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Luis Enrique shared his reaction to a horror challenge on Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier by Lamine Camara. The night ended in frustration and anger in equal measure as the reigning champions fell 1-0 to Monaco on Saturday evening. But the result was overshadowed by a rash early challenge on Chevalier that astonishingly went unpunished by VAR.

Chevalier survives horror challenge

PSG arrived riding the momentum of a breathless 5-3 Champions League win over Tottenham earlier in the week. Yet within the opening quarter-hour, the tone of the night changed dramatically when Monaco midfielder Camara lunged recklessly at Chevalier, catching the goalkeeper flush on the right ankle with vehement force. Referee Clement Turpin brandished only a yellow card, a decision that immediately prompted disbelief from the PSG bench. Chevalier remained on the pitch, rolling in agony as the medical team rushed to him. For a moment, it appeared the 22-year-old’s night, and possibly his season, was over. Shockingly, VAR did not intervene despite replays showing Camara’s studs planting high and hard into the goalkeeper’s ankle. After several minutes of treatment, Chevalier somehow returned to his position between the posts. 

AdvertisementAFPWhat Chevalier and Luis Enrique said

Speaking to , Chevalier admitted the severity of what had unfolded: "As for my ankle, listen… I think everyone saw it… I think my career could have taken a different turn today, and I was very lucky. I didn't dwell on it; it was over. But I think sometimes there are certain actions you have to avoid. Today I just know that I was very lucky and that I'll be able to continue playing football every week."

While Luis Enrique is known for avoiding refereeing debates, he could barely hide his disbelief when questioned about the incident.

"He was very lucky today," he told "I think…I'm not going to say anything more because it's not my job, but it's incredible…Lucas Chevalier was very lucky."

Monaco edge PSG after sustained first-half pressure

Beyond the controversy, the match itself unfolded with Monaco pushing relentlessly in the first half. Chevalier, once recovered, was forced into several interventions as the home side pressed with energy. PSG, by contrast, appeared sluggish and disjointed, a far cry from the impressive attacking performance that had dispatched Tottenham just days earlier. Their passing patterns lacked sharpness, and they repeatedly ceded possession in vulnerable areas. The breakthrough came midway through the second half. In the 68th minute, Takumi Minamino punished PSG’s hesitancy by guiding a precise finish past Chevalier after yet another incisive move from the hosts. 

It was a deserved lead for a Monaco side who had spent much of the match dictating tempo and exposing PSG’s defensive vulnerabilities. With nine minutes left, PSG were handed an unexpected numerical advantage. Monaco defender Thilo Kehrer was dismissed for what Turpin judged as a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity. Despite a frantic final push in stoppage time, PSG could not find a response. Their late surge was spirited but insufficient, mirroring Chevalier’s post-match assessment of the team’s performance. 

"There were quite a few things that didn't go our way today. We lacked impact, we lost possession a bit silly. I think we weren't at 100 per cent. Monaco were a bit sharper," Chevalier told Ligue 1+. "We pushed hard in the last 10 minutes, but it wasn't enough. We've had a lot of injuries since the start of the season, we're playing a lot of games in quick succession. It's a different season compared to last season."

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AFPTable trouble looms for PSG

Saturday’s defeat marked PSG’s first league loss since falling to Marseille in September, and it could prove particularly costly in the title race. Should Roberto de Zerbi's men win against Toulouse and Lens defeat Angers, PSG could tumble from first to third place in the Ligue 1 standings. With Rennes awaiting them on December 7, Enrique knows that his side cannot afford any more slip ups. Nonetheless, on Saturday, the manager was relieved that his goalkeeper was able to walk out of the stadium, despite being at the receiving end of a horrific challenge. 

When Andrea Berta arrived at Arsenal towards the beginning of 2025, the transfer plan for the summer was abundantly clear.

The fact of the matter was that during his first window in charge, the squad needed more firepower and, chiefly, a striker was a necessity.

While there were links to the likes of Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko, both of whom got big-money moves elsewhere in the Premier League, the Gunners concluded a deal for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede had only spent two prolific seasons in Portugal with Sporting but he was already on the move and deservedly so.

Yet, while the centre forward has done a lot to improve the overall attack, there is a sense that they could do better in future windows.

Arsenal looking to sign new striker

Gyokeres may well have signed but Arsenal still do require a little bit more in attack.

Gabriel Jesus is back in full training but it’s wild to expect him to be at a productive level for a good few months yet after recovering from an ACL injury. Even if he did recover, he’s been linked with the exit door as he approaches the final 18 months of his deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Kai Havertz has also been a long-term absentee which has left Arsenal with only one fit centre forward for much of 2025/26 to date.

So, while Arsenal’s options in several areas now are deep, another striker wouldn’t go amiss.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s where Borussia Dortmund frontman Serhou Guirassy comes into the equation.

According to reports in Spain, it suggests that Arteta and Co are vying with the likes of PSG for the striker’s services.

The report notes that Arsenal are ‘seriously considering’ a move but it’s likely they’ll have to pay around £44m in order to conclude a deal.

The Guinean has a release clause in his contract of that amount, meaning that like Gyokeres, he wouldn’t cost the earth to bring to England.

It’s said that Arsenal are thought to be willing to pay the required amount to get him out of Germany.

How Guirassy compares to Viktor Gyokeres

When Gyokeres signed for Arsenal while the club were on their pre-season Asia tour, there was much fanfare.

At last, Arteta had a proper goalscoring centre forward to add to his ranks. Last term, the former Coventry City star scored 54 goals in 52 games. It was a breathtaking campaign, one that saw him take home the Gerd Muller trophy for the best striker in the world during the last Ballon d’Or gala.

Yet, in Arsenal colours, Gyokeres has not had it all his own way. He’s been wasteful in front of goal and went on a barren run of seven games without scoring at one stage.

That said, he’s not been a complete flop. The Sweden international still has six goals to show for his efforts and has particularly pleased Arteta with what he’s offered to the team.

While he did not score during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League, Arteta summed up why he’s been so delighted with what the centre forward is offering. “I think he did the rest of the things you ask for from a striker. The way he’s linking with his teammates, the way he’s opening spaces, the way he’s threatening constantly the back line.”

However, while it does seem unlikely Arsenal will sign another striker, Guirassy could be an upgrade on what they already have.

Described as “one of the best centre-forwards in the world” by one notable football analyst on X, the 29-year-old has been in the form of his life over the last year. Crucially, he’s also demonstrated that form in a top-five European league, something Gyokeres had not done before touching down in London.

In 2024/25, Guirassy found the net on 38 occasions in 50 games, bagging a remarkable 13 goals in 14 Champions League matches. That included scoring five times across two outings with Barcelona.

But what separates him from Gyokeres? Well, a scorer of seven goals this term, the numbers showcase why.

Goals

0.51

0.45

Assists

0.10

0

xG

0.59

0.52

Shots

2.76

2.13

Shot on target %

59.3%

36.8%

Pass completion

72.2%

60.7%

Key passes

0.71

0.90

Passes into final 3rd

1.02

0.45

Successful take-ons

0.20

0.45

Progressive carries

1.63

0.90

Aerial duels won

2.86

1.80

Not only has Guirassy scored more goals per 90 minutes and offered a higher xG, but he excels in bringing others into the game too.

During the 2025/26 season to date, the Dortmund sensation has completed more accurate passes and more assists per 90. It might be Gyokeres who has played more key passes but clearly it’s the former who is more decisive with his final actions right now.

If that wasn’t enough, Guirassy is a better and less chaotic carrier of the ball. Gyokeres resembles something of a raging bull when he’s gallivanting forward but there’s more of a smoothness to Arsenal’s latest transfer target. The fact he averages more progressive carries substantiates that point.

To round things off, Guirassy is also far more likely to win his aerial duels, something that Arsenal have perhaps missed since Havertz’s injury.

To put Guirassy’s numbers into further context, he won more aerial duels (3.77) per 90 than the German did (3.03) in 2024/25.

So, while the Dortmund striker may only be one goal ahead of Gyokeres this term, he offers something of a hybrid situation between Arteta’s two leading marksman. That could well offer the Spanish manager a fabulous balance as Arsenal hunt down their first Premier League title in over two decades.

April’s results can often leave lasting first impressions over the course of a season, but May is when those early outcomes are either crystalized or rebutted by the accumulation of a larger sample size. Let’s examine six instances of the latter as teams prepare to pass the 60-game mark—the length of the entire 2020 regular season.

Three Up1. Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati Reds SP

Cincinnati’s southpaw has flown under the radar the past couple of years while posting a pair of sub-4.00 ERA campaigns, but he deserves recognition for a dominant May during which he led the majors with a 0.55 ERA by giving up just two runs across six starts spanning 32 2/3 innings. And the 26-year-old saved his best outing for last, limiting the highest-scoring offense in the majors to just one hit across seven innings in a win over the Chicago Cubs. That was actually Abbott’s second straight start against Chicago, and he earned a win in both games. He’ll be a serious contender to start the All-Star Game if he continues to excel over the next month.

2. Toronto Blue Jays offense

Only the Kansas City Royals scored fewer runs than the Blue Jays (81) in April. But Toronto tied for sixth in the majors in runs scored (136) in May, boosting the team’s month-to-month OPS from .634 to .785. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Alejandro Kirk and George Springer all resembled their best selves at the plate last month, and Toronto also got surprisingly robust contributions from utilitymen Addison Barger (.292/.370/.517 slash line) and Ernie Clement (.306/.349/.469). The Jays have ridden a five-game winning streak to within a half-game of the American League’s third wild-card spot, but they sure could use a healthy Max Scherzer to fill out a rotation that’s relied on bullpen games more often than would be preferred early on in the season.

3. San Francisco Giants pitching staff

Tottenham Hotspur have now submitted a £62m opening offer for Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, and they are confident a deal will be finalized soon.

Spurs are now stepping up their pursuit of a new forward, amid doubts over the capabilities of some of Thomas Frank’s current attacking options, with Jamie O’Hara particularly scathing of the frontline after the 1-0 defeat at home against Chelsea earlier this season.

The former midfielder said: “We’ve got a garbage team – going forward at home at the minute is absolutely terrible. “We’ve spent £60m on Xavi Simons, £60m on Richarlison, £60m on Ndombele. The money we spend on some players… our recruitment is an absolute disgrace.”

Not only that, but Dominic Solanke has been unable to overcome his persistent injury problems, with the striker missing 15 Spurs games already this season due to an ankle issue, and Mathys Tel has scored just two Premier League goals so far this season in the Englishman’s absence.

The Lilywhites need goals from somewhere if they are going to push for the Champions League places this season, and they have now made their first move to sign a new forward…

Tottenham submit opening offer for Athletic Club star Nico Williams

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have now submitted a €70m (£62m) opening offer for Athletic Club forward Williams, matching the bid made by London rivals Chelsea, with both clubs confident they will be able to finalize a deal soon.

The 23-year-old’s future at the Spanish club is now up in the air, with Spurs looking to triple his salary, having emerged as serious contenders for the winger’s signature, given that he is viewed as a perfect fit for their forward line.

The north Londoners are trying to get a deal done in the January transfer window, and there is every indication the Athletic Club star could be a real difference-maker in their bid to secure Champions League football for the second season running.

Perhaps the Spaniard’s most impressive attribute is his dribbling, averaging 3.33 successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 99th percentile, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers, while also ranking in the 90th percentile for progressive carries.

Lauded as “world-class” by journalist Zach Lowy, the 30-time Spain international has also made a promising start to the season in La Liga, chipping in with two goals and two assists in nine matches for Athletic Club.

With a number of Tottenham’s current attackers struggling, including Simons, who is yet to score since making the move to north London, bringing in a new winger in January might be necessary, and Williams has proven he could be an excellent addition to Frank’s squad.

Nico Williams has been named as one of the best wingers in the world The Best 15 Wingers in World Football Ranked (2025)

Who is the best wide man in world football right now?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 28, 2025

Both teams have qualified for the knockouts, but the team that wins will get an extra day’s rest before their semi-final against India

S Sudarshanan24-Oct-20252:37

The secret to six-hitting in the women’s game with Katey Martin

Big picture: Winner faces India in semi-finalOn Wednesday, Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp were on the opposite sides of the Holkar Stadium. Tryon was lofting throwdowns inside out from the practice nets towards the main pitch while Kapp was taking some high catches on the other side of the ground. Tryon and Kapp were on the same side and made vital contributions in the only ODI South Africa have won against Australia. They could once again be key in South Africa’s last league game of the Women’s World Cup, against the same opponents.This is a top-of-the-table clash. Australia are yet to lose a game, on 11 points, while South Africa are on 10. The winner on Saturday will go to Navi Mumbai for the semi-final against India, while the loser will head to the Guwahati semi-final, where England will be waiting.Related

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An Australia vs South Africa fixture has been an anomaly in women’s cricket. Before they played a multi-format series at the start of 2024, both the teams had last played a bilateral series in 2016 (only ODIs). Their meetings have often been restricted to ICC tournaments, where Australia have emerged victorious every single time – until the T20 World Cup semi-final last year.In the ODI World Cup in 2022, South Africa had done well to post 271. However, their sloppy fielding – they dropped four catches – meant Australia comfortably aced that chase, with Meg Lanning’s century eclipsing Laura Wolvaardt’s 90.This South African unit, though, not only knows how to reach knockouts but also keeps its nerves in check. That was on show in the two chases in Visakhapatnam in this World Cup, where they hunted down 252 against India despite being 81 for 5, and then chased 233 against Bangladesh from 78 for 5. This is not to say that only the lower order has fired for them. As many as five South Africa batters have scored 150 or more in the competition.4:19

Healy, Knight, Mandhana, Devine, Dottin – analysing the best six-hitters

However, Australia could pose a completely different challenge to them on Saturday. There are question marks over Alyssa Healy’s fitness, but Australia have shown they can line up strongly even without her. One thing that Australia promise is being relentless. They keep coming hard and offer little respite, be it with bat or ball. Annabel Sutherland will be crucial to their all-round excellence: she has been superb with both bat and ball in the tournament so far, while being supported by the spin battery.Australia are dominant. However, they will know that South Africa are a team with pedigree, as recent ICC tournaments show. At stake is not just the top spot in league standings but a semi-final in Navi Mumbai on a truer batting surface than Guwahati (plus an extra day in hand before a knockout match).Form guideAustralia WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa WWWWWIn the spotlight – South Africa vs legspinSouth Africa have been quite good against legspin in the last two years. Since the start of 2023, their top five averages 44.76 against that style of bowling. This is telling, because only Pakistan have faced more legspin bowling in this time (917) than South Africa (883). Australia average more (47.09) against legspin but their top five has faced only 491 such deliveries. Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt all average over 58 against legspin in this period. Brits and Luus also score quite quickly, and only have two dismissals each against legspin.2:11

The big question – Is Healy fit?

On Saturday, they will be faced with one of the most economical bowlers at this World Cup in Alana King. She has six wickets so far, but her X-factor has been the control she affords Australia in the non-powerplay overs. Against England, she was at her stingy best, which allowed other bowlers to pick up wickets from the other end. Australia also have another legspinner in Georgia Wareham, who has three wickets in the two matches she played when they rested Sophie Molineux. King has eight wickets in four ODIs and averages 13.25 versus South Africa. Before the Ashes where she took a five-for, her best bowling figures (4 for 26) came last year against South Africa.Team news: Is Healy fit?Alyssa Healy did a few rounds of the outfield before a half hour batting stint in the enclosed nets. Tahlia McGrath said Australia are taking it day by day with their captain, who missed the previous game with a minor calf strain. Beth Mooney did her wicketkeeping drills before nets on Friday. Is that an indication Australia don’t want to risk Healy before the semi-final?Australia (probable): 1 Georgia Voll, 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Annabel Sutherland, 5 Beth Mooney (wk), 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahlia McGrath (capt), 8 Sophie Molineux, 9 Alana King, 10 Kim Garth, 11 Megan SchuttSouth Africa are one of the two teams to use all 15 players in the squad. They could bring back seamer Masabata Klaas instead of offspin-allrounder Nondumiso Shangase against Australia. They could also bring back Anneke Bosch, who scored 44 in South Africa’s only ODI win over Australia and also scored an unbeaten 74 against them in the T20 World Cup semi-final last year.South Africa (probable): 1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3 Sune Luus, 4 Annerie Dercksen, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Karabo Meso (wk), 7 Chloe Tryon, 8 Nadine de Klerk, 9 Nondumiso Shangase/Masabata Klaas, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Nonkululeko MlabaMasabata Klaas might slot into the side•Getty Images and Cricket AustraliaPitch and conditionsA fresh pitch will be used and this one will also be a black-soil surface. But a day out from the contest it had a lot of barren patches and very little green grass on it. Indore will be hot and humid, but there is a spell of thunderstorm in forecast in the afternoon. However, similar weather was in forecast for the last game on Wednesday, but rain did not make an appearance. Friday morning in the city was cloudy before Australia trained under the hot afternoon sun.Stats and trivia Both Marizanne Kapp and Megan Schutt have 38 wickets in ODI World Cups. Only Lyn Fullston (39) and Jhulan Goswami (43) are ahead in the list of most wickets in the competition Australia’s batters have scored five centuries at this World Cup, the most for them in a single edition Among those with at least 150 runs at this World Cup, Nadine de Klerk’s strike rate of 150 is the best, followed by Alyssa Healy’s 131.25 South Africa registered their first ODI win against Australia in February 2024 in their 17th attemptQuotes”We’ve been here for six weeks now. The fact that it’s South Africa doesn’t change much from our prep. We’ve been pretty consistent with how we prepare for teams. So, we looked at South Africa in detail this morning. We match up pretty well and are pretty thorough in our plans. Even though we haven’t played a lot against them, we feel as though we’re really well planned and prepared.”
“They are the best team in the world, it is very difficult to beat them. You have to do the basics really well. The team that does the basics better for longer and stays in control for longer becomes successful. Even when they were in difficult situations, they found a way to put the other team under pressure. Just doing the basics well and sticking to what we do well should give us the best chance.”

Liverpool and Manchester United are two of many teams throughout Europe who are set to benefit after FIFA revealed those involved will be able to play for their clubs for an extra week before jetting off for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo are among the Premier League's top forwards but will leave their sides to represent Egypt and Cameroon when the tournament kicks off in Morocco later this month.

Liverpool and Man Utd receive much-needed boost

Clubs around Europe will have to make do without some of their key players during the hectic winter months of December and January due to the 2025 AFCON. Stars like Salah and Mbeumo are set to miss a significant number of matches for Liverpool and United when they travel across the world to represent their countries at Africa's biggest stage. Players had previously been required to show up for international duty by December 8 at the latest, leaving some English clubs particularly short during what is always a fixture-filled time of the year. However, FIFA has now amended its rules, meaning clubs around Europe will be able to call upon their African stars for another week.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat FIFA said about clubs releasing players for AFCON

In a statement released on Wednesday, FIFA outlined its decision: "Following fruitful consultations led by FIFA with key stakeholders and, thanks to the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by CAF to reduce the impact on various parties, the Bureau of the Council has taken a decision in relation to the mandatory release of players for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. 

"In line with the same principle used for the FIFA World Cup 2022™, the release period will be reduced by seven days and start on Monday, 15 December 2025. 

"It was also determined that Member Associations participating in the CAF AFCON 2025 and clubs releasing players who would be playing in continental competitions during the release period be encouraged to hold bilateral discussions in good faith to find appropriate individual solutions. 

"In cases where there continues to be a dispute over the release of players subsequent to such bilateral discussions, FIFA will, in mediating between both parties, apply guidelines that take into account the circumstances of each case, including factors related to the timing of matches of affected competitions, the stage of these competitions, the historical and planned involvement of the players in the matches in question, as well as any other pertinent factors."

Some Premier League teams set to struggle

It's not just Mbeumo who United will be missing for the better part of a month even after FIFA's ruling. Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are set to represent the Ivory Coast and Morocco, while Sunderland appear set to suffer majorly with seven of their players projected to be involved in the tournament, including Bertrand Traore, Reinildo, Simon Adingra and Habib Diarra. 

Manchester City will lose both Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri, though neither the Egyptian nor the Algerian have been particularly prominent in Pep Guardiola's starting XI so far this season. Tottenham will be without a pair of midfielders in Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, but will retain the services of winger Mohammed Kudus after Ghana failed to qualify. Relegation candidates Wolves are also expected to lose five players to AFCON. 

However, there is better news for others. Premier League leaders Arsenal, their London rivals Chelsea and Leeds United will be unaffected for the period. Liverpool, meanwhile, will only lose Salah, with manager Arne Slot previously revealing the Reds would be able to keep the struggling winger until mid-December.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

There are now just under two weeks before clubs throughout Europe say goodbye to the African players who will be present at AFCON. The tournament looks set to be an exciting one with Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Senegal among the favourites to lift the trophy – which will add to an already packed winter of soccer.

There's a disappointing lack of Premier League action on Boxing Day this year, with United's evening clash with Newcastle the only fixture of the day, but supporters will be able to see Salah's Egypt battle South Africa that afternoon.

In his three years with the Cincinnati Reds, shortstop Elly De La Cruz has repeatedly wowed baseball fans with his combination of power and speed.

On Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals, the former portion of that equation was on full display.

First, in the top of the fourth inning, De La Cruz parked a 95 mph fastball 436 feet to center field. That shot tied the game 2–2—and was just an appetizer for what was to come.

Leading off the top of the sixth, De La Cruz was shown another four-seam fastball by pitcher Taylor Clarke. Making perfect contact, he deposited the ball 451 feet from home plate into Kauffman Stadium's trademark fountain.

Even the announcers calling the game were awed, declaring that they'd never seen anything like it.

De La Cruz, an All-Star and the eighth-place National League MVP finisher in 2024, is slashing .251/.325/.414 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs.

Chelsea are suffering their typical wintry blues at the moment, having gone four games without a win since thrashing Barcelona in the Champions League.

There’s no question that Enzo Maresca has stabilised and advanced the BlueCo project at Stamford Bridge, but, with words from the horse’s mouth, “there are many, many things that I need to learn.”

A key theme this season has been the injury suffering of Cole Palmer, who has not scored in the Premier League since September.

Chelsea need a foil, and they are lining up the perfect up-and-coming talent to contest with the Three Lions star for a starting berth.

Chelsea lining up Palmer replacement

After Chelsea let Kevin De Bruyne go way back, the Belgian became one of the greatest players of his generation. In Palmer, they have landed a playmaker who could replace the former Manchester City man as the division’s staple.

However, the 23-year-old’s absence this term has been keenly felt, and Maresca and the Blues’ sporting directors recognise the need for an alternative option.

They have earmarked such a profile in AZ Alkmaar’s fast-rising star Kees Smit, with inews’ Mark Douglas suggesting that Chelsea are leading the race for the 19-year-old.

Liverpool and Newcastle have also been named as suitors, with the latter considering a January bid, but Chelsea are considered the favourites to land his signature, with a figure of £25m mooted.

Why Chelsea want Kees Smit

Smit may be at the start of his career, but already he has established himself as a talent with the capacity to thrive at one of Europe’s most prestigious outfits.

And given Chelsea’s talent ID when it comes to plucking out elite-level prospects, it could be a match made in heaven, also serving symbolically as rectification after that fumbled De Bruyne chapter.

Smit’s creativity and ability to play in deep-lying and advanced midfield berths have actually seen him likened to the 34-year-old, who left Man City and joined Napoli last summer.

Looking at the AZ starlet’s dynamism and high baseline when it comes to his playmaking, it’s not hard to see why that is.

Matches (starts)

14 (14)

4 (3)

Goals

2

0

Assists

2

2

Shots (on target)*

1.4 (0.2)

2.0 (0.8)

Touches*

62.6

73.0

Accurate passes*

42.7 (89%)

50.8 (87%)

Chances created*

1.8

1.8

Succ. dribbles*

0.9

2.0

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

2.8

Duels won*

3.5

5.5

Already, he is establishing himself against his peers, outstripping them. FBref data shows that the Dutchman ranks among the top 9% of Eredivisie midfielders this season for pass completion, the top 13% for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90.

Smit will only get better. Analyst Ben Mattinson has already scouted out his “world-class potential”, and his growth over the past two years in his homeland has done little – if anything – to suggest the contrary.

The teenager’s strength and intelligence and technical skill all work in alliance, and he has already shown he has what it takes to stand out against Premier League opposition, shining against Crystal Palace in the Conference League this year.

Would Chelsea be wise to wait and see how this up-and-comer continues to develop? Perhaps, but with a host of suitors lining up, time is not on the west Londoners’ side; if they want to snap him up, they must do so in January, beating off the likes of Newcastle and landing a player who could become a leading member of Maresca’s project down the line.

Maresca was quizzed on Chelsea’s reliance on Palmer’s output last season, when the England superstar was going through fitness problems.

He relayed to reporters that the Stamford Bridge side needed to break away from that one-man team identity. They are doing so, and with Smit, that would only develop further.

Delap upgrade: Chelsea already have one of the "best strikers in Europe"

Chelsea have yet another exciting forward set to join their ranks in the coming months.

ByEthan Lamb 2 days ago

“If that’s what is needed to win a Test match and if that’s what’s required then, yeah, I’m fine with it,” Travis Head says

Matt Roller30-Nov-20253:17

Smith: Travis Head’s batting incredible to witness

Travis Head is “happy” to continue opening the batting after his match-winning century in the first Ashes Test, echoing Pat Cummins’ view that batting orders are “over-rated”. His comments come amid continued uncertainty over Usman Khawaja’s fitness and his future as an international cricketer.Head has been Australia’s first-choice No. 5 for the last four years but deputised at the top of the order in the second innings in Perth last week, with Khawaja off the field following back spasms. His stunning 123 off 83 balls helped Australia chase down a fourth-innings target of 205 in just 28.2 overs, taking a 1-0 lead into Thursday’s second Test at the Gabba.Khawaja, who turns 39 next month, has been retained in Australia’s 14-man squad and said this week that he “should be right” to play. But he has been given no guarantees over his place by selectors, and has come under significant scrutiny after averaging 31.84 in the last two years with a single century.Related

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Root unperturbed by 'challenge' of facing pink-ball master Starc

Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Test

Australia’s squad assembled in Brisbane on Sunday and Head said before their training session that his role for the second Test had not yet been discussed. But he made it clear that he was open-minded about staying at the top of the order. “I’m happy,” he said. “If that’s what is needed to win a Test match and if that’s what’s required then, yeah, I’m fine with it.”I’m preparing for anything at this stage… There’s a fair bit to work through. I’ve just got here. We haven’t really had many conversations over the last week. It’s been about just spending some time out of the game as much as you can. You don’t get much time to chill out in a massive series like this, where it’s pretty full-on every single day.”Andrew McDonald revealed after the Perth Test that his Australia side had previously considered using different openers in each innings of a match, and Head said that he was “open” to the idea. “We’ve talked about that a lot: how you get there, and what personnel we have to be able to potentially do that and the personalities in the line-up,” he said. “You’ve seen it a little bit in the T20 team as well, where we’re trying to push the boundaries in power-hitting, and [asking] do we take singles at certain stages… I feel like I can play in any role, so I’m open to it, and it’s just trying to work out in-game and in moments when that may come out and when you may use that.”All options are on the table and have been for a long period of time about where this team can potentially get better, and where there’s opportunities to potentially win games of cricket in moments. It’s always been on the table.”Head was in agreement with Cummins, who is set to miss the second Test in Brisbane because of his ongoing back stress concerns, saying, “I agree with Pat. I think you could use this order and these players in a range of different ways and whatever ways that is to win games of cricket.”We’ve seen it in red-ball [Tests] but particularly probably pink-ball [Tests] as well. Non-traditional stuff, with double nightwatchmen, how you use orders, and how you use players in certain situations. So I agree with Pat that I think they’re slightly over-rated… It’s ever-evolving, and we’ll see where we get to.”

Mikel Arteta has admitted it is "not good news" for Arsenal after Ben White limped off with a hamstring problem during the win over Wolves, raising fresh concerns in a squad already stretched by defensive injuries. White had only recently returned to fitness but now faces another spell out, deepening the Gunners’ mounting fitness crisis as a hectic December schedule looms.

White suffers hamstring injury in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Wolves

Arsenal were dealt another significant defensive setback as White was forced off in the first half of their dramatic 2-1 victory against Wolves at Emirates Stadium. The right-back, starting his fourth consecutive match after a long injury lay-off, clutched his hamstring while chasing a counter-attack and signalled that he could not continue. Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced him around the half-hour mark in a match that Arsenal ultimately won through two Wolves own goals.

White’s absence comes at a time when Arsenal are already coping with injuries to Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera, among others. His return to the starting XI had been a welcome reinforcement, particularly with Jurrien Timber having established himself as first-choice right-back earlier in the season. Yet it seems this game was a bridge too far for White.

The match itself highlighted both Arsenal’s resilience and vulnerability, with Wolves equalising late before another own goal secured three points. Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League, recovering quickly from last weekend’s defeat at Aston Villa. However, the victory was overshadowed by renewed doubts over defensive depth, with Arteta calling the news on White "bad" and emphasising the physical toll on his squad.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportArteta issues worrying update regarding White's injury

Arteta did not hide his concern when asked about White’s condition, admitting the early signs were troubling. "He felt something in his hamstring and it is not good news," he said, confirming the injury was likely linked to White’s sudden increase in minutes after recovering from a knee issue. Arteta stressed that the defender had been pushed into a heavy workload because Arsenal simply "didn’t have any other solution" in recent matches.

The manager expanded on the wider trend, noting the club is caught in what he previously described as a "really dangerous circle" with injuries piling up across the squad. "Exactly that," he explained when asked whether White’s setback stemmed from the current squeeze on resources, adding that the defender had only just regained momentum.

Arteta also emphasised that the issue was not caused by overtraining but by the relentless match schedule combined with a thinning squad. He pointed out that players such as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard have all missed key periods recently, forcing others into increased responsibility. In White’s case, Arteta acknowledged the risk had backfired: "That’s Ben for sure," he concluded, signalling a likely spell on the sidelines.

Arsenal suffering from massive defensive injury crisis

White’s injury comes at a delicate juncture for Arsenal, who have battled persistent defensive disruption throughout the campaign. White, once one of the Premier League’s most reliable ever-present defenders, has endured a fragmented season due to knee and fitness problems, along with Timber's stellar form. His return to the starting XI had been an attempt to stabilise a back line already stretched by absences, but the sudden intensity of recent fixtures appears to have taken a toll.

Arsenal’s defenders have endured a demanding workload as the club navigates Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup commitments. Saliba and Gabriel have each faced periods of uncertainty, while Timber has emerged strongly but cannot be relied upon alone during such a congested fixture list. The pressure on fringe and youth players continues to grow, with Lewis-Skelly’s early introduction against Wolves reflecting the circumstances forced upon Arteta.

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AFPArsenal waiting to learn about White's injury period

Arsenal now face an anxious wait to learn the severity of White’s hamstring injury, with initial assessments suggesting he could miss several upcoming fixtures. The team finally has a brief window of rest before travelling to Everton on December 20, offering some time for recovery and recalibration. However, the schedule intensifies again with a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace followed by league matches against Brighton and Aston Villa before the end of the month.

The club’s medical and coaching staff now face the challenge of managing workloads more delicately while navigating a period where squad depth is already stretched thin. January reinforcements may become increasingly tempting if defensive issues persist, though the immediate priority is restoring balance with the players currently available. For now, Arsenal will hope the news on White – described by Arteta as "not good" – proves less damaging than feared.