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West Bromwich Albion have been handed a double injury boost ahead of Friday night’s Championship clash at The Hawthorns.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Express & Star, Valerien Ismael revealed that both Alex Mowatt and Matt Clarke are in contention to start the fixture against Birmingham City tonight.

The midfielder has recovered a foot injury picked up in the 1-0 defeat to Stoke City before the international break, while the defender has missed Albion’s last seven fixtures with a hamstring injury.

Regrading Mowatt’s injury, Ismael said: “For us it’s good news – it’s a relief for us that it’s not broken. It’s good for us that he has trained these last two days with the squad and he’s back in the squad. Normally, as long as something doesn’t happen and change overnight, he’ll be okay for the game.”

Regarding Clarke’s recovery, the Frenchman added: “He’s back in training, back in the squad and trained very well. Now we need to manage him through these games.

“The Championship is ruthless. We play every three days, so we must learn from the first block with him and what happened to make sure that he can come through the games without another issue.

“He is fine, he is available, he trained well. We’re happy he’s back in the squad, but we need to find the balance and to manage him now. He’s very motivated, he wants to play, but we learn from the first block.”

Big double boost

Considering just how impressive both Mowatt and Clarke have been for West Brom since joining the club this summer, the news that the duo are available for the derby against Birmingham is sure to have Baggies fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 11 Championship appearances this season, the £6.3m-rated Mowatt has scored three goals, provided one assist and has created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.1 shots and making 1.5 key passes per match.

The central midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.9 interceptions, two tackles and 0.7 clearances and winning 5.5 duels per game. These returns have seen the £6.5k-per-week man average a SofaScore match rating of 7.21, ranking him as West Brom’s second best performer in the Championship so far.

Meanwhile, over his three league fixtures for Albion, the £2.7m-rated Clarke has made 2.3 interceptions, one tackle and 2.7 clearances per game and has won 7.3 duels per match.

These metrics have seen the centre-back earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as the Baggies’ joint eighth-best performer in the league.

As such, the return of both players will undoubtedly increase Ismael’s chances of securing a positive result against Birmingham, something the Frenchman will be desperately seeking following his side’s first league defeat of the season against Stoke City last time out.

In other news: Ismael must unleash “quality” £21k-p/w beast vs Blues, he’s what West Brom are missing

Some Liverpool supporters are fuming at the news that Takumi Minamino has picked up an injury while on international duty with Japan.

The Reds were decimated by injury problems last season, playing a major part in them struggling to even qualify for the Champions League.

The hope is that the 2021/22 campaign is better in that respect, although the early signs aren’t necessarily promising.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Liverpool were without Andy Robertson for the early weeks of the season and Roberto Firmino is currently absent, but another fresh problem has now emerged.

As reported LFC Transfer Room on Twitter, Minamino will return to Merseyside prematurely after getting injured on Japan duty.

The severity of the problem isn’t mentioned, but it is clearly a worrying update, especially as the Reds didn’t bring in attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans bemoan Minamino injury

For that reason, these Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their anger at the news.

“Thank god we got an attacker during the window!”

Credit: @lfcpxt

“It begins”

Credit: @TheFMProc

“And it’s started. We deserve it for being so naive in the market”

Credit: @KopTalk28

“It’s the CB problem last season but with attackers, I’m not ready for this”

Credit: @kopite4ever1

“Hope you’re happy Klopp”

Credit: @Ayoxee7

“Nightmare continues”

Credit: @TuahaSohail

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing a Premier League midfielder next summer. Read more here.

Fresh from a thumping 5-0 win over Morecambe on Tuesday, Sunderland welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten run in League One to six matches.

The Black Cats are just two points off of the League One automatic promotion places in fourth, albeit that Wigan have a game in hand, and a victory over Argyle could see Lee Johnson’s side climb into the top two.

On the chalkboard

Just a matter of days on since the thrashing of Morecambe, Johnson will be craving a performance of similar magnitude today against a side one place below and two points behind the Black Cats. Argyle will also be under new management in Steven Schumacher after Ryan Lowe departed for Preston North End in the week.

The Wearside club have an array of youngsters amongst their ranks this season, but one who has particularly stood out of late is Nathan Broadhead.

The striker netted a brace against the Shrimps on Tuesday having scored his first league goal for the club two weeks ago away at Cambridge United. As well as the goals against Morecambe, the Everton loanee scored with 67% of his shots, as well as completing 75% of his passes and making 41 touches. Simply put, he was excellent.

It’s no secret that the start of the campaign didn’t go to plan for the 23-year-old, who has been limited to just ten league appearances so far this season. Five of those have come in the last five games, highlighting his rising value within Johnson’s squad.

The Black Cats manager labelled the Welshman “flexible”, as well as stating that “he’s a really good finisher”.

Despite being a centre-forward, Broadhead was deployed on the left-hand side of a front three in a 3-4-3 formation on Tuesday, which could be the 23-year-old’s pathway into a regular starting spot.

Ross Stewart is currently the club’s top scorer with 11 goals in 20 league appearances this term, suggesting that the flexibility highlighted by Johnson will be a crucial trait if the Everton loanee is to put together a run of games.

We published a piece on this site in recent days staking the case for Leon Dajaku to also start against Argyle, yet the biggest threat from the left flank could come from Broadhead.

With a hectic run of fixtures coming up for the Black Cats which will be crucial for their promotion push, the 23-year-old could be a crucial asset and should be relied upon to build on his recent goalscoring form.

In other news – Big relief: Sunderland handed major injury boost which will surely have Johnson buzzing

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa faces an anxious wait over Pascal Struijk after the versatile midfielder’s recent injury against Crystal Palace.

What’s the story?

The Dutchman has been a virtual ever-present for Bielsa’s side this season in the Premier League, making 12 appearances in the competition, but was forced off at half-time in the 1-0 victory over Palace at Elland Road.

And, as relayed by journalist Ben Dinnery on Twitter, Bielsa said after the game: “Yes it’s the same (injury). All of us value that he played with a physical limitation that he played with, that’s very generous and shows how important a teammate he is to all of us.”

Bielsa will be worried

With the number of injuries that Leeds have faced across the park this season, it’s been no surprise to see Struijk’s versatility really come to the fore, doing stints in holding midfield, centre-back and even at left-back too.

And, after a particularly impressive display against Manchester United last season, former Leeds man Noel Whelan waxed lyrical about the young starlet.

He said: “I thought he was phenomenal at the back. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this kid. He went through a stage of playing in Kalvin’s role but that was the wrong choice by Bielsa for me. He is a centre-half all day long. You can see him growing in that position.”

Dominic Matteo has also gone on record to admit he’s a big fan of the towering Dutchman, saying: “He reads the game a lot better than he’s credited for. He’ll get even better too. Struijk is one to look out for.

“There’s plenty of work to be done but, with the size of him, his physicality, his passing, he’s got it all and can step into midfield. He looks very calm on the ball, players who are a bit erratic are not for me but he looks comfortable in possession.”

Being without Struijk against a side like Brentford who boast some real aerial threats in the likes of Ivan Toney et al would be a major blow, and leave Bielsa seriously worried about how his team will cope.

It would be yet another injury blow for a side who have been decimated this season on that front.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has given his thoughts on Leeds United star Tyler Roberts…

According to Takvim, Glasgow Rangers have fallen short in their first attempt to sign Bright Osayi-Samuel from Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.

The Lowdown: Gers eye Osayi-Samuel

The Gers have been heavily linked with a move for Osayi-Samuel (Fotospor), who made the switch to the Super Lig from Queens Park Rangers earlier this year.

The Gers were also linked with him prior to that move (Football Insider), but the 23-year-old decided to switch to Fenerbahce instead.

The Latest: Osayi-Samuel bid to fall short

It is now being reported that Rangers will fall short in their bid to sign the winger.

They are said to be ready to offer €3m (£2.6m) for his services, but Fenerbahce are looking for €4m (£3.4m).

The Verdict: Big decision

Osayi-Samuel’s move to Turkey has not gone as he would have liked – he has managed just one goal and one assist in 18 league matches (Transfermarkt). However, during the 2019/20 campaign at QPR, he registered five assists and nine goals in the Championship (he has 19 goals throughout his career), while was hailed as “outstanding” by Mark Warburton, who also used to manage Rangers (via Brent & Kilburn Times).

The Gers could find themselves with deep pockets if they manage to reach the group stages of the Champions League, and even if they fail to make it that far, paying €4m (£3.4m) would not be out of the question.

Still, given the club’s transfer expenditure in recent years, it is not an inconsiderable fee, and it remains to be seen just how badly Ross Wilson and co want to sign Osayi-Samuel this summer.

In other news, Rangers have rejected several bids for this controversial man.

Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Everton are actively looking to cash-in on James Rodriguez this summer.

The Colombian was signed by Carlo Ancelotti 12 months ago but has endured an up and down time with the Toffees since arriving

Rodriguez initially made a significant impact, with goals and assists aplenty during his early days as an Everton player.

However, injuries and a serious loss of form saw the former Real Madrid star’s season peter out, with Rodriguez featuring just 13 times in the Premier League from Christmas onwards as Everton’s faltering campaign mirrored the Colombian’s.

Rodriguez ended up missing the Copa America, and his future at Everton soon became in doubt after Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid.

Since Ancelotti’s departure, the 30-year-old has not only been linked with a return to the Spanish capital, but also AC Milan and Sevilla.

He has since featured in pre-season for the Toffees, but missed their season opener against Southampton through injury and Bent told FFC that moving him on would suit all parties:

“Ancelotti signed him, good player. But what they’ve said to me is they’re better getting him off the wage bill to get other players in.

“What Everton are basically saying is they’d rather him off the wage bill.”

Aston Villa face Chelsea twice this month at Stamford Bridge in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.

Villa fans attending either clash will have to adhere to numerous protocols, the club revealed on Tuesday. And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters were quick to flock to the update.

Villa revealed that fans travelling to Stamford Bridge will need to provide proof of a vaccine or a negative lateral flow test upon arrival or face being turned away if they don’t comply with the rules.

They will also be required to wear face coverings in all indoor areas of the stadium, however, they aren’t needed when seated or outside of the stadium.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news on their official Twitter page on Tuesday. This is what these fans had to say, with one labelling it as ‘disgusting’ as the supporters were frustrated at learning of the protocols only after purchasing tickets.

“Absolute joke selling tickets before announcing this. Not even a government guideline until October”

Credit: @vizzy9

“Disgusting”

Credit: @ShawAVFC

“Wouldn’t bother me but it’s a bit controversial them doing this AFTER people have purchased tickets”

Credit: @JBaker_24

“Maybe should have made us all aware of this before selling tickets”

Credit: @avfcbrummie

“Age 11 and up? Wow.”

Credit: @JohnGallett

“Absolute joke! Slippery slope this!”

Credit: @avfc_85

In other news: Lots of AVFC fans react to this reported transfer snub. 

Aston Villa target Rafinha has been given a glowing recommendation by a Ligue 1 expert…

What’s the talk?

Ligue 1 expert Adam White has hailed PSG midfielder as very talented in response to Aston Villa’s reported interest in the Brazilian. He has said that he is surprised that he has been on the fringes at PSG, with Villa now looking to snap him up.

He told This is Futbol:

“Rafinha’s had a strange PSG career. Thomas Tuchel really liked him and played him a fair amount, but then he’s really been on the fringes under [Mauricio] Pochettino.

“It’s a little bit of a surprise because he was pretty good under Tuchel and slotted in really well.

“When PSG end up with a really busy schedule towards the end of the season or in the middle of the season, he was a really good option in Ligue 1 – very skilful, very talented.”

Villa are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the ex-Barcelona ace, with PSG said to be looking for a fee in the region of £8.5m (€10m).

Get it done

Johan Lange must secure a deal for Rafinha this summer as he could be an excellent signing for Dean Smith’s side. At the reported price of £8.5m, it could also represent a transfer bargain for the Villa chief.

Rafinha is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, which suggests that Villa could be able to sign him for £5m cheaper than what he is supposedly worth and that is not taking into account his potential to improve further and increase his value down the line.

He turned 28 in February and that means the next few seasons of his career could be his peak years, meaning that Villa would be getting him at the perfect time if a deal can be done.

Rafinha also has the quality to back up Villa’s interest in him. His former Barcelona teammate Andreu Fontas previously called him a beast. He said: “Rafinha is a great player. Physically, he is a beast and, technically, he is superb.”

The 28-year-old has played at the top level for Barcelona, Inter and PSG, which shows that he is experienced above and beyond where Villa are as a club now. He has played in, and won, the Champions League and has also won three La Liga titles with Barcelona. This shows that he has the ability to play at the elite level of the game, as three separate clubs have wanted him in their side when competing for major honours.

He could come in and improve Villa’s options in midfield as he has the experience required to raise the standards. He knows what it takes to win some of the biggest prizes in club football and would come in having trained with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi throughout his career, which means that he could use his experiences to help Villa’s players step up.

Lange must push to get this deal over the line.

AND in other news, The Athletic journalist drops update on £50m midfielder, Villa fans will be relieved…

Graham Roberts insists that the new Tottenham Hotspur manager will not want to sell Harry Kane, whomever they may be.

The club have been linked with a number of new managers in recent weeks.

Brendan Rodgers is said to have turned down a potential move to the club from Leicester City.

The Athletic have reported that Spurs had opened talks with PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino over a potentially sensational return to the club, while talks with previous frontrunner Antonio Conte broke down in a period in which a number of top managers, including Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, left their posts.

Roberts, though, believes that a condition of any manager being appointed will be to keep Kane.

The England captain has asked to leave the club, per Sky Sports, but Roberts thinks he will have to remain in north London if a manager is to be willing to take the reins following the sacking of Jose Mourinho earlier this season.

He told Football FanCast exclusively: “Until the manager comes, we don’t know. If you’re Brendan Rodgers, the first thing you’re going to say is, ‘I don’t want Harry Kane to be sold’.”

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has given the Glasgow Rangers’ youth players a chance at Ibrox since replacing Steven Gerrard back in November.

In his very first press conference, the Dutchman mentioned that chances would be given to players regardless of age, and so far, he has stuck by that mantra in his six months in charge.

Opportunities have fallen to youth starlets such as Alex Lowry and Charlie McCann, with the two being deployed in the earlier stages of the Scottish Cup to great effect.

Lowry came on for Ianis Hagi against Stirling Albion and made an immediate impact, scoring in front of a raucous Ibrox crowd.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United youngster McCann emerged from the bench in the next round against Annan Athletic and suitably impressed.

This has led many to push for young striker Tony Weston to be given a chance in the first team, especially considering the fact Alfredo Morelos is out for the rest of the season through injury.

Weston signed for Rangers from Blackpool in the summer of 2020 on a three-year contract and has continued to impress ever since – scoring goals aplenty for the B team – 21 in the Scottish Lowland League alone this season – and pushing towards a first-team opportunity.

Rangers youth coach Steven Smith sang his praises earlier on in the season, dubbing him “clinical” following a double against Dalbeattie Star.

These goals have given the striker the perfect platform to impress Van Bronckhorst with the final furlong of the season approaches.

And, considering his impressive goalscoring record for the B team, Rangers could well have the next 355-goal Ally McCoist in their midst, and if Weston was even half the player that Super Ally was, then the Gers have got something special on their hands.

AND in other news: Van Bronckhorst can brutally axe “shaky” Rangers dud in deal for “annoyingly brilliant” £0 machine