As the international break slowly comes to an end, managers and supporters will be praying their players return healthy, but that may not be the case for Nottingham Forest after Chris Wood limped off the pitch in the early hours of Monday morning.

How Forest players are getting along on international duty

Given how the season has gone for the Reds so far, it is no surprise to see a lot of their key players away on international duty representing their national teams.

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Forest captain and talisman Morgan Gibbs-White is the only player from the City Ground to be representing England during this break after he was called up to the squad as a replacement for Cole Palmer. Gibbs-White was not named in the 23-man squad for England’s game against Albania on Friday but has been recalled to the squad for their game against Latvia.

Meanwhile, defenders Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic and Ola Aina are away representing Brazil, Serbia and Nigeria respectively. Milenkovic left the Serbian media impressed after his defensive display in a 1-1 draw in Austria, which he followed up with a clean sheet in a 2-0 win in the return leg on Sunday.

“He had his moments of hesitation, especially at the start of the game in the 9th minute when he came forward and left a gap for Strahinja Pavlović, but he did his job very well until the end, showing that he is one of the best stoppers in the Premier League this season for a reason.

“He also tried his head, and it seems that he was very happy when he saw Arnautović as a new task. He successfully stopped him as well as Grilič.”

Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare are both representing the Ivory Coast as they play their final game on Monday evening against Gambia – the defender was an unused substitute in their 1-0 win in Burundi while Sangare got some minutes off the bench.

Neco Williams, Anthony Elanga, Matz Sels, Elliot Anderson and Wood are all away representing their respective countries, and while Williams produced a fabulous display in a 3-1 Wales win over Kazakhstan, there is serious concern for Wood, who limped out of New Zealand’s 3-0 win against New Caledonia on Monday.

Darren Bazeley shares update on Chris Wood injury

New Zealand manager Darren Bazeley spoke to the press on Monday and confirmed Wood has picked up an injury but was hesitant to provide too many details. He did, however, state the issue is “not ideal”.

New Zealand became the second nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a 3-0 win over New Caledonia, but theirs and Forest’s talisman had to be replaced 54 minutes into the game with what appeared to be a hip injury.

Apps

40

Goals

28

Assists

3

The 33-year-old, who has 18 goals to his name in the Premier League this season, bagged a hat-trick in New Zealand’s win over Fiji on Friday night, making it back-to-back hat-tricks for his country in the World Cup qualification campaign before blanking against New Caledonia.

Forest and their fans will now be sweating as they await the results of any further tests and scans before they face Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday, with a huge Premier League game against Manchester United then looming on Tuesday.

West Bromwich Albion are in danger of falling out of the playoff positions in the Championship now after their first defeat in seven in the difficult division popped up away at Norwich City.

Goal difference is the Baggies’ best friend currently in sixth spot, with the likes of Middlesbrough and Bristol City breathing down the necks of Tony Mowbray’s men to try and leap into the second tier’s nervy lottery at the expense of the West Midlands outfit.

Mowbray will just pray that his key West Brom personnel can step up to the mark when needed between now and the close of the regular season, with Baggies managers of the past such as Slaven Bilic relying on the magic of Brazilian superstar Matheus Pereira to seal promotion.

Pereira's promotion heroics at West Brom

The second-tier high-flyers hit instant gold when snapping up Pereira on an initial loan deal back in 2019 as the South American ace made the Championship his very own playground.

Indeed, the one-time senior Brazil international would light up the notoriously strenuous league with top-drawer display after top-drawer display, leading to a mammoth 28 goal contributions coming his way across 43 total contests in that debut year.

Promotion was won automatically off the back of the now 28-year-old’s sublime heroics, with Pereira then going to solidfy himself as a Premier League-calibre performer with 11 goals and six assists picked up from 33 top-flight clashes.

Mowbray doesn’t quite possess such flashy options at his disposal at the moment – away from the likes of assist king Tom Fellows perhaps – but there is one face in the West Brom camp who could be the side’s best purchase since the golden days of Pereira, even as he remains injured.

West Brom's best signing since Pereira

Mowbray re-entered the building back in January with a sizable injury issue troubling him, considering he would have been told to help his new outfit win promotion even with a star player sidelined.

The star player is, of course, Josh Maja, who has found himself out of the West Brom first-team set-up for an agonising 14 games now after suffering a nasty lower leg injury that has since required surgery.

This has been a bitter pill for Mowbray and Co to swallow with the ex-Sunderland striker a man possessed in front of goal before this horrible setback, with Maja up to a stunning 12 goals and two assists from 26 Championship contests before January’s heartbreaking development.

Further lauded as a “special” talent by former West Brom boss Carlos Corberan before his departure to Valencia, it did feel as if Maja’s goals alone could have been the kick the Baggies needed to consolidate a playoff spot, knowing that he can cause second tier defences all sorts of bother in the blink of an eye.

1. Josh Maja

26

12

2

2. Tom Fellows

38

2

11

= 3. Alex Mowatt

36

6

2

= 3. Karlan Grant

36

6

2

5. Mikey Johnston

34

2

5

Despite missing large portions of the campaign, the injury-prone 26-year-old still finds himself proudly top of the goalscoring charts, with the decision to bring in Maja on a free transfer in the summer of 2023 more than paying off even if he finds himself stuck in the Hawthorns treatment room.

It could be argued, therefore, that he’s been the best bit of business conducted by West Brom since Pereira’s explosive arrival onto the scene, with a hope Maja can be back fit if his side reach the playoffs, having been ruled out now for the rest of the 46-game season.

If he can inspire that same promotion-winning feeling, memories of Pereira’s heroics would certainly come flooding back.

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Tottenham Hotspur are no closer to climbing back up the Premier League table after they were beaten 2-0 by London rivals Fulham on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou’s side remain stuck in 13th place in the division, five points behind Crystal Palace in 12th, after goals from Rodrigo Muniz and former Spurs man Ryan Sessegnon secured all three points for the hosts.

The Lilywhites, as you can see in the clips above, did have chances to take the lead before the second-half strikes from the Fulham pair, as Dominic Solanke missed two big opportunities to find the back of the net.

Tottenham’s £55m signing from Bournemouth last summer failed to step up and put his team in front, which provided the Cottagers with the chance to go on and win the match – and they did.

Solanke was far from the only Spurs player who underperformed on the day against Fulham, however, as Yves Bissouma was hauled off the pitch at half-time after his struggles in the opening 45 minutes.

Spurs' poorest performers against Fulham

Postecoglou decided to go with the Mali international as part of his starting midfield three alongside Archie Gray and Rodrigo Bentancur at Craven Cottage.

Unfortunately, however, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man did not justify his manager’s faith in him with a positive performance on the pitch against the Cottagers.

Instead, Bissouma struggled badly with his play in and out of possession in the opening 45 minutes before he was withdrawn from the action, to be replaced by Lucas Bergvall for the second half.

The central midfielder only completed 82% of his attempted passes in the first half, despite not attempting a single long pass or cross, and did not create a single chance for his teammates. This suggests that he was sloppy in possession without offering any threat to the Fulham goal.

Vs Fulham	Yves Bissouma
Minutes played	45
Touches	17
Ground duels won	2/6
Aerial duels won	0/1
Tackles + interceptions	1
Clearances	0
Fouls committed	2
Possession lost	8
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Bissouma also struggled out of possession throughout his time on the pitch for the Lilywhites, losing five of his seven physical duels.

He made more fouls than tackles and interceptions made combined, which speaks to how much of a liability the midfielder was off the ball, and his play at both ends of the pitch may have contributed to Postecoglou’s decision to take him off the pitch.

Chalkboard

The 28-year-old dud was not, however, the worst player on the pitch for Tottenham during that first-half display. Winger Brennan Johnson was also taken off after the first 45 minutes, after he put in an even worse performance than Bissouma at Craven Cottage.

Brennan Johnson's performance against Fulham

The Wales international was selected to start on the right side of the front three for Spurs, with Solanke down the middle and Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel on the left flank.

It was Johnson’s lack of fluidity in possession that ultimately cost him in the first half, though, as he failed to be effective with the ball at his feet for Tottenham on the wing.

The former Nottingham Forest man was substituted off at the break, with club captain Heung-min Son coming on in his place, after he was unable to cause many, if any, problems for Antonee Robinson.

Johnson ended the first half with zero shots attempted, zero crosses completed, zero long passes completed, and zero chances created for his teammates in his 45 minutes on the pitch. On that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise that he was handed a dismal 3/10 player rating by Football.London at full-time.

Vs Fulham	Brennan Johnson
Minutes played	45
Shots	0
Key passes	0
Dribbles completed	0/2
Crosses completed	0/1
Long passes completed	0/1
Pass accuracy	55%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Welsh forward was completely ineffective at the top end of the pitch and incredibly loose with his passes, which gave Robinson a fairly easy afternoon.

Johnson also struggled to deal with the physicality of the Fulham players, losing four of his six duels, as he put in an even worse performance than Bissouma, who at least completed 82% of his passes and was not expected to make a difference in the final third.

Why Spurs should drop Brennan Johnson

Postecoglou must, now, ruthlessly bin the Welsh attacker from his starting line-up when Spurs are back in action against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after the international break, by bringing Son or Wilson Odobert back into the side.

Johnson has been in disappointing form of late for the North London outfit, with just two goals and zero assists in his last ten appearances against Premier League level or Europa League opposition.

Both of those goals came in a 4-1 win over relegation-threatened Ipswich Town, who were in League One two seasons ago, which means that the ex-Nottingham Forest man has failed to register a goal or an assist in any of the other nine outings.

The 23-year-old is not a dynamic winger who is likely to progress play with passes or dribbles to make things happen, but he does have excellent positioning and a good feel for when a chance will come his way.

24/25 PL	Johnson (per 90)	Percentile rank vs att. mids & wingers
Non-penalty xG	0.48	Top 2%
Non-penalty goals	0.47	Top 6%
Assists	0.10	Bottom 24%
Expected Assisted Goals	0.08	Bottom 11%
Shot-creating actions	2.20	Bottom 9%
Progressive passes	2.99	Bottom 37%
Progressive carries	2.73	Bottom 38%
Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Johnson is exceptional at finding himself in high-quality goalscoring positions, yet leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to his use of the ball outside of his shooting opportunities.

He ranks incredibly lowly among his positional peers in the Premier League at progressing play and creating chances for his teammates, which was part of the issue with his performance against Fulham.

This is backed up by his return of just two assists, from 1.43 xA, in 26 appearances in the top-flight this season, which shows that he rarely provides his fellow attackers with chances to score.

When Johnson does not get the big chances to score in matches, the former Forest man does not offer much to the side on the right flank and that is why – amid this current dry spell in front of goal – Postecoglou should drop him from the starting line-up.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are almost there in their bid for Premier League survival, and Vitor Pereira now has a talented winger in his sights to bolster their forward line, per a report.

Wolverhampton Wanderers prepared to acquire summer reinforcements

In truth, Wolves have endured a frustrating campaign that hasn’t panned out as hoped, but the struggles of Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton have them on the brink of retaining their Premier League status.

The Old Gold have earned their nine-point advantage since Pereira took over at Molineux. Losing one of their last four in the top flight has shown a resilience previously lacking under Gary O’Neil, albeit the Englishman did a respectable job before enduring an unfortunate downturn in form.

Either way, there is no appetite for a repeat of events come next season. Wolves are reportedly eyeing a move for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens as they begin to kickstart a summer recruitment drive expected to yield changes.

Diogo Jota has been mentioned in connection with an emotional return to the Black Country, showing evidence that the forward line could be a key area for reinforcements to occur.

Manchester United are keen on Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha and the Brazil international is someone who may need replaced despite signing a contract extension earlier in the year. Nobody wants to lose star assets, though there is an awareness that he is destined for great heights following an excellent run of form in 2024/25.

Wolves’ top goalscorers in 2024/25 – all competitions

Matheus Cunha

15 goals

Jorgen Strand Larsen

9 goals

Goncalo Guedes

5 goals

Rayan Ait-Nouri

4 goals

Joao Gomes

4 goals

Now, the Old Gold appear to have turned their attention to a talent who has caught the attention of several clubs due to his exploits in one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Wolverhampton Wanderers ready to strike for Deportivo star Yeremay

According to a report in Spain, Wolves are ready to activate Deportivo La Coruna attacker Yeremay Hernandez’s £27.6 million release clause during the summer window.

Brentford and Leicester City are also in the hunt for his signature after a return of 11 goals and four assists in 30 La Liga 2 appearances this campaign.

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Labelled “excellent” by Ben Mattinson, the Spain Under-21 international predominantly features off the left flank, though he is also capable of carrying out his duties on the opposite wing.

Hernandez is said to be happy at his current employers, but Deportivo’s financial status may hold the key to whether a summer transfer could materialise. Excelling in Spain’s second tier, the 22-year-old has created 43 chances and completed 108 dribbles on league duty.

Ultimately, Wolves need options that promote tactical variation and Hernandez’s ball-carrying, intuition and ability to find the back of the net would be a major asset.

Finalising survival will be the main priority for Pereira. Still, he looks to have done his homework on targets that could elevate his side to a new level.

How will Liverpool look on the opening day of the 2025/26 campaign?

Will Arne Slot be watching on as Conor Bradley completed the first day of his new first-choice duties at right-back, or will a fresh face take on the job, replacing Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold?

So much could change over the coming months. For one thing, a new team will be etched onto the Premier League title, Liverpool set to replace Manchester City as the division’s kingpin, 12 points clear of second-place Arsenal with nine games to play.

But more concerning eventualities must be addressed in due course too. Indeed, Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only high-profile Reds star potentially leaving Anfield this summer.

The players leaving Liverpool this summer

The Times’ Paul Joyce – typically an unerring source of news – revealed in the wake of the latest batch of Trent-related developments that optimism remains that Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will be Liverpool players next season, though there has been a breakthrough in neither contractual case yet.

However, there are a host of players who FSG are more eager to part ways with. Sporting director Richard Hughes has got his work cut out, with a flagging frontline facing quite the reshuffle.

According to Sky Germany earlier this month, each of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez could be sold this summer in a sweeping clearout.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 2025 (all comps)

#

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

Mohamed Salah

17 (17)

12

5

Cody Gakpo

13 (9)

5

1

Luis Diaz

18 (15)

1

2

Diogo Jota

14 (9)

2

1

Darwin Nunez

16 (4)

3

4

Federico Chiesa

5 (2)

2

1

Data via Transfermarkt

While Jota and Diaz have suffered rebuke for their profligate performances of late, Nunez’s conundrum is of a deeper nature. It doesn’t feel like there’s a way back for the Uruguayan, whose departure must be prioritised this summer.

Why Liverpool must axe Darwin Nunez

Oh, Nunez. Time is running out for the likeable striker to turn his Liverpool career around. In fact, the nine remaining fixtures of the 2024/25 campaign most likely won’t be enough for him to salvage his career in Red.

Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica in a deal worth £85m (a club record) after the end of the 2021/22 season, a prudent move given Roberto Firmino was entering the final year of his deal.

It had so much promise, so much anticipation. Almost two years into his time in the Premier League, Klopp remarked that the maverick has “quality coming out of his ears” after bagging twice in the Europa League against Sparta Prague, but such moments have sadly been few and far between for a player who has failed to hit the heights.

Indeed, Nunez has scored only 25 goals from 88 Premier League matches. Erling Haaland, who signed for Manchester City in the same window, has posted 84 from 94 – just a bit of context.

There’s always been something frenetic and exciting about the way the number nine plays, however. At least, that was the case under Klopp’s wing. Slot, for all his brilliance, has failed to spark development from this South American star, who has only scored seven goals across all competitions this season.

Darwin Nunez – Select Stats in the Premier League

Stats (per 90)

22/23

23/24

24/25

Shots total

4.46

4.70

2.78

Shot-creating actions

2.87

3.47

2.13

Touches

33.61

34.16

28.67

Touches (att pen)

8.18

8.44

5.57

Progressive carries

3.24

2.55

1.86

Ball recoveries

2.34

2.46

3.25

Tackles + interceptions

0.74

1.10

1.95

Stats via FBref

The 25-year-old’s growth in front of goal has, sadly, been negligible. While Nunez is statistically far less wasteful this season, his actual influence in the final third has been unacceptable, lacking the authority and nous to get into space and fire on goal with the regularity and precision required.

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr made their move in January but failed to convince Liverpool to part with their struggling striker. Chiefly, this is because FSG were reluctant to sell a first-team regular at the midpoint of a title-chasing campaign. This has borne fruit insofar as Nunez has remained a presence and will likely leave as a Premier League champion.

And let’s not forget: Nunez did score a stunning off-the-bench brace against Brentford in January, pricelessly advancing Slot’s cause after successive draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Arsenal dropped off at the same point, but it gave Liverpool the boost to peel away and establish a formidable gulf.

Nunez’s less-than-extensive goal catalogue at Anfield has been frustrating to watch. Here is a striker bearing all the parts to become a superstar. Klopp might have made the wrong move in signing him for a rising club-record fee, but it wasn’t a ridiculous move.

At Benfica, Nunez fired home 34 goals from 41 appearances across the 2021/22 campaign, five of which came in the Champions League against opponents such as Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

It’s crucial he’s sold this summer. Nunez is one of the club’s highest earners at £140k per week, with those earnings meaning he has already pocketed over £20m since joining the Merseysiders nearly three years ago. The Athletic’s JJ Bull has described Nunez as being “frustrating to watch”, largely because there is clearly so much untapped potential.

Combine that with the £85m figure, and Nunez may well have bled Liverpool about £105m by the time he’s sold this summer. And if Liverpool do cash in, you can bet your bottom dollar they won’t be recouping their outlay in its totality.

With the likes of Alexander Isak and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane being linked with a summer move to Anfield, it really is imperative Nunez is sold, lest Slot enter his second campaign with bitter longing for parts that were not provided – not even after winning the Premier League title.

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Hawks’ death bowling was impeccable as Pieter Malan’s 80 goes in vain for Middlesex

ECB Reporters Network26-May-2023

James Vince celebrates hitting the winning runs•Getty Images

James Vince fired a warning to Hampshire Hawks’ Vitality Blast rivals with an outstanding unbeaten 88 off 55 balls as the holders got their 2023 campaign off and running by thrashing Middlesex.Vince, the 2022 competition’s leading run scorer, passed 5,000 T20 runs during his explosive innings, and is now 61 away from being the Blast’s all-time leading run-getter. He put on 91 with Australian Ben McDermott as Hampshire put their opening-day embarrassment to Somerset behind them to win by eight wickets.Pieter Malan was excellent for his 80 but Middlesex slid away to only set the Hawks 172 – which was reached with 13 balls to spare.Friday had been declared Champions Day at the Ageas Bowl as Hampshire and Southern Vipers flaunted their Blast and Charlotte Edwards Cup trophies. Vipers began the day by dominating Western Storm.Hampshire had been routed for their lowest Blast total at Taunton on Wednesday, but instead of licking their wounds, they took it out on Middlesex.McDermott set the tone for the chase with an early scoop before almost wiping out the umpire with a straight drive in a three-boundary destruction of Tom Helm.Vince was no shrinking violet at the other end and forced McDermott to duck out of the way of his own swat down the ground as their 50 stand came up before the end of the powerplay.McDermott picked out wide long off when on 39 but Tom Prest continued the onslaught alongside his captain. Vince was at another level though, his half-century came and went in 28 deliveries, and he then skipped down the pitch to deposit his first six to go alongside his 10 fours.Prest wristily flicked his first soon after in a 17-ball 30 before ending too soon when he was bowled by Luke Hollman. Vince was caught at deep fine leg, but got a reprieve as Middlesex’s poor evening got worse as they had too many fielders outside the ring. The victory came soon after.Middlesex were stuck in and looked on course for 200 thanks to Stevie Eskinazi’s early swinging for 31, Malan’s speedy, anchoring 80 and Ryan Higgins’ 27. But no one else reached double figures and the last six wickets fell for 10 runs in 16 balls and they failed to bat out their overs.Eskinazi flailed a massive six over midwicket in the first over in a productive powerplay – where Joe Cracknell was the only wicket to fall with 53 runs on the board.Mason Crane went for 13 off his first five balls before a googly went through Eskinazi to end a 43-run stand with Malan, before Max Holden holed out the next ball Crane bowled.Higgins reverse swept the hat trick ball away and slog swept two sixes during his innings defining 68 stand with Malan before he was caught and bowled by Chris Wood off his toe.Malan’s innings showcased powerful striking down the ground and pin-point shots through gaps in the field as his 13th T20 fifty came off 30 balls.Hampshire’s death bowling was impeccable though, as James Fuller – whose first two overs had gone for 30 – picked up Malan and John Simpson in his third over.Nathan Ellis had Hollman caught behind off a skier, Nathan Fernandes and Tom Helm were run out and Martin Andersson struck out to deep extra cover to conclude a sorry end to a promising innings.

Shay Given admits it would be "amazing" to see Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola face Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi at the FIFA Club World Cup.

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Premier League giants heading to U.S.Opportunity to make more historyArgentine icon will also be on showFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

There is a chance of that happening, with some of the finest teams in world football preparing for a global gathering in the United States. City will be there courtesy of their Champions League triumph in 2023 – which formed part of a historic treble.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

MLS outfit Inter Miami, who rewrote the record books when savouring Supporters’ Shield glory last season, have accepted a special invitation to an expanded tournament taking place on American soil.

Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream nowWHAT SHAY GIVEN SAID

Guardiola could cross paths with former Barcelona charge Messi in the knockout stages, if both clubs can progress that far, with ex-City goalkeeper Given – speaking in association with DAZN – telling GOAL when asked about a fun reunion: “It would be amazing. Messi, for me, one of the best players to ever grace the planet.

“From a City point of view, with the profile of the club, it just feels like if they can get their hands on it… It’s a big ask with so many big clubs – Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final were phenomenal, the likes of them and Real Madrid will have the same ambition to get their hands on this trophy. As an ex-City player I would love to see them win it, but it’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be tough.”

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Given the prize money on offer, and the opportunity to make history by becoming the first winners of the 32-team Club World Cup, Given added when asked if City and demanding coach Guardiola will be taking the event seriously: “Very much so. I think as well with the prize money at stake and the season that they’ve had, with no trophies, they would maybe class this as part of the season and winning a trophy.

“It’s a big tournament. Some of the biggest clubs in the world will be there. I think Guardiola will see this as an opportunity to make a bit of history as a club – the first one, get that gold badge on their chest for the next four years. They will be world champions, and that’s a big statement.

“Anything that Pep Guardiola is involved with, he wants to win. He’ll be hurting on the back of not winning anything. They would have thought the FA Cup final would soften that blow a little bit, but Crystal Palace had other ideas. They look like they are strengthening in the window, a couple of players may be coming in before the Club World Cup, so I’m sure that he wants to get his hands on this trophy.”

Celtic are now fearful that a “very strong” player will leave the club in the summer transfer window, as clamour look to retain his services moving forward.

Celtic preparing for Rangers clash

The Hoops have had all week to prepare for the visit of rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday lunchtime, as they look to edge one step closer to winning yet another league crown under Brendan Rodgers.

Victory for Celtic would put them 19 points clear at the top of the table, and the fact that their opponents went through a gruelling 120 minutes against Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday evening can only play into their hands, in terms of having more energy.

Away from the weekend action, the Hoops continue to be linked with moves for summer signings, with Mathias Kvistgaarden still seen as a transfer target. The Brondby forward has been mentioned as a target in the recent past, and it looks like their interest hasn’t gone away.

On the flip side, Celtic could be at risk of losing certain players in the summer, with Cameron Carter-Vickers seen as a potential option for Everton, with manager David Moyes eyeing him up as a good option. Now, a fresh update has dropped over his future.

Celtic worried "very strong" Carter-Vickers will leave

According to a new update from Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are increasingly “concerned” that Carter-Vickers will leave the club at the end of the season.

He states that the Hoops will be “demanding big money” if he does decide he wants a fresh challenge, and there is worry among fanbase that “losing him would weaken the team” despite what fee they get for their most valuable player.

Carter-Vickers has been a defensive rock for Celtic down the years, both on loan and after signing permanently from Tottenham, so to lose him at the peak of his powers would be a big blow for Rodgers. Still only 27, the USA international can continue to be at his best for at least the next three or four years, with former Hoops teammate Carl Starfelt once saying of him: “Cameron is a really good player.

“I’ve enjoyed playing with him since he came. I feel like we have a good chemistry on and off the pitch. We see many situations the same way. He’s a very strong player. You always know what you will get from him. He’s easy to play with.”

On the plus side for Celtic, if Carter-Vickers does say he wants to leave this summer, he is contracted at the club until 2029, putting them in an extremely strong bargaining position.

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It would allow the Hoops to demand big money for one of their most important players, rather than losing him on the cheap, but ultimately, retaining his services beyond this year still takes precedence.

MatériaMais Notícias

No G-4 da Série B, o Grêmio volta a campo nesta terça-feira para encarar o Operário-PR, em Porto Alegre.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

Para o duelo, o técnico vai com força máxima e a expectativa de somar pontos importantes na briga pelo acesso.

Uma das baixas para o jogo é o volante Thiago Santos, que sofreu uma pancada no joelho e foi descartado. O lateral-esquerdo Nicolas, que teve uma pancada no ombro, é dúvida, mas foi relacionado.

Confira a lista dos relacionados:

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s former bodyguard has revealed what it is like to work for the Portuguese GOAT and insists "no people want to kill him".

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Article continues below

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• All-time great boasts personal security
• Makes sure to look after his staff
• Remains at the top of his game at 40

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Given his celebrity status around the world, CR7 has been left with no choice but to bring in his own security team. Eternal rival Lionel Messi has done likewise at MLS side Inter Miami, with former Navy SEAL Yassine Cheuko working his corner.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Hichman worked as Ronaldo’s bodyguard for four years, helping to ensure the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was never put in any danger by adoring fans. He claims that his toughest opponents were members of the paparazzi.

• WHAT FORMER BODYGUARD SAID

  Discussing life alongside one of the most famous people on the planet, Hichman told the Telecinco programme : "He's the best boss I've ever had. People don't know him, but he's a very good person. Cris is a great person, generous, that's not how people say he is. He's always treated us well.

  "When you're going to provide protection services to someone like this, you have to bear in mind that your life will be on that person's back, you might have to give your life for the person you work for, you have to accept the risks.

  "There are no people who want to kill him or there are no death threats. I've only had a few anecdotal situations, complications with the paparazzi, who hate me because I'm the bad guy."

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  THE GOSSIP

  Hichman was charged with making life difficult for photographers by keeping Ronaldo out of the public eye as much as possible. It can be dangerous when A-list superstars are followed everywhere they go by camera crews.