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All the stats from an extraordinary batting onslaught in the second T20I at Old Trafford

Sampath Bandarupalli12-Sep-2025304 for 2 England’s total in the second T20I against South Africa at Manchester. It is their highest total in men’s T20Is and the third highest by any team in the format.Zimbabwe’s 344 for 4 against Gambia in 2024 and Nepal’s 314 for 3 against Mongolia in 2023 are the higher totals.England’s total is also the fourth-highest in all men’s T20s and the highest in England, surpassing Somerset’s 265 for 5 against Derbyshire in 2022.141* Phil Salt’s score against South Africa is the highest for England in men’s T20Is, surpassing his own score of 119 against West Indies in 2023. It is also the seventh-highest individual score in men’s T20Is and the highest against South Africa.228 Runs scored off boundaries by England batters on Friday, the third-most by a team in a men’s T20I. Zimbabwe scored 282 runs off boundaries against Gambia during their record total, while India scored 232 boundary runs against Bangladesh in last year’s Hyderabad T20I.ESPNcricinfo LtdEngland batters hit 30 fours against South Africa, the joint-most by any team in a men’s T20I. The 48 boundaries they hit, including 18 sixes, are the second-most, behind the 57 by Zimbabwe (30 fours and 27 sixes) against Gambia.146 England’s margin of win by runs against South Africa is their biggest in men’s T20Is. It is also the heaviest defeat by runs for South Africa in this format.The margin of 146 runs is the third-biggest in a men’s T20I between two Full Member teams, behind India’s 168-run win against New Zealand in 2023 and their 150-run win against England earlier this year.462 Runs aggregated by England and South Africa at Manchester on Friday, the most for a men’s T20I match in England. It is also the eighth-most aggregated match in men’s T20I cricket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd39 Balls that Salt needed to complete his hundred, the fastest for England in men’s T20Is. The previous quickest was off 42 balls by Liam Livingstone against Pakistan at Nottingham in 2021.3 South Africa bowlers conceded 60-plus runs in England’s innings – Kagiso Rabada (70), Marco Jansen (60) and Lizaad Williams (62). It is the first instance of three bowlers conceding 60-plus runs in an innings in all men’s T20s.4 Number of hundreds for Salt in his 45-match T20I career. Only Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell, five each, are ahead of Salt, while Suryakumar Yadav also has four tons.16.2 Overs needed for England to bring up 250, the joint-fastest team 250 in men’s T20Is, where ball-by-ball data is available. Zimbabwe also reached the 250-run mark in 16.2 overs against Gambia last year.12.1 Overs that England needed to reach the 200-run mark. Only one team got there quicker in men’s T20Is – in 11.5 overs by Turkey against Bulgaria earlier this year (where ball-by-ball data is available). The fastest team 200 in all men’s T20s is off 10.5 overs by Baroda against Sikkim in 2024.England reached the 150-mark in 9 overs, which is also the second-fastest in men’s T20Is, behind Turkey’s effort in 8.3 overs against Bulgaria in that game.ESPNcricinfo Ltd166 for 1 England’s total at the halfway point of their innings, the second-highest by any team in men’s T20Is, a run behind Turkey’s 167 for 1 against Bulgaria (where ball-by-ball data is available).100 for 0 England’s total in the powerplay at Manchester is their highest in that phase in men’s T20Is. England’s effort is only the seventh instance of a three-figure total in the powerplay in men’s T20Is (where ball-by-ball data is available).Only one of the previous six has been against a full-member team – 102 for 0 by South Africa against West Indies in 2023.2 Salt and Jos Buttler are only the second opening pair to score fifties in 20 or fewer balls in men’s T20Is (where ball-by-ball data is available). Romania’s Taranjeet Singh and Ramesh Satheesan were the first to do so, against Serbia in 2021.70 Runs conceded by Rabada in his four overs, the most by a bowler for South Africa in a men’s T20I. Kyle Abbott’s 68 against West Indies in 2015 were the previous most. Rabada’s 70 runs are also the joint-fifth most conceded by a bowler in a men’s T20I.Rabada conceded only seven runs in his first over, but the next three overs went for 20, 23, and 20 runs, respectively, making him the first bowler to concede 20-plus runs in three different overs in a men’s T20I.2.1 Overs in which Williams conceded 50 runs. Only two bowlers conceded 50 runs in a quicker time in a men’s T20I than Williams (where ball-by-ball data is available).Romania’s Vasu Saini gave away 50 runs in only 1.4 overs against Belgium earlier this year, while Mongolia’s Mungun Altankhuyag conceded 50 in 2 overs against Nepal in 2023.

Daniel Farke is battling to keep his job at Leeds United and a fresh update has now dropped regarding his future at Elland Road.

The Whites now sit 18th in the Premier League table, having lost five of their last six games in the competition, heaping the pressure on Farke with Leeds already linked with new managers such as Brendan Rodgers.

Former scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that 49ers Enterprises were even looking to make a change during the summer.

He wants to join: Leeds choose number one manager candidate as Farke nears sack

The Whites have a Premier League-experienced boss ready to come in at the expense of Farke.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 24, 2025

Opinion is split amongst Leeds fans about Farke’s future and what the next steps should be, with Adam Pope providing insight on the situation this week.

Pope makes new claim about Farke succession plan

Speaking on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast [via MOT Leeds News], Pope shared an update on Farke’s position at Leeds. While the BBC journalist stated the 49ers do not currently have someone “waiting in the wings”, he was then asked if they have someone they’re “looking at”, providing an intriguing response.

This now feels like a critical period for Farke, with Leeds’ results simply not good enough after some better ones earlier in the season, leading to them sliding into the relegation zone.

The German will know that improvements have to happen or 49ers will have to make a big decision, but unfortunately for him, next up is a trip to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, which is nearly as tough as it gets.

He's a lot like Bielsa: Leeds could sack Farke for "special" 4-2-3-1 manager

Leeds United could finally dismiss Daniel Farke and replace him with their next Marcelo Bielsa.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 24, 2025

An ugly scoreline at the Etihad would crank up the pressure to new heights, and it would be a surprise if the Whites weren’t eyeing up potential replacements for Farke, with Rodgers perhaps the most likely given his status as a free agent with top flight experience.

He wants to join: Leeds choose number one manager candidate as Farke nears sack

Starting in 2027, Major League Soccer will transition from its current calendar-year schedule to a summer-to-spring format, aligning with top international leagues. The move has caused much discussion, but United States national team boss Mauricio Pochettino has thrown his full support behind the move, saying it's a great step forward for the game in America.

• MLS making switch to align with Europe

  The new 2027-28 regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the MLS Cup in late May 2028, with a lengthy mid-winter break from mid-December until early February. Before the full switch, a transitional mini-season will run from February to May 2027, featuring 14 games to determine qualification for other tournaments, including the US Open Cup and Leagues Cup. This historic shift aims to improve global competitiveness, enhance transfer market opportunities, and ensure the MLS Cup Playoffs do not compete with the NFL and college football seasons. The decision was approved by the league's Board of Governors. While owners and fans anticipate the benefits, the league is also addressing potential challenges, such as winter weather, for northern teams. 

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  Pochettino expresses support

  Pochettino said: "For sure this is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world. Having managed club teams and now the US National Team, the ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches and clubs. This also extends beyond the senior national teams; it will allow us to have access to the youth national team players during critical periods of international competition, further advancing their development."

  The former Spurs and Chelsea boss added: "My reaction is: well done. Congratulations, fantastic, I think great decision. What we can do from my personal view and the (US soccer) federation is to show our support. It’s a great decision. I think it’s going to be good for MLS, good for soccer in the US and I agree with the decision. I’m happy because, with me here or not, I think it’s a good decision for soccer. The feeling is going to be like were competing here in the U.S. like we are in Europe, that is always the reference. We are in a process to evolve and develop. The best way to grow in the sport is to see the principal leagues [in the world], how they act and how they are doing things."

• MLS chief explains switch

  MLS Commissioner Don Garber hailed it as a landmark moment for MLS, saying: "The calendar shift is one of the most important decisions in our history. Aligning our schedule with the world’s top leagues will strengthen our clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market, and ensure our Audi MLS Cup Playoffs take centre stage without interruption. It marks the start of a new era for our league and for soccer in North America."

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  Potential pitfalls of switching calendar

  Switching to a summer-to-spring calendar creates significant problems for MLS, primarily in dealing with frigid weather and managing player relationships. Teams in northern markets will face lower attendance and tougher conditions for games and training during the winter months, despite the planned break. This move also risks disputes with the MLS Players Association over the length of the off-season and changes to existing player contracts. While the switch aligns with the global transfer market, it presents logistical challenges for a league covering a vast and climatically diverse area.

Kieran McKenna has delivered his verdict on Celtic following recent reports that the Scottish giants could look to land the Ipswich Town manager to replace Brendan Rodgers.

It’s been quite the week at Celtic Park. Chaos unfolded on Monday when Brendan Rodgers made the decision to resign and since then, the Hoops have travelled back in time – appointing Martin O’Neill on an interim basis.

The veteran manager has instantly got the Scottish champions back to winning ways, overseeing a 4-0 victory over Falkirk on Wednesday evening before telling reporters: “I’m really pleased to win in the manner we did, and we played some delightful stuff. Could have scored a couple more, too.

“My anxiety has calmed somewhat. When you get a few goals in front you can perhaps enjoy the last 10 or 15 minutes, and it kind of brought me back. I’ve not seen Celtic often, not live, to make criticism of this side. A restoration of confidence was great.”

Leaving O’Neill to turn things around on the pitch, Parkhead chiefs have commenced their search for a new manager and already faced their first blow thanks to Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian has reportedly chosen to take a break from football after getting the sack at Nottingham Forest just 39 days into the job. This shuts down any rumours that he could be making a sensational return to Scotland in the coming weeks.

Forced to search elsewhere, Celtic could yet turn towards Wales boss Craig Bellamy or Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, who has refused to rule a move out.

Meanwhile, another option is McKenna. The Ipswich Town boss has quite the reputation and has reportedly made Celtic’s shortlist as a result. Whether he decides to call it quits at Portman Road is another question, however.

Kieran McKenna delivers fresh Celtic verdict

Asked about the vacant job in his latest press conference, McKenna revealed where he ranks Celtic as a club whilst also speaking about his verdict on the position in Scotland.

Despite holding them in high regard, it looks as though Celtic will have a tough task on their hands if they want to lure McKenna away from Ipswich.

The former Manchester United coach has done an excellent job in Suffolk, taking Ipswich to as high as the Premier League following back-to-back promotions before suffering relegation last season.

Former Irish League star Thomas Stewart is one of many ex-players and pundits to have praised McKenna, previously telling reporters: “He’s well-educated, an intelligent man and I always felt that when we had conversations when we were younger.

As good as Kenny: Celtic star who won 10 duels is already undroppable

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ByDan Emery Oct 30, 2025

“I think we were the only two from the U16 Victory Shield team that got left out and went on to play for the U21 team. I’ve full respect for him and he’s doing an amazing job.”

For now, though, Celtic may be forced to miss out on their managerial target.

Celtic to contact Craig Bellamy

For a long time, one of Arsenal’s most significant problems was finding a proper backup for Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon is undoubtedly Mikel Arteta’s best player, and his time on the sidelines last season showed just how much the team were in desperate need of someone who could cover and compete with him on the right.

Fortunately, the North Londoners signed Noni Madueke in the summer, and while his arrival wasn’t met with universal excitement, his performances over the first five Premier League games suggested he may well be the player the club have needed for so long.

Therefore, supporters should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to an international ace who has been compared to both Saka and Madueke.

Arsenal target Saka & Madueke hybrid

It’s not even December, but Arsenal are already being linked with a host of exciting players across Europe and beyond.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, Levante’s Etta Eyong, who has already racked up nine goal involvements, has been touted for a move to the Emirates, as has Nottingham Forest’s incredible Elliot Anderson.

However, as talented as they are, neither of them could be described as being a hybrid of Saka and Madueke, unlike Karim Adeyemi.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are one of a few top sides interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund star.

More than that, the report has revealed that while the German international’s representatives have spoken to Manchester United, he would favour a move to the Gunners.

A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from Germany claim that Dortmund value their attacker at around £70m.

It could be a complicated and costly deal to get over the line, but given Adeyemi’s ability and potential, one worth pursuing, especially as he’s been compared to both Saka and Madueke.

How Adeyemi compares to Saka & Madueke

Even though it feels like it has been around for some time now, Adeyemi is still just 23 years old.

The Munich-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been a key player for Dortmund for a few years, ending last season with an excellent tally of 12 goals and 11 assists in just 41 appearances.

He appears on track to match that tally this year as well, as in 14 appearances, totalling just 817 minutes, he has already racked up six goal involvements.

However, while his output is seriously impressive, the comparisons to Saka and Madueke primarily come from elsewhere, from FBref.

They have compared him to every attacking midfielder and winger across Europe’s top five leagues and have determined that the Hale Enders is the second most similar, and the former Chelsea star is the fourth.

You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the German dynamo has ranked closely to the two internationals.

In the case of the Gunners’ talisman, these metrics include expected goals plus assists, progressive passes, shot-creating actions, shots on target, and more, all per 90.

Then, for the former Blues star, the underlying numbers include metrics such as goal-creating actions, expected assists, and most interestingly, carries, also all per 90.

In other words, the former RB Salzburg gem seems to possess some of the creativity and goal threat of the North Londoners’ number seven, as well as the carrying ability of their summer signing, which helps explain why Mattinson called him a “serious transitional threat.”

Ultimately, it would be a costly and challenging transfer to get over the line, but given Adeyemi’s skillset, positional versatility and output, it is one Arsenal should pursue.

Trossard upgrade: Arsenal plot £65m move for "best winger in the country"

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 18, 2025

Chelsea have their finger on the pulse when it comes to talent around the world and they could now be set to fight off competition to sign Boca Juniors midfielder Milton Delgado.

The Blues have made their fair share of moves for young stars in recent windows, albeit patience has been a little here and there over their Premier League impact, with Enzo Maresca enjoying a mixed start to the campaign at Stamford Bridge.

Intriguingly, the Italian boss has come under some pressure this season and Juventus had shown interest prior to appointing Luciano Spalletti.

Simon Phillips explained: “Enzo Maresca has been at the top of Juventus’ list for their new manager, but they knew that he is not attainable mid-season.

“This has not stopped them making contact with Maresca’s people in recent days. However, the word from Maresca is that at the moment he is not looking to make any changes to his current situation right now.”

Undoubtedly, Chelsea will spend again in January and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr is a target at Stamford Bridge. Admittedly, BlueCo would need to show a sizeable level of ambition to pull off such a coup, but the Brazil international’s future in the Spanish capital appears uncertain with his contract up in 2027.

Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is also another player in the Blues’ sights, illustrating that they have their eye on developments across Europe when it comes to the window opening for business in January.

Keeping that fire lit, Chelsea may now be preparing to trigger the release clause of a talent who hails from South America.

Chelsea lining up bid for Milton Delgado

According to reports in his homeland via Sport Witness, Chelsea’s pursuit of Boca Juniors midfielder Martin Delgado has panicked his current club, while they are also braced for approaches from Sevilla and Inter Miami.

The Argentina Under-20 international has made 35 appearances in total for the South American giants, registering a solitary assist from his holding midfield role.

Starring in his national team’s run to the Under-20 World Cup final, he is set to be offered a bumper new contract by Boca that will raise his release clause value significantly, though his club are well aware they will receive an abundance of offers in January.

Chelsea also have a young star who is as exciting as Estevao

Chelsea have already concluded a number of deals ahead of 2026, namely the additions of Geovany Quenda, Denner and Emmanuel Emegha, hence why it would be a major surprise if Delgado was next in line to bolster Maresca’s squad depth.

A billionaire candidate who looked at buying the club has reportedly made his decision on completing a takeover of Sheffield Wednesday, as their initial deadline nears.

Sheffield Wednesday near initial deadline

Whether it was optimistic or not, Sheffield Wednesday’s co-administrator Kris Wigfield initially set a soft deadline of December 5 to find a preferred bidder for the club. That is just one day away, however, and it seems unlikely that the Owls will have their answer in the next 24 hours.

Instead, it’s been a frustrating week. The club has been dealt an additional six-point deduction thanks to the lingering consequences of Dejphon Chansiri’s ownership and must already turn their focus towards Championship relegation and a campaign in League One next season.

After a decision that only adds salt to their wounds, Wednesday will hope to see some progression regarding their takeover sooner rather than later.

On that front, several rumours have emerged about a number of interested candidates and one report even claimed earlier this week that some parties may choose to put a joint bid together.

It would be quite the move to match the Owls’ £30m valuation, but whether that move is deemed acceptable by Begbies Traynor remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, reports have also claimed that Mike Ashley has already seen one offer rejected for the club, having fallen below Sheffield Wednesday’s valuation. The former Newcastle United owner is one of interested candidates, albeit one who is yet to match other bidders.

However, the same can’t be said for Anders Holch Povlsen, who has dealt those at Hillsborough a frustrating blow with his latest verdict on buying the club.

Povlsen makes Sheffield Wednesday takeover decision

According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, as relayed by The Star, Povlsen is not among the final candidates to buy Sheffield Wednesday. The Dane may have taken a look at the club, but has decided against putting his name in the hat ahead of the Owls’ crucial decision.

For those at Hillsborough, his interest would certainly have been welcomed. Povlsen already owns Midtjylland and a Forbes profile claimed his estimated networth was $11.3 billion (£8bn) in 2022.

Simon Jordan reveals Sheffield Wednesday "consortium" as next takeover step shared

The Owls have set a soft deadline of December 5.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 28, 2025

The 53-year-old inherited a majority stake in ASOS and is reported to be the largest individual private landowner in the UK thanks to his land in the Scottish Highlands. So, to say that money is not an issue would be a major understatement.

Alas, it’s not just his money that made Povlsen an attractive takeover candidate before he decided against a move. The Dane also ticks the box for experience in the world of football – something other rumoured candidates do not have. In many ways, he was the ideal man for the job, but Wednesday must now look elsewhere.

Sheffield Wednesday candidates now considering shock move to complete takeover

Both Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars are currently on 11 points, only behind Hobart Hurricanes

AAP03-Dec-2025Less than a fortnight after Sydney Sixers were mauled by Melbourne Stars, they have won the return bout to continue their late-season WBBL surge.Ash Gardner starred with her highest score in the league for more than two years, as well as taking three wickets, in the 16-run win on Wednesday at Drummoyne Oval. The Sixers improved to equal-second in the standings with Stars, and have a game in hand.On November 20, Stars great Meg Lanning unleashed a batting masterclass against Sixers, and her 135 remains the top score of the season. But since that heavy loss, Sixers are on a three-game winning streak, with one no-result. By contrast, Stars have lost their past two matches to fall three points behind top side Hobart Hurricanes.After Sixers won the toss on Wednesday, Gardner headlined their innings with a quickfire 50 from 31 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. It was her highest WBBL score since October 2023.Maia Bouchier’s 67 went in a losing cause•Getty ImagesOpener Sophia Dunkley contributed 41 and Sixers reached a healthy 164 for 5.Stars looked shot when Gardner trapped Lanning lbw for just eight, leaving them 30 for 4.Enter Maia Bouchier, playing her first game of the WBBL season as a replacement for Marizanne Kapp. Bouchier combined with Kim Garth for a fifth-wicket stand of 82 that put Stars back in the hunt.After Gardner dismissed Garth for 17, Dani Gibson immediately hit three fours and suddenly the pressure was on Sixers.Stars were 131 for 5 in the 18th over when Bouchier rifled a low drive off Mady Villiers and Lauren Cheatle took an outstanding catch at cover. With Bouchier out for a match-high 67 from 40 balls, and Gibson dismissed in the next over for 17, Sixers could breathe again.Stars reached 148 for 8 as Gardner snared 3 for 31 from four overs.Sixers will close out the regular season against Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers, while Stars will play Sydney Thunder.

A slow Colombo pitch could bridge the gap between the two teams but only slightly

Madushka Balasuriya07-Oct-20252:40

Australia exude an attitude of ‘we know how to win this’

“We have an edge on this wicket. We’ve played two games here. Australia has not played any. But they have a lot of experienced players who have played cricket in most countries. The way they assess the game is better.” It was a pretty telling statement from Sidra Amin, ahead of Pakistan’s World Cup clash against Australia – an opponent they’ve never beaten before.While Pakistan have lost both matches they’ve played in Colombo, to Bangladesh and India, the prevailing school of thought is that the slowish conditions – ones that Australia are yet to experience at this tournament – might help bridge the gap between the two teams. But only slightly.”They have played all over the world. They know the conditions better,” Amin said. “They play the WBBLs and the Hundreds, and come and play in Asian conditions as well. They take preparation very seriously. I’ve heard they prepare for Asian conditions with indoor sessions with the temperature up to 35-40 degrees [Celsius]. So they can train that way as well.”Related

Winless Pakistan have uphill task of facing near-invincible Australia

While women’s cricket has grown dramatically over the past few years, it’s grown faster for some than others. This discrepancy, in part, stems from the calibre of competition each side gets to face.In the three and a half years since the 2022 World Cup, Australia have actually played two fewer ODIs than Pakistan – 32 compared to 34. However, of those 32 games, 15 have come against India and England – among the tougher challenges in world cricket. Pakistan have played only four games against those two – seven if you include Australia themselves.Ellyse Perry: I think we all go out with the same approach, and that’s to be really positive•ICC/Getty Images

Beyond this, once you dive into the importance of a strong domestic structure, you begin to see clearly how Australia have evolved over the years. A point not lost on Ellyse Perry who, having debuted in 2007, has been part of two ODI World Cup-winning sides and has seen first-hand the fruits of investing in the women’s game.”I think we’re incredibly lucky,” she said. “We’ve got wonderful support back home in terms of the programmes that we’ve got. We’ve got a full-time domestic structure that breeds great depth in Australian cricket. We’re a cricket nation too that loves playing the game. So we’ve always, throughout history, had wonderful players.”And I think as a group, we love the challenge of continuing to find new ways to get better. You know, there’s so much competition in the global landscape now. I think all the advent of the franchise leagues around the world has just grown the depth of women’s cricket.”In that context, the confidence that Perry gave off when analysing how an aggressive batting unit such as Australia’s would play on a not-so-batting-friendly surface like the one in Colombo was unsurprising.”I think we have a conversation with our batting group, which we’re quite fortunate to have some depth in. So for us, and it’s something that we’ve discussed a lot over the last 12 months, is how we use that depth. It’s never going to be everyone’s day on the same day. Quite possibly it might just be one person’s day.”But I think we all go out with the same approach, and that’s to be really positive, but also really adaptable and smart to whatever the game’s presenting, whether that’s conditions or the opposition. I think there’s a blueprint there that applies to anywhere that you play, and then you’ve just got to be adaptable all day.”

Chelsea are believed to be in discussions over signing a “very mature” England international ahead of 2026, which interestingly comes amid Romeo Lavia’s injury nightmare.

Lavia was hauled off after just eight minutes during Chelsea’s 2-2 midweek draw with Azerbaijani minnows Qarabag in the Champions League, which could slap the Belgian with yet another lengthy lay off.

Enzo Maresca didn’t provide a definitive update on the ex-Man City gem’s condition in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wolves, but admitted the situation is a “painful” one.

Lavia launched a water bottle in frustration after being taken off against Qarabağ, and it’s hard to blame him.

Since joining Chelsea in a near-£60 million deal over two years ago, Lavia has failed to complete a single 90 minutes — missing a total of 87 matches and being sidelined for 568 days.

Chelsea have been tipped to sign a new midfielder since Lavia was sidelined once again, but journalist Graeme Bailey says it is something they’ve been considering for a long while as Maresca’s side look to bring in more competition for Enzo Fernández and Moises Caicedo.

Dario Essugo is also out for a “long time” after undergoing surgery on his thigh, with Maresca suggesting he could remain out until January.

In light of this, Chelsea are believed to be weighing up their options, and they apparently hold a serious interest in Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton.

The 21-year-old’s excellent 23/24 campaign earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros, but injuries have somewhat stifled his development since then, even if he’s still considered to be one of the country’s brightest up-and-coming talents in the engine room.

Chelsea "actively in talks" with Crystal Palace over Adam Wharton

The Blues are expected to be in the race for Wharton next year, and journalist Aaron Ramiro now claims that they’ve gone a step further already.

According to his information, Chelsea are “actively in talks” with Palace over a deal for the ex-Blackburn Rovers starlet, and the Eagles are talking about the possibility of Trevoh Chalobah going back to Selhurst Park as a makeweight in negotiations.

The England international is very highly-rated by his peers, and Palace have apparently slapped a £100 million price tag on his head to ward off suitors.

How Wharton plays this season will greatly determine whether Chelsea would be willing to get anywhere near that valuation, but former Palace teammate Eberechi Eze is convinced that he’s set for a bright future and already “very mature” for his age.