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Heading into the weekend game against Manchester City, many Newcastle United fans were apprehensive. After all, Eddie Howe’s side have been out of sorts this season, and City rarely lose to the Tynesiders.

But Newcastle reminded the Premier League of their quality with an emphatic 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s outfit. United remain bogged down in 14th place, but only six points separate them and Aston Villa in the top four.

There were a few changes at St. James’ Park, and it underscored a wider shift at the club that could see a number of Howe’s mainstays move on in 2026.

The Newcastle stars who might be leaving in 2026

The midfield is the beating heart of Newcastle’s system. While Joelinton continues to look like the weak link, at the weekend he was back to his physical and rip-roaring best.

However, it’s difficult to imagine Newcastle would have claimed all three points had Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento not been reinstated on the defensive flanks. The young full-backs rewrite the tactical script, adding a new dimension and playing into Howe’s transitional emphasis.

This, of course, could spell the end for Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, both of whom have deputised in the absence of the injured younger men this season. However, Newcastle are limited in their mobility and dynamism when the veterans start.

There is another member of Howe’s United backline whose future is somewhat uncertain too, and it’s far more concerning that this star’s level has dipped.

Newcastle mainstay is on borrowed time

When Newcastle signed Sven Botman in 2022, it was regarded as a coup for one of Europe’s most talented up-and-coming centre-backs.

He was a colossus across the 2022/23 campaign, steering Newcastle into the Champions League and being lauded for his “incredible impact” by pundit Leon Osman.

Commanding and cool-headed, Botman is the prototypical central defender for a side competing for trophies, with his calculated and accurate passing crucial for his side’s presence on the ball. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of positional peers in England’s top flight for chances created per 90 (0.55).

However, injuries have since laid waste to the 25-year-old’s hopes of sustaining good form on Tyneside, and he now faces a fight to recover his place in the starting line-up, having been benched for the recent win in the Premier League.

Season

Apps

Minutes

25/26

10

659′

24/25

8

415′

23/24

17

1,378′

22/23

36

3,129′

Thiaw’s emergence as a top Premier League defender this season has coincided with Botman’s own struggles for fluency and strength in Howe’s system.

This is a centre-half whose attack on the English game after joining from Lille in 2022 was widely lauded. He was “a monster in his debut season”, according to reporter Charlie Bennett, who then acknowledged that the Netherlands international has since been “glued to the treatment table”.

As Thiaw goes from strength to strength, there is only so much leeway Botman can be afforded. Schar was immense in his place against Man City, but the 33-year-old is out of a deal at the end of the season.

After a solid start to the season, Botman’s form has slumped. Newcastle reporter Joel Brand even said he was “utterly embarrassing” during the loss at Brentford earlier this month.

Should he leave, Newcastle will need to search for a replacement, and that could lead to Botman falling down the pecking order and a far cry away from that pedestal he stood on before injuries gripped him.

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Manchester United are now leading Barcelona and Liverpool in the race to sign Nico Schlotterbeck, with it being revealed why the Borussia Dortmund defender could be ideal for Ruben Amorim.

With Amorim making it abundantly clear he is unwilling to compromise on his principles and change the three-at-the-back system, Luke Shaw has predominantly featured as a left-sided centre-back this season, although the 30-year-old has struggled at times.

Man United suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City back in September, and it would be fair to say Roy Keane wasn’t too impressed with Shaw’s play in the build-up to Phil Foden’s goal, saying: “Shaw’s an England international player. He’s got hundreds of games under his belt, he doesn’t even get his body position right. It’s like he has thrown the towel in.”

The Englishman was also one of the worst performers in the disappointing 4-2 defeat against Brentford, receiving a SofaScore match rating of just 5.9, the second-lowest of any player.

Consequently, it would perhaps be a wise move to bring in a new defender more accustomed to playing in the left centre-back role, and there has been a development in the Red Devils’ pursuit of a Bundesliga star…

Man Utd now leading race for Nico Schlotterbeck

According to a report from Spain, Man United have now moved into pole position in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund star Schlotterbeck, having overtaken Liverpool and Barcelona, given their good relations with the German club.

The German has now been identified as a priority target for United, as there is a feeling he could be ideal for Amorim, given that the 25-year-old is left-footed, physical, and has real quality in possession of the ball.

With the centre-back’s contract due to expire in 2027, Dortmund are willing to sanction a departure, should they receive a significant offer, placing the Red Devils in a strong position to secure his signature.

Scout Jacek Kulig has been a strong admirer of the Bundesliga star for quite some time, waxing lyrical about his performances across the 2021-22 campaign on X.

Since then, the 22-time Germany international has remained a key player for Dortmund, chipping in with six goals and 17 assists in 134 appearances for the Bundesliga side, which is an impressive return for a defender.

Schlotterbeck’s all-round attributes mean he could be the perfect addition for Man United, and the fact he is left-footed is an added bonus, given that Shaw hasn’t exactly been setting the world alight.

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Leeds United decided to revamp their options in the centre-forward position in the summer transfer window after they won promotion from the Championship.

The Whites swooped to sign experienced striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer from Everton to be Daniel Farke’s first-choice number nine for the Premier League season.

So far, though, the former England international has scored one goal and missed nine ‘big chances’ in eight appearances in all competitions, per Sofascore, for Leeds, with five ‘big chances’ missed in the top-flight.

Because of his struggles in front of goal for his new club, Calvert-Lewin may be worried and looking over his shoulder at emerging academy talent Harry Gray.

Why Harry Gray will have Leeds strikers worried

The 17-year-old centre-forward, who made his first-team debut against Stoke in the Championship last season, has been on fire for the club’s academy, and could be a future star for Farke.

Gray has scored four goals in four Premier League 2 matches for the U21s side this season, per Transfermarkt, whilst he also scored a hat-trick against Scunthorpe United in the National League Cup.

This means that the teenage forward has plundered seven goals in all competitions for the young Whites, whilst Calvert-Lewin has scored one goal for the first-team.

Gray also scored eight goals in 11 matches for the U18s before making the step up to the U21s, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he has been a regular goalscorer for several seasons.

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His impressive goalscoring form will have the current Leeds strikers worried because he appears to be on course to crash into the senior side to take one of their spots in the squad, if he can translate his academy form over to the first-team.

The Leeds striker on borrowed time because of Harry Gray

Despite his struggles in front of goal in the Premier League this season, it is not Calvert-Lewin who is on borrowed time because of Gray’s potential. It is Lukas Nmecha.

The former Germany international joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, as the first signing of the summer, and scored on his debut from the penalty spot against Everton.

Since that debut goal, Nmecha has rarely been seen by supporters, despite featuring in every match, as he has been used as a late substitute in almost every game.

Everton

12

Arsenal

32

Fulham

70

Newcastle United

21

Wolverhampton Wanderers

1

Bournemouth

1

Tottenham Hotspur

11

Burnley

24

West Ham United

3

No Leeds player who has featured in all eight games has played fewer minutes than Nmecha, per WhoScored, as he is the only player to have played in every match without hitting at least 242 minutes.

Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, has started six of his seven appearances in the Premier League, playing 534 minutes in total, which suggests that his place in the squad is not under as much threat as Nmecha’s is.

Unlike the former Toffees man, Farke does not seem to trust the German centre-forward to play significant minutes in games, which does not bode well for his future at Elland Road.

Nmecha’s return of five goals in all competitions in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, per Sofascore, does not suggest that he is likely to catch fire in front of goal and establish himself as a regular starter.

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Therefore, it may be the former Wolfsburg number nine who is on borrowed time because of Gray’s emergence as an incredibly exciting striker prospect at U21 level, as the 17-year-old could break through and take his place to compete with Calvert-Lewin for a starting berth in the not-too-distant future.

West Ham are in the market for a new striker ahead of January, and signing one has been made all the more important as injury-prone centre-forward, Niclas Füllkrug, continues to prove he cannot be relied upon to lead Nuno Espírito Santo’s line.

West Ham turn to the two Callums after Fullkrug injury blow

Fullkrug, as confirmed by Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, has suffered a torn muscle bundle in his thigh and reports suggest the 32-year-old will be absent for ‘several weeks’ as a result.

This latest knock, coming after Fullkrug missed 28 games for West Ham and Germany combined last season, highlights why the ex-Borussia Dortmund star isn’t the ideal man to spearhead Nuno’s side away from the relegation zone long-term.

Estimated games Niclas Füllkrug could miss for West Ham	Date
Brentford (home)	October 20
Leeds United (away)	October 24
Newcastle United (home)	November 2
Burnley (home)	November 8

With Fullkrug out, the spotlight falls on just two strikers — Callum Marshall and Callum Wilson.

Marshall, a promising young forward, offers energy and potential but lacks Premier League experience.

While he has shown glimpses of talent during his limited appearances and time on loan at Huddersfield last season, relying heavily on a developing player to lead the line in such a competitive league is a major gamble — even if supporters are keen to see the Northern Irishman get minutes.

The pressure to perform week in, week out at this level could expose Marshall’s inexperience, and West Ham’s attacking threat might suffer as a result.

Wilson, on the other hand, brings Premier League pedigree, but his injury history has been a persistent concern.

His recurring fitness issues have severely limited the centre-forward’s availability in recent seasons, making it difficult for Nuno to count on him as a dependable option. Should the 33-year-old struggle to stay fit, West Ham’s striking options become even thinner — placing further strain on the team’s goal-scoring capabilities.

Jarrod Bowen can play as a striker when required, and this will likely be considered by Nuno before West Ham take on Brentford in his first home game as manager.

Nevertheless, the need for a new number nine is crystal clear, but West Ham have already rejected the chance to sign Emmanuel Dennis on a free transfer.

West Ham make Ivan Toney decision after being offered ideal striker

In the build up to January, reports have suggested that West Ham could turn to ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney as a temporary solution.

The Hammers, amid claims they’ve considered a loan deal for the Al-Ahli striker, who earns £426,000-per-week in the Middle East, have apparently made a decision on bringing the 29-year-old back to England.

According to insider Claret & Hugh, Toney is not the right profile they’re looking for, as West Ham want someone with more pace and directness up top.

Expanding further, the source also claims that West Ham have been offered a mystery alternative to Toney who “fits the bill”.

We can only speculate as to who this striker could be, and there is a potential chance it could be Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović.

The Serbian, who’s scored at least 14 goals per season since his breakthrough campaign in 21/22, is out of contract in 2026 and reports suggest his agents are reaching out to Premier League teams in search of a new club.

That being said, Vlahovic is also on mammoth wages, so he’d have to take a seismic pay cut to join West Ham.

أعلن نادي ريال مدريد منذ لحظات، عن تعرض لاعبه للإصابة، وذلك قبل عدة ساعات من قمة الجولة الرابعة من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا أمام ليفربول يوم غدًا الثلاثاء.

ليفربول سوف يستضيف نظيره ريال مدريد يوم غدًا الثلاثاء على ملعب أنفيلد، حيث يسعى الريدز إلى تحقيق الانتصار على الفريق الملكي واستغلال عامل الأرض والجمهور.

وفي الجهة الأخرى يسعى ريال مدريد إلى الانتصار على ليفربول واستغلال الحالة الرائعة التي يمر بها الفريق الملكي خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

اقرأ أيضًا .. محمد صلاح على موعد مع التاريخ قبل مباراة ليفربول وريال مدريد

وأكد ريال مدريد في بيان رسمي، أن جناح الفريق الشاب ، فرانكو ماستانتونو، قد تعرض للإصابة خلال تدريبات الفريق خلال الأيام الماضية.

وأشار ريال مدريد في البيان، أن ماستانتونو يعاني من آلام في العانة، بالتالي من المتوقع أن يغيب عن الملاعب لعدة أسابيع دون الكشف عن مدة الغياب.

وفي سياق متصل، ذكرت الموثوقة آرانشا رودريجيز، أن ماستانتونو مصاب في الفخد ولا تزال مدة غيابه غير معروفة.

وبذلك، انضم ماستانتونو إلى قائمة المصابين في ريال مدريد والتي تضم كلًا من أنطونيو روديجير، بجانب ديفيد ألابا وداني كارفاخال.

GOAL US unpacks the main storylines from the international break and World Cup qualifying in The Euro XI

Goodbye, international break. Welcome back to the soccer. The slate of games after international competition are always a little odd: slower, tactically clunkier. It seems as if everyone is still trying to find their feet. 

The result, so often, is a sense of drama and jeopardy. And if you subscribe to that theory, then this was an excellent weekend of evidence. Liverpool lost to Man United at home (which is a weird sentence). Ange Postecoglou got sacked after 39 days (a predictable sentence). And Como are the best story in European football (a charming sentence).

Elsewhere, El Clasico looks pretty intense, and it's still a week away. Man City are maybe back for real this time. And La Liga, in general, is just fed up with everything. 

GOAL US presents The Euro XI, with 11 key observations from the weekend.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  1Slot feeling the heat?

  Four losses in a row. The first time Man United have won at Anfield since 2016. Who could have predicted all of this? There were always going to be some growing pains when Liverpool signed a load of good players for a load of money. It reeked of a surprise slow start.

  But that really should have meant a draw or two, perhaps a defensive lapse here and there. Now, Slot is left looking at the loss every Liverpool fan despises, with not much time to piece things together.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  2Ruben Amorim buys himself time

  Is the real narrative here the fact that Man United won? It's sports, so there's a requirement that you pick one or the other, right? No two things can be true at the same time. Those are the rules. But this seemed big for United. They were composed. They defended well. They took their chances.

  These are the basics that haven't happened there for a few years now. Calling this a "turning point" would be a stretch. Still, they can take heart from a solid performance – and enjoy a win over their biggest rivals. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  3Kane hits 400

  It was a bumper weekend for Harry Kane, who, in bagging against Borussia Dortmund, reached 400 career goals. That is, objectively, a lot. Yet somehow, he seems to be constantly underrated. It's hard to see why – maybe the Bundesliga distorts things. Still, he's 32, has plenty of soccer left, and likely has many more goals to come. Oh, and Bayern won 2-1. 

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  4Como on fire

  Como are the classy version of the American-owned club that most Europeans hate. Forget J.J. Watt or Ryan Reynolds. Here's part owner Thierry Henry looking cool in the stands. And the thing is, unlike Burnley when they got promoted the first time, or Wrexham – stuck(ish) in the Championship – Como are really rather good, something they proved by beating Juventus, 2-0. 

  They are undefeated in their last five, with Cesc Fabregas turning out to be a smart man at the middle of the project. But the real standout? Real Madrid loanee Nico Paz, who won't be in Italy for long, at this rate. 

After a slow start to his Anfield career, Florian Wirtz has revealed what Liverpool manager Arne Slot has just told him to do if he wants to get back to his best.

Why Wirtz has started slow at Liverpool

Whilst it’s been far from disastrous, Wirtz hasn’t got off to the electric start that many expected from a £116m player. The former Bayer Leverkusen player arrived as a player who has the ability to change games on his own and contribute to goals, but what Liverpool have so far seen is a hard-working midfielder who has struggled to make his mark.

There have been glimpses of his best form. In the September international break, the German scored an excellent free-kick and then returned to Liverpool to enjoy his best display yet against Atletico Madrid. It’s a game that should have ended his wait for a goal or assist since the Community Shield, but there were ultimately plenty of positive signs.

There were also signs of how he can control games in a 1-0 victory against Arsenal, especially when Alexis Mac Allister was replaced and he was no longer sharing the same spaces with such a similar player. Whether those two can thrive together is the big question. Slot did, of course, drop Wirtz for the Argentine in the Merseyside derby instead of starting both.

Unlike others in the Premier League, time is on Wirtz’s side. Liverpool sit top of the Premier League by five points and are the only side with a 100% record. If there’s an environment that allows players to settle in, it is Anfield.

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That said, Slot has still spoken to the big-money star about his form and told him exactly what he must do to get back to his best.

Wirtz reveals Slot conversation about Liverpool form

Speaking to reporters, Wirtz revealed that he has held a conversation with Slot about his slow start to life at Liverpool. The German revealed that Slot suggested that his form could be down to Liverpool’s press and his struggle to adapt to that intensity whilst also playing a part in possession.

It would certainly make sense why Wirtz has struggled to keep pace at times. Alas, if that is the reason behind his underwhelming form, then logic suggests that Liverpool should see the best version of their midfielder as the season goes on and his fitness reaches the level required.

Whilst it has been a frustrating summer for all involved at Aston Villa, those in the Midlands have now reportedly been handed a golden opportunity to sign an impressive Leon Bailey upgrade.

Morgan Rogers wins Young Player of the Year

Although many at Villa Park will be frustrated by their inability to welcome a number of new additions as well as Jacob Ramsey’s sale coming as a consequence of their PSR shortcomings, Morgan Rogers represents a reminder of just how talented Unai Emery’s squad still is. The former Middlesbrough midfielder officially picked up the PFA Young Player of the Year award in deserved fashion earlier this week.

After winning the award, Rogers told reporters: “Later down the line, I want to be one of those incredible players people speak about, so to do that I have to do what they did and what they followed after. It’s a nice recognition, but there’s more to win and I can’t wait.”

It’s hard to argue that it wasn’t deserved. The 23-year-old enjoyed an excellent season and, like the rest of his Aston Villa teammates, only missed out on a place in the Champions League on the final day after a controversial refereeing decision against Manchester United.

Appearances

37

Goals

8

Assists

11

Having returned to full fitness just in time to face Newcastle United in an opening day draw last time out, Rogers will now be hoping to leave his mark for the first time this season against Brentford.

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Meanwhile, away from the pitch, Aston Villa could yet take hold of a golden opportunity to secure their signing of the summer. The sale of Ramsey has given them some breathing room on the PSR front and that could yet see one star man arrive.

Aston Villa handed chance to sign Lookman

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa have been handed a golden opportunity to sign Ademola Lookman after receiving contact from his representatives. The Atalanta winger has been desperate to leave the club all summer long and after seeing a move to Inter Milan break down, has now set his sights on a Premier League return.

Aston Villa, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have all reportedly held conversations with Lookman in recent days to potentially ignite a late race to secure an excellent coup.

With 20 goals and seven assists to his name last season, Lookman would be a major upgrade on the departing Bailey at Villa Park and could even be enough to take Emery’s side back into the Champions League places. Simply put, Villa should be going all out for his signature this month.

Birmingham City might well have crashed out of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night to League One opponents Port Vale, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Chris Davies’ side is still unbeaten in the Championship.

Indeed, the Blues have collected two wins and a draw with the confidence of a second-tier regular, with a trip to recently relegated Leicester City tomorrow night not fazing the West Midlands side in the slightest.

The reigning third-tier champions won’t be done with purchases this summer just yet, either, even with this fast start out of the blocks, as a last-ditch Kyogo Furuhashi repeat looks to be in the offing.

Birmingham plot late move for £2m sensation

Adding in Lewis Koumas on loan from Liverpool is the latest venture Birmingham has made in the hectic transfer window, which has lifted the Blues’ total of summer incomings to a sturdy 12.

Koumas isn’t the only exciting winger addition that could be on the cards, however, as a surprise move now looks to be on the horizon for Davies to raid his former employers in Celtic.

As per an exclusive report from Football League World, despite signing off on a whole barrage of purchases this summer, Birmingham look to be in for South Korean sensation Yang Hyun-jun, having now allegedly made an approach for his services.

Having already had success in the Asian market with the additions of Tomoki Iwata and Seung Paik Ho, this could well prove to be another inspired pick-up, with the 23-year-old unlikely to cost the Blues too much of a pretty penny, having previously joined Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops for just £2m back in 2023.

While he has consistently struggled for gametime for the green and white half of Glasgow, he would be seen as a welcome addition to boost an already potent Blues attack, with the hope he can be as instantly impactful as the aforementioned Kyogo at St. Andrew’s, who also once called Parkhead home.

Why Yang can be Kyogo 2.0

Much like Birmingham in recent years, Celtic have regularly dipped into the Asian market amid the search for fresh talent – and have done so with a real degree of success.

Kyogo is surely the cream of the crop to have pulled on the famous Hoops strip from this part of the world, as seen in him finishing off his trophy-laden time in Glasgow with an astounding 86 strikes next to his name, having successfully made the jump from Vissel Kobe.

He has since made a similar level of leap to the hustle and bustle of Championship football look effortless too, with the “unbelievable” former hero in Scotland – as he was once dubbed by his ex-Celtic manager in Ange Postecoglou – gobbling up this gifted opportunity on just his third game for the club to get off the mark.

Yang will hope he can also make the same tricky transition look as seamless, with his own bright form at Parkhead seeing current Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers label him as a “fantastic” asset to have around the place.

Games

24

23

Starts

10

9

Avg mins per game

40

43

Goals scored

1

5

Assists

3

2

When the former Leicester City boss has required an injection of life to his side late on, he has regularly relied on the 23-year-old as an impact substitute, with Yang amazingly chipping in with a hefty haul of 11 goals and assists when starting just 19 games across his last full two seasons in the Scottish Premiership.

Therefore, while he might not be as front and centre to Davies’ plans as the £10m buy of Kyogo, he could well prove to be an exciting late purchase all the same, particularly if he adds in even more quality to fire the Blues immediately up to the Premier League.

Gangwon president Kim Byung-ji even claimed that he “could easily become a world-class player like Son Heung-min”, and it will be intriguing to see how Yang settles into life in the Championship.

He has, of course, shown off spurts of his quality with Celtic, albeit from irregular opportunities.

The proof will soon be in the pudding as to whether the left-field winger will shine or, unfortunately, struggle, as both Yang and Kyogo aim to guide the Blues to a second promotion success on the trot.

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Victoria batter has joined Australia’s squad in Sydney to train and sub field and is in the mix for a recall on the upcoming Sri Lanka tour

Andrew McGlashan03-Jan-2025Peter Handscomb is a strong contender to be included in Australia’s squad for their Test tour of Sri Lanka later this month with the Victoria batter joining the team in Sydney for the final match against India as a substitute fielder.Handscomb does not hold BBL contract so is free to be with the squad throughout the final Test. He will be joined by spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann at various stages who are both likely to be part of the Sri Lanka trip, the squad for which is expected to be named shortly after the conclusion of the India series.Handscomb last featured for Australia on the 2023 tour of India where he played all four matches and is viewed as a subcontinent specialist given his prowess against spin. He made 145 runs in that series with a top score of 72 not out in Delhi, a Test Australia were well placed to win before a second-innings collapse against R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.Related

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However, he has previously spoken about how he does not want to be pigeon-holed as only a batter for certain conditions. “I’d like to play some home Tests,” he said before the start of the 2023-24 following his experiences in India.Previously, speaking to in 2022, Handscomb said: “If [being a good player of spin] does help me get on subcontinent tours, which it has done before, then that’s great. But also don’t forget I do like batting in Australia as well, where it is fast and bouncy and I can play a few cuts and pulls if need be.”Depending on how Australia structure their side in Sri Lanka, there could be a vacancy in the middle order with Travis Head having been earmarked to open although Sam Konstas’ move into Test side may alter the planning. Josh Inglis, also an excellent player of spin, is also understood to be another option to play as a specialist batter in Sri Lanka. He is currently recovering from the calf strain he picked up while fielding at the MCG but is expected to be fit for the tour.Overall Handscomb has played 20 Tests with an average of 37.20 having made is debut back in 2016.Handscomb was overlooked for the Australia A-India A four-day matches earlier this season, but the indication was that he was a player the selectors felt they knew enough about.He had a prolific 2024 across first-class cricket in Australia and England where he was the fifth-highest run-scorer in the world. In the first part of this Sheffield Shield season he has made 478 runs at 47.80.If Australia win the ongoing Sydney Test they will assured of a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, otherwise they would need to win one of the Tests in Galle.