West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo oversaw a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Everton during his debut game in the Hammers dugout, and he’s now being told that there’s another world-class player in his new squad to rival Jarrod Bowen.

West Ham set for change under new boss Nuno Espírito Santo

Chairman David Sullivan followed the advice of fellow boardroom member Karren Brady, who was a big supporter of Nuno, and appointed the Portuguese on a three-year contract immediately after sacking Graham Potter last Saturday.

Potter was a popular figure among senior members of the West Ham squad and had significant backing behind-the-scenes, according to credible reports.

However, a string of poor results, not to mention the club’s second-worst win percentage of the Premier League era behind Avram Grant, forced Sullivan and co to pull the trigger.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

Nuno wasted no time stepping into Potter’s shoes, with Tottenham’s former boss overseeing first-team training at Rush Green the very same day that Potter was sacked, as he prepared his team for a looming trip to Merseyside.

The tactician noticeably omitted midfielder James Ward-Prowse from his first ever West Ham matchday squad – a player he didn’t fancy at Nottingham Forest either – and it’s since been reported that the 30-year-old is resigned to leaving in January (GiveMeSport).

Ward-Prowse has already been told that he has no future at West Ham under Nuno, with the ex-Al-Ittihad coach wasting no time in stamping his authority on the team amid reports that Sullivan is also ready to back him in January.

There are suggestions that West Ham are prepared to bid up to £43m for AC Milan star Christian Pulisic, though it is highly debatable that the USA international would leave a potential Serie A title challenge midway through the campaign.

In any case, the squad is going to look slightly different under West Ham’s new manager.

That being said, alongside the obviously undroppable Bowen, summer signing El Hadji Malick Diouf is already making quite an impression.

West Ham told El Hadji Malick Diouf might be the best left-back in the world

The 20-year-old, who joined West Ham in July for around £19 million from Slavia Prague, is already looking like an absolute bargain.

Malick Diouf’s marauding pace down the left-hand side has already wreaked havoc at times, with the Senegal international bursting past two Everton players before putting in a delightful cross in the build up to Bowen’s equaliser at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.

The defender undoubtedly sent a message to Nuno with that moment of sheer quality, and members of the media are convinced that he could be something special.

YouTuber and football content creator ‘CaniSports’ told West Ham they might have the best left-back in world football, while Sky presenter Joe Thomlinson has already called Diouf “one of the finds of the season”.

Elsewhere, presenter Jamie Boyce branded the African a “special” player amidst a tongue-in-cheek verdict that Diouf could be one of the best players to ever wear Claret and Blue.

Meanwhile, journalist Muhammad Butt has already called Diouf “massively superior” to Man United’s Patrick Dorgu, hailing West Ham’s often criticised recruitment team in the process.

It is still very early days, and a lot of these verdicts may be deemed excitable to say the least.

However, what is clear is that Diouf has stood far above West Ham’s newest recruits so far, and Nuno will be hoping that is set to continue.

Chelsea are now firmly in the race to sign an England international also wanted by Barcelona, who has been described as “one of the best” in Europe.

Blues miss opportunity to go top of the table

The Blues squandered their chance to go top of the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon, with Fabio Carvalho bagging a stoppage-time equaliser for Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, to ensure the spoils were shared in a 2-2 draw.

Enzo Maresca was forced into making three half-time substitutions, given that a number of players are yet to reach full match fitness, including Wesley Fofana, who made his first Premier League start of the season.

Maresca is a little light on options in defence, having not brought in a replacement for Levi Colwill during the summer transfer window, with the Englishman set for a lengthy spell on the treatment table due to an ACL injury.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, however, signing a new centre-back is on the to-do list, with Chelsea now firmly back in the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who nearly joined Liverpool in a £35m deal on deadline day.

Speaking about the west Londoners’ interest, Bailey said: “Chelsea know all about Guehi, but this summer they opted not to bring in a new central defender, even after Levi Colwill’s injury. However, the chance to add a homegrown star, currently one of the best in Europe – it is just not logical for them not to be involved.

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“Chelsea know Guehi’s character, he is a fantastic person and everyone who meets him relays that fact – I was told by one high ranking Premier League executive that signing him is one of the ‘least risky’ transfers that anyone could do.

There could be fierce competition for the defender’s signature, however, with Liverpool still thought to be in pole position, while the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also named as potential suitors.

Guehi could be upgrade on Colwill

There are indications the Palace captain could be an upgrade on Colwill, given that he is far more established at international level, having picked up 25 caps for England, compared to just five for the Chelsea defender.

Not only that, but the 25-year-old has outperformed Colwill across a number of key defensive metrics over the past year, while also proving himself as more of an attacking threat.

Average per 90	Levi Colwill	Marc Guehi
Non-penalty goals	0.06	0.11
Tackles	1.38	1.80
Blocks	1.03	1.46
Clearances	3.31	4.63

Guehi could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, and should they qualify for the Champions League once again, moving to Stamford Bridge is likely to be an attractive proposition next summer.

Rohit Sharma confirmed that he would continue to play ODI cricket, where he is India’s captain

ESPNcricinfo staff07-May-20252:16

Kumble: Straight from the heart, that’s Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has retired from Test cricket with immediate effect, meaning India will need to name a new full-time captain almost immediately after the end of IPL 2025, with India’s five-Test series in England scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley.”Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit, who had retired from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup last year with him as captain, said in a post on social media on Wednesday evening.Rohit retires with 4301 runs in 67 Test matches, averaging 40.57 despite the poor recent run. He scored 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries over the years, with a best of 212, against South Africa in Ranchi in October 2019.Related

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Roger Binny, the former India allrounder and current BCCI president, paid tribute to Rohit.”Mr Rohit Sharma’s impact on Indian cricket transcends records and statistics,” Binny said in a statement. “He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team – both as a player and as a captain. His ability to stay composed under pressure and to consistently put the team’s needs above his own made him a truly special player and leader. Indian cricket has been fortunate to have a figure like Rohit – someone who upheld the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship. He leaves behind not just a remarkable playing record, but a culture of discipline and selflessness that will inspire future generations.”ESPNcricinfo LtdAs recently as Tuesday, Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach across the three international formats, had said in response to a question on the future of senior pros Rohit and Virat Kohli that “Till the time they are performing, they should be a part of the team. When you start and when you end is your individual decision. No coach, no selector, no BCCI can tell you when you should call it quits. If you perform, then why 40, you can jolly well play till 45, who’s stopping you?”Rohit’s decision comes after poor home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand late last year and then a horror tour of Australia across December 2024 and January 2025, where he crossed 50 just once and averaged 10.93 from eight Test matches. India won both the Tests against Bangladesh, but were swept 3-0 by New Zealand under Rohit’s captaincy, and then lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia 3-1.Rohit missed the first and last Tests on that tour of Australia, the first to be at home in India for the birth of his child, and the last, in Sydney, where he “stood down”. At the time, he had stressed that it was just that, a reaction to his poor batting form, not a “retirement decision”, and that he was not “going to take myself out of the game”. Jasprit Bumrah is currently India’s designated vice-captain and led in the first and last Tests in Australia in Rohit’s absence.Speaking to ” during the Test match, Rohit had said, “I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won’t come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day.”I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time I have to be realistic as well. So life won’t change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say. They can’t decide when we should retire, when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, mature man, father of two kids. So I know what I need in life.”5:13

Kumble on Rohit’s Test retirement: ‘You know when it’s time and you don’t regret it’

Immediately after returning from Australia, Rohit played a one-off match for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in January after the selectors in coordination with BCCI made it mandatory for contracted players to feature in domestic cricket. Rohit’s batting woes continued as he made 3 and 28 against Jammu & Kashmir.While the selectors decided to keep him as India’s captain for the Champions Trophy, Rohit was aware success in the ICC event wouldn’t guarantee his spot in the Test format. And, so, despite his leading India to the title in March, Rohit decided to bring the curtains down on his Test career.The development comes with little over a month to go for the start of India’s five-Test tour of England on June 20. The selectors are expected to finalise the Test squad in the coming weeks, but with Rohit retiring, the biggest question for the Ajit Agarkar-led panel would be naming the next Test captain.Bumrah is an option but putting that responsibility on a fast bowler, particularly one who has just returned from injury might not be easy. He shouldered a heavy workload during the Australia tour and was diagnosed with a stress reaction on his lower back, resulting in his being unable to bowl in the second innings of the final Test in Sydney. Bumrah missed the Champions Trophy thereafter and only resumed playing since April in the IPL where he represents Mumbai Indians.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are heavy favorites to win the NL West again after winning the division 10 of the last 11 seasons.

Los Angeles Dodgers -450
Arizona Diamondbacks +800
San Francisco Giants +1200
San Diego Padres +1200
Colorado Rockies +20000

The Dodgers spent more than $1 billion in free agency, which includes the addition of AL MVP Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar will not pitch this season due to offseason elbow surgery, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day as the team’s DH. The Dodgers also inked Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year deal. Tyler Glasnow and James Paxton will also join the starting rotation.

Only the Braves scored more runs than the Dodgers in 2023, and the heart of the Los Angeles lineup returns with Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith rounding out the top of the order for L.A. Los Angeles racked triple-digit wins in 2023 and finished 16 games ahead of the Diamondbacks.

Despite winning the NL pennant via a wild card berth in 2023, the Diamondbacks are just 8-to-1 to win the division. With much of the team returning, it could be worth a sprinkle.

NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll is establishing himself as an elite power/speed threat in Arizona. With the addition of starter Eduardo Rodriguez in the offseason and one of the top closers in the game, the Diamondbacks should be competitive again. Those who backed Arizona last season did not make a profit for their divisional futures, but those who bet Arizona for the pennant were paid more than 125 times their investment.

The Giants and the Padres share +1200 odds.

San Francisco is the only team with a division title other than the Dodgers in the last 11 seasons. They last won the division in 2021 and did not finish with a winning record last season.

The Padres will be without NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell and superstar hitter Juan Soto, but they still have Fernando Tatis, Jr., arguably one of the most talented players in the game. Joe Musgrove will anchor the starting rotation.

Finally, the Rockies have the longest odds at +20000 after winning only 59 games in 2023 and finishing 41 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers. 

The Braves Are Heavy Favorites to Repeat As NL East ChampsThe Cubs Are NL Central Favorites After Re-Signing Cody Bellinger

Paris Saint-Germain were dealt a lethal blow on Wednesday evening during a Ligue 1 encounter against Lorient, as star attacker Desire Doue suffered an injury. The youngster had to be stretchered off in tears and new reports suggest the former Rennes prodigy will be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, deepening the crisis at Parc des Princes amid a mounting injury list.

• Doue injury piles on to PSG's misery

  PSG turned in a lacklustre display against Lorient on Wednesday, missing the chance to extend their slim lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table, which now stands at just one point. Despite dominating possession with 79 per cent of the ball and largely keeping the hosts pinned back, Luis Enrique’s side had to settle for a frustrating draw – and their evening was further exacerbated with an injury to star forward Doue.

  Around the hour mark, as he prepared to be substituted, Doue suddenly collapsed on the touchline after delivering a final cross, clutching his right thigh in visible pain. His anguished expression and muffled cry immediately prompted concern, with medical staff rushing to his aid amid fears of a serious setback. For a player who had only recently returned from a muscle injury, this latest misfortune struck like a bolt from the blue. 

  The medics rushed him off the pitch on a stretcher, implying that the 20-year-old will be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. reported that Doue left the Stade du Moustoir on crutches – a heartbreaking setback for the young attacker, who picked up a calf injury during international duty with France in September. After the match, a downcast Enrique appeared visibly affected by the blow to his player.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Forward facing a long absence ahead

  According to initial reports, PSG could be dealt a huge blow as Doue is facing a serious injury. The daily newspaper reports a tear, the most severe type of muscle injury. This means several weeks away from the pitch. And with the Champions League stretching until mid-December, Doue's hopes of returning to European competition this year are already fading. The coaching staff will not take any risks. Repeated muscle problems call for caution and patience, especially for such a promising player. Les Parisiens' attack loses a player capable of bringing impact, freshness and solutions to an already busy schedule.

  "I don't know, I'm not the doctor, but it's not good news. I didn't see the images, it was on the other side of the pitch." Enrique told reporters after the game, unable to hide his concern and disappointment. "It's always bad news when there are injuries. It's a strange injury; I don't know exactly his condition. I hope it's not a serious injury."

• PSG concerned about Doue's injury woes

  The young French international still has physical reserves to build up, but PSG are concerned about this string of setbacks. In September, Doue had already missed four weeks after suffering a right calf injury while playing for Les Bleus against Ukraine. He returned on October 17 against Strasbourg. Less than a fortnight later, he has been sidelined once again.

  Two consecutive setbacks to the same leg are raising questions. PSG will have to monitor the player closely, strengthen his muscle preparation and protect his future. The club has high hopes for him, especially with 2026 approaching and its big goals, including the race for the Ligue 1 title and the ambition to retain the Champions League. Not to mention the World Cup in the United States, which awaits him at the end of next season.

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• AFP
  

  PSG hoping Doue can be back to his best in 2026

  This injury complicates Luis Enrique's plans. Already facing absences in attack, the manager must now cope without Doue for more than a month. The team loses variety and depth on the wings, while matches follow one another at a frenetic pace.

  Despite everything, the Champions League holders are used to overcoming this type of challenge. The coaching staff is counting on the depth of the squad and the rise of other young players. But this injury also serves as a reminder of a simple truth that is sometimes forgotten in the euphoria of great victories. The bodies of these young talents are forged in adversity and are not immune to human limitations.

  Doue will now have to rebuild himself, regain his confidence and come back even stronger. His absence will be felt, but the club believes in him. The goal now is to see him back at his best for the coming year, when PSG will once again be aiming for the top. The evening in Lorient was supposed to be uneventful. It ended up being a turning point, and PSG hope that this setback will not dampen the momentum of a player who is destined for a bright future.

Whilst there’s no doubt that Pep Guardiola the manager will go down as one of the greatest to ever step foot inside the technical area, it’s still worth noting down just how impressive Guardiola the midfielder was.

The Spaniard ended his playing career with one Champions League to his name, six Spanish titles, an Olympic gold medal and plenty more in an incredible career which largely featured success with Barcelona. It’s a credit to his managerial work that his time on the pitch is often placed second in his long list of achievements.

Not everyone has forgotten the player before the manager, however, and the late great Johan Cruyff previously took the time to praise both versions of Guardiola.

The former Barcelona star also featured in one of the most star-studded eras in football history. He shared a dressing room with Ronald Koeman, Ronaldo Nazário and Romario, whilst squaring off against the likes of Raul and Roberto Carlos.

One player he didn’t have the pleasure of meeting on the pitch or in the dressing room, however, is Wayne Rooney. Instead, Guardiola was forced to appreciate the Manchester United legend from the technical area at both Manchester City and Barcelona, which only peaked his appreciation for the former England star.

The Man City boss even went as far as describing Rooney as “one of the best” that he has seen in his career back in 2014. Yet, as impressed as he so often was by one of the Premier League’s greats, Guardiola also previously claimed that Rooney’s England teammate was, in fact, far harder to play against.

Guardiola reveals why Crouch was harder to play against than Rooney

It almost somehow feels absolutely right that Guardiola would have a special appreciation for a player like Peter Crouch. Whilst often underrated by many, Crouch can now say that he once had the full attention of arguably the greatest manager of all time.

The Man City boss wrote a series of columns about the 2006 World Cup and took the opportunity to reveal why Crouch is tougher to play against than the legendary Rooney.

In just a small insight into the mind of Guardiola even before he became the manager that he is today, Crouch received some of the highest praise of his career.

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Alas, it is certainly praise that he deserves. The former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker ended his time on the pitch with a total of 108 top flight goals and remains one of the most technical tall strikers that the Premier League has seen, also racking up 22 strikes for England in just 42 caps.

Newcastle United have a big one this weekend, with title-chasing Arsenal coming to St. James’ Park in search of three points in the Premier League.

Perhaps boasting the two meanest backlines in English football, Arsenal and Newcastle typically play out hard-fought encounters, but the Magpies have shown themselves to have a strong advantage when on Tyneside, and Eddie Howe will hope to apply that once again on Sunday,

24/25

Carabao Cup

2-0 win

24/25

Premier League

1-0 win

23/24

Premier League

1-0 win

22/23

Premier League

2-0 loss

21/22

Premier League

2-0 win

Newcastle have kept four clean sheets from five Premier League fixtures so far this term, but have also struggled for their attacking sparkle.

It’s been a testing start to the season for homegrown star Lewis Miley. The 19-year-old brims with potential but was harshly criticised after the Cherries stalemate, and the manager may want to take him out of the firing line.

Why Howe should drop Lewis Miley

Howe said that the incendiary remarks, few though they were, were “totally unjustified” after Newcastle played out a drab goalless draw on the south coast.

Described as a “really good young player” by his teammate Joelinton, who rebuilt himself at Newcastle after a tough start of his own, Miley’s natural eye for a pass and his high work rate suggest he could be a real force for the Toon in the years to come.

But Howe needs to manage his rising prospect, for sure. Bruno Guimaraes is bound to return to the starting line-up against the Gunners, and Howe is likely to revert to his more compressed and accomplished three-man midfield.

Miley, let’s not forget, is a teenager and an academy star. He has a big future on Tyneside, but Joe Willock, who has also flattered to deceive this term, faces a steep fight for his future under Howe’s wing.

Newcastle's "disappointing" star has lost his place

Guimaraes missed out as Newcastle drew 0-0 with Bournemouth last weekend, ending his 67-match run of starts in the Premier League.

He returned in midweek and will be ready to influence from the outset once again as Arsenal look to chase Liverpool following the first-placed Reds’ defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

Howe has various combinations he can tinker with in the engine room, but it’s certain that unleashing Willock from the start must not be among them. The versatile midfielder flattered to deceive when awarded a start in Guimaraes’ place last weekend,

Having been branded as “disappointing” a year ago by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Willock’s innate ability on the ball and his progressive athleticism have never been up for debate, but injuries have been his enemy on Tyneside of late, and he’s now blown a golden opportunity to lay down his marker and take a starting spot.

Branded with a 4/10 match rating by the Chronicle Live during that clash against Bournemouth on the south coast, ‘unable to make any sort of impact’.

Newcastle have their tried-and-tested midfield trident, and they should start against Arsenal. Miley deserves another shot to make a positive impression off the bench, but Willock’s days at the club appear to be numbered at this stage.

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While his performances left a lot to be desired last season, Martin Odegaard is likely to remain Arsenal’s captain for some time to come.

The Norwegian international was made the Gunners’ permanent captain by Mikel Arteta in the summer of 2022.

Able to score goals, control the tempo of games, and create chances for his teammates, the former Real Madrid wonderkid was starting to get back to his best before his latest injury and will undoubtedly be a big miss for the next month.

However, while it seems unlikely that he will lose the armband anytime soon, there are several players in the squad who could succeed him, including one young talent in particular.

Arsenal's captains in waiting

The excellent news for Arteta is that currently, his squad is full to bursting with international superstars who’d be more than capable of taking the captain’s armband if Odegaard were to relinquish it or leave the club.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

One option that would go down brilliantly with the Emirates faithful is Bukayo Saka, as not only is he truly one of their own, but he’s already worn it on multiple occasions.

Moreover, the Hale Ender is without a doubt the most talented attacker in the side and someone who clearly has the mental fortitude for that sort of pressure.

At the other end of the pitch, both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães could be excellent options.

The Frenchman is widely considered one of the most cultured defenders in the league, and with a new five-year deal signed, his commitment to the project is unquestionable.

Likewise, his Brazilian partner is a player who’d run through walls for the team, someone in the mould of Tony Adams who can get the crowd on their feet with a crunching tackle or a thundering headed goal from a corner.

Moreover, while Arsenal have been labelled pushovers and meek in the past, Saliba and Gabriel are anything but, and two of the reasons why the North Londoners are seen as so physical these days.

Finally, the name most fans would probably put forward as an immediate successor to Odegaard is Declan Rice.

The all-action midfielder wore the armband for West Ham United, and has now done the same for England and is simply one of the most reliable performers in the team.

On top of that, he’s vocal on the pitch, clearly passionate and embodies what many view as an old-school captain.

However, while all of these players could become Arsenal’s captain in the future, there is another, younger star who could be the one to take the armband off Odegaard when he’s ready to give it up.

Arsenal's future captain

One of the big positives for Arsenal last season was the emergence and development of young talents, such as Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Hale Ender made his debut for the team against Manchester City in September, was a core member of the starting lineup by the end of the campaign, and, while it might sound extreme, is someone who could take the armband from Odegaard in the future.

In fact, according to club insider Hand of Arsenal, the teenager is very much seen as a “future captain” thanks largely to him already having the “mentality of a seasoned veteran.”

Whether or not you agree that he could become the team’s leader, it’s impossible to deny that the Islington-born gem is already playing well beyond his years.

For example, he ended last season having made 39 first-team appearances, 26 of which were starts, with two of those coming in wins at home and away against Real Madrid.

Appearances

39

Starts

26

Minutes

2306′

Goals

1

Assists

2

Points per Game

1.95

Moreover, he opened his account for the Gunners with a sensational strike against City, and then, while he received plenty of criticism for it, showed an incredible level of confidence by mocking Erling Haaland with his celebration.

As if that wasn’t enough, he then scored on his debut for England, and now has six senior caps to his name, and stands a real chance of making it to next year’s World Cup.

Ultimately, it is still very early in his career, but Lewis-Skelly is an extremely talented player and has already shown that he has the attitude to make it to the very top.

Therefore, there is every chance he could be the one to replace Odegaard as Arsenal’s captain at some point in the future.

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Manchester City are not what they were, but they are still good enough to challenge for the Premier League title this season.

No side have scored more goals in the top flight so far than Pep Guardiola’s lot (15), and they sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal.

This is a young and developing side, but City have one of the strongest spines in Europe, with Erling Haaland well beyond scoring goals for fun and Gianluigi Donnarumma bringing a new brand of shot-stopping between the sticks.

However, the linchpin in the middle, Rodri, has suffered injury complications this year after missing the bulk of the 2024/25 campaign due to injury

The latest on Rodri's fitness

Rodri is one of the best footballers in the world, and he has been the glue at the heart of Guardiola’s genius for so many years.

It was no coincidence that the wheels came off with the Spanish star sidelined last year, and Guardiola grudgingly confirmed he would be unavailable this weekend, City hosting Everton in the Premier League, and perhaps for a while longer.

The 29-year-old confirmed he felt something in his hamstring during the narrow win at Brentford before the international break, lasting only 22 minutes at the Gtech.

With Nico Gonzalez yet to click into gear after joining the Citizens from Porto for £50m in February, Guardiola will need to come up with a solution.

He will, of course, but this frustrating fitness saga draws us back to a time when the club parted with a young holding midfielder who could have been the perfect understudy.

Pep already sold Man City's Rodri replacement

Manchester City have one of the most efficient and respected youth academies in the world, with so many young prospects spending time cutting their teeth with the Elite Squad.

And among those to have parted with the Mancunians before earning a shot in Guardiola’s senior set-up was Douglas Luiz, who joined Aston Villa for £15m in 2019. The Brazil international was a monstrous presence in the Midlands, instrumental in Villa’s rise to European competition.

Now 27, Luiz left the Premier League for Juventus and returned after two years this summer, signing for Nottingham Forest.

Impressive on the ball, combative and a leader of men, the robust midfielder has the complete package, and that’s something that has set Rodri apart over the years.

Luiz has struggled for form and indeed minutes at the City Ground this season, but he has proven his ability to stand out in the Premier League before, and was certainly playing at a level suitable for a squad like City.

It’s within his ability, with the Brazilian even being described as being “better” than Declan Rice during those final days with Aston Villa by former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant.

This might seem somewhat ridiculous now, but Luiz really has hit the highest level of performance in the Premier League before, and that’s without having been inculcated into Guardiola’s tactical sphere.

Declan Rice vs Douglas Luiz: 2023/24 PL season

Stat (per 90)

Rice

Luiz

Goals

0.15

0.31

Assists

0.05

0.15

Shots

1.39

1.70

Pass Success

91%

85%

Key Passes

0.77

1.49

Progressive Passes

9.48

5.67

Shot-creating Actions

2.06

3.81

Tackles Won

1.24

1.29

Successful take-ons

0.67

0.77

Progressive Carries

1.96

1.96

Aerial duel win %

39%

57%

Stats via FBref

Just imagine the partnership that could have been forged.

Of course, Rodri’s brilliance has eased any need for an elite number six across most of the Ballon d’Or-winning Spaniard’s career in England, but now, with the world-class superstar struggling, a player like Luiz could have been a difference-maker over the past 12 months.

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Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 16, 2025

Jude Bellingham could face a potential ban after being caught making an X-rated gesture during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico. The English midfielder was the match-winner at the Bernabeu, but his celebration has once again sparked controversy after cameras appeared to capture him repeating the same gesture that landed him in trouble at Euro 2024.

Bellingham makes lewd gesture after winning Clasico for Real Madrid

Bellingham played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, contributing both a goal and an assist in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season in La Liga. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Madrid, only for Fermin Lopez to level for Barcelona before Bellingham struck just before half-time to restore Los Blancos’ lead — one that ultimately proved decisive.

However, celebrations took an unexpected turn when the England international was caught on camera making a lewd gesture, pointing toward his crotch while sticking out his tongue in front of supporters. The incident quickly spread across social media, drawing comparisons to the same gesture Bellingham made at Euro 2024 after scoring for England against Slovakia, for which UEFA issued him a £25,000 fine and a suspended one-match ban.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportReal Madrid and Barcelona players clash in heated Clasico

The gesture has once again placed Bellingham in an uncomfortable spotlight, overshadowing an otherwise stellar performance that helped Real Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points. The match itself was a heated affair, with tempers flaring late on as Andriy Lunin was sent off in stoppage time amid a scuffle involving multiple players. La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are expected to review the footage to determine whether Bellingham’s actions warrant disciplinary action, though a decision may depend on how seriously the governing bodies interpret his intent.

If sanctioned, Bellingham could face a fine or even a short suspension, a setback that Real Madrid can ill afford as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures. Head coach Xabi Alonso, who has praised the midfielder’s resurgence since the international break, will be keen to keep one of his most influential players available. Speaking after the match, Alonso said: “He’s had three very good games. We knew before the last break that he needed time and minutes to get going, and he’s done better than we expected. Jude is all about feeling, communicating, and connecting. That’s why he’s had some very good games.”

Bale got away with a similar gesture in 2019

This is not the first time a Real Madrid player has become embroiled in controversy for a similar act. Back in 2019, Gareth Bale made the infamous “corte de mangas” gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans — a motion considered deeply offensive in Spain — yet he escaped punishment from the authorities. That precedent could provide some comfort to Bellingham, who will hope that the Spanish FA takes a lenient view. The midfielder’s previous incident at Euro 2024, however, may not work in his favour, even though UEFA’s jurisdiction does not extend to La Liga matches.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick landed himself in hot water last week after being shown a second yellow card for making a gesture during a win over Girona. Flick also picked up a one-match ban and was suspended from the touchline for El Clasico. All eyes will now be trained on whether La Liga manage to clamp down on Bellingham’s X-rated gesture with similar vigour, while a lack of action could very well reiterate a dig made by Lamine Yamal before the Clasico, a sentiment shared heavily by fans of other La Liga teams through the last few seasons.

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AFPCould Bellingham be banned for Valencia clash?

Bellingham will now await any formal word from the league authorities regarding potential punishment, but as of now, no official statement has been released. If history is any indicator, a review process could take several days, with Real Madrid’s legal team likely to argue that the gesture was made in jest or misinterpreted by cameras. Even if he avoids a ban, the incident is likely to be discussed heavily in the Spanish media over the coming days, reigniting debates that have raged in the last few weeks.

In the meantime, the 22-year-old remains focused on maintaining his fine form for Madrid, who are entering a critical phase of the season. After being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad, Bellingham will hope that his club displays — rather than his on-field antics — become the talking point ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Albania.