Tag Futebol

It's no secret that Sunderland are plagued by serious bad luck currently on the injury front in the Championship, especially in the centre-back areas with Daniel Ballard and Jenson Seelt both now unavailable.

Away from the back four being ravaged by injuries, which also has seen Niall Huggins and Dennis Cirkin sidelined for the foreseeable, there's one unfortunate casualty further up the field that has been unable to kick a ball this season ever since picking up an injury last September.

In time, Mike Dodds and Co might well have to consider one injury-stricken player's future especially when you consider his wage comes in at a higher amount than first-team regular Pierre Ekwah.

Elliot Embleton's injury troubles at Sunderland

Elliot Embleton will have grown accustomed to watching on from afar owing to recurring injury issues, but at one point, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder was a promising star coming through at the Stadium of Light.

The homegrown Black Cats product had amassed 11 goals from 90 appearances before becoming a permanent fixture in the treatment room, with two of those strikes coming just last season.

Yet, disaster would strike for the ten-time England U20 international out on loan with Paul Warne's Derby County after missing the back end of last campaign due to those same issues.

Embleton would pick up a freak injury training for his new League One side, the Rams boss stating that the 24-year-old midfielder was understandably "heartbroken" by falling victim to an initially innocuous knock that turned out to be a serious injury.

As much as it might pain Sunderland to reconsider Embleton's hefty wage whilst he continues his recovery from another long-term set-back, the unfortunate Black Cats number eight does come in as pocketing £6k-per-week which will be burning a hole in the Wearside club's pocket.

Casting an eye over the Sunderland camp and their respective wages contrasted to Embleton's handsome salary, it could be viewed as a smart move to cut ties with Embleton down the road even if that decision could look rather cut-throat from the outside looking in.

Elliot Embleton's wage compared to the Sunderland squad

The injury-prone midfielder isn't anywhere near the top earners on the Sunderland wage bill, nor is he the most costly absentee using up the Black Cats' money.

21-year-old left-back Cirkin earns £10k-per-week – £4k more than the 24-year-old's salary – despite being sidelined since last November.

Yet, when you consider Ekwah's importance to the Sunderland first-team in a midfield spot once occupied by Embleton, the amount he earns starts to look inflated.

Sunderland's top earners – 2023/24

1. Jack Clarke

£16.9k per week

2. Bradley Dack

£15k per week

3. Daniel Ballard

£15k per week

4. Patrick Roberts

£12.5k per week

5. Dennis Cirkin

£10k per week

Sourced by Capology

Rather amazingly, looking at the table above, all five of the highest earners at Sunderland are unavailable for selection owing to niggles and setbacks similar to that of Embleton's.

Away from Dodds tearing his hair out over who to select in Sunderland's coming games, Ekwah comes in at just a £3k-per-week salary even when becoming more of a dependable figure for the interim Black Cats boss to rely on in the absence of so many first-teamers.

That's half of what the forgotten Sunderland number eight earns, despite Ekwah making an appearance in some capacity in 32 of Sunderland's 38 Championship games to date.

Scoring four goals along the way too, Ekwah must feel he's been harshly treated not to have had a wage increase considering how much some of his teammates earn comparatively away from just Embleton.

If Sunderland do end up letting go of Embleton, it will be a sad severing of the ties but one that might allow them to free up the wage bill more effectively.

MatériaMais Notícias

O cantor Diogo Nogueira esteve próximo de seguir outro caminho profissional. Hoje referência no samba, o músico jogou em categorias de base até os 23 anos, antes de lesionar gravemente o joelho e abandonar a carreira no futebol. Com passagens pelas divisões inferiores de Botafogo e Fluminense, clubes rivais do seu time de coração, o Flamengo, o ex-atleta esteve perto de assinar seu primeiro contrato profissional com o Cruzeiro-RS.
+ Confira os grupos da Copa Libertadores 2021

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Atacante de origem, o sambista, ainda jovem, sofreu uma lesão no joelho que o impediu de seguir no futebol.

-Travou meu pé e eu girei em cima do joelho, estalei tudo e no estalo minha vida girou completamente – disse ao Globoesporte.com

– Tive uma grande contusão quando estava assinando meu primeiro contrato profissional com o Cruzeiro-RS. Quando voltei ao Rio para me recuperar, recebi diversos convites para participar de shows e rodas de samba – completou.

Diante do cenário desfavorável, Diogo Nogueira decidiu parar com o futebol. Assim, a presença em rodas de samba e convites para participações em shows se tornaram frequente.

– Lutei muito para ser jogador, treinos, sol, chuva, todo dia, e meus pais sempre me deram força. Era porque estava escrito que meu futuro era cantando, por que a luta para ser jogador foi grande. Mas sou feliz cantando e jogando as vezes minhas peladas de vez em quando – concluiu

Assim como seu pai, o cantor João Nogueira, a relação com o esporte e o Flamengo estiveram presentes em suas músicas. Há 40 anos, João produziu o “Samba Rubro-Negro”, em homenagem à equipe marcante com “Zico, Adílio e Adão”. Diogo também adaptou o samba para os tempos atuais cantando “Gabigol, Bruno Henrique e Arão”.

Sem sorte no futebol, a música ofereceu ao compositor uma vida de reconhecimento e muita qualidade fora de campo.

Some Australia players added the stem guard – which will likely be made mandatory by CA in the next 12 months – to their helmets mid-way through the Lord’s Test

Daniel Brettig20-Aug-2019Of the many repercussions stemming from the awful blow suffered by Steven Smith during the Lord’s Test, one of the most visible was the arrival of a stem guard on the back of the helmet of Australia’s vice-captain Travis Head.Having tried the neck guards in the wake of his team-mate Phillip Hughes’ death in November 2014, Head had then elected not to use them for comfort reasons – much as Smith had done – but between innings of the Lord’s Test sought out the team doctor Richard Saw for a neck guard to clip on for extra protection.This meant that three of the Australian batsmen in the middle on day five – Head, Tim Paine and Pat Cummins – were wearing the neck guards, reflecting a shift from optional towards the mandatory standard that Cricket Australia is expecting to introduce in the next 12 months. Undoubtedly, the sight of Smith sprawled on the Lord’s turf will be a strong encouragement for others to add it to their games before they are compelled to do so.”I didn’t usually [wear one]. I guess with the conditions in Australia you can sway out the way, the bounce is quite true,” Head said. “I think what we have seen at Lord’s with the slope there was a lot of balls following batters and going down the slope. I wore it yesterday and probably will wear it for the rest of the series I guess. The wickets are a little bit slower and you can get some that do different things, so it is not as true bounce. I guess, as you’ve seen with Steve getting hit, you can get yourself into tricky positions.”So, I think it’ll become mandatory, it is becoming mandatory next year with CA so I may as well get used to it now and then start putting them on. It is something I have played around with. I thought they were going to come in earlier so I trialled them as one of those things. They probably weren’t as comfortable [but] I didn’t really feel the difference yesterday. It is one of those things as batters, things that are working and not working and I might have worn them and missed out a couple of times and they go back into the kit. But the doc carries them around, so there’s a box to whack them on and a few blokes did.”Asked whether there was any team rule about their use, Head said stem guards were currently in the same category as arm guards: something worn by some and not others. “It is each to their own. I guess it is like me with my arm guard,” he said. “There is no reason it came up but I can save myself a broken arm if I get hit.

“We feel that the way we played at Edgbaston and most of the week this week [at Lord’s], we can compete and play some really good cricket.”Travis Head on the mood in the Australia change room

“So, again, there are a lot of guys wearing them; all of the bowlers are wearing them now, so it is the same thing: trying to protect yourself from injury. I want to play every single game I can. Anything that can help or that can stop something happening, I take it it into account. It is up to individuals.”In partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, Head was able to grind out the innings Australia required to escape Lord’s with a draw and a 1-0 Ashes series lead, but it was a match notable for testing him in numerous ways. He never looked comfortable in the first innings before being pinned lbw on the crease by Stuart Broad from around the wicket. And even in the second innings, Head might well have been out several times to Jack Leach’s left-arm spin, and was also dropped in the slips by Jason Roy with nearly 20 overs of the match still remaining.”Yeah, I didn’t start too well in the first innings,” Head said. “Credit to them, they bowled quite well. I was a little bit disappointed with the way that I got out but those are the things I am working on and haven’t [shown up] much in the last 12 months. Getting stuck on the crease now and then is disappointing, but I’ll learn from it. In the second innings it was a bit more like I was at Edgbaston and, hopefully, I can continue to produce that and be nice and positive.”I had the faith of JL [coach Justin Langer] and Painey to keep pushing the game and being positive and I think that’s the way I play best. When aiming for a draw I was still quite positive in moments when I shouldn’t have been but again, my best way to defend is sometimes to attack and sometimes it works and sometimes not. It’s about picking the right moments I think, and making sure I am doing what’s best for the team.”So it is about making sure I pick up length quickly and I am really sharp. I think the process is really good and I was able to show that with how I played [on day five].”Head reflected that the Australians were very much looking for victory when day five began, only to be frustrated into lowering their expectations by Ben Stokes’ century. “We were quite confident going into the day that we could win it,” he said. “But then Ben batted extremely well and put them into a fantastic position.”So, it was about getting out of the game and out of the day and we were able to do that. There are still a lot of positives to take from the week, which is nice. I think the mood around the group since that moment is better and better and stronger and stronger. We feel that the way we played at Edgbaston and most of the week this week, we can compete and play some really good cricket.”

It's been no secret this transfer window that Derby County have been chasing the services of Michael Smith, the Rams rumour mill dominated by constant conversation over whether or not the Sheffield Wednesday talisman will finally relocate to Paul Warne's side.

With that move looking rather dead in the water now, the Rams have been forced to look elsewhere to bolster their attacking spots – the League One automatic promotion candidates in even more need of added reinforcements up top now owing to Tyreece John-Jules' serious injury knock.

Warne hasn't gone majorly left-field when looking at other targets away from Smith, however, with the former Rotherham United boss still going after a Wednesday player in this potential incoming.

Derby going after League One promotion winner

According to the Sheffield Star, Derby are now looking at a second Owls striker in the form of Lee Gregory on a loan deal until the end of the season. It's stated talks have already taken place between the respective parties.

The report does further state that both Smith and Gregory wouldn't come to Pride Park hand-in-hand though, with the third tier side facing similar hurdles this time around to land Gregory that kept tripping the Owls up in their pursuit of Smith – financial restraints getting in their way yet again.

If Wednesday could pull off a dramatic deal for Gregory, this last-gasp transfer could well prove to be the perfect Smith alternative with the 35-year-old attacker also previously prolific in League One.

How Gregory fits into the Derby team

With Warne having to play Nathaniel Mendez-Laing in a number ten spot last match against Cheltenham Town to make up for John-Jules' absence, signing a new striker recruit in Gregory could see the Rams manager go back-to-basics with a switch to a 4-4-2 formation to slot the current Owls man in alongside James Collins.

The deal would even see Gregory return to Pride Park after a short but sweet loan stint back in 2021, bagging three goals in 11 games.

Collins and Gregory could well combine to devastating effect in a strike partnership together if the 35-year-old returns to Derby, Gregory always hitting double figures whenever he's played a full season in the third tier with five strikes from 11 games in the lottery of the League One playoffs also showcasing his deadly knack of scoring when it matters.

Michael Smith's numbers in League One (including playoffs)
Season	Games played	Goals	Assists
2022/23	38	11	5
2021/22	38	17	6
2016/17	40	18	6
2015/16	44	20	4
Stats by Transfermarkt

It's why former Millwall teammate Tom Bradshaw described the potent centre-forward as "instrumental" to his own development as a clinical goalscorer, the Lions striker at the time modelling his own game on Gregory's craft.

The 35-year-old even netted Wednesday's first goal of their somewhat topsy-turvy Championship campaign to date, the EFL veteran almost effortless in his approach to finding the back of the net.

Not being able to secure a deal for Smith would have stung, especially with Warne's close connection to the ex-Millers man, but any annoyance over that transfer falling flat would be swept to one side if the Rams could land this alternative target before the close of the window tomorrow.

West Ham United could make a move for one club's in-form young forward following his brilliant 2023/2024 campaign, according to an insider.

Moyes eyeing new forwards at West Ham

The Hammers are believed to chasing new attacking options for manager David Moyes, both out wide and in the striker position.

West Ham may approach "selfless" Premier League defender to replace Aguerd

The Moroccan could leave.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 6, 2024

As previously reported, West Ham are one of many clubs chasing Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart, with the Guinea international's tantalising £15 million release clause coming as a particularly big draw.

Technical director Tim Steidten has apparently been working on a move for Guirassy, but there are other attacking targets which co-chairman David Sullivan and the German have in mind.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is a player West Ham admire, as is Jack Clarke of Sunderland (ExWHUemployee), but another target who comes as pretty interesting is Norwich City star Jonathan Rowe.

West Ham could make a move for Rowe

Indeed, according to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, West Ham could make a move for Rowe as they keep tabs on his situation at Carrow Road.

Rowe is on a list of forward players who West Ham are watching this window, and we believe his sky-high potential could be a particularly big draw for the Hammers.

The 20-year-old has been in fine form under David Wagner this season, scoring 10 goals and assisting two others in 24 Championship appearances so far as one of the Canaries' star players.

"One player making a lot of noise is Jonathan Rowe, Norwich's 20-year-old winger has scored five goals in nine appearances and was named EFL Young Player of the Month in August," said Carlton Palmer to Football League World in October.

"His scintillating form has seen him earn a call-up to England's under-20 squad. If he can keep producing performances like he's doing then he's going to become a very hot commodity.

"He could be worth upwards of £20m, I'd definitely put him in the same category as Gnonto at Leeds United."

Rowe is a real one to watch it would seem, with Norwich boss David Wagner also praising the player's development and attitude this season.

Norwich City 2-1 Hull City

8.44

Huddersfield Town 0-4 Norwich City

7.94

Norwich City 2-0 Birmingham City

7.75

Coventry 0-0 Norwich City

7.70

Norwich City 3-1 Millwall

7.68

"He's a good character," said Wagner after Rowe was called up to England's Under-21 squad.

"He knows that he deserves the praise which he gets, but he knows as well that he had to work very hard for it and the most important thing is he knows if he only continues what he has done so far, this will not be enough for the future. He now has to have the moments where you have to invest more and he will do so. Hopefully he stays healthy. We can be very, very happy that he is in our team.

“I am very happy about the steps which he has done since. And now we have to make sure that we support him, that he stays as focused as he can, because this is the most important thing."

After conceding the initiative in the Scottish Premiership title race in their disappointing defeat against Old Firm rivals Celtic, January could prove to be a crucial month for Rangers if they are to swing the tide back in their favour. The Gers were of course unbeaten under Philippe Clement before the Celtic game and have since got back on track with a 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock.

Their derby defeat proves that they could still do with some reinforcements in the hope of bridging the gap at the top of Scotland's top flight, however, and that could see them land a surprise move to sign a Premier League winner this month.

Rangers transfer news

Rangers have already turned to one player with Premier League calibre this month, signing Fabio Silva on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and it's clear that Clement wants to focus on reinforcing his Ibrox attack this month.

It could be argued that the Gers are still yet to find a replacement for Alfredo Morelos, who left last summer. Both Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers have struggled to live up to expectations at times, opening the door to further offensive arrivals during the January transfer window.

Related Clement could ditch Roofe with Rangers swoop for £14k-p/w whiz

The Gers are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the English centre-forward.

Posts ByDan Emery Jan 9, 2024

According to The Sun, Rangers are leading the race to sign Michy Batshuayi in a "shock move". The former Chelsea striker has struggled at Fenerbahce this season and Clement has personally scheduled talks to offer him a lifeline, meaning the Gers could now "pull off a major transfer coup".

Those crucial talks are reportedly expected in the coming days, with Rangers keen to get any deal done before they fly out to their La Manga training camp this week. It remains to be seen whether Rangers can convince the Belgian over a move, especially amid interest from Everton, but the fact that his contract is set to expire this summer makes Fenerbahce simple negotiators this month.

Batshuayi would instantly be Rangers' best forward

If Rangers did secure a deal to sign Batshuayi on a short-term transfer, the Belgian would undoubtedly become their best attacking option in an instant. Sam Lammers' goal tally has reached just two all season, whilst Dessers' stats haven't exactly been impressive either, given that he's found the back of the net just six times in the Scottish Premiership.

Batshuayi's numbers meanwhile are quite impressive on limited game time – he has managed eight goals from just nine starts with several cameos in all competitions this season, which begs the question of where his tally would be as a consistent starter.

The Premier League winner earned plenty of praise during his time at Chelsea, including from Frank Lampard, who said via the club's official website: "It was interesting to see not just the player – I kind of knew the quality Michy had and it’s always good to see that up close – but also the personality,’ Lampard explained. Since early season, how he’s trained, his demeanour, his positivity, and quality when he’s come on, which is obviously the most important thing, have been top class.

"When Tammy is scoring regular goals and getting a firm foot in the team, that’s not easy. It’s the same for Oli [Giroud]. Michy has shown all the right ways of handling that. He has been very good for us so far, and that positive spirit when you’re not playing regularly is not just important for him, cause that’s tough sometimes, but it’s important for the group. He deserves extra praise for that."

أكد محمود حسن تريزيجيه، لاعب منتخب مصر، على صعوبة مواجهة الرأس الأخضر في التصفيات المؤهلة لأمم أفريقيا 2025 بالمغرب.

وتقام مواجهة منتخب مصر، أمام الرأس الأخضر، غدًا الجمعة في تمام العاشرة مساءً على ملعب استاد القاهرة، في الجولة الأولى من التصفيات المؤهلة لأمم أفريقيا.

طالع..رسميًا | موقف حسام حسن من استدعاء بديل لـ عبد المنعم وعاشور في منتخب مصر

وتحدث تريزيجيه، في المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بالمباراة قائلًا: “سبق وواجهنا منتخب الرأس الأخضر في وقت سابق ببطولة أمم إفريقيا”.

وتابع: “هم منتخب محترم وقوي جدًا ويلعبون الكرة بشكل جيد وخصم ليس سهلًا”.

وأكمل: “المباراة ستلعب على استاد القاهرة والجميع يعلم ما يمثله هذا الأمر، سنكون وسط عائلتنا وجماهيرنا”.

وشدد على أن الجهاز الفني، عمل مع اللاعبين على الخطة المقرر مواجهة الرأس الأخضر بها مضيفًا: “لا نستهدف التأهل إلى أمم أفريقيا فقط، هدفنا التتويج باللقب”.

 

The January transfer window is less than a week away from opening for business and Glasgow Rangers could dip into the market to bolster their squad.

Philippe Clement arrived at Ibrox in October and has not yet had the opportunity to make a single signing of his own since he replaced Michael Beale in the dugout.

Despite not having any of his own signings in the door, the Belgian tactician has won 13 and drawn three of his 16 competitive matches in charge and secured his first trophy – the League Cup – as the Gers boss.

It has been a terrific start to life in Scottish football and Clement could be eyeing up more pieces of silverware during the second half of the campaign; including the Scottish Premiership title.

The Gers are currently two points behind Celtic and have a game in hand over their rivals, which means that the title race is in their hands as it stands.

Rangers could bolster their chances of securing the league crown by making a statement signing next month and that could come in the form of Hearts star Lawrence Shankland.

Rangers transfer news – Lawrence Shankland

Clement has already confirmed that a new number nine is one of his priorities for the January transfer window as his options are threadbare in that department.

Kemar Roofe is currently on the sidelines and has now missed a staggering 86 competitive matches for the Gers since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

Brazilian forward Danilo is also out of action and is set to be out until around April after he suffered a knee injury that has ruled him out for four months.

This has left Cyriel Dessers as the club's only senior centre-forward option during the festive period and that is why it is important for Rangers to bring another striker to Ibrox in January.

Writing for the Daily Record, former Gers forward Kenny Miller recently urged the Scottish giants to swoop for Shankland as he could make the difference during the title run-in.

The retired marksman hailed the Scotland international's all-round play and wrote that the Hearts ace, and Aberdeen's Bojan Miovski, is better than any striker at Rangers or Celtic currently.

This comes after TEAMtalk reported over the summer that the Gers were interested in a deal to sign the SPFL star during the summer transfer window.

They claimed that Shankland was high up on Beale's list of striker targets as the English head coach was eyeing up players to replace Alfredo Morelos, who departed on a free transfer.

The Light Blues ended up signing Danilo and Dessers instead but they are now in the market to find a replacement for the former, who will be on the sidelines for the next few months, and the Hearts gem could be a dream option to come in.

Danilo's season in numbers

Beale signed the Brazilian centre-forward from Dutch side Feyenoord in the summer in a reported deal that is worth up to £6m and he endured a mixed start to the campaign.

The 24-year-old whiz failed to score or assist in any of his four appearances in the Champions League qualifiers as the Gers ended up dropping down to the Europa League.

Danilo did, however, play a significant role in the club's League Cup success as the striker produced one goal and two assists in two appearances – including two assists against Hearts in the semi-final.

The ex-Ajax prospect also racked up four goals and one assist in 12 Premiership appearances under Beale and Clement combined, despite only being handed five starts.

He was able to shake off his Champions League struggles to impress in Europe as the attacker scored one goal and provided two assists in two Europa League starts during the group stage.

In total, Danilo has started ten matches (out of 21 appearances) in all competitions for Rangers since his move to Ibrox in the summer and has plundered six goals and five assists.

These statistics show that the former Feyenoord whiz has been terrific when called upon and is a reliable attacker in terms of his contributions as both a scorer and a creator of goals at the top end of the pitch.

This highlights what the Gers will be missing over the next few months and that is why Clement must swoop to sign Shankland as a replacement for Danilo during the January transfer window.

The statistics that show why Rangers should sign Shankland

The Hearts sensation is a proven Premiership performer who could come in and hit the ground running to give the Light Blues a boost in their pursuit of the title.

He knows what it takes to score goals at that level and has showcased his quality over the past 18 months or so, which suggests that he has the quality to be an excellent signing for the club.

Shankland's SPFL career (via Transfermarkt)

League

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premiership

109

37

11

Championship

120

62

12

League One

45

34

13

League Two

33

11

Two

As you can see in the table above, Shankland has been a prolific scorer, and impressive creator, at every level of professional football in Scotland over the years.

In fact, he is currently the top scorer in the Premiership with his superb return of ten goals in 18 league matches for Hearts so far this season.

The Scotland international has only missed two 'big chances' in front of goal to reach double digits. Whereas, Dessers has spurned 11 'big chances' and only scored six goals for Rangers.

Shankland plundered 28 goals and four assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for Hearts throughout the 2022/23 campaign and is currently on 15 goals and three assists in 25 outings this term.

These statistics show that the £3k-per-week whiz, who was described as a "natural finisher" by journalist Josh Bunting, is a regular contributor with goals and assists at the top end of the pitch.

He has the quality to consistently find the back of the net in the top-flight of Scottish football without being wasteful with the chances that come his way and that is why Shankland could be a terrific signing for the Gers to replace the injured Danilo.

Paul Warne has turned things around at Derby County following a difficult start to the season. The Rams are on course to get a shot at making an appearance at Wembley at the very least, but will be well aware of just how many games are left to play in League One before they can potentially realise their dreaming of gaining a place back in the Championship.

As we approach the busy festive period, the last thing that Warne would have wanted is a number of injury blows. Yet, as we enter December, the Derby manager is set to be without one star player for an enxtended period.

Derby County injury news

The international break came at a disappointing time for Derby, who entered the break with just one loss in five games in all competitions. From Warne's perspective, his side's momentum had every chance of coming to an end without league action. Worse yet, he would have been aware of the dangers of those on international break picking up long-term injuries. And that's exactly what happened to one particular Derby star to deal the Rams a major blow ahead of an action-packed period of football.

Derby County eyeing January move to sign "incredible" new striker

The Rams are in need of reinforcements in pursuit of promotion…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 23, 2023

Warne confirmed that Conor Washington will miss the next three months after picking up ankle ligament damage, which requires surgery. Warne told BBC Radio Derby: It's a massive blow. Unfortunately he's damaged two of his three ligaments, so he is going to need an op and be out for 12 weeks after the op's taken place, and he hasn't had it yet. He's not in a good place, obviously.

"We are not going to boohoo about it – it's just disappointing. Every striker has a different attribute and Wash's is one where he could stretch the play for us and give us a different dimension. And he was starting to get, not his football mojo back, I don't mean it like that, but his form back possibly and think the fans started to see the good side of Wash, so it's a big blow."

What games will Washington miss?

Out for up to three months, Washington is likely to miss 17 of Derby's 29 remaining games in League One this season in what is clearly a real hit to their promotion chances. Washington's stats, which show that he has been involved in five goals this season in all competitions, suggest that the Rams will need to rely on the likes of James Collins for goals from here, as they look to set themselves up for play-off glory come their forward's return.

Out of the most important games. Washington will miss fixtures against the likes of Lincoln City, Oxford United, Peterborough, Stevenage and Barnsley, who are all vying for a place in the second tier. Given that Derby are just two points inside the play-off spots, too, they can ill-afford more slip-ups in the coming months.

In an ideal world, Washington will return with his side on course for promotion, giving him every opportunity to become a returning hero.

It took just two weeks of pain and suffering but Everton are now firmly outside the relegation zone once more after an emphatic 3-0 victory at home to Newcastle United on Thursday night.

In fact, the Toffees have been tremendous throughout the campaign, with a ten-point deduction back in November generating an unfair reflection of the team's position in the Premier League table. Everton have now earned more points overall than Chelsea and would be tenth in the top-flight had they not been punished.

One player who has been a rock at the back for the Merseyside club is Jarrad Branthwaite, but with rumours of the centre-back being linked elsewhere, Everton are said to be looking around for a new central defender.

Everton transfer news – Jake O'Brien

According to a recent report from Foot Mercato, Everton are keeping tabs on Lyon centre-back Jake O'Brien ahead of the January transfer window.

The French outfit are in free-fall at the moment and currently sit rock bottom of Ligue, despite reaching a Champions League semi-final merely three years ago.

The Irish defender moved to Les Gones during the summer for around £850k, having previously played for his boyhood club Cork City before joining Crystal Palace.

With the Eagles, O'Brien was sent out on loan to Swindon Town and eventually Belgian side RWD Molenbeek before making the switch to the Groupama Stadium, having failed to make a single competitive appearance for Palace at Selhurst Park.

Incidentally, O'Brien is Lyon's joint-top goalscorer with three goals, alongside former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, having scored 27% of the team's goals which is incredible for a centre-back. Additionally, O'Brien has ranked quite high statistically when compared to all other central defenders from Europe's top-five leagues.

Per 90 Metric

Percentile Ranking in Men's Big Five leagues

Non-Penalty Goals

99

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

99

Passes Completed

76

Pass Completion %

88

Short Passing Completion %

87

Long Pass Completion %

92

Aerial Duels Won %

96

Ball Recoveries

87

23/24 Stats via FBref

Jake O'Brien's stats this season

O'Brien could be the perfect replacement for Branthwaite at Goodison Park as the latter is currently being touted with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the January transfer window as Erik ten Hag looks to shore up his leaky Manchester United defence.

The rumoured pursuit of O'Brien has similar connotations to the deal which saw Branthwaite move to Merseyside back in 2020 for a mere £1m from then-League Two outfit Carlisle United.

Everton have since bumped up their asking price for the 21-year-old to £25m. Like Branthwaite, O'Brien also has experience in the English lower leagues, having made 21 appearances for Swindon, and could be available for an incredibly cheap amount, especially with Lyon sitting bottom of France's top flight.

The Irishman is said to be worth £4m, according to the CIES Football Observatory.

Furthermore, even if Branthwaite was to remain with Everton, O'Brien could provide depth and quality on Sean Dyche's bench, particularly with Ben Godfrey being linked with a move elsewhere this winter. The ex-Norwich City defender has played merely 91 minutes all season under Dyche and O'Brien has outperformed him in almost every metric so far, based off of Godfrey's stats last season.

Goals

0.38

0

Expected Goals

0.25

0.14

Progressive Passes

3

2.13

Passes To Final 1/3

3

2.7

Passes To Penalty Area

0.13

0.11

Pass Completion

90.5

64.8

Aerial Duels Won %

73.9

46.9

Touches

69.3

43.9

Tackles

0.5

2.25

Tackles Won

0.5

1.41

Interceptions

0.38

0.91

Stats via FBref

Godfrey has been making more tackles than O'Brien, although the latter has a higher success rate. However, apart from interceptions, the Lyon star trumps the Everton defender.

If Godfrey leaves this January, Dyche should look no further than O'Brien to be an upgrade on him due to his superior defensive and in-possession capabilities across the board to repeat the club's Branthwaite masterclass.