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Liverpool turned a corner at the weekend, professionally defeating West Ham United at the London Stadium to arrest the shocking slump that has sent Arne Slot’s project into a spin.

However, it’s important for those of a Red persuasion not to get too excited. West Ham are hardly in good form, teetering on the edge of the Premier League relegation zone.

But there were some positives to be taken after that industrious win. Particularly, Liverpool looked sharp in attack, with Alexander Isak netting his first league goal for the Reds and Cody Gakpo notching a goal and an assist. Florian Wirtz sparkled in his creative role.

There has been talk of FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes dipping into the transfer market for a new forward in January, but if anything, the win over the Hammers and Liverpool’s abject form highlight a different area that needs attention.

Liverpool's winter transfer plans

It’s clear that Liverpool need a centre-back. Top sources have also linked the Premier League champions to prolific Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause valid from January.

However, the centre of the park appears to have been overlooked. Certainly, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have not formed a convincing partnership this season, and a tough-tackling and dynamic option could be worthwhile for a Liverpool side looking to bounce back.

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are expected to table a €60m (£53m at current exchange rates) bid for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, with the French midfielder no longer considered untouchable at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It’s understood that Los Blancos have held informal discussions about the 23-year-old’s future after an injury-affected few years, but Camavinga is one of the best in the business, and Liverpool could hit the jackpot by signing him for a comparatively affordable fee.

Why Liverpool want Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga has been at Real Madrid for most of his professional career, having left France and Rennes and joined the Spanish giants in a €40m (£34m) package back in 2021.

He’s won the full gamut, and, on an individual level, been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “a real war machine in midfield”. One of the sternest criticisms Slot’s side have faced pertains to their lack of physicality and bite in midfield this season, outduelled in most of their defeats – and there have been a whole host of losses.

Camavinga would fix that, settling into the six berth. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 12% for successful take-ons, and the top 1% for tackles won per 90, emphasising his ball-playing quality and the gritty defensive acumen that would stabilise Slot’s sinking system.

Looking at those metrics – and more – in a different format, see how Camavinga could add more defensive solidity to the engine room when assessing his data against that of Mac Allister, whose form has plummeted this season.

But those metrics are taking across a year-long stretch, and the Argentine was among the creme-de-la-creme last year as Slot’s Reds romped their way to the title.

Semenyo might be a stellar addition to a Liverpool side who opted against a direct Luis Diaz replacement this summer, but Gakpo has held down the fort measurably well, and Rio Ngumoha, 17, was entrusted with a regular first-team role after an impressive emergence season.

Real Madrid are in a state of upheaval right now, and signing a player of Camavinga’s ilk for a decent figure won’t come around too often. Wataru Endo is scarcely used by Slot and Gravenberch and Mac Allister need proper competition.

Should Liverpool instil some French flair into their midfield in the form of Camainga, they would be sure to level up, adding the joie de vivre that has been lacking this term, and a tough-tackling presence that would ease the defence’s burden and free up the forwards to reach new heights.

Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool open surprise talks to sign "magic" £70m PL star

Liverpool are planning to strengthen their flanks after a tough start to the season.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 1, 2025

Stand-in skipper pleased with Michael Neser’s maiden Test five-for, says Alex Carey keeping performance “one of the best” he’s seen

Alex Malcolm07-Dec-2025Australia’s stand-in captain Steven Smith has described Michael Neser’s performance as exceptional and Alex Carey’s keeping display as one of the best he’s ever seen as the duo combined to help Australia take a 2-0 Ashes lead following an eight-wicket triumph in Brisbane.Neser took his maiden five-wicket haul on Sunday, finishing with 5 for 42 in the second innings having broken the key partnership between Ben Stokes and Will Jacks that had given England hope on day four.Stokes and Jacks batted through the entire first session and produced the longest partnership by any pair in the series to-date, grinding for 36.4 overs to add 96 against a disciplined Australia attack and raised hopes of England setting a fourth-innings target that might trouble the home side.Related

Stats: Starc racks up the records to stretch England's winless streak in Australia

Ben Stokes: 'We've not been able to stand up to pressure'

Neser five-for trumps England's belated resistance as Australia take 2-0 lead

Neser comes back from the brink to leave England on the edge

But Neser snuffed it out with an outstanding spell with a 69-over-old pink ball. He had Jacks superbly caught by Smith at slip before Carey took a less dramatic but no less difficult catch off Stokes up the stumps to dash England’s hopes within three overs.”What he [Neser] did today and in the first innings, was exceptional, I think,” Smith said at the post-match presentation.”He offers something different to the other guys. We can bring the keeper up to the stumps and change the game that way. And the way he bowled today and last night was exceptional. Really pleased for him to get his first five. He’s been on a lot of tours. He’s worked really hard.”He obviously made our batting a little bit longer as well at number eight.”Smith also heaped praise on his wicketkeeper Carey who was flawless across the match. He took three catches in the first innings, including a stunner back with the flight while being interfered with by Marnus Labuschagne. He also nearly stumped Harry Brook off Scott Boland, showcasing some sharp takes up the stumps from both Boland and Neser.Carey’s glovework was impressive across the match•Getty ImagesCarey made a crucial 63 with the bat, sharing a 54-run stand with Neser that got Australia through the night session on day two and into the daytime to allow player of the match Mitchell Starc and Boland to combine for two hours in the daylight when batting was at it’s easiest.In the second innings he completed four catches, including an incredible catch up to the stumps off Neser to remove Stokes.”He’s a freak,” Smith said. “Honestly, up to the stumps, the ball just seems to end up in his hands. It hits the batter’s pad or something, and still ends up in his hands. He’s got no fear up there. He moves so well, and his gloves are just sensational. That was one of the best keeping performances, I think I’ve ever seen.”Smith wasn’t to be outdone in the field, though, and rated his slip catch off Jacks was among the best he had ever taken. Smith took three catches in the innings and four in the match to equal Rahul Dravid for the second-most Test catches by a non-wicketkeeper.”It’s got to be up there, I reckon,” he said. “They’re pretty tough when you got a pink ball, the lights are on, I’m blindsided by Alex. I’m standing quite wide because Alex covers so much room and then, yeah, just fortunately saw it late and got down to it and it’s stuck. It was obviously at a crucial time to break that partnership. So, yeah, I’ll remember that one.”

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O Palmeiras perdeu para o Athletico-PR por 2 a 0 neste domingo (12) e somou a sua segunda derrota no Brasileirão 2024, a segunda como mandante atuando na Arena Barueri.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras toma posição sobre paralisação do Campeonato BrasileiroPalmeiras12/05/2024Palmeiras‘Se não jogamos no Allianz, não me cobrem para sermos campeões’, dispara Abel, do PalmeirasPalmeiras12/05/2024PalmeirasCom show de Pablo, Athletico-PR vence o Palmeiras e assume a liderança do BrasileirãoPalmeiras12/05/2024

➡️Siga o Lance! Fora de Campo no WhatsApp e saiba o que rola fora das 4 linhas

Em três jogos como mandante neste início de Brasileirão, o Palmeiras somou apenas um ponto, no empate diante do Flamengo, e as duas vitórias que conquistou na competição foram longe de São Paulo, diante de Vitória e Cuiabá.

Com apenas 8 pontos em 18 possíveis, o início de campeonato do alviverde imponente preocupa a torcida, que terá que retornar para a Arena Barueri para o próximo jogo como mandante do Verdão no Brasileiro, diante do Vasco, pela 8ª rodada.

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Na saída de campo da Arena Barueri, Joaquín Piquerez falou sobre ter que jogar na segunda casa alviverde.

– Perdemos novamente na Arena Barueri, sabemos que o nosso forte é no Allianz Parque, não é aqui! – disse o jogador.

➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

Nas redes sociais, muitos torcedores se mostraram revoltado com a escolha do clube de jogar no estádio que agora é de Leila Pereira, e até Abel Ferreira esbravejou na coletiva sobre ter que atuar longe do Allianz Parque.

E Abel tem motivos para querer jogar no Allianz Parque, isso porque o Verdão está invicto dentro da Arena em 2024 e com um aproveitamento de quase 90%.

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Fabrizio Romano has now shared an update on Endrick’s future at Real Madrid, with West Ham’s striker search taking a significant twist.

Endrick is gearing up to leave Real on loan in January, and Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have been touted as one of the fierce contenders for his signature.

The 19-year-old, still widely regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest young prospects, hasn’t exactly had a smooth ride since joining the La Liga giants.

With first-team opportunities limited at the Bernabeu as a result of fitness issues and competition for places in Xabi Alonso’s side, a loan move appears to be the next logical step for his development.

West Ham have reportedly held talks about bringing Endrick on loan, already positioning themselves well in the race for his signature ahead of January.

Other clubs are also interested, like Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Brentford, according to some reports, but West Ham’s reported early discussions could give them an edge.

This comes as Nuno allegedly urges David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers hierarchy to sign a new defender, midfielder and forward (GiveMeSport), but with funds tight, temporary deals could be a key theme of their winter window.

Endrick is poised to be one of Europe’s finest talents available on loan in January, leaving little wonder why West Ham are very keen to secure his signature.

While the teenager has struggled for game time under Alonso, Endrick did score five Copa del Rey goals to fire Los Blancos to the final of the competition last season, before they eventually lost to Barcelona.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

The former Palmeiras sensation would be an excellent signing for West Ham, and one who’d inject much-needed flair and enthusiasm to their forward line.

The prospect of a Premier League move could also tempt Endrick, as it would do with any other player on the continent, but according to Romano, West Ham now face growing competition for his services.

Fabrizio Romano shares Endrick update as West Ham striker search takes twist

Taking to X, the reliable transfer journalist now claims that Ligue 1 giants Lyon have opened talks to sign Endrick on loan — which could seriously impact West Ham’s chances of a deal.

Endrick is believed to be intrigued by the possibility of a move to France, as Paulo Fonseca’s side already make their intentions known with an “official approach” just over two months before the January window opens.

Commenting further, Romano also says that while Endrick is still waiting to assess all of his options, potentially including West Ham, the attacker is pretty keen on Lyon as an option.

If a move for Endrick eventually becomes out of West Ham’s reach, it is worth noting that they’ve also held rumoured discussions about signing his Real teammate, Gonzalo Garcia.

The Spaniard, who finished last summer’s Club World Cup as the competition’s joint-top scorer, has also struggled to establish himself as a starter for Alonso this season and could be a great alternative to Endrick.

There are other options for West Ham as well, but it is absolutely imperative that the club back Nuno with a new centre-forward, especially considering Niclas Fullkrug’s injury woes and their lack of decent options.

West Ham already working on deal to sign £40 million striker in January.

Mustafizur and Rishad share six wickets between them to skittle Ireland for 117

Mohammad Isam02-Dec-2025Tanzid Hasan’s unbeaten half-century and record-breaking five catches helped Bangladesh beat Ireland and clinch the series 2-1 in Chattogram. The home side fought back from 1-0 down to win their fifth T20I series in 2025. After left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman and wristspinner Rishad Hossain shared six wickets between them to dismiss Ireland for 117, Bangladesh chased the target with eight wickets and 38 balls to spare.Tanzid remained unbeaten on 55 off 36 balls, with four fours and three sixes. He added an unbroken 73-run partnership with Parvez Hossain Emon, who finished unbeaten on 33 off 26 balls.After opting to bat, Ireland were 50 for 1 in five overs, but they quickly slipped to 73 for 5. The visitors never recovered and were eventually bowled out in 19.5 overs. Tanzid became the first outfielder from a Full-Member nation to take five catches in a T20I. He took the last five catches of Ireland’s innings: four at long-on and one at gully.Ireland’s lively startPaul Stirling was quick off the blocks, clattering Mahedi Hasan for three fours in the first over, which cost Bangladesh 13 runs. Tim Tector then got into the act in the fourth over, with two fours and a straight six off Shoriful Islam. Tim’s innings, though, was cut short on 17 by the left-arm quick in the same over. Stirling didn’t hold back, despite the loss of his opening partner, slamming Mohammad Saifuddin over midwicket for a six. Harry Tector got off the mark with a square-driven four as Ireland reached their fifty by the fifth over.Tanzid Hasan claimed the Bangladesh record for the most catches in a T20I innings•BCBBangladesh roar backMustafizur Rahman started Ireland’s slide when he bowled Harry in the sixth over. After the ball had hit the inside edge, it began rolling back onto the stumps. Harry tried to kick it away but ended up falling over it instead, as the ball hit the stumps. Mahedi then trapped Lorcan Tucker lbw for 1, when he missed with a reverse sweep, though Bangladesh had initially appealed for caught behind.Rishad strangled Ireland further with three more wickets. He bowled Curtis Campher who was backing away to play a cut shot, then removed Stirling for 38 off 27 balls. No other Ireland batter passed 20.Tanzid’s catching recordRishad finished his spell with Gareth Delany’s wicket, caught at gully by Tanzid. It was the first of four consecutive catches by Tanzid. He held Mark Adair’s catch at long-on, in the 18th over. Later in the same over, Matthew Humphreys also holed out to Tanzid at long-on. A delighted Tanzid then took George Dockrell’s catch, also at long-on, in the next over.Tanzid’s fifth catch, in Ireland’s last over, was probably the best of the lot as he had to move a few yards to his right to complete Ben White’s catch. Before Tanzid, Maldives’ Wedage Malinda and Sweeden’s Sedik Sahak had also taken five catches in a T20I.Tanzid leads the chaseAfter sparkling in the field, Tanzid was at it with the bat too, kickstarting the chase with three fours in three overs. Saif Hassan holed out to mid-on for 19, and Litton Das fell cheaply too, caught at the deep square-leg boundary off Harry. Tanzid, however, found an able ally in Parvez, who kept finding the boundary himself.After the powerplay, Tanzid went after legspinner Delany in the eleventh over. He swept the first ball for four, before mowing him over midwicket for his first six. Tanzid slammed Delany over wide long-on for another six in an over that cost Ireland 17 runs. Tanzid hit Craig Young for a six to reach his fifty, before Parvez struck the winning runs with a four in the 14th over.

When it comes to flop signings, Chelsea have made more than their fair share over the last four or five years.

The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly, Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk are just some of the players who arrived for big money and failed to live up to expectations.

Another star who looked destined for greatness at Stamford Bridge, but ultimately left a flop, was German international Timo Werner.

Unfortunately for Enzo Maresca and Co, one of the players in his current squad looks like he could be on his way to becoming Chelsea’s new Werner.

Werner's failed Chelsea career

When Chelsea agreed to pay RB Leipzig £45m to activate Werner’s release clause in the summer of 2020, there was an understandable level of excitement among the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Chalkboard

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

At the time, the then-24-year-old forward was one of the most exciting players in the whole of Europe and had just spent the last two campaigns scoring for fun.

For example, across the 18/19 and 19/20 seasons, the Stuttgart-born sensation had scored 53 goals and provided 23 assists in 82 appearances, totalling 6692 minutes.

In other words, the German international was averaging a goal involvement every 1.07 games, or every 88.05 minutes, which was a truly world-class rate of return.

Unfortunately, while he was perhaps not as bad as some fans made out, the 29-year-old would never recreate that sort of form for the Blues.

Appearances

45

52

Minutes

3589′

3831′

Goals

34

12

Assists

13

15

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

76.36

141.88′

In fact, he wouldn’t even get close.

Across his two campaigns with the West Londoners, in which he made 89 appearances, the 57-capped international would score 23 goals and provide 21 assists, averaging a goal involvement every 2.02 games.

Now, that isn’t horrendous, but it wasn’t deemed enough to lead the line, and something the stats don’t really show is that he ended up getting quite the reputation for missing chances, especially following that game against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Chelsea decided to cut their losses in the summer of 2022, selling the rapid striker back to Leipzig for just £25m. Fast-forward to today, and it now looks like Maresca might have his own Werner in the squad.

Chelsea's new Werner

The unfortunate truth is that you could make the case that several of Chelsea’s summer signings have struggled this season, but the one who feels like he could become the new Werner is undoubtedly Jamie Gittens.

Now, the Englishman is still young and could therefore come good in the long run, but as things stand, it’s hard not to see the similarities between him and the German’s start to life in West London.

For example, like the former Leipzig star, the Reading-born gem joined the Pensioners after impressing in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund.

Despite being so young, the 21-year-old scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 49 appearances for the German giants, totalling 2803 minutes.

In fact, the winger was so impressive at points during the campaign, such as his performance away to Real Madrid, that Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley went as far as calling him “England’s best left winger.”

Unfortunately, as was the case with Werner, Chelsea fans are yet to see the dynamic winger at his best this year.

For example, while his tally of one goal and five assists in 18 appearances is already disappointing enough, it becomes more so when you take into account that three of his goal involvements came in the League Cup game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Appearances

18

Minutes

830′

Goals

1

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.33′

As things stand, the former Dortmund star is nowhere near good enough to start games for Maresca, nor does he seem to have much impact off the bench, so, while it’s harsh, it’s hard to disagree with one analyst who dubbed him a “pointless signing.”

Ultimately, there is still time for Gittens to come good at Chelsea, but at the moment, he looks destined to become another Werner.

Watch out Delap: Chelsea set sights on "one of Europe's most in-form CFs"

The free-scoring forward could spell the end of Liam Delap at Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes 3 days ago

Andy Robertson has now reportedly made his decision on returning to Celtic with Parkhead chiefs already preparing to commence talks with the Scotland captain as early as January.

The Hoops could certainly do with his experience on the European stage, having been well-beaten once again in midweek. This time, it was Midtjylland who reaped the rewards, easing to a 3-1 victory in a game that saw them take a three-goal lead before half-time. Whilst Martin O’Neill has managed to turn things around so far domestically, he could do nothing to stop the rot in the Europa League.

The defeat laid bare the task that the next permanent manager has on their hands and those at Celtic Park are yet to even discover who that will be.

O’Neill once again distanced himself from the job when questioned, telling reporters: “I will be here as long as the football board wants me, it’s as simple as that. That could be at the end of the week, it could be after the Kilmarnock game. I just don’t know.”

Celtic schedule first interview with 37 y/o manager who dreams of Hoops job

The Bhoys are still on the hunt for their Brendan Rodgers replacement.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 6, 2025

Whoever is next in the hotseat – whether it be Nicky Hayen, Kieran McKenna or another name – must turn towards the transfer window to welcome some much-needed experience and quality.

Andy Robertson makes Celtic return decision

As reported by TeamTalk, Robertson is now open to making a return to Celtic and signing a pre-contract agreement as soon as January. Sources told TeamTalk that “it’s a move that would make total sense for him personally” and the Hoops are now ready to swoop in to strike an early deal.

If the Scottish giants are after experience and quality, then Robertson is their man. The iconic Liverpool left-back arguably still deserves the starting spot over new man Milos Kerkez at Anfield, but has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract. Given that the Reds bought Kerkez to act as Robertson’s successor last summer, a new contract seems unlikely at this stage.

That, as things stand, should allow Celtic to seal a bargain deal for a Champions League winner who, even at 31 years old, would take the Scottish Premiership by storm.

Once dubbed the “complete player” by former Liverpool left-back Fabio Aurelio, Robertson would be one of the signings of the summer if the Bhoys secured his arrival on a free deal.

Their academy graduate has won it all in English football and is now open to coming full circle and returning to end some unfinished business in Scotland.

Celtic now considering McKenna move

Tottenham Hotspur produced one of their best performances of the 2025/26 campaign on Tuesday night when they smashed Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League.

Thomas Frank’s side strolled to a comfortable victory in North London, despite Brennan Johnson’s second-half red card, and could have had a fifth when Richarlison missed a penalty late on.

The pick of the goals on the night was, undoubtably, the unbelievable solo run from central defender Micky van de Ven, which will

surely be in contention for the Goal of the Season award next year.

In terms of performances, Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons will be pleased with his personal contribution after an impressive outing.

How Xavi Simons may have kickstarted his season

The £52m summer signing from RB Leipzig ended a run of 11 matches without a goal contribution in all competitions for Spurs with his assist for Johnson’s opening goal.

Xavi played a brilliant pass through to the Wales international, which allowed him to slot into an empty net after rounding the goalkeeper, and that was his second assist of the season.

The Netherlands international created three ‘big chances’ for the team in total, per Sofascore, and was the first Spurs player to create three chances in a Champions League half since the 2016/17 campaign.

Xavi, now, needs to use this impressive performance as a platform to kick on and provide consistency on a regular basis for the Lilywhites.

The Dutchman was not the only star player who could use Tuesday night’s match as a platform, though, as Wilson Odobert had his best night for the club.

Why Copenhagen was Wilson Odobert's best performance for Spurs

Since his move to Spurs from Burnley in the summer of 2024, Odobert has only managed two goals and no assists in the Premier League and the Champions League, with the second of those two goals coming against Copenhagen.

The French winger, who earned the same player rating (8/10) as Xavi from GOAL, remained incredibly composed to finish his chance, as shown in the clip above, when it would have been easy to snatch at it or try to smash it towards goal.

On top of scoring, the former Burnley man also completed three dribbles and created one chance, per Sofascore, which speaks to how direct and effective he was with the ball at his feet.

The Athletic’s Jay Harris suggested it was his “best performance in a Spurs shirt”, and that is hard to argue with, when compared to the only other game in the Premier League or Champions League that he has contributed to a goal in.

As you can see in the table above, Odobert was better in duels, as a dribbler, as a creator, and as a passer against Copenhagen than he was against West Ham when he scored his first league goal for the club.

These statistics suggest that the French sensation, who was as effective as Xavi on Tuesday night, did play his best match for the Lilywhites against the Danish outfit.

He can revive Simons: Spurs favourites to sign "one of Europe's best CFs"

The impressive goalscorer could be just what Spurs and Simons need this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 4, 2025

Like the Dutchman, Odobert should look to use this performance as a platform to build from for the rest of the season to kick on and become a star for Tottenham.

Arsenal have been hit with another damaging defensive setback as summer signing Cristhian Mosquera is expected to miss at least six weeks after suffering a complicated ankle injury in the midweek win over Brentford. With Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba already sidelined, the Gunners now face a mounting crisis at centre-back during a pivotal period of their season.

• Mosquera set to miss at least six weeks for Arsenal

  Mosquera was forced off during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Brentford after landing awkwardly and requiring immediate treatment, prompting fears of a significant ankle injury. The BBC suggest that initial assessments indicate the Spanish defender will miss between six and eight weeks, with the club awaiting further test results to confirm the extent of the damage. His withdrawal added to a growing list of defensive absentees, intensifying concerns for Arteta as the Gunners continue to compete on multiple fronts.

  The setback comes at a time when Arsenal are already without their first-choice centre-back pairing of Saliba and Gabriel, who have missed recent fixtures due to respective injuries. Saliba is reportedly only “days” away from returning after suffering a knock in training, while Gabriel may be sidelined until January with a thigh issue. Mosquera had been deputising alongside Piero Hincapie, giving Arteta some stability in defence before this latest injury blow.

  Arsenal remain top of both the Premier League table and their Champions League group, but Mosquera’s absence threatens to disrupt their momentum in a crucial run of fixtures.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Arteta opens up on Mosquera's 'complicated' injury

  Mosquera’s injury deepens a defensive crisis that has been quietly building for Arsenal, despite the club’s impressive start to the campaign. Prior to Wednesday’s setback, injuries to Gabriel and Saliba had already forced Arteta to lean heavily on his new summer signing, who had settled quickly into Premier League football. Losing him during a demanding fixture schedule places additional strain on a back line that has been reshuffled repeatedly since August.

  Arteta acknowledged the seriousness of the situation when addressing the media, noting that Mosquera’s issue is “more complicated” and requires further medical analysis compared to Declan Rice's injury. “Well, let’s see. We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we’ll decide which ones,” Arteta said.

  Arteta added: “That’s [Mosquera] the more complicated one, but again, we have another test today to see where we are with them. We need to know, because the feeling that we had after the game and yesterday, we need to corroborate with what happens with all the testing that we do today.”

• Arsenal must cope without Mosquera, Saliba and Gabriel

  Arsenal’s form has been strong, with just one defeat in 14 Premier League matches, but their challenge now is maintaining that performance level while dealing with significant injuries in key positions. Defensive continuity has been central to their revival under Arteta, and instability in this area could impact both their league campaign and Champions League ambitions.

  Mosquera’s adaptation to English football had been one of Arsenal’s quiet success stories of the season, with the 21-year-old showing maturity, composure, and athleticism since arriving from Valencia. He had been trusted to fill in for both Saliba and Gabriel, performing consistently despite the pressure of stepping into such prominent roles. His injury not only removes a reliable option but also disrupts the promising partnership he was forming with Piero Hincapie.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Mosquera will not return to action before February

  The Gunners travel to third-placed Aston Villa next before facing Club Brugge in Europe, two matches in which defensive solidity will be vital. With squad depth now stretched, the timing of Mosquera and Rice's injuries could not be worse for a team hoping to maintain their early-season dominance.

  Arsenal’s broader injury picture compounds the concern, as midfielders and attackers have only recently returned from layoffs while defensive problems persist. The squad has already endured periods without Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke, but the back line remains the most fragile department. As domestic and European competitions intensify heading into December, managing workload and avoiding further setbacks will be critical for Arteta’s plans.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Juventude anunciou nesta quinta-feira (11) a contratação do técnico Maurício Barbieri, de 44 anos, para a próxima temporada. O ex-Flamengo chega ao Alfredo Jaconi para o lugar de Thiago Carpini, com a missão de conduzir o Papo de volta à elite do Brasileirão.

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➡️ CBF faz mudança, e Copa do Brasil dará duas vagas à Libertadores em 2026

Maurício Barbieri está livre no mercado desde maio deste ano, quando deixou o Athletico-PR no início da Série B. Ele iniciará os trabalho com o elenco da equipe da Serra Gaúcho no dia 26 de dezembro.

O novo técnico do Juventude ganhou destaque na breve carreira com o trabalho realizado no Red Bull Bragantino, entre 2020 e 2022. Foram mais de 150 partidas à frente da equipe, tendo chegado à final da Copa Sul-Americana de 2021, conquistado vaga na Libertadores e boas campanhas na Série A. Ele, depois disso, treinou o Vasco por cerca de seis meses em 2023, e se transferiu para o México, no FC Juarez, entre fevereiro e outubro de 2024.

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Em seu trabalho mais recente como treinador, Maurício Barbieri somou 24 jogos, com 12 vitórias, sete empates e cinco derrotas, alcançando aproveitamento de 59,7% no comando do Athletico-PR. O Furacão, ao fim do ano, sob o comando de Odair Hellmann, subiu para a elite.

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O Juventude, por sua vez, ficou na 19ª colocação do Brasileirão em 2025, com apenas 35 pontos, e foi rebaixado. O Papo terá cerca de duas semanas de pré-temporada antes da estreia em 2026, no dia 10 de janeiro, em casa, contra o Ypiranga, pelo Campeonato Gaúcho.

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JuventudeMercado da BolaSérie B