Philander ruled out of first Test against Bangladesh

Allrounder Chris Morris is also unavailable for the entire Test series and is only likely to return for the T20s in late October

Firdose Moonda19-Sep-2017Fast bowler Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh as he continues to recover from a lower back niggle sustained during the England series this winter. Allrounder Chris Morris is unavailable for the entire Test series and is only likely to return for the T20s in late October. Seamer Lungi Ngidi, who had a lumbar fracture, may also make a return in that series. However, there is no set timeline for Dale Steyn’s comeback, although the T20 Global League in November could be on his radar.In Philander and Morris’ absence, South Africa will likely field a Test attack comprising Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier with Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo and Beuran Hendricks all awaiting their chance. The Test squad will be announced towards the end of the opening round of first-class matches, which begins on Tuesday.”We’ve had a number of challenges on the fast bowling front,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, who is also a medical doctor, said. “The first to chat about is Vernon Philander. During the Test series in England, he dived for a ball and injured his lower back. His progress has been coming along well but he is only bowling at 80% capacity currently. The plan for him is to prepare for the four day match against the Cobras beginning on 28 September. Should he come through that, he should be available for the second Test against Bangladesh. At the moment, he is only building up to full intensity so we are not going to risk him to play during the first Test.”Philander’s fitness has become a concern, especially after he came under severe criticism from former captain Graeme Smith during the England series. Smith warned Philander that unless he works more on conditioning, his career was at risk of fading away.Morris’ injury, also a back niggle, requires at least 10 weeks of recovery time. Moosajee is hopeful Morris will be available to play a franchise match in mid-October. “If he is symptom free he might be available for the Bangladesh ODI series but the T20 series is more of a reality,” he said.Ngidi suffered a much more serious problem when he sustained a fracture on the South African A tour of England but has come through well. “He is now in his final stages of rehab,” Moosajee said. Ngidi will also target a mid-October return to be able to make himself available for the latter part of the Bangladesh series.But Bangladesh will not have to worry about facing Steyn. He has been all but ruled out of the entire tour after another delay in his long-awaited return. Steyn had been out of action since November last year when he broke a bone in his shoulder. It appears the earliest he could come back is November, to play for the Cape Town Knight Riders in the inaugural T20 Global League.”For the past six weeks, the plan was very much to have him ready to start the four-day Sunfoil match for the Titans starting today but unfortunately last week he developed a strain to the muscle in his troublesome right shoulder,” Moosajee said. “We are not going to set an artificial timeline for Dale Steyn. The plan right now is to get him ready for competitive cricket when he is ready and we are hoping that it will be a slow and graduated return to full intensity bowling. In reality the target will only be the Global T20 in November.”Steyn, who needs five wickets to overtake Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker, has stated his intention to try to play for another two to three years.Although not in the Test frame, Wayne Parnell was also forced to miss Cobras’ first-class opener after sustaining a groin strain during the weekend.Moosajee reiterated that with South Africa’s long summer ahead, player management will be key. “We need to look at the volume of cricket, there is too much cricket taking place for some of these fast bowlers. Maybe we need to wrap some of them up in cotton wool,” he said. “The plan is to get them rehabilitated and when that happens, the focus will be to control the volume of cricket that they play and the different formats that they play.”

Can confident Zimbabwe topple Chandimal's Sri Lanka?

Zimbabwe seem confident about beating Sri Lanka in their backyard for the first time in Tests, but new captain Dinesh Chandimal won’t easily let that happen

Andrew Fidel Fernando13-Jul-2017Match facts July 14-18, 2017
Start time 1000 local (0430 GMT)Big pictureWhen last these teams met, Zimbabwe almost survived in the first game, but were rolled over in the second, taking Sri Lanka’s Test-match winning streak to five. The world has changed dramatically since. Heading into this match at Khettarama, the hosts have a new captain, and new-ish head coach, and a startling dearth of confidence. As was the case with the ODI series, this spells opportunity for Zimbabwe.Opportunity, because Sri Lanka will have only three days to recover from one of the most dispiriting losses in their recent history. Opportunity, because Zimbabwe, though they haven’t played Tests since last November, have batsmen in form, a better set of fielders (on recent evidence), and are clearly the happier outfit in this tour.The real test will be for Zimbabwe’s bowlers. Though they triumphed in the ODIs, they took only 24 wickets compared to Sri Lanka’s 35, and never bowled the opposition out. Also, in last year’s Tests in Harare, Sri Lanka had scored 500 in each first innings, and controlled both matches from virtually the first day onwards. Graeme Cremer and his cohort of allrounders offer Zimbabwe a serviceable spin-bowling contingent, but the fast bowlers such as Tendai Chatara may have to contribute with early wickets – and he often did in the ODIs – to give their side a chance.In addition to adjusting to a new leader, Sri Lanka may also do well to rediscover the old, infectious joy that once defined their cricket, but has been in short supply in recent months.That SLC thought this would be a walkover tour is reflected in the packed schedule – three ODIs and a Test will be played in the space of 13 days. The reality is that Sri Lanka find themselves scrambling to avoid slipping on another banana skin, while Zimbabwe smell their first potential upset since 2013, when they defeated Pakistan at home.Form guideSri Lanka LWLLL (completed matches, most recent first)
Zimbabwe LLLLThe triumph in the one-day series has put Zimbabwe in a good frame of mind•AFPIn the spotlightWhile in ODIs, Dinesh Chandimal’s form has been patchy, in Tests, he has been a markedly improved batsman. While once a flasher only capable of playing at a rapid tempo, Chandimal’s two most-recent hundreds – against Australia at the SSC and against Bangladesh at P Sara – were hard fought and wrung out of difficult circumstances. It is partly that new determination that has seen him promoted to the captaincy now, and a quality he will require plenty of in this Test, as he attempts to inspire a team in significant flux.On the opposite side, stands Graeme Cremer who in the ODIs made confident statements before the deciding game, then backed it up with brave performances with bat and ball. Whether Zimbabwe will have a realistic chance of victory at Khettarama may pivot upon the quality of his legspin. The pitch may provide assistance to the quicks to begin with, but usually holds its greatest rewards for the slow bowlers. Cremer has also had success against Sri Lanka in Tests, taking 11 wickets in that series last year.Team newsSri Lanka have decisions to make on the bowling front. Rangana Herath is certain to play, and Suranga Lakmal is likely. Lahiru Kumara may be the preferred second seamer, but it is unclear whether they will favour the experience of Dilruwan Perera for the role of second spinner, or if they will go with the more aggressive Lakshan Sandakan.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Dimuth Karunaratne, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (capt.), 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Asela Gunaratne, 7 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8 Dilruwan Perera, 9 Rangana Herath, 10 Suranga Lakmal, 11 Lahiru KumaraZimbabwe are likely to choose Chatara in their attack, given his success in the ODIs. Sikandar Raza may also earn a place in the XI on form. Perhaps to Sri Lanka’s relief, Solomon Mire is not in the Test side. Regis Chakabva may partner Hamilton Masakadza at the top of the order, and it is possible Tarisai Musakanda will debut, at No. 3.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Regis Chakabva, 2 Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Tarisai Musakanda, 4 Craig Ervine, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Malcolm Waller, 8 Peter Moor (wk), 9 Graeme Cremer (capt.), 10 Tendai Chatara, 11 Donald TiripanoPitch and conditionsThere was a light cover of grass on the pitch on the eve of the match, which suggests there will be assistance for the seamers early on. However, rare is the Khettarama surface that doesn’t become spin-friendly eventually. There have been periodic showers in Colombo over the past week, and more of the same is expected during the Test.Stats and trivia Dinesh Chandimal becomes Sri Lanka’s 15th Test captain. In the past, he has led Sri Lanka’s limited-overs teams, as well as captaining the Under-19 side in his senior school year. This is Zimbabwe’s first Test in Sri Lanka since January 2002. In 17 Tests between the two sides, Zimbabwe have lost 12 without ever winning a game. This is Zimbabwe’s first away Test since 2014, when they had lost 0-2 in Bangladesh. Quotes”More than anything, we have the self-belief that we can actually push Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, which is big for us. We have the potential to score the runs as well as take wickets. Confidence is what we will take into the Test match most.””As a player and a captain I will sacrifice my time and my effort to make sure Sri Lanka reclaims a good place in world cricket. I need a little time for that. I am hopeful that with the players that I have, I can take Sri Lankan cricket to where it used to be.”

موعد مباراة الزمالك ودريمز الغاني في نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية

كشف الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف” عن مواعيد مباريات دور نصف نهائي بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية للموسم الحالي 2024.

وتأهل إلى دور نصف نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية، الزمالك (مصر)، نهضة بركان (المغرب)، اتحاد العاصمة (الجزائر)، دريمز (غانا).

الزمالك كان تأهل إلى دور نصف النهائي على حساب فيوتشر بعد الفوز عليه في مباراة الذهاب 2-1، وتعادل 1-1 في لقاء العودة ضمن مواجهات دور ربع النهائي للبطولة الإفريقية.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع فريق دريمز، في دور نصف النهائي، وذلك بعدما تخطى الفريق الغاني عقبة الملعب المالي بنتيجة 3-2 في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب.

وفي نصف النهائي الثاني لبطولة الكونفدرالية، يلتقي اتحاد العاصمة مع نهضة بركان المغربي في ديربي عربي خالص.

طالع | أول تحرك رسمي من لجنة الحكام بعد الاعتداء على محمد معروف في مباراة أبو سليم ونهضة بركان مواعيد نصف نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية 2024موعد مباراة الزمالك ودريمز الغاني في ذهاب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية

تقام مباراة الزمالك ودريمز في ذهاب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية على ملعب استاد القاهرة، يوم الأحد الموافق 21 أبريل 2024، في تمام الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة. موعد مباراة الزمالك ودريمز الغاني في إياب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية

تقام مباراة الزمالك ودريمز في إياب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية في غانا، يوم الأحد الموافق 28 أبريل 2024، في تمام الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة. موعد مباراة اتحاد العاصمة ونهضة بركان في نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية

تقام مباراة الذهاب بين اتحاد العاصمة ونهضة بركان في نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية، في الجزائر يوم الأحد الموافق 21 أبريل في تمام الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، على أن يكون لقاء العودة في المغرب يوم 28 أبريل في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.

Previous match-winner Coulter-Nile rested for Pune clash

Either Shakib Al Hasan or Trent Boult is likely to replace the Australia fast bowler as Kolkata Knight Riders look to reclaim the top spot

The Preview by Sreshth Shah25-Apr-2017Match factsRising Pune Supergiant v Kolkata Knight Riders
Pune, April 26, 2017
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)3:56

Hogg: Tahir at his best with old ball

Form guide

Rising Pune Supergiant (fourth): defeated Mumbai Indians by three runs, defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets, defeated RCB by 27 runs

Kolkata Knight Riders (second): defeated RCB by 82 runs, lost to Gujarat Lions by four wickets, defeated Delhi Daredevils by four wickets

Head to headOverallKolkata Knight Riders chased 66 (D/L adjusted target) and 161 to win both at home and away against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016.In the newsKnight Riders will be without Nathan Coulter-Nile, who in their previous game took three wickets to bowl Royal Challengers Bangalore out for 49, which is the lowest total in IPL history. The 29-year old seamer has not travelled with the team to Pune, with captain Gautam Gambhir citing workload management as the reason.Coulter-Nile’s absence means either Shakib Al Hasan or Trent Boult could return to the team. Colin de Grandhomme hasn’t fired with the bat but his three-wicket haul on Sunday has boosted his chances of retaining his place.The likely XIsRising Pune Supergiant 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Rahul Tripathi, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Ben Stokes, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Manoj Tiwary, 7 Dan Christian, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Shardul Thakur, 10 Imran Tahir, 11 Jaydev UnadkatKolkata Knight Riders 1 Gautam Gambhir (capt), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Robin Uthappa (wk), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Yusuf Pathan 6 Suryakumar Yadav, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Umesh Yadav, 10 Trent Boult/Shakib Al Hasan, 11 Kuldeep YadavStrategy Punt Overall in the IPL, Sunil Narine smashes spin at a strike-rate of 233 but pace at only 126. But this season, with his promotion to opener, he has smashed fast bowlers for 93 runs off 53 deliveries. So perhaps there is a case for Rising Pune to take pace off the ball and use Imran Tahir or Washington Sundar against him.Stats that matter MS Dhoni has struggled against Sunil Narine in T20s. He has managed only 27 runs off 54 balls. Manoj Tiwary has scored 139 runs off 82 balls, at a strike-rate of 167.07. He has been dismissed only three times in his last nine T20 innings, and has been hitting a boundary every four balls. Ajinkya Rahane has smashed Umesh Yadav for 54 runs in 38 balls without ever being dismissed in the IPL. Knight Riders have taken 28 wickets between overs 7 and 15, ten more than their closest rivals Sunrisers Hyderabad. Six KKR bowlers have taken three or more wickets during the middle overs, with Woakes’ tally of six being the highest. KKR’s quicks have been the most productive in the league. They have taken 34 wickets at an average of 19.82. On the other hand, Rising Pune’s seamers have managed only 24 wickets at an average of 32.54. Spinners have been more effective than seamers at MCA stadium this season. They have given away only 6.97 runs per over, taking a wicket every 19.42 runs. Seamers have leaked 9.50 runs an over, taking a wicket every 42.61 runs.

فيديو | الإصابة تجبر هالاند على مغادرة تدريبات النرويج

تعرض الدولي النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند لاعب فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي مانشستر سيتي، لإصابة في معسكر منتخب بلاده استعدادًا لمواجهة التشيك وسلوفاكيا.

منتخب النرويج يلاقي التشيك 22 مارس الجاري، ثم بعد 4 أيام يستضيف سلوفاكيا، في معسكر مارس الدولي.

وحسب ما أفادت صحيفة “ديلي ستار” البريطانية، فإن إيرلينج هالاند شوهد وهو يتألم من آلام في القدم خلال تدريبات النرويج استعدادًا لمواجهة التشيك يوم الجمعة القادمة.

طالع أيضًا.. برناردو سيلفا يرد على إمكانية الرحيل عن مانشستر سيتي

وغادر هالاند التدريبات وهو يعرج على قدمه ويشعر بعدم الراحة، وملامحه كانت حزينة، ولكن لم يتم تأكيد أي شيء من جانب الاتحاد النرويجي أو مانشستر سيتي.

مانشستر سيتي سيواجه آرسنال في أولى مبارياته بعد التوقف الدولي، يوم 31 مارس الجاري، ثم مواجهتي أستون فيلا وكريستال بالاس، قبل القمة ضد ريال مدريد في ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

جدير بالذكر أن هالاند كان قد تعرض لإصابة في وقت سابق من هذا الموسم، وغاب عن الفريق لبعض المباريات في الدوري الإنجليزي، ومباراتي مونديال الأندية. فيديو إصابة هالاند في تدريبات النرويج

 

Celtic: Hoops in £2.2m talks to land their next Nir Bitton at Parkhead

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster their squad during the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Odin Thiago Holm to Celtic?

According to Norwegian outlet Nettavisen, the Hoops are in talks with Eliteserien outfit Vålerenga as they close in on a deal to sign defensive midfielder Odin Thiago Holm.

The report claims that the two clubs are discussing the details around a transfer that would send the 20-year-old to Scotland ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and that a switch is imminent barring any late setbacks.

It states that an offer in the region of 30m kroner (around £2.2m) is on the cards from Celtic, who will also give up a percentage of their profit from any future sale to sweeten the deal.

What is Odin Thiago Holm's style of play?

The young battler is a defensive-minded ace who has the ability to win possession back for his side on a regular basis whilst also having the quality on the ball to function in a progressive system.

Holm could be the club's next Nir Bitton, who left Parkhead at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, by coming in as a strong no.6 with excellent passing.

Former Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton.

In his last season with the Hoops, the Israel international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90 across 24 matches in the Scottish Premiership and made 1.7 tackles and interceptions per game and completed 91% of his attempted passes.

The 6 foot 5 stalwart, who made 271 appearances for Celtic, also won 54% of his individual duels that year, which was after he came out on top in 62% of his battles in the division in 20/21.

This shows that the experienced ace was a reliable passer who also bullied opposition players to win the ball back for his team and prevent them from creating chances in the final third.

Holm, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Eliteserien in 2022.

The youngster, who won 60% of his physical contests, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 22 outings and managed to complete 88% of his passes and made two tackles and interceptions per match.

These statistics suggest that the 20-year-old gem, who plays in the same position as Bitton, could come in and replicate the former Celtic enforcer's success in Scotland as a strong defensive midfielder who can make an impact in and out of possession.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once described the Norway U20 international as a "huge talent" and cited his defensive reliability and ability to dictate games with his passing quality as some of his biggest strengths, which is backed up by his form in the Norwegian top-flight.

Therefore, Holm could come in as Bitton 2.0 for the next Celtic manager ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and his arrival, based on his impressive statistics at such a young age for Vålerenga, could be an excellent first signing of the summer for the new head coach.

Postecoglou Has "Approved" Spurs Swoop For £40m "Magician"

Incoming Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ange Postecoglou could already be eyeing up a first signing of the summer at N17, following an update regarding the club's pursuit of Leicester City star, James Maddison.

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

According to journalist Sean Walsh, writing on Twitter, the 57-year-old is said to have "approved" of the Lilywhites' pursuit of the England international, with the ex-Celtic man having been named as the new permanent head coach on Tuesday.

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Graeme Bailey – Walsh adds that the north London outfit are set to rival Newcastle United for the signing of the 26-year-old, with the playmaker in line to leave his current home following the Foxes' recent relegation.

This follows a previous report from The Sun which also claimed that both Spurs and the Magpies are 'pushing hardest' to sign the former Norwich City man ahead of next season, with the two-cap gem set to be available for around £40m with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Would Maddison be a good signing for Tottenham?

The fleet-footed "magician" – as previously hailed by Statman Dave – would likely prove an astute capture for new man Postecoglou, with the Coventry-born sensation having proven his credentials in the Premier League in recent years, with 75 goals and assists in 163 games in the competition to date.

Despite forming part of a Leicester side that only recently suffered relegation, the £110k-per-week maestro did still enjoy a positive individual campaign after racking up 19 goal involvements in 30 league appearances, with only Harry Kane contributing more goals and assists (33) among the Spurs squad.

Harry Kane and James Maddison

That ability to make a telling impact in the final third could ensure that Maddison proves to be a dream partner to Kane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next term, with the latter man likely to thrive off such elite service.

Hailed for his "world class" delivery in the past by Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate, Maddison notably recorded 12 big chances and averaged 2.3 key passes per game in 2022/23 as a marker of his creative prowess, with that illustrating that he can be the man to deliver the goods on a plate for Tottenham's free-scoring, talisman.

Previously hailed as "the best centre-forward in world football" by his England colleague, Kane has been linked with a departure in recent times, although the current suggestion is that the 29-year-old will not be sold this summer, despite having just 12 months to run on his current deal.

As such, the 280-goal marksman would likely thrive off having quality figures around him under Postecoglou next season, such as Maddison, with the latter man clearly an asset who seeks to play forward at every available opportunity as he ranks in the top 15% among his European peers for progressive passes, as per FBref.

With Spurs seemingly "in need of that creativity" – as pundit Noel Whelan previously stated – the signing of the Leicester man could well have Kane licking his lips this summer…

Arsenal To Submit "Bid" For £120m "Midfield General" In June

Arsenal are expected to table their opening "bid" in an attempt to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in June, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Declan Rice leaving West Ham?

The Premier League veteran has made 243 senior appearances at the London Stadium having worked his way up through the academy ranks with David Moyes’s side, but with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, the upcoming window is likely to present the 24-year-old with his final big opportunity to secure a big-money move, and he isn’t short of potential suitors being the E20 outfit’s overall top-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.04.

According to the Irons manager, the England international is set to bring in a “British transfer record” should he depart over the summer, and whilst his price tag hasn’t yet been specified by the club, Sky Sports have reported that they would sanction their skipper’s sale for £120m, or alternatively, £100m in cash plus a player going the opposite way as part of a swap deal amid interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and indeed Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.

Are Arsenal signing Rice?

Taking to Twitter in the last 48 hours, Romano revealed that Arsenal are preparing an offer in an attempt to fend off other attention and sign Rice ahead of the start of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

"Arsenal have not changed their plans for Declan Rice as top target: opening bid to be submitted in June, waiting for West Ham to clarify final price tag. #AFC Nothing is agreed or done, race remains open. Other clubs are also interested; so timing will be crucial."

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

Arsenal are clearly serious about recruiting Rice in the summer if they are already in the process of readying a bid, and having been dubbed a defensive “midfield general” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and "world-class" by pundit Alan Smith, he would be an outstanding acquisition for Arteta in N7.

The World Cup participant has made 79 tackles since the start of the term which is higher than any other member of West Ham’s squad, via FBRef, not to mention that he also averages 1.7 interceptions per top-flight game so loves to get stuck in and regain possession for his team.

The Kingston upon Thames-born talent, who is even impactful in the final third having clocked up six league goal contributions (four goals and two assists) this season, would finally add excellent versatility to the manager’s squad with his ability to operate in five various positions over the grass, so this really is a deal that the board can’t give up on during negotiations over the summer.

Burnley: ‘Tremendous’ Star Could Be Next Tella At Turf Moor

Burnley are going to need some attacking reinforcements if they are going to translate their success in the Championship into strong performances in the Premier League.

Vincent Kompany's side look like a strong outfit following their title win but have already lost key attacking outlets, Ashley Barnes and Nathan Tella, with it unclear at this stage if the Clarets' top scorer will return to Turf Moor after his superb loan spell from Southampton.

However, if a deal cannot be agreed with the Saints, who may well be keen to keep Tella given their own relegation to the Championship, then Kompany could find a new version of the 23-year-old in Liverpool's attacking talent, Fabio Carvalho.

Could Burnley sign Carvalho?

According to Football Insider, Burnley are open to both a loan or permanent move for the Portuguese youngster this summer after a frustrating debut season at Anfield, which has seen him muster just 340 minutes of action in the Premier League.

He did register three goals in 22 total appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side but given the array of attacking talent available at Anfield, it was perhaps always going to be difficult for him to earn a regular starting spot.

However, he has already shown his class in the Championship with Fulham, notching ten goals and eight assists as they won the title under Marco Silva in 2021/22, which suggests that he needs regular football in order to achieve his potential.

Klopp has already hinted that the Portugal U21 international, who earns £40k-per-week, could depart on loan this summer, saying:

“I think there is a possibility Fabio could go on loan, but we will see. This was not the best year of his career, his young career,” he said.

“No player has impressed me more than Fabio, that’s the truth. This very talented boy came here with big dreams and big expectations and it didn’t work out. His work ethic will give him a fantastic career."

Could Carvalho be Burnley's next Tella?

Carvalho has already proven himself to be a top Championship player and while he didn't get as much game time as he would have liked at Anfield, a year learning from Klopp will only have helped him grow as a player.

Burnley forward Nathan Tella.

While Burnley would prefer not to be dependent on loan players, the success of Tella shows that Kompany can benefit greatly from the loan market, and Carvalho's goalscoring knack could help to keep the Clarets in the Premier League next season.

Liverpool journalist Paul Machin waxed lyrical about the young attacking midfielder in a recent interview with Football FanCast.

He said: "He's small, he's technical, he's actually quite quick. I think he's a tremendous little player. He's got a great eye for goal, he's got an uncanny knack to arrive in the right place at the right time, in terms of scoring goals."

A nimble forward with goals and assists in his locker, the similarities to Tella are clear, with the Saints loanee also emphasising his ability in front of goal with 17 in the second tier last season.

Therefore, if Burnley can help Carvalho to rediscover his best form at Turf Moor, then Kompany could have another gem on his hands.

Rahul's career-best 158 arms India with strong lead


Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:25

Manjrekar: West Indies had a defensive approach overall

Flawless innings are fairly rare in Test cricket. After all, the bowler gets to dictate some of the terms too. KL Rahul listened to them patiently, respected them when they made good points but did not cede his upper hand. His career-best 158 thrust India into the lead.At the other end was Cheteshwar Pujara, who spent a full hour running away from making runs. He was 18 off 57 overnight and stayed on 18 until he faced his 92nd ball of the match. Much was made of his run-out after lunch. Facing 159 balls and being dismissed in that fashion evokes critique but there were mitigating circumstances.Runs and records awaited anyone willing to show a little application on this Sabina Park pitch. But like a grandparent doting on their favourite grandkid in the middle of a party, it did embarrass them on the odd occasion. Notably, when Pujara nudged a short delivery from Jason Holder into the leg side. He meant for it to go a lot finer, but the ball had come onto the bat slower than expected and went off it in the same way, allowing Roston Chase, who was in front of square, to cut across and throw the stumps down. Pujara, who was face-down on the ground at the non-strikers’ end, knew all his hard work had come undone by one dreadful mistake.Meanwhile, Rahul kept cruising. He had driven extremely well and by now wasn’t afraid to extend the arms and hit over the top. A good IPL – whether it makes one ready for international cricket or not – certainly does wonders to his confidence. Rahul had outshone Chris Gayle in the last season and his attacking game was on point in Kingston.West Indies, it seemed, were at the other end. There was no ambition. They did not take the new ball when it was available and instead fed a new batsman with spin. Considering that new batsman was Virat Kohli, who is susceptible to the seamers outside the off stump, it was quite baffling. With very little resistance, a ninth – out of 14 – Indian partnership crossed 50 in this series.Things changed after tea. West Indies took the new ball and put it in Shannon Gabriel’s hands. With him coming back from an ankle injury, it seemed like his team was perennially juggling chances of victory with those of him going out of commission again. Hamstring trouble for Miguel Cummins complicated matters further; the debutant was the only one to consistently aim at the stumps. Ask Pujara, who was beaten on the inside edge, outside edge and rapped on his top hand.Gabriel had had nine overs’ downtime when the new ball had become available, but the additional respite seemed to have helped since he took out Rahul and troubled Kohli too. The India captain had been perturbed by outswingers – 8 off 33 at one point – and while his guard was up for that, he couldn’t prevent an inswinger thudding into the pads. Height saved him in umpire Aleem Dar’s judgment.West Indies got Kohli and R Ashwin in the final hour of play but Ajinkya Rahane took the lead past 150.Things were better in the morning. There weren’t many runs scored – 59 in 26 overs; there weren’t many fans around – sad for a Sunday; there were no wickets but there was a contest.With clear skies welcoming the players on the second day, the likelihood of the ball seaming about had reduced. It was time to go back to camping just outside off stump for as long as it took to spot the rare, flirty Indian outside edge. Gabriel found one in his second over, but it didn’t carry to second slip.Rahul’s scariest moment came when the length was much shorter, a 144 kph delivery that seamed in at his ribs. He probably assumed the line was a lot wider and committed into a cut shot and only barely avoided being caught behind. Gabriel was the aggrieved bowler, and fit the profile too, with a look that loosely translated to “where are my *$&#^ wickets?” His first spell was five overs – the longest he has bowled on the trot in this series – and gave away only three runs.The last time India played in Jamaica a Rahul scored a century. So it was again when this Rahul came down the track and smacked the offspin of Chase into the stands at long-on. It was a shot definitive of the knock, showing how the batsman had read the threat of the ball early and how firm he was with his footwork. The only thing it didn’t make clear was how effective he had been in keeping the good ones out. A delighted fist-pump, an authoritative raise of his bat and a hug from M Vijay, who came out with drinks, were part of the celebrations.Coming into the Jamaica Test, Rahul’s top five scores in descending order read: 110, 108, 16, 7, 5. Symptoms of a good player, but a nervous starter. So even with the 75 runs he had overnight, there were questions that needed answering. West Indies had a set plan at the start – the extra pace of Gabriel allied to Holder’s wide-outside-off lines to restrict run flow and create pressure. An anxious batsman could have been led into a mistake, but Rahul was careful. And decisive too – when he went back, he went right back. When he went forward, he was more or less meeting the ball on the half-volley. Not since Mohammad Azharuddin in 1984-85 had an India batsman converted his first three fifties into hundreds.Rahul is working towards making himself undroppable. Vijay, currently injured, Kohli and Rahane are India’s best Test batsmen. Shikhar Dhawan has shown an improved judgement outside his off stump, an area he had previously struggled with. Pujara hits big hundreds, his inability to do so on Sunday hurt him. Will it hurt his chances for the next too? One of them can’t make an Indian XI with five bowlers.