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Xabi Alonso has offered a robust defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness, form, and future at Real Madrid, as the English defender prepares to make only his third league start of the season in Sunday’s away trip to Elche. The 27-year-old’s transfer from Liverpool has not yet ignited in the Spanish capital, with recurring injuries limiting him to brief cameo appearances and only two starts in La Liga.

A rocky start in Spain for TAA

Alexander-Arnold were limited to just nine minutes in Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League defeat at Anfield, where he was loudly booed by the home crowd, followed by a seven-minute appearance in the goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano. His stuttering start drew criticism in the Spanish press, adding further pressure to a player navigating a major change in club and tactical demands. His limited involvement played a major part in England boss Thomas Tuchel omitting him from the latest national squad. However, Alonso has assured that the right-back is now physically ready and mentally refreshed after two weeks of intensive work during the international break at Valdebebas.    

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlonso puts his weight behind TAA

Alonso told reporters: "In this [international] break, we've worked with Trent, collectively and individually, after the injuries he had. Trent being in better form gives us more options in that position, and we have other players, too. Fede [Valverde] is still there. [Eder] Militao played right-back with Brazil the other day, and Raul [Asencio] can play there too."  

Madrid's attack under the scanner

While Alexander-Arnold’s absence has contributed to a lack of balance, Madrid’s bigger issue in recent weeks has been goals, or the lack of them. Los Blancos failed to score against Liverpool or Vallecano, and Kylian Mbappe did not record a single shot on target across both matches. However, Alonso refused to single out his star forward.

"We didn't score at Liverpool or in Vallecas, but it isn't just about Kylian, it's about the team," Alonso said. "When we don't score we have to look for alternatives: the wingers, the midfielders, set pieces… The goals will return, I have no doubts."

However, Mbappe has faced fresh criticism after he flew to Dubai during the international break following his exclusion from Les Bleus squad by the French Football Federation (FFF) due to an "inflammation in his right ankle, which requires further examination." His sudden trip to Dubai without visiting the medical facilities in Madrid had raised questions about his professionalism. 

Speaking to, France coach Didier Deschamps explained: "He has almost chronic inflammation because he's had this ankle problem for a while now. Even if it doesn't prevent him from playing. I believe there's no risk to take given that we've already qualified, and I've made him available to Real Madrid." 

Whereas, the president of the FFF, Philippe Diallo, shed further light on Mbappe's condition and added, "He is currently going through a delicate sporting moment. When he is the best player in the world, he becomes an irreplaceable asset for the French national team. My only wish is for him to return to his best and rejoin us in March for the next call-up, bringing everything he has always given us."

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Getty ImagesDefence boost as Rudiger nears return

There was some good news defensively after Eder Militao picked up a minor injury while on Brazil duty. Alonso confirmed that although the centre-back will miss the Elche match, his recovery is progressing well. More importantly, Antonio Rudiger is nearing a return. 

"It's very good news that [Rudiger] is close," Alonso said. "Probably not for tomorrow, but we'll see for Athens [against Olimpiacos]. With his level, and his personality, it's important to have him. Militao's injury isn't serious but we'll miss him, and having Toni as soon as possible is very good news.

"We know where we are, the demands at Real Madrid. We're demanding of ourselves after every game. We don't have to give it any more weight than that."  

Barcelona’s victory over Athletic Club on Saturday temporarily lifted them back to the top of the table, drawing level with Los Blancos on points. Real Madrid, winners of 10 of their 12 league matches so far, now must secure three points away to 11th-placed Elche to reclaim first place.

Nurul, Mahedi and Taskin replaced Tanzid, Saifuddin and Nasim for Bangladesh

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2025Toss Bangladesh’s stand-in captain Jaker Ali won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in what is a virtual semi-final in the Asia Cup. The winner of this game will face India in the final on Sunday.Bangladesh’s regular captain Litton Das missed a second game in two days with a side strain. Jaker took over the captaincy once again and will stay as the wicketkeeper.Bangladesh also made three changes. Nurul Hasan, allrounder Mahedi Hasan and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed replaced Tanzid Hasan, seamer Mohammad Saifuddin and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed.As for Pakistan, they were unchanged from their win against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi earlier this week. Jaker’s decision at the toss went down well with his counterpart Salman Agha, who said Pakistan wanted to bat first. The slower bowlers could thrive on what looked like a dry Dubai surface.Bangladesh: 1 Saif Hassan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Towhid Hridoy, 4 Shamim Hossain, 5 Jaker Ali (capt), 6 Nurul Hasan, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 11 Mustafizur Rahman.Pakistan: 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Salman Agha (capt), 5 Hussain Talat, 6 Mohammad Haris (wk), 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Afridi, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar Ahmed.

Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 at the Camp Nou on Tuesday evening, as they came from behind, and shrugged off a missed Robert Lewandowski penalty, to record a vital three points. Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres all found the net, after Alex Baena had fired Atletico into an early lead.

Atleti had the lead within 20 minutes, as Baena sprang the offside trap brilliantly, and calmly slotted beyond Joan Garcia in goal. 

But Barca were level swiftly, as Raphinha got on the end of a fine through ball from Pedri to round Jan Oblak and finish.

On 38 minutes, Barca had the chance to take the lead before half-time as a penalty was awarded after a foul on Olmo in the area but Lewandowski smashed the effort over the crossbar in a wild miss from 12 yards.

After the hour, in the second half, Olmo did it himself, rounding out a brilliant team move to finish brilliantly from the edge of the box. As he was shooting, he appeared to fall badly on his shoulder, but the finish was remarkable. 

And in injury time, substitute Ferran rounded out the victory with a smart finish from close-range after Alejandro Balde's cross.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Joan Garcia (6/10):

  Did nothing to put Baena off. Wasn't really tested thereafter. 

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Miles out of position for the opener but recovered well to play a key role in both build-up and in preserving his side's lead. 

  Pau Cubarsi (6/10):

  Could do nothing to help his stricken team-mates for the opener. Did really well on the ball and stood up to Atletico's press.

  Gerard Martin (5/10):

  Lost Baena as he ran through and finished but it comes down to Flick's tactics. Booked for a terrible recovery challenge that could have been a red, as he was again exposed by the high line. Did grow into it, but a lucky boy to play 90.

  Alejandro Balde (6/10):

  Struggled a little throughout the first half but grew into the game and provided the assist for Ferran in injury time.

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• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Pedri (9/10):

  Superb pass for Raphinha to finish. Barely gives the ball away and created three chances by himself. One of the best midfielders in the world, proving it once again. 

  Eric Garcia (7/10):

  Can be bypassed at times due to the height of Barca's defensive line, but he mucked in well, and took good care of the ball. 

  Dani Olmo (9/10):

  Won the penalty with some clever dribbling but had to watch Lewandowski miss. Scored brilliantly but hurt himself in the process and was subbed. A brilliantly dynamic performance.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (8/10):

  Won more duels than anyone else and completed more dribbles than anyone else. He's special, even if he didn't quite put the finishing touch to a performance that deserved one. 

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  A truly appalling miss from 12 yards. He swiftly did his laces up on his boots but there can be no excuse for such a poor spot-kick. Brilliantly denied by Oblak minutes after. Subbed in the second half for Rashford. Not his night. 

  Raphinha (8/10):

  Smashed an effort over the bar early on. Took Pedri's pass in his stride and finished excellently. Always a threat but scuffed a huge chance wide when one-on-one, the only blot on his copybook. 

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• AFP
  

  Subs & Manager

  Ferran Torres (X/10):

  Came on for Olmo after his injury. Finished it off with a fine finish in injury time.

  Marcus Rashford (6/10):

  On for Lewandowski. One chance to shoot but slammed it wide. Always a willing runner.

  Dro Fernandez (N/A):

  Replaced Pedri. 

  Marc Casado (N/A)

  On for Raphinha.

  Hansi Flick (6/10):

  The high line continues to cause problems, but Barcelona ultimately got the job done, and took all three points from what looked like a potential banana skin. Job done.

Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a January move to sign Davide Frattesi from Inter Milan, as the midfielder continues to struggle for a starting place at the San Siro.

The Magpies were interested in the midfielder in the summer and could now return for a missed target in the theme of their January transfer window. Alongside Frattesi, Newcastle have also been linked with James Trafford, who has been forced to play backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma after both joined Manchester City in the summer.

The England international could do nothing but watch as the Citizens came away 2-1 losers at St James’ Park, courtesy of an impressive brace from Harvey Barnes.

Speaking to reporters at full-time, Eddie Howe was full of praise for his side – saying: “I’m well aware of my record against Manchester City, that is something I take no pride in, really. Trying to figure out a way to beat them is very, very difficult.

“Even today’s game, it was so tight. The margins in Premier League games against them are so fine, but we came out on the right side today.

“I thought it was a great performance from the players, full of energy, heart and bravery. I’m delighted with how we played. The mindset was key and the attitude. The energy was back that was missing against Brentford and West Ham. Our running ability and power was there.”

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The Newcastle boss will be desperate for his side to kick on domestically now, before potentially welcoming further additions in the January transfer window.

The Magpies were boosted on the PSR front by the sale of Alexander Isak in the summer and could yet use that to pick up where they left off at the end of the summer window.

Newcastle now eyeing Davide Frattesi

As reported by Tuttomercatoweb and relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now eyeing a move to sign Frattesi in January. Those at St James’ Park were denied the opportunity to sign the midfielder by Inter Milan in the summer, but he’s started just once in Serie A ever since.

Now, the door seems to be open for the Magpies to make their move and add further depth to their midfield. What should also make any deal easier is the fact that Frattesi is represented by the same agency as Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.

Frattesi’s current struggles at Inter come as quite the surprise, given that former Italy boss Luciano Spalletti told reporters last year: “With the intensity and quality he has, he can really get at opposition defensive lines.

“He has the sense of curiosity to go out and attack. But he also has to do better to more technically clean with the ball at his feet. If he keeps working hard he can get even better.”

It now looks as though that improvement will have to take place elsewhere and potentially in the Premier League. After missing out in the summer, Newcastle have an ideal opportunity to make up for lost time.

Newcastle have already signed their answer to Haaland and he's not even a CF

Arsenal’s incredible unbeaten run that saw them keep eight clean sheets on the bounce had to come to an end at some point, but few would have predicted Sunderland would be the ones to end it.

However, that’s precisely what happened on Saturday afternoon, as the Black Cats scored two goals to hold the Gunners to a hard-fought draw.

However, there is no need to panic for Mikel Arteta and Co, as they remain four points clear of Manchester City atop the Premier League table, and still played some brilliant football in the second half.

Moreover, one of the Gunners’ stars who looked to be on the way out in the summer could now feasibly start for any team in the league, and his uptick in form has helped the club deal with a massive injury list.

How Arsenal have overcome their injury crisis so far

Now, most Arsenal fans and the players themselves would likely admit that the team simply weren’t good enough to seriously compete with Liverpool last season.

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However, what is equally true is that the team had very little chance of competing with the Reds, as, unlike their competition, they were drowning in injuries.

Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhães, and Ben White were just some of the vital first-team players to spend time on the sidelines last year, and with a much thinner squad, there was very little Arteta could do to mitigate the impact.

Therefore, it makes a lot more sense why the club took the approach they did in the summer, forgoing the mega-money signings to bring in a larger number of players to bulk out the squad.

The decision to do it this way has already paid off massively this season, as the club has already been as unlucky, if not more so, than last year when it comes to injuries, but has had the backups to deal with it.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Chelsea

Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting

Piero Hincapie

Leverkusen

Noni Madueke

Chelsea

Cristhian Mosquera

Valencia

Christian Norgaard

Brentford

Martin Zubimendi

Sociedad

For example, Saka was covered by Noni Madueke and then vice versa; Eberechi Eze is covering for Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres came straight into the side for Havertz, and Cristhian Mosquera has already filled in for William Saliba and Gabriel.

The North Londoners’ improved squad depth has been the number one reason they’ve been able to survive and thrive during their current injury crisis.

However, the international break might have come at the right time, as with Gyokeres now out, the team were threadbare in attack against Sunderland, even if a player who looked destined to leave in the summer but is now playing out of his skin once again found himself on the scoresheet.

The Arsenal player who could get into any side in the Premier League

There are a few Arsenal players who could realistically get into any side in the league this year, from most of the defence to Saka, who scored a sensational goal on Saturday.

However, it’s no surprise that these stars are playing out of their skin, unlike Leandro Trossard.

Now, there is no denying that the Belgian is a hugely talented footballer, as in his first full season for the Gunners, he produced 20 goal involvements in 46 games.

However, what is equally true is that he took a significant step backwards last season, producing as many goal involvements, but in ten more appearances.

Moreover, he also appeared far less influential on a moment-to-moment basis during games, and so it wasn’t too much of a surprise to see him linked with an exit over the summer.

However, that exit never came, and he was instead handed a pay rise, which looked pointless at the time, but has since been more than justified.

For example, in just 14 appearances, totalling 832 minutes, the “little magician,” as dubbed by Arteta, has scored four goals and provided four assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.75 games, or every 104 minutes, which is the sort of output that could surely see him start for any team in the league at the moment.

Moreover, it’s not as if he’s scoring meaningless goals either, as his strike against Sunderland put the Gunners ahead and ensured they left with at least a point.

Likewise, he scored the only goal in the win over Fulham and got the assist for the second in the win over Burnley.

Finally, his brilliant form has not been limited to these shores either, as he scored and assisted in the 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao to ensure the North Londoners got their Champions League campaign off to a flier.

Ultimately, while he underwhelmed last season, Arsenal fans should be delighted that Trossard was never sold in the summer.

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