Rishabh Pant to miss home Tests against West Indies

Pant had suffered a fractured left foot during the England tour in July and is currently in rehab at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Sep-20252:05

Is there a role for Nitish Kumar Reddy in home Tests?

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to miss the two-match home Test series against West Indies, starting in Ahmedabad from October 2.India’s selection meeting for the series is scheduled for September 24. ESPNcricinfo has learned the Ajit Agarkar-led panel will pick 15 players, which is two fewer than the squad for the New Zealand Tests last October, the last home series India played.Pant, who was India’s vice-captain in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England this year, suffered a fractured left foot during the fourth Test in Manchester. While he limped out to bat in the first innings, he was replaced by N Jagadeesan in the squad for the final Test at the Oval. Pant is currently at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.It is learned that Pant has been undergoing strength and conditioning and is awaiting further updates from the BCCI medical team before he can resume batting and keeping. There is no firm timeline drawn for his return. India are scheduled to play a white-ball series in Australia from October 19, after the West Indies series.In Pant’s absence, Dhruv Jurel is expected to be India’s wicketkeeper during the West Indies series. Jurel, who is currently in Lucknow playing against Australia A, kept wicket in the final two Tests of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Jagadeesan, who opened in the first match against Australia A as well as swapped keeping duties with Jurel, could be the back-up in case the selectors opt for a second specialist wicketkeeper for the West Indies series.It is also understood that the selectors are likely to consider Nitish Kumar Reddy and Devdutt Padikkal for the Test series. Padikkal, who made 150 for India A against Australia A in the first four-day game in Lucknow, has played two Tests so far. He was part of the Perth Test against Australia last year, when he made scores of 0 and 25 from No. 3.Reddy was also part of that series, as well as the England Tests that followed, and has played a total of seven Tests so far. Reddy, who was supposed to make a comeback from the knee injury he suffered in England in the first four-day game against Australia A, did not make the XI. Both players are in the squad for the second four-day game which begins on Tuesday.The India-West Indies Tests are part of the World Test Championship (WTC). India are currently third on the WTC table, after drawing the five-match England series 2-2. West Indies are sixth after three losses in three games.

Wolves targeting Brendan Rodgers amid doubts about Vitor Pereira

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now targeting Brendan Rodgers as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, amid boardroom doubts about the Portuguese manager, who has made a very poor start to the campaign.

Indeed, Pereira is arguably fortunate to still be in a job, given that West Ham United and Nottingham Forest have already made changes, with the Old Gold sitting bottom of the Premier League, having failed to win any of their opening nine games.

Wolves have amassed just two points, which means they are currently six points adrift of safety, and the most recent result is likely to be particularly concerning, suffering a 3-2 defeat at home against newly-promoted Burnley.

Pereiera had to be dragged away from an altercation with the fans after the full-time whistle, before going on to urge the supporters to stick with the team in his post-match interview, saying: “We understand the frustration of the people and supporters but what I must say, if we fight united with them, we can win games and compete and achieve our targets – without them, it is impossible,”

“If we win two or three games in a row, things will change.”

The 57-year-old appears to be safe for the meantime, with the board not taking any drastic action after the Burnley defeat, but the club’s hierarchy are starting to have doubts about their manager…

Wolves targeting Rodgers to replace Pereira

According to a report from The Boot Room, Rodgers has now emerged as a target for Wolves, with the 52-year-old now available after resigning from his position as Celtic manager earlier this week.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey adds: “Wolves, as it stands, are sticking with Vitor Pereira, but I understand the club’s hierarchy is split. Some wanted Pereira out after their weekend defeat to Burnley, so they are one to watch.”

As such, the former FC Porto manager may get a few more games to save his job, but if results don’t improve, the Northern Irishman could be brought in to replace him, having decided moving back to England is his “number one priority”.

After such a poor start to the season, the Old Gold may need a special manager to guide them to safety, and the ex-Celtic boss, who has managed 34 Champions League games, could fit the bill.

Gabriel Agbonlahor once lauded the former Leicester City boss for the work he did at the King Power Stadium, describing him as a “world-class” manager.

During his time with the Foxes, Rodgers, who often utilises a 4-3-3 formation, secured two fifth-place finishes and won the FA Cup, showcasing that he is capable of punching above his weight with a smaller club.

Despite signing a new three-year contract last month, there is only so long Wolves can stick with Pereira if results don’t improve dramatically, and the former Leicester manager could be the ideal replacement.

Could Jorgen Strand Larsen save Vitor Pereira's job?

Wolves' "phenomenal" star looks like another Cunha-type player for Pereira

The talented international could be another Cunha-type star for Wolves this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 18, 2025

Gus Atkinson takes five as India collapse for 224

He took three of the remaining four India wickets that India had when they arrived on Friday morning on 204 for 6

Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Aug-2025

Gus Atkinson finished with a five-for•PA Photos/Getty Images

Gus Atkinson’s fourth five-wicket haul helped England make light work of what remained of India’s first innings of the fifth Test, dismissing them for 224.Atkinson’s 5 for 33 upon his return to the XI after two months out was all the more important after news this morning that Chris Woakes would play no further part in the match after a suspected dislocated shoulder sustained in the field last evening. And the Surrey quick, on his home ground, took three of the remaining four wickets that India had up their sleeve when they arrived on Friday morning on 204 for 6.It was Josh Tongue who made the first key incision, albeit with a choatic approach that would get any surgeon struck off. His first over, opening from the Vauxhall End, went for nine, but he was able to remove Karun Nair for 57 in his second. A sharp delivery that nipped into the stumps – Nair no doubt expected something short and wide either side of them – pinned the right-hander on the back leg. Plumb in front, Nair took one of India’s three reviews with him.Washington Sundar should have assumed the responsibility at that point as an elongated tail became exposed, but he fell five deliveries later, waltzing into a short ball trap, heaving Atkinson to deep square leg, where Jamie Overton sprinted in to take a smart catch.Atkinson would then skittle Mohammed Siraj before Prasidh Krishna felt for a delivery outside off, completing a collapse of four for six in 18 balls. This is now the lowest first innings total of the series. The previous lowest was India’s 358 at Manchester.Atkinson now boasts an average of 21, the fourth best for an England seamer with fifty or more dismissals, and the second best strike rate, ever, at 34.9, for those who have taken 60 wickets.

MVP Deepti Sharma sings her song of redemption loud and clear

Deepti Sharma was one of India’s stars throughout the World Cup, and upped her game in the final with a run-a-ball 58 and then a five-wicket haul

Vishal Dikshit03-Nov-2025

Deepti Sharma derailed South Africa’s chase in the death overs•ICC/Getty Images

Deepti Sharma. South Africa. World Cup.Till Sunday night, even Deepti would have thought of that World Cup night in Christchurch, back in 2022, if those words had been put to her together. India were on the verge of progressing to the semi-finals then, they had to go past South Africa in a must-win game, and Deepti had the task of defending six runs in the last over with the set Mignon du Preez in front of her.When South Africa needed three from two, Deepti had du Preez caught at long-on to spark wild celebrations before realising that the umpires were checking for a no-ball and Deepti had no part of her heel inside the crease. Two balls later, du Preez hit the winning runs. The abiding memory from that moment is of Jhulan Goswami, out of that match with a niggle, her mouth covered with her hands as she saw her last World Cup dream shattered.Related

  • Deepti Sharma: 'When we were playing the semi-final, we treated it like a final'

  • The night Shafali Verma defied her destiny, and then owned it

  • Team of the tournament: Mandhana, Wolvaardt, Gardner, Ecclestone and…?

  • 'Numb' Harmanpreet tries to grasp enormity of the greatest day

  • Stats – Deepti in a league of her own in World Cups

It’s hard to know how Deepti would have slept that night. Or how she dealt with that in the days and years to come. In fact, Deepti might have gone into the 2022 World Cup with baggage already, having not been able to see India through in the 2017 final when she was the second-last wicket to fall and India fell short by just nine runs against England.The nature of sport is such that sportspersons often feel redeemed by shining in similar situations, often against the same team, and even more when there’s a lot at stake.Harmanpreet Kaur and India have often fallen back on Deepti as the partnership-breaker in recent times, and Sunday night was no different. But it was the World Cup final, so there was the added pressure. Deepti was first bowler Harmanpreet turned to after the opening quicks didn’t get a wicket in the first eight overs. But the nature of the pitch and the way the South Africa batters manoeuvred her, that Deepti only got the one wicket, of Sinalo Jafta, in her first seven overs. Wickets had been falling at the other end, though, and South Africa needed 92 from 66 with five wickets in hand when Deepti began her eighth.Deepti is known for her variations and her deception, gained from over 250 international games and two overseas T20 leagues. She sent down a yorker that Annerie Dercksen, whom she had dropped on 24, couldn’t pick and was bowled for 35. The cross-seam delivery was a reminder of how Deepti thought on her feet when the conditions were not in her favour or if the batters were going after her, just like in India’s opening game, when Chamari Athapaththu was taking her down. She nailed this one. Just like when Tammy Beaumont were looking to accelerate after a half-century opening stand before Deepti darted a quicker one that bowled her around her legs.8:05

‘What dream? We’re living it’

Deepti has been a consistent death-overs bowler this tournament and that responsibility could have felt heavier in front of a packed stadium. It didn’t show when she got the biggest one of them: Laura Wolvaardt. Deepti fired one in flat to the century-maker with the field spread out and the miscued slog sweep went to Amanjot Kaur at deep midwicket, and the crowd caught its collective breath as Amanjot juggled the ball before completing the catch on the third attempt. Three balls later came another pace variation and when Chloe Tryon missed a flatter one to be given lbw.”I’ve always like challenges so I was confident going into my second and third spells,” Deepti told the host broadcaster after the game. “When we got the momentum with Dercksen’s wicket and then Laura’s wicket, I had this belief that as a senior player I have to pick up my performance and back the others.”I always look to use variations along with my stock ball and I know when to use which one, like against a set batter or a new batter. I’ve also practiced for them a lot in the WPL and other series, so all those games helped me. That season of the WPL when I was the MVP (2024) it really helped me.”Deepti Sharma made good use of the sweep in the final•AFP/Getty Images

Emergence of the quick-scoring lower-order batter

Deepti has rescued India on several occasions with the bat in this World Cup, too, while also scoring runs quickly. It was the lift in her strike rate in 2025 that added a new dimension to her game. When India were 121 for 5 against Sri Lanka, Deepti steered the ship with a run-a-ball 53 that gave them a competitive score.As much as the thought lingered after the England loss that she should have carried the team through in the chase, Deepti had scored 50 off 57 and kept India going till the 47th over. And then in the finale, she again produced a gritty run-a-ball 58 when the two batters before her – Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet – had fallen with strike rates of under 70. Her expansive slog sweeps in search of boundaries, her six off Marizanne Kapp, her singles and doubles in the end when South Africa’s quicks took the pace off the ball to stem the flow of runs helped India inch closer and closer to the 300 mark that they wanted to get.Deepti Sharma took two wickets in the same over•ICC/Getty ImagesDeepti’s knocks this World Cup combined for 215 runs at a strike rate of 90.33, not far behind her strike rate of 103.25 this year until the World Cup had started, a remarkable improvement from 71.38 in the last two years.”My batting used to come mainly in the last 15 overs so I worked on it with Bala (her brother Sumit) in recent times,” Deepti said. “I worked on the shots that I would have to play in the slog overs. So I improved accordingly and tried to stay positive.”It was fitting that it was Deepti who sealed India’s maiden World Cup triumph when she had Nadine de Klerk caught by a leaping Harmanpreet to get the party started, for her team, the near-40,000 crowd at the ground, and millions of Indian watching from around the world.And the next time someone says Deepti Sharma, South Africa and World Cup together, the night that will be remembered is the one on November 2, 2025, Navi Mumbai. Capped off with Deepti proudly holding the Player-of-the-Tournament trophy, big smile on her face.

تطورات جديدة في رحلة تعافي أشرف حكيمي ولحاقه بكأس أمم إفريقيا

كشفت تقارير صحفية تطورات حالة النجم أشرف حكيمي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي باريس سان جيرمان ومنتخب المغرب.

ويحاول الظهير المغربي الدولي التعافي من التدخل العنيف الذي تعرض له من جانب لويس دياز خلال مباراة باريس سان جيرمان ضد بايرن ميونخ.

كان حكيمي قد علق على إصابته ومدى سعيه في اللحاق ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا المقبلة والتي ستحتضنها بلاده، (للتفاصيل).

ووفقًا للصحفي الشهير فابريس هوكينز، فإن أشرف حكيمي سيسافر إلى المغرب لمواصلة تعافيه والاستعداد لكأس الأمم الإفريقية.

وأفاد أنه سيرافقه أحد أعضاء الجهاز الطبي لناديه باريس سان جيرمان لمتابعة تطور حالته.

وذكر أن الهدف هو أن يكون اللاعب المغربي جاهزًا للانضمام إلى باريس سان جيرمان فور عودته من كأس الأمم الإفريقية وأن يكون في حالة بدنية رائعة، وتتمتع إدارة باريس سان جيرمان بعلاقة جيدة مع الجهاز الفني للمنتخب المغربي.

Spin-heavy Bangladesh eye first win against New Zealand in ODIs

Spinners have thrived in Guwahati, taking 33 of the 44 wickets that have fallen at the venue so far in this World Cup

Sruthi Ravindranath09-Oct-20253:00

Amelia Kerr: NZ wary of spin-heavy Bangladesh

Big Picture: NZ under the pump

Two matches in, New Zealand are already at risk of playing catch-up in the Women’s World Cup. Two brilliant innings from captain Sophie Devine haven’t been able to save them as they lost to Australia and South Africa. That makes them one of two winless teams in this tournament.New Zealand hadn’t played an ODI in six months prior to the World Cup. The rust has shown: before losing to Australia and South Africa, they suffered defeats in their warm-up games against India and India A. Apart from Devine, who has contributed 42% of New Zealand’s runs in the tournament so far, the batters have struggled for fluency and the bowling has lacked bite. Against South Africa, they also let themselves down in the field with seven misfields, a reflection of a team that has looked undercooked.Bangladesh, in contrast, are on the rise. They stunned Pakistan, pushed England hard, and are brimming with belief. Their batting hasn’t quite clicked, but their bowlers have done the job with Marufa Akter consistently striking with the new ball and the spinners keeping a tight leash through the middle overs. With Brooke Halliday the only left-hander in the batting order, New Zealand’s right-hand-heavy line-up could be tested by left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and the legspin duo of Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan.They’ve never beaten New Zealand in ODIs, having lost both their completed games by a big margin in 2022. But with spin expected to play a big role in Guwahati on Friday, Bangladesh will be keen to use the conditions to their advantage. Unlike New Zealand, they have already played a game at this venue in the World Cup.

Form Guide



Bangladesh LWLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
New Zealand LLWWLSuzie Bates is yet to open her account in this World Cup•ICC via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Fahima Khatun and Suzie Bates

Fahima Khatun was near unplayable against England on Tuesday, returning remarkable figures of 3 for 16. She dismissed Nat Sciver-Brunt, Emma Lamb, and Sophia Dunkley, and celebrated each wicket with her trademark jig. Fahima’s slow, loopy legspin tied England down; she conceded just one boundary in 60 balls. She also had Heather Knight caught at cover, but the low catch was ruled not out by the TV umpire, a pivotal moment that arguably swung the game.New Zealand have missed the runs from Suzie Bates from the top of the order, who will be coming into this match off two consecutive ducks. She struggled to score off her first eight balls against Australia, eventually falling to left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, while she fell for a golden duck against South Africa to Marizanne Kapp. She will need to find a way to see off a red-hot Marufa, who’s coming off four wickets in two games.

Team news: Is Mair fit and ready?

Bangladesh are unlikely to change their combination unless there’s a last-minute injury or illness. Marufa, who bowled only five overs against England and was off the field with cramps, is “fit and ready” for Friday’s game, Nahida said at the press conference.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Rubya Haider, 2 Sharmin Akhter, 3 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 4 Sobhana Mostary, 5 Mst Ritu Moni, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Sanjida Akter MeghlaNew Zealand assistant coach Craig McMillan had said that right-arm quick Rosemary Mair was “close to fitness” before their previous fixture against South Africa. If she’s fit, New Zealand may bring her in for Jess Kerr.New Zealand (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr/Rosemary Mair, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Bree Illing

Pitch and conditions: Spin to win

Spinners have taken 75% of the wickets (33 out of 44 total wickets) in the three matches in Guwahati so far this World Cup. There is a possibility of a rain-interrupted start.

Stats and Trivia: Tahuhu gears up for 100th ODI

  • New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will be playing her 100th ODI on Friday.
  • Marufa Akter has eight wickets in the powerplay this year, the second most by a bowler in women’s ODIs.
  • Brooke Halliday is 57 runs away from 1000 ODI runs. She will become the 18th New Zealand batter to the feat.

Quotes

“There has been quite a bit of turn and bounce in the nets, which is exciting for my bowling. But on the other hand with batting, it’s just being really disciplined in the best way to play spin. We know with Bangladesh, they’ve, I think apart from the opening bowler, they’re a spin-heavy attack and they’ve had a lot of teams in trouble as well throughout this tournament we’ve seen. So, I think being really disciplined with the bat, you have to sum up conditions really quickly and then work out what your best game plan is.”

Man Utd boss Marc Skinner claims rivals City were 'not that far ahead' despite humiliating derby defeat that leaves WSL title hopes in pieces

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner delivered a surprisingly defiant assessment after his side suffered a heavy derby defeat at the Etihad. He insisted that Manchester City were “not that far ahead” despite a humbling 3-0 scoreline that leaves United’s title hopes hanging by a thread. United were outplayed from the first whistle to the last as they registered zero shots on target and struggled to generate any attacking threat. The shocking performance comes just three days after their historic 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Women’s Champions League at Old Trafford.

  • City dominate early before cracking United open

    City's aggressive pressing and dominance in central areas immediately forced United onto the back foot. Yet, for the opening half-hour, their superiority lacked an end product, with United managing to survive the early storm. But the resistance fractured shortly after the midpoint of the first half. Lauren Hemp’s pinpoint delivery found Khadija Shaw, whose cushioned header across goal allowed Rebecca Knaak to nod home from close range. The match swung decisively before the interval. United believed a foul had been missed in the build-up to City’s second goal, but Amy Fearn again dismissed their protests. Kerstin Casparij’s driven cross picked out Shaw, who stabbed past Mary Earps to double City’s advantage. Any remaining hope was extinguished minutes later when United gifted possession in a dangerous area. Hemp pounced with ruthless efficiency, sweeping a curling finish into the top corner to put City 3-0 ahead and effectively end the contest before half-time.

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    Defiant Skinner offers surprising verdict

    Despite the gulf in the scoreline and the lack of genuine openings, Skinner delivered a surprising verdict afterwards. 

    "It's a strange feeling to have lost the game 3-0 and still feel the opponent wasn't that far ahead of you", he said. 

    United entered the derby with obvious fatigue after a gruelling week that included their first-ever Champions League match at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, City, who are free from European commitments, benefitted from a less demanding schedule. But Skinner refused to use that as justification.

    "We won't use it as an excuse," he said after the game. "We had an advantage on City last year when they were doing the same. It's nothing against City, they did what they had to do today. For us, we've designed the squad, but it needs to be impacted by the winter window, to be clear."

  • Skinner wants reinforcements

    However, the United manager made clear that his squad, which is stretched by injuries and the pressure of a busier calendar, urgently needs reinforcements.

    "It needs to support these players that are giving absolutely everything," he said. "It wasn't a lack of commitment, the players gave as much as they could, but in moments we switched off. That can be fatigue. Our standards is that we can't accept that, we have to fix it going into Wolfsburg [in the Champions League on Wednesday].

    "We've got to fight. We've got a bit more recovery time. We've had to walk through training this week, it's these factors we're getting used to now being in the Champions League. I'm not moaning about that, we have to take the challenge on. That's why in the winter window we have to supply some support for the players."

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    United’s attack under the microscope after toothless derby display

    Perhaps the clearest indictment of United’s performance was their lack of threat in the final third. Skinner wants reinforcements in the attacking department, where depth has been stretched to breaking point.

    "If I look at the way we attacked today, I felt we were a bit passive, I'm going to make sure we look at that as an area to support the fantastic work our players are already doing," he said.

    However, he made it clear that the management remains adamant to improve the women's team and added: "The club care about the women's team, I'll be clear on that. Us identifying the right talent and bringing them in in the right moment is key. We're working hard behind the scenes to do so. I have no doubt the club care. What we need to do is bring the right people in."

    The win moves City four points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League. United, meanwhile, remain in third, now seven points adrift of City and three behind Chelsea. For a team hoping to mount a genuine title challenge, the derby defeat represents a reality check. It is a reminder of the work still required to bridge the divide between themselves and England’s elite.

John Textor makes Sheffield Wednesday contact as EFL prepare to relax key rule

After they were placed into administration last Friday, Sheffield Wednesday have now received contact from American billionaire John Textor about buying the club.

The Owls knew the inevitable was coming for some time and it speaks volumes that many around the club will be relieved to be in administration rather than under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri. His decade-long ownership has finally come to an end following a period in which staff and players went unpaid on a number of occasions.

Whilst there may be some light at the end of the tunnel off the pitch, however, Sheffield Wednesday have suffered on it. Henrik Pedersen’s side have been dealt an automatic 12-point deduction which has left them on -6 points and an impossible battle to stay up in the Championship.

Many have had their say on the consequences that they’ve been handed by the EFL, including Gary Lineker. The former Match of the Day host told The Rest is Football podcast: “They have gone into administration, obviously, and hopefully they can sort it all out. But they have got the 12-point penalty and are now on -6.

“I understand why clubs have to suffer repercussions, but I just think it’s like kicking a club when it’s down and at its lowest. We have had this with other clubs, and it just doesn’t sit well. It’s almost like the fans take the punishment.”

Julian Pitts, Kris Wigfield, Paul Stanley and Begbies Traynor have been appointed joint-administrators and are tasked with finding a suitable buyer for the club, with the EFL ready to relax their 21-day insolvency guideline to fast-track any potential sale.

John Textor makes contact with Sheffield Wednesday

According to reporter Alan Myers, Textor has now made contact with Sheffield Wednesday and their administrators about a potential deal to buy the club.

The American billionaire has also been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers and it’s clear that he’s looking to invest in English football after selling his Crystal Palace shares in the summer.

That said, Sheffield Wednesday should proceed with caution. Having only just ended a toxic relationship with Chansiri, the last thing they need is another difficult ownership.

Textor stole the headlines when he resigned from his leadership position at Lyon after they were relegated to Ligue 2 amid financial problems. Although they have now been reinstated to France’s top flight and Textor remains a shareholder from afar, his day-to-day role received major protest from fans.

A repeat at Sheffield Wednesday is not guaranteed, but the Owls must ensure that Textor is right for them if they are to add themselves to his portfolio of clubs.

Sheffield Wednesday administrators reveal criteria owners must meet

رافينها يفجر مفاجأة بشأن إصابته مع برشلونة.. ويصرّح: لا أحصل على التقدير الكافي

ظهر نجم فريق برشلونة، رافينها، في مؤتمر صحفي يوم الإثنين لللحديث عن مباراة الغد المرتقبة ضد نظيره فريق تشيلسي، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويستضيف ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” مباراة فريقي تشيلسي الإنجليزي وبرشلونة الإسباني، في الجولة الخامسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، موسم 2025/26.

وقال رافينها، في مؤتمر صحفي نشرته صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية: “مجرد العودة للعب أمر مميز بالنسبة لي، لقد غبت عن الملاعب لشهرين تقريبًا، وغياب لاعب كرة القدم كل هذه المدة يُعد أمرًا صعبًا للغاية”.

وأضاف:”هناك مواقف أكثر تعقيدًا من موقفي، لكنني دائمًا ما أرغب في التواجد في الملعب، وهذه المرة كانت صعبة بالنسبة لي، العودة للعب في هذا الملعب أمر مميز بالنسبة لي، إنه ملعب أعشقه، لعبت هنا عدة مرات وسجلت أهدافًا وأتمنى أن أفعل ذلك غدًا، آمل أن أساعد الفريق إذا أشركني المدرب، سأبذل قصارى جهدي”.

وواصل: “اشتقت للفريق أكثر بكثير مما افتقدوني، أنا شخص أسعى جاهدًا من أجل تقديم أفضل ما لدي في الملعب، هجوميًا ودفاعيًا، هذه هي طبيعتي، غالبًا ما أكون أكبر ناقد للفريق وأطالب اللاعبين دائمًا بالكثير، لكن هذه هي طبيعتي”.

وشدد: “أؤمن أن اللاعبين في الملعب موجودون لأنهم يمتلكون المهارة والجودة اللازمتين للتواجد، وأسعى جاهدًا لمساعدة الجميع، ويجب أن أكون أول من يفعل ذلك، إذا كنت في أفضل حالاتي، فيمكنني أن أطالب الفريق بالمزيد، لهذا السبب أحاول دائمًا تقديم أفضل ما عندي”.

وفيما يخص إصابته الأخيرة، قال: “عانيت من فترة عصيبة للغاية، كنت أرغب دائمًا في التواجد في الملعب لمساعدة الفريق ولعب أكبر عدد ممكن من الدقائق، كان قضاء هذين الشهرين دون لعب أمرًا صعبًا للغاية بالنسبة لي شخصيًا، العودة بعد شهرين من الإصابة أمر معقد بعض الشيء، أحتاج إلى لياقة بدنية عالية، وآمل أن أستعيد المستوى الذي يتوقعه الناس مني في أسرع وقت ممكن”.

واعترف: “ربما كانت هناك أخطاء، لكن الحقيقة هي أنني تعرضت لانتكاستين، الأولى كانت جزئيًا بسببي، وأعتقد أن الثانية كانت كذلك أيضًا، أتحمل مسؤولية ذلك، لأنني في النهاية أنا من يفعل الأشياء، وإذا اعتقدت أنها لن تفيدني، فسأكون أول من يرفض، أتحمل مسؤولية الانتكاستين لأنني أردت العودة إلى الملعب في أسرع وقت ممكن لمساعدة الفريق، ارتكبت بعض الأخطاء، ولهذا السبب تعرضت لهاتين الانتكاستين”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رباعي برشلونة مهدد بالإيقاف بسبب مباراة تشيلسي في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وأكد: “أحاول استعادة لياقتي البدنية الكاملة، الإصابات العضلية تكون صعبة بعد التعافي، وقد عانيت من انتكاستين، أحاول استعادة أفضل لياقة بدنية ممكنة والتعافي تمامًا لأتمكن من تقديم أفضل ما لديّ في الملعب، الجميع يبذل قصارى جهده لتسريع عملية التعافي، الأطباء، والمعالجون الفيزيائيون”.

وعن عدم فوزه بالجوائز الفردية مؤخرًا، قال: “هل شعرت بعدم حصولي على التقدير الكافي؟ نعم، شعرت بذلك بالفعل، أعتقد أنني كنت أستحق أكثر من ذلك بكثير، ولكن حسنًا، إنها جوائز فردية أو جوائز جماعية، ربما لم نتأهل لدوري أبطال أوروبا، لكنني لا أستطيع التحكم في الجوائز الفردية، تصويت الجمهور، وأصوات الصحفيين”.

واستكمل: “إنه أمر لا يعتمد عليّ وهو أكثر تعقيدًا، أنا أتحكم فيما أفعله في الملعب، وأنا متأكد من أنني قدمت موسمًا رائعًا، وهذا يكفي بالنسبة لي، يمكنك شرح ذلك لي، لقد فعلت ما كان عليّ فعله، وعندما يصوت الآخرون، فالأمر متروك لهم لشرح ذلك، لكنني لا أطلب شيئًا من أحد، سأبذل قصارى جهدي، هذا كل شيء”.

وحول كون برشلونة منافسًا على اللقب، قال البرازيلي: “إذا نظرتم إلى جميع مقابلاتي التي تناولت فيها دوري أبطال أوروبا، لطالما قلت إن الهدف الرئيسي من اللعب لهذا النادي هو الفوز بتلك البطولة، وهو هدفي منذ انضمامي”.

واسترسل: “في العام الماضي خسرنا بصعوبة بالغة في نصف النهائي، لكنني أرى الفريق هذا العام أكثر نضجًا من الموسم الماضي، وإذا مررنا بلحظات كهذه، فربما سنتعامل مع الأمر بشكل مختلف، إنها منافسة صعبة للغاية، لكننا سنبذل قصارى جهدنا لنقدم أفضل ما لدينا ونصل إلى النهائي ونفوز به”.

وعن مباراة الغد، قال: “كل موسم يختلف، لقد شهدنا تغييرات كثيرة، بين آخر مرة كان فيها برشلونة هنا والآن، سواء على مستوى اللاعبين أو على مستوى النادي ككل، كل موسم يختلف، في الموسم الماضي لعبنا مباريات رائعة في ملاعب رائعة، كل مباراة مختلفة، وهذه ستكون مباراة مذهلة، إنهما فريقان عظيمان، والفريق الذي يرتكب أخطاء أقل سيفوز بالتأكيد”.

وفيما يتعلق بمركزه المفضل، قال: “أشعر براحة أكبر في الملعب، أينما كان، لا أُفضل مركزًا على آخر، أريد أن أكون في الملعب لأساعد الفريق، أينما كان، لا يهمني إن كنت في أحد الجناحين، أو في الوسط، كما قلت، أريد أن أكون في الملعب لأساعد الفريق”.

وعن رفضه الانتقال إلى تشيلسي من ليدز يونايتد، قال: “كنت واضحًا تمامًا بشأن ما أريده وهو تحقيق حلمي بارتداء قميص برشلونة، ولهذا السبب وثقت بهم، وأنا هنا اليوم أرتدي قميص برشلونة، منذ مباراتي الأخيرة مع ليدز، كنت على دراية بإمكانية ارتداء قميص برشلونة، وكنت على دراية باهتمام تشيلسي”.

واستدرك: “لكن كان لدي حلم أسعى لتحقيقه وبذلت قصارى جهدي لأتمكن من ارتداء قميص برشلونة، تجاهلت أي فرق أخرى سعت للتعاقد معي، كان لدي حلم، وفعلت كل ما في وسعي لألعب لصالح برشلونة”.

وعندما سُئل عن دوره من مقاعد البدلاء، قال: “ما أفعله لمساعدة الفريق هو من صنع يدي، ليس الأمر أنني قائد أو ما شابه، أحاول فقط مساعدة الفريق عندما أرى أنهم بحاجة إليّ، أتذكر أن المعالج الطبيعي كان يعتني بـ فيرمين لوبيز، وكان هناك لاعبون يريدون الماء، لذلك حاولت أن أكون منتبهًا لكل شيء وساعدتهم في حمل زجاجات الماء إلى الملعب، كان وقتي في المدرجات أسوأ من وقتي على مقاعد البدلاء”.

وعن رأيه في مواطنه إستيفاو، لاعب تشيلسي، قال: “إستيفاو ولامين لاعبان كرة قدم يتمتعان بمستوى مذهل، في السنوات القادمة من مسيرتهما الكروية، سيكونان من بين أفضل اللاعبين في العالم، أنا متأكد من ذلك لأنني أعمل مع لامين في النادي ومع إستيفاو في المنتخب الوطني، إنهما موهبتان رائعتان”.

واستأنف: “الوصول إلى القمة يعتمد عليهما، لكنهما يسيران على الطريق الصحيح ليكونا الأفضل في أنديتهما ومنتخباتهما، أحاول مساعدتهما بخبرتي لأن الموهبة ملك لهما، أنا متأكد من أنهما موهبتان ستتألقان لسنوات عديدة”.

وعن أهمية العمل الدفاعي، قال: “أهم شئ هو الدفاع الجيد في كرة القدم اليوم، لأن جميع الفرق تعرف كيف تلعب ولديها إمكانية الوصول إلى جميع أنواع المعلومات، يُعد الجانب الدفاعي أمرًا بالغ الأهمية والقدرة على إدارته جيدًا هي أفضل ما يمكن للفريق، الفريق الذي يدافع بشكل أفضل لديه أفضل فرصة للفوز بالمباراة”.

وعن التأهل إلى دور الـ16، قال: “فاز باريس سان جيرمان بدوري أبطال أوروبا العام الماضي دون أن ينهي الموسم ضمن الثمانية الأوائل (لم يتأهل مباشرة واضطر إلى خوض الملحق)”.

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