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Ange Postecoglou has revealed that Celtic have been dealt yet another injury blow, this time concerning Yosuke Ideguchi.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Glasgow Evening Times, the Bhoys boss revealed that, despite stating after the 2-1 win over Alloa Athletic last weekend that the central midfielder’s injury was not too severe, the 25-year-old is still in a considerable amount of pain from the horror challenge of Mouhamed Niang.

Speaking about the current condition of Ideguchi, Postecoglou said: “[He’s] not great. I think I said after the game that it didn’t look too serious but I didn’t really get a good look at him. It was a terrible tackle and one that should’ve been addressed by the referee on the day. He hasn’t come out of it too well and he’ll be missing for a little bit.

“He’s still pretty painful. Again, I know the kind of character he is so for him to stay down and have come off I knew it was significant. I was optimistic it wasn’t anything too bad but, as everyone saw from the footage, it was a tackle that should never have happened and should’ve been addressed on the day.”

Postecoglou will be seething

With Celtic having brought in three central midfielders this winter – in order to provide greater depth in the position ahead of the second half of the Premiership campaign – the fact that both Callum McGregor and Ideguchi have already been sidelined as a result of injury after just two games since the conclusion of the winter break is sure to have left Postecoglou seething.

Indeed, with David Turnbull still out with a hamstring injury and Tom Rogic being called up to international duty with Australia, the 56-year-old Hoops manager has been left considerably short in the middle of the park once again, with only James McCarthy, Nir Bitton and Ismaila Soro – none of whom have been first-team regulars under Postecoglou – in addition to winter signings Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate, currently being available for selection.

And, with some extremely challenging fixtures coming up for the Bhoys in the next 14 days, including the Old Firm clash on February 2, the fact that Celtic are still short of options in central midfield despite their transfer business this month will undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to the Greek-Australian manager – who must be cursing his bad luck regarding injuries.

In other news: Postecoglou drops teasing 8-word Celtic transfer hint, Nicholson must now act

Wolves have a number of wingers in their squad, and with all of them competing to be a starter in the side, there is little room for obvious error when the opportunity arises for a starting position in the team.

Bruno Lage decided it was Francisco Trincao’s time to shine in the line up against Brighton away from home last night in their midweek Premier League fixture, that saw the side take their first three-pointer in five games, securing a 1-0 win at the AMEX.

Despite the win, Lage took to his post-match conference to make an honest statement following Trincao’s mistake in front of the dugout in the final third which led to Wolves conceding a corner, and spoke briefly about the 21-year-old’s time with Wolves so far:

“Sometimes he needs to understand the game better,” Lage said. “That’s the big experience for him and what he can learn.

“If you look at the first 15, 20 minutes, every time he tried to link the game, they counter-press and we lost the ball.

“After that he tried to link the game the way we wanted. In the Premier League there is always a good tempo and a good rhythm, and when you come from outside (England) you need to adapt.”

The Portuguese winger has had inconsistencies in his performances so far, with just one goal and not a single assist in his 14 appearances for Wolves so far this season compared to his position competitor, Daniel Podence, who has offered two goals and two assists for the side in fewer appearances.

He struggled to make an impact on his side last night against Brighton, losing the ball every 2.8 times he touched it which only continues to add to Wolves lower possession record away from home. That sits at an average of 44.1% in the Premier League, compared to 53.2% when the side plays at Molineux.

With that first statistic in mind, it’s clear to see why Tim Spiers described him as “sloppy” in possession earlier this term.

As a result of these poor performances, Lage must make the decision to axe the consistency that Trincao lacks into the team in the attacking third, especially during the congested fixtures coming up over Christmas and New Year, where Wolves can pick up a lot of points and will need to have trustworthy players to elevate their chances to get more comfortable in the top half of the table.

Wolves have an option to buy Trincao for £25m when his season long loan from Barcelona ends in the Summer of 2022, but the forward will have a lot of convincing to do for the club to feel that they should secure a permanent move for him, and prove that he can make a positive impact on the side’s efforts to secure European football next season.

Lage will have to now assess how he is going to move forward with his attacking options, as Wolves have been hit with a devastating blow to their starting side with Hwang Hee-Chan getting injured during the game last night, which could give Trincao the chance to redeem himself.

For now, however, he definitely deserves to be axed; his performances have not been good enough.

In other news: Adama Traore attracting January transfer interest

Wolves have had an impressive start to the season, with new attackers Francisco Trincao and Hee Chan Hwang, joining the squad in the summer, they have managed to maintain a comfortable position in the top half of the table where they currently sit eighth after eighteen games played.

Hwang has been one of the notable performers in the team making an instant impact on the side since his arrival 4 months ago, with four goals in 14 Premier League appearances, making him the highest scoring player in the side so far this season.

Unfortunately for Wolves, the South Korean forward sustained a hamstring injury in the early stages of the clash against Brighton earlier this month, and it has now been confirmed that he will be out until at least February.

The club officially confirmed the news on the Wolverhampton Wanderers website stating;

“Hee Chan Hwang sustained a hamstring injury in the win over Brighton and is expected to return to play in February.”

Bruno Lage has had to get through the first half of the season with key players missing for large chunks of the campaign, with injury hits over the last few months to not only Hwang, but Willy Boly, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Pedro Neto and many more, with some still out of action.

The Wolves boss will be looking to the upcoming transfer window, which opens in the next few days, to add quality, fitness and availability to his squad as they challenge for a spot in Europe next season, but he may be able to save money by making a bold decision.

Morgan Gibbs White is currently on loan with Sheffield United, and is thoroughly enjoying the first team football he is experiencing with the side after making 16 appearances, scoring five goals and bagging four assists in the Championship already.

The Blades team mate, David McGoldrick, heaped praise on the youngster claiming he has “the world at his feet” after he opened the scoring against Cardiff in a 3-2 win;

“Yeah he’s got the world at his feet. You know, great kid, great player. He’s got all the ability in the world”, McGoldrick said after the win at Cardiff.

Gibbs White also weighed in on his season so far;

“Going to Sheffield United was the right move because I didn’t want to be sat on the bench at a Premier League team. I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Lage’s big decision

Despite the fact he is clearly thriving with the Championship side, Lage is plagued with virus outbreaks and particularly, an injury to an important goal-scorer in his team.

Which begs the dilemma as to whether the Wolves manager leaves the 21-year-old to continue to build confidence and experience, or recalls him from loan, bringing him back to the West Midlands club to make up for lost goal scoring opportunities in the absence of Hwang.

If Wolves were to bring back Gibbs-White it would free up funds for Lage to spend in other key areas that could use depth like their defensive and wing back positions, so it could be quite a positive move for the club.

But could also really disrupt the progression the forward is having away on loan if the manager can’t offer him enough first team football when Hwang returns.

In the end, Wolves’ need right now is far more pressing, so Lage must seriously consider making that bold call.

In other news: Ruben Neves squashes rumours of a move away

Aston Villa’s defence has pretty much picked itself over the last 18 months after some solid results and excellent performances under Dean Smith and now Steven Gerrard.

Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed number one goalkeeper, while Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett make up the back-four in front of him when they’re all fit. The likes of Kortney Hause and Axel Tuanzebe make the central defensive positions somewhat competitive, but the full-backs have been pretty much set in stone.

So when Targett suffered a head injury against Manchester City and was forced off, there were instantly worries from Villa fans as to who would fill in and how much of a blow it would turn out to be in the upcoming games.

If the win and performance against Leicester is anything to go by though, they needn’t have worried because Ashley Young is on the scene.

The former Manchester United man made his name as a winger, lighting up the Premier League for Villa before his move to Old Trafford where he won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. But during his time up north, Young’s game transformed from a flying winger to a reliable full-back. That was solidified when he moved to Italy with Inter Milan and won the Scudetto playing as a left wing-back.

Upon his return to Villa Park in the summer on a free transfer, where he signed a £50k-per-week deal, many lauded his versatility as a big reason why the deal was a good one for the club despite him being 36-years-old these days. His performance against Leicester in the 2-1 win from left-back proved them right.

He won 100% of his tackles on the day and only Emi Buendia completed more dribbles than him in a Villa shirt during the game. Despite being naturally right-footed, he kept the width well to stretch the Leicester defence and was a threat going forward with his crossing ability. His performance meant Villa barely missed Targett in the game and were able to pick up three points without him.

With a trip to Anfield up next, Gerrard will want his strongest defence available to him. But with Young’s experience and winning mentality, that could well include the veteran who the Villans boss dubbed “outstanding” in a wing-back role to provide a threat going forward as well as security defensively against the most potent attack in the country.

As he proved only last weekend, he can be game-changing in that position.

AND in other news, Matty Cash stole the show against Leicester.

Everton have set their sights on Serie A striker Giovanni Simeone, according to Fichajes. 

The lowdown

The 26-year-old is currently on loan from Cagliari at fellow top-flight club Hellas Verona. He’s been in prolific form so far this season, netting 11 goals in 15 Serie A appearances, scoring once every 89 minutes on average (via Transfermarkt).

In Europe’s top five leagues, only Robert Lewandowski (16), Ciro Immobile, Dusan Vlahovic, Mohamed Salah (13), Karim Benzema and Patrick Schick (12) have bagged more goals this season.

However, Simeone stands out among that group, having out-performed his xG by a whopping 6.7. That makes him the most lethal finisher in the leading divisions (via FBRef).

The latest

The report from Fichajes stated that Everton hold a keen interest in Simeone as they eye a ‘quality substitute’ for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, adding that summer signing Salomon Rondon ‘has not been in the expected form’.

The outlet also revealed that Cagliari’s current price tag is €10m (£8.5m), but that could change.

The verdict

Simeone may not be able to sustain that rate of xG overperformance, but he certainly looks like he would be an upgrade on Rondon.

The Venezuelan is yet to find the net in 10 appearances for the Blues and, as it stands, he has recorded more offsides (five) than he has shots on target (three).

Perhaps the question is whether Simeone accepts a back-up role behind Calvert-Lewin off the back of his present goalscoring exploits, as there may be better opportunities available to him elsewhere.

In other news, Marcel Brands could be followed out the door by another key figure.

Nottingham Forest confirmed on Thursday that tickets for their trip to West Brom later this month have sold out.

And, as to be expected, a number of Forest fans were quick to share their positive thoughts on the news on social media.

Forest have been a club on the up following Steve Cooper’s appointment back in September. He’s won four of his eight games in charge so far, losing just the once, with The Reds now eight points clear of safety.

Forest revealed earlier in the week that a sold-out allocation of 2,200 fans will make the trip to Reading on November 20.

And now, Cooper’s side will once again be backed in full numbers, with a trip to The Hawthorns on Friday, November 26 selling out.

Forest thanked fans after all the tickets were snapped up, labelling the backing as ‘magnificent’.

Forest fans react

This is what these Forest supporters had to say in reply to the official club post, with many hailing how fans have ‘gone wild’ and one labelling it as ‘unbelievable’.

“Over three weeks away and sold out already. Fantastic showing again.”

Credit: @WPacey_89

“Reds have gone wild this season. Tickets selling out quickly”

Credit: @NottinghamGupta

“Unbelievable support once again. Cannot wait.”

Credit: @jackbryan8

“Absolutely tremendous support both home and away! That’s both Reading and now WBA sold out”

Credit: @BrodieJohn

“Very good from the fans!”

Credit: @JoeLolley2

“I was fortunate enough to get a ticket but it’s pretty ridiculous how it wasn’t based on loyalty points”

Credit: @RedDogGary

A worrying update has emerged for Newcastle ahead of the upcoming January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has claimed that there are talks of Premier League teams being ready to refuse offers from the Magpies for their players in the January transfer window.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“There’s a lot of talk going around with the Premier League board that they’re not going to entertain anything from Newcastle this January because they’re so against the Saudi takeover.

“We’ll have to wait and see on that. Let’s wait and see if that actually happens.”

Worry

This claim from Bridge will surely leave Newcastle fans worried about what it is to come in the next few months.

It is an early indication that they are going to face a significant pushback from fellow top-flight teams because of their takeover and that could cause tension between fanbases and clubs, which may impact transfer negotiations and potentially also the atmospheres at matches.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-newcastle-howe-ter-stegen” title= “Read the latest Newcastle news!”]

Supporters may also be worried by this as it could mean the Magpies have to go out into the foreign market to pick up players instead. Consequently, they’d have to acquire players without Premier League experience and know-how, which is important as they attempt to stave off relegation back down to the Championship.

As Bridge says, though, it remains to be seen whether or not the clubs will stick to their plans when push comes to shove. In reality, will they reject big-money offers from Newcastle for a player they don’t want to keep if there are no other, similar, bids on the table? In a time when the pandemic is hitting clubs financially, it could be difficult for teams to turn down the big money that PIF has brought to the northeast.

With the January window roughly six weeks away, it could now be an anxious wait for Newcastle fans to find out whether or not the other 19 teams are willing to stick by their guns.

Until the situation is resolved, supporters can be excused for being concerned about what is to come as this claim could see them miss out on talented players For example, Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek is an example of someone who has been linked with a switch to St. James’ Park.

AND in other news, “My future…”: NUFC transfer target makes big statement that’ll leave fans gutted…

Crystal Palace embarked on a mass overhaul of their first-team squad over the summer, allowing several experienced campaigners to depart before replacing them with exciting, young acquisitions.

And the early indications are that the capital club’s dealings were a huge success. The likes of Marc Guehi, Odsonne Edouard and Conor Gallagher have all hit the ground running at Selhurst Park, propelling Patrick Vieira’s new-look side to a memorable victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, while there can be little doubt over the incomings in south London, the club’s hierarchy arguably made a few mistakes when allowing some seasoned professionals to walk out the exit.

Winger Andros Townsend has been excelling at fellow Premier League club Everton in the opening weeks of the new campaign with five goals for the Toffees already, but defender Patrick van Aanholt is another who Palace chairman Steve Parish may have some regrets over.

After joining the Eagles via a £9.45m move in January 2017, the attacking left-back went on to make 134 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in the process.

His impressive performances for Palace saw him soon became a pivotal part of the English sides system under former manager Roy Hodgson, earning him 19 caps for the Netherlands senior setup as a result.

But while the ex-England boss brought stability to Palace during his tenure, Hodgson has left behind an imbalanced and unstable playing squad, with the Selhurst Park outfit having the oldest squad in the top flight in 2020/21.

Consequently, Van Aanholt was one of the players sacrificed to make way for the new era in south London and was phased out of the Palace starting XI in the final few weeks of last term, allowing promising full-back Tyrick Mitchell a chance to shine.

However, the now 31-year-old still made 22 Premier League appearances for Palace, recording 1.4 interceptions per game and 1.1 defensive dribbles per game, the third-highest totals in the Palace squad for each metric, respectively.

His departure on a free transfer in the previous window has left Mitchell as the only natural left-back in Vieira’s squad, while Van Aanholt’s eye-catching performances for Galatasaray in the Europa League will surely leave Parish and co. lamenting their decision to let the defender go.

And, in other news…Signed for £0, sold for £49.5m: Parish struck gold for Palace over £90k-p/w gem

Everton and Leicester City are leading the way in the race to sign Isco from Real Madrid, Fichajes.net report. 

As it stands, Isco is apparently set to leave the club, with his contract due to expire in June.

He could depart in January if Real decide to cash in, or he could walk away as a free agent come the end of the season.

Everton and Leicester head a group of ‘several’ Premier League sides who are interested in recruiting the 29-year-old Spaniard.

This is after manager Rafael Benitez asked the board to make a move for the attacking midfielder.

James 2.0 for Everton?

Everton, of course, have recent experience of dealing with Los Blancos, having brought James Rodriguez to Goodison Park in 2020.

The Colombian pocketed more than £200,000 on Merseyside but wound up being offloaded to Qatari side Al-Rayyan only a year on from his arrival.

Fan feed Toffee TV relayed the Isco report, and here’s what supporters made of it.

These Everton fans implore club not to sign Isco

“So a James Rodriguez….just way worse”

Credit: @whoisparadox

“Don’t sign expensive has beens! If we have no cash then loan decent players who can’t get a game at their clubs eg. Idrissa Gueye or Lingard etc. And when we do have some money then go get some young hungry talented players with a point to prove!”

Credit: @FormbyJules

“Would be a terrible signing, we should know better…”

Credit: @liamjb_23

“Yes makes perfect sense…. let’s give another gallactico £250k a week so we can’t sign any other players!”

Credit: @PGJ9

“These are the signings we should be steering clear of right now.”

Credit: @arthurdurkin

“Another overpaid flop on the cards”

Credit: @gigsy1974

In other news, Everton have also been linked with this Serie A ace. 

Ainsley Maitland-Niles may have blown his final chance to impress manager Mikel Arteta as Arsenal advanced into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The Gunners picked up their third win in a row across all competitions by defeating League One minnows AFC Wimbledon 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Alexandre Lacazette bagged an early penalty before he turned provider for substitute Emile Smith Rowe late in the second half. Eddie Nketiah then wrapped things up with a deft backheel past the visiting goalkeeper.

But for all the positives on the night, it was another worrying sign that time may be running out for Maitland-Niles, particularly after the controversy towards the end of the summer transfer window.

As explained by the Evening Standard in their post-match ratings column, it wasn’t the first time that the Hale End graduate had failed to impress in what is his preferred position, central midfield.

‘Some nice touches but did not bring any real incision and was sloppy in possession. Another opportunity in his prefered position that rather passed him by,’ they wrote.

The 24-year-old requested to leave the north Londoners just before deadline day and even shared his frustrations in a social media post. After ‘clear the air’ talks with Arteta, the England international was given assurances over his playing time this season, as per Goal’s Charles Watts.

He started the match against Norwich in midfield, where he was said to have ‘struggled’ despite their win, so it certainly seems like he hasn’t made the most of a rare second opportunity.

The £14.4m-rated dynamo, who earns around £52k-per-week at the Emirates Stadium, was the only Gunners starter to be graded lower than a 6.8 as he earned a 6.3, via SofaScore.

Against a side two divisions below, he failed to assert his dominance as a deep-lying playmaker in Arteta’s set-up. He won just two of eight duels (25%) and was dribbled past on two occasions, suggesting the opposition had his number frequently throughout the match.

Furthermore, Maitland-Niles lost possession 17 times – the second-most in the game – and didn’t produce anything going forward as he did not record a single dribble, key pass or shot, as per SofaScore.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, Arteta may want to think again should Everton return with interest in the versatile Gunners man.

It was yet another disappointing effort from the academy product, so he may well have messed up one of his final chances to play in his preferred role.

AND in other news, Once valued £45m, now worth 56% less: Gazidis had a nightmare over Arsenal “liability”…