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Chelsea bounced back from a disappointing 2-2 draw away to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United to beat struggling Everton 6-0 in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge emphatically.

It was a ruthless performance from Mauricio Pochettino’s side from start to finish, with the Blues 4-0 up at half-time, thanks to a perfect hat-trick from Cole Palmer, and a very well-taken goal from Nicolas Jackson.

The second half saw Chelsea add a fifth from the penalty spot thanks to Palmer once again before boyhood Chelsea fan Alfie Gilchrist scored his first goal for the club.

From an Everton point of view, their misery continues, with their only win in 2024 coming last weekend against Burnley. They are now just two points clear of the relegation zone, and a huge crunch match against Forest next weekend at Goodison Park.

“10/10” Palmer continues to shine

After Monday night's display, it is easy to see why Chelsea’s number 20 is nicknamed ‘Cold’ Palmer; he was the calmest man in Stamford Bridge, despite a hectic first half an hour when he scored his hat-trick.

All four of his goals were well taken for different reasons. The first was individual brilliance, nutmegging the defender before cutting inside and finishing well into the far corner. His second was a header, and whilst it may seem like an easier goal, he showed good attacking instinct to sniff out the chance and finish a good team move.

To complete his perfect trio of goals, Palmer pounced on a loose pass from Jordan Pickford before audaciously lobbing him from 35 yards. His fourth was a penalty, which was well finished into the bottom right corner, but it was not so simple to stay focused, with Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson both arguing their case to be the taker.

Aside from his four goals, Palmer ran the show, completing three out of four dribbles, and winning five out of eight ground duels, according to Sofascore.

He also completed the most final third passes on the pitch, with 15/19, as per Stats Zone, with the young English talent showcasing his skill and creativity, as well as his instinct in front of goal, to put in one of the best performances by anyone in the Premier League all season.

It was probably the easiest 10/10 rating anyone will give out this season. Goal.com’s Matt O'Connor-Simpson described Palmer’s performances as “such a pleasure to watch” and explained how he showed he “has the finishing touch” to his game.

It was a perfect performance from Palmer, who is making a strong case to win both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year in the Premier League.

He now has 20 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season, and an incredible 15 goal involvements in his last seven Chelsea games in all competitions. Palmer is now level with Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot and does not seem like slowing down any time soon.

#1 Cole Palmer

20 (9)

#2 Erling Haaland

20 (5)

#3 Ollie Watkins

19 (10)

#4 Mohamed Salah

17 (9)

#5 Dominic Solanke

17 (3)

Not only was Monday’s game memorable for Palmer, but it is a night that will live long in the memory of Chelsea’s young defender, Gilchrist.

Alfie Gilchrist also deserves the hype

A boyhood Blues fan, Gilchrist has had a few first-team opportunities under Pochettino this season but this was his biggest impact yet, sensationally managing to register his first goal for the club, as well as completing 100% of his passes after appearing from the bench in the dying embers of the game.

It was a well-taken finish, following in a rebound and driving a volley past Pickford and into the back of the net for Chelsea’s sixth. Cue incredible celebrations from the 20-year-old, who ran over to the corner flag to celebrate with the equally ecstatic fans.

It was summed up perfectly by football presenter Dougie Critchley on X when he described the moment as a “mad, unhinged, sweet release of emotion, where you lose control of your body and inhibitions for a few seconds."

It was an incredibly emotional moment for Gilchrist, a chance for him to show all his love and passion for Chelsea Football Club, and what it means to score for his club. That is exactly what football is about. There are many dark moments in a player’s career, but to experience a high like that must be an incredible feeling, and Gilchrist did not hold back with his incredible celebration.

It was a fabulous late showing from the youngster and aged just 20, he could be the next hyped-up youngster to emerge from the Chelsea ranks. That said, a start next time around unfortunately seems unlikely.

Indeed, next up for the Blues is the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, where they will be hoping to reach their second final under Pochettino and right the wrongs of their Carabao Cup final defeat in February. They are certainly going into the game full of confidence, and one of the Premier League’s best players.

Fast bowler commits to club in spite of 2019 relegation, as he aims to play on past 35th birthday

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Feb-2020Stuart Broad has committed to Nottinghamshire until 2022 at least, after signing a new two-year contract.Broad, 33, is second behind James Anderson among England’s leading Test wicket-takers with 485 scalps to his name, and is set to play his 13th and 14th seasons at Trent Bridge, the venue where his father Chris played the majority of his career.”Every time I step out at Trent Bridge, it feels just as special as the first time I walked onto the turf at three or four years old,” he said.”I love Nottingham being my home, I love playing for the club, and I certainly can’t envisage myself playing for any other county.”Broad enjoyed a fine year in Test cricket in 2019, claiming 30 Test wickets at 23 across England’s home Tests against Ireland and Australia, where he tormented David Warner with seven dismissals in the course of the Ashes. He then added a further 14 wickets at 19.42 in South Africa, more than any of his countrymen.He will be playing in the second division next summer, following Nottinghamshire’s relegation from the top flight in 2019, but was keen to credit the club’s coaching team for their role in his success.”One of Mooresy’s [Head Coach Peter Moores] great strengths as a coach is that he’s always looking to improve players,” Broad said.”Him and Kunny [Performance Analyst Kunal Manek] showed me how my leave percentage was quite high, even though one of my strengths as a bowler is threatening the stumps.”That was great information to take into the latter half of my season with Notts and into the Ashes.”Broad, who signed for Notts from Leicestershire in 2008, enjoyed a Testimonial Year in 2019 and was instrumental in trophy successes for his county in 2010, 2013 and 2017.His 40 red-ball appearances for the club have yielded 147 wickets at an average of 24, with 17 of them coming from seven appearances in 2019.Responding to the contract extension, Moores highlighted the importance of Broad’s leadership qualities to a Notts squad that has undergone a period of transition in recent years.”Whether it’s by example with the way he prepares for games and goes about his cricket, or with words of advice for his fellow players, Stuart is a brilliant leader for us,” Moores said.”We were all really pleased for him with the way he performed in the Ashes.”He’d spent some time out of the side during the previous winter and responded in the best possible way, by working harder than ever and coming back stronger.”Someone who can continue to do that – and to reinvent himself, in some ways, despite all his success – is a great example to everyone.”His record for Notts when he’s with us is outstanding and – knowing Stuart – he’ll be as motivated as anyone for us to bounce back from last season by playing successful four-day cricket for the next couple of years.”

Amid links to a transfer away from the club, the 22-year-old midfielder's career at the Venice-based ground appears over

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Tessmann's time at Venezia appears to be overSporting Director claims he's "out" of clubLinked with moves across EuropeWHAT HAPPENED?

Venezia Sporting Director Filippo Antonelli announced that U.S. international Tanner Tessmann is no longer part of the club's vision going forward. Despite a stellar 2023-24 campaign in which he scored six goals and provided three assists from midfield, helping Venezia secure promotion to Serie A, he has now been deemed surplus.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Linked with moves to reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan, and fellow Italian side Fiorentina, Tessmann has been a wanted man this summer. However, both transfers broke down, with reports that his agents are demanding excessive fees during negotiations.

Now, after over a month of speculation about his future, on top of him playing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with team USA, Tessmann's time in Venice appears to be all but over.

The transfer window in Italy closes on Aug. 31.

WHAT ANTONELLI SAID

“Tessmann is out of our project at Venezia,” Antonelli said via Football Italia. “It has been a difficult week, try to understand me here. I am above all sorry for the player, as he put himself into this situation. At this moment, he is off the list of players at the disposal of coach Eusebio Di Francesco, but that is his decision and does not depend on us.

“He continues to train with the rest of the squad, but his mind at this moment is just not there. Our approach to Serie A has not changed, we prefer to have players who are strongly motivated to play with the Venezia jersey and fully committed to our project, otherwise it’s better to get someone else.”

Asked if the U.S. International could still prove himself to the club and reintegrate into the team, Antonelli revealed there's a chance for it to happen, but that Tessmann would need to align with the club to do so.

“We’ll see, anything is possible,” he said. “If the transfer window closes and Venezia is the only remaining option, then we’d have to evaluate what to do, but he would need to roll his sleeves up and get back with a completely different attitude.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR VENEZIA AND TESSMANN?

Venezia kick off their Serie A campaign against Lazio on Sunday as they begin their season. Tessmann will not be with the team.

Newcastle United host Sheffield United at St James' Park this afternoon, looking to return to winning ways after the defeat against Crystal Palace in midweek.

Jean-Philippe Mateta's double was enough to end the Magpies' four-game Premier League unbeaten run, with Eddie Howe's side needing to rectify their performance on Saturday if they are to stay in contention for European football next season.

During the defeat, Howe's side only registered two shots on target and over ten fewer attempts on goal than the hosts, with Oliver Glasner's side outclassing the Magpies at Selhurst Park.

The club have the opportunity to relegate Chris Wilder's side, with the Blades needing a rare away win to ensure they delay any potential relegation back to the Championship.

However, if Howe's side are to secure all three points, he must recall two first-team members to the starting lineup if he is to deploy the three centre-back system once again this afternoon.

Why Howe must recall Lewis Hall against Sheffield United

Elliot Anderson featured on the left-hand side of the Magpies' midfield, operating in a partial wing-back role to provide cover for Dan Burn at left centre-back.

The youngster lost possession 18 times during his display, whilst only winning 35% of his 17 duels and committing three fouls – as he struggled to make an impact on the encounter.

Given his poor display, the boss should replace the 21-year-old with Lewis Hall against the Premier League's bottom side, with the Chelsea loanee more suited to the wing-back role if Howe does decide to utilise a back three once more.

His energetic and aggressive playstyle would combat the Blades' five-at-the-back system, with the likes of Jayden Bogle and Ben Osborn liking to get forward and create opportunities, as demonstrated by Ben Brereton Diaz's goal against Manchester United a few days ago.

The youngster was brought on in the 65th minute during the Palace defeat, completing 70% of the passes he attempted – only managing 18 fewer passes than Anderson despite featuring for 63 minutes less than the Scotsman.

Howe must also recall "monster" talent vs Sheffield United

Jacob Murphy, like Anderson, started in a wing-back position after his solid display against Tottenham Hotspur the weekend prior to the Palace defeat.

He also suffered the same fortune as the midfielder, only managing 41 touches and 17 passes at a completion rate of just 55% – with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka managing to complete one more successful pass than the 29-year-old.

Murphy also lost 100% of the duels he contested, whilst also losing possession 17 times, evidence he's not cut out for a role in a wing-back position.

Howe should look to replace him with natural full-back Tino Livramento, who hasn't started a Premier League game since the dramatic comeback victory against West Ham United at the end of March.

Games played

23

Passes

414

Pass completion

86%

Successful dribbles

15

Duels won

65%

Interceptions

19

He's excelled with the ball this season, completing 86% of his passes and completing 15 dribbles, but has also made 19 interceptions and won 24 fouls – proving he's more than capable of doing the dirty work as well as providing opportunities for the attackers.

The "monster" talent, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be fit for this after, as stated by Howe in his pre-match press conference, and if he is, the 21-year-old must start.

Livramento is the perfect modern wing-back, with his relentless running and ability to create opportunities in the final third a huge bonus to the Magpies, and potentially allowing Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak to run riot against a poor Sheffield United side.

Latest Newcastle United injury news, return dates and suspensions

FFC keeps you up to date with all the latest Newcastle news involving injuries as they face Sheffield United in the Premier League.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 26, 2024

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze scored a stunning goal against Brentford on Sunday but saw his effort controversially ruled out by the match referee.

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Eze scores brilliant free kick against BrentfordGoal is ruled out by match refereeControversial decision criticised by RedknappWHAT HAPPENED?

Eze thought he had given Palace the lead against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday when he struck a wonderful free-kick past goalkeeper Mark Flekken. However, the goal was subsequently ruled out by match referee Samuel Barrott, sparking huge controversy and denying Eze his first Premier League goal of the season.

AdvertisementGettyTHE EXPLANATION

Eze took the kick quickly but while the ball was in the air the referee blew for a foul by Will Hughes on Nathan Collins before the Palace star's effort had hit the back of the net. Barrott's decision to blow before the ball had gone in meant that VAR were unable to intervene and the referee's decision stood. The decision left Crystal Palace players visibly frustrated, while manager Olivier Glasner cut an angry figure on the touchline.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

pundit Jamie Redknapp felt the decision to disallow the goal was a huge error by the referee. He said: "The referee's had a nightmare, he really has, it's a monumental mistake. He should have just let it breathe. I'm not even sure it's a foul first and foremost. I feel so sorry for Eze. This is genius what he does here. The referee is just getting too involved, stay out of it, just let the game breathe. It's a brilliant, brilliant piece of play. He could have blown after if he wanted to but to do it so quickly. I really feel so sorry for Eze. It's a brilliant, brilliant goal."

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WHAT NEXT

Brentford went on to take the lead through Bryan Mbeumo but Palace hit back and equalised after the break from an own goal by Ethan Pinnock. The Eagles couldn't hold on for a point, though, with Yoanee Wissa tapping home from close range in the 76th minute to give the hosts a memorable victory.

Chris Gayle, Sandeep Lamichhane and Mohammad Shahzad had been due to feature in tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Mar-2020The Everest Premier League (EPL), Nepal’s foremost franchise T20 tournament, has been postponed following a government directive to refrain from mass gatherings amid fears about the transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus).The tournament, initially scheduled to start on March 14, was set to feature Chris Gayle, Sandeep Lamichhane and Mohammad Shahzad. The tournament’s organisers said in a statement that it would be rescheduled for “the closest possible time whenever the situation is favourable”.The has only been one confirmed case of coronavirus in Nepal to date, but given the country’s proximity to China, the health ministry requested that the public suspend all major gatherings to reduce the risk of community spread.ALSO READ: Sickness concern means no handshakes for England in Sri LankaGrowing concerns about the spread of coronavirus has forced sporting events across the globe to review their position including the Tokyo Olympics. Cricket has not been immune, too. The EPL is the second tournament to fall victim to concerns over the outbreak, following a women’s quadrangular T20I series in Thailand that was scheduled to feature Netherlands, Ireland and Zimbabwe.The EPL postponement comes even as cricket is being played in Nepal’s neighbouring countries: India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Wednesday, the Sindh provincial government ruled out moving PSL games away from Karachi. The BCCI, too, is yet to issue a directive on the measures it is taking even as the IPL is scheduled to start on March 29.ALSO READ: PSL games to go ahead in Karachi as scheduled amid coronavirus fearsThe EPL organisers, though, have decided it is best to be proactive as cases of people being affected by coronavirus escalates rapidly across the globe. “We are naturally all sad at today’s announcement of having to temporarily postpone the 2020 EPL, but we simply have to put the health and wellbeing of all Nepalis and our overseas players before everything else,” Aamir Akhtar, the competition’s managing director, said.”It was crucial that we announced this decision now at the earliest possible juncture to ensure the minimum possible disruption to all of our stakeholders, who are integral parts of the ongoing success and growth of the league.”We would like to thank the government of Nepal for their support and counsel through this challenging period, and we support entirely the professional advice throughout. I would like to assure that as soon as we are able to go ahead with the 2020 season, we will be working to ensure that it will be the spectacular event the likes of which Nepal has never seen before.”

The Eminent Persons Group report, however, noted still-prevalent inequalities, especially at school level

Firdose Moonda11-Jun-2020Cricket South Africa has exceeded its annual transformation target for the 2018-19 season though both the men’s and women’s national teams fell slightly short of their self-assigned percentages for generic black representation. This data was published in the latest Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report, which assesses the level of transformation across South Africa’s sporting codes. CSA has improved on its performance each year since 2016, when it was officially sanctioned by the sports ministry for failing to meet targets.The process of transformation, aimed at addressing the legacy of Apartheid and colonialism in South Africa, is applied across a broad range of sectors in the country and measures the number of people of colour (called generic black) and the number of black Africans represented. CSA has set a target that the national teams must, on average over the course of a season, field six generic black players of which at least two must be black African. At domestic level, the target is applied per match and teams are required to field six generic black players of which at least three must be black African.Out of 374 playing opportunities in the South Africa men’s team in the year 2018, 87 went to black African players and 106 to players of colour. Of the 352 playing opportunities in the women’s team, 85 went to black Africans and 78 to players of colour. The single biggest represented race group was white, with 181 and 189 playing opportunities for the men’s and women’s team respectively. While both the men’s and women’s teams exceeded their target for black Africans, they fell short for generic black players by 2%. There will no sanction imposed for that, especially in light of the other areas that CSA performed well in.The report takes into account other cricket played under CSA’s auspices and its operations, which includes the Under-19 teams, schools and club cricket, coaches, referees and umpires, and the high-performance structures and the demographics of the national teams’ support staff and CSA’s office administrators. CSA scored highly in all categories and also received praise for providing the EPG with consistent and reliable data. It is important to note that these numbers will have changed in the 2019-20 season, during which time CSA underwent major changes.Despite CSA’s strong progress, the EPG noted that cricket still faces challenges as it attempts to right historical wrongs, chiefly at school level where access to sport remains the domain of a privileged few. “The education system continues to reproduce inequalities through large differences in access to quality education that is linked to location and household income,” the report states. “This impacts school sport in that participation opportunities are greatly reduced, thereby encouraging sports administrators to perpetuate and increase the existing gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ by focusing on the more ‘privileged’ segments of the structure.”CSA has therefore been encouraged to extend the existing transformation barometers, subject to review, to 2030.

While few would dispute that Aston Villa are feeling the weight of a protracted, high-stakes season, fighting on home soil and on the continent, Unai Emery must feel pretty contented with the way things are going at Villa Park.

The past few fixtures have left a bit to be desired but Villa are fourth in the Premier League standings with a comfortable seven-point cushion over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who hold a game in hand but have lost four top-flight games in succession.

It has been a meteoric rise and it may yet end in silverware, with Emery’s side heading to Greece for their Conference League semi-final second leg against Olympiakos bearing a 4-2 deficit. Stranger things have happened…

Regardless, Emery is not one to rest on his laurels and the go-getter will work furiously throughout the off-season to bolster his team.

But who might he sign? Well, it looks like Aston Villa are confident of securing quite the silvery signature.

Aston Villa's summer transfer plans

With Nicolo Zaniolo keen on a return to Italy this summer and Emi Buendia still yet to play this season as he recovers from an ACL injury, it makes perfect sense that Aston Villa are eager to secure a high-level new wide forward.

This will not be the sole area of concern but if the right player bobs into the club’s radar, Monchi – President of Football Operations – will pounce. It’s for this reason that Villa are working on a deal to bring Crystal Palace star Michael Olise to the Midlands.

Olise has been one of the Premier League’s most exciting right-wingers this season and last, with his feats attracting interest from heavyweights like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

However, according to Football Transfers, Villa believe they can outmanoeuvre closest contenders Arsenal and United in the race given that the 22-year-old would prioritise a starting role and Champions League football were he to leave Selhurst Park.

He might be rated at £60m owing to a release clause but Emery’s team offer perfect conditions for such a fast-rising player and must now advance their interest.

Michael Olise's season in numbers

Following Olise’s exploits last season, football talent scout Jacek Kulig declared him to be “one of the best wide playmakers in Europe”, having overcome past injury issues to rack up 11 assists from 37 Premier League matches.

This season, the London-born France U21 international has suffered a regression on the fitness front while leaping to new, prodigious heights when gracing Crystal Palace on the pitch.

Matches played

17

Matches started

12

Goals

9

Assists

4

Pass completion

83%

Shots per game

2.9

Key passes per game

1.9

Recoveries per game

3.5

Tackles per game

1.0

Dribbles per game

2.2 (61%)

Duels won per game

5.8 (51%)

The table above, arrayed as it is with Olise’s metrics in the Premier League this season, does not tell the tale of this star’s season by half, with line-breaking brilliance, deadly two-footedness and sparkling creative spirit shaping a skill set that is both diverse and destructive.

A lot is said about a forward’s acceleration and the effect that can have on a frontline’s fluency but Olise’s deceleration is one of the most underrated aspects of his game, capable of halting his surge like a roadrunner and expertly dispatching the ball, surgically placing it to a well-placed striker or indeed firing home himself with ferocious power, startling precision.

He’s robust and tenacious, highlighted by his high output in the duel, and he’s found feathered balance in his attacking approach, varying his goals and assists to enhance Oliver Glasner’s thriving Crystal Palace project.

It’s quite clear that the £100k-per-week ace is destined for greatness, but conditions matter and he must choose wisely if he is to leave the Eagles for a divisional rival.

He must choose Aston Villa.

How Michael Olise would fit in at Villa

It’s difficult to quantify how rich a career Olise could forge for himself but there’s little doubt that the 5 foot 10 wide forward’s demonstrable success in England’s top flight marks him as one of Europe’s highest-quality talents.

And indeed, Kulig’s vocal support of the player is felt through his more recent remark that Olise has been “one of the EPL’s best players” this season – and that’s despite finding a starting berth on just 12 occasions.

If he can do it at Palace, he can do it at Villa Park. Leon Bailey has been Aston Villa’s principal right-winger this season and given that the Jamaican has posted 14 goals and 14 assists apiece in all competitions it’s hard to argue that he isn’t deserving of a prominent place in Emery’s plans once again next term.

But what’s another star to the system? In fact, Olise is a player who would transcend the Aston Villa side, handing centre-forward Ollie Watkins an even higher class of comrade to ensure that Champions League nights become a regular feature for Emery’s side, that routes toward silverware are realisable on the regular.

Watkins, to his credit, might also prove to be the perfect strike partner for a dynamic player like Olise, with the Three Lions star having incredibly scored 27 goals across all competitions in 2023/24 – including 19 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League.

Moreover, the Lions talisman has created 11 big chances in the Premier League this term, averaging 1.1 key passes per game, and so Olise would find that his own pursuit of goals would not take a hit with a transfer to a new system.

It’s a system that might suit his wonderful strengths and it’s a move that might just see Olise flourish from the less-trodden road toward a riskier – in a sense – project at Aston Villa than the celebrity and history of Manchester United.

But why not? Olise ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 3% for assists and the top 2% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, but this does not mean he must opt for the wrong, easier option.

Such prolificness would translate to a new style at Aston Villa, where the roots of success have been placed in firm soil and the 13-point gap from eighth-place Manchester United, having scored 21 more goals, speaks volumes of the polarity in the projects, and where Olise might find the better launchpad for his promising career.

Fighting against such clubs, for such players, is a mark of Aston Villa’s rise under Emery. This is the story of Aston Villa’s position of power. This is the giddying new reality of a football club breaking into Europe’s elite. Just imagine Watkins and Olise under the lights in the Champions League. Salivating isn’t it.

Emery must drop Konsa and unleash Aston Villa's "decisive" star

Aston Villa must overturn a two goal deficit against Olympiacos this evening to secure a spot in the final

ByRoss Kilvington May 9, 2024

Diagnosed with a left groin strain, Reyna has returned to Germany with Dortmund, while Cowell joined the U.S. in training this week.

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Gio Reyna leaves USMNT camp with injuryReplaced by Cade CowellWhat's next for Dortmund midfielder?WHAT HAPPENED?

Gio Reyna will miss the September international window for the USMNT, U.S. Soccer confirmed Thursday. He has been diagnosed with a left groin strain, and has been replaced by 20-year-old Cade Cowell.

The U.S. are set to take on Canada and New Zealand this window, with assistant Mikey Varas on the touchline for the program.

Reyna will return to Germany with Dortmund to prepare for the upcoming Bundesliga campaign.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Reyna was the subject of transfer rumors all summer across Europe after a failed loan stint in the second half of the 2023-24 season at Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League. He, however, opted to stay with Borussia Dortmund – the club he has been with since 2019.

Under new manager Nuri Sahin, a former BVB player himself, Reyna is hoping for a fresh start. However, the midfielder has only played 10 minutes this season for Dortmund. The severity of the injury he picked up in U.S. camp has yet to be determined.

Cowell, meanwhile, is a worthwhile replacement who has had an excellent start to the season with Chivas in Liga MX. He has three goals and three assists in six matches in the Apertura. For the USMNT, the 20-year-old winger has eight senior caps, scoring one goal.

DID YOU KNOW?

Alongside Reyna, U.S. senior players Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie are also missing out on the September camp. Their absences, however, were accounted for by Varas.

"Jedi [Robinson] has been playing banged up for the last year, and the best thing for him at this moment is to stay back, reset, and get ready for a long, grueling Premier League season," Varas said of the fullback. "At the end of the day, we work with the player because the best thing for them long term is the best thing for the national team.”

On McKennie, however, the interim manager revealed he believed it to be best he stay in Italy and prepare for the season with Juventus.

"In the case of Weston McKennie, he wasn't able to do a full preseason, so the best thing for him in collaboration with player, club and country is to leave him at Juventus and let him catch up and get ready for his season," Varas said.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR REYNA, USMNT?

Reyna will continue recovering and hope to be back to fitness by Dortmund's next match, a Bundesliga clash with FC Heidenheim on Sept. 13.

The U.S. will clash with Jesse Marsch's Canada on Saturday, meanwhile.

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly thinking over a move to Saudi Arabia as Real Madrid have already identified a replacement for the iconic Italian coach.

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Ancelotti has a contract at Real Madrid until 2026Italian manager being courted by SPLIf Ancelotti leaves, Alonso will take overWHAT HAPPENED?

According to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez, Ancelotti is seriously weighing his options regarding a potential departure from Real Madrid, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a possible destination. Alvarez has reported that Ancelotti has received a major offer from the Middle Eastern country, as they are eager to add him to their rapidly growing football project.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Though Ancelotti extended his contract with Real Madrid in November 2023, a deal that runs until 2026, he can choose to leave the capital club earlier than the 2025-26 season. Real Madrid have already begun laying the groundwork for life after the Italian coach and have shortlisted Xabi Alonso as the ideal candidate to take over as manager when the time comes. Alonso, a former Real Madrid player and current head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has been garnering praise for his tactical acumen and leadership abilities since taking the reins in Germany. And his stock has been rising steadily after he guided them to a domestic double last season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Liverpool and Bayern Munich were eager to sign Alonso to lead their fresh sporting projects after the departure of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, respectively but Alsonso chose to continue his journey at Bay Arena. With Alonso committed to Leverkusen for the 2024 season, Real Madrid can closely monitor his progress and assess his suitability to take over from Ancelotti. Moreover, club president Florentino Perez and the board are believed to be impressed with Alonso’s development as a coach, and they see him as the ideal figure to lead the club in the coming years.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Ancelotti has time and again insisted that he would continue at Real Madrid until he is forced to leave. If the manager continues to deliver trophies then it is more likely that he will continue at the Bernabeu hotseat until the expiry of his current deal. However, if the substantial financial offer from Saudi Arabia gives him food for thought, Real Madrid are ready to usher in a new era with a club legend in Alonso at the helm.