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Liverpool will be without Thiago for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon following Jurgen Klopp’s recent update.

What’s the story?

Speaking about the 30-year-old in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup match against Arsenal in midweek, Klopp revealed: “Hopefully, he will be in full team training after the international break, to prepare for the Cardiff game.”

Big miss for Liverpool

The Spaniard has had his fair share of injury problems this season for Liverpool as he struggles to get consistent game-time under his belt – his longest run of action saw him make seven appearances in the Premier League consecutively between November and December.

However, that run illustrated signs of Thiago being back to his absolute best, with the midfielder starting in six successive games and seeing the Reds rattle off win after win – Klopp’s side scored 17 goals and conceded just twice in that time.

As per WhoScored, his average match rating of 7.07 ranks him as Liverpool’s second-best performing midfielder this season in the Premier League behind only Fabinho.

It’s therefore no surprise that Noel Whelan has recently admitted an early return for Thiago would be a huge boost to the Reds. He said: “It’s in those sorts of times where you perhaps turn to a player like Thiago with his bags of experience.

“A quick return would certainly be a timely return from Liverpool’s perspective. Players like him are the ones with the voices in the dressing room and out on the pitch.

“They’ll need to dig deep to win games without players like Mane and Salah, and if he can come back then it’ll be massive to have a wily old fox like him available.”

Alas, the news that he will still be missing against Crystal Palace is sure to be a blow for Klopp, and will also leave Reds fans gutted ahead of Sunday.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are still monitoring this Premier League star…

Hashim Amla rounded off a remarkably consistent year with the bat by claiming top honours at the 2010 SA Cricket Awards on Tuesday evening

Cricinfo staff21-Jul-2010Hashim Amla rounded off a remarkably consistent year with the bat by claiming top honours at the 2010 SA Cricket Awards on Tuesday evening. Amla has been in his element over the last twelve months, scoring 923 runs with four centuries at 65.92 in nine Tests against England, India and West Indies. His exploits earned him the two most coveted recognitions of the night – the South African cricketer of the year and the Test cricketer of the year awards.In addition, Amla’s consistency was recognized by his peers and the wider public as he was voted the SA players’ player and the CSA fans’ cricketer of the year. His match-winning knock of 253 not out against India in Nagpur won the “So Good!” award reserved for the best individual match performance.”It’s a great honour and privilege. A lot of great cricketers have been awarded this, and it’s nice to be in their league. It’s been a good year for me and the award is basically a recognition of that,” Amla said.AB de Villiers, who plundered four ODI centuries during the evaluation period, including three in successive innings, was named the ODI cricketer of the year. Fast bowler Charl Langeveldt picked up the international Pro20 award, while Ryan McLaren, who made his Test and ODI debuts during the evaluation period, won the newcomer of the year award.Top awards

Hashim Amla won the SA Cricketer of the Year, Test Cricketer of the Year, SA Players’ Player of the Year and CSA Fans’ Cricketer of the Year Awards
AB de Villiers – Standard Bank ODI Cricketer of the Year
Charl Langeveldt – Standard Bank International Pro20 Cricketer of the Year
Ryan McLaren – MTN Newcomer of the Year
Herschelle Gibbs – MTN40 Cricketer of the Year
Rilee Rossouw – SuperSport Series Cricketer of the Year
Colin Ingram – Standard Bank Pro20 Cricketer of the Year

The award winners for the domestic and professional categories were: MTN40 cricketer of the year – Herschelle Gibbs Standard Bank Pro20 cricketer of the year – Colin Ingram SuperSport Series cricketer of the year – Rilee Rossouw CSA fairplay award – Chevrolet Knights MTN domestic newcomer of the year – Pumelela Matshikwe SA Cricketers’ Association MVP award – Colin Ingram Domestic players’ player of the year – Colin Ingram CSA coach of the year – Russell Domingo CSA groundsman of the Year – Louis Kruger CSA scorers’ association of the year – Gauteng CSA umpire of the year – Marais Erasmus

Though all the technology required for the UDRS will be in place when Australia tour India this October, given the BCCI’s reluctance to opt for the system, only television audience is likely to gain from it

Sharda Ugra12-Aug-2010When Australia tour India for a two-Test, three-ODI series this October, all the technology required for the controversial Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) will be in place at every venue. In all likelihood, however, given the BCCI’s reluctance to use UDRS, its beneficiaries will not be the cricketers or the umpires, but the television audience.Under the ICC’s current regulations, the mandatory requirements needed for the UDRS system are, the ball-tracking technology, Super Slo-Mo and a ‘clear’ stump mike, all of which are available to and will be used by the Neo Sports production team that broadcasts India’s home matches. A Neo executive confirmed to Cricinfo that if the BCCI were to suddenly alter their hard stance on the UDRS, the system could be put into place at short notice.Yet, the chances of the technology being used are extremely slender, despite Cricket Australia’s (CA) enthusiasm and support for UDRS. Regardless of the BCCI’s consistent resistance to the new practice which has been welcomed across the world, Cricket Australia will push the UDRS as one of its early suggestions in the Memorandum of Understanding with the BCCI for the series. According to CA spokesman Peter Young, CA’s head of cricket Michael Brown who will head the MoU disussions is “hopeful that they will be interested in our view.”Young said CA acknowledged, “there are some practical issues: cost, consistent technology. But the principle is clear, let’s now pursue that principle by trying to address the practical issues.” Australia’s interest behind the UDRS for the forthcoming series will be dependant not merely on the strength of their case but on the BCCI’s quite trenchant view. The MoU between two teams is usually finalised around two-three months before a series. The BCCI’s stand that “the decision of the host country is important,” would considerably reduce Australia’s chances to drum any enthusiasm from the Indians over the UDRS.CA’s support for the system is driven from the top by CEO James Sutherland and is backed, Young said, by the data produced from its early experiments. At the start of this year, ICC general manager Dave Richardson announced that in the 13 southern-hemisphere Tests that had included the UDRS, it was estimated that 97 percent of umpiring decisions under UDRS had been proved to be accurate as compared to 92 percent without the UDRS.India’s allergy to the new system comes accompanied by mixed signals: that the senior players are not impressed by or believe in the technology that accompanies it and that the only technology they have any faith in, Hot Spot, is too expensive to be used at home games.The ball-tracking technology which is now central to the UDRS refers to the Hawkeye / Virtual Eye technology which simulates the path of a ball from the bowler’s hand to passing the stumps. It was given the cold shoulder by India captain MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar but the company behind it has entered into a three-year agreement with the BCCI to form part of television coverage of matches played in India. The inventor of Hawkeye, Paul Hawkins told Cricinfo, “We are going to be there (in India) anyway. We are contracted to do all cricket in India with the BCCI, for three years.” About the UDRS, Hawkins said, “Our understanding is that India don’t want to do it”.BCCI secretary N Srinivasan refused to comment on the CA move saying that the discussion between the two boards about the UDRS was about a “privacy of process.”

Everton are set to hold onto star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the remainder of the season at least with the Toffees planning to reject any potential offers that come their way for the striker in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Star, Everton will block a potential exit for the Englishman before Monday’s deadline with Premier League rivals Arsenal keen on the 24-year-old.

The Toffees are set to appoint former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard as their new manager following the sacking of Rafa Benitez almost two weeks ago and the 43-year-old is keen to hold onto his star striker, for the remainder of this window at least.

Mikel Arteta is still in the hunt for a new striker after the Gunners missed out on signing former Fiorentina man Dusan Vlahovic who instead joined the Italian outfit’s Serie A rivals Juventus.

It has also been suggested that the Arsenal manager was confident of sealing a deal for Calvert-Lewin amid the chaos at Goodison Park surrounding the managerial situation. However, the striker looks set to stay.

Fans will be delighted

Before taking a single training session, let alone taking charge of a match, Lampard has already made a major scalp to kick off his tenure on the blue side of Merseyside with a bang.

Calvert-Lewin is undoubtedly one of Everton’s most valuable possessions and the Toffees will be very keen to hold onto their star striker, at least for the remainder of the season, with their position in the Premier League an uncomfortable one.

Currently sat in 16th, the Toffees are dangerously close to the relegation zone with just four points separating them from 18th place Newcastle United. They do, however, have two games in hand on the Magpies.

The Englishman will prove vital if Lampard is to steer the Toffees clear of any relegation concerns with his goal scoring record a major asset.

Although he is yet to score in his three games since returning from a three-month layoff caused by a toe injury, the 24-year-old is still the club’s best goalscorer.

Calvert-Lewin netted in each of Everton’s three opening league games before his injury and also ended last campaign with 21 goals in all competitions.

At 24, the Englishman will only get better and, once he rediscovers his form, Everton will have a major weapon in their arsenal once again.

Meanwhile, Patrick Boyland has dropped another Everton transfer update…

A round-up of the first round of matches in the SuperSport Series

Firdose Moonda05-Oct-2010When Graeme Smith stepped down as South Africa’s Twenty20 captain in August this year, he made a point of speaking about how he had softened as a person over time. When he was first made captain, Smith was cocksure, bordering on arrogant, but once he made it clear that he could stamp his authority, a real personality began to emerge. It was out in full force during the SuperSport Series match between the Cobras and the Lions at the Oppenheimer’s private ground in Randjesfontein.Smith tiptoed on his heels because he was wearing spikes on the pavilion floor. He grinned as he imitated an injured duck and explained, “This floor is probably worth more than my house.” That was the only thing that associated the burly left hander with the bird with webbed feet. He scored a magnificent double-hundred, 217 off 220 balls, in the Cobras’ second innings to take the game away from the Lions.The Cobras were bowled out for 197 in their first stint at the crease, with all the Lions bowlers among the wickets. Cliffie Deacon led the pack with 3 for 41. On a pitch that is known to flatten as the match goes on, the Lions had perfect batting conditions to amass 416 for nine. None of the batsman managed a century in that total. Vaughn van Jaarsveld came closest with 87, followed by Zander de Bruyn’s 76.Then came the magnificent Smith, who shared in a 333-run first-wicket partnership with Andrew Puttick (111). Wickets for the Lions came from unlikely sources, as Neil McKenzie (1/14) dismissed Smith, and Alviro Petersen (1/17) got rid of Puttick. JP Duminy added 69 and the Cobras posted 499 for five declared, setting the Lions a target of 281.Time ran out for a result, but with the Lions teetering on 55 for four, it looked as if the men from the Cape might get it to go their way. De Bruyn’s 55 and van Jaarsveld’s 44 saved the match for the hosts.That was the only draw of the weekend. Further north in Centurion, the Titans earned a nine wicket win over the Warriors. The Eastern Cape side appeared to have quite a hangover from twenty-over cricket and was skittled out for 89. Ethy Mbhalati took five for 33 while Morne Morkel (2/11) and CJ de Villiers (2/16) chipped in with two apiece. The Titans replied with 318 in their first innings. Heino Kuhn was left stranded on 94 and Jacques Rudolph made his bid for national honours clear with 72.Ashwell Prince led the Warriors line-up in their second knock. He scored 144, Jon-Jon Smuts made 78 and Arno Jacobs 71. Morne Morkel took four for 81 as the Warriors were bowled out for 380, leaving the Titans with 152 to win. Vice-captain Blake Snijman scored the bulk of the runs with an unbeaten 78 as the Titans wrapped up the match inside three days.In Kimberley, the newly-named Knights beat the Dolphins by 128 runs. Batting first, the Knights recovered from 76 for three to post 407. Morne van Wyk’s 97 and Ryan Bailey’s 70 were the two biggest contributions. The Dolphins were clearly at sea with the bat and were bowled out for 167 as Victor Mpitsang claimed 6 for 30.The Knights had a lead of 240 and declared their second innings closed on 140 for five, setting the Dolphins 381 to win. Dean Elgar scored 53 in the hosts’ second knock. It was always going to be a tough ask for the men from Durban, and they were bowled out for 252. Ryan McLaren took 5 for 35 for the Knights and earned a call-up to the South African Twenty20 squad to replace the injured Albie Morkel.Batsman of the week: For growing his legendary status, Graeme Smith earns the award for his double hundred at almost run-a-ball for the Cobras.Bowler of the week: He bowled the Knights to victory and earned a national call up, albeit in a different format. Ryan McLaren for his five-wicket hall against the Dolphins gets this week’s accolade.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has made a promising ‘behind the scenes’ deadline day claim at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Tottenham tipped to be busy…

Just over three hours of the transfer window remain and only two incomings have been confirmed, with both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur making their way from Juventus today.

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Tottenham had been tipped to be busy, with former Sky Sports reporter Aden-Jay Wood expecting ‘several’ incomings at N17 today.

Alas, with the clock ticking, it will take a dramatic late twist if multiple signings are to come through the door, but talkSPORT reporter Crook has urged Spurs fans not to lose all hope.

The Latest: Spurs working hard…

According to his sources, Tottenham are ‘still working’ as he shares their transfer movements from behind the scenes. He also believes there are a couple of names which have yet to be revealed as more Spurs signings today aren’t completely ruled out.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think there’s a couple of names that haven’t come out yet. I think they’re still working quite hard behind the scenes.”

The Verdict: Encouraging…

Signing only Kulusevski and Bentancur would be a slight disappointment from Tottenham given the plethora of links to come out over the last week of the transfer window.

Antonio Conte had earmarked the signing of a new striker, left-sided centre-half and a right-wing-back to boost Spurs’ chances of a top four finish, but it remains to be seen whether he can get any of these positions filled after all.

In other news: Alasdair Gold says Spurs have been offered ‘world-class’ 27-cap forward, find out more here.

India’s foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao, has threatened to cancel the former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi’s passport if he does not respond to corruption charges by next Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Oct-2010India’s foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao, has threatened to cancel the former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi’s passport if he does not respond to corruption charges by next Thursday.The regional passport officer in Mumbai issued a showcause notice to Modi on October 13, asking him to explain why his passport should not be revoked. “Lalit Modi has been given 15 days to respond to the notice,” Rao said. “Reply is still awaited from Lalit Modi on the notice given to him. Mumbai regional passport office confirmed he hasn’t replied to the notice.”The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which looks into foreign exchange violations, had written to the external affairs ministry on October 5 asking it to revoke Modi’s passport since he had persistently refused to face the ED regarding allegations of financial irregularities. Modi has been living abroad for the last few months reportedly fearing danger to his life.The ED is examining whether Modi violated the Foreign Exchange Management Act during his time as IPL chairman. Earlier this month, the directorate issued a blue corner alert for Modi, which makes it mandatory for law-enforcement agencies around the world to detain him wherever they spot him and inform the ED accordingly.

Glasgow Rangers sealed a memorable 6-4 Europa League aggregate win on Thursday night.

James Tavernier grabbed both goals for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team in a 2-2 draw at Ibrox, but the Gers had to suffer at times given that Borussia Dortmund had more possession and more shots on goal.

While some players thrived under the pressure, others seemed to struggle, as The Transfer Tavern use statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the hosts at Ibrox:

Borna Barisic (6.4)

Admittedly joint with second in terms of rating (6.4), Barisic ranks in third here as he only played one half.

The Croatia international failed to record any dribbles, tackles, key passes or crosses, while he was also guilty of losing the ball seven times in the match.

Scott Arfield (6.4)

Arfield was Rangers’ second-worst player on the night with a 6.4 overall rating given.

The central midfielder missed a big chance in the match and also lost out on five of his duels in total, while failing to complete a successful dribble or key pass.

He also lost the ball 11 times before being replaced by Glen Kamara just shy of the 70-minute mark.

Alfredo Morelos (5.9)

With a 5.9 overall rating, Morelos was ranked as the Light Blues’ worst performer against Dortmund.

The striker lost a game-high 15 duels and missed two big chances in the match. He also recorded no key passes and gave possession away on no fewer than 20 separate occasions, the second-most out of any of his team-mates.

In other news, one Gers player has had a ‘frustrating’ start to life at the club

Mohinder Amarnath has been inducted into the IPL’s governing council. He joins Ravi Shastri, a former India captain, as the second cricketer on the panel and will serve a one-year term

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2010Mohinder Amarnath, the former India allrounder, has been inducted into the IPL’s governing council. He joins Ravi Shastri, a former India captain, as the second cricketer on the panel and will serve a one-year term.Amarnath’s appointment came after two former captains, Sunil Gavaskar and Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, refused the BCCI’s offer to be part of the league’s governing council.Under the old system, headed by Lalit Modi, the three former cricketers on the council – Gavaskar, Shastri and Pataudi – were paid Rs 1 crore (approximately $220,000) for their services. The BCCI, however, said at its annual general meeting that members would no longer receive a salary. A day later, Gavaskar turned down the BCCI’s offer to be part of the governing council, saying he felt that the IPL was a commercial enterprise and those working for it should be remuneratedDoing away with salaries was only one of the wholesale changes the BCCI made to the league’s governing council. It dissolved the existing body and set up a new one with Chirayu Amin as the chairman. The council also included five other members – Arun Jaitley, Ranjib Biswal, Anurag Thakur, Ajay Shirke and Rajiv Shukla – and two former cricketers, one of whom was Shastri, who agreed to work in an honorary capacity.

Manchester United suffered their second defeat on Merseyside in less than two weeks, after losing to Everton earlier this month and last night they were torn apart by Liverpool at Anfield in a 4-0 defeat.

Ralf Rangnick’s side looked completely deflated throughout the game, and this was reflected in their overwhelming lack of quality in the clash when you consider their overall statistics.

The Red Devils only managed to have an abysmal 28% of possession, only one shot on target, zero big chances created and less than half the completed passes of their fierce rivals.

It was a shocking performance that led to a scathing post-match report from the interim Man United boss.

Rangnick told the press: “It’s embarrassing, it’s completely disappointing and also humiliating.

“The team needs to be rebuilt — it’s clear. I think a game like the one today showed that in a very drastic way that this rebuild is necessary.”

Liverpool put four past their lacklustre opponents on Tuesday evening, with Mo Salah returning to form putting two past David de Gea alongside Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane who also got their names on the scoresheet.

The appointment of Erik ten Hag is reportedly imminent, so when it comes to taking a look at the much-needed changes in the team one player who must be considered for the chop is Marcus Rashford, who yet again completely let down his team-mates throughout the game.

According to SofaScore, the winger who was labelled “terrible” by Chris Waddle, barely turned up for the game making just 11 accurate passes over 90 minutes, as well as losing the ball every 2.1 touches.

He didn’t register a single shot on or off target and lost seven out of his eight duels at Anfield, proving that ten Hag has a decision to make on the player’s future.

It was reported by Fabrizio Romano earlier this year that Rashford was considering his future at the club due to lack of game-time and may look for a new challenge away from his boyhood club with Rangnick making it clear that if the reports are true then he will be free to leave the club this summer, but ultimately the decision will fall to the new manager.

With that being said, following this awful performance and season for the 24-year-old, it could be the perfect opportunity for both the player and club to mutually part ways at the end of the term.

AND in other news: Ten Hag must ruthlessly axe “difficult” £31.5m-rated Man Utd star, he won’t fit in