There have been 120 World Series before this one, and while those Series have included pinch-hit home runs (Kirk Gibson!) and grand slams (Freddie Freeman!), the Fall Classic had never seen a home run that met both criteria.
Until Friday.
In the bottom of the sixth inning Friday night, the Blue Jays' Addison Barger stepped to the plate to hit for left fielder Davis Schneider. On a 2-1 pitch from Emmett Sheehan, Barger parked an 84 mph slider over the center field fence to give Toronto a 9–2 lead over the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series.
Barger's swing was, remarkably, the first pinch-hit grand slam in the 122-year history of the competition. It served as the centerpiece of a nine-run inning that blew open a tie game.
The 25-year-old Bellevue, Wash., native owns 28 home runs in his two-year career. None has been a grand slam.
The postseason is a different animal, however, and on Friday Barger—a .286 hitter in the postseason entering Friday—gave Blue Jays fans a moment they'll never forget.
كشفت تقارير إعلامية اليوم الإثنين، عن وجود تطورات جديدة بشأن وضع محمد صلاح، نجم نادي ليفربول، والذي يعيش أوقاتًا عصيبة مع الريدز هذا الموسم.
محمد صلاح خرج عن صمته يوم السبت الماضي عقب نهاية مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وهاجم مدرب الريدز، آرني سلوت، موضحًا أن العلاقة قد انتهت تمامًا معه.
وتواجد محمد صلاح على دكة بدلاء ليفربول خلال مباراة ليدز يونايتد، إلى جانب مباراة سندرلاند ووست هام يونايتد بشكل متتالي، مما أشعل غضب الدولي المصري.
واتهم محمد صلاح إدارة ليفربول بعدم تنفيذ الوعود المقدمة له، في حين ذكر ابن الـ33 عامًا أن هناك شخصاً ما لا يريده أن يستمر مع النادي الإنجليزي.
اقرأ أيضًا .. سكاي سبورتس تكشف تطورات جديدة بشأن مصير مشاركة محمد صلاح أمام إنتر وفي سياق متصل، ذكر فابريس هوكينز، الصحفي الشهير، أن محمد صلاح لن يشارك في مباراة ليفربول أمام إنتر ميلان يوم غدًا الثلاثاء في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
وأشار هوكينز عبر حسابه الرسمي في تويتر، إلى أن محمد صلاح سوف يتم استبعاده من قائمة ليفربول التي سوف تصل إلى إيطاليا اليوم الإثنين، من أجل مواجهة إنتر ميلان على ملعب جويزبي مياتزا، وذلك بقرار من سلوت.
ومن المحتمل أن يقوم ليفربول بعرض محمد صلاح للبيع خلال فترة الميركاتو الشتوي المقبل، وسط اهتمام أندية الدوري السعودي والدوري الأمريكي كذلك بالتعاقد معه.
Em sua primeira experiência como técnico, o ex-atacante Fred está comandando o sub-17 do Fortaleza. O Leão enfrentará o Vila Nova nesta quarta-feira (10), às 10h (de Brasília), valendo pelas quartas de final da Supercopa Capital da categoria.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFortalezaImprensa argentina reage ao rebaixamento do Fortaleza de PalermoFortaleza08/12/2025FortalezaApós cirurgia, Brítez lamenta rebaixamento do FortalezaFortaleza09/12/2025FortalezaRebaixamento interrompe marca histórica do Fortaleza na Série AFortaleza09/12/2025
➡️ Tudo sobre o Leão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fortaleza
O treinador falou a respeito do início de trajetória no Leão e das expectativas para o confronto decisivo. Nas oitavas, a equipe eliminou o Athletico-PR com uma vitória por 2 a 0.
— Tem sido dias intensos de muito trabalho. Jogamos a cada dois dias e, quando não temos jogo, procuramos trabalhar com os meninos, seja em treino, recuperação ou analisando em vídeo, o que precisamos melhorar para a próxima partida. Continuamos invictos, vencendo grandes equipes e firmes na busca do nosso objetivo – relatou.
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➡️ Após cirurgia, Brítez lamenta rebaixamento do Fortaleza
— É uma experiência nova. Tenho uma visão das categorias de base como jogador e agora estou vivenciando o mesmo processo como treinador. São jovens atletas que buscam alcançar o sonho de chegarem ao profissional e temos que ter esse olhar com atenção para todos – disse o ex-atacante.
— Vamos enfrentar a equipe do Vila Nova nas quartas de final, uma equipe que vencemos na primeira fase mas que agora é outro campeonato. Um jogo de quartas de final, decidido em 90 minutos, onde o detalhe dará a vaga para o time melhor preparado. Esperamos fazer uma grande partida e chegar entre os quatro melhores desta competição – finalizou.
continua após a publicidadeQueda interrompe marca histórica do Fortaleza
Com o rebaixamento, uma marca histórica do Fortaleza na Série A foi interrompida. Isso porque, como estava no Brasileirão desde 2019, o Tricolor permaneceu na elite por sete temporadas consecutivas. Esse é o recorde de uma equipe nordestina desde 2003, quando teve início o formato de pontos corridos.
➡️ Rebaixamento interrompe marca histórica do Fortaleza na Série A
O Leão ficou no G4 em duas oportunidades ao longo dessas sete edições. Além de frequentar a Copa Libertadores, as campanhas renderam idas à Copa Sul-Americana.
Manchester United’s poor form under Ruben Amorim has continued, with the Red Devils currently on a run of just one win in their last five matches.
However, Fabrizio Romano has recently confirmed the higher-ups at Old Trafford will continue backing the Portuguese manager and are not considering a change.
That could mean Amorim is once again backed in the January transfer window, as INEOS look to find players who are better suited to his infamous 3-4-2-1 system.
Indeed, they spent over £200m in the summer to sign a new-look attack and Senne Lammens as their new goalkeeper.
If recent reports are to be believed, United will be dipping back into the market in January.
United’s latest transfer target
There have already been several reports linking United to a new midfielder, a clear focus for them over the next two windows.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Two of those are English duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, although there could be a sizeable price tag for each Three Lions international.
Instead, the Red Devils have been linked with a more budget-friendly option. According to a report from Football Insider, Olympiacos midfielder Christos Mouzakitis is ‘definitely on the radar’ of the 13-time Premier League champions.
However, this is not going to be a straightforward deal for United to do. Mouzakitis is said to be wanted by ‘probably every big club in Europe right now,’ so it’ll be tough competition for Amorim’s side.
Real Madrid, for example, are one of the sides vying for his signature, although United are ready to ‘push’ the LaLiga outfit for his signature.
At a fee of just £30m, it represents great value, especially in January.
Why Mouzakitis would be a good signing
There is no doubt that 18-year-old Mouzakitis, who turns 19 on Christmas Day, is one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe.
That was recognised earlier this week when he won the 2025 Golden Boy fans’ choice award.
Indeed, it is clear to see why the Greek international, who already has seven caps for his country, is so highly rated. Despite being so young, he’s already played 52 times for Olympiacos, bagging two goals and assisting six in that time.
One of the real positives to Mouzakitis’ game is the fact that he is a versatile player. Whilst he has played most of his career as a number eight, the teenager has also operated in a deeper role for Olympiacos.
Como scout Ben Mattinson is someone who has been full of praise for the Athens-born midfielder. He even said Mouzakitis’ profile is “similar to Granit Xhaka,” suggesting he is a true controller in the middle of the park, just like the Swiss veteran.
Indeed, his underlying numbers perfectly highlight just how good he is in possession. For example, the 18-year-old 1.73 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes.
That number ranks him in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe over the last 365 days.
Mouzakitis’ key stats in last 365 days
Stat (per 90)
Number
Percentile
Key passes
1.42
80th
Passes into penalty box
1.73
94th
Progressive passes
5.99
76th
Shot-creating actions
3.78
90th
Ball recoveries
5.83
86th
Stats from FBref
Of course, going into the next couple of windows, United would love to bring a player like Wharton to Old Trafford.
Described as “very calm, composed, and a joy to play with” by Eberechi Eze, he is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.
However, his price tag could be a sticking point for United. The Eagles are said to want £100m for their prized midfield asset.
That would be a club-record deal for the Red Devils if they were to pay that fee.
Signing Mouzakitis, though, could be the dream alternative. Mattinson has previously said he would “compare him” to Wharton.
Like the Blackburn-born midfielder, he is a true controller in the middle of the park.
Not only are their profiles similar, but he’d also save United £70m, according to their reported price tags. That is a huge saving which could weigh into INEOS’ thinking, in a window where they need to spread their money out to sign a few players.
Signing Mouzakitis represents a deal for the present and future, saves them a fortune and helps them sign a needed profile in midfield. It certainly seems like a great option for United.
Cunha 2.0: INEOS to fast-track Man Utd bid for 'best winger in England'
Manchester United look set to make a huge move for one player in the upcoming January window.
The battle to partner Usman Khawaja in Perth begins with an Australia A series in India ahead of three Shield rounds before the first Ashes squad is picked
Alex Malcolm14-Sep-2025Sam KonstasIt can be easy to forget that 19-year-old Konstas is actually the incumbent Test opener. It is also worth remembering that his name was not on anyone’s lips when a similar debate was happening 12 months ago around who should open in the Border-Gavaskar series, which proves how quickly things can change and how redundant this list of contenders may be come November.Konstas gets the opportunity to throw down an early marker in India as the only one of the true contenders to be sent on the Australia A trip, which is more of a development tour for 2027 and beyond than truly Australia’s second best XI. Bailey said in August that conditions in Lucknow will likely have no “great read through” to the Ashes and that Shield runs will be of more value. But a century or two, particularly against Mohammed Siraj in game two of the series, will do Konstas no harm.However, given his performances in the Caribbean and his overall first-class record, he would need to do a lot in the first three Shield games against WA at the WACA, Victoria at the Junction Oval and Queensland at the Gabba to prove that he is the right choice for the Ashes. The repeatability of his method and the tempo of his batting will again be examined closely as much as the runs he scores.Related
Who will be the spear to Usman Khawaja's shield for Australia?
Ashes tracker: Labuschagne shines as Konstas stumbles
Maxwell named for 50-over return for Victoria despite ODI retirement
Australia's next opener? Weatherald enjoying cricket 'like I did as a kid'
Australia's pace depth: Who's in the Ashes mix if Cummins and co run aground?
Marnus LabuschagneIt is hard to believe that a 31-year-old with a Test average of 46.19 and 11 centuries from 58 Tests is not an automatic starter in Australia’s XI for Perth. But Labuschagne’s decline has been alarming and it is the reason he was left out in the Caribbean. He has not scored a Test century since July 2023 and has not scored a century in any of his last 42 international or domestic innings across all three forms. He has just one half-century in his last 16 which was in the Shield final in March.He has been scoring centuries and half-centuries in club T20 and state 50-over practice matches in the last fortnight. It is likely he has the least to do to prove his case for the Ashes. The selectors and coaching staff need only to see a version of the old busy and reliable Labuschagne in the early Shield rounds and or the ODIs against India. A couple of two-hour-plus innings, showcasing the technical work he did with batting coach Michael Di Venuto during the Caribbean tour, could be enough to get him picked in the first Test.There will be no concerns with him opening rather than batting at No. 3 despite limited experience. He has more first-class opening experience (17 innings), and as many hundreds (two) in the position, as both Konstas and Nathan McSweeney did when they were selected to open against India last year. The main concern may come with pairing he and Khawaja together in terms of their respective scoring rates. There is a world where Labuschagne could also return to No. 3 but that would probably require he and another contender to be in red-hot form, Cameron Green to be flying with the ball and Beau Webster’s batting form to tail off significantly before the first Test.Jake Weatherald is the most in-form uncapped domestic batter in Australia•Getty ImagesJake WeatheraldThe left-hander has the best chance of any uncapped player to earn a debut in the Ashes. He has been the most in-form domestic batter, let alone opener, in first-class cricket in Australia over the past 12 months. At 30, he is playing the best cricket of his life and enjoying it more than ever after experiencing significant ups and downs both on and off-field in his first decade as a professional.Unlike Konstas and Labuschagne, his game is not in a state of flux. Weatherald is well past tinkering with his technique, method, and preparation. He is also scoring at the fastest rate of his career, having struck at 67.23 in his last 20 innings while piling up 1143 runs, including four scores of 145-plus. From a tempo and style perspective, he is the perfect fit in a top four that has a tendency to absorb rather than put pressure back on the bowlers. A continuation of his spectacular form last summer in the early Shield rounds against Queensland, WA and potentially a Scott Boland-led Victoria attack would make him difficult to ignore.Marcus HarrisHarris is a perennial contender and remains in the selectors’ thoughts despite not playing a Test match since the 2021-22 Ashes and only averaging 25.29 from 14 appearances. There are several factors in his favour. The selectors know the cauldron of the Ashes won’t be an issue for him. He played four of the five Tests in 2021-22 and top-scored with 76 in his third last Test innings on the worst pitch of the series at the MCG against James Anderson, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes. He is also coming off scoring 1027 runs at 60.41 in the County Championship for Lancashire, including three centuries and five half-centuries.Factors counting against Harris are that he is 33 and all of those Championship runs came in Division Two batting at No. 4 and 5. He has also averaged just 34.20 in 55 Shield innings since his last Test appearance, with three of his four centuries coming at the Junction Oval. He averages less than 32 at all of Australia’s Test grounds in that time. His strike-rate has also dropped to 46.49 over that period, compared to his career rate of 53.09. Harris would need to return to the fluent, high-scoring player that he was when first selected in 2018-19 in order to jump to the top of the queue. There is a chance he may bat at No.3 for Victoria but that is unlikely to affect his chances should he score heavily.
Matt RenshawRenshaw would need a lot to go right to be in the Ashes mix but Australia’s selectors have not put a line through him given he was picked for Australia A’s white-ball team in the winter, albeit he was not considered for the red-ball games against Sri Lanka A. At 29, Renshaw could be experiencing a strong sense of both deja vu and empathy watching Konstas’ journey from afar. His early career arc was eerily similar. He was a similarly speculative pick to open in Test cricket off limited first-class experience as a 20-year-old. He made 184 in his sixth Test innings against Pakistan, but then a severe form slump saw him left out of the 2017-18 Ashes and that started a rollercoaster career that has seen him twice picked and dropped by Australia since.He has also lost his place for Queensland and batted down the order at times with a lot more success than he has had opening. In his last two Shield seasons he has averaged 34 and 29 respectively. His List A 50-over form by contrast has been outstanding and he is very close to cracking Australia’s ODI team as a middle-order option. Several big Shield scores opening for Queensland at the start of the summer would attract attention.Cameron BancroftTwelve months ago Bancroft was in the same position Weatherald is in now. He had scored 2021 runs at 54.62 from his last 42 Shield innings with nine centuries and the was the public favourite to open against India. But he then endured a torrid run with returns of 0, 0, 8, 2, 0, 16, 3, 0, 12 and 11 before the first Test which led to the selection of McSweeney.Bancroft’s coming off an excellent winter for Gloucestershire where he scored runs in all forms, but would need to pile up some big scores at the start of the season to put himself realistically in the frame. However, his WA captain and opening partner Sam Whiteman believes he is capable of playing Test cricket again. “He’s been a prolific run scorer for the past decade so as a good mate, I’d love to see him get one more crack at Test cricket because I feel like he’s such a better player now than he was when he was playing,” Whiteman said.Campbell Kellaway is viewed as one of the bright stars of the next generation•Getty ImagesThe long shotsCampbell Kellaway had a great finish to the domestic season last summer and will likely open alongside Konstas in India. Some big scores for Victoria at the start of the season would put him in the conversation if others falter.McSweeney will also feature in India and can’t be discounted after being selected last year but he needs some runs at No. 3 for South Australia.Josh Inglis’ name is continually raised publicly but it seems highly unlikely he would be considered to open in Test cricket in Australia. He would be one of the first picked for a middle-order role if an injury were to occur as it did with Smith in the Caribbean.Kurtis Patterson was selected for Australia A last summer and during the winter after an excellent return to form for New South Wales. He is seen more as a middle-order option but more runs at No. 3 for NSW won’t be ignored if others aren’t performing.The likes of Whiteman, Tim Ward, Caleb Jewell, and even Jayden Goodwin would have to do something spectacular at the start of the Shield season to vault into contention. But Konstas was in the same position 12 months ago, so the door is very much ajar for anyone to step through.
With the January transfer window only a few weeks away, Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will already be thinking about the positions that he wants to strengthen in.
There are several areas of the squad that could do with improvement ahead of the second half of the season, given that the Gers are nine points adrift of first place, and attacking midfielder is one of those positions.
Thelo Aasgaard was brought in from Luton in the summer transfer window, as one of 12 arrivals, and the number ten has failed to deliver regular quality on the pitch, with as many red cards (one) as goals (one).
The Norway international has produced one goal and one assist in 22 appearances, per Transfermarkt for Rangers, and his assist was a simple pass to Djeidi Gassama, who raced forward and scored from distance against Dundee.
Rangers told to sign Championship star in January
Now, the Light Blues have been predicted to make a move to re-sign one of their former players, who would arrive at Ibrox as an upgrade on Aasgaard.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, as relayed by The Scottish Sun, Livingston first-team coach Marvin Bartley has tipped Rangers to bring Joe Aribo back to the club in the January transfer window.
When asked about a possible deal, Bartley said: “I think that is one that could happen.”
“When a player enjoys somewhere, and obviously he had to leave because it was a really good offer that he got down the road, and he has not played as much football as he wanted to play. He is still a really, really good footballer and did well for Rangers. I wouldn’t be massively shocked if he came back in January.”
The Scottish Sun explains that Aribo is reportedly set to leave Southampton, whom he joined from Rangers for £10m in 2022, and could be available for a fee of £1.5m, amid interest from teams in Turkey.
Why Rangers should bring Joe Aribo back to Ibrox
For a fee of £1.5m, a deal to bring the Nigeria international back to Ibrox seems like a no-brainer on paper, because he still has plenty left to give at the age of 29 and has already proven himself in a Rangers shirt.
Plenty of players, most recently Steven Davis, Leon Balogun, and Allan McGregor, have returned for second spells in Glasgow, so it is not out of the ordinary for the club to re-sign one of their former stars.
Aribo’s current availability, as he has not started a league game for Southampton this season, provides the Light Blues with the perfect chance to bring him back for a fraction of the fee they raked in for him in 2022.
The left-footed star is a proven performer in Scottish football. During his time at Ibrox, the 29-year-old midfielder scored 26 goals and provided 25 assists in 149 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.
This shows that the £70k-per-week ace offered a regular threat at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Ibrox giants, whilst playing as a central midfielder, as an attacking midfielder, or on the right wing.
21/22
8
6
20/21
7
4
19/20
3
8
Total
18
18
As you can see in the table above, Aribo was as impressive at scoring goals as he was at creating them in the Premiership during his three season stint in Glasgow, which shows that he knows how to deliver quality in the top-flight.
Aasgaard, however, has failed to show that he has what it takes to be a consistent and reliable performer for Rangers in any competition, let alone the Premiership, which is why Rohl should be looking for an upgrade on him in January.
Aribo, who Ezri Konsa said has a “languid” style, has scored nine goals in 111 matches for Southampton to date, per Transfermarkt. He has not been as prolific as he was for the Gers, but 53 of those games came in the Premier League against high-quality opposition.
However, returning to the Premiership could reignite his career because it is a level that he is comfortable at and knows how to perform in, as evidenced by his time with the Gers before he moved to England.
Rohl must replace Rangers star who's having an "amazing time" at Ibrox
Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers star when the January transfer window opens for business.
ByDan Emery 3 days ago
Therefore, Aribo could return to Ibrox as a big upgrade on Aasgaard in the number ten position as a player who can deliver goals and assists, to win crucial points for the team, on a regular basis, whilst the Norwegian has struggled on both fronts.
“Keen to build on the success” of the recently concluded Women’s World Cup, the ICC has agreed to expand the next edition of the tournament (2029) to ten teams. The ICC had announced the expansion of the women’s game on International Women’s Day back in 2021, and a recent release reaffirmed the board’s “commitment to the growth of women’s cricket” after the success of the 2025 edition.Since 2000, only eight teams have featured in the main tournament of the Women’s ODI World Cup. As compared to the 31 matches in the recent World Cup, the 2029 edition will have 10 teams playing 48 games.The Women’s T20 World Cup next year will also be expanded to 12 teams, up from the 10 that featured last year in the UAE.”Nearly 300,000 fans watched the event in stadia breaking the record for tournament attendance for any women’s Cricket event,” the ICC release said. “The tournament also witnessed viewership growth and new records being set for on-screen audiences across the world with nearly 500 million viewers in India.”The ICC board also ratified the appointment of a number of members of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee, namely Ashley De Silva, Mithali Raj, Amol Muzumdar, Ben Sawyer, Charlotte Edwards, and Sala Stella Siale-Vaea.
Cricket at the LA 2028 Olympics and Brisbane 2032
The Board also revealed that the Olympics event in Los Angeles in 2028 will have 28 games in total, across both the men’s and women’s competitions. The six teams in each competition will comprise the top-ranked side from each of the five regions (Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania), including the hosts USA. The sixth team will be identified through a qualifier, for which details are not currently known. The events, as reported earlier, will begin on July 12 and be played at the purpose-built Fairgrounds Stadium, around 50km outside of Los Angeles.Before then, cricket will also feature in multi-sport games at the Asian Games in 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the African Games in Cairo, Egypt, in 2027 as well as the PanAm Games in Lima, Peru, in 2027.Talks have also begun on cricket’s inclusion for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia. Sanjog Gupta, the ICC CEO, is believed to have told members at the meeting that he held “meaningful discussions with Brisbane 2032 for cricket’s inclusion in their program.Along with the ICC chair Jay Shah, Gupta had meetings in Lausanne, Switzerland, recently with teams from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), LA28 and Brisbane 2032, where they discussed event delivery, competition formats and qualification scenarios.
ICC starts bids for mobile gaming
The ICC also confirmed that it will begin a bidding process for its mobile cricket game, which has been at the centre of tensions between the governing body and the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA). “The ICC Board confirmed its approval to issue an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for Video Gaming Rights, opening the door for leading global partners to collaborate with the ICC in delivering world-class, digital fan experiences,” the board said in the statement.The dispute between the ICC and the WCA centred over NIL (Name, Image and Likeliness) rights of the players, with the latter claiming any move by the ICC to develop a game featuring players would be in breach of a contract. The ICC decided earlier this year that member boards would deal directly with players over NIL rights, rather than with the WCA who have those rights to about 600 players and have already entered the gaming market. The ICC had launched an Expression of Interest process in June, but it has taken time for boards to negotiate those rights with their players. It isn’t clear yet exactly how many boards have secured the rights, though one estimate is that at least half of the Full Members have.
Chelsea and Argentina star Enzo Fernandez has switched agents as he links up with former Paris Saint-Germain star and compatriot Javier Pastore's agency. The World Cup-winning midfielder has been a key figure in the Blues' dressing room since joining them from Benfica in January 2023 for a then-record fee. In the current season, Fernandez has appeared in 22 matches in all competitions and scored five goals.
Fernandez switches agent
Fernandez was previously managed by former Uruguayan footballer Uriel Perez but, as of December 2025, the Argentine has parted ways with Perez to sign for a new agency named The Elegant Game, according to . The company was co-founded by former Argentina international and PSG star Pastore.
The change of agent could spark rumours of Fernandez seeking a possible move away from Stamford Bridge. However, there have been no concrete reports on the midfielder parting ways with the Premier League giants in recent times. In April 2025, the 24-year-old was linked with a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid, however, Chelsea were ready to do all they could to keep the midfielder in their set-up. Ultimately, Los Blancos never made a formal offer for Fernandez.
Fernandez recalls winning World Cup with Messi
In a recent interview, Fernandez reflected on winning the World Cup for Argentina with the legendary Lionel Messi in 2022 in Qatar. Recalling the most memorable moment of his life, the Chelsea star told : "Winning the World Cup with Messi was incredible. We were fully motivated because our team grew up watching Leo at home on TV. We’d been fighting for it for many years and Messi had unfinished business. I’m so proud that I was able to share that moment with him and win the World Cup alongside him, knowing what it meant to him and all of us. Of course, we all wanted to do it for him because it was the only sporting achievement missing for him.
"He’s a great person and I’m so proud to share these moments with him. He’s the greatest of all time, so it’s a privilege to share the dressing room with him. It’s a huge thing for me and I’m really enjoying it. I try to make the most of every moment spent with him."
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Getty Images SportFernandez's injury problem ahead of World Cup year
Fernandez struggled with knee problems a couple of months back and had was sidelined for a few games for the Blues. He even pulled out of back-to-back Argentina squads during the October and November international break as he did not want to aggravate his injury further ahead of his nation's title defence campaign in North America next summer.
Before pulling out of the national team squad in November, the midfielder had said: "I will not be available with Argentina. I was just talking to the medical team because I had a problem with my knee in the last four months. I came with a bone edema that got worse in the last weeks and months because we played a lot of games. I think the most important thing is coming to the end of the season and I think it's good to make this decision together. Always respecting the doctors and everything."
Fernandez will be back in action for Enzo Maresca's side on Saturday as they host Everton in a difficult Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham United are keen on a January swoop for an “unbelievable” striker, who now wants a move to the Premier League.
West Ham looking to provide Jarrod Bowen with support in attack
West Ham have become more difficult to beat since the arrival of Nuno, having lost just one of their last six Premier League games, but they will be disappointed they were unable to hold on against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Hammers were in the lead until stoppage time, before Georginio Rutter netted a controversial late equaliser, which Nuno believes should’ve been ruled out, saying: “It was a handball, wasn’t it, and a high foot. No need to speak with the referee. I think it was the main factor.”
Picking up three points against an in-form Brighton side would’ve been an impressive result, but it wasn’t to be, despite Jarrod Bowen putting in an impressive performance, netting his fourth Premier League goal of the season after starting in a central role.
Callum Wilson came off the bench to assist Bowen’s goal, with the former Newcastle United man now up to five goal contributions this season, but with his contract due to expire in the summer, the Irons are looking to provide their captain with some additional support in attack.
That is according to a report from Hammers News, which has provided a new update on West Ham’s Ivan Toney pursuit, stating Nuno’s side are keen on signing the striker in the January transfer window.
The Hammers have already explored a deal for Toney, having been impressed by his performances in England for Brentford, and the centre-forward now wants to make a return to the Premier League ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, it is unlikely the east Londoners will be able to get a deal over the line, given the Al-Ahli star’s huge wage demands, which could be a major obstacle.
West Ham now lining up concrete January move for £80k-a-week Chelsea player
The Hammers are looking to sign a “leader” in the upcoming transfer window.
By
Dominic Lund
4 days ago
"Unbelievable" Toney could help fire West Ham to safety
Despite West Ham being difficult to beat in recent weeks, they are still in real trouble, currently sitting two points from safety and inside the relegation zone.
The former Brentford striker has proven he has what it takes to help fire the Hammers to safety, maintaining a fantastic attacking record across his three seasons in the Premier League with the Bees.
Season
Premier League appearances
Goal contributions
2021-22
33
17
2022-23
33
24
2023-24
17
6
Former manager Thomas Frank also waxed lyrical about the Englishman upon his departure, saying: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Ivan over the last four years. He has averaged more than one goal every two games, which is an unbelievable number.”
With West Ham at real risk of relegation, they definitely need to make some new additions in the January window, and Toney is exactly the calibre of signing they should be looking to make.
The hosts will be without three first-choice players in Wellington, where they have lost their last two Test matches
Vishal Dikshit09-Dec-2025
Can West Indies sustain the magic of Christchurch through this three-Test series?•Getty Images
Big PictureWest Indies came to Christchurch having lost each of their last five Tests, and having last won a Test in New Zealand in 1995. They seemed set to lose again. Then came the most audacious of efforts: they batted for 26 minutes shy of 12 hours – or nearly two full days – in their second innings, even raising hopes of chasing down an unthinkable 531 against a depleted New Zealand attack, despite having reeled at 277 for 6 at one point.West Indies will have their tail up going into the second Test in Wellington, where New Zealand have lost their last two Tests by big margins: by 323 runs to England and by 172 runs to Australia, both in 2024. The hosts have a long injury list, with Matt Henry and Nathan Smith out of the rest of the series and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell out of the second Test, with Mitchell Hay set to debut on Wednesday. They have, however, been bolstered by the returns of Glenn Phillips and the now-fit Daryl Mitchell, while Kyle Jamieson gets closer to Test-match fitness in the Plunket Shield.As their rejigged pace attack tries to find its bearings in Wellington, New Zealand will also hope their batters can fire as a collective. Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra scored centuries in the second innings in Christchurch when the conditions had flattened out, and Kane Williamson returned to Test cricket with a 52 in the first innings, but there were no other 50-plus scores in either innings. New Zealand would especially want their less-experienced batters to also step up and not leave all the heavy lifting to the big names.West Indies have even less experience, with only three members of their squad – Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Kemar Roach – having played more than 30 Tests each. But they’re making something of a habit of throwing surprise parties on the road. Their lower order did it in Multan earlier this year, Shamar Joseph (currently injured) did it at the Gabba in 2024, and debutant Kyle Mayers did it with a double-century in Chattogram in early 2021.Christchurch only continued that trend. Can West Indies sustain that magic through the rest of this three-match series?Form guideNew Zealand DWWWL (last five matches, most recent first) West Indies DLLLLIn the spotlightTwenty-five-year-old Mitchell Hay from Canterbury will get his New Zealand Test cap on Wednesday, having already debuted in T20Is and ODIs over the last 13 months. He has an ODI 99* against Pakistan to his name as well as the T20I record for the most dismissals in an innings, with five catches and a stumping against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. He boasts a first-class average of 48.58, with 1895 runs in 29 games including a century and 17 fifties. If he can bring that level of performance to the top level, New Zealand will have the ideal back-up for Blundell, who turned 35 this year.In his last match before this tour, John Campbell scored his maiden Test hundred in Delhi, a second-innings 115 full of authoritative sweeps and slog-sweeps. He has endured a difficult time on this tour so far. He followed scores of 4, 4 and 26 in the ODIs with a 68 in the warm-up game before the Tests, but he only managed 1 and 15 in Christchurch, where he was caught in the slips in both innings. West Indies will hope for more from the opener in Wellington.New Zealand are set to replace Michael Bracewell, who bowled 55 second-innings overs in Christchurch, with Glenn Phillips•AFP/Getty Images
Team newsNew Zealand will be forced to make at least three changes to their XI, with Blundell, Henry and Smith all out injured. They have called up right-arm quicks Kristian Clarke and Michael Rae to their 14-man squad, which also includes the returning Phillips and Mitchell, who fielded as a substitute in the first Test but wasn’t available for the whole game. Captain Tom Latham has confirmed that Phillips will come into the XI for Michael Bracewell, who sent down 55 overs in the second innings in Christchurch. Mitchell, meanwhile, could slot in for Will Young in the middle order while Blair Tickner and either Clarke or Rae come in for the injured fast bowlers.New Zealand (probable): 1 Tom Latham (capt), 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Will Young/Daryl Mitchell, 6 Mitchell Hay (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell/Glenn Phillips, 8 Zak Foulkes, 9 Kristian Clarke/Michael Rae, 10 Blair Tickner, 11 Jacob Duffy.Shai Hope had an issue with his eye in the first Test and is “back to normal,” according to West Indies captain Roston Chase. West Indies may not feel the need to tinker too much with their combination, though they could bring in the tall Anderson Phillip for Johann Layne, who went for 127 runs in his 24 overs in the first Test.West Indies (probable): 1 John Campbell, 2 Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 3 Alick Athanaze, 4 Shai Hope, 5 Roston Chase (capt), 6 Justin Greaves, 7 Tevin Imlach (wk), 8 Kemar Roach, 9 Johann Layne/Anderson Phillip, 10 Jayden Seales, 11 Ojay Shields.Pitch and conditionsThe Wellington track is known to offer movement and bounce for the quicker bowlers, particularly early on. “There have been times when it’s been challenging to bat here first,” New Zealand captain Latham said on the eve of the Test. The team winning the toss at the Basin Reserve has opted to bowl first in each of the last 17 Tests here; the last side choosing to bat was New Zealand against Pakistan back in January 2011. Chilly weather is expected through the Test with temperatures ranging between 13 and 19 degrees Celsius. Clear skies and sunshine are expected through all five days, with minimal chance of rain.Stats and trivia The Christchurch Test was the first draw in New Zealand since November 2019, ending a streak of 21 matches with a decisive result. New Zealand will play a highly inexperienced attack in Wellington. The last time they fielded a Test XI in which no bowler had 50-plus Test wickets was the 2012 Kingston Test against West Indies. It was the first Test match featuring all three of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner. West Indies have not lost the opening match of an away Test series only twice since 2014 (17 away bilateral series outside of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe). Those two series are the current one and the one in England in 2020, which they lost 2-1 after winning the first Test. Shai Hope has made 140, 56 and 103 in his last three Test innings. Before this run, he had not scored a fifty in 31 Test innings over six years. He scored 505 runs in those 31 innings at an average of 16.83, with a top score of 48.Quotes”Yes, they haven’t necessarily had the results from a Test point of view but any international cricketer can front up on any day and we certainly saw that over the last couple of days at Hagley [Oval] where whatever we threw at them, they just had an answer for.” “The guys have settled well. The Test match that we played is going to give us a lot of confidence going in the series, knowing that we can actually compete and [having] come close, almost having a chance of winning the first Test match. So the spirits are high and very, very, very, very believing right now.”