Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has received a sponsorship of US$ 50,000 from CABS, a Zimbabwe-based financial institution, aimed at directly supporting the country’s five first-class provincial teams.According to a ZC release, the funding will go to Eagles, Rhinos, Tuskers, Mountaineers and Southern Rocks, the five teams that compete in the Logan Cup, the Pro50 Championship and the domestic T20 competition. The release also said it will be a direct-to-team funding model, that will help them make investments in key areas such as coaching, talent development and player welfare. The direct funding model enhances financial transparency and governance, that will help in clearer budgeting and stronger accountability, the release stated.”We are grateful to CABS for coming on board as a valued partner in our domestic cricket journey,” ZC managing director Givemore Makoni said. “This kind of corporate support plays an important role in strengthening the game’s foundation and enabling long-term growth.Related

• Zimbabwe to receive touring fee from ECB for 2025 visit

• From poverty to plenty: 2025 is a bumper Test year for Zimbabwe like none before

“For our provincial teams, it means greater stability and the ability to invest more consistently in key areas such as player welfare, coaching and talent development – factors that are essential to building a stronger pipeline for the future of Zimbabwean cricket.”CABS managing director Mehluli Mpofu said: “This sponsorship is more than support for cricket – it is a commitment to the dreams of Zimbabwe’s young people. Across the country, there are talented, passionate youths who see sport as a pathway to opportunity, purpose and pride.”At CABS, we recognise that potential. By investing in domestic cricket, we are answering their call, building platforms for growth and helping shape a future where every young Zimbabwean has a chance to shine.”CABS has a long-standing relationship with cricket, dating back to 2004 when it supported T20 competitions. The release also said the institution has “quietly but consistently backed cricket development initiatives, helping to uncover and nurture emerging talent across the country” over the past two decades.The development comes during a bumper year for Zimbabwe in which they have already played seven Tests and also hosted a T20I tri-series recently with South Africa and New Zealand. They are set to host New Zealand for two Tests starting July 30.

On Friday, the rumors became official: Wrigley Field will play host for the MLB All-Star Game in the near future.

After a few months' worth of reports connecting the famous ivy wall to All-Star festivities, commissioner Rob Manfred announced at the ballpark that the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field would host the 2027 All-Star game. It is an exciting time for the city and especially the fans who will get to enjoy Wrigleyville throughout the All-Star week.

The social media account for the ballpark released a video celebrating the occasion shortly after Manfred's announcement.

The 2027 game will mark the fourth All-Star Game the Cubs have hosted, with the three previous occasions coming in 1947, 1962 and 1990. Chicago's game will come on the heels of Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia hosting the 2026 All-Star Game.

Fans and players both have much to look forward to in 2027, as one of MLB's most historic ballparks plays host to All-Star festivities.

Bryan Mbeumo arrived at Manchester United with huge expectations from the fanbase, after the hierarchy forked out a whopping £71m, including add-ons for his signature.

The Cameroonian has already matched those expectations in the Premier League, as seen by his tally of five goals within his first nine encounters at Old Trafford.

His latest showing against Brighton and Hove Albion was arguably his best for the Red Devils, scoring twice and leading Ruben Amorim’s men to a third successive league victory.

The 26-year-old also created two chances and completed four dribbles – with both tallies the highest of any player on the pitch from both of the starting elevens.

There’s little debate that he’s taken the responsibility of being the club’s biggest offensive threat, surpassing the levels previously set by one other first-team member.

The change of Bruno’s role & lack of impact against Brighton

For large periods of the 2024/25 campaign, Bruno Fernandes was often United’s go-to man for goals and assists – undoubtedly saving the club from an unthinkable relegation battle.

The Portuguese international ended the year on a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, a tally which was by far and away the highest of any player in the squad.

However, the attacking midfielder has been forced to drop into a slightly deeper number eight position to accommodate the likes of big-money addition, Mbeumo.

Such a decision has taken the responsibility off his shoulders, with a more all-round performances now expected from the Red Devils’ first-team captain.

His deeper position has seen a slight decline in his performance level, as seen by the latest display against Brighton at Old Trafford, with the 31-year-old enduring somewhat of a quiet afternoon.

Bruno only completed six passes into the final third against the Seagulls and only completed 50% of the dribbles he attempted – subsequently being unable to match the levels from 2024/25.

He was also dribbled past on three occasions, whilst also losing nine duels – the most of any player – showcasing the lack of positive impact he’s had in his new position.

As a result, one other player within the first-team squad has taken the responsibility of providing the goods alongside Mbeumo within the final third in recent weeks.

The United star who’s becoming Amorim’s next Bruno

Whilst it’s still early days in 2025/26, United look like a different team compared to last campaign, with Amorim deserving huge credit for the work done during the off-season.

After the first nine games of the new Premier League season, the Red Devils rank second for expected goals (xG), showcasing the threat the side now possesses in forward areas.

Amorim’s men have also registered the highest average of shots on target per 90, with such a record enabling the side to score 15 goals in the first nine matches of the new league campaign.

As previously mentioned, Mbeumo has played a key role in such success, as seen by his tally of five goals and one assist – working out at 40% of the side’s goals to date.

However, the Cameroonian international has been joined at Old Trafford by Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian joining the Red Devils in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He also arrived with huge expectations this summer, after he registered a total of 21 combined goals and assists in the Premier League whilst being involved in a relegation battle.

The 26-year-old has partnered Mbeumo in the number ten role behind the striker, which has subsequently resulted in Bruno dropping into his deeper role over the last couple of months.

However, Cunha has taken to such a task like a duck to water, arguably replacing the Portuguese international as one of the Red Devils’ leading talismen.

He netted his first goal for the club in the recent triumph over Brighton, with such an effort getting the ball rolling for Amorim’s third league victory in a row.

Cunha, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, also produced numerous impressive figures that showcase his class within the final third.

Cunha – stats against Brighton
Statistics	Tally
Minutes played	81
Touches	62
Goals scored	1
Passes completed	89%
Chances created	2
Shot on target accuracy	100%
Dribbles completed	2
Chances created	2
Stats via FotMob

Along with his goal, the attacking midfielder completed 89% of the passes attempted and registered two chances created for his teammates – showcasing his ability to provide for those around him.

He also placed 100% of his shots on target, whilst also completing two of his three dribbles – highlighting his incredible all-round ability within the final third.

Whilst it may be early days in his career at Old Trafford, Cunha has already captured the hearts of the fanbase and cemented himself as a key player within Amorim’s ranks.

Should he continue in such vein, there’s no reason why he can’t soften the blow of Bruno’s drop in form and lead the side to new heights in the near future.

This season's Rashford: Man Utd talent looks "increasingly likely" to leave

Manchester United could be making a huge mistake in allowing one talented first-team member to leave.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 28, 2025

New Zealand, who are playing a Test for the first time this year, are without Latham, Williamson, Phillips and Jamieson

Hemant Brar29-Jul-2025

Big picture: Zimbabwe eye first win against NZ

Welcome back to Test cricket, New Zealand. The last time they played a Test was in December 2024, against England in Hamilton. Given that this two-match series against Zimbabwe doesn’t count towards the World Test Championship, they can take their time to reacquaint themselves with the flow and rhythm of red-ball cricket.On the other hand, Zimbabwe have played seven Tests this year, the joint-most with Australia. But with six losses and just one win, they have the worst record for any team. Moreover, they are yet to beat New Zealand in Test cricket. Of the 17 Tests against New Zealand, they have lost 11 and drawn six.Having said that, this is a slightly weakened New Zealand side. They are without captain Tom Latham, former captain Kane Williamson and allrounders Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson. Williamson is unavailable for the series, having signed a deal with Middlesex, which includes playing for London Spirit in the Hundred; Jamieson is at home, awaiting the birth of his first child; Latham is yet to recover from a shoulder injury he picked up during the Vitality Blast; and Phillips is sidelined with a groin injury he picked up during the MLC.Related

• From net bowler to 'X factor' – Fisher on cusp of potential debut

• Bracewell replaces Phillips for the first Test

• Latham out of first Test, Santner to lead

In Latham’s absence, Mitchell Santner will lead the side. He has plenty of experience captaining New Zealand in ODIs and T20Is, but this will be a first for him in first-class cricket, let alone Test cricket.Recently, an understrength South Africa proved to be too good for Zimbabwe. But for this series, they are bolstered by the returns of allrounder Sikandar Raza and opener Ben Curran. Raza lends the much-needed balance and experience, and Curran should add the solidity at the top. Brendan Taylor’s ban has also ended but he has not been named in the squad yet.

Form guide

Zimbabwe LLLLW (last five Tests, most recent first)
New Zealand WLLWW

In the spotlight: Williams and Henry

Sean Williams has been easily the best Zimbabwe batter this year. In seven Tests, he has scored 577 at an average of 52.45 and a strike rate of 76.83. Only Shubman Gill (755) and Rishabh Pant (580) have scored more Test runs than him in 2025. One thing he would like to improve, though, is his conversion rate. Of his five 50-plus scores this year, he converted only one into a hundred.Sean Williams averages 52.45 in Tests this year•Zimbabwe Cricket

Matt Henry’s overall Test record – 120 wickets at an average of 29.84 – does not scream elite. But scratch beneath that and you realise why Henry is rated so highly. When he opens the bowling, his record becomes 105 wickets at 24.11. Last year, he picked up 48 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 18.58 and a strike rate of 33.97. Among the top ten wicket-takers of 2024, only Jasprit Bumrah had a better average (14.92) and a strike rate (30.1). Don’t be surprised if Henry continues from where he left off.

Team news: Fisher might debut

Blessing Muzarabani is the only fast bowler in the Zimbabwe squad to have played at least ten Tests. He will be supported by Tanaka Chivanga, with Newman Nyamhuri likely to be the third seamer.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Ben Curran, 3 Nick Welch, 4 Sean Williams, 5 Craig Ervine (captain), 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), 8 Wellington Masakadza, 9 Newman Nyamhuri, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tanaka ChivangaWith Latham and Phillips out injured, Henry Nicholls and Michael Bracewell are expected to play. Matt Fisher, who can hit 140kph, could make his debut.New Zealand (probable): 1 Will Young, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Matt Henry, 10 Will O’Rourke, 11 Matt Fisher

Pitch and conditions

In the five Tests Bulawayo has hosted since December 2024, there have been three totals in excess of 580, including South Africa’s 625 for 6 declared that featured Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 367. Fast bowlers have done much better in those games, averaging 29.63 and striking every 50.5 balls, as compared to spinners, who average 38.62 with a strike rate of 62.9. The forecast is for cool and dry weather.

Stats and trivia

• New Zealand have won each of their last six Tests against Zimbabwe, four of them by an innings and another by 254 runs.
• Santner will become New Zealand’s 32nd Test captain.
• Three of Williams’ six Test hundreds have come at the Queens Sports Club.
• Williams is 125 away from 2000 Test runs, and Craig Ervine 159.
• Nicholls needs 27 runs to reach the 3000 mark in Test cricket.

He confirmed he will continue to play domestic and franchise cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Sep-2025

Asif Ali retires having earned 79 international caps•Visionhaus/Getty Images

Pakistan batter Asif Ali has announced his retirement from international cricket. Asif, 33, played 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is, mainly as a finisher in the middle order.An aggressive batter, his most renowned knock is likely the seven-ball 25 he scored in a tense win over Afghanistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup.”Wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life and serving my country on the cricket field has been my proudest chapter,” he said in a social media post.Asif confirmed that he will continue to play domestic cricket and in franchise leagues around the world.Asif made his T20I debut against West Indies in April 2018 after helping Islamabad United win the PSL that year, hitting three successive sixes at a cruicial point in the chase in the final. Two months later, an ODI debut followed.In his heyday, though, Asif was viewed as something of a revolutionary for Pakistan cricket. At a time when they were short of genuine power hitters, Asif was fast-tracked into both white-ball sides. However, his own game was at times misunderstood by Pakistan’s selection and management team. Primarily a finisher, he often came in at number six in ODI cricket, much earlier than was conducive to his talents. In T20Is, he batted an average of just over seven balls an innings across his 58-match career, and finished over a quarter of his innings unbeaten: an indication he had come in too late and generally been underused.However, it is those brief cameos that provided produced the most enthralling moments Asif delivered. Against Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup in 2021, with Pakistan needing 24 off the final two overs, he smashed four sixes off Karim Janat’s 19th over to secure Pakistan’s progression to the semifinals. The following year at the Asia Cup, his 8-ball 16 spree secured Pakistan a win over India that took them through to the tournament’s final.But that was something of a last hurrah. A poor T20 World Cup followed, with Asif a peripheral figure even as Pakistan made their way to the final. Consistency was never a strength, but as his form deserted him, Pakistan began to produce a younger group of big hitters. His last appearance proper for the Pakistan side took place against India at the MCG that year, before making a smattering of appearances for a second-string Pakistan side in the 2023 Asian Games.”I retire with immense gratitude, and will continue to share my passion for the game by playing domestic and league cricket worldwide,” Asif said.

With nine games played in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, we’ve already seen the champions’ crown slip, two sackings from one club and one Manchester United fan may just be closing in on a much-needed haircut.

But there’s still plenty more to come and an AI Supercomputer has now predicted how the final table will look come May, using data from the first nine game-weeks to predict every result and the final standings.

Relegation battle

It’s been a refreshing season down at the bottom. As things stand, none of the three promoted sides sit inside the bottom three and all have reached 10 points or above already.

For context of just how important that achievement is, Southampton finished bottom with 12 points after 38 games last season, whilst it took Ipswich and Leicester City all season to reach 22 and 25 points respectively. Sunderland have particularly thrived and sit as high as fourth in the Premier League with 17 points to their name. After nine games, it’s hard to see a world in which they don’t avoid the drop.

The Supercomputer seems to agree with how impressive the promoted sides have been so far this season and believes that, for just the fifth time in Premier League history, all three will avoid the drop. That leaves West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest – the current bottom three – in the dropzone at the end of the season.

15

Fulham

40

16

Leeds United

34

17

Burnley

33

18

Nottingham Forest

30

19

Wolves

27

20

West Ham

26

Bottom half

Away from relegation trouble, the supercomputer has predicted some comfortable campaigns for Brentford, Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace. Opinions will differ around those clubs whether a mid-table finish would be satisfactory, but Brentford should certainly take hold of that with both hands.

In their first season without Thomas Frank in the Premier League, many predicted the Bees to go down and although there’s still every chance that happens, victory over Liverpool proved just the positive direction that Keith Andrews is taking them. Not only has he steadied the ship, but he has also added his own pragmatic style in West London.

11

Crystal Palace

50

12

Brighton

48

13

Everton

47

14

Brentford

42

Top half

Look away now Chelsea fans, because your top four spot is up for grabs. According to the Supercomputer, the Blues are in for another frustrating campaign after spending big once more in the summer.

Despite impressing at times, Enzo Maresca’s side have largely remained inconsistent and that could leave them scrapping away to stay in the top six altogether. The same can be said for Newcastle United, who have impressed defensively but remained blunt going forward in the absence of one of the world’s best forwards in Alexander Isak.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have been on the up lately and are just two wins away from five on the bounce. After finishing in the bottom half last season, the Supercomputer believes that Ruben Amorim’s side will earn their place back inside the top six and above Chelsea.

5

Man Utd

65

6

Chelsea

63

7

Aston Villa

62

8

Bournemouth

60

9

Newcastle

59

10

Sunderland

52

Top four and Premier League winners

From the glory of champions, the most glaring prediction that the Supercomputer has made centres around Liverpool’s fall from grace. It does believe that the Reds will finish inside the top four, but as many as 17 points behind league leaders Arsenal in a title defence to forget for Arne Slot. Given that they’re currently winless in four league games, however, the Dutchman may just take that final table.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, from the chaos of Ange-ball, they’re expected to rise to as high as third in the league under Frank. The Lilywhites have started in excellent fashion under the Dane and could yet continue that to earn their way back into the top four.

For the Gunners, meanwhile, glory may finally be on the horizon. They’ve waited over two decades to lift the Premier League title again and have been forced to applaud both Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years. Now, at long last, it could finally be Mikel Arteta’s year. The Supercomputer has even gone as far as to predict that they’ll win it by 13 points.

1

Arsenal

89

2

Man City

76

3

Tottenham Hotspur

74

4

Liverpool

72

Stand-in captain falls to brilliant catch, but all-or-nothing innings have been feature of his year

Matt Roller08-Oct-2024A missed stumping, a dropped catch, an injured opener and a second-ball duck: this was the chaotic half-hour under the Multan sun which underlined the scale of England’s challenge.England were ground down across a 149-over innings in which Pakistan posted 556 all out. Rather than pulling the plug early – as they did in a recent 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh – Pakistan drove England into the dirt, with their physical and mental exhaustion evident as the innings wound to its conclusion.The longest Ollie Pope had spent in the field in his first series as England captain, against Sri Lanka, was 89.3 overs. This was new territory, with his seamers flagging after more than 20 overs each in punishing conditions, no assistance in the surface for his spinners, and the lingering knowledge that he would likely have to bat on the second evening despite his fatigue.Before he knew it, he was walking out to open the batting for the first time in first-class cricket, let alone Tests. Pope was off the field for a comfort break when Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s No. 11, slashed Joe Root’s attempted bouncer straight into Ben Duckett’s left thumb at slip, and the decision was quickly made that he should replace him at the top of the order.After waiting five-and-a-half sessions to bat, Pope’s innings was over after two balls. Naseem Shah dropped short, Pope latched onto a pull and Aamer Jamal flung himself to his right at midwicket, holding onto a blinding catch. As Jamal ran off in celebration, Pope dragged himself off as though in disbelief.This has been a bizarre year for Pope, albeit one that has encapsulated his curious Test career. It started with an epic, match-winning 196 in Hyderabad, one of his three hundreds in 2024, yet he has also failed to reach 20 in more than three-fifths of his innings. His average for the year, 35.47, is almost identical to his career figure.In fact, his duck on Tuesday – his third of the year – brought his career average back below 35, midway through his 50th Test match. He increasingly looks as though he will be remembered as a player of great innings rather than a great player, and his all-or-nothing record is more that of a middle-order strokemaker than a long-term No. 3.Jamal’s catch was the culmination of a bruising couple of days for Pope, which started on the first morning when he lost an important toss. In the field, Pope then missed a diving run-out opportunity when Abdullah Shafique – one of Pakistan’s three centurions – was on 34, and could not cling onto a half-chance at point when Shan Masood had 133.Related

• Root and Brook hit big centuries to make Pakistan's 556 look inadequate

• Jeetan Patel: England's 'high-end toil' keeps them in contention in first Test

• Shan Masood's statement of intent sets out Pakistan's stall for the series

• Olly Stone to leave Pakistan tour to get married this weekend

• Crawley leads England reply after Salman hundred sets up Pakistan

If comparison is the thief of joy then Pope is doomed to a life of misery when held up against Ben Stokes, perhaps England’s best captain of the modern era. Even Stokes would have struggled to restrict Pakistan on this surface – they racked up 579 against his side on a similarly lifeless pitch at Rawalpindi two years ago – and Pope did his best to get creative.England’s seamers shifted between orthodox plans, sustained bouncer ploys and umbrella fields but struggled to find any lateral movement, while their spinners generally bowled to in-out fields after Shoaib Bashir’s expensive first spell on the first day. Pope tried almost everything, but could not bend the game in England’s favour.By the time Abrar joined Salman Agha, Pope had burned his 11th and 12th reviews of his tenure, and is still yet to enjoy his first success. He needed a quick kill and a chance to put his feet up in the dressing room, but instead watched Jamie Smith miss a simple stumping and an weary Gus Atkinson let a catch slip through his fingers at midwicket.In reality, Pope’s batting is significantly more important to England’s medium-term planning than his captaincy, which is only an interim solution. Just over a year before the start of the Ashes tour which they have been building towards, he remains the most vulnerable member of their first-choice top seven.Duckett’s injury was the last thing that Pope – or England – needed to cap off two gruelling days in the heat, compounded only by Jamal’s catch. The only relief for Pope was that Zak Crawley and Joe Root batted serenely to chip away at the daunting deficit before the close, and there is nothing in the surface to suggest that England should not bat through the third day.If they do, Pope will have the chance to reflect on two of the most challenging days of his England career. When ruling himself out through injury, Stokes said that England’s seamers would quickly learn in Multan “how hard Test cricket can be”. If the stand-in captain did not know it already, then this was a reminder to Pope of the same lesson.

Wayne Rooney scored a sackful of brilliant goals during his illustrious career and he's proven he hasn't lost any of his world-class talent, despite turning 40 a few weeks ago, after scoring a thrilling overhead kick on popular TV show A League of Their Own. Rooney famously scored an iconic bicycle kick against Manchester City in 2011 and has rolled back the years during filming of the sports-based comedy panel gameshow.

Rooney thrills the crowd with overhead stunner

Rooney thrilled the watching studio audience after receiving a pass from host, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, he controlled it with his first touch, with the second he lifted the ball above his head and then acrobatically spun backwards and fired the ball over his head and into the (empty) net from a few yards out. The audience roared their approval and Rooney was quickly joined in celebrations by Ranganathan and his team-mates on the evening, fellow ex-pro Jamie Redknapp and comedian Alex Brooker. 

AdvertisementWatch Rooney's bicycle kick brilliance

Rooney rolls back the years

Rooney’s goal on the brought back memories of another overhead kick he scored during his playing days, a stunning strike for United against rivals City. The former England striker scored 253 goals during playing days at United, but his sensational goal against City in February 2011, at Old Trafford is etched in football history as one of the Premier League's most iconic. The score was level at 1-1 in the Manchester derby when the moment of magic arrived in the 78th minute. A cross from Nani was deflected high into the air, and with his back to goal, Rooney launched himself into an acrobatic bicycle kick. The ball soared into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Joe Hart stunned. Rooney himself admitted it wasn't his best game, but his pure instinct and spectacular technique produced a goal that secured a crucial 2-1 victory for United on their way to winning the league title that season. The strike was later voted the best goal in Premier League history. 

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Getty Images SportPublic spat with Virgil van Dijk

After taking time to consider his stinging comments, Rooney has conceded he was wrong to claim Virgil van Dijk had "downed tools" after signing a new deal at Liverpool. The row had threatened to boil over as the pair clashed live on TV, but Rooney has moved to cool the disagreement and also offered Van Dijk advice on how to get the champions' faltering season back on track

Rooney, speaking on , said: "My job now is to give my opinions, and I like to think I'm straight and honest with my opinions and how I feel. The one thing where I maybe went a bit too strong is where I said he’s downed tools since he signed his new contract – that's a big thing to say, and maybe I was wrong on that. But from a performance level, from what we’ve seen from Van Dijk, I don’t think he's been at that level this season, and I said I’m sure as captain he'd be speaking to players, taking them out for food, which he said he has done. Clearly if he's felt he’s done that, if he had to do that, there’s something not right."

He added: "As champions, you can’t lose four games in a row. If you lose one game, there’s questions, and if you lose four in a row, there’s something not quite right. I think getting involved too much in the outside noise – that’s our job (as pundits), focus on your game. As a younger player, I’d be looking at Van Dijk and how he reacts to this – how is it going to help them? You have to get on with your game and speak internally."

Arsenal are now looking to get ahead in the race to sign Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong, amid widespread interest from some top Premier League clubs.

The Gunners made it nine wins on the bounce in all competitions on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of a 2-0 victory at Burnley, with their backline once again looking very strong, limiting the Clarets to an xG of just 0.41.

Goals from Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres secured all three points, with the latter bagging his first Premier League goal since September, displaying his striker’s instincts by nodding home from close range.

Mikel Arteta is very well-stocked in attacking areas on paper, although Gabriel Jesus has suffered persistent injury issues and Kai Havertz has featured just once in the Premier League this season due to a knee problem.

As such, it could make sense to bring in a new striker to compete for Gyokeres’ starting spot, and the north Londoners are now looking to sign a highly-rated young forward.

Arsenal looking to get ahead in Etta Eyong race

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now looking to get ahead in the race to sign Levante striker Etta Eyong, who is being targeted by a number of the Premier League’s top clubs, with Manchester City and Manchester United also keen.

Signing a new striker isn’t a priority for the Gunners, but the 22-year-old is of interest, and a release clause of around just €40m (£35m) means he would be an affordable option.

Ideally, however, the forward would prefer to play in La Liga, so it remains to be seen whether the interested English clubs are able to tempt him into a move.

Stan Kroenke & co clearly mean business, having set out to sign another striker, despite Arteta already having the likes of Gyokeres, Havertz and Jesus to choose from.

With Arsenal looking to compete on all fronts, however, it makes sense to have squad depth, and the Levante star could be an exciting addition, having been lauded as “powerful” by journalist Kai Watson.

The Cameroonian has certainly hit the ground running at Levante since arriving from Villarreal in the summer, scoring five goals in his opening seven games for the La Liga side, while he also has three assists to his name this season.

There are question marks over whether Etta Eyong would be a necessary signing, but he is showing very promising signs in La Liga, and £35m would be a reasonable fee.

Viktor Gyokeres named as one of the best strikers in the world The Best 15 Strikers in World Football Ranked (2025)

Who is the best number nine right now?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

David Alaba has rejoined Real Madrid group training and is expected to be in the squad for Sunday's La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, providing a major boost for Xabi Alonso. The defender returns from a calf injury that has seen him miss four games, as the club continues to cope with injuries to Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni.

• Alaba's return provides crucial defensive relief

  Madrid have received a significant defensive boost as Alaba has rejoined group training and is poised to make his return to the squad for match against Vallecano, according to a report from .

  The 33-year-old defender's return provides a timely solution for manager, whose squad has been severely depleted by injuries, particularly in defence.

  Alaba participated in the majority of group exercises during Friday's training session at Valdebebas, with the outlook for his recovery described as "very positive." The Austrian international is expected to complete Saturday's final session without issue and be named in Alonso's squad for the trip to Vallecas.

  The comeback of the experienced centre-back is a critical development for Real Madrid, who are facing an injury crisis in their backline. Alonso remains without four key players for the upcoming league fixture.

  The injury list includes starting right-back Carvajal and fellow centre-back Rudiger, whose absence has compounded Madrid's defensive woes.

  Furthermore, the club is without key defensive midfielder Tchouameni, who was the latest player to be sidelined. The Frenchman is suffering from a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg and is not expected to reappear until after the upcoming international break. His target is reportedly the match against Elche on November 23. Youngster Franco Mastantuono also remains unavailable.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Four-match absence follows calf strain

  Alaba has been sidelined for Madrid's last four matches after sustaining a strain in his right calf muscle, identified as a soleus injury. The setback occurred at the end of the first half of the club's league match against Getafe on 19 October.

  His injury, coinciding with Rudiger's spell on the treatment table, forced Alonso to field a makeshift defensive partnership. The manager has had to consolidate a centre-back pairing of Eder Militao and 20-year-old summer signing Dean Huijsen.

  This pairing was further disrupted during Alaba's absence, with Spanish international Huijsen also missing the Champions League match against Juventus, highlighting the precarious lack of depth Alonso has been navigating.

• A difficult start to the 2025-26 season

  The injury has been a frustrating interruption for Alaba, who has had a limited impact on the 2025-26 campaign. The defender, whose contract expires in 2026, has struggled for consistent fitness and game time.

  Prior to his injury, the Austrian had featured in only four matches for Madrid this season, accumulating just 145 minutes of playing time.

  His involvement has been sporadic, receiving minutes from the bench against Real Sociedad and Levante in La Liga, and making one start on the second matchday of the Champions League in Almaty.

  His return to fitness is therefore crucial not only for the team's immediate needs but also for Alaba himself as he looks to re-establish his role as a cornerstone of the Madrid defence.

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• AFP
  

  What next? Vallecas test and historic Austria call-up

  Provided he passes Saturday's final fitness test, Alaba will be in line for minutes in Sunday's La Liga encounter at Vallecas. Following the match against Rayo Vallecano, Alaba's immediate focus will shift to international duty. The defender has been called up by manager Ralf Rangnick for a potentially huge international break for Austria.

  The Austrian national team are on the verge of securing qualification for the next World Cup, an achievement they have not managed in 28 years. The country's last appearance at the tournament was in 1998 when it was held in France.

  Austria will face Cyprus on Saturday, November 15, before a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina the following Tuesday evening. Alaba's return to fitness will be a welcome sight for Rangnick, who will rely on his captain's leadership and experience as his side attempts to make history.