrift of Ipswich Town in second ahead of their showdown at Elland Road two days before Christmas.

In the aftermath of their triumph in Lancashire, Farke was delighted with his side's resilience after keeping a clean sheet, as he said via BBC Sport: "I'm especially pleased that we travel back with a clean sheet against a really good and dangerous side. We didn't allow them to have much."

Related Farke could unearth his next Aarons in Leeds swoop for "unbelievable" teen

The Whites are reportedly keen on the impressive teenage full-back ahead of January.

Posts ByDan Emery Dec 11, 2023

He then added: "They had their spells in possession but in terms of big chances, there was not too much. It was important after a few weeks where we have conceded one goal, sometimes even two goals, today to return absolutely rock solid defence with a clean sheet. It's a really good performance and a massive win for us. I'm pretty delighted."

Of course, stiff tests are on the horizon for Leeds United as Farke's men plot a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with a trip to Sunderland next on the agenda.

Leeds United's next five fixtures – all competitions

Opponent

Venue

Sunderland (A)

Stadium of Light

Coventry City (H)

Elland Road

Ipswich Town (H)

Elland Road

Preston North End (A)

Deepdale Stadium

West Bromwich Albion (A)

Hawthorns Stadium

In light of this, journalist Hay has now taken to social media to provide an exciting update from the manager regarding an area where the Whites could potentially strengthen in the upcoming transfer window.

Leeds United could target a left-back

Taking to social media platform X, The Athletic journalist Hay has shared quotes from Farke's pre-match press conference ahead of their clash at the Stadium of Light that convey the message that Leeds are ready to target a left-back in January, as he stated the following below.

Of course, the German coach also intimated that Junior Firpo is now close to returning to the fold, in training at least, which will help to give the Whites' fans some added optimism that the Dominican Republic international can once again provide another option on the left-hand side of defence over the festive period.

Nevertheless, recruiting a left-back will be a top priority at Elland Road in January as they look to make sure they have sufficient squad depth to compete with their promotion rivals.

Coming through a clutch of difficult matches will be their first port of call; however, it is encouraging to hear that the notion of strengthening is already being spoken about directly ahead of the New Year.

Manchester United have put the feelers out in the scouting department as they target two players from the same side to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Manchester United's injury woes…

Undoubtedly, Manchester United have suffered their fair share of injury problems as Ten Hag looks to keep his side in contention for continental qualification this term. As cited by talkSPORT, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans, Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all sidelined due to various issues and it remains to be seen who will recover in time to face Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford was also withdrawn from England's 2-0 win over Malta last Friday in EURO 2024 qualifying; however, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate looks to have alleviated concerns that the Wythenshawe-born forward could be set for a spell on the sidelines.

He stated via The Mirror: "I think he (Rashford) is probably okay. We just thought given the nature of the collision it was a chance to get Cole into the game. I haven’t assessed too much but I think he was okay when he came off."

The timing of Manchester United's prolonged injury crisis is not ideal, with their trip to Everton being followed by crunch matches in quick succession against Galatasaray, Newcastle United and Chelsea.

Occupying fifth position in the English top-flight, Manchester United are five points off the Premier League top-four and have little margin for error if they are serious about keeping pace with the chasing pack; however, transfer insider Jones has revealed some exciting news regarding two players who could potentially arrive at Old Trafford in January.

Man Utd scout Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana

Earlier this month, 90min reported that Manchester United were keeping tabs on AS Monaco pair Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana as Ten Hag looks to install additional reinforcements at Old Trafford.

Vanderson's statistics in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Youssouf Fofana statistics in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

7

Appearances

12

Goals

1

Goals

0

Assists

1

Assists

3

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones has now indicated that the "encouraging" rumours involving the Red Devils and both players are indeed true, as he told the outlet: "Yeah, they are definitely two players that have been looked at. I've checked this one out and there have definitely been scouting reports made. I can't personally be convinced that that is for January. I think a lot of it seems geared towards the long term.

"But you know it's interesting to see that Manchester United are looking at these players and I think for fans, probably encouraging too, to see the types of players that they are scouting right now."

Uncertainty continues to persist regarding the futures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro at Old Trafford, which may offer some explanation as to why Manchester United would be linked to both a midfielder and a right-back.

Nevertheless, we will need to wait and see if moves for either Vanderson or Fofana materialise come the New Year as United look to bolster their ranks with quality arrivals.

Newcastle United have their fair share of injury problems at the moment, and Sky Sports man Keith Downie has dropped a key update regarding the prognosis of yet another issue.

Newcastle injuries going from bad to worse

Eddie Howe's side return to Premier League action on Saturday evening, making the trip to a Wolves side who are impressing under manager Gary O'Neil.

It has the potential to be a tricky contest for Newcastle, who continue to battle for another top-four finish, but there is no doubt that they have the quality to pick up all three points at Molineux.

That being said, the Magpies have numerous injury problems to contend with at the moment, with a host of key players unavailable. The likes of Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak are among those who are currently sidelined, and there is also the news that Sandro Tonali is banned for the next ten months.

Now, Howe has been dealt another blow in the fitness department, as things go from bad to worse in the treatment room.

Elliot Anderson injured until Christmas

Taking to X, Downie shared news from Howe's press confernece that midfielder Elliot Anderson could be missing for around two months of action, which would take him right up until Christmas:

"Elliot Anderson facing 8 weeks out with a stress fracture in his back. Jacob Murphy — shoulder dislocation. May need an operation, seeing specialist today. Alex Isak – groin injury & getting scan today. Not anticipated to be too bad."

This is a massive blow for Anderson, who has been really finding his feet this season, proving to be a genuinely reliable squad player who has contributed positively a number of times.

Anderson's stats show that he has featured in all nine Premier League matches to date in 2023/24, registering one assist in that time, and the 20-year-old has also enjoyed an 83.2% pass completion rate.

Former Newcastle chief scout Graham Carr has waxed lyrical over the youngster in the past, comparing him to past greats and saying:

"You can go out and sign as many young players as you want, you will be doing well to get any better than Elliot Anderson. He receives the ball like Peter Beardsley. He kills it and moves it all in one motion. That is a gift. He’s the best young player I have seen in a long time.

"Newcastle haven’t produced anyone like him, in terms of his technical gifts, probably all the way back to Gazza. He plays with a swagger. Every time he got the ball you knew something was going to happen. He always wants to dribble and moves off quickly. He knows he’s good, but there’s no harm in that."

Newcastle

41

Premier League

32

Scotland Under-21s

1

This highlights what a big loss Anderson could be for Newcastle over the next few months, at a point when he was really maturing as a player, but on the plus side, the Magpies have a special talent in their ranks who could be a huge part of the club's future.