Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Joao Pedro Wins Official Premier League Player of the Month Award for August
Joao Pedro has been named the official EA Sports Premier League Player of the Month for August 2026, his first Premier League Player of the Month honour and the first time a Chelsea player has won the award since Cole Palmer in September 2024. The Brazilian topped an eight-man shortlist after registering four goal contributions across Chelsea's opening two league matches. He struck just 31 seconds into Chelsea's 3-2 win at Fulham with a flick over goalkeeper Bernd Leno, before setting up Cole Palmer's winner. He repeated the trick in Chelsea's 4-3 home win over his former club Brighton, scoring the third goal before again teeing up Palmer for the decisive strike. Pedro finished ahead of teammate Palmer and six other shortlisted players, including Riccardo Calafiori, Rayan Cherki, Bruno Fernandes, Mamadou Sangare, Konstantinos Tzolakis and Yoane Wissa, with the winner determined by a combination of public voting and a panel of football experts. He becomes the seventh Brazilian to win the award, following Juninho, Edu, David Luiz, Lucas Moura, Rodrigo Muniz and Igor Thiago, continuing his hot start to life under new head coach Xabi Alonso following his move from Brighton.
Lewis Hall Signs New Newcastle Contract Through 2031, Ending Man United Interest
Lewis Hall has agreed a new contract at Newcastle United , running through 2031 , ending any immediate prospect of a move to Manchester United who had been tracking the left-back throughout the summer. The extension is understood to be in the final stages of formalisation, with significantly improved terms reflecting Hall's rise to become one of Newcastle's standout performers, having pushed his way into England's World Cup conversation at left-back over the past year. United had been prepared to pay up to £60m for Hall, with reports suggesting talks were progressing before the Old Trafford club ultimately pulled back, reportedly due to concerns the move could create issues within the squad. The 21-year-old, who arrived from Chelsea in 2024, has established himself as first-choice at left-back under Newcastle's new setup, and the fresh terms underline the club's determination to keep hold of one of their brightest academy graduates rather than cash in amid continued transfer interest.
Clearlake Capital Closing In on Buyout of Boehly and Walter's Chelsea Stakes
Clearlake Capital is reportedly closing in on a deal to buy out the Chelsea stakes held by co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter , a move that would take the private equity firm's ownership of the club to roughly 87% . Clearlake currently holds a 61.5% majority stake in Chelsea, with Boehly, Walter and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss each owning 12.8% of the remaining shares. Talks between the parties have gathered momentum in recent weeks, according to the Financial Times, with Boehly and Walter valuing the club at more than £5 billion, a substantial rise from the £2.5 billion the consortium paid to purchase Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in 2022. The move would effectively end years of boardroom tension between the two camps, with restrictive clauses in the original 2022 ownership agreement limiting Boehly and Walter to selling their stakes only to Clearlake or Wyss during the first decade of ownership. Boehly's five-year term as chairman is set to conclude this year regardless, with leadership due to transition to Clearlake next May. Walter's willingness to exit comes shortly after he agreed to sell his stake in the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers for $12 billion, though it remains unclear whether Wyss intends to sell alongside his partners.
JJ Gabriel Scores Hat-Trick on UEFA Youth League Debut, Becomes United's Youngest Scorer
JJ Gabriel , Manchester United's highly-rated 15-year-old academy forward, scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut this week, becoming the club's youngest-ever scorer in the competition's history. Nicknamed "Kid Messi" after his youth highlight videos went viral, Gabriel has been fast-tracked through United's age groups after becoming the youngest player ever to feature for the club's U18s at just 14. He already holds the record as United's youngest-ever scorer in FA Youth Cup history, netting the winner on his Old Trafford debut against Peterborough in December, and has been in electric form this season, including a hat-trick in a 7-0 demolition of Liverpool's U18s. The milestone comes in the same week United's first team returned to senior Champions League action for the first time since December 2023, with the club's academy pathway continuing to produce standout performances alongside the senior side's European return. Gabriel, who signed a Nike boot deal at just 11 years old, remains too young to make his first-team debut this season under Premier League rules, but is tipped to break United's youngest-ever player record, currently held by David Gaskell since 1956, once he turns 16 this October.
Joe Root Extends Test Cricket Record for Most Catches to 220
Joe Root has extended his own men's Test cricket record for most catches by a fielder, taking his tally to 220 during the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston. Root first broke Rahul Dravid's long-standing record of 210 catches back in July 2025, before briefly being drawn level by Australia's Steve Smith and reclaiming outright ownership of the record during the first Test of this series against Pakistan at Leeds in August, when he reached 219. The latest addition to his tally further cements his position at the top of a list that also includes Mahela Jayawardene (205), Smith (200) and Jacques Kallis (200). The milestone adds to an extraordinary summer for the England captain, who also entered this Test level with Sachin Tendulkar on the all-time record for most Test half-centuries. Root's combination of longevity, consistency in the slip cordon and sustained excellence with the bat continues to place him among the greatest all-round contributors the format has ever produced, with the 35-year-old showing no signs of slowing down as he approaches the twilight of a career already among England's finest.
England Lead Pakistan by 268 Runs Heading Into Day 3 at Edgbaston
England head into Day 3 of the series-deciding third Test firmly in control, leading Pakistan by 268 runs with the tourists reduced to 52 for 2 in their second innings at Edgbaston. Having bowled Pakistan out for 133 on day one before piling on 453 in reply, England will look to press home their advantage on day three and push toward a series-clinching victory. Pakistan's overhauled batting order, missing several senior names after a mid-series shake-up, face a daunting task to bat out the remainder of the Test and salvage anything from a series they already trail 2-0. A win here would complete a 3-0 clean sweep for England, continuing their dominant home summer, while anything less than a determined rearguard from Pakistan's reshuffled top order looks unlikely to prevent the hosts from wrapping up victory well before the scheduled close on day five.
Man United Thrash Sabah 4-0, Bayern Hammer Bodo/Glimt 5-0 as Champions League Matchday 1 Concludes
Manchester United made a perfect return to the Champions League , thrashing debutants Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford in their first appearance in the competition since December 2023. Bayern Munich were similarly dominant, crushing Bodo/Glimt 5-0 at the Allianz Arena, with the Norwegian side reduced to ten men during the rout. In an entertaining clash elsewhere, Lens came from behind to beat Slavia Praha 3-2 away from home, with the Czech side also finishing the match with ten men after a red card. Como marked their historic first-ever Champions League appearance in style, beating RB Leipzig 4-1 to complete a big night for home and away wins alike. The results complete Matchday 1 of the newly expanded 36-team league phase, with the biggest European clubs largely making winning starts to their continental campaigns. Attention now turns to the coming weeks of domestic action before Matchday 2 arrives on October 13-14.
Robinson's Early Double Strike Extends England's Dominance Over Pakistan at Edgbaston
England moved firmly in control of the series-deciding third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, posting 453 in their first innings before reducing the tourists to 52 for 2 in their second innings, a lead of 268 with eight wickets standing. Ollie Robinson continued his remarkable summer with the ball, striking twice in his very first over of Pakistan's reply to leave the tourists reeling early. The wickets took his tally for the series to an extraordinary 21 , at an average of just 6.66 , underlining the dominant role he has played since his recall to the side this summer after a lengthy absence from the Test setup. Pakistan's overhauled batting lineup, already reeling from a first-innings collapse to 133 on day one, now face an uphill task to avoid a series whitewash, with England's substantial first-innings total putting them in a commanding position heading into the remainder of the Test. The tourists' revamped squad, put together after seven players were dropped and the head coach was replaced following the Lord's defeat, will need a big rearguard effort to keep the match, and the series, alive.
Shafali Verma's 64 Powers India Past Bangladesh Into Seventh Straight Asia Cup Final
India Women continued their remarkable run in the Women's Asia Cup , beating Bangladesh Women by 40 runs in Semi-Final 1 to reach a seventh consecutive final of the tournament — a streak stretching back to its very first edition. Sent in to bat after Bangladesh won the toss, India were powered by a stunning 64 off 40 balls from Shafali Verma , laced with 7 fours and 3 sixes. Contributions from Pratika Rawal (20), Richa Ghosh (21) and an unbeaten 24 from captain Harmanpreet Kaur pushed India to 149/6 on a surface that offered plenty for the spinners. Bangladesh got starts throughout the order — Dilara Akter (21), Juairiya Ferdous (14), Sobhana Mostary (18) and Nigar Sultana (19) all made contact but couldn't convert. Deepti Sharma was the pick of India's bowlers with 3/26, and Nandani Sharma returned to finish things off with two wickets in the final over as Bangladesh fell to 109/7 . Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match. India now await their final opponents, to be decided when Sri Lanka face Pakistan in Semi-Final 2 on September 11, with the final scheduled for September 13 in Dubai.
Yash Thakur Replaces Harshit Rana in India's T20I Squads for Afghanistan and Asian Games
Yash Thakur has replaced Harshit Rana in India's T20I squads for both the upcoming series against Afghanistan and the Asian Games , the BCCI has confirmed. Rana had originally been named in both squads subject to fitness clearance, and his replacement suggests he has not recovered in time for either assignment. Thakur, who has previous India T20I experience, steps in as a fresh pace-bowling option across both commitments, with the same swap applying to the Afghanistan series in New Delhi (September 13, 15 and 17) and India's title defence at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The change comes with Shreyas Iyer continuing to lead the side and Tilak Varma as vice-captain, in a squad that also includes Jasprit Bumrah's return from injury, subject to fitness, alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order. India go into the Afghanistan series fresh off a dominant run at the Women's Asia Cup, before shifting focus to defending their men's cricket gold from the 2023 Asian Games under VVS Laxman's Asian Games coaching setup.
Serge Gnabry Returns to Bayern Training, Could Feature Against Bodo/Glimt
Bayern Munich have received a timely boost with Serge Gnabry returning to full training after more than four months out, putting him in contention for a possible involvement against Bodo/Glimt in Bayern's Champions League opener. Gnabry has been sidelined since suffering a torn adductor in his right thigh in early April, an injury that also ruled him out of Germany's World Cup squad this summer. The initial recovery timeline was set at three to four months, and the 30-year-old has been working intensively on his comeback since, with the club targeting a return around preseason for the 2026-27 campaign. He finished last season with eight goals and six assists in 21 Bundesliga appearances, adding a further two goals and five assists in the Champions League. His return gives head coach Vincent Kompany a fresh attacking option as Bayern begin their European title pursuit, though it remains to be seen whether Gnabry will be risked from the start or eased back via a substitute appearance given the length of his absence. Bayern have not disclosed further specifics on his exact match fitness ahead of kickoff.
Cricket Australia Pushes Ahead With BBL Privatisation Despite Opposition, Renegades to Be Sold by Christmas
Cricket Australia has confirmed it will push ahead with Big Bash League privatisation , pressing forward with the plan despite ongoing opposition from New South Wales and Queensland, with the Melbourne Renegades set to be sold by Christmas. The decision was given the green light at a CA board meeting, with the governing body choosing Sydney as the location to announce the venture it hopes will bring hundreds of millions of dollars into grassroots cricket and player payments. In a bid to win over players amid pushback from the Australian Cricketers' Association, CA enlisted top-level men's and women's cricketers to help make the announcement. The Renegades, now being administered out of CA's headquarters following Cricket Victoria's move to merge its two Melbourne franchises earlier this year, are expected to be the first club sold under the new model. Western Australia has also joined Victoria and Tasmania in backing the plan, with the all-conquering Perth Scorchers set to be floated on the open market, partly to help fund the redevelopment of the WACA Ground. Queensland remains wary of being worse off either way, while the exact scope of which franchises will change hands and when continues to be worked through on a state-by-state basis. The privatisation push explains the increasingly active BBL free-agent market this offseason, with the competition's revised contracting rules already producing headline moves like Adam Zampa's switch to Hobart Hurricanes.
India A Name Squads for One-Day and Multi-Day Series Against Australia A
India A have named their squads for the upcoming series against Australia A , with separate captains leading the one-day and multi-day legs as selectors look to fine-tune fringe options ahead of the international season. Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain the one-day squad, with Devdutt Padikkal as his deputy, while the multi-day squad flips the leadership with Padikkal at the helm and Sai Sudharsan as vice-captain. Hardik Pandya has been included in the one-day squad, subject to fitness, as he continues his path back into the senior setup. One-Day squad vs Australia A: Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya*, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Gurjapneet Singh, Yash Thakur. Multi-Day squad vs Australia A: Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (c), Sai Sudharsan (vc), Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, N Jagadeesan (wk), Nachiket Bhute, V Vyshak*. The two-format series continues the now-familiar pattern of using India A fixtures as an audition ground for fringe players across formats, with several names looking to force their way into selection conversations for the senior side over the coming months.
Manchester United Return to Champions League Against Sabah, First Since December 2023
Manchester United return to the Champions League tonight against Azerbaijani side Sabah at Old Trafford, marking their first appearance in the competition since December 2023. United's last Champions League campaign ended in the group stage of 2023-24, finishing bottom of a group that included Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Copenhagen, before missing out on qualification for the following two seasons entirely. Their return under head coach Michael Carrick comes off the back of a strong turnaround, with United finishing third in the Premier League last season after Carrick's mid-season appointment in January, picking up 39 points from 17 matches with 12 wins, three draws and just two defeats. The clash against Sabah, making their Champions League debut, kicks off United's eighth European campaign since 2013-14, with the schedule also featuring away trips to Atletico Madrid and Como, plus a home meeting with Bayern Munich on matchday seven. A win tonight would provide the perfect start as United look to re-establish themselves among Europe's elite after a difficult few seasons on the continental stage.
Brazil Name Squad With Vinicius and Raphinha for Australia and India Friendlies
Brazil have named their squad for the first international window since their 2026 World Cup elimination, with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha included as head coach Carlo Ancelotti begins a new cycle toward the 2028 Copa America and 2030 World Cup. The Selecao will play three friendlies across the window: two against Australia , on September 25 in Townsville and September 29 in Brisbane, before a historic first-ever meeting with India on October 3 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. It marks Brazil's first fixtures since their round-of-16 exit at this year's World Cup, where they were eliminated 2-1 by Norway. "With these three friendlies, we will begin a new cycle to project the national team toward the objectives of the coming years: the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup," Ancelotti said in a statement, adding that the games would be used to call up new talent and strengthen ties with the junior categories. The trip to India is a landmark occasion, representing the first-ever meeting between the two footballing nations and offering a rare opportunity for Indian fans to see Brazil's star-studded squad in person.
England Lead by 23 at Stumps After Bowling Pakistan Out for 133 on Day 1
England ended day one of the series-deciding third Test in the ascendancy, reaching 156 for 4 at stumps to lead Pakistan by 23 runs after bowling the tourists out for just 133 earlier in the day at Edgbaston. Pakistan's overhauled batting lineup, featuring three debutants after a mid-series overhaul that saw seven players dropped and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed sacked, collapsed inside 34 overs. Josh Tongue led the attack with 4 for 42, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed three wickets apiece, with Robinson's opening breakthrough bringing up his 100th Test wicket. Captain Babar Azam made just 7, and only Saud Shakeel, with 43, offered any real resistance. In reply, England made early inroads into the 23-run lead but lost four wickets along the way to finish the day in front, setting up a pivotal second day with the hosts chasing a 3-0 series sweep after already wrapping up the series with wins at Headingley and Lord's. Pakistan will need a big response with the ball on day two to peg back England's advantage and keep the Test alive.
Dejan Kulusevski Returns to Full Tottenham Training After 477 Days Out
Dejan Kulusevski has returned to full Tottenham training after 477 days out, marking a major milestone in his recovery from a serious knee injury that also cost him a place at last year's World Cup. The Sweden international marked the occasion with an emotional Instagram post, sharing a photo alongside a cake topped with the number 477 and a letter from his wife documenting his recovery. "After 477 days I came back to full team training. Everything is impossible until it is not. Want to see a miracle. Be one. See u soon," Kulusevski wrote. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the 26-year-old would now be included in Tottenham's squad list after working "very hard" through his rehabilitation, though he noted a minor setback in recent days, saying: "Kulusevski started with us in the beginning of the week, and then the last two days, a small, small problem, stopped, but I think he's in a good way." Kulusevski's last appearance for Tottenham came in a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2025, before he underwent knee patella cartilage surgery. His return also raises hopes of a comeback for Sweden, who he has not represented since the injury, having managed five goals in 45 caps prior to the layoff. His comeback offers a timely boost to a Tottenham side still searching for their first goal and win of the new Premier League season.
Barcelona Name 23-Man Champions League Squad, Garcia Suspended for Feyenoord Clash
Barcelona have named their 23-man squad for their Champions League opener against Feyenoord, with Eric Garcia suspended following a red card in last season's quarterfinal exit to Atletico Madrid, while Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined through injury. De Jong continues his recovery from a medial knee ligament injury, while Bardghji is working back from a serious knee problem that is expected to keep him out for the majority of the season. Head coach Hansi Flick otherwise has no fresh injury concerns following the win over Valencia, with Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo expected to fill the full-back roles behind a midfield anchored by Rodri , set for his Champions League debut for the club, alongside Pedri and Fermin Lopez. Lamine Yamal needs just two more Champions League goals to equal Kylian Mbappe's record of 13 continental goals before turning 21, while Raphinha arrives in sensational form, having scored in each of Barcelona's first four league matches. Barcelona's squad: Joan Garcia, Szczesny, Cancelo, Balde, Cubarsi, Espart, Christensen, Martin, Kounde, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Rodri, Olmo, Bernal, Farinas, Gabriel Jesus, Yamal, Raphinha, Adeyemi, Gordon and Abdelkarim.
Robinson's 100th Test Wicket Headlines Pakistan's Collapse to 133 at Edgbaston
Pakistan collapsed to just 133 all out on the opening day of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, with Ollie Robinson reaching his 100th Test wicket as the tourists' overhauled batting lineup made little impression. Recalled opener Saim Ayub fell for a duck, trapped lbw by Robinson's trademark nip-backer to bring up the milestone wicket. Jofra Archer and Robinson shared the next three wickets between them to leave Pakistan reeling at 26 for 4 inside 10 overs. Captain Babar Azam , without a Test century in nearly four years, was then bowled for just 7 by an excellent Josh Tongue delivery that jagged back off the seam, before debutant wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori fell for 4 to leave Pakistan 64 for 6. Saud Shakeel offered the only real resistance with 43 off 47 balls before Tongue removed him too, finishing with figures of 4 for 42 , with Robinson and Archer taking three apiece. The reshuffled Pakistan side, which included three debutants after seven players were dropped and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked following the Lord's defeat, showed little sign the changes had addressed their batting issues, having now failed to pass 200 in five consecutive innings on the tour. England, chasing a 3-0 series sweep, reached 35 for 2 at tea in reply.
Ishan Kishan's 350-Run Match Puts East Zone on Verge of Duleep Trophy Title
East Zone all but sealed the Duleep Trophy title, extending their lead to a massive 584 runs on Day 4 of the final against South Zone in Chennai, with captain Ishan Kishan continuing his extraordinary run with the bat. South Zone were bowled out for 336 in the morning session, with captain Tilak Varma agonisingly dismissed for 99, mistiming a return catch and missing out on his ninth first-class century by a single run. Mukesh Kumar led the attack with 3 for 62, giving East Zone a first-innings lead of 372. Rather than enforce the follow-on, East Zone chose to bat again, and despite early wickets, Kishan and Shikhar Mohan (52) added an unbroken century stand, with Kishan blasting 80 off 98 balls to take his match tally to 350 runs , following his first-innings 270, itself the second-highest individual score in Duleep Trophy final history behind Raman Lamba's 320 in 1987-88. The innings also saw Kishan pass 4,000 career first-class runs, taking his tally to 4,302 with 10 centuries and 20 half-centuries in the format. With East Zone's lead now standing at 584 with five second-innings wickets in hand, South Zone face a near-impossible task to save the match, let alone chase down the target, on the final day.
Adam Zampa Signs Two-Year Deal With Hobart Hurricanes Ahead of BBL 2026-27
Adam Zampa has signed a two-year deal with the Hobart Hurricanes ahead of the 2026-27 Big Bash League , moving from Melbourne Renegades via the league's free-agent market to become just the fourth player in BBL history to represent five different clubs. The move, covering both the BBL|16 and BBL|17 seasons, was enabled by the league's revised contracting rules after the overseas player draft was scrapped, freeing up salary cap space that allowed Hobart to move for Australia's leading T20I wicket-taker. Zampa brings 138 wickets from 121 BBL appearances at an average of 23.42, the most by any spinner in the tournament's history, joining an already strong Hurricanes attack led by captain Nathan Ellis alongside Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake. "There's a lot of quality in the group and hopefully I can come in, play my role and help the team have another successful season," Zampa said, crediting his relationship with Ellis as central to the decision. "I think I've gone to a lot of teams for the people that are there, and that's always an important decision in my decision-making." Hurricanes general manager Adam Beams called him "arguably the biggest name available on the market." Zampa did note that despite the contracting overhaul, he feels overseas players continue to benefit more than local talent under the new system. The move comes as the BBL undergoes wider structural change, with Cricket Australia approving the league's privatisation on September 8, and Melbourne Renegades set to become the first franchise sold under the new ownership model.
Liverpool Host Atletico, Arsenal Travel to Napoli as Champions League Kicks Off
Liverpool and Arsenal both begin their Champions League title defences tonight, with the English pair featuring in the standout fixtures of an opening round that also sees Barcelona kick off their campaign at home to Feyenoord. Liverpool host Atletico Madrid at Anfield, arriving in good shape against opponents carrying significant attacking uncertainty: Alexander Sorloth remains out through a muscle injury, Arnau Ortiz is suspended, and while Julian Alvarez has been improving, he is not expected to be at full fitness, with new signing Jonathan David also still building match sharpness after a late arrival. Liverpool have won their last four meetings with Atletico, including a 3-2 win in their most recent encounter. Arsenal travel to Napoli with a timely fitness boost, as Jurrien Timber has been included in the travelling squad after returning from a long-term groin injury. Napoli, meanwhile, remain without Scott McTominay following a recent medical procedure. Arsenal's preparations were disrupted on the ground, however, with UK air-traffic-control issues delaying their flight to Naples and forcing the cancellation of Mikel Arteta's scheduled pre-match press conference. Barcelona open their own campaign against Feyenoord, with the two early kickoffs of matchday one completed by Stuttgart's home fixture against Viking, before the night's remaining matches get under way including PSG hosting Slovan Bratislava and Sporting CP facing Galatasaray.
Juventus Injury Crisis Deepens: Locatelli Faces Lengthy Layoff, Boga Also Sidelined
Juventus' injury crisis has deepened significantly, with the club confirming that captain Manuel Locatelli has undergone knee surgery for a meniscus tear that could rule him out until 2027, while winger Jeremie Boga faces at least a month out with a separate hamstring injury. Locatelli sustained the injury during Sunday's 1-1 draw with AC Milan and had surgery performed in Lyon to repair the external meniscus in his right knee. While Juventus have not given an official timeline, Italian reports suggest the layoff could range from three months in the best case to as long as five or six months in the worst, meaning the Italy international may not feature again this calendar year. "I am distraught, and it hurts knowing that I cannot fight for Juventus for a while," Locatelli said following the operation. Boga, meanwhile, suffered a medium-grade hamstring tear in training on Monday and will be reassessed in two weeks, though he is widely expected to miss at least a month. The two fresh setbacks mean head coach Luciano Spalletti is now without nine senior first-team players , following earlier injuries to Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Weston McKennie, Jeff Ekhator, Juan Cabal and Andrea Cambiaso, alongside the departure of Pape Matar Sarr on loan. The club's three-week September international break offers some respite, but the scale of absences represents a serious early-season test for Spalletti's squad depth.
Root Chases Outright Fifty Record as England Eye Clean Sweep in Series Decider
England begin the series-deciding third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston today, looking to complete a 3-0 clean sweep after dominant wins at Headingley and Lord's, while captain Joe Root chases a piece of history. Root arrives at Edgbaston level with Sachin Tendulkar on 68 Test half-centuries , the all-time record, after reaching the landmark during his 66 at Headingley in the series opener. One more fifty at Edgbaston would take him to the outright record, extending a run of consistency that has seen him reach 50-plus scores in 42 innings as England captain, fifth on that particular all-time list behind Graeme Smith's 61. Pakistan, already staring down a series defeat, have handed coaching responsibilities for the decider to white-ball coach Mike Hesson following sweeping mid-series changes that saw seven players dropped and five uncapped cricketers added to the squad after the heavy defeats in the first two Tests. The visitors will be desperate to avoid a whitewash on English soil as the series draws to a close.