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“Faf has lent on him quite a lot and we’re pretty sure that Rajat will be leaning on him too,” RCB’s director of cricket says

Ashish Pant13-Feb-20252:25

Why did RCB overlook Kohli as captain?

Virat Kohli might not be the new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain, with the franchise opting for Rajat Patidar, but for Mo Bobat, RCB’s director of cricket, Kohli does not need a “captaincy title” to be a leader in the team.”Of course, Virat was an option and that goes without saying and I know that the fans would’ve probably lent towards Virat in the first instance, but we’ve seen a lot of love for Rajat too,” Bobat said in an event in Bengaluru where Patidar was unveiled as the captain for IPL 2025. “Look, my point on Virat would be that Virat doesn’t need a captaincy title to lead. I think leadership, as we’ve all seen, is one of his strongest instincts. I think it just comes naturally to him. He leads regardless.”Kohli led the RCB franchise from 2013 to 2021 before he stepped down from the role. He led the team for three matches in 2023 when regular captain Faf du Plessis was injured and played as an Impact Player.Related

RCB hope 18 is the charm as hunt for IPL glory continues

Rajat Patidar appointed new RCB captain for IPL 2025

Bobat was confident that despite Kohli not being the designated captain, Patidar would lean on him like his predecessor du Plessis did.”Everybody in the country and everyone in the world knows that Virat’s a leader in every sense of the word,” Bobat said. “Andy [Flower, head coach] and I lean on him quite a lot. Faf has lent on him quite a lot and we’re pretty sure that Rajat will be leaning on him too.”Even last year with Faf as captain, we saw every bit of that. He leads as an example with the bat, the volume of runs and the strike rate that he scored at last year was so impressive and so important for us. He set the tone, he leads in the field. I can think of two or three specific instances where he’s actually created run-out chances and wickets from nothing. Everyone in the field knows that they’ve got to be up to their standards because of him. He sets the tone with his energy. Everyone has seen how much he likes a fight and a scrap and how much he wants to be the person getting us over the line.””His experience and ideas will definitely help me in my leadership role,” Patidar said of Kohli•BCCIBobat also said that Kohli was actively involved in discussions surrounding Patidar being named captain.”Andy and I spent some time with Virat earlier this week actually in Ahmedabad and it was really nice getting some time with him and talking things through with him [about captaincy],” Bobat said. “And what was so obvious was he had so much energy and excitement for this decision and this appointment. He’s so pleased for Rajat, like us. He knows how deserving Rajat is of this opportunity and is right behind him.”Kohli was front and centre of RCB turning their season around in IPL 2024. Having won just one out of their first eight games, RCB won six on the bounce to make a miraculous entry into the playoffs. While they went down in the eliminator, Kohli, with 741 runs in 15 innings, won the purple cap. “I think Virat’s energy and motivation and drive is really something special to behold in a 36-year-old cricketer that’s done everything in the game,” Flower said. “I really respect him for it and it’s great role modelling for the younger players and younger overseas players to come and work with him as well. It was nice to watch it from within the same dressing room last year.”My experience with him, particularly in the first half of the last season when we were struggling and he was a huge part of turning that season around for us, in the way that he carried himself in his role modelling of how he works at the day and thinks about the day, that experience with him only made my respect for him grow. And I would say the same thing about our discussions over the captaincy of RCB coming season.”Patidar also said that having had plenty of good partnerships with Kohli over the years, he does not mind leaning on him for suggestions and that it would help him in his leadership role.”It’s a great opportunity for me to learn from one of the best,” Patidar said. “I have had a lot of partnerships with him, so I think I know him very well. So yeah, his experience and his ideas will definitely help me in my leadership role.”

Julio Cesar has suggested Bayern Munich look to Brazil for Manuel Neuer’s long-term successor. The Inter legend highlighted Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao as a “wonderful” option, even though the 24-year-old remains largely unknown in Europe. With Neuer nearing 40, Bayern face growing questions about their next No.1.

Cesar tips Brazil’s Brazao as Neuer successor

Former Brazil international Cesar has thrown a surprising name into the mix as Bayern weigh up the long-term future of Neuer. The 39-year-old captain remains first-choice at the Allianz Arena but, with his contract nearing its final stretch, attention is turning to potential successors. Cesar, who won the Champions League with Inter in 2010, has endorsed Brazao, currently impressing with Santos in Brazil.

AdvertisementGettyCesar: “Neuer is an idol, but Bayern must plan ahead”

In an interview with , Cesar was asked who he would recommend to Bayern and replied: "Neuer is an idol at FC Bayern, but he's almost 40, and Bayern have to think about the future. We have a wonderful goalkeeper in Brazil: Gabriel Brazao."

The former Inter goalkeeper then praised Neuer further, adding: "He's a wonderful goalkeeper, I like him very much. He's almost 40 years old and he's still playing at the highest level. He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world."

GettyBrazao’s rise in Brazil fuels Bayern succession talk

Brazao has had a winding career since leaving Cruzeiro for Europe in 2019, including spells at Parma and Inter, though he never made a competitive appearance in Italy. Now settled at Santos, where Neymar has strong ties the 24-year-old has impressed with consistent performances, earning praise back home. His contract runs until 2028, which could make any European move costly. For the Bavarians, Jonas Urbig is the current understudy, but the club are yet to confirm their long-term succession plan as Neuer continues to start every Bundesliga fixture.

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Getty Images SportNeuer stays No.1 but pressure to find heir grows

Neuer has ruled out an international return with Germany, despite calls for him to feature at the 2026 World Cup, but he is expected to remain Bayern’s No.1 for now. The German champions face Werder Bremen next, with questions over whether the board will eventually look abroad, and perhaps to Brazao, when they prepare for life after their iconic captain.

Newcastle United are keen on completing the signing of an “elite” attacking player in January, but they face competition from another Premier League club.

International boss makes demand to Eddie Howe

Nick Woltemade has come in as an exciting summer signing for the Magpies, looking to help fill the void left by the departed Alexander Isak.

The striker is expected to be a key man for Newcastle alongside fellow new signing Yoane Wissa, and speaking to the media during the international break, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has asked for Eddie Howe to use Woltemade regularly, in order to aid his development.

“I’m happy when they play a lot of games and get a lot of minutes, that’s the most important thing for me. It’s not ideal for the German Bundesliga that the best German players are moving to England. But that’s how it is. It’s kind of normal at this period of time.

“Flo is already one of the most important players for us. Nick is, too and will be in the future. I hope Nick will play regularly at Newcastle so he can develop in the right way. If they do, then they will play a big role for us.”

While Woltemade and Wissa have added a huge amount of quality to Newcastle’s attack, it looks as though another exciting player could be a target in the near future, potentially adding to the competition for minutes.

Newcastle eyeing "elite" attacker in January

According to a new report from LaRoma24, Newcastle are interested in signing Roma attacker Artem Dovbyk in the January window. The 28-year-old is also wanted by fellow Premier League side Leeds United, however, in what could become an auction for the target man’s signature.

Dovbyk could come in as a proven player at a high level, with the Ukrainian in his peak years, having scored 11 goals for the Ukraine national side and earning a nomination in the top 30 of the Ballon d’Or rankings last year.

That international tally is more than Woltemade and Wissa have netted for Germany and DR Congo combined, with the Roma ace being lauded as both “elite” and “fantastic” by Zach Lowy.

Dovbyk is primarily a centre forward, so there is an argument to say that he isn’t needed because of Woltemade and Wissa already joining Newcastle this summer, but more depth can never be a bad thing, and the former is still a young player learning his trade.

Newcastle now plot January bid to sign £40m striker who Alan Shearer loves

He averaged a goal involvement every other game last season.

ByCallum Kemp Sep 8, 2025

The Roma striker could come straight in as a proven top-level player for the Magpies, looking to make his mark in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

MI brought in pace-bowling allrounder Raj Bawa, who has played two IPL matches before

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-2025Mumbai Indians (MI) opening batter Rohit Sharma was injured and ruled out of their away game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on Friday. Captain Hardik Pandya said at the toss that Rohit was hit on the knee before the game, and had to sit out.After MI lost the game by 12 runs in a last-over finish, head coach Mahela Jayawardene said Rohit was hit the day before the game and took a fitness test on Friday.”Ro got a hit on his knee just in the IT (iliotibial) band, he tried to bat yesterday and couldn’t put any weight on it,” Jayawardene said at the press conference. “Again, he came and did a fitness test early today (Friday) to try, and it was discomfort for him to put weight on that so he felt it wasn’t 100% for him to play this game. That’s why we thought we will give him a few more days to try and get through that. Unfortunate what happened in the nets.”Hardik was also asked at the toss when Jasprit Bumrah would be fit again, and he said, “he should be back soon.”In their bowling-first XI, MI brought in pace-bowling allrounder Raj Bawa, who has featured in two IPL games in the past, for Punjab Kings, and plays domestic cricket for Chandigarh. Bawa was India’s second-highest run-getter in the Under-19 World Cup in 2022.Rohit’s form was also under scrutiny so far in IPL 2025, with him having scored only 13, 8 and 0 in the three games. He was present at the ground, though, having a chat near the pitch with Suryakumar Yadav before the toss in his training kit, and also came out of the dugout during a strategic time out when MI were bowling.MI were already without Bumrah for the first few games, and didn’t have Hardik too for their first match. They lost their first two games before opening their account at home against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but now have three away losses to their name.

Lionel Messi joined Carlos Vela in an exclusive MLS club after posting a hat-trick of assists for Inter Miami. The Argentine GOAT was at his brilliant best once again as the Herons eased to a 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution. When it comes to combined goals and assists in 2025, Messi has burst beyond 40 – a mark that only one other player has passed at the highest level of North American soccer.

What is Vela's MLS goal contributions record?

It appears unlikely that Messi will go on to make more history by eclipsing the achievements of former LAFC striker Vela. The ex-Arsenal frontman posted some incredible numbers in 2019, with the Mexico international involved in 49 goals. Inter Miami have just two fixtures left on their regular season schedule this term.

Messi has helped to guide the Herons towards the playoffs once more, with disappointment having been suffered at that stage 12 months ago after claiming the Supporters’ Shield in record-breaking style. That prize has eluded Inter Miami this time around, with the Philadelphia Union being confirmed as the best-performing team in MLS.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementAFPMessi could make history with back-to-back MVP awards

Messi, though, remains in contention to become the first player to claim back-to-back MVP awards. The Revs had no answer to him at Chase Stadium, with the evergreen 38-year-old running rings around Pablo Moreira’s side at times. He racked up three assists on the day, taking him to 17 for the season. Messi has also found the target on 24 occasions himself in MLS – with his goal tally standing at 32 across all competitions.

Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano continues to sing Messi’s praises, having played down talk of a rift between the former Argentina international team-mates, and told reporters after witnessing another masterclass: “He gave us the possibility of opening the score and then securing [the result]. Not only with the pass for Jordi [Alba], but when they [New England] made it 2-1, and in the next play with an assist that only he can give. He keeps showing the ability he has and, more than anything, the ambition and desire to go for more.”

Inter Miami surrender Supporters' Shield crown in 2025

Messi helped fellow countryman Tadeo Allende to get on the scoresheet, as he bagged a brace, with the Argentine winger saying of his illustrious compatriot: “This is routine for him. If he does not punish you all the time with goals, then he punishes you with assists.”

Inter Miami are not overly concerned at surrendering their Supporters’ Shield crown, as they remain in the hunt for ultimate MLS Cup honours, with Mascherano adding on the current state of play in South Florida: “If you look at it, Philadelphia is a deserving winner, but it also had an advantage of having played maybe 10 fewer games [across all competitions] than us. We would’ve loved to reach the final match day with chances to win, but this doesn’t change our objective at all. We want to finish as high as possible and go into the playoffs in the best position we can.”

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GettyMessi to play in Miami but for Argentina

Inter Miami are due to be back in action next Saturday when playing host to Atlanta United. Messi is likely to miss that contest after being included in the Argentina squad that is preparing to play Venezuela in a friendly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on October 10.

Mascherano said of having to shuffle his pack: “We will see who we have available. The reality is that some players are off to be with their national teams.”

Newcastle United were defeated at St. James’ Park as their Champions League campaign started on the wrong footing.

Then again, let’s not be too pessimistic. Eddie Howe’s side met Barcelona, after all, and the La Liga champions were pressed against the ropes at points in the first half, and more clinical finishing might have shaped a different narrative. A talking point, inevitably, will prick at the decision to have left club-record signing Nick Woltemade on the bench.

Anthony Gordon got himself on the scoresheet, but sadly, it was another English winger who stole the plaudits, with Marcus Rashford netting an emphatic second-half brace for the visitors.

And while the Magpies fought the good fight, Kieran Trippier struggled to contain his countryman.

Kieran Trippier loses out to Rashford

Trippier played against Barcelona on the eve of his 35th birthday, but he held his own against a forward who, on his day, can be a stern test for any defender worth their salt.

And Rashford was on his A-game, all right. The 27-year-old scored a precise header after 58 minutes before unleashing a wonderful strike from range. Past Nick Pope the ball went and into the inside netting.

The veteran was withdrawn with an injury toward the closing stages of the game, and Howe will need his tenacity and experience going forward, two facets showcased at St. James’ Park last night.

Trippier might have won all five of his ground duels on the night, but he was spun by Rashford in the second half, the Manchester United player, on loan with the Spaniards, showcasing the gulf in pace to break away down United’s right channel.

While Trippier battled well, he left plenty to be desired, and there will be many who might advocate a return to the starting line-up for the fit-again Lewis Hall, thus shifting Tino Livramento back into his right-back berth.

Minutes played

62′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

49

Accurate passes

21/30 (70%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles

4

Clearances

2

Ground duels

5/5

Aerial duels

0/5

Perhaps Hall’s inclusion would open up a greater sense of attacking fluency down the left. Joelinton flattered to deceive in the centre, but Harvey Barnes in particular had a game to forget, and Howe will no doubt be thinking about dropping the £80k-per-week star.

Why Howe must drop Harvey Barnes

Howe made a contentious call to bench Woltemade and start Gordon in his stead at number nine. Gordon is a winger, not a striker, but he plays the role dutifully when asked to provide, and he toiled away, albeit sliding home a consolation goal in stoppage time.

With an important tie against Bournemouth forthcoming in the Premier League on Sunday, Howe will need to shuffle the pack, but it’s not Gordon who should be dropped, but Barnes.

The 27-year-old is a direct and clinical left winger, but he was nullified by Hansi Flick’s men and failed to provide convincing creative support, completing only five passes and failing with all three of his attempted crosses into the box.

More than that, Barnes failed to win even a single duel. He did not even attempt to complete a dribble before being hooked shortly after the hour mark.

Chronicle Live were scathing in their assessment of Barnes’ performance, writing that he produced a ‘half-attempted’ effort to prevent Jules Kounde’s cross for Rashford’s opener while missing a big chance and indeed proving wasteful with his crossing. A 5/10 match rating was what he got.

There’s no doubt about it: Rashford outclassed his compatriot on his trip back to England, and Gordon must replace him as Newcastle’s left winger at the weekend, with Woltemade returning to the starting line-up.

A frustrating evening for Newcastle and Howe. There are improvements that need to be made, but if this defeat against Barcelona has taught us one thing, it’s that the Toon have the tools to compete in the Champions League this season.

Bigger bargain than Burn: Newcastle star is cementing himself as a "legend"

Newcastle United are readying for another big night in Europe, with Dan Burn – and others – keen to step up again.

1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 17, 2025

SRH have never won against CSK in Chennai. Will the jinx end on Friday?

Alagappan Muthu24-Apr-20252:38

How SRH could get off the mark against CSK in Chennai

Big picture: Former champions’ fading campaignsIPL 2025 is officially just over a month old. Teams are just about starting their return legs. So it is still far too early to rule any team out. Even the two at the bottom. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) can still make the playoffs if they win each of their remaining six matches starting Friday.Everything has to go right for something like that to happen and that’s really not how the CSK or the SRH campaign has gone this season. With only two wins so far, CSK have equalled their worst start to an IPL. They had two wins from eight games in 2022 as well, when they finished ninth on the table. Both sides have the same problem. Batting.Related

Jadeja in no-man's land as CSK's plans just won't work

Jamie Overton soaks in the different world of the IPL

'There are times when you have to rejig your attitude' but SRH haven't done that

Knight: 'Klaasen is batting far too low. Six overs or a tick over, get him out there'

SRH’s struggles are perplexing because this is the same line-up that made 250s for fun less than a year ago. They even strengthened it by adding Ishan Kishan. Somehow all that firepower keeps failing collectively, which is something CSK might be able to sympathise with. None of their auction picks have worked – barring Noor Ahmad – and even some of their established stars are tracking in the wrong direction.Form guideChennai Super Kings: LWLLL (last five matches, most recent first)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: LLWLLIn the spotlight: Ayush Mhatre and Pat CumminsCSK’s batting line-up used to have a shock absorber. Someone MS Dhoni called a luxury player, who would bat only in case of collapses. Like S Badrinath or Ajinkya Rahane. Experienced hands capable of navigating tricky situations. This year, CSK’s tried and tested have failed, forcing them to look outside the system for solutions. Ayush Mhatre provided the glimpse of one in the last game against Mumbai Indians and on Friday, has another chance to show off his skills.As proof that T20 cricket really does hate bowlers, Pat Cummins, one of the finest of this generation, is the leader of a bowling attack that has been ineffective and expensive. SRH have the fewest wickets (38) and the highest run-rate (10.59) of all 10 teams. Cummins has put himself front and centre to try and find a solution to this, bowling more overs than anybody else in the team, but it hasn’t quite worked. He is their second highest wicket taker, but those wickets are coming at 40 runs apiece.Team news and probable XIIs: SRH could choose an extra spinnerCSK have used 20 of 27 players this season, which makes predicting their XIIs a bit of a lottery. Many of the younger players in the squad were involved in match simulation training at their High Performance Academy on Wednesday. It is learnt new recruit Dewald Brevis batted at No. 4.Chennai Super Kings: 1 Rachin Ravindra, 2 Shaik Rasheed, 3 Ayush Mhatre, 4 Ravindra Jadeja, 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Vijay Shankar, 7 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 8 Jamie Overton, 9 R Ashwin, 10 Noor Ahmad, 11 Khaleel Ahmad, 11 Matheesha PathiranaSRH might want to bring in an extra spinner in Chennai, Rahul Chahar or Kamindu Mendis.Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Travis Head, 3 Ishan Kishan, 4 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 Aniket Verma, 7 Abhinav Manohar, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Jaydev Unadkat, 11 Rahul Chahar/Zeeshan Ansari, 12 Kamindu Mendis/Eshan Malinga0:42

Knight: Klaasen batting far too low for SRH

The big questionHeinrich Klaasen is SRH’s best batter with 281 runs at an average of 40.14 and strike rate of 159.65. Should he come up the order and shape the game, especially against CSK who are likely to attack with spin, or stay in the middle as the designated finisher?Pitch and conditions: CSK’s struggles against spinSpinners have taken 27 out of the 50 wickets that have fallen at Chepauk this year. But CSK haven’t been in a position to exploit that because their own batting has struggled against spin, including in their most recent home game against Kolkata Knight Riders where they gave up six wickets for 55 runs in 12 overs.Stats and trivia: Dhoni’s 400th T20 match SRH have never won against CSK in Chennai. Will it be their turn to breach the fortress, after Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals did the same earlier? CSK’s usual win-loss ratio at home (68%) has fallen to 25% this IPL Dhoni will be playing his 400th T20, joining the ranks of Rohit Sharma (456), Dinesh Karthik (412) and Virat Kohli (407) as the most experienced Indians in the format. Shivam Dube rose to prominence as a spin-hitter. This season he has the second-lowest strike rate against spin – 114.86 – among those who have faced at least 50 deliveries. Top of the list is another CSK player, Ravindra Jadeja (87.93). Rahul Chahar has picked up 14 wickets at an economy rate of 6.2, which is only bettered by Sunil Narine’s 5.9 among bowlers who’ve bowled at least 25 overs at Chepauk. He also keeps Dhoni (strike rate 56), Jadeja (SR 88) and Dube (SR 114) quiet. That’s a strong case for SRH to put him in the XI. CSK might save Matheesha Pathirana’s overs for whenever Klaasen comes in to bat. Their head to head in T20 cricket reads 26 runs in 22 balls for three dismissals There are five batters who have faced at least 30 balls in the powerplay and haven’t hit any sixes this IPL. Four of them are in this match: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Ishan Kishan and Shaik Rasheed.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has praised Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise from La Masia to the first team, revealing the winger’s potential was obvious from a young age. Despite recent injuries and criticism, Yamal continues to show maturity beyond his years as Barcelona prepare for a crucial stretch after the international break.

Cubarsi reflects on Yamal’s journey from La Masia to stardom

Cubarsi has shared glowing praise for Barcelona and Spain teammate Yamal, recalling their early days together at the club’s famed La Masia academy. Both players are integral parts of Hansi Flick's first-team setup, representing a new generation of homegrown stars carrying Barca’s future.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBarcelona defender praises Yamal’s rise and resilience

Speaking to , the 18-year-old centre-back said that Yamal’s talent was evident long before his senior debut and that his success comes down to years of unseen hard work and resilience.

“When I arrived, Lamine was already at Barca. From a young age, you could see he was going to make it. I’m very happy about everything he’s been through, which hasn’t been easy,” the defender said. "People think it's easy to get there, but you don't see the work that goes into it. I'm very happy for him."

He also addressed the criticism surrounding Yamal, stressing the teenager’s ability to remain unfazed by outside noise.

"Being so good and having so many people against him, there are always people who say things to discourage him, but he's tough. He doesn't have to play those games; he has to keep doing what he does: playing and being a good person."

Barcelona’s struggles and Yamal’s recovery

The Blaugrana’s recent dip in form has been a concern, with consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla before the international break. While Yamal’s recurring pubic injury has limited his minutes, the 18-year-old is working tirelessly at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to regain full fitness.

The plan is to have him ready for the high-stakes clash against Real Madrid on October 26. Early signs from training have been promising, with the winger expected to return for limited minutes against Girona later this month if recovery stays on track.

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AFPWhat’s next for Cubarsi, Yamal and Barca?

Cubarsi, meanwhile, is with the Spanish national team as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. After the 4-1 defeat to Sevilla, he criticised his team’s lack of intensity and urged Barcelona to “step up” as they look to regain form. Both players will play vital roles in the Catalan giants' push to regain momentum once club football resumes. For Yamal, the focus remains on returning stronger from injury, while for Cubarsi, it’s about leading by example in defence as two of La Masia’s brightest products aim to guide Barca back to winning ways when they face Girona on October 18.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including a Premier League matchup of USMNT stars

Though Christian Pulisic's injured hamstring was an unfortunate headline for the USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino's October camp, overall, was a success. The team dictated the run of play against two World Cup-bound opponents, Ecuador and Australia, and are unbeaten in three straight games.

There is more clarity on who Pochettino views as his core group. With the international break now over, those key players will want to continue their momentum with their clubs.

Weston McKennie, for example, was one of those players who had an uncertain standing with Pochettino. The Juventus midfielder said during camp that he's taken a new approach that appears to be benefiting both club and country. He'll hope to continue his progression when his team travels to Serie A upstarts Como.

Then there's Crystal Palace's Chris Richards, who will want to get back to his best after two uneven performances. His side hosts Tyler Adams' Bournemouth in a battle between two surprise teams vying for a Champions League spot.

And Tim Weah and Olympique Marseille continue to show they just might be the team to take PSG off its perch. OM sit just one point back on the French giants and play 14th-placed Le Havre on Saturday. 

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad this weekend.

AFPAll eyes on Pulisic's injury

AC Milan confirmed on Friday Pulisic will miss at least 10 days with a low-grade injury to his hamstring. After returning to Italy, tests indicated a low-grade lesion, with the club saying he would be reexamined in 10 days. play Fiorentina on Sunday.

Milan hope to have the current Serie A joint-top scorer back for the match against Roma on Nov. 2 at San Siro. Failing that, they would target the away match against Parma six days later. The club do not expect him to be in danger of missing the Milan derby against Inter on Nov. 23.

The USMNT, meanwhile, will play friendlies against Paraguay on Nov. 15 and Uruguay on Nov. 18.

All of that is unfortunate for the 27-year-old, who was having the best start to a club season in his career with four goals and two assists. Pulisic has shown in the past that recovery can adversely affect his performance.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMcKennie on the upswing?

One of the biggest benefactors of Pochettino's new tactical approach was McKennie, who played in a new role as an attacking midfielder alongside Malik Tillman and Pulisic. While the traditional central midfielder isn't penciled in as a lock for that role just yet, it did offer a glimpse into how McKennie could be effective under Pochettino.

As a result of his solid tackling, relentless running, and typically strong work rate, he often gets miscast as a defensive midfielder – a role that requires players to sit back and kill attacks from the opposition.

But against both Ecuador and Australia, McKennie was effective in playing more like Yaya Toure during his Manchester City days. Toure used to serve as City's No. 10, but he was more combative in the role than being a facilitator. And McKennie, although not as dominant as the Ivorian, did many of the same things. 

He was pressing up high and capitalizing on the team's mistakes at a higher on-pitch position to create attacks for the U.S. on the break. And playing such a role requires top fitness, which the midfielder – at times – has come under criticism for. Those issues didn't appear to hold him back during national team duty, with McKennie saying it came down to a challenge issued by Juventus manager Igor Tudor. 

"My coach back at Juventus, Tudor, really put pressure on me and said, 'Hey, you're getting older, and your body's not gonna be able to bounce back from games the way that you used to be able to, and you need to cut down some weight, and that's the only way you're gonna be involved with this team,'" McKennie told TNT. "So I put my head down and worked like I usually do. Got on a diet. Don't snack as much anymore. If I do, it's healthy snacks, and I work out more often.

"So that's what I've been doing, a lot of running. This summer was the first summer I didn't mind taking my shirt off at the pool." 

McKennie's renewed fitness helped him on the club level. After having an inconsistent role at the start of the season, McKennie played 90 minutes in draws against Villarreal in the Champions League and Milan in league action. They face Cesc Fabregas' surprising Como on Sunday.

The former Arsenal star is a shareholder at the side, but he's more than proved his merit as a manager with the tight-budgeted Como sitting eighth in the league. Juventus have slipped to fifth, but have a chance to get back on track. Both sides are stout defensively, tied on goals allowed with five – good for third in Serie A. But Como have struggled scoring, sitting mid-table in goals scored with seven.

Getty Images SportAmericans clash in London

Bournemouth are fourth in the Premier League table, while Palace sit sixth. Both clubs have rising managers in Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner, and have already picked up results against top sides. It’s still early, with just seven matches played, but Saturday’s meeting offers a chance to spark their challenges for Champions League spots.

Adams didn’t feature for the USMNT during the international break, excused for the birth of his child. Richards played, but endured two mixed outings for Pochettino’s side. The 25-year-old was beaten badly on the goal conceded to Ecuador and didn’t help when Australia scored, despite being in a position to do so.

If there’s one area in which Richards continues to show progress, though, it’s his leadership. He was furious with Australia’s physical play on Pulisic that led to the forward’s injury and publicly issued a warning to the Socceroos and other opponents.

“They’re lucky it was a friendly. I was ready to go,” Richards said after the match. “And if [the referee] didn’t give me a sh*t yellow in the corner, I probably would’ve killed somebody.”

Richards was understandably emotional, but the reality is the U.S. could use more of that edge. The team has been labeled soft at times, and every good side needs an enforcer. Richards seems ready to embrace that role, with some even suggesting he should be considered for the captain’s armband – an intriguing thought given that he’ll be facing the team’s 2022 World Cup captain, Adams, this weekend.

This is an opportunity for Palace to rediscover their sizzling September form after a surprising loss to Everton. If last season’s meetings are any indication, this one could be tight – both matches ended goalless.

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AFPReintroducing Weah, USMNT fullback

There were some early struggles, but Weah is slowly starting to demonstrate why he is ideally placed as a wingback. He's got good strength and pace, tracks back decently enough, and has just enough attacking prowess to be a threat to opposing defenses. More impressively, he can play on either the left or the right – crucial for Pochettino. 

With Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest dealing with injuries, Weah can slot in for either and provide more than solid play. While he likely wouldn't replace either when fully fit, having that option – especially on Robinson's end – ensures the Americans won't miss a beat. Weah's versatility has also been a boost for Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille. 

After flirting with Ligue 1 contention last season, OM are fully in it this season, and the American has played his part. His stats aren't jaw-dropping, with zero goal contributions in seven games, but the ability to line up on any part of either flank has allowed De Zerbi to have tactical flexibility, creating hassles for opposing managers in their preparations.

This is a big weekend for OM, one that could potentially see them leapfrog PSG into first. Le Parisiens face Strasbourg, who are a surprising third in the table, while Marseille host relegation-battling Le Havre. If PSG drop points and OM play as expected, there might be a new leader in France's top flight Monday. 

Despite only winning one of their last six fixtures, Leeds United are in a strong position in the Premier League with double the points of 18th-place Burnley.

However, unless they get back to winning ways, they will be dragged into the relegation battle. Ahead of their clash with Tottenham, Daniel Farke spoke to the media about his team’s season and preparation for the game.

The conference came with bad news for Leeds fans, with confirmation that both Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto will be unavailable. Additionally, goalkeeper Lucas Perri is back in team training, but the game against Thomas Frank’s side comes too soon for him to be available. James is the more severe of the three injuries, with the Welshman expected to be out until after the November international break.

All three players will be big losses for Farke against Spurs. However, the Leeds boss seemed positive going into the game, due to players “stepping up when needed”. Another reason Farke may be happy is that he knows the fans will soon receive news that will bolster their spirits.

Leeds set to unveil new contract

Leeds are preparing to announce a new contract for 16-year-old talent Harry Gray. Gray is highly rated by the club and is currently developing well as a forward, having represented Leeds at youth level and once at senior level with a four-minute cameo against Stoke in the Championship. Gray has also impressed at national youth level, where he has represented the England Under-17s on five occasions, scoring once.

Journalist Graham Bailey revealed the news that Gray would imminently have a contract announcement: “Leeds are very excited with Harry Gray. His new deal is done. They’ll be announcing that next week. They are very excited by that internally, obviously.”

However, despite the new contract, it may be a while before Gray is seen in the senior team, and he almost certainly won’t face his brother Archie Gray when Leeds play Tottenham on Saturday.

Gray's route to the first team

Ahead of the season, The Athletics Beren Cross predicted Gray to be Leeds’ “breakout player”. Cross stated that Gray could start putting in performances this season despite his age and emulate strikers like Harry Kane and Michael Owen.

Despite the hype and positive contract news, Leeds fans will have to wait to see Gray’s Premier League debut, as, in his pre-match press conference, Farke confirmed that the 16-year-old was suffering a minor issue with his hip.

The other concern is that Gray plays up front and Leeds brought in two new strikers this summer, making him fourth in the pecking order behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe.

The good news for Gray is that none of these players have hit the season running, so if he continues to perform well in training and stay fit, Farke may try him up front at some stage in the season.

Even if Gray’s appearances are sporadic this season, at 16 years old, he has plenty of time ahead of him to develop and earn his place in the starting 11.