Television presenter Laura Woods has shared a positive update following a worrying collapse during live coverage of the Lionesses' friendly against Ghana on Tuesday evening. Woods was taken ill ahead of kick off when she fell and was caught by pundits Ian Wright and Anita Asante, and ITV immediately cut to an advertising break. The presenter has now taken to social media to reassure fans and thank those who helped her.

• Worrying scenes as Woods taken ill live on air

  There were worrying scenes on Tuesday night as Woods collapsed just minutes into ITV's broadcast of England's friendly against Ghana. Woods was introducing the game when she collapsed and ITV cut to a break. Woods was then replaced by Katie Shanahan, who explained to the audience that the host had been "taken ill" and then added a little more information at half-time. She said: "As you may all be aware, Laura Woods fell ill at the start of the programme. We want to reassure you that she's doing OK. We all send her our love."

  The popular television presenter's fiancé Adam Collard subsequently posted an update on X that read: "Laura is all OK and with the right people. Thank you for all of your kind messages."

Advertisement

• Woods shares positive update

  Woods has now offered her own update on Instagram that reads: "Gosh that was a bit weird. Sorry to worry everyone, I'm OK, the wonderful paramedics at Saints have said its probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and hydration. I'm really embarrassed that happened on TV, but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight. And to Wright and Neets for catching me and sorry again x."

  Instagram

• Good wishes sent to Woods

  The worry scenes prompted an outpouring of support on social media. Woods, who also presents Champions League coverage on TNT Sports and has previously worked with talkSPORT, received messages of support from both broadcasters. 

  TNT Sports posted: "Everyone at TNT Sports would like to send Laura Woods our very best wishes. Get well soon, Woodsy."

  And talkSPORT added: All of us at talkSPORT send our best wishes to Laura Woods. Get well soon, Woodsy. 

  ITV Football also wished Woods a "speedy recovery" on social media, while the Lionesses wrote a message that read "Sending our love and wishing you a speedy recovery laura woods."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lionesses finish year with a win

  ITV's coverage continued with the Lionesses finishing off 2025 with a 2-0 friendly win over Ghana. Lucia Kendall scored her first international goal in the victory after just six minutes, before a late penalty from Alessio Russo wrapped up the victory for Sarina Wiegman's side.

That was about as perfect a return from the international break Arsenal could have hoped for.

Mikel Arteta’s side played host to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon and, following losses for Liverpool and Manchester City, had a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Fortunately, and unlike last season, the Gunners made the most of the opportunity, bulldozing their bitter rivals 4-1.

4

Goals

1

57%

Possession

43%

3

Big Chances

0

17

Total Shots

3

8

Shots on Target

2

1

Saves

4

4

Corners

1

448

Passes

330

There were exceptional performances across the entire pitch for Arsenal, but one player really stood out, a player who could be on his way to becoming the new Ian Wright.

Arsenal's standout performers against Spurs

While every single player performed brilliantly for Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, Lenadro Trossard was once again one of the clear standouts.

The in-form Belgian was a huge attacking threat from the first minute to the 78th, when Noni Madueke replaced him, and it was his brilliant touch and strike that saw the Gunners take the lead.

He then provided an assist for the final goal of the game and made it abundantly clear that he should remain the starting left-winger for the foreseeable future.

Chalkboard

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

Likewise, even if Viktor Gyokeres is fit to face Chelsea next week, there is a strong argument, made even more so by his display on Sunday, that Mikel Merino should keep his place leading the line.

The Spaniard didn’t score against Spurs, but it was his incredible pass over the top of their backline that led to the opening strike.

Moreover, his constant dropping back into the midfield constantly gave Arteta’s side a numerical advantage there and allowed his attacking teammates to find space further up the pitch.

Finally, he didn’t get on the scoresheet either, but Declan Rice was utterly superb in the middle of the park and looked every bit the £105m monster the Emirates faithful hoped he’d be when they signed him.

The former West Ham United captain was here, there and everywhere. One minute he was winning the ball off a Tottenham player, and the next he was marauding through the middle of the park before laying it off for one of his teammates.

In fact, he provided the assist for the Gunners’ second, and with three key passes on the night, could have easily picked up another.

With all that said, while every Arsenal player impressed against Spurs, one stood out above the rest, a player who could become the club’s new Wright.

Arsenal's new Ian Wright

When it comes to the best player on the pitch against Spurs, it’s impossible to ignore Eberechi Eze.

Thomas Frank might’ve been jokingly asking who he was before the game, but by full-time, he was well aware.

The Gunners’ “unpredictable” summer signing, as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand, etched his name in North London Derby history with the first hat-trick in the game since Alan Sunderland in December 1978.

All three goals were excellent as well, with the first requiring some tidy footwork, the second coming off his weaker foot, and the third coming from the edge of the penalty area.

It was the sort of display that could truly kickstart his career at the club, and one that shows he can be just as effective as he is entertaining.

This is just one of the traits he shares with Gunners legend Wright, who not only became the club’s top goalscorer during his playing days, but was also one of the most thrilling strikers to watch.

Moreover, like the North Londoners’ new number ten, he played with a smile on his face and was clearly as in love with the club as the supporters were in love with him – just look at the reaction to his hat-trick.

On top of that, there is the Crystal Palace connection, with both players representing the South London club before making their move to N5 later in their careers than most.

Finally, both have played for England, and so long as he keeps his form up, the Gunners’ new mercurial midfielder should play a key role for the Three Lions at the World Cup next year.

Ultimately, Arsenal have signed an exceptional game-winning player in Eze, and thanks to his personality, playstyle and love of the club, he could become a modern-day Wright.

"Worst I've seen" – Gary Neville not entirely happy with Arsenal's Tottenham rout

The Gunners prevailed 4-1 in the North London derby on Sunday afternoon.

ByDominic Lund Nov 24, 2025

Chelsea kept their unbeaten November form going in both the Premier League and Champions League with a straightforward 2-0 victory away at Burnley on Saturday lunchtime.

Pedro Neto picked up his sixth goal contribution of the league season when handing the travelling Blues the 1-0 lead, before Enzo Fernandez made sure of all three points late on when he gobbled up a chance on the 88th minute that was all Marc Guiu’s making from off the bench.

Away from the goalscorers mentioned, Andrey Santos also stood out in the midfield ranks, with Enzo Maresca no doubt ready to select the 21-year-old more often, off the back of such an assured showing at Turf Moor.

Santos' performance in numbers

The number 17 was thrown into the starting XI in Lancashire, with Moises Caicedo rested back in Premier League action, after lining up for Ecuador deep into the international break.

Thankfully, Caicedo’s absence wasn’t felt whatsoever, as Santos’ individual showing was described as “outstanding” at the full-time whistle by former Stamford Bridge great Joe Cole.

Indeed, the 21-year-old came into the side and looked right at home in Caicedo’s midfield anchor role, winning seven duels and two tackles to really boost the Blues centrally when Burnley attempted to work openings.

On top of that, Santos looked assured and comfortable on the ball, too, without ever really looking flashy with 34 passes accurately registered.

While Maresca will take plenty away from Santos’ polished showing, with one Chelsea content creator stating that he was “everywhere”, he did need the likes of Neto to come up trumps with a moment of quality in attack to seal the win, away from the Brazilian, allowing the visitors to tick.

While Santos has previously showcased an eye for goal and demonstrated his qualities as a box-crashing 8, he’s not the only Blues star evoking memories of Stamford Bridge royalty in Frank Lampard.

Chelsea star could be Maresca's Lampard

Come the end of his illustrious Premier League career, Lampard would bag 177 top-flight goals, with the former Blues captain having a great habit of sneaking into the box and finishing off chances expertly.

Romelu Lukaku would even hail Lampard as an “unbelievable” finisher of chances when reminiscing about his brief time in the Chelsea first team alongside the modern great.

In the here and now, the aforementioned Fernandez also has a similarly impactful knack to be able to finish off chances, with Guiu playing a late pass into a dangerous space up against Burnley, knowing that his captain could be there to kill the game off.

After all, that’s amazingly Fernandez’s fourth Premier League goal of the season already, meaning the World Cup-winning star is now Chelsea’s joint-top goalscorer in league action for the season with Neto, which is an accolade Lampard would regularly claim during his celebrated stay in West London.

Yet, there is far more to both the Argentine’s game and Lampard’s game away from scoring big goals, with pundit Micah Richards going out of his way to hail the £107 man as having “everything” in his locker now to be a “leader” at Chelsea earlier in the season.

Games played

11

Goals scored

4

Assists

1

Touches*

70.7

Accurate passes*

46.5 (85%)

Shots*

2.2

Big chances missed

4

Key passes*

1.8

Big chances created

4

Ball recoveries*

3.9

Total duels won*

3.9

The table above very much backs up Richards’ assessment of Fernandez being a complete midfield talent worthy of wearing Chelsea’s club armband, with an energy present in his game that matches that of Santos, with 3.9 ball recoveries averaged and 3.9 duels won per game this season in league action.

However, it is his ability to fashion chances galore and score plentiful goals that really does make that comparison to Lampard even stronger, with Fernandez beating the likes of Cole Palmer to the top prize when it comes to most goal contributions tallied up for the Blues over the last year, as the 24-year-old now sits on a weighty 21 goal contributions, next to the Englishman’s 15.

Fernandez also has a taste for silverware now, too, having lifted the Club World Cup in the summer, as he strives to lift Premier League titles like those before him, with Santos also wanting to mature into a consistent first-team star next to him.

Enzo Maresca now driving Chelsea move for "incredible" £79m Premier League star

The Italian is looking to sign a new defender, who is viewed as an ideal fit for his system.

ByDominic Lund Nov 23, 2025

Liverpool face stiff competition from Atletico Madrid if they are to finally complete the signing of Crystal Place captain Marc Guehi after narrowly missing out on landing him in the summer. The Reds’ couldn’t complete one of their top transfer targets because the Eagles failed to find a replacement on deadline day and now Arne Slot’s side have another massive name to capture Guehi, who has declined the offer of a new contract at Selhurst Park.

Transfer saga left Liverpool high and dry

Liverpool missed out on Guehi when a £35 million deal collapsed with the deal close to completion, as Guehi had even undergone a medical for Liverpool before the move was dramatically cancelled by Palace chairman Steve Parish, a decision driven by manager Oliver Glasner's insistence on having a replacement lined-up. 

The failed transfer has since been described as a missed opportunity for Liverpool, particularly as they have faced defensive struggles and an injury to young defender Giovanni Leoni this season. The situation has become more complex because Guehi's contract with Palace expires at the end of the current season, meaning he is now free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January 1 – which gives Atelti a distinct head start. Liverpool remain interested in reviving their pursuit, potentially with a bid in the January window. 

However, they now face competition from other top European clubs, who are all keen to sign the England international, possibly on a free transfer next summer. Some pundits believe Liverpool have "blown their chances" to agree to a move. 

In recent seasons the Reds have missed out on a number of high-profile signings, including Martin Zubimedi, who eventually joined Arsenal and Leny Yoro, who opted to join Manchester United. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAtleti circle as Guehi contract runs down

Italian journalist Matteo Moretto told Marca: "The latest news is that Atletico Madrid has also contacted his representatives. There are English teams, Bayern Munich, Barcelona… but also Atletico, who are very attentive and very interested."

Simeone has previous for signing English stars

Atletico boss Diego Simeone has shown an appreciation for the mentality of English football, valuing the passion, aggression, and commitment and has noted that playing against Premier League teams is always a "proper contest". In his time at Atletico, Simeone has signed a few English players, most notably England internationals Kieran Trippier and currently Conor Gallagher. Trippier thrived under Simeone, calling him the "best in the world" and praising his man-management. Despite this, he has publicly stated that he thinks Premier League teams often do not defend well, contrasting their high-scoring games with his own defensively solid philosophy. He said: "I like to defend well. You watch English football and there is 4-4, 6-3 games… but no one defends?! I see it and I think that no-one defends. I think that if I can defend well and I can approach them in attack, I can become a champion." 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportGuehi will be massive loss for Eagles

 Palace could move into the top four with victory over Man Utd at Selhurst Park today and recent history is on their side as the Eagles have won three of their last four league games against Ruben Amorim's side.

Every spring, all across the country, kids pick up a baseball bat or a glove for the first time and begin to dream.

Facing off against a pitching machine, they imagine themselves playing in Game 7 of the World Series, with the chance to hit the home run that decides a championship. Shagging fly balls in the outfield, they envision the feeling of securing an out that saves their season.

On Saturday, those dreams became real for about 20 members of the Dodgers and Blue Jays.

Toronto entered the ninth inning holding a 4–3 lead and needing just three outs to secure their first championship since 1993. Closer Jeff Hoffman, who had come in to secure the last out of the eighth inning, was back on the mound to finish things out.

It was Miguel Rojas that first got to live the dream. With the Dodgers down to their final two outs, Rojas worked the count full before smacking a home run to left field to tie the game and suck every ounce of air out of the Rogers Centre.

Hoffman got out of the inning from there, bringing the Blue Jays to the plate with a chance to walk things off for a title.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led off the inning batting against Blake Snell, and for a moment it felt like he might just finish things on his own. Instead, he hit a fly out to center. But after a Bo Bichette single was followed by a walk and a HBP, the bases were loaded with one out.

Bichette was pulled for pinch runner Isiah Kiner-Falefa, as he’s still somewhat hobbled coming back from injury. The Dodgers pulled Snell and put Game 6 starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto back on the mound.

Yamamoto delivered to Daulton Varsho, who smacked a grounder to second base. The ball was fielded by Rojas, who briefly double-clutched before firing a bullet home to catcher Will Smith. Smith’s foot briefly came off of the bag, but he got it back down for the force out before Kiner-Falefa could slide in safe.

It was this close folks.

Two outs.

Next up it was Ernie Clement, who with his third hit of the day in his previous at-bat had set a record with 30 hits this postseason, more than any player in MLB history. Now he needed one more.

Clement gave the first pitch he saw a ride to left center. With the outfield in, left fielder Kiké Hernández was sprinting backwards to get under the ball, but center fielder Andy Pages, who had just been put into the game as a defensive sub for the Dodgers, would meet him in the space and ultimately came down with the catch after a heart-stopping collision to get out of the inning.

It was the first live ball he had touched all night.

And with that, Game 7 of the World Series was on to extras.

Both teams failed to get a run across in the 10th. Last time these sides went to extras, we played into the 18th inning. Now it’s happening with a championship on the line.

How can you not be romantic about baseball?

تحدث لاعب منتخب مصر السابق، أحمد المحمدي، عن أزمة محمد صلاح في ليفربول ورد فعل إدارة النادي والمدرب الهولندي آرني سلوت.

واستبعد سلوت لاعبه محمد صلاح من قائمة ليفربول للمباراة أمام إنتر ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا، وذلك بعد تصريحات المصري مؤخرًا.

كان صلاح انتقد قرار سلوت بتواجده بديلاً لثلاث مباريات متتالية في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وأعرب عن شعوره بأن هناك شخص ما يدفعه لمغادرة ليفربول.

وقال المحمدي في تصريحاته بشبكة “بي إن سبورتس”: “رد فعل متوقع من سلوت وإدارة ليفربول علي تصريحات صلاح”.

وأضاف: “تصريحات سلوت متناقضة تمامًا، هو يقول لا توجد مشاكل، لكن الحقيقة المشاكل بدأت منذ المباراة أمام وست هام، حيث تواجد محمد صلاح على مقاعد البدلاء، وصرح المدرب بعد المباراة بأنه يحاول القيام بمداورة ومنح راحة لبعض اللاعبين لكثرة المباريات”.

اقرأ أيضًا | حاتم الطرابلسي: الإعلام الأوروبي لا يتعامل مع محمد صلاح باحترام.. وسلوت أساء له

وأشار المحمدي: “منح الراحة للاعب يكون في مباراة واحدة وليس 3 مبارايات متتالية، أفضل لاعب في ليفربول خلال آخر 7 أو 8 مواسم يتواجد بديلاً بقرارك فهذا يعني أن هناك مشكلة”.

وأتم: “الميزة أن محمد صلاح سيذهب لمنتخب مصر للمشاركة في كأس الأمم الإفريقية، وسيبعد عن ليفربول، فممكن أن تهدأ إلى حد ما، لكن أنا من وجه نظري بعد تصريحاته، علاقة محمد صلاح بليفربول انتهت”.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF) determinou que a Gaviões da Fiel, principal torcida organizada do Corinthians, fique impedida de participar de competições sob sua responsabilidade até o final de 2026. 

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthians‘Chosen’: Memphis aumenta lista de gols decisivos pelo CorinthiansCorinthians11/12/2025Futebol NacionalVitória do Corinthians sobre o Cruzeiro encerra jejum de 11 anosFutebol Nacional10/12/2025CruzeiroLucas Romero está suspenso para Corinthians x CruzeiroCruzeiro10/12/2025

A medida, formalizada em portaria assinada pelo vice-presidente Mauro Silva, atende a uma orientação do Ministério Público de São Paulo, por meio do Juizado Especial Criminal da Capital.

O MP recomendou a suspensão após apontar preocupações relacionadas à segurança nos eventos esportivos. Com isso, além da proibição de ingresso dos integrantes, também ficam vetados quaisquer itens que remetam ao grupo, como bandeiras, faixas, roupas ou outros materiais identificadores.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

A FPF comunicará os órgãos de segurança públicos e o Ministério Público de São Paulo para que fiscalizem o cumprimento da determinação. A entidade máxima do futebol paulista ainda informou que a portaria passa a valer imediatamente, e todas as normas anteriores que contrariem a nova decisão deixam de ter efeito.

Em nota oficial, a Gaviões da Fiel informou que seu departamento jurídico já foi acionado após a divulgação da portaria da FPF. A torcida organizada declarou que está ciente do comunicado e que irá se manifestar publicamente no momento que considerar adequado.

continua após a publicidade

— Em relação ao comunicado, o departamento jurídico do Gaviões já tomou conhecimento e, no momento oportuno, iremos nos manifestar — disse.

Veja abaixo a nota completa da FPF

PORTARIA FPF – Nº 214 DE 10 DE DEZEMBRO DE 2025.

MAURO SILVA, Vice-Presidente da Federação Paulista de Futebol, no uso das atribuições legais e regimentais.

CONSIDERANDO os termos do Ofício JECRIM nº 077/2025, datado de 10 de dezembro de 2025, expedido pelo Ministério Público do Estado de São Paulo – Juizado Especial Criminal da Capital, por meio do qual o Ilustre 1º Promotor de Justiça da Promotoria do Juizado Especial Criminal Central recomenda a proibição da presença da seguinte Torcida Organizada: “GAVIÕES DA FIEL”, em todas as praças desportivas, até o final do ano de 2026.

CONSIDERANDO que é dever desta Entidade preservar a disciplina nos campos de futebol.

INFORMA:

Atender integralmente a recomendação do Ministério Público do Estado de São Paulo, para que seja PROIBIDA a entrada, nos estádios de futebol, de qualquer indumentária e objetos (faixas, bandeiras etc.) que identifiquem os associados da torcida organizada: “GAVIÕES DA FIEL”, do Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, a contar desta data, até o final do ano de 2026.

A Federação Paulista de Futebol oficiará aos Órgãos de Segurança do Estado, Ministério Público do Estado de São Paulo, para fins de fiscalização no cumprimento desta Portaria. Esta Portaria entra em vigor na presente data, revogadas as disposições em contrário.

Mauro Silva

Vice-Presidente

Tudo sobre

CorinthiansFutebol Nacional

NEW YORK — The 2025 New York Yankees died as they lived: disappearing for a stretch, then—long after it really mattered—staging a furious comeback attempt that ultimately fell short. 

Add Aaron Judge’s thrilling, game-tying, season-saving American League division series Game 3 home run to the Endy Chávez catch file: It would have been one of the greatest of all time if only the team had gone anywhere. Instead, after a listless 5–2 loss in Game 4, the only place the Yankees are going is home. 

Over the past five days, they disappointed in all areas of the game. They were out-hit, out-pitched, out-defended. It was the most pitiful effort by a group of New Yorkers since Eric Adams’s re-election campaign. 

“They beat us this series,” said manager Aaron Boone. “Simple as that.” 

Start with the pitching. The Blue Jays certainly did, scoring first in all four games. Only in Game 2 did it take them more than two outs to plate their first run—and then it took three. The Yankees’ starters, whose 3.61 regular season ERA was fourth in baseball, combined to allow 19 runs in 14 ⅓ innings. Only rookie Cam Schlittler, who threw 6 ⅓ innings of four-run ball in Game 4, got an out in the fourth inning. The beleaguered bullpen mostly kept the score where it was, but converted starter Will Warren allowed six runs in 4 ⅔ innings, and erstwhile closer Luke Weaver, after lowering his October 2025 ERA from infinity to 135.00, acknowledged he felt he was tipping pitches and said, “I don’t feel like my mind is completely clear to go out there and attack.” 

Still, the Yankees are built to out-slug anyone, and they simply did not. In Game 1, they scored one run; in Game 2, they put up seven, but only after Toronto had scored 12. On Wednesday, facing a bullpen game—against a relief corps that threw 6 ⅓ innings a day before, and that had shown every arm to the Yankees during the series—the lineup that scored the most runs in the majors this season went 1-for-6 with a walk with runners in scoring position. Not until the seventh inning, down 4–1, did a runner stand at second base. The only runs came when glove-first third baseman Ryan McMahon homered in the third and Judge singled in a run in the ninth. 

Premier League star Ola Aina has been told to “own up” after revealing that he is at the “talking stage” with a fellow football player’s girlfriend. The Nottingham Forest defender claims that the woman in question likes him more than her current clinch, but their budding relationship remains secret for now. Aina is being urged to address the issue with his love rival.

Forest star Aina makes shock revelation

Nigeria international Aina made his shocking revelation when appearing on show. The versatile 29-year-old said he was there to seek advice from the children and adults on the panel for what has become an obvious “dilemma”.

The former Chelsea and Fulham player, who has been at the City Ground since 2023, was happy to state in public that he has become close with the partner of a fellow performer. He now finds himself in a difficult position.

Aina said: “My dilemma is I'm in a talking stage with another baller's girl.” Asked if he is able to reveal the identity of the other player, the Forest full-back added: “Can't disclose that one.” He went on to confirm that he is at the “talking” stage, rather than the “walking” one, with the surprising scenario only playing out over a matter of weeks.

AdvertisementGettyLove triangle: Aina offered advice on what to do

Quizzed on whether interest has been reciprocated, Aina said that he “knows she likes me back”. He went on to say that he can “easily” take his fellow player one-on-one, but saw it put to him that the girl in question may be “a bit of a clout chaser” as she pits “two footballers” against one another.

Aina maintains that: “I believe she likes me more.” He has, however, been advised to clear the air with everybody involved. The ‘Aunties’ told him to “own up to the guy” and “be honest” about what has happened.

One of the children on the panel added: “Me personally, I think she's only there for your money. You're a professional footballer, you're earning bread, plenty more girls will come. She's on a permanent sin bin off the pitch, red card.”

The two sides proceeded to battle it out in a bid to convince Aina of their argument. He eventually sided with the Aunties, much to their delight. That would suggest that he is ready to speak with the fellow professional that he has become locked in a love triangle with.

Untimely injury: Aina underwent hamstring surgery

Aina does, however, have plenty of his plate at the moment. Away from his private life, every effort is being made to recover from an untimely injury that has kept him out of action since September. His last appearance for Forest came on August 31.

An unfortunate knock was then picked up during the first international break of the 2025-26 campaign, as he headed off with Nigeria. A hamstring problem has been difficult to shake, with surgery required a matter of days after being forced onto the treatment table.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyAfrica Cup of Nations: Will Aina figure for Nigeria?

Aina did not figure for Forest at all during Ange Postecoglou’s ill-fated 39-day spell in charge of the Reds. He has been unable to show current coach Sean Dyche what he is capable of, with it revealed that he is unlikely to grace a Premier League fixture again until 2026.

Dyche has said when delivering a fitness update on his walking wounded: “The ones left not with us yet are Taiwo [Awoniyi], Woody [Chris Wood] and Douglas [Luiz] – although they are getting closer. Ola is getting closer to fitness but obviously can’t be with us until January.”

That is because, alongside his rehabilitation, Aina is in contention to represent Nigeria at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Selection there would come as a surprise, given how much football he has missed over recent months.

The Super Eagles may take a calculated gamble on the 48-cap star, allowing him to rebuild form and fitness before returning to Trentside. The 35th edition of AFCON is set to get underway on December 21 and run through to January 18. Nigeria have been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

The 681 runs scored in Ranchi was the highest aggregate for an ODI match between India and South Africa

Sampath Bandarupalli30-Nov-2025681 – Runs scored by India and South Africa in the first ODI of the series in Ranchi, the highest aggregate for an ODI match between the two teams, surpassing the 662 at Wankhede in 2015, when South Africa scored 438 while India made only 224.6 – Hundreds for Virat Kohli in ODIs against South Africa, the most by any batter, going one ahead of Sachin Tendulkar and David Warner, who scored five apiece.352 – ODI sixes hit by Rohit Sharma are the most by any batter in the format, going past Shahid Afridi’s tally of 351.Related

• 'They are brilliant, and they are performing' – Kotak on Ro-Ko at 2027 World Cup

• South Africa find reason for ODI optimism despite top-order tangles

• Kohli, Harshit, Kuldeep star to give India 1-0 lead

• Kohli: 'If I'm arriving somewhere I'll arrive at 120%'

• Kohli dictates South Africa's reality from within his bubble

20 – Century partnerships between Rohit and Kohli in ODIs, equaling those of Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan, and only behind the 26 between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.The 136-run stand between Kohli and Rohit in Ranchi was their eighth century partnership in ODIs at home, but the first since 2020. These are the most by a pair in India, alongside Tendulkar-Ganguly and Tendulkar-Virender Sehwag.7 – Sixes hit by Kohli in Ranchi. Only twice did he hit that many in an ODI before – eight against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram in 2023 and seven against Australia in Jaipur in 2013.Kohli’s seven sixes are the joint second-most for India in an ODI against South Africa, behind Yusuf Pathan’s eight in 2011, while Ishan Kishan also hit seven in Ranchi in 2022.India hit a total of 16 sixes on Sunday, the most by them in an ODI against South Africa. Only once before did India hit ten sixes against South Africa – 12 in Gwalior in 2010.ESPNcricinfo Ltd173 – Kohli’s batting average in ODIs in Ranchi. It is the second-highest for any batter at a venue in men’s ODIs where they have scored 500-plus runs. Kohli has scored 519 runs in five innings there, with three hundreds and a fifty. All his three hundreds at this venue have been 120-plus scores, only behind Hashim Amla’s four in Centurion.11 – South Africa’s total at the fall of the third wicket in Ranchi, the second-lowest from which any team ended up posting a 300-plus total in ODIs. The lowest is 10 for 3 by Australia, when they finished with 368 against Sri Lanka at the SCG in 2006.South Africa added 321 runs after the fall of the third wicket, the most by them in an ODI and the fifth-most by any team after being three down.1 – South Africa’s innings is the first in ODI cricket where as many as five players batting at No. 4 and lower scored 35-plus runs.South Africa’s No. 4 and lower batters scored a total of 319 runs, the second-most in an ODI innings, behind 341 by India against England in Cuttack in 2017.10 – Four-plus wicket hauls for Kuldeep Yadav in ODIs, the joint-most by an Indian spinner, alongside Anil Kumble. Only two bowlers have taken more four-fors in ODIs for India – Mohammed Shami (16) and Ajit Agarkar (12).392 – International matches played by Rohit and Kohli together for India, the most by a pair, surpassing Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who played 391 together. Overall, only five pairs have played more international matches together than Rohit and Kohli.