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The Portuguese will likely need to raise his game in 2023-24 given the influx of stars into the Saudi Pro League, but he disappointed against PSG

Cristiano Ronaldo was held scoreless and turned in a drab performance as his Al-Nassr side fought to an uneventful scoreless draw with PSG in their pre-season meeting in Osaka. Chances were rare in this high-profile friendly, with a Kylian Mbappe-less PSG lacking a goalscoring punch, instead turning to a litany of imperfect options and teenagers for attacking production.

Al-Nassr, meanwhile, looked to feed their main man, and he marked a relatively uneventful first half — if only because of his failure to put a chance away. Ronaldo met a floated cross from five yards out, but saw his weak effort thwarted by Gianluigi Donnarumma. He missed a far more speculative chance shortly after, putting a bicycle kick well past the post.

His miscues were the closest either team came for most of the contest. PSG, fielding a mixture of academy players and new signings, were lacking in possession, and never really strung a coherent attacking move together. Marco Asensio had the occasional half-chance, but his like of killer instinct cost Luis Enrique's side.

Ronaldo was removed from play after 65 minutes, slumping off the pitch and acknowledging the smattering of Al-Nassr shirts that stuck out in a sea of PSG fans. This wasn't his finest performance — far from it. Those showings are becoming less frequent these days, especially against tougher competition. And, if nothing else, this served as evidence that Ronaldo will need to raise his game once the competitive action begins.

GOAL looks at what we learned during the clash at Nagai Stadium:

Getty ImagesCristiano isn't ready yet

Ronaldo, in fairness, joined Al-Nassr when the Saudi Pro League season was well underway last season, and although a player of his quality is expected to quite comfortably dominate a lower-calibre division, there was always going to be something of an adjustment period.

Not anymore, though. This time, Ronaldo has no excuses. And in Al-Nassr's latest warm-up, the Portuguese didn't have much of an impact. A lot of the typical Ronaldo things were here. He floated around the box, waiting for the right cross or fortunate nick off a PSG defender. He broke out a few stepovers, chops, and turns — few of which were particularly necessary.

But his impact in front of goal — the thing he is supposed to be on the pitch for — was minimal. PSG certainly did their part defensively, but Ronaldo turned in a poor showing. Even he will need time to find form.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesZaire-Emery impresses again

Another game, another start for PSG's immensely promising teenager Warren Zaire-Emery. The academy product caught the eye in PSG's pre-season opener against Le Havre, and he was equally impressive here. Deployed alongside Vitinha, he looked far more comfortable than the 23-year-old, who started 29 games for the Parisians last season.

Al-Nassr have a sneakily good midfield pivot, lining up Marcelo Brozovic and Seko Fofana — an interesting blend of physicality and technique. Zaire-Emery danced around both of them, dictating play and offering an attacking thrust that the Parisians were otherwise missing.

PSG have five midfielders fighting for three spots in Luis Enrique's XI — with potentially more to come. But Zaire-Emery might just get his chance, and if this was to be his trial, it's hard to see what else he could've done to impress the new manager.

Getty ImagesAsensio is not a striker

Luis Enrique insisted on playing Asensio through the middle during his tenure as Spain manager, despite it yielding minimal results. And he did the same here, asking the winger to function as a sort of false nine for most of the contest.

The results, once again, were mixed. Asensio was full of energy and movement, and linked up well with PSG's wide players. But his instincts in the final third were lacking; this is not a player who likes to ghost into spaces, or win headers. It is, of course, in these times like these when PSG miss Mbappe, or crave a more direct presence off either wing.

Still, Luis Enrique looks likely to push on with this experiment, one that hasn't been working for some time now. It is, likely, not the role that the Spaniard signed up for when he left Real Madrid on a free transfer a few months ago.

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Getty ImagesNo Neymar to be found

Neymar underwent significant ankle surgery less than six months ago, and was always going to need time to work his way back to fitness. And even though he seems to be nearing a return, it appears he isn't quite ready yet.

But he should be back soon. Neymar was pictured in team training this week, and seen smiling from the bench. Still, he never got on the pitch, leaving a bit of uncertainty as to how, exactly, this PSG team will eventually line up. There seems to be a chance that Neymar could operate in a more attacking role, or provide a goal threat in Luis Enrique's side — especially with Mbappe likely gone.

But it seems that Luis Enrique will have to wait a bit longer before he is able to release his Brazilian weapon. He will undoubtedly be an important addition for this languishing PSG side.

Crystal Palace will travel to South Yorkshire for their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon, and Roy Hodgson will be hoping to continue his improvements on the performances seen last season.

The Eagles finished 11th in the top flight last season after struggling over the first half of the campaign to compete comfortably, which ultimately cost Patrick Vieira his job at Selhurst Park, prompting a return for legendary veteran manager Hodgson.

What's the latest Crystal Palace team news?

It was revealed yesterday that Joel Ward has been named as the new club captain and will likely lead Palace out in their first fixture of the new season this afternoon.

In terms of injuries, Hodgson confirmed to the media that new signing Matheus Franca will not be available for selection against the Blades, after suffering an injury issue.

The Palace boss revealed: "The young lad from Brazil, who we have very high hopes for, is not going to be available because he’s got an injury that he’s looking after."

The 19-year-old Brazilian joined on a five-year deal from Flamengo, believed to be worth £26m, in the hope that the versatile attacker could replace the goal contributions that will be sorely missed from Wilfried Zaha.

Michael Olise has also been ruled out for the clash today, whilst both Will Hughes and Tyrick Mitchell are currently being assessed ahead of the game, according to Premier League Injuries.

Will Eberechi Eze start vs Sheffield United?

Whilst the squad has been significantly weakened by injuries and departures this summer, Hodgson will be hopeful he can lean on the experience and quality of other important players to secure the first victory of the season at Bramall Lane.

As a result, the Palace boss must unleash Eberechi Eze in the starting eleven this afternoon, as his impact and dominance in the attacking threat would cause chaos for the Blades' defensive set-up this afternoon.

Over 38 Premier League appearances last season, the £30k-per-week ace scored ten goals, delivered four assists and created six big chances, as well as averaging 1.5 key passes, 1.9 shots on goal, 1.9 successful dribbles and five duels won per game, proving that he is a real threat in any position he plays.

Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool gem Jamie Redknapp has waxed lyrical about Eze's influence in the Palace team in the past, following an impressive display against Arsenal:

"Eze has been so influential though I actually want to see more of him. (He's) Very impressive he's a star man. When he's on the ball he's so exciting to watch."

Eze's versatility in his positioning is also another invaluable asset to Hodgson as he navigates through injury issues and a lack of depth in the squad, with the midfielder comfortable in performing in several roles including attacking, central, left and right midfield, as well as experience on the left wing too.

There would no doubt have been real excitement among supporters at the prospect of seeing young Franca – who scored nine goals in 54 games for his previous employers – take to the field today, although the Selhurst faithful will have to wait just a little bit longer to witness their new man in action.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Eze to start against Paul Heckingbottom's side as the player can be a game-changer in important moments to secure all three points in Yorkshire this weekend.

Leeds United have bought both for the present and the future this summer, and Daniel Farke could be set to supplement the latter once again should they reignite their permanent interest in an old target…

Who are Leeds United signing this summer?

With Scottish teenager Lewis Pirie marking their first foray of the window, his acquisition prefaced the two senior signings of Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow, which have bolstered their ranks massively.

In what promises to be a huge period of revolution, which will hopefully provoke an instant Premier League return, the long-term must be taken care of to ensure their stay will be longer than their last.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

As such, they could seek to once again try and snag youngster Kian Breckin from Manchester City, as a starlet ready for gradual embedding into a first-team now.

Such is the quality of the 19-year-old gem, he has drawn attention from Newcastle United and even Barcelona in recent years too.

Who is Kian Breckin?

Although yet to feature for Pep Guardiola's senior side, the teenager has been a mainstay across City's various youth teams, shining for all.

This culminated in his most recent campaign, in which he starred for the U21 side littered with top prospects; he scored eight times and assisted a further four in the league.

Sports journalist Aadam Patel had earmarked him as someone ready to take that next step just the year prior, and it seems that with each year he edges closer to the level required to star in a first team. He wrote on Twitter: "Kian Breckin is one to watch out for."

However, arguably the biggest praise reserved from the former Wycombe Wanderers loanee came from scout Yuki Tamaru, who suggested that his style resembled City's legendary creator:

"Quality players. Kian Breckin resembles [Kevin] De Bruyne in the way he uses half space and activates the space behind the opposition fullbacks."

Given how the Belgian midfielder has shone across his tenure at the Etihad, this is arguably the greatest compliment a young player can receive.

Last season saw the 32-year-old record 41 goal contributions across all competitions, as he would play key roles in each of the three trophies they won.

His 7.78 average rating in the Premier League was also the highest of anyone in the entire division and was bolstered by the 31 big chances he created, and 3.1 key passes recorded per game, via Sofascore.

This unsurprisingly has garnered praise, with pundit Jamie Redknapp even suggesting he will go down as one of the all-time greats:

"I just feel with all his attributes, I've never seen anyone pass the ball so beautifully. His football IQ, the way he sees gaps and threads through passes with such pinpoint accuracy.

"I haven't seen it before. The goals he scores, he's a beautiful striker of the ball; for me, he's the greatest."

Whilst Breckin has a long way to go before he can emulate even the slightest bit of such a stunning career, his profile on Man City's official website helps emphasise these similarities further as he is described as a "cultured attacking midfielder" who is "comfortable at receiving the ball in tight areas"; a trait he is clearly famed for.

Perhaps a permanent switch to Elland Road could give him the crucial game time to start on that long road towards succeeding De Bruyne, although the club will have to offer a sizable bid to cut short his impending loan spell to Wycombe Wanderers.

Arsenal could potentially explore a deal for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer according to journalist Dean Jones.

How much does Moussa Diaby cost?

Reports have stated that the German side are holding out for £51m for one of their star assets

The report also mentions that Arsenal are joined in the race for the Frenchman by Manchester United, Newcastle United, and the forward's former side Paris Saint-Germain.

It's claimed the 23-year-old has his sights set on a move to the Premier League as his next career step after four successful seasons in Germany.

Leverkusen already seem to be preparing for the French international's potential departure, with the recent signing of German winger Jonas Hoffman from Borussia Monchengladbach paving the way for the forward's possible departure this summer.

According to Jones, who was speaking on The Football Terrace's Done Deal show, Diaby has been angling for a move away from the Bundesliga since January, and should the Gunners want to act upon their interest, they will have to wait until the "second phase" of the transfer window:

"Diaby, amazingly, still looking for a club. He's been linked with everyone since January and has not actually tied anything off. Definitely someone who has been of interest to Arsenal, so I wouldn't rule it out, especially if this window wears on, and he is still looking for a club.

"Moussa Diaby is someone that Arsenal do like, but again that would be for the second phase of this window. The focus has been so heavily on getting these three guys [Havertz, Rice, Timber] through the door that there is no certainty over who they go for in that position yet, so let's wait until the mini-clearout starts to take place."

Will Diaby play with Saka?

Should the north London side complete a deal for Diaby, he will offer some incredible competition for Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side.

One complaint that some Arsenal fans had last season was the lack of real competition and rotation for the Englishman, who played a whopping 3195 minutes in the Premier League for the Gunners. The winger ended the season having clocked up 4169 minutes across all competitions for club and country and the effects of fatigue were really showing, managing just two goals and one assist in the final eight games of a really grueling campaign.

The arrival of the Frenchman in conjunction with the new deal for academy graduate Reiss Nelson should allow manager Mikel Arteta to properly rotate his right-wingers, allowing Saka to focus on the biggest games and the biggest moments for the Gunners next season across both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Diaby – hailed a "beast" – shares a very similar play style to Arsenal's number seven, with both forwards very direct in nature, whilst having the ability to create and score chances almost at will, as showcased by the pair's goal contribution numbers, with the Leverkusen man managing 14 goals and 11 assists in 48 games whilst the Gunners star produced 15 goals and 11 assists in 48 games.

The former PSG player is also a very versatile attacker, having played across the entire front three for his club last campaign, as well as in attacking midfield. This flexibility opens up a whole range of possibilities regarding the setup of Arsenal's attack and could allow both Saka and Diaby to play together.

Leigh Kasperek last played an ODI in February 2016 and suffered multiple injuries after that but returned with figures of 10-6-17-3 when she got a chance to play West Indies on Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-2017Leigh Kasperek had played all of nine ODIs – the last one in February 2016 – until Thursday and only against three oppositions – India, Sri Lanka and Australia. She made her debut nearly two years ago, but Kasperek had suffered multiple finger fractures recently and missed almost the entire international 2016-17 season in the New Zealand summer.Once the World Cup started, New Zealand decided to play two legspinners – Erin Bermingham and Amelia Kerr – for their first few matches. But Kasperek got her chance against West Indies on Thursday because Bermingham picked up a niggle. Kasperek was now without much match practice, against an unfamiliar team, and the captain Suzie Bates even decided to open the bowling with her, along with pace spearhead Lea Tahuhu. And what happened? Kasperek’s offspin fetched her the wickets of Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin (for a golden duck) and Merissa Aguilleira.”She knew she was going to go for little runs and take wickets,” Bates joked about Kasperek’s magical figures of 10-6-17-3. “Before the game she said she didn’t know much about the West Indies, we’ve played Australia so much and she knows the plan. She said, ‘I don’t really know too much about them’, so when players like Dottin and Taylor come out, she just bowls.”After opting to bowl with hopes of some “juice in the wicket”, New Zealand were planning to start the match with Tahuhu and Holly Huddleston. But Bates saw a left-handed Kycia Knight, coming in the squad as an injury replacement, walk out with Hayley Matthews and the captain changed her plan to hand the second over to Kasperek.The offspinner started with two maidens and conceded only a run in her third over with control, flight and fuller lengths. Once Tahuhu got rid of the openers from the other end, Bates brought on the medium-pacers and Kasperek returned to bowl alongside Kerr in the 17th over to dismiss Taylor and Dottin with her first two deliveries, strikes that went a long way in contributing towards New Zealand’s eight-wicket win. Aguilleira survived the hat-trick ball but was eventually stumped off Kasperek 10 overs later, trying to up the run rate.Kasperek was quick make her mark but was happy to pass the question about bowling in the first Powerplay to Bates, saying, “you take it”, prompting a few laughs around.It was just after Kasperek had been sidelined with her first injury of the 2016-17 season that 16-year-old Kerr made a memorable start with 3 for 16 in a T20I against Pakistan. And when Kasperek was injured again four months later, she was replaced by Kerr in the squad to play against Australia. On Thursday, the two spinners bowled in tandem – for the first time in international cricket – to stifle the West Indies middle and lower order.”We thought it was an opportunity with Amelia Kerr still in the side to add Leigh, and it just shows that we’ve got real competition in three world-class spinners,” Bates said of the spin combination. “So it’s going to be a tough team to pick and hopefully in Derby (against England on July 12) where the wicket’s a bit slow, our spinners will come into play.”Kasperek barely spoke at the post-match conference, only saying she was “stoked to be back playing” and felt “good to get a couple of wickets”. Bates, also her captain at Otago, teased Kasperek, quipping: “She would have liked to bat today as well, though.”

Emma Hayes says she will continue to remind Lauren James of “the levels” she needs to reach after bagging a WSL hat-trick against Manchester United.

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England star enjoying purple patchLoving outings at Stamford BridgeChasing down another WSL titleWHAT HAPPENED?

The England international has been in stunning form for the Blues this season, as they seek to defend a domestic Super League crown. James has made a habit of finding the target when Chelsea’s women’s side take to the field at Stamford Bridge, and did so again when dominating a meeting with United.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT HAYES SAID ABOUT JAMES

Hayes is delighted to see James firing on all cylinders, as the 22-year-old forward unlocks her full potential, and has told that efforts will be made in west London to ensure that these lofty standards are maintained: “When Lauren plays at that level, she is an outstanding football player. They are the levels that I will keep reminding her of. I think she was brilliant for the team. I’m sure she will continue to put her best foot forward for the rest of the season.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

James has hit a serious purple patch, despite having never previously been prolific, and Hayes added on seeing training ground work pay off: “I think the fact she has scored nine goals in five games – I think she has scored nine goals prior to that in four years! You are starting to see the work that has gone on in the background, and she deserves all the credit.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Chelsea have cemented their standing at the top of the WSL table – as they sit three points clear of Manchester City – and the likes of James will determined to land more major silverware for Hayes before she departs in the summer to take charge of the USWNT.

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam says winger Antony is "not good enough" to play for the club and make a difference in the Premier League.

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Antony joined United for £85mStruggled to make an impactStam says winger "isn't good enough"GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazilian international swapped Ajax for the Red Devils for £85 million ($99m) in 2022 but he has proven to be an underwhelming signing since then. The 23-year-old scored eight goals and bagged three assists in his first season at the club but he is yet to make a goal contribution this term in 17 appearances across all competitions. Plus, he was ineffective in his side's 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday. Now, United legend Stam has criticised the former Sao Paulo man.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT STAM SAID

Stam told the Stick to Football podcast: "From what I've seen from Antony, he's not good enough at this level that we're looking for at United. Because you're also looking for a player who can have a difficult time and struggle when he comes in, but [we can see] where he is making progress to get to that level. When you're looking at Antony now, at this moment, you don't see where he can make the progress to make the next step in the Premier League, to be up there with the top wingers who can make a difference."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Antony is seemingly part of a long list of big-money transfer failures at United. He joins the likes of Harry Maguire (£80m), Angel Di Maria (£60m), Jadon Sancho (£72m), and Donny van de Beek (£35m), among others, in not delivering what was expected of them at the club. Not much has gone right for United since Sir Alex Ferguson's exit just over 10 years ago…

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WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

And things may be shaken up once again at the club as recent reports suggest manager Ten Hag could face the chopping block. Antony, meanwhile, could line up for the Red Devils against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, hoping to break his duck this season.

Gio Reyna came off the bench for a late cameo, but Jadon Sancho stole the show with an assist in Borussia Dortmund's 3-0 win over Darmstadt.

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Reyna comes in as 88th minute subSancho assists second goalDortmund claim 3-0 winGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Facing off with the team at the bottom of the Bundesliga, Dortmund headed into Saturday's match expecting a win, and that's exactly what they got. The opening goal came from Julian Brandt in the 24th minute, although Jamie Bynoe-Gittens did much of the heavy lifting. The English winger ran a long distance before playing a ball straight into the path of Brandt, who was able to tuck a finish into the far post to seize the lead.

That lead was doubled in the 77th minute as Dortmund effectively sealed all three points with something of a throwback goal. The assist came from the returning Sancho, making his first appearance since returning to the club, while the finish was provided by club legend Marco Reus, making the score 2-0 and all but ending whatever slim hopes there were of a Darmstadt comeback.

YoussoufaMoukoko's late goal made it 3-0, putting an exclamation on a much-needed win for Dortmund.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sancho's introduction came midway through the second half as the winger made his return to Dortmund return after two-and-a-half years away. Having struggled at Manchester United before feuding with manager Erik Ten Hag, Sancho is now back with his former club on loan as he looks to rebuild his career.

Sancho came on in the 55th minute, replacing his fellow Englishman Bynoe-Gittens. The appearance was Sancho's first since August 26, having been exiled from United training since.

He marked it with an assist, offering a reminder of what he can do when confident and fully firing. Sancho isn't even fully fit yet but, if he can play at a high level, Dortmund will look to push back into the upper echelon of the Bundesliga having slipped throughout the first half of the season.

Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT

Sancho's return to Dortmund seemingly spells bad news for Reyna, who was struggling for minutes even before the winger's arrival. Reyna is currently behind both Brandt and Marco Reus on the depth chart when it comes to the No. 10 position, and Sancho's arrival only adds another option to a crowded picture on the wings. Moukoko's late goal will only further his case, too, adding more intrigue to the Dortmund attack.

Reyna hasn't seen the field enough this season and has played just 231 minutes in the Bundesliga, making just one start. Things haven't been much better in other competitions with Reyna playing 70 minutes in the DFB-Pokal and 20 in the Champions League. The American has been linked with a move away from Dortmund, with clubs in Ligue 1 and La Liga among those reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

His late cameo off the bench won't silence the rumors as Reyna seems destined for an interesting January.

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GOAL'S RATINGS

Gio Reyna (N/A):

Still on the outside looking in for Dortmund, even with his late cameo during garbage time. How much longer will he remain in this situation? We'll find out soon!

After being adjudged lbw Dilruwan turned around and began walking back towards the dressing room, only to turn around and ask for a review, and the decision was overturned after replays suggested the ball had hit him outside the line of off stump

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-20171:01

Not fair for us to comment on Dilruwan episode – Bhuvneshwar

Dilruwan Perera, the Sri Lanka allrounder, survived an lbw decision after an unusual route to taking the assistance of the Decision Review System (DRS). At the time of the incident, Dilruwan was batting on 0 off 7 balls. He went on to play out a further 27 balls, and add 43 for the eighth wicket with Rangana Herath.What the DRS protocol says

The captain may consult with the bowler and other fielders, and the two batsmen may consult with each other prior to deciding whether to request a Player Review. Under no circumstances is any player permitted to query an umpire about any aspect of a decision before deciding on whether or not to request a Player Review. If the on-field umpires believe that the captain or either batsman has received direct or indirect input emanating other than from the players on the field, then they may at their discretion decline the request for a Player Review. In particular, signals from the dressing room must not be given.

In the 57th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Nigel Llong upheld an lbw appeal from Mohammed Shami when an indipper beat Dilruwan’s forward defensive and hit him on the back pad. Dilruwan turned around and began walking back towards the dressing room, only to turn around and ask for a review.With replays suggesting the ball had struck Dilruwan’s pad outside the line of off stump, Llong had to change his decision to not out.It was not clear what prompted Dilruwan to change his mind, but the TV commentators speculated over whether he had received some sort of signal from the dressing room to turn back and ask for a review.The SLC sent out a release after the day’s play, stating that: “Contrary to the assumptions made, there was no ‘message from the dressing room’ involved in the requested review.”Having mistakenly assumed that Sri Lanka were out of reviews, Dilruwan Perera had turned to leave the field when he heard Rangana Herath inquire from the on-field umpire Nigel Llong if Sri Lanka have any reviews left, to which Mr Llong answered in the affirmative.”It was then that Dilruwan requested the review.”In his post-match press conference, the India fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar did not want to make an issue of the incident.”That’s something I can’t speak on, because that should come out from the officials, and we haven’t heard anything from the officials,” he said. “So it won’t be fair to comment anything on that.”Pressed further, he said the players had not really been looking at Dilruwan when he turned around to review. “We are quiet because until there is an official word about the incident, we cannot speak about it. If we talk about it, but match referee says that was fair, then it would be the wrong thing to do.”We didn’t pay attention to the incident. We were busy celebrating, giving high-fives, and later we watched that on the [giant screen], but we didn’t comment on it because nothing was confirmed from the match officials. So we cannot say anything.”The incident recalled a similar one from Sri Lanka’s recent Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. In Sri Lanka’s second innings there, Kusal Mendis was walking back towards the dressing room after Richard Kettleborough gave him out lbw to Mohammad Abbas, when he turned around and asked for a review. In that instance, the review was unsuccessful, returning an umpire’s call verdict. Llong, incidentally, was the other on-field umpire there.In the Bengaluru Test earlier this year, umpires stopped Australia’s Steven Smith from reviewing an lbw decision against him after he was seen seeking advice from the Australian dressing room. Llong, again, was the umpire who had given him out off Umesh Yadav.In that instance, Smith admitted he had sought help from the dressing room, calling it a brain fade. Virat Kohli, India’s captain, alleged that Australia had done this on at least three occasions during the match, and the BCCI backed him, filing a complaint with the ICC asking for a further investigation. The BCCI, however, withdrew its complaint hours later, after the ICC, having reviewed video footage from the Test match, spoke to the CEOs of both boards, impressing upon them that the charge was near-impossible to prove.

Mohamed Salah remains of interest to teams in Saudi Arabia, but the Liverpool star is not expected to make a move to the Middle East in January.

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Egyptian superstar the subject of summer offersHas a contract at Anfield through to 2025Interest from the Middle East set to be rekindledWHAT HAPPENED?

The Egyptian icon was targeted by sides in that region during the summer transfer window of 2023, with reports suggesting that bids of around £150 million ($192m) were tabled. No deal was done, with Salah tied to a contract at Anfield through to 2025.

AdvertisementGettyImageTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Another push is expected to be made from the Saudi Pro League at some stage, with Salah’s former team-mates Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino having already followed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to an ambitious and big-spending division. There is, however, little chance of Salah treading that path early in 2024.

WHAT EMENALO SAID ABOUT SALAH

Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, who is now the Saudi Pro League’s director of football, has told when asked if another marquee signing could be completed in the New Year: “Mo Salah, like [Lionel] Messi, Benzema, Ronaldo and the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, these are players that, when there is a sense of availability for them, we are willing to listen. But we also understand that Mo is happy where he is at present and in a historic, wonderful club at Liverpool. We respect that very much and we don't want to come across as putting any pressure on him. But if there is any interest to do something, Mo Salah is a player that you want in your league, in any league.”

He added on the prospect of a mid-season deal being pushed through: “We respect Liverpool and in this scenario, the initiative to do anything won't come from us. There has to be an aligned interest from all parties involved. It's a very personal thing, as a player that I recruited [for Chelsea] and I like. There's nothing I'm saying that is new or ground-breaking – that a player of this level of talent is available and your league wants him. If Mo Salah is available, has an interest to come and everything is aligned, I would be incredibly delighted.”

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR SALAH?

Salah has reached the 200-goal mark at Liverpool, having previously helped them to Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup honours – with there seemingly little left for the two-time PFA Player of the Year to achieve in English football.