Rishabh Pant, who hasn’t played any cricket since fracturing his foot during the Old Trafford Test, is understood to be walking comfortably now
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Sep-2025Rishabh Pant, who hasn’t played any cricket or even trained since the Old Trafford Test match against England where he fractured his right foot, is headed to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to resume his training. ESPNcricinfo has learnt that Pant’s foot is not in a cast anymore and he has been walking comfortably.Pant is India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket, and India’s next World Test Championship assignment is at home against West Indies in a two-Test series next month (in Ahmedabad, Oct 2-6 and in Delhi, Oct 10-14). The selection for that series is expected in the last week of September.After Pant was injured at Old Trafford, in what was the fourth Test in England, Dhruv Jurel kept wicket both in that game and at The Oval in the final game, and N Jagadeesan was flown in as back-up. In case Pant doesn’t regain full fitness in time for the Tests against West Indies, Jurel and Jagadeesan could be the frontrunners to be the wicketkeepers in the squad.Pant picked up the injury on the first day of that Old Trafford Test when he attempted a typically audacious reverse sweep off quick bowler Chris Woakes, inside-edging the ball on to his foot. He retired hurt, the fracture was confirmed not long after, and came out to bat the next day despite having arrived at the ground in the morning wearing a moonboot. He went on to add valuable runs, ending with 54 (he had retired hurt when on 37).Jurel kept wicket in both England innings in the game, and while Pant was available to bat if needed in India’s second, he wasn’t required to as Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar – the last two ordinarily below Pant in the batting order – scored centuries to save the Test, which kept the series 2-1 in England’s favour. India went on to win the final Test without Pant to square the series 2-2.
أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عن قائمة اللاعبين المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من البطولة، لذلك الموسم 2025/26.
وشهدت الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي خسارة ليفربول أمام نوتينجهام فورست بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، بينما سقط مانشستر سيتي أمام نيوكاسل يونايتد بهدفين لهدف.
في حين فاز آرسنال على توتنهام بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف، وتعرض مانشستر يونايتد للهزيمة أمام إيفرتون بهدف دون رد.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بعد فوز آرسنال على توتنهام
وحسبما نُشر، فإن 8 لاعبين يتنافسون على جائزة لاعب الجولة الثانية عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث ضمت القائمة كل من: ألفونس أريولا لاعب بورنموث، إيبيريتشي إيزي لاعب آرسنال، جوردان بيكفورد حارس إيفرتون ومورجان روجرز لاعب أستون فيلا.
إلى جانب كل من: هارفي بارنز لاعب نيوكاسل يونايتد، موريلو لاعب نوتينجهام فورست، يريمي بينو لاعب كريستال بالاس وأندري سانتوس لاعب تشيلسي.
After yet another international break, the Premier League returns this weekend, and Arsenal can continue their title charge.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit four points clear atop the table and will be desperate to make up for dropping points away to Sunderland last time out.
The Gunners weren’t necessarily poor at the Stadium of Light, but aside from a few players, they certainly weren’t at their best.
With that said, one of the starters who played well was Leandro Trossard, although if reports are to be believed, Arsenal might be set to sign someone who could be an upgrade on him.
Arsenal target Trossard upgrade
If you were to ask Arsenal fans who their best players have been this season, you would likely get a lot of the usual suspects, like Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães and Jurrien Timber.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, one player who has at least entered that conversation as of late is Trossard, who, unlike last year, is starting to influence games on a more regular basis.
For example, if he didn’t score that thunderbolt against the Black Cats, there is every chance the Gunners might’ve gone into the international break on the back of a defeat.
However, even though the Belgian has been a key contributor in the last month or so, the club appear keen on signing someone to compete with, or possibly replace him.
At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal have maintained their interest in Antoine Semenyo.
The report has revealed that, alongside the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool, the Gunners are vying for the Bournemouth star.
While the competition is far from ideal, the good news is that, according to another story from The Athletic, the Cherries star has a £65m release clause in his new contract, which will be active for part of January.
It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Semenyo’s immense talent, one worth fighting for, especially as he could be an upgrade on Trossard.
How Semenyo compares to Trossard
As they still produced the best defence in the league last season, Arsenal’s biggest problem, at least domestically, was their diminished goal threat.
Therefore, the first thing to compare between Trossard and Semenyo should be their output, as that is ultimately what a winger is judged on these days.
For his efforts so far this year, the Bournemouth star has scored six goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.33 games, and helps to justify Chris Waddle’s claim that he’s currently “the best winger in the country.”
The Belgian, on the other hand, has racked up four goals and four assists in 14 appearances, which works out to a less impressive tally of a goal involvement every 1.75 games.
Unfortunately for the former Brighton & Hove Albion star, he still comes out as a distant second best when looking at their output last season.
For example, he produced 20 goal involvements in 56 games for a far better team, while the Cherries star produced as many goal involvements in just 42 games.
Okay, what about when you take a look under the hood, which winger has the better underlying numbers?
Semenyo vs Trossard
Statistics
Semenyo
Trossard
Expected G+As
0.46
0.36
Non-Penalty G+As
0.73
0.56
Progressive Passes
3.55
3.38
Progressive Carries
3.18
2.82
Shots on Target
1.09
0.56
Shot-Creating Actions
3.28
2.94
Goal-Creating Actions
0.64
0.28
Tackles Won
1.00
0.42
Successful Take-Ons
1.91
0.99
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 PL
Unsurprisingly, it’s the Ghanaian international who once again emerges victorious, coming out on top in key metrics like expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, successful take-ons, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.
Finally, there is also the simple fact that, at 25, the Bournemouth star has a lot more to offer compared to the 30-year-old, and would therefore be the smarter long-term option.
Ultimately, Trossard has been far better this season than last, but even so, it’s clear that Semenyo would be an upgrade on him, and therefore, Arsenal should go all out to sign the Cherries star in January.
Arsenal can forget Eze by unleashing the "biggest talent in England"
The sensational gem could be a huge star for England and Arsenal as he replaces Eze.
Pep Guardiola cut an irate figure after Manchester City's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James' Park. The former Barcelona manager got into an intense discussion with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, the match officials, and even a cameraman on Saturday night. The result also somewhat took the wind out of City's Premier League title bid in a day to forget for the visitors.
Man City lose dramatic game
A Harvey Barnes brace, either side of Ruben Dias' strike, secured Newcastle all three points on home turf. But the game was not without controversy as City felt they should have been awarded a first-half penalty when Phil Foden went down in the box after a late tackle from Fabian Schar. And there were question marks about Barnes' second goal, as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed he had been fouled and Bruno may have been offside in the build-up. The loss means City could fall seven points behind table-toppers Arsenal on Sunday if they beat Tottenham in the north London derby.
AdvertisementGuardiola loses his cool
At the full-time whistle, Guardiola got into a very animated chat with Bruno, with both individuals looking testy at times. The 54-year-old also appeared to argue with a cameraman as he struggled to keep his cool.
By the time he was interviewed, the ex-Bayern Munich manager gave little away.
When questioned on the matter, he said: "No questions, everything is fine. I said how good he [Bruno] is [but that conversation] is for private situations. Everything is fine."
Guardiola unhappy with Man City stars
Despite being the top scorers in the Premier League with 24, Guardiola believes his team have to be more clinical in front of goal. They had 68 per cent possession and 17 shots to Newcastle's nine, but only had four efforts on target. Moreover, they created an Expected Goals (xG) tally of 1.88 in a wasteful display that showed they cannot always rely on Erling Haaland, who has scored 14 of their league goals this term.
Guardiola added: "Tight game. Entertaining game. They had chances. We had chances. In the end they scored one more goal. Two or three chances that he [Haaland] always have because he is the best. And yeah, go to the next. Two or three chances that he always have because he is the best. And yeah, go to the next."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFPWhat comes next for Man City?
City don't have long to rest on their laurels as they host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday, before entertaining lowly Leeds United in the Premier League next Saturday.
The Kansas City Royals suffered a big scare on Wednesday afternoon. In a spring training contest with the Seattle Mariners, superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got drilled by a 96-mph fastball on the arm. Witt was in clear pain after the HBP and left the game, telling manager Matt Quatraro that he initially lost feeling in his fingers but that it was beginning to return.
The team took Witt out anyway so he could go get precautionary X-rays. Here's the play:
A few hours later Witt and the Royals offered relief in the form of a positive injury update. KC announced Witt's X-rays were negative and he had not suffered a fracture. Witt followed that up with a social media message containing two emojis— the thumbs up and the prayer hands.
A big break for the reigning MLB batting champion.
Torpedo bats are just the beginning when it comes to the changes we'll see coming to bats in Major League Baseball.
Keenan Long of LongBall Labs joined on Thursday to discuss the new bats and what is next in the search for technology impacting offense in MLB. He first addressed one big fallacy related to bats, then went on to explain a number of issues related to torpedo bats and what the future looks like.
Ron Darling asked if there was a future where hitters change bats depending on the pitcher, and Long quickly affirmed that.
"Yes, absolutely, Jed Lowrie was one of our first clients and was doing that during his playing days," Long said. "He had a lineup of bats he was going to use for the pitchers he was going to face… So that's happening. It's happening right now."
The torpedo shape may not be the last adjustment we see to bat technology. Things are changing rapidly.
They might not have won, but Chelsea put in an incredible performance against Arsenal on Sunday evening.
Enzo Maresca’s side were comfortably on top for most of the first half, and even when Moises Caicedo got himself sent off, they remained competitive.
Moreover, there were sensational displays from across the pitch for the hosts, including, of course, Reece James.
However, there was another starter, someone who was previously lambasted by Gary Neville, who was just as crucial to the result.
James' performance vs Arsenal
James has undoubtedly been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League for some time now, but Maresca has taken to playing him in midfield more often this season.
The Italian opted to start his captain there again on Sunday, and while there was plenty of talk around the battle between Declan Rice and Caicedo, it was the Cobham graduate who stole the show.
For example, while Trevoh Chalobah was the one who headed home the Blues’ goal, it was the versatile James who delivered it with pinpoint accuracy from the corner.
However, the academy graduate did far more than just provide an assist.
In his 94 minutes of action, he played two key passes, won 100% of his tackles, won 11 of 12 duels, didn’t get dribbled past at all, recovered the ball twice, completed three of his four crosses, took one shot and completed 100% of his dribbles.
James’ game v Arsenal
Minutes
94′
Assists
1
Big Chances Created
1
Key Passes
2
Crosses (Accurate)
4 (3)
Shots
1
Touches
50
Dribbles (Successful)
1 (1)
Fouls Won
4
Interception
1
Clearances
1
Recoveries
2
Ground Duels (Won)
6 (6)
Aerial Duels (Won)
6 (5)
All Stats via Sofascore
In addition to all the measurable metrics, the 25-year-old also showed his leadership skills, helping to marshal the team in the moments the Gunners exerted pressure of their own.
Described as “absolutely ridiculous” by one analyst and “gargantuan” by presenter Olivia Buzaglo, the Redbridge-born international was unsurprisingly, and deservedly, named as the man of the match.
Without him in the middle of the park, there is a good chance that Chelsea would not have won that game, which is what could be said about another starter who has been heavily criticised over the last few seasons.
The Chelsea star on a par with James
The excellent news for Maresca and the Stamford Bridge faithful is that there were more than a few starters who truly shone last night.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Be it Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Enzo Fernández or even Pedro Neto, who carried the ball up the pitch and into dangerous areas again and again.
However, when it comes to someone who was previously lambasted but exceptional against Arsenal, it’s impossible to look past Robert Sanchez.
Prior to this season, the Spanish goalkeeper was seen as something of a blunder waiting to happen between the sticks, and to some extent, that is what he’s been for much of his time in West London.
In fact, just last season, after a loss against Manchester City in which he was at fault for one of Erling Haaland’s goals, Gary Neville claimed “he’s not good enough.”
However, since the start of this season, the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace has been far more impressive, and on Sunday evening, he was as important as James for the Blues’ win.
On top of stopping a number of good efforts, like Gabriel Martinelli’s in the first half, the 28-year-old was effective in possession and confident in collecting crosses.
In fact, football.london’s Bobby Vincent awarded the keeper an 8/10 match rating at full time, writing that it was a ‘top performance.’
Sanchez’s game v Arsenal
Minutes
94′
Total Saves
3
Saves in the Box
2
Goals Prevented
1.18
High Claims
2
Key Passes
1
Touches
60
Recoveries
11
All Stats via Sofascore
Unsurprisingly, the statistics back up this appraisal: in his 94 minutes of action, the shot-stopper made three saves, two of which came inside the box, prevented 1.18 goals, made two high claims, played one key pass, took 60 touches and recovered the ball 11 times.
Ultimately, while it will take some time to shift his old reputation, Sanchez is well on his way to doing so, and was as important as James in Chelsea’s draw on Sunday.
Chelsea star who saved Caicedo is their "most underappreciated player"
The underrated Chelsea ace made sure Caicedo’s red card didn’t cost Enzo Maresca’s men against Arsenal.
This season is shaping up very nicely for Chelsea at the moment.
Enzo Maresca’s side are second in the Premier League and have the chance to cut Arsenal’s lead to just three points on Sunday.
Then in Europe, they sent a warning out to the rest of the sides in the Champions League with their thumping 3-0 win over Barcelona, a game in which Estevao shone once again.
Maresca and Co will have a chance to make Chelsea’s season even better once the transfer window reopens in just over a month, not just by signing players, but by selling one who once looked like Estevao when he was a youngster.
Estevao's sensational start to life at Chelsea
The expectations placed upon Estevao have been monumental for quite some time now, to the point that respected analyst Ben Mattinson labelled him a “future Ballon d’Or winner” months before Chelsea even signed him.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Since then, the hype surrounding him has only grown, thanks in large part to his fine form in Brazil, where he produced 17 goal involvements in 37 games last season.
Even so, few would have expected the start to this season he has had.
The youngster is not only playing a decent number of minutes, but he’s chipping in with important goals and has already shown a hugely impressive ability to get the fans on their feet.
So far, the 18-year-old has scored five goals and provided one assist for the Blues in 17 appearances, totalling 740 minutes.
That comes out to an excellent average of a goal involvement every 2.83 games, or every 123.33 minutes, which would be commendable for a seasoned veteran, let alone a teenager.
The Franca-born wonderkid has been so effective this year that fans and pundits have actually spoken about him being a particular threat to league-leading Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s game.
However, while Chelsea should be delighted with their new wonderkid, they also need to find a way to sell one of their biggest duds, who once looked like Estevao when he was first breaking through.
The Chelsea flop who needs to be sold
Chelsea have become quite good at moving on players they don’t want in recent years, but even then, a couple remain in the bomb squad who are proving tricky to sell, like Raheem Sterling.
The former Manchester City star joined the club in 2022, and while he’s had moments for the club in which he’s looked excellent, they’ve only ever been that, moments.
Moreover, while his tally of 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 games isn’t terrible, he’s never really put together a string of impressive performances, which is why he was allowed to join Arsenal on loan last year.
Unfortunately, that move only made the situation worse, as he ended up scoring just a single goal and providing five assists in 28 games for the Gunners, and was labelled a “passenger” by journalist Charles Watts.
Since returning to Stamford Bridge, the 30-year-old has been left to train separately from the first team, and with a weekly wage of £325k, that is far from ideal.
It is a serious shame that things have not worked out for the former England international, as before his move south, he was one of the best players in the league.
For example, during his time at the Etihad, he scored 131 goals and provided 86 assists in 339 appearances and won four league titles.
He was even a brilliant player for Liverpool, making his debut in the 11/12 season, but making his name in the 13/14 season, when, like Estevao now, he was just 18 years old.
In that season, the Kingston-born phenom managed to rack up an incredible tally of ten goals and seven assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2535 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.23 games, or every 149.11 minutes.
Appearances
38
17
Minutes
2535′
740′
Goals
10
5
Assists
7
1
Goal Involvements per Match
0.44
0.35
Minutes per Goal Involvement
149.11′
123.33′
It wasn’t just the goals, though, as, like the Brazilian, he was a serious threat with the ball at his feet, thanks in part to his speed and close control.
Ultimately, Sterling will go down as a legend of the Premier League, but for the sake of all parties, Chelsea need to sell him in January, even if they barely get anything.
The original Estevao: Chelsea lead race to sign "best player in the world"
Chelsea could sign the original Estevao for a mega-money fee.
Sometimes a win is just that, other times it’s a statement, and Wednesday night felt like the latter for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side had the incredibly tough task of hosting Bayern Munich in the Champions League, in what many saw as a clash between the two best teams in Europe this season.
The first half played out that way, with a goal each, but in the second 45, the Gunners blew the visitors away.
There were sensational performances across the pitch from the hosts, but two players really stood out above the rest, one of whom was Declan Rice.
Rice's performance against Bayern Munich
Arsenal needed their leaders to step up on Wednesday night, and that is precisely what Rice did.
The former West Ham United captain was here, there and everywhere from the first minute to the last, especially in the second half, so much so, in fact, that he had Ally McCoist waxing lyrical about him nonstop towards the end of the game.
For good reason, though, as one minute he was clamping down on a Bayern player to stop an attack, and the next he was marauding up the pitch to create a chance for the Gunners.
It was the sort of display that led content creator Jamie Kent to describe the Englishman as “the best midfielder in Europe” and the Express’ Tom Parsons to award him a 9/10 match rating at full-time.
It might sound like hyperbole, but it’s really not, and his statistics prove as much.
For example, in his 94 minutes of action, the all-action monster produced a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.61, played three key passes, took one shot on target, won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, took 66 touches, made one clearance, blocked one shot and recovered the ball five times.
In all, it was one of Rice’s best performances since moving to Arsenal, and just like one of his teammates, he proved he’s one of the best in the world in his position.
The Arsenal star who is one of the best in the world
What’s so great for Arteta and Arsenal is that there are plenty of other players you could single out for their performances against Bayern.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Eberechi Eze, for example, was incredible in the ten; Mikel Merino was unreal as a false nine, and Martin Zubimendi gave Rice the platform to thrive.
However, when it really came down to it, Jurrien Timber was the starter who really stood out alongside the former Hammer.
The Dutch international has been one of the team’s best players all season, but against the German behemoths, he really stepped it up a level.
On top of his usual incredible defensive performance, the former Ajax star was once again a dangerous outlet going forward.
For example, in addition to scoring the opening goal, he was constantly getting forward and helping make the right-hand side a real threat alongside Bukayo Saka.
Unsurprisingly, the 24-year-old left quite the impression on the watching press, with Parsons also awarding him a 9/10 match rating and The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid dubbing him “the best right-back in the world at the minute.”
Once again, while it sounds like hyperbole, the full-back’s statistics prove otherwise.
In 81 minutes, he scored a goal, won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won seven of eight duels, recovered the ball four times, wasn’t dribbled past once, completed 100% of his long balls and dribbles and won one foul.
Minutes
81′
Expected Goals
0.52
Goals
1
Tackles (Won)
2 (2)
Interceptions
1
Recoveries
4
Ground Duels (Won)
5 (4)
Aerial Duels (Won)
3 (3)
Long Balls
1/1
Dribbles
1/1
Ultimately, there is a long way to go this season, but Arsenal made a serious case for being the best team in Europe with their win over Bayern, and both Rice and Timber were key components of that.
A dream for Eze: Arsenal enter race to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"
The incredible goalscorer would make Arsenal far more dangerous and be a dream teammate for Eberechi Eze.
Newcastle United have not been at the races this season. Wheeling off quickly at times – mostly at St. James’ Park – but suffering from dismal away form that is pulling Eddie Howe’s squad away from their potential.
We all know this, and Howe most of all. However, identifying solutions and then finding the right answers can be two wholly different things in football.
11
Games
8
8
Wins
1
0
Draws
3
3
Losses
4
16
Goals scored
8
8
Goals conceded
10
2.18
PPG
0.75
But the English tactician has done so countless times across his four years on Tyneside, adapting and overcoming obstacles that fall into his path.
Take, for example, the fumbled signing of Chris Wood from Burnley in 2022. One of the first to establish this new PIF era, the Kiwi striker flattered to deceive.
Remembering Chris Wood's time at Newcastle
Wood is one of the most consistent Premier League strikers of his time. Something of a journeyman, he has nonetheless enjoyed success throughout his career, truly coming into his own over the past several years with Nottingham Forest.
However, a brief stint at Newcastle stands as a blot on the copybook. Howe purchased the New Zealand star from Burnley for £25m in January 2022, right at the start of this new era.
Sometimes, it’s just not your day. And Wood simply didn’t click in black and white. The veteran goalscorer only scored five times across 39 appearances before leaving for Forest on loan and then making the move permanent.
Pundit Tam McManus said that he looked “a bit lost” at St. James’ Park, and the one bit of solace from the misfire of a signing was that Newcastle were otherwise going from strength to strength, and they signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad after realising Wood wasn’t going to make the grade.
Of course, no one would deny that Wood is a top-class Premier League striker. He was one of the most prolific in the division last season, after all.
Mohamed Salah
38
29
Alexander Isak
34
23
Erling Haaland
31
22
Bryan Mbeumo
38
20
Chris Wood
36
20
But this only emphasises the blunder on Newcastle’s part, one they would not wish to repeat.
For the most part, they haven’t. Newcastle’s success under Howe’s wing has been a product of care and accuracy in the market. But they don’t always get it right, having signed the new Wood this summer.
Newcastle's biggest disaster since Chris Wood
Maybe there’s just something that isn’t working for ex-Forest stars moving to Newcastle.
Anthony Elanga has not been a success since joining the club from the City Ground for £55m this summer, yet to score or assist across 16 appearances.
Renowned for his “special ability” on the ball, as said by Nuno Espirito Santo, the Swedish winger simply hasn’t succeeded in translating his physical strengths over to St. James’ Park.
It’s not just his output causing concern. As per Sofascore, Elanga has succeeded with only 17% of his attempted dribbles in the Premier League this season. For a player whose standout skill is his fleet-footedness on the ball, this isn’t good enough.
Elanga, 23, must be afforded more time, but given the desperate need for an efficient right winger in recent years at the club, his woes have been a concern, salvaged only by the ever-industrious Jacob Murphy’s consistency.
He’s still relatively young, and he has proven himself capable in the Premier League across the past two terms with the Tricky Trees.
But the early readings are not all that promising, with analyst Raj Chohan picking up on the winger’s poor form and claiming that the deal was a “massive overpay” on PIF’s part.
While he is young and with much potential still untapped – unlike Wood – Newcastle expected bang for their buck when filling a hole on the right wing.
If Elanga doesn’t improve quickly, the Toon are going to need to dig back into their pockets.
Bigger liability than Pope: Howe must finally bin Newcastle "legend"
Newcastle need to make some changes going forward.