The fast bowler injured his ankle while playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy

Sidharth Monga in Delhi21-Jan-2020

Ishant Sharma was in splendid form in Kolkata•BCCI

Ishant Sharma is a serious doubt for the Test series in New Zealand after MRI scans revealed a grade-three tear in his ankle, which he twisted during Delhi’s ongoing Ranji Trophy match on Monday. The local specialist has advised him six weeks’ rest and rehab, but the BCCI will wait to make its own independent assessment at the NCA in Bangalore before taking an official decision on his selection.Sharma came to Feroz Shah Kotla for a while but soon returned home. He has trouble even walking right now, and is likely to go to the NCA in a week’s time. India’s first Test in New Zealand begins on February 21, exactly a month away, while the practice game they play ahead of it starts on February 14.Sharma suffered the injury on Monday when he twisted the ankle while turning around for an lbw appeal against Vidarbha batsman Faiz Fazal. Delhi needed a burst from him to overturn the 16-run first-innings deficit, but, a bowler short, they conceded 330 runs and needed to bat the last day out to rescue one point.His Vidarbha opponent Umesh Yadav is now likely to be the third quick in the Tests in New Zealand with Navdeep Saini expected to be the back-up fast bowler should Sharma not recover in time.Four short of the incredible feat of 100 Tests – only one Indian fast bowler has managed that – Sharma has been enjoying a late revival over the last three years. He credits it to a recent change in his bowling by which he has been able to pitch the ball fuller without losing any pace. His team with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami has turned India into a feared bowling unit even in away conditions.”Having a bunch of fast bowlers like this, who can just bowl out any opposition anywhere, is a brilliant thing to have in Indian cricket,” their captain Virat Kohli recently said. “[It’s] something that we haven’t quite relied on in the past, but I think them taking the attention away from the spinners in India is a huge statement, so I think that’s what makes us feel that when we travel now, we have it in us to win a series, and not just one-odd Test match here and there. So I think it’s been hard work, persistence, learning the game, thinking about the game that’s got them to where they are and they deserve it fully.”

Celtic have received an injury update regarding "incredible" Parkhead star Daizen Maeda, according to an update from a Hoops writer, who has had confirmation from Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic injury latest

Celtic have reached a critical point in their season, having a three-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, as the most important point in the campaign approaches. There is no doubt that Rodgers' men have the advantage in the title race, with Rangers suffering some poor results in recent weeks, but a slip-up from the league leaders could change things again.

The Hoops haven't had too many injuries to contend with in recent times, acting as a welcome boost for the manager, but Maeda is one of those who has been unavailable. The Japanese has five goals and two assists to his name in the league this season, and while those numbers aren't the most prolific, his hustle and bustle make him a key player.

There were even worries that Maeda's season could be over, and last week, Rodgers admitted that he had no idea when he could return, saying: "Daizen is still out. We just have to see over the remainder of the weeks left to see if he plays any part, but certainly won’t be tomorrow."

Liam Scales was another player who had been out injured, but he made a pleasing return to the fold in last weekend's thrilling Scottish Cup semi-final win over Aberdeen.

Celtic receive Maeda injury boost

Taking to X, Craig from CeltsAreHere claimed that Maeda could return from injury for Celtic as early as next week, following a Q&A with Rodgers at a club event:

"Rodgers did take part in a Q&A for an investors lounge event. I’ve had it confirmed by two people in attendance Rodgers did say Maeda is back running already and could be back as early as next week."

This is a massive boost for Celtic, considering Rodgers indicated that he could still be out for a number of weeks, as mentioned above. The 26-year-old is now such an experienced player for the Hoops, with his tally of two Scottish Premiership titles showing that he knows how to get over the line once the business end of the season arrives.

Meanwhile, Rodgers himself will be well aware of how important it is having Maeda back involved for the remaining few matches, saying of his player back in September: "He does the running of two men, he is absolutely incredible and I was so happy for him that he got his goal. He was so good on the day for us."

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Whether Maeda manages to force his way back into the starting lineup upon his return remains to be seen, but having him as a substitute could be such a potent weapon up against tiring legs, especially if a goal is needed.

One point adrift of leaders Celtic with a game in hand, Rangers are set for a fiery end to the Scottish Premiership season. And as the final Old Firm derby of the season nears, Gers chiefs have reportedly turned their attention towards turning one particular loan deal permanent this summer.

Rangers transfer news

It's been quite the turnaround from Rangers, who instantly galvanised under Philippe Clement before scaling what looked an impossible climb back into the title race and now in control of the Scottish Premiership's outcome. January certainly helped the former AS Monaco boss too, with Oscar Cortes, Mohamed Diomande and Fabio Silva all arriving on loan. Diomande in particular has had some impressive moments, including his goal against St Johnstone.

The midfielder is set to join on a permanent basis this summer due to Rangers' obligation to buy in his initial loan deal. He's not the only loanee who may be around next season, either, with reports indicating that the Gers want to also turn Silva's loan deal permanent this summer.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are set to make contact with Wolverhampton Wanderers over securing a permanent deal for Silva in the coming months.

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Any deal will reportedly have to be for a cut-price, however, given that the Scottish giants will not be able to sanction a big-money deal this summer even with Champions League qualification. What's more, Silva's reported salary of £80k per week is already a hefty fee in itself, only adding to the cost of the potential transfer.

Still just 21-years-old, it would be quite the piece of business from Rangers if they managed to secure a relatively cheap deal to sign Silva this summer. The young forward has certainly shown signs that he's getting closer to his best form too, perhaps making a move to Ibrox ideal for all parties involved.

"Incredible" Silva has earned permanent move

With four goals to his name in 15 appearances, with nine of those being starts, Silva has shown plenty of signs that he's on course to take a huge step towards his potential under Clement to earn a permanent deal. It remains to be seen whether the Gers can agree the right price with Wolves, of course, but it's certainly one worth pursuing.

In what will be Clement's first full season in charge, those at Ibrox may have the opportunity to be defending their Scottish crown if all goes well in the remainder of the season. And they'll want as much of the current, potentially successful squad available to do that, including Silva, who earned plenty of praise during his Wolves days.

The club's executive chairman, Jeff Shi, told the official Wolves website when Silva first joined: "Fabio is a young player who shows not only incredible technical ability but also his game intelligence for a player of his age is top class."

Leeds United could still have a chance to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League on Saturday when they welcome Southampton to Elland Road.

They are currently second in the table but Ipswich Town face Coventry City on Tuesday night, which is their game in hand, and anything other than a loss would see them move back into second.

A loss for the Tractor Boys would put the Whites back into the driving seat and leave their fate in their own hands, with a win over the Saints this weekend guaranteeing promotion in that event.

If they fall short of the automatic places, however, then Daniel Farke's side will have to go into the play-offs and potentially play West Bromwich Albion, who are currently sixth, over two legs for a place in the final at Wembley.

The uncertainty over their league status for the 2024/25 campaign has likely made planning for the summer transfer window difficult for Leeds chiefs.

However, there is one player the club are reportedly hoping to add to their squad whether they gain promotion to the Premier League or remain in the Championship.

Leeds United's interest in Liverpool giant

According to the print edition of the Sunday Mirror, as relayed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke is lining up a swoop for Liverpool giant Nat Phillips to bolster their defensive options.

The report claims that the Yorkshire-based outfit want to sign the central defender regardless of the division that they are in, seemingly believing that he would be an asset to him in either of the top two divisions.

It states that the English titan was on the club's transfer wish list for the recent January transfer window but a move did not materialise, with Connor Roberts joining on loan from Burnley as the only incoming piece of business for Leeds in the end.

Phillips ended up signing on loan for Championship rivals Cardiff City until the end of the season, and his form for the Bluebirds has seemingly tempted the Whites to go back in with another swoop for his services this summer.

The report adds that his future at Anfield remains unclear, with Arne Slot set to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, particularly with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2025.

It did not reveal, however, how much the Reds would demand for a player who will only have 12 months left on his deal, unless they pin him down to an extension.

If Leeds and Farke could secure a deal for Phillips then they could land a dream partner for Joe Rodon, who they reportedly want to sign on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur.

Joe Rodon's form for Leeds this season

The Wales international has spent the season at Elland Road on loan from the Premier League side, who are now reportedly willing to cash in on him for a fee of up to £15m.

He has been a rock at the heart of the Leeds defence throughout the Championship campaign, and has showcased his quality both in and out of possession in the second tier.

The Whites have the second-best defensive record in the division this season, with 41 conceded in 45 games, and Rodon has played a big role in their success at that end.

23/24 Championship

Joe Rodon

Squad rank

Sofascore rating

7.19

7th

Tackles per game

1.1

11th

Interceptions per game

1.2

2nd

Clearances per game

4.6

1st

Accurate passes per game

65.6

2nd

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old brute ranks highly in several defensive statistics for Leeds, and has been one of the most consistent performers with his high Sofascore rating.

Rodon has also provided quality with his ability to break lines and find his teammates in advanced positions to build attacks and break down stubborn defences.

He ranks within the top 16% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes per 90 (4.36), and the top 7% for pass accuracy (90.8%), which shows that the Welsh star is one of the best in his position at progressing play and being efficient in doing so.

These statistics show why signing him on a permanent deal could be a fantastic piece of business, due to his quality on and off the ball, and Phillips could be brought in as a dream partner for him at the back.

Why Leeds should sign Nat Phillips

The 6 foot 3 giant, whose development was once branded "insane" by Klopp, is a no-nonsense defender who could act as a traditional stopper alongside the ball-playing Rodon.

Phillips joined Cardiff in January and has displayed his defensive strength across 17 appearances in the Championship during the second half of the season, having spent the first half of the campaign with Celtic in Scotland.

He has dominated opposition attackers in the second tier for the Bluebirds, with a duel success rate of 68% and 5.4 battles won per game so far.

23/24 Championship (per 90)

Joe Rodon

Nat Phillips

Tackles

1.19

1.62

Blocks

1.16

1.50

Shots blocked

0.87

1.37

Aerial duels won

3.02

3.74

Clearances

4.83

4.56

Percentage of dribbles tackled

67.7%

85%

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the 27-year-old colossus has the edge over Rodon in a host of defensive metrics, which suggests that he has been better at cutting out attacks and dominating opponents as an individual.

However, Phillips ranks within the bottom 4% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes per 90 (1.37), and the bottom 10% for progressive carries per 90 (0.12).

This suggests that the English star struggles to progress the ball out from the back, through passes or carries, on a regular basis for his team.

Rodon, as aforementioned, excels at that area of the game as a progressive passer from centre-back, which is why they could make for a perfect defensive pairing.

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The Welsh ace can provide mobility, defensive awareness, and passing quality, whilst Phillips can be a dominant brute who can marshall the backline with his superb defending.

This would then allow Ethan Ampadu to return to his more natural defensive midfield role on a regular basis next season, rather than being shoehorned in at centre-back due to Pascal Struijk's unavailability.

It is now down to Farke and the club to ensure that they win the race for Phillips' signature if Liverpool make him available to sign this summer.

Mikel Arteta has explained why Leandro Trossard performed a subdued celebration after scoring for Arsenal against Aston Villa.

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Arteta explains Trossard's muted celebrationBelgian scored the opener after coming on as a subArsenal beat Aston Villa 2-0WHAT HAPPENED?

Arteta brought the Belgian forward on in the 65th minute of the match at Villa Park, as he replaced Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank. The move proved to be inspired as just two minutes later, Trossard broke the deadlock with a quality finish. The 29-year-old initially refused to celebrate his strike and it was only after repeated requests from team-mate William Saliba that he performed his trademark 'Goggles' routine

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After the match, manager Mikel Arteta explained why Trossard performed a muted celebration after scoring the opening goal – as he revealed the Belgian was unhappy over not getting picked in the starting line-up over Brazil international Martinelli.

WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: "When you don’t get picked, there are certain ways to react. Leo is upset, but he is upset and shows on the pitch how good he is – not upset and comes in and reacts badly. That is a huge quality. Then, when you put him in the starting line-up, he does exactly the same thing.

"That is a big message and a big example for the rest of the team and myself. We have two great left wingers and Reiss Nelson can also play in that position so it is always a challenge but you know you are going to get that quality."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The Gunners will be back in action on August 31 as they face a spirited Brighton side – who are fresh from beating Manchester United – at Emirates Stadium.

Asghar Afghan scored a 28-ball 49 to lift Afghanistan to 184 for 4 before Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s three-wicket haul restricted Ireland to 163 for 6 in the second T20I in Greater Noida. The 21-run victory meant Afghanistan now have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Afghanistan had a slow start after opting to bat as their openers Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz struggled for the timing on a sluggish pitch. The Ireland seamers also didn’t allow any room to Zazai who eventually fell to legspinner Gareth Delany for a 33-ball 28.Gurbaz used his feet against Delany to hit a couple of sixes but despite that Afghanistan were 85 for 2 after 13 overs. Asghar, who too was struggling to find the middle of the bat till then, suddenly starting connecting his hits. He struck six, four and four off successive Boyd Rankin deliveries to take the side past 100 in the 14th over.Craig Young was the next to suffer. Asghar smashed him for two fours and two sixes as the 16th over of the innings produced 25 runs. Going for another big hit, Asghar holed out to long-on and fell one short of his fifty. Najibullah Zadran and Gulbadin Naib hit two sixes each in the final over as take Afghanistan to a formidable total.After giving away 99 runs in the last seven overs, Ireland started their chase positively before Mujeeb dismissed Kevin O’Brien and Paul Stirling to reduce them to 37 for 2. Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector kept finding the boundaries though and took Ireland to 90 for 3 after ten overs.Then, Rashid Khan was introduced to the attack. After conceding five in his first over, he dismissed Balbirnie in the next for a 35-ball 46. From the other end, Nabi too didn’t allow any easy runs. As a result, Ireland were left needing 51 from the last four overs.Tector took 12 off the first three balls of the 17th over, bowled by Mujeeb, but the bowler came back strongly. He not only bowled the next three balls dots but also got rid of Tector.Ireland needed 26 from the final over – Afghanistan too had got 26 from their 20th – but Shapoor Zadran conceded only four to seal the match and the series.

Newcastle United have suffered a blow with the news that they could be outbid by just £1.7m for the signing of a defensive transfer target this summer.

Newcastle in need of defensive reinforcements

Eddie Howe must wonder what he's done to suffer such injury woes within his squad this season, with so many fitness issues playing a part in their struggles in the Premier League, certainly compared to last year's brilliance in the competition.

The heart of Newcastle's defence has been a major issue for much of the campaign, with Sven Botman their most important player in that area of the pitch, but missing big chunks of action. The Dutchman's season is over after suffering ACL damage recently, and he could even struggle to return before the end of the year.

Exactly the same applies to Jamaal Lascelles, who was forced off in last weekend's 4-3 win at home to West Ham, and it will be some time before he is back on the pitch. It leaves Howe with a dearth of options at centre-back between now and May, and even beyond the summer, highlighting the importance of bringing in reinforcements.

Sporting CP stars Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande have emerged as two standout options for Newcastle in the summer, with the pair both highly-rated young centre-backs with big futures.

It does look as though they have suffered a setback in their pursuit of one defender, however, following a new update.

Newcastle suffer Robin Le Normand blow

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are interested in signing Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad, but could be outbid by Napoli.

The centre-back is seen as a target for the Magpies, but the reigning Serie A champions are willing to pay €32m (£27.4m) compared to Newcastle's expected attempt at €30m (£25.7m), potentially harming their chances of snapping him up.

Le Normand has a £51.4m release clause in his current deal, but Sociedad do seem open to negotiate that fee down a little. Missing out on the 27-year-old would be disappointing for Newcastle, especially by such a fine margin, but there is always the hope that the appeal of the Premier League ends up working in their favour.

Le Normand vs. Inacio vs. Diomande this season (league)	Le Normand	Inacio	Diomande
Appearances	23	24	20
Starts	22	20	20
Aerial duel wins per game	4	1.6	1.7
Tackles per game	1.1	1.4	1.7
Interceptions per game	1.0	0.9	0.6
Clearances per game	3.2	1.7	1.5
Pass completion rate	88.8%	88.3%	91.8%

He is an impressive performer for Sociedad, averaging four aerial duel wins per game in La Liga this season, as well as completing 88.8% of his passes, outlining his defensive quality and technical ability.

At 27, Le Normand also has a nice blend of experience and still having some years ahead of him, and in that respect he would come in as a more proven option than Inacio and Diomande, for example.

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Either way, it is essential that at least one centre-back arrives at St James' Park this summer, considering the length of time Botman and Lascelles are out for.

A round-up from the latest round of Sheffield Shield matches as teams jostle for a place in the final

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Feb-2020

Daniel Hughes drives during his century•Getty Images

ScorecardDaniel Hughes struck his first Sheffield Shield hundred of the season and Matthew Gilkes made an eye-catching maiden first-class fifty, but New South Wales suffered a late wobble against South Australia. From 4 for 272, they lost 3 for 21 as Chadd Sayers made inroads with the second new ball including the scalp of Gilkes who was caught in the gully 17 short of a century having hit nine fours and three sixes.Hughes dominated the first part of the day with a controlled hundred to give New South Wales a solid base as they looked to bounce back from their defeat against Victoria. Joe Mennie chipped away for South Australia, including a brace of terrific deliveries to bowl Daniel Solway and Jason Sangha, then added Hughes shortly after he brought up three figures when the opener skewed a back-foot drive to gully.Cameron Green drills one down the ground•Getty Images

ScorecardCameron Green made his third hundred of the season as Western Australia overcame a tricky start to enjoy a solid day against Tasmania in Hobart. Green, the promising allrounder who is currently unable to bowl due to a back injury, and Josh Philippe added 121 for the fifth wicket to turn an uncertain position into one from where they will expect to take control of the match against a brittle Tasmania batting line-up.Tasmania had made early inroads after opting to bowl first with Sam Rainbird finding the edge of Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh in the space of three deliveries as the new ball nibbled. Gabe Bell then had Jake Carder flashing another edge to Tim Paine to leave Western Australia 3 for 43. Sam Whiteman started to steady things alongside Green before he became a maiden first-class wicket for Jake Doran with just the fifth delivery he had bowled in the format.Seb Gotch walks off after his second Shield hundred•Getty Images

Seb Gotch struck his second consecutive hundred as Victoria staged a superb fightback on the opening day against Queensland at the Gabba. Gotch, whose maiden ton came against New South Wales last week, reached three figures with a ramp to third man – a shot that also brought him two sixes – as the light faded with the final two wickets having so far added 85.Victoria had stuttered to 5 for 100 with Xavier Bartlett and Cameron Gannon worked through the top order before Matt Short began the fightback alongside Gotch. Short was with two shy of his second first-class hundred when he was pinned lbw by Bartlett having hit 68 off his 98 runs in boundaries. Bartlett would go to claim his first five-wicket haul when he removed Chris Tremain.

West Indies Tests postponed, decision on new tournament expected next week

Matt Roller24-Apr-2020The ECB has announced that no professional cricket will be played in England and Wales until July 1 at the earliest due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but is yet to confirm the postponement of the Hundred’s inaugural season.The ECB board met on Thursday to confirm the holding date for the start of the season would be pushed back further from May 28, meaning England’s Test series against West Indies and England women’s white-ball games against India have both officially been postponed. “Our plan is to reschedule international matches as late as possible in the season to give the best chance of play,” chief executive Tom Harrison said.While a decision on the Hundred is yet to be reached – an additional board meeting has been scheduled for next Wednesday following a request to dedicate a further session to it – there is broad acceptance that a lack of overseas players, question marks over allowing fans into grounds and a collective will to “keep the lights on” make this an unfavourable time to launch an expensive new tournament.ALSO READ: The Hundred’s future uncertain as ECB board prepares for postponementThere remains a will to play some form of red-ball cricket this season, despite the loss of the first nine rounds of County Championship fixtures. The ECB confirmed that blocks for red-ball and white-ball cricket will be included in a revised schedule, though it seems unlikely that teams will be promoted or relegated this year: players have previously questioned whether such a move would be fair in a truncated season. Some form of regional competition or a knockout tournament are two possibilities.Any revised schedule will also see the T20 Blast pushed as late in the season as possible to maximise its chances of being staged and to increase the likelihood that fans will be allowed into grounds. The ECB has made clear throughout the contingency planning process that it will prioritise the most financially important forms of the game – internationals and the Blast – to help ensure the future of the first-class counties and the MCC. Notably, the Hundred no longer features among those forms.The 50-over women’s competition among eight new semi-professional regional development centres remains scheduled for a late August start, though the recruitment process for those centres has stalled and the ECB conceded two weeks ago that the tournament might have to be postponed. Recreational cricket remains suspended indefinitely.

“Our biggest challenge is how we could seek to implement a bio-secure solution that offers optimum safety and security for all concerned”ECB chief executive Tom Harrison

“Our role as a national governing body during a crisis of this scale requires us to carefully plan alongside cricket’s stakeholders and supporters to attempt to overcome Covid-19’s impact on this season,” Harrison said. “As much as we remain hopeful that we can deliver some cricket this summer, we are in the midst of a worldwide crisis and our priority – over and above the playing of professional sport – will be to protect the vulnerable, key workers and society as a whole over.”That’s why, simply put, there will be no cricket unless it’s safe to play. Our schedule will only go ahead if government guidance permits. Our biggest challenge, along with other sports, is how we could seek to implement a bio-secure solution that offers optimum safety and security for all concerned. The guidance we receive from Westminster [the UK government] will help us shape how we deliver this.”Our plan is to reschedule international matches as late as possible in the season to give the best chance of play. The Vitality Blast will also now occupy the latest possible season slot to offer as much time as possible to play a county short-form competition.ALSO READ: India series uncertain but ECB ring-fences £20m investment into women’s game”I want to thank everyone involved in this complex and sensitive work. There have clearly never been times like this and my colleagues at the ECB and across the game have been exemplary in this period. It has been refreshing, but not surprising, to see how cricket has come together.”CWI has signalled its intentions to be flexible in rescheduling their three-Test series, previously highlighting the possibility of playing it in July. Internal ECB discussions have raised the possibility of playing in “bio-secure” environments at Emirates Old Trafford or the Ageas Bowl, which have on-site hotels, or playing a limited-overs series and a Test series in parallel.It remains possible that the West Indies series will be switched to the Caribbean and played in December, while the ECB is soon to receive an offer from Abu Dhabi Cricket to use their facilities to extend the summer.

MatériaMais Notícias

Uma contratação de experiência em competições importantes como Copa Libertadores, Liga dos Campeões da Europa e Copa do Mundo está desembarcando no Internacional em confirmação a recentes especulações: o lateral-direito/zagueiro argentino Gabriel Mercado.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

O jogador com passagens marcantes por River Plate (onde foi multicampeão sob o comando de Marcelo Gallardo), Sevilla e que esteve nas últimas duas temporadas defendendo o Al-Rayyan, do Qatar, chega ao Inter sem custo de transferência por conta de seu último vínculo ter data de encerramento no próximo dia 30 de julho.

Além de história construída nos clubes, Mercado tem também trajetória na seleção argentina com 24 partidas e quatro gols onde, dentre os compromissos disputados, está a participação como titular em dois dos quatro jogos feitos pela Albiceleste na Copa do Mundo de 2018, disputada na Rússia.

Aos 34 anos de idade, Mercado chega com o elemento da versatilidade sendo um de seus principais trunfos, podendo atuar tanto na zaga como também na lateral-direita. Porém, com a recente contratação de Paulo Victor que deu preenchimento ao lado do campo, é mais provável que a utilização do argentino na linha de zaga.