كشف دانييل ستوريدج ، مهاجم نادي ليفربول السابق، عن حديثه مع نجم الريدز الحالي، محمد صلاح، بشأن مستقبل الأخير مع النادي الإنجليزي.

محمد صلاح يعاني الأمرين مع نادي ليفربول خلال الفترة الأخيرة من هذا الموسم، وابتعد الدولي المصري عن المشاركة مع الريدز بشكل أساسي.

وهاجم محمد صلاح إدارة ليفربول والمدرب آرني سلوت، وذلك في ظل وجوده كبديل مع النادي الإنجليزي في آخر ثلاث مباريات بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ودفعت تصريحات محمد صلاح المثيرة للجدل سلوت إلى اتخاذ قرار حاسم بالنسبة للدولي المصري، وتم استبعاد اللاعب من مباراة ليفربول ضد إنتر ميلان بدوري أبطال أوروبا يوم أمس الثلاثاء.

وأكد ستوريدج عبر منصة ”Amazon prime” ، أن محمد صلاح قد أخبره بأنه يحب ليفربول كثيرًا ولا يفكر في الرحيل عن الريدز في الوقت الحالي.

وقال ستوريدج عن محمد صلاح: “سيشاهد محمد صلاح المباريات من منزله متمنيًا لو كان هنا، متمنيًا لو كان بإمكانه مساعدة الفريق”.

اقرأ أيضًا .. رومانو يوضح حقيقة معاقبة محمد صلاح في ليفربول

وأضاف ستوريدج في حديثه عن محمد صلاح: “في هذه اللحظة هناك حاجة للتأمل، لأن الوضع لا يزال مؤلمًا وجديدًا ويصعب التفكير فيه، نحن جميعًا نمر به، وقد مررنا جميعًا بتقلبات”.

وأوضح: ”أعتقد أن محمد صلاح الآن يريد مساعدة الفريق للعودة إلى سابق عهده، أي إلى القمة، أعتقد أن مشاهدة ما حدث تجعلك ترغب في أن تكون جزءًا منه، أنت في المنزل وتريد المساعدة”.

وأردف ستوريدج في حديثه عن محمد صلاح: ”ينطبق هذا على اللاعبين المصابين واللاعبين الذين يمرون بهذا الوضع، فآخر ما يرغبون فيه هو عدم المشاركة، أعتقد أن هذا سيؤلمه بالتأكيد لأنه يدرك ذلك”.

وتابع: “إن محمد صلاح يعشق اللعب لهذا النادي، أعرف ذلك، قال لي مو أحب هذا النادي ولا أريد مغادرته، هذا هو المكان الذي أريد أن أكون فيه، يريد أن يكون لاعبًا في ليفربول، لكنه يريد اللعب”.

واختتم: ”أعتقد أنهم سيتحدثون، لا أستطيع التحدث نيابة عن مو وما سيفعله، لا أعرف كيف سيشعر لكنني أعتقد أنه يجب إجراء محادثة أخرى بين المدرب ومحمد صلاح”.

Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is expected to opt out of his contract in New York and test free agency this offseason, according to a report from ESPN's Jorge Castillo.

The Yankees lost their ALDS tilt with the Blue Jays earlier this week, ending their season. The news regarding Bellinger's future is the first to trickle out of the Bronx since the franchise's postseason elimination.

Bellinger posted the second-highest wins above replacement (WAR) of his nine-year career in 2025, as he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI. He also stole 13 bases and posted an .813 OPS.

The 30-year-old Bellinger spent the first six seasons of his career with the Dodgers, before two seasons with the Cubs and this season with the Yankees.

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Luz Henrique foi anunciado pelo Botafogo no dia 6 de fevereiro deste ano, com uma cláusula contratual que oferece ao jogador uma ida ao Lyon, da França, no meio de 2024. No entanto, o atleta concedeu uma entrevista ao “GE”, publicada neste sábado (8), onde contou seus planos no time alvinegro.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Botafogo

– Eu estou muito feliz aqui no Brasil. Pretendo ficar aqui até o final do ano. Ainda não estou pensando na Europa. Quero fazer minha parte aqui no Botafogo. Quero reestruturar o Botafogo, é um clube que merece muito estar lá em cima. É um clube que está brigando (por títulos), é como se fosse a nossa família. Eu quero fazer minha parte aqui. Mais lá para frente podemos falar sobre o Lyon – disse Luiz Henrique.

O Real Betis, da Espanha, vendeu o atacante Luiz Henrique ao Botafogo por 20 milhões de euros, tornando o craque na maior aquisição da história do futebol brasileiro. O atleta faz parte da Eagle Football, o que pode representar ida futura para o Lyon.

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Championship captain resists temptation to become T20 specialist, but could miss early fixtures if selected in IPL auction

Matt Roller13-Nov-2025Jonny Bairstow has signed a new three-year contract that will see him continue as Yorkshire’s captain in the County Championship but possibly miss the first two months of next season to play in the IPL.Bairstow’s two-year central contract only expired at the end of the 2025 season, more than a year after his most recent England appearance, and he has committed his long-term future to his boyhood club. At 36, he has resisted the temptation to become a T20 specialist and instead will continue to lead Yorkshire in the Championship after his appointment as captain this year.However, Bairstow could miss the first block of fixtures next year if selected in the IPL auction. Under the league’s regulations, he is not available for retention by Mumbai Indians after scores of 47 and 38 in his two appearances as a late replacement this year, but ESPNcricinfo has learned that he plans to enter the auction for 2026, which is expected to be held next month.Yorkshire finished seventh in Division One of the Championship last year and second-bottom of the North Group in the T20 Blast, though did reach the semi-finals of the Metro Bank Cup with a young side.Gavin Hamilton, their director of cricket, said he was “absolutely delighted” that Bairstow had committed to a long-term contract. “Jonny remains one of the best batters in the English game, capable of changing a game single-handedly, and we are very lucky to have him in our side,” he said.Bairstow has been at Headingley this week for pre-season fitness testing but will spend much of his winter playing overseas, with contracts lined up with MI Emirates in the ILT20 and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.”I’m delighted to have signed a contract extension and am looking forward to playing my part in what is a hugely exciting period for Yorkshire,” Bairstow said. “Having come through the age-groups and spent all of my career here, it was the only real choice for me, and I’ll continue to wear the White Rose with pride over the next three years.”Leading the side in the Championship this year was a real honour, and I can’t wait to get back out there in 2026. The performances we put in, particularly in the second half of the campaign, were very encouraging and I am confident that we have got a group of players that can challenge the very best teams over the next few years.”

Suryavanshi scored a 15-ball 38 in chase but the middle order failed to fire before an unlikely lifeline took the game to a Super Over

Shashank Kishore21-Nov-2025
Bangladesh A won the Super OverIn a thriller that nearly went into a second Super Over, Bangladesh A seamer Ripon Mondol knocked India A out in the semi-final of the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, Qatar on Friday.Mondol delivered a superb 19th over, giving away just five runs and removing the well-set Ramandeep Singh to leave India A needing 16 off the final over; a target Bangladesh A nearly didn’t defend.With eight needed off the last three balls, Jishan Alam dropped a sitter at long-off to reprieve Ashutosh Sharma off left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan. Even worse, he parried it to the boundary for four. Ashutosh couldn’t capitalise, though, and was bowled next ball to leave India A needing four off the final delivery.Yet, India A found an unlikely lifeline thanks to a misjudged underarm throw from Bangladesh A captain Akbar Ali. As Harsh Dubey dug out a full delivery to long-on, he’d nearly given up but somehow willed himself to run a second.Akbar collected the return and had enough time to run to the stumps to seal the game, but instead flicked an underarm throw that missed. With no one backing up, India A stole a third run to force a Super Over.India A then perhaps misfired tactically, not unleashing the tournament’s highest six-hitter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, to open. Instead, Mondol bowled a pinpoint yorker to castle a frazzled Jitesh Sharma, who premeditated too early and got into a tangle attempting to paddle. Ashutosh toe-ended a yorker straight to extra cover as India A ran out of gas, leaving Bangladesh A a mere one run for victory.There appeared to be another twist when Suyash Sharma struck off the first delivery to remove Yasir Ali to a sharp catch by Ramandeep at the long-on fence. Akbar then took a strike with an opportunity to undo some of his earlier damage. Fortunately for him, Suyash’s misdirected googly ended up being a wide and Bangladesh A sealed victory in dramatic circumstances.Habibur Rahman Sohan led Bangladesh A’s charge•Asian Cricket Council

As a result, India A bowed out following an underwhelming campaign, where they were also beaten by Pakistan A in the group stages, while also being pushed by Oman.As chaotic as the finish was, India A would reflect on a poor finish with the ball as one of the major turning points. They conceded 50 off the last two overs alone, as left-hander SM Meherob made an unbeaten 48 off 18 balls. This included four stunning sixes in a 28-run penultimate over by Naman Dhir.Meherob’s cameo was the perfect sequel to Habibur Rahman’s 46-ball 65 up top that helped set up the game for Bangladesh A, before the middle-order briefly wobbled.India A brought up their fifty off just 19 balls as Vaibhav Suryavanshi went big, hitting two fours and four sixes in his 38 off 15 before he toe-ended a slog to long-on. Dhir struggled for timing – he was on 3 off 10 at one stage – and fell soon after.The chase was revived by Priyansh Arya and Jitesh Sharma, who made 44 and 33, respectively, to ensure India A were up with the asking rate for most parts. When Jitesh fell to leave India A 150 for 4 in 15 overs, the chase was upon Ramandeep and Nehal Wadhera, who appeared to have it under control before India A’s chase combusted in dramatic circumstances.

IPL mini auctions have had record paydays for overseas players in the past, and Cameron Green could take that trend forward come December 16.Green has been tipped to become the most expensive buy at the upcoming IPL auction because both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who have the highest purses (INR 64.3 crore and INR 43.4 crore respectively), are expected to put in strong bids for the allrounder.In 2023, Mitchell Starc was bought by KKR for INR 24.75 crore, minutes after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired Pat Cummins for 20.5 crore, making him the first player to breach the INR 20-crore mark at an IPL auction. Those overshadowed the INR 18.5 crore Punjab Kings (PBKS) had bid for Sam Curran in the previous mini auction in 2023.Related

• IPL 2026 auction – De Kock added in 359-player shortlist, Green part of first set

• Green in line for IPL payday; Maxwell, Moeen opt out

At the 2023 auction, Green became the second-most expensive buy when Mumbai Indians (MI) had bought him at INR 17.5 crore. MI went on to trade Green to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) a year later for the same price. In his two IPL seasons so far, in 2023 and 2024, Green has played 29 matches, scoring 707 runs at a strike rate of 153.70.He has listed himself at the maximum base price of INR 2 crore for the latest auction.While he could become a millionaire again, it won’t cross INR 20 crore, since the maximum fee cannot exceed INR 18 crore. This will apply even if the bid is higher than that number.That is because of the new “maximum fee” rule that the IPL brought in last year to address the collective concern of franchises that some overseas players were registering exclusively at mini auctions to exploit the supply-demand imbalance. Consequently, the IPL put in the maximum-fee rule where the overseas player cannot be paid more than INR 18 crore, which was the highest slab for franchises retaining players ahead of the 2025 mega auction.Cameron Green winds up for a big hit•BCCI

If the bid exceeded the INR 18-crore mark, the additional money, the IPL said, would be utilised by the BCCI for player welfare. In a note to franchises last year, the IPL said: “Any overseas player’s auction fee at small auction will be lower than the highest retention price [of INR 18 crore] and the highest auction price at the big auction. In case the highest auction price at the big auction is INR 20 crore, then INR 18 crore will be the cap. If the highest auction price at big auction is INR 16 crore, then the cap will be INR 16 crore.”The rule in place going forward is that the auction for the player will continue as normal till the player is sold, and the final auction amount will be charged to the auction purse. “The incremental amount over INR 16 or 18 crore, as the case may be, will be deposited with BCCI. The incremental amount deposited with BCCI will be utilised towards players’ welfare.”The maximum-fee rule, though, will not be applicable to Indian players, who will get the actual bid money, which will be deducted from franchise purse.A total of 77 slots are available to be filled at the auction including 31 for overseas players. There are 16 capped Indian players in the longlist, which will be pruned once franchises submit their final wishlist to the IPL by December 5.

Allrounder is back in favour after time in the wilderness and eager to become central to the team

Cameron Ponsonby19-Oct-2025In June of this year, it was the tenth anniversary of Sam Curran’s debut in professional cricket. Now 27 years old, he has played 471 professional cricket matches across his career. Stuart Broad managed 501.”I’ve played a lot of cricket,” Curran says, speaking from Christchurch. “This year I went back to Surrey [after getting dropped by England]. And I sit here now and I’m probably thankful for the reset. I’ve been non-stop since I was 17.”On that night at The Oval ten years ago, Curran’s Surrey captain was his current county coach Gareth Batty. A month later he claimed four wickets on his List A debut, and the teammate with whom he shared the new-ball duties, Jade Dernbach, is now his bowling coach in South London.”I went back to coaches that know me,” Curran explains, “I’ve obviously experienced such highs in my career and it was just about slowing down fractionally and getting back to enjoying it.”By all accounts, Curran took his omission from England’s white-ball squads earlier this year personally. Brendon McCullum had come in, and Curran had immediately gone out, as if confirming fears he’d aired a year earlier that he didn’t think his face fit in England’s Bazball era. He wasn’t six-foot-eight, and he wasn’t 90mph.”As a county player, it’s an interesting one,” he told talkSPORT at the time. “Because you’ve got to hope that you fit that mould right now.”This was the quiet part out loud – something that fans and journalists spoke about publicly, but rarely players.If the decision to drop him was hard to take, the message of how to get back in was simple. Become one of the best six white-ball batters in the country.Curran’s role as a seam-bowling allrounder has become integral to England’s tactics•Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images”I actually really enjoyed the clarity of it,” Curran reflects. “It was so simple. In the past as an all-rounder I’ve played so many roles but now it was nice and clear.”Curran returned to Surrey a man possessed. Determined to win every match whether with bat, ball or in the field. He played 24 games across the Blast and Hundred, giving him the time to impress with the bat, and also the time to develop with the ball. The super-slower moon ball has been added to his arsenal and means he is now a genuine option to Harry Brook across all phases of a T20 innings. It is a delivery that is currently unique to him in world cricket.”I’m not going to give away any secrets,” he says with a laugh. “The grip is very similar and I want it to be similar so guys can’t really pick it. The game’s moving so fast you have to be adaptable.”From being a man outside the squad, Curran has a chance to nail his role and become one of the most important players in the XI. Brook’s preference for two spinners, wherever England play, makes the presence of a seam-bowling all-rounder imperative.”He’s a very, very, very good player,” Brook said of his friend after Curran’s 49 not out in the opening T20I of the series. “To have him back in the side, he’s a very valuable player to us.”Related

England blown to bits-and-pieces as part-timers' bowling strategy backfires

Sam Curran added to England T20I squads as Ben Duckett takes break

Saker returns to England set-up as Ashes fast-bowling coach

Brook parks Ashes chat to train focus on New Zealand

Rain ruins Christchurch opener after Curran claws England to 153

In truth, Curran’s 49 in Christchurch was a poor example of his quality. There are lottery winners who would’ve blushed at the fortune he was afforded across his innings. Dropped twice, once badly and the second time atrociously, before later being reprieved on review for an LBW decision for which he’d already walked off the pitch. But, clichés exist for a reason: runs are runs and look in the book etc.The fact is, in returning to England’s white-ball squads, Curran has done the impossible. He has won back McCullum’s love. And that was achieved before his glorious (sketchy) 49 not out (for three).Across McCullum’s tenure in English cricket, no-one has made their way back in after being left out. Alex Lees got an English summer. Sam Cook got a Zimbabwean Test. And Keaton Jennings got a Pakistani net. Please call them. We don’t know where they are.Curran’s curse has always been the riches he bestows. Able to do everything and therefore expected to do anything. But to call him a jack-of-all-trades would be an insult. It is worth remembering just how prodigal Curran was and what exactly he has already accomplished.The story those at Surrey tell is of a Year 12 student arriving at the ground for T20s in his school uniform, removing his blazer and tie then walking out in front of 25,000 people to do his thing. On his first-class debut, again, as a Year 12 student, he opened the bowling and took a five-wicket haul. In his third first-class match a month later, he opened the bowling and batted at No.3.Those signs of promise translated into results as he was named as Player of the Series against India in 2018, his first summer as an international cricketer. Before he was later awarded Player of the Tournament in England’s World Cup win in 2022. He got an MBE for that.”Winning the World Cup for England’s definitely the highlight,” he says, “and there’s that drive to do it again. That’s the pinnacle and I guess on tough days you look at that as your ‘lift me up’. There’s another World Cup in 3-4 months time and it’s exciting.”It is in everyone’s interest that this time it works.

After the saga surrounding Alexander Isak during the summer transfer window, it was crucial that Newcastle United navigated their way past the situation.

The Swedish international netted 23 Premier League goals last campaign, helping the Magpies secure Champions League football, but that wasn’t enough to keep the striker happy on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe was left with no choice but to cash in on the 26-year-old’s services during the summer transfer window, subsequently taking in an English record £125m for his services.

However, it no doubt left a huge hole that needed filling within the final third, leading to over £100m being splashed on numerous players to soften the blow of his departure.

Despite the recent spending spree, the hierarchy appear to be targeting numerous attacking reinforcements to take the club to the next level in the months ahead.

Newcastle’s hunt for new attacking signings in January

Over the last couple of days, Newcastle have been just one side credited with an interest in landing Stuttgart star Bilal El Khannouss ahead of the January window.

The Moroccan international joined the German side on loan from Leicester City in the summer window, already making an immediate impact – as seen by his tally of five goals and assists in 10 outings.

However, Howe’s men could strike a permanent deal with his current employers this winter, which could result in a £25m switch to St James’ Park for the attacking midfielder.

He’s not the only player currently on their radar, with Brentford striker Igor Thiago another player currently being considered ahead of the upcoming window.

According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are just one Premier League club monitoring the Brazilian, after his tremendous start to 2025/26, which has seen him score 11 times to date.

However, the report also states that Keith Andrews’ side are unwilling to sanction a move, but may be forced to consider a move if a huge offer is made for his signature.

Why Newcastle’s latest target could be bad news for Woltemade

In an attempt to soften the blow of Isak’s summer departure from Newcastle, the board backed Howe by spending a reported £69m on the signature of striker Nick Woltemade.

The German’s transfer fee certainly raised eyebrows across the division, but a couple of months on and the deal now appears to be an excellent piece of business by the board.

He’s already featured in 11 Premier League matches to date, scoring on five separate occasions, whilst also managing to lay on one assist for his teammates.

The 23-year-old’s latest effort came in the 4-1 demolition of Everton, with Woltemade producing an outrageous lob over Jordan Pickford to cement all three points for the Magpies.

However, despite his excellent start to life in the North East, he could struggle for consistent minutes if Thiago arrives, with the Brazilian man in tremendous form in recent weeks.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Brazilian has managed to outperform Woltemade in key areas, showcasing why it could be bad news for the German.

Thiago, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by boss Andrews, has scored almost double the number of goals netted by the Magpies star – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.

Games played

14

12

Goals & assists

11

6

Shot on target accuracy

50%

30%

Shots on target per 90

1.1

0.5

Passes into final third

0.9

0.6

Take-on success

56%

38%

Aerials won

2.9

1.5

Aerial success rate

43%

34%

He’s also registered more shots on target per 90, whilst achieving a better accuracy rate with the chances he’s been presented with – arguably making him a more consistent option in the final third.

However, he’s also demonstrated a more all-round skill-set than the German star, as seen by his higher take-on success rate and higher tally of passes into the final third per 90.

The Brazilian’s dominance over Woltemade is further reflected in his aerial presence, which no doubt makes him a better focal point than the number 27.

It’s unclear how much the Bees would demand to part ways with their talisman, but it’s clear he’s currently a leading talent in the Premier League this season.

Such a move could be harsh on Woltemade, but the added competition in the months ahead could allow the youngster to find the next level in his career as a result.

Eddie Howe has already found a bigger talent than Anderson at Newcastle

Howe’s Newcastle side are showing green shoots after a difficult start to the season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

As we approached 2025, the fear was that Liverpool would lose their talisman, an all-time great in the form of Mohamed Salah, on a free transfer.

Well, the Egyptian signed a new deal and closed out an enthralling individual season for the Reds. He led Arne Slot’s team to title glory, taking home the Premier League title back in May.

The foundations Slot had built during his maiden campaign in English football were remarkable but it’s all petered out in frantic fashion throughout the ongoing term.

A year on from uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future, a different sense of uncertainty lingers heading into 2026.

This time around it feels unlikely that he’ll be staying around at Anfield for much longer. It’s a sad end for one of the Premier League’s modern-day greats.

Why Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool

The winger had an enthralling 2024/25 season, ending the year with a whopping 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 outings. However, this term has not been a pretty one for the Egyptian who has only bagged five times in 19 appearances for Liverpool.

Slot’s side have been in a rotten run and Salah’s poor form has coincided with that. He’s been so poor, however, that the Dutchman has taken the decision to select him on the bench across the last three games. As Salah himself said post-game, it’s unheard of.

However, there lies the problem. What Salah said after the game. He launched a stunning attack on Slot after Liverpool drew 3-3 with Leeds and it has thrown his immediate future in Merseyside into doubt.

“I’m very disappointed, Salah began. “I’ve done so much for this club – everyone can see that – over years, especially last season, sitting on the bench I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That’s how I feel it.”

The forward continued: “It’s very clear that someone wants me to get all the blame. Club promised me a lot in summer. So far I I’m on bench three games, so can’t say they have kept those promises.

“I say many times I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship, I don’t know why. It seems like someone does not want me in the club.

“But again this club, I always support it. my kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I will always do. I called my mum yesterday because I knew I wasn’t going to start and told my mum and dad to the Brighton game [next Saturday].”

The latest on Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool

It’s thought that one of Salah’s main suitors continues to be Saudi Arabia and it would not be a surprise if he heads off to the Middle East before too long.

That’s because he’s now been totally excluded from the matchday squad for Liverpool’s clash with Inter Milan in the week.

According to Football FanCast sources, Richard Hughes and Co met after Salah made those comments and while it initially looked like he could just miss the clash with Inter, he has officially been removed from selection for a ‘short period’.

Sources suggest that the decision has been taken in consultation with manager Slot in the best interests of the player, the squad and the club. It’s thought that the boss has given the decision his full support.

Whether that means that Salah will miss Liverpool’s next league game against Brighton next Saturday remains to be seen but considering the attacker is due to head off to AFCON after that, it’s likely this is the last we’ll see of him in a Liverpool shirt, at least this year.

What the future holds in the long term is currently unknown but it’s certainly not looking good for either player or manager right now.

Gallery: How Salah interacted with Liverpool teammates in training on Monday

Mo Salah is unhappy with life at Liverpool right now.

By
FFC Staff

4 days ago

Lionesses and Tottenham Women's star Jessica Naz has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a devastating ACL injury – the second of her career. The 25-year-old limped off during Spurs’ Women’s Super League victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, and scans confirmed a rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament of her right knee.

• A heartbreaking repeat of 2019 ordeal

  Tottenham announced on Tuesday that Naz will undergo surgery, ending what had been a standout campaign. Her absence adds to a growing list of ACL casualties across the Women’s Super League, sparking fresh concerns over player welfare in the women’s game. Naz’s injury follows the sidelining of England team-mate Michelle Agyemang, Liverpool pair Marie Hobinger and Sophie Roman Haug, Aston Villa’s Jill Baijings, Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger and Spurs midfielder Maite Oroz, all of whom suffered ACL tears in October. Arsenal teenager Katie Reid then sustained the same injury in November.

  For Naz, the news is especially cruel. Five years ago, she tore the ACL in her left knee during a pre-season camp in Spain, an injury that kept her out for around 18 months. Her return from that long rehabilitation was widely celebrated, and she has since become one of Tottenham’s most influential players. She has featured in all 10 of Spurs’ WSL matches this season, helping them to a strong fifth-place position just two points behind Chelsea in second.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Tottenham's statement on Naz

  Tottenham have said in an official statement: "We can confirm that Jessica Naz has suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in her right knee. The England international forward sustained the injury during the second half of Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League match against Aston Villa at Brisbane Road, and will undergo surgery. Jess will then commence her rehabilitation process with our medical staff. Everyone at the Club gives Jess their full love and support on her recovery journey."

• WSL grapples with unprecedented spike in ACL injuries

  While ACL injuries have plagued the women’s game for years, the frequency this season has alarmed medical experts. Urgent studies are being undertaken, including FIFA-funded research into whether hormonal cycles, training load, pitch type and fixture congestion are contributing factors.

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  Naz’s absence a huge blow as Spurs prepare for crucial fixtures

  Tottenham must now navigate the winter period without one of their most dynamic attackers. They face Manchester United in the WSL this weekend in a match that could shape the race for European qualification. The two sides will meet again shortly after in the League Cup quarter-finals before the season pauses for the winter break. Naz, who made her debut for the Lionesses in July 2024 and has since amassed six international caps, will play no part in any of those fixtures, and her road to recovery is expected to stretch well into next year. For a player who has already endured one long rehabilitation, the prospect of another gruelling recovery period is a harsh twist in a season that had promised so much.