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Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw has avoided serious injury…

What’s the latest?

In an update relayed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, it appears as if the central midfielder is in line to be available for the Yorkshiremen’s clash with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

“Good news from Forshaw on the hamstring front. Looks to have avoided a bad one,” the reliable journalist said on Twitter.

The 30-year-old star was withdrawn after just 22 minutes during Sunday’s impressive 3-2 victory over West Ham United, dealing manager Marcelo Bielsa his umpteenth injury blow of the season.

However, that does not appear to be the case, so the Argentine has just been handed a major boost heading into the weekend.

Significant boost for Bielsa

Indeed, Leeds have suffered from more than their fair share of injury problems throughout the 2021/22 season.

As many as 11 players were missing for their clash against Arsenal last month and their bench down at the London Stadium contained just one senior pro in Rodrigo, who was making his own return from injury.

The rest were some of the club’s most promising academy talent, including 15-year-old midfielder Archie Gray.

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Bielsa has already been missing Kalvin Phillips at the base of his engine room – a position that Forshaw has stepped up to deputise in with aplomb, and so much so that he’s been rewarded with a new one-year contract extension.

“I am still very much liking the effort levels from Forshaw, the amount of ground he’s able to cover. I don’t think in any way that the system worked for him or for anybody else against City or against Arsenal, but again, it’s pleasing to see that his body is holding up to this,” Hay claimed of Forshaw to his podcast last month.

In Phillips’ absence, the 5 foot 9 dynamo has excelled, averaging 2.3 tackles and one interception per outing, which is hugely impressive in terms of defensive output but it’s his 2.3 long balls per game, via WhoScored, that suggests he’s slotted in seamlessly.

As such, it will come as a significant boost to Bielsa that his injury isn’t as bad as first feared. If he’s available to face the Magpies, then the 66-year-old will surely be buzzing ahead of kickoff when the time comes to name his starting XI.

Forshaw is a crucial player to Leeds, more so now than ever.

AND in other news, Deal agreed: Leeds eye bargain swoop for £4.5m-rated “pitbull”…

A number of Liverpool supporters have been hailing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s latest venture, with the Reds hero funding a league for youngsters in the city.

Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a poor day at the office on Sunday afternoon, with West Ham beating them 3-2 at the London Stadium.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

In truth, Liverpool were never fully at the races in east London, although one player who could come away with his head held high was Alexander-Arnold. The 23-year-old scored a stunning equaliser with a free kick late in the first half, and away from the pitch, he continues to do fantastic work as well.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein [via James Pearce on Twitter], Alexander-Arnold is paying for hundreds of five- and six-year-olds to play football in Toxteth and West Derby in what is called The Trent Alexander-Arnold League.

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Liverpool fans show their love for Trent

It is a wonderful gesture from Alexander-Arnold, who has displayed tremendous work both on and off the pitch, and these Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to show their appreciation for the Anfield “king” for his philanthrophic act.

“King”

Credit: @CosmoKhan

“Good work from him”

Credit: @repeto

“Great to hear”

Credit: @jassonnnnlfc

“This boy”

Credit: @Hafsa_1M

“What a lad”

Credit: @unbearablekop

“Assist King on and off the field”

Credit: @Tawaz92

In other news, some Liverpool fans slammed one player’s performance against West Ham. Find out who it is here.

Mark Douglas has revealed what changes Eddie Howe has made on the training ground at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Brutal regime

As per Craig Hope, the 43-year-old sent a lot of brutal messages to his players in first training session since taking over from the departed Steve Bruce.

Some of the messages included: ‘we train as we play’, ‘match sharp’, ‘no jogging’ and ‘if you think you’re maxed out, you’re not’, before then watching the under-11 side train.

It is clear that he is putting a stamp on his authority at St James’ Park straight away as he aims to help the Magpies fight off relegation from the Premier League.

The Latest: Changes

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Douglas has revealed that sources from the training ground have said that Howe has had a ‘transformational’ impact in the international week, with the intensity and overall mood having ‘lifted’ in the space of just a few days.

The former Bournemouth boss has been getting to know his players and staff, and one of his beliefs is that everyone at the training ground should be ‘adding value’, as he has also been talking to staff about their roles and how it fits into football operations.

The Verdict: Promising

Given the situation in which Bruce left Newcastle, 19th in the Premier League with just five points and no wins after their first 11 games (Premier League), it is promising to see Howe stamp his authority so early on in his tenure.

First and foremost, the aim for the 43-year-old will be to make sure that his team stays up before he can really sink his teeth into the long-term project. If he succeeds, there is no reason not to give him a chance of improving his squad with a big transfer budget, and then he can implement his methods on better quality players.

Judging by Douglas’ insight, Howe certainly seems like a coach who the current crop of players do not want to cross.

In other news: One former EPL goalkeeper had his say on some potentially ‘big’ transfer news for NUFC

As per Pianeta Genoa, as shared by Sport Witness, West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko has been linked with a move to Italian side Genoa, following the appointment of manager Andriy Shevchenko.

THE LOWDOWN: YARMOLENKO STRUGGLING FOR PLAYING TIME

The Ukrainian attacker has made just eight appearances in the Premier League this season, with all of his minutes having come as a substitute.

Yarmolenko, an experienced Ukraine international with 106 caps, has struggled for playing time under manager David Moyes due to a combination of Manuel Lanzini, Jarrod Bowen, Saïd Benrahma and Pablo Fornals all being preferred options on the wing.

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This has severely limited the number of opportunities the 32-year-old has had this campaign, pushing him out of the Hammers’ plans as more and more exit links pop up.

THE LATEST: YARMOLENKO EXIT CLAIM

As per Pianeta Genoa (via Sport Witness), Serie A club Genoa have opened talks regarding the possible transfer of Yarmolenko. The winger’s contract is due to expire in the summer, so this may mean West Ham are forced into selling him in the January transfer window for a small fee.

Pianeta Genoa claim that the talks are progressing well, although it is unclear whether Genoa are in talks with the player’s agents or with West Ham directly.

THE VERDICT: TIME TO LEAVE?

Following the arrival of Shevchenko at Genoa, it is evident from these talks that the manager was impressed with Yarmolenko whilst he was in charge of the Ukrainian national side.

This would indicate a good level of playing time for the West Ham player, who, at 32-years-old, would surely relish the chance of regular first-team minutes as he nears the end of his career.

When on top form, Yarmolenko can put in dazzling performances in the attacking third – just look at the quality he produced at Euro 2020. Fan favourite Declan Rice even labelled the Ukrainian international as ‘special’ (per Hammers. News), and raved about his technical ability.

Yarmolenko could prove to be an asset for Genoa if the Hammers choose to let him go in January, and this feels like a win win for all parties if the Irons can indeed bank a fee and let an unwanted fringe player move on.

Leeds United prospect Cody Drameh has been nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for February, as revealed by the club’s official website.

The latest on Drameh

The 19-year-old right-back, signed from Fulham last year, played his part in a perfect month for Mark Jackson’s side, who sit top of the Division 2 table after keeping three clean sheets in four successive victories.

Manchester City’s Liam Delap and Manchester United’s Shola Shoretire – who have both had first team exposure at their respective clubs this season – are also among the award nominees.

This is great news for Leeds

Drameh could be making his way into the first team soon if he continues to perform in this way. However, whether the England under-20 international is ready to come into Marcelo Bielsa’s still remains a huge unknown.

The teenager has played 17 times in Premier League 2 this season and picked up two assists (Transfermarkt). His performances at that level have seen him receive rave reviews from numerous Leeds fans, while club commentator Thomas Hill described his most recent display as “outstanding”.

The future certainly seems bright for Drameh, who is doing his chances of a first team breakthrough no harm with his deserved shortlisting for the Player of the Month prize. Keep an eye on this one, Whites!

In other news, Noel Whelan has discussed this Leeds duo!

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy remain keen on Wigan Athletic attacker Kyle Joseph but Scottish giants Celtic having offered him a pre-contract in an attempt to fend off the Lilywhites. 

It has been reported recently that Tottenham have been keeping tabs on Joseph ahead of the summer window, with Football Insider claiming last week that former Spurs boss David Pleat is actively monitoring the forward as a club consultant.

Tottenham remain keen on Joseph despite tabled Celtic offer

Tottenham have apparently been compiling a dossier on Joseph as they plot a swoop – with a development now emerging that rivals in the race Celtic have attempted to swoop in first.

Indeed, the Hoops have offered the 19-year-old a pre-contract in a ploy to fend off Spurs according to this report – who are their most notable competitors for Joseph.

However, in a glimmer of hope for the Lilywhites, Football Insider also claim that Celtic definitely haven’t sealed his signing and Tottenham remain keen – as well as fellow Glasgow giants Rangers.

Transfer Tavern take

Despite currently being out with a back injury, Joseph has shone for the Latics this season – described by Wigan Observer journalist Paul Kendrick as a ‘shining light’ from their academy.

He only made his debut in October but still managed five strikes in 14 appearances for Leam Richardson’s side before being sidelined.

If Spurs can eventually beat the likes of Celtic and Rangers to his signature, they could debatably have another talent on their hands alongside their growing crop of promising youngsters.

In other news: This star reveals he rejected a move to Spurs, find out more here.

A worrying Tottenham Hotspur injury update has emerged on midfielder Oliver Skipp…

What’s the latest?

Antonio Conte has revealed that the England U21 international is not closing in on a return as he is having issues with his recovery.

He has been out of action since January and it remains to be seen when he will be able to represent the club on the pitch again.

Charlie Eccleshare tweeted: “Conte on Skipp injury: ‘Skipp is having a bit of trouble with his injury – in this moment he’s not available. I know his frustration, but this new contract shows we trust him a lot and he will be very important for the present and future.'”

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The head coach also spoke about the youngster’s new contract at the club, saying: “I’m very happy for Skippy because we are taking about a good player, young player. A player from the academy and you know very well the importance to this club of developing players from the academy. A fantastic guy.”

Supporters will be fuming

The supporters will be fuming with this injury update as it suggests that Skipp will not be back out on the pitch any time soon for Spurs.

They will be keen to see him in the starting XI as he is ‘one of their own’ and has shown glimpses of Premier League quality in his career so far.

The gem was handed his chance in the first team this term after a sublime season on loan with Norwich in the second tier. In 45 league appearances, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.02 as he made 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game and helped them to win the title.

He was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year for his efforts and carried that form over into the start of this season with Spurs as he started 14 Premier League matches before his injury and averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.81.

Skipp is a midfielder who mixes energy and defensive ballast with control and poise in possession and looks classy in a deep-lying role in the middle of the park. He has completed an impressive 90% of his attempted passes in the top-flight and fans will surely be keen to have his reassuring presence gracing the team again as quickly as possible.

This is why they will be fuming with this update from Conte as it is a huge blow for Spurs and Skipp and they will be hoping that he is able to overcome his issues sooner rather than later.

AND in other news: Conte can now axe “truly hilarious” £42k-p/w flop as Spurs eye £33m “difference maker”

One of Marcelo Bielsa’s trusted lieutenants in his time at Leeds United, Mateusz Klich has been an ever-present for the Whites in their return to the Premier League this season.

The 30-cap Poland international hasn’t missed a single game in the top-flight, and that maybe why he seems to have hit a brick wall in terms of his form in recent weeks.

Despite picking up an assist in a 5-0 thrashing of West Brom at the Hawthorns last time out, Bielsa must surely consider axing Klich for the clash against Tottenham on Saturday afternoon, and giving him a much-needed breather.

As per Whoscored, only three of his past nine games have seen him earn a match rating of above seven, whilst he was particularly shocking against Burnley and Manchester United in recent weeks – he got a 6.75 and a 5.82 rating respectively.

In fact, the game against Sean Dyche’s side saw a couple of Leeds fans slam him as a passenger, with one supporter in particular saying it’s been like that for a while now.

In fact, after the Burnley game, The Guardian journalist Charlie Phillips admitted that Klich appears to be “having a weird time at the moment”.

The festive schedule seems to have taken its toll on Klich, and it’s no surprise that the 30-year-old appears to be suffering from a bit of burnout.

Bielsa must take a ruthless decision ahead of the match against Jose Mourinho’s men on Saturday, and drop Klich to the bench, and try and re-energise his side in the middle of the park.

When Jeremie Frimpong unexpectedly left Celtic for German shores back in January, it left the Hoops in the lurch.

The Bhoys suddenly needed to fill a vacant hole at full-back and they didn’t have much time in order to do it.

The player that Peter Lawwell and Celtic’s recruitment team decided upon was Jonjoe Kenny.

On paper, this was an adequate piece of business from the top brass at Parkhead. They’d found a temporary resolution to their problem at barely any cost.

The Toffees defender arrived on loan and after being nominated for Rookie of the Year when playing for Schalke in the Bundesliga, it looked like he’d do well.

Unfortunately, like Celtic’s season, it has been a period to forget. Kenny is eye-catching going forward but truth be told, his defending leaves plenty to be desired.

The £15k-per-week earner has endured a dismal few months at Paradise and with his stay in Glasgow coming to an end, John Kennedy must focus on other options, players who may actually be here next season.

After all, if Celtic decide to bring Kenny back next term, it would be a questionable decision.

When the big games have fallen upon the Hoops, Kenny has never been one to stand up and take responsibility.

In all three Old Firm derbies now, he’s been particularly inconsistent. In February, the defender’s lapse back pass led to a corner from which Alfredo Morelos scored.

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There are no prizes for guessing the man who was supposed to be marking the bullish Colombian from that set-piece; Kenny.

His worst performance in a Celtic shirt arguably followed in the Scottish Cup fourth round.

He and Diego Laxalt had what Paul John Dykes described on A Celtic State of Mind during the half time interval as a “nightmare.”

The Everton youngster struggled with Ryan Kent and was at fault for both goals. He failed to get close enough to Steven Davis for the opener and then accidentally diverted the ball into his own net for the second after failing to track the run of Kent.

Unfortunately, he was poor again the last time Celtic took to the field.

The 24-year-old didn’t provide much support to James Forrest down the right-hand side and was given a rough afternoon defensively.

Kenny lost possession 21 times and only completed 72% of his passes as his side slipped to a devastating 4-1 defeat at Ibrox.

Scott Brown may have been at fault for Morelos’ fierce strike in the first half, but Kenny never looked comfortable during his time on the pitch. His afternoon was made worse by the fact he committed two fouls and was dribbled past on three occasions.

It doesn’t feel as though Kenny has been at the races for a while now. Like Celtic’s season, his performances have only continued to dwindle.

The interim manager needs to factor in other options when the Bhoys face St Johnstone on Wednesday evening.

AND in other news, McKay must wield the axe on 5ft9 Celtic dud, Sutton dubbed him the “new Ryan Christie”…

Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Takumi Minamino on loan from Liverpool before the transfer window shuts this evening.

According to journalist David Ornstein in The Athletic, the Saints are working on a deal to sign the Japanese international on loan for the rest of the season.

The 26-year-old, who earns £75k per week at Liverpool, has struggled for game time in Jurgen Klopp’s side this season, despite the injury problems at Liverpool, and has made just seven starts in all competitions.

Minamino joined from RB Salzburg in December 2019 but has struggled to impress in his time with the Reds thus far, with just four goals and two assists in his 31 appearances for the club.

Even with Liverpool’s recent goalscoring woes, Klopp was reticent to turn to Minamino, with the winger’s six-minute cameo against Burnley his only Premier League appearance of 2021.

Therefore, it seems as if he is going to struggle to force his way into the first-team picture with Liverpool, especially now the Reds look to have rediscovered their form in front of goal in the last two fixtures against West Ham and Spurs.

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A move to Southampton for the rest of the season could be the ideal way for Minamino to get regular football in the Premier League, in the hope that he could return to the Reds a much more confident player in the summer, as unfortunately, it seems as if he will be sat on the bench for much of the season if he stays on Merseyside.

Earlier this season, Klopp labelled the 26-year-old a “machine” for his work rate in a Champions League fixture against Ajax, and a loan move to Southampton could allow him to showcase this on a more regular basis, in a deal that could potentially suit both parties.

Hopefully, for Minamino, a deal with the South Coast club can be agreed, as he deserves a chance to show what he can do in the Premier League, something he was always going to struggle to achieve with the Reds due to the quality of their front three.

And, in other news… Edwards masterclass: Another bargain deal for LFC as James Peace reveals Kabak details