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Allrounder admits he could miss depending on the make-up of Australia’s top six but is hopeful he can play a part in the Ashes if selected

Alex Malcolm28-Oct-2025Allrounder Beau Webster agreed that he could be squeezed out of Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test depending on the make-up of the batting line-up, but he feels that he can contribute in the series if given the opportunity.Webster’s role in the Australia side has been a topic of discussion despite being one of the most reliable performers over the past seven Test matches. Webster had played as the sole allrounder in the XI across all of those matches since replacing Mitchell Marsh in January.But Cameron Green’s return to bowling, after playing as a batter only at No. 3 in the last four Tests, as well as Marnus Labuschagne’s return to form and questions around the need to pick another specialist opener, have created uncertainty about the make-up of the top six for Perth.Related

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George Bailey, the chair of selectors, guaranteed Webster would be in the squad for the first Test, saying “everyone can relax.” But there is a way Webster could be squeezed out of the XI if the selectors opted to reinstate Labuschagne at No. 3, either retain Sam Konstas or pick another opener in his place to partner Usman Khawaja, and move Green back to No.6, given he is expected to be fit to bowl again despite a slight setback in his workload progression.Webster had missed the first two Sheffield Shield games of the summer due to an ankle injury, which only added to the speculation. Speaking after day one of his return for Tasmania against Victoria at Junction Oval, where he took 1 for 26 with the ball from 12 overs, Webster hoped that “I’ll be thereabouts”.”We’ve obviously got a potential hole around the top of the order there, and see who fills that,” Webster said. “If they see me as a pure middle-order [batter], then I’m probably going to get squeezed out. That is what it is. I hope I’m still in the conversation, certainly as a batter only, and if not, if it’s just the makeup of the team I’ll plug the way back in first-class cricket. There’s a there’s a lot of Test cricket coming up in the next two years. I hope I’ll be thereabouts.”Webster, 31, has done very little wrong in his first seven Tests. He has four half-centuries from 12 innings, averaging 34.63, which does not do him justice given the difficulty of the surfaces he has played on. He also has eight wickets at 23.25 with the ball, striking at 45.1, and has taken 12 catches in the field, where he has been a huge asset, especially in the slips cordon.Beau Webster has done little wrong since his Test debut•AFP/Getty ImagesHe said it was nice to hear Bailey guarantee his spot in the Perth squad, but he had not been given the same guarantee about being in the XI.”That depends who you ask,” Webster said. “I’d obviously love to be in the XI. I think I’ve got a lot to contribute there, and especially this Ashes series, I feel like I’m playing the best cricket of my life at the moment. So I certainly want to be there. Sometimes it’s the make-up of the team and the balance and the overs and who bats where. It feels like this series has probably got more questions over that than any before.”Webster admitted he felt some rust on return for Tasmania. He took the new ball to front end his overs having come into the game on a 16-over limit from Cricket Australia’s [CA] medical staff. He used 12 of those on day one in four spells. He picked up the wicket of former Test opener Marcus Harris with a delivery that pitched back of a length outside leg and nipped sharply across the left-hander to scratch the outside edge. Webster later took a sharp catch at slip but dropped one he would normally take.”If I could sum my day up today, a few no-balls and a drop catch at first slip, it probably felt like I was five or 10% off what I usually am,” Webster said. “I mean, that comes when you have probably three weeks of not playing. I felt like I was probably just slightly off it. But to get out there today and bowling 12 overs and get some more time in the slips is always beneficial.”Webster said the time off was helpful to freshen up mentally and also to do some strength work in the gym, having played nearly a full winter with Australia and Warwickshire in the county championship.”I think there’s some benefits, no doubt,” Webster said. “I think looking back, I did play a lot of cricket in England, and that’s by choice. I play my best cricket when I’m constantly playing. To have a three-week gap there, it was nice to get back in the gym and do some running and probably freshen the body up physically, ready to go for a big summer.”

Minority owners Red Bull have reportedly told Leeds United to replace Daniel Farke with a manager who has worked with Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Leeds set fresh Farke sack timeline

The pressure is on Farke, who’s looking to avoid his very own Groundhog Day in the Premier League. The German is yet to achieve survival in the Premier League, despite previous attempts with Norwich City, and will be desperate to silence any doubters at Elland Road this season.

It looked for a moment as though the Leeds boss was about to do exactly that against Manchester City last time out, to his credit, only for Pep Guardiola’s side to turn on the style and secure a late 3-2 victory. A point at the Etihad would have been invaluable for those in Yorkshire, but they now play host to Chelsea this Wednesday with Farke under increasing pressure.

According to The Guardian, defeat against both Chelsea and Liverpool could spell the end for Farke at Elland Road. On paper, that may seem harsh. After all, Leeds are facing the world champions who just earned a point against Arsenal with 10 men and the Premier League champions, albeit during a tumultuous period for the Reds.

That is the harsh reality of the Premier League, though, and Leeds are seemingly willing to act as early as possible in an attempt to avoid the drop. As such, names like Ange Postecoglou have already been mentioned as potential candidates recently, but Red Bull have reportedly recommended Zsolt Low instead.

Red Bull tell Leeds to hire Zsolt Low

As reported by TeamTalk, Red Bull have told Leeds to hire Low to replace Farke if they decide to part ways with the German. The minority owners don’t have a say on sporting matters but are there for the 49ers to lean on, should they please.

Related Leeds eyeing move for 4-3-3 Farke successor who has admirers at Elland Road

The Whites are struggling for form in the Premier League and could now change tact in the dugout.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Nov 28, 2025

It seems that, if they choose to do exactly that, then Low could be an option. The 46-year-old won’t be a name that many are familiar with at Elland Road, but he is someone that PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea know well.

Low was Tuchel’s assistant at all three clubs and is known by Red Bull thanks to his time as the interim boss at RB Leipzig at the end of last season and his time as Adi Hutter’s assistant at Red Bull Salzburg.

Zsolt Low at Leipzig

Record

Games

8

Wins

2

Draws

3

Defeats

3

Goals scored

13

Goals conceded

17

Out of the options available, Low would arguably be the greatest gamble. He’s had just eight games as a manager and won just two of those games at Leipzig last season – using a 4-4-2 system.

His work as an assistant is admirable, but Leeds must replace Farke with a far more experienced candidate.

Leeds lining up January spending spree for "phenomenal" Farke replacement

Have we been given a glimpse into the real Liverpool? The win over Real Madrid in the Champions League this week certainly felt like a throwback to last season.

Arne Slot reverted to type. The midfield was comprised of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, that triumvirate whose connection and coherence proved so crucial to last year’s triumphant Premier League campaign.

Things have changed on the red half of Merseyside this season. Sweeping summer changes have reshaped the framework, and a by-product of this has been tactical imbalances and a lack of the fluency and sharpness that propelled the Reds into the ascendancy last year.

One of the issues predates this early-season slump by a long stretch. Six defeats from seven matches in all competitions before the recent upswing is inexcusable, and each corner of the system has been culpable, but there’s undoubtedly been something missing on the left flank, with Luis Diaz now playing elsewhere.

Liverpool miss the Colombian, but not as much as Sadio Mane before him.

Why Liverpool are still missing Sadio Mane

Liverpool are not so much missing Mane directly as his profile. Last season, Diaz scored 17 goals and supplied eight goals as he flitted between the left flank and a central striking berth. The Colombian was sold to Bayern Munich in August, like Mane before him, and now his presence is missed.

Diaz did a strong job in replacing Mane, but the Senegalese sensation will go down in history as one of the most dangerous wingers to have graced the Premier League, with his former international coach Aliou Cisse even describing him as “one of the best” in the world back in 2018.

Devastatingly dynamic and with an unending appetite for goals, Mane thrived across his years under Klopp’s wing, joining from Southampton for £34m in 2016 and forging one of Europe’s most iconic strike forces, alongside Bobby Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

Now, Liverpool have neither player in their mix. Cody Gakpo has most regularly played on the left wing for Liverpool this year, and while the Dutchman is a talented and multi-faceted player, he is not on the same level as Mane in his prime, and neither does he operate with the same electric movement as Diaz.

However, Slot may actually have found his own version of Mane in another Liverpool star, a player who is showing signs of real quality in a red shirt.

Liverpool's new version of Sadio Mane

Liverpool underwent a series of changes in the summer transfer market, and though the Alexander Isak saga dominated the final weeks of the window, much was made of Liverpool’s record-breaking £116m move for Florian Wirtz.

Hailed as a “statistical unicorn” and a “final third freak” by analyst Sam McGuire before first donning the famous Liverpool jersey, Wirtz has not yet proved this is true on English soil, but he’s a work in progress, adapting to a new land, and we have started to see the first shoots of success in recent games.

Real Madrid marked the finest display of his Anfield career so far, and what a game to announce yourself in. Handed an 8/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo, Wirtz was praised for his tireless work ethic and creativity. In the first half, the German created five chances for the hosts, as many as the entire Los Blancos team.

But, whereas Mane impressed across his start to life at Liverpool, posting 13 goals and seven assists across 29 matches in 2016/17, Wirtz is still yet to break his duck after 15 fixtures.

But this man’s underlying quality is indisputable. He is a world-class talent. And, as per FBref, he ranks among the top 5% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive passes and shot-creating actions, as well as the top 11% for chances created per 90.

Understandably, many think the 22-year-old should have offered more so far. In some ways, they are right. But Liverpool have been a curious case this season, and the frosty tactical conditions have made it difficult for such a player to dovetail in and fire on all cylinders from the get-go.

He might not be the same sort of clinical and direct player as Mane, but Wirtz proved on the left flank against Real Madrid that he can play a leading role in a Liverpool team questing for all the biggest prizes.

With Szoboszlai in such jaw-dropping form and Liverpool looking altogether more polished and effective with last season’s blueprint implemented in the engine room, there’s a case to be made that Wirtz could play in Mane’s old role with regularity.

He surely has the robustness and wide-ranging arsenal to fulfil his duties in that area with confidence and clarity. This is one of the most talented footballers in the world, after all.

Now, we must wait for the £195k-per-week talent to find the consistency in his performances that will lead to a country-wide recognition of his quality in a similar fashion to Mane before him. This will take time, of course, but with the Reds starting to look like a well-oiled unit once again now that issues have been ironed out, Wirtz could go from strength to strength.

Sometimes, patience is needed from football fans. Wirtz will come good. So good, in fact, that he might leave a legacy at Anfield that is on a level with Mane, that superstar winger who achieved so much in red.

Slot has just found the new Gini Wijnaldum in "special" Liverpool star

Liverpool produced a show-stopping performance to send Real Madrid packing in the Champions League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 7, 2025

The Philadelphia Phillies fell short of expectations after bowing out of the 2024 MLB postseason in a stunning defeat to the New York Mets in the NLDS. ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the early playoff exit could result in a roster shakeup for the Phils.

In his MLB offseason preview, Passan noted that Philadelphia has placed All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm on the trade block as they look to make some adjustments ahead of the 2025 season.

Bohm, who made his first All-Star Game in 2024, struggled in the second half of the season and even more so in the postseason. During the first half of the year, he logged a .830 OPS with 11 home runs and 70 RBI in 94 games. In the second half, his OPS dwindled down to .681 and he hit just four homers in 49 games. In the playoffs, Bohm recorded just one hit in 13 at-bats, though he didn't strike out a single time.

The Phillies figure to be back in World Series contention in 2025, but they may feel that an upgrade from Bohm will give them a better chance at achieving their goals. Various teams figure to have interest in the 28-year-old, who has two more years of arbitration left before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2027. Spotrac estimates he'll earn around $8.1 million next season.

Bohm has spent his entire MLB career with the Phillies, having appeared in 599 games for the franchise since debuting in 2020.

Australia international smites rapid fifty before taking key wickets to undermine Hampshire chase

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Jun-2025

Grace Harris announced herself on the 2025 Vitality Blast with a blistering half-century and three wickets as Surrey made it two from two with a 32-run win over Hampshire at the Kia Oval.Hot off the plane the Australia international smashed 63 in 35 balls with four sixes and five fours. Harris shared half-century stands with Danni Wyatt-Hodge (62 from 41) and Paige Scholfield (49 from 18) – all this after Wyatt-Hodge and skipper Bryony Smith (33) posted 73 for the opening wicket.The fearsome onslaught carried Surrey to 213 for 4, Freya Davies taking 2 for 36 for the visitors, who rued four dropped catches and a bungled run-out attempt of Harris when she’d made just 1.Hampshire’s chase was heroic, led by Ella McCaughan’s classy 81, and supported by 29 from skipper Georgia Adams, but Harris (3-18) dismissed both in the space of three balls to cap a stunning debut as the Hawks finished on 181 for 8.After a sedate start, Smith blasted three sixes in quick succession, while Wyatt-Hodge, following a shaky series against West Indies for England, also cleared the ropes.Wyatt-Hodge was dropped twice on 30 and 35 before Smith holed out at midwicket off opposing skipper Adams. Harris should have gone soon afterwards when confusion left both batters at the same end, but a poor throw was fumbled by wicketkeeper Rhianna Southby and Harris was reprieved.She duly cashed in, raising Surrey’s hundred with six over mid-on, while Wyatt-Hodge was missed for a third time by Mary Taylor – a tough caught and bowled – before reaching 50 from 35 balls. The England opener eventually fell to a catch off Davies, but Harris forged on, two more maximums taking her to 50 from 27 balls.And while her innings ended tamely from a paddle to short fine leg, Schofield took up the baton with three sixes of her own, the last from the final ball of the innings to finish one short of 50.In-form Maia Bouchier began the chase with a straight six before holing out to a catch on the fence before the first over was done. Charlie Knott, too, flickered briefly and although she cut Tilly Corteen-Coleman into the hands of Wyatt-Hodge at cover, the visitors were 64 for 2 after six.Freya Kemp nicked one from Stonehouse through to wicketkeeper Kira Chathli and a maiden from Phoebe Franklin further cranked up the pressure. But McCaughan kept up the breathless chase, crisp driving and sweeping taking her to a polished fifty complete with 10 fours and Franklin spilt a skier to reprieve Adams as the tension mounted.With rain falling the 50-partnership came up in 33 balls and 85 were needed from the last seven.Smith failed to cling on to a tough chance at mid-off with McCaughan on 65, but Harris had her caught and bowled for 81 and when Adams perished two balls later to a stunning catch by Schofield, Hampshire were destined to fall short.

Kevin De Bruyne has undergone successful surgery in Antwerp after suffering a serious hamstring injury during Napoli’s clash against Inter last weekend. The Belgian midfielder, who was forced off just moments after scoring, is now expected to be sidelined for around four months, ruling him out for the rest of 2025 and leaving Napoli short in midfield depth.

De Bruyne’s hamstring blow confirmed after Inter clash

Napoli have confirmed that Belgian superstar De Bruyne underwent surgery on his right hamstring in Antwerp following the injury he sustained during the 3-1 victory over Inter. The Belgian was forced off midway through the first half, moments after opening the scoring from the penalty spot.

Scans later revealed a “high-grade lesion to the biceps femoris muscle” in his right thigh, the same area that had troubled him during his Manchester City days. The 34-year-old was immediately flown to Belgium for further evaluation and, as per Napoli’s official statement, “the operation was a complete success.”

“Everything went well, brilliantly in fact,” said De Bruyne’s trusted physiotherapist Lieven Maesschalck, confirming that the player will begin the first phase of rehabilitation at the ‘Move to Cure’ facility in Antwerp, the same centre used by several top Belgian internationals.

The midfielder, who joined Napoli this summer after leaving Manchester City on a free transfer, is now expected to miss at least four months of action, effectively ruling him out until early 2026.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesDe Bruyne’s recurring hamstring troubles return

This marks the second major hamstring operation of De Bruyne’s career. In August 2023, he underwent a similar procedure after suffering a severe tear in his right leg. However, doctors have clarified that this latest injury is “not in the same location,” which could slightly reduce the overall recovery timeline.

Napoli’s medical staff, together with head coach Antonio Conte and the player himself, agreed on surgery after initial conservative treatment options were ruled out. Conte was reportedly adamant about prioritising De Bruyne’s long-term recovery over a rushed return, given Napoli’s intense winter fixture list and the player’s importance to the squad.

For De Bruyne, the setback is particularly painful after an encouraging start to life in Italy. He had scored four goals in eight Serie A appearances and was quickly establishing himself as the creative fulcrum of Conte’s midfield.

Napoli’s midfield depth

This latest injury comes at a time when Napoli are already battling a growing list of absentees. Stanislav Lobotka, Amir Rrahmani and Romelu Lukaku are also sidelined, leaving boss Conte with limited midfield options. The club may now need to rely heavily on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in the coming months, with youth prospects expected to feature more prominently in Serie A fixtures.

For De Bruyne personally, the timing is unfortunate but not disastrous, as his recovery timeline aligns with the run-up to the 2026 World Cup, meaning he should be fit and match-ready for Belgium’s campaign in North America if all goes to plan.

Meanwhile, Napoli echoed that optimism in their official statement: “As planned, Kevin De Bruyne underwent surgery today in Antwerp following a high-grade injury to his right thigh biceps femoris muscle. The operation was a complete success. De Bruyne will continue the first phase of his post-surgical rehabilitation in Belgium.”

The club, however, stopped short of providing a specific return date. Internally, staff expect the midfielder to return to full training by February, depending on how quickly he responds to physiotherapy.

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AFPConte forced into tactical reshuffle ahead of crucial months

Napoli return to Serie A action this weekend when they host seventh-placed Como, but De Bruyne’s absence will force Conte into an early tactical rethink. The club’s medical department will continue to monitor De Bruyne’s progress remotely, with Napoli planning to send physiotherapists to Belgium for weekly check-ins. A gradual return is expected, starting with light ball work by January before reintegration into team training the following month.

With Napoli still leading Serie A with 21 points, maintaining their form without their marquee summer signing will be crucial. For De Bruyne, the focus now turns to recovery, and ensuring his comeback strengthens both his club’s title push and Belgium’s World Cup preparations.

Trinity Rodman has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL sprain, having seemingly avoided a more serious injury after being helped off the field in tears during Wednesday's 4-0 win over Monterrey in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup. There has been no timetable set for her return, but Rodman is expected to miss the U.S. women's national team's upcoming friendlies.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  An untimely injury

  Rodman's injury came just hours after she was named to the USWNT's latest squad. The Spirit winger has not been with the national team since April due to a long-term back injury.

  Rodman was seen in tears as she was helped off the field during Wednesday's match, with the winger seemingly unable to put pressure on her right leg. Later in the evening, she was seen on crutches while wearing a brace on her knee. Many were left fearing the worst, but Spirit boss Adrian Gonzalez provided something of a positive update, even if it now seems that Rodman could end up missing at least part of the NWSL playoffs.

  "She's at the facility today starting the rehab; she's doing good," Gonzalez said. "The results that we got are the best scenario. Obviously, an injury is not always a good situation. It's not as bad as it could be. She's starting now the rehab.

  "She has an MCL sprain. It's not too big, too much, but we need to see how she's doing every day, start the rehab today, and try to support her in this situation."

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• IMAGN
  

  The situation

  Speaking to reporters on Friday, Gonzalez offered some insight into Rodman's injury, but was unable to provide an exact timetable for her recovery.

  "All players are different," Gonzalez said. "We are taking care of every player as an individual in terms of how we prepare [for] the weeks, the games, and trying to individualize as much as possible the loads. Obviously, every player has a different background, and we always are taking care of those details.

  "Right now, we need to focus on day by day, try to help her to recover, to heal as best as possible, and let's see how she's progressing every day."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tough break for USWNT

  The injury will be bad news for Emma Hayes and the USWNT, who were looking forward to welcoming Rodman back into the fold after several months away from the team. Rodman had missed time with the Spirit from April to August battling a recurring back injury, but the winger had been back to her best since returning a few weeks back and now has seven goal contributions in under 1,000 minutes of gametime.

  "I know she's excited to come back in and play for a national team, but she's doing it in a place where I think she's had to build a lot of foundational work around her back," Hayes said on Wednesday, hours before Rodman suffered her injury. "She's one of the best players in the world, and we've had to play without her for more than a year. So I'm, of course, super excited that she's back in – but most importantly that she's here with us in a healthy place."

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  Championship rematch ahead…

  The Spirit are set to be the No. 2 seed in the upcoming NWSL playoffs, which are set to kick off in three weeks time. Last season, the club made it all the way to the NWSL Championship game before falling to the Orlando Pride in the season finale.

  The Spirit are set to face last season's Champions in a final rematch on Saturday before concluding the season on Nov. 2 with a visit to the Utah Royals.

Arsenal are widely reported to be pursuing a late deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, but sporting director Andrea Berta is known to have a plan B.

Hincapie has already agreed personal terms and gave his resounding ‘yes’ to Mikel Arteta’s project at N5, according to reliable media sources, and this move will have a correlating effect on defender Jakub Kiwior’s exit to FC Porto.

Many believed Arsenal were done and dusted for this window after sensationally hijacking Tottenham’s deal for Eberechi Eze, but with Kiwior potentially departing, Berta is lining up a replacement for the Poland international.

Kiwior deputised excellently in the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes.when the Brazilian was injured towards the back end of 2024/2025, and Arteta reportedly viewed the 25-year-old as an ‘important’ player in his squad as a result.

Once, or if, the ex-Spezia starlet leaves for Portugal, Arsenal need a replacement and solid back-up to the likes of Gabriel and William Saliba – especially if they’re serious about ending their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

As Arteta found out last season, injuries can take a major toll on their charge, so the Spaniard cannot risk relying on Saliba and Gabriel to stay fit all season long – as that is very unlikely to be the case.

Their move for Hincapie makes perfect sense, with the Ecuador international fresh off a solid campaign at Leverkusen and proven at the top level.

However, the 23-year-old also commands a price tag of around £52 million, and it remains to be seen whether the Bundesliga side will sell to the Gunners this late in the transfer window.

While Hincapie is keen on the move, Leverkusen remains a major obstacle, and a potential alternative who’s been on Berta’s radar comes in the form of Palmeiras starlet Luis Benedetti.

Arsenal have made Luis Benedetti offer to Palmeiras

The 19-year-old is vastly inexperienced compared to Hincapie, making just a handful of senior appearances for Palmeiras, but he’s been praised by sections of the media as a “towering” and “aggressive” rising star defender.

According to journalists Diego Firmino and Felipe Lemos, sharing a scoop to TV Espirito, it is believed that Arsenal have offered around £8.5 million for Benedetti, but it was a no from Palmeiras, who are seeking £13 million plus bonuses to sell the teenager.

The Brazilian interestingly works with the same representatives as Arsenal defender Gabriel, so that connection could help them to facilitate a deal if Arteta’s side opt to go back in for Benedetti.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Grêmio voltou aos trabalhos nesta quinta-feira, mas o treinador Renato Gaúcho não deu as caras no CT Luiz Carvalho, em Porto Alegre. 

O treinador ficou no Rio de Janeiro e só volta aos trabalhos na sexta-feira. A decisão foi tomada em conjunto com a diretoria. 

Apesar da sua ausência, o elenco compareceu e iniciou os trabalhos de olho no América-MG, adversário da próxima jornada do Brasileirão. 

Jogo-treino

Enquanto espera Renato Gaúcho voltar aos trabalhos, o Tricolor organizou um amistoso contra o Juventude. O jogo-treino será no sábado, no CT Luiz Carvalho.