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Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming over some early team news ahead of their game at home to Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup on Friday night.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed (via The Heart & Hand Podcast) that the game will come ‘too soon’ for Ryan Jack, who has suffered from so many injury problems since moving to Ibrox.

It is a real shame for a player who has been a key part of the team over the years, scoring nine goals and making a further nine assists in the Scottish Premiership for the Teddy Bears, while he made 19 appearances in their title-winning campaign.

Nonetheless, the Cup game would have provided the perfect opportunity for Jack to get up to speed and match fitness, but he will miss the clash, leaving a lot of Light Blues supporters angry.

Rangers fans on Jack injury news

These Gers fumed as the team news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it has become ‘ridiculous’:

“Jack is clearly finished”

Credit: @StuartSmck1

“Too soon for Jack or Jack’s had a setback how many times have we heard those words?”

Credit: @PeterBa17493285

“Need to cut ties with Jack always an injury somewhere nowadays”

Credit: @mcrowlands

“Too soon for Jack. Honestly it’s beyond ridiculous now.”

Credit: @GoLfNuT1979

“Jack needs to go. Constantly injured”

Credit: @kilcoyne_brian

“Too soon for Jack is becoming the New Jordan Rossiter is 7-10 days away!”

Credit: @Grantmckay01

In other news, find out what update before the Old Firm has been bemoaned by Gers here!

When faced with extreme and severe adversity, this Everton squad seem to have responded this term.

The Toffees have only won once since the back end of September but they have now claimed an impressive four points against teams in the top four of the Premier League throughout their last three fixtures.

Just hours after Marcel Brands had left the club, Rafa Benitez steered his side to a win over Arsenal and despite having a number of their key players out on Thursday, they still drew 1-1 with the European Champions.

To add to injury woes to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Yerry Mina this week, Lucas Digne was once again unavailable for selection.

Seamus Coleman, Andros Townsend and Richarlison were all absent through injury too as a particularly young side was fielded against Chelsea.

But, for the most part, they did their team justice in midweek. Jarrad Branthwaite popped up with an incredibly rare goal while fellow academy graduates Ellis Simms, Jonjoe Kenny and Anthony Gordon all got opportunities to show their true colours too.

However, it was one of their longer serving players in Mason Holgate who let his manager down.

He picked up a yellow card early in the game and even if the Merseyside outfit only conceded once to one of the best teams in the country, it was a shoddy display from the centre-half who was turned all too easily by those in Chelsea’s forward line.

The raw stats also don’t paint a very bright picture of his display on Thursday evening.

Holgate had 28 fewer touches than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and registered a quite abysmal tally of three passes in the entire match.

Of course, a defender shouldn’t be judged entirely on his ability in possession but the fact that he was so scarcely involved should be a cause for concern.

After all, in defensive situations, he was far from convincing. The 25-year-old is now at an age where he should be starting to blossom but this performance was yet more evidence of a player who still looks like he’s in the infancy of his career.

Mistakes are too often and he is a lightweight in physical battles. At Stamford Bridge, the Englishman only won 50% of his duels and gave away two fouls as one error led to a shot on goal from the Chelsea attack.

With Mina out injured, he will simply have to improve in the coming weeks because at the moment, Benitez is left with very little choice but to keep playing him.

AND in other news, Imagine him & DCL: Benitez must seal Everton swoop for “unbelievable” 52-goal animal…

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Celtic want to make Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan spell from Tottenham permanent as quickly as possible, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Various reported fees

The Hoops secured a season-long loan for the centre-back last summer, which included an option-to-buy clause.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-20/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Ange Postecoglou confirmed that signing the 23-year-old on a permanent basis is a priority, with a £6m fee touted.

GiveMeSport have suggested that there is a £10m price tag, whereas Tottenham insider John Wenham believes that a deal could be done for around £3m.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson has reportedly opened talks with Spurs regarding a full-time transfer for Carter-Vickers.

Talking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke had this to say on a possible permanent move, believing the Hoops want it finalised ‘quickly’.

He outlined: “Celtic would ideally love to get this deal wrapped up quickly, but I think £10m would be a bit too much for Celtic right now, so they may have to wait to the summer.”

The Verdict: Good to see

It’s good to see that the Hoops are being proactive in the January transfer window, with moves for Japanese trio Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda all being announced on New Year’s Eve.

Following that with a permanent deal for Carter-Vickers could be another smart step, which could then give the club plenty of time to assess further targets, with another defender and winger possibly on the radar.

It remains to be seen as to how much the American could cost, but should it be under £6m, it might turn out to be a great piece of business, especially when you take into consideration that he has been a near ever-present figure this season and the club’s best-performing centre-back, as per WhoScored.

In other news: Celtic may swoop for 6 foot 1 beast who had Sadio Mane in his ‘pocket’ 

Rangers continued their fantastic start to life under Gio van Bronckhorst as they won for a third match in succession since his arrival at Ibrox.

The Gers beat Hibernian 1-0 away from home on Wednesday night to move seven points clear at the top of the table, albeit having played one more game than arch-rivals Celtic.

Kemar Roofe came off the bench to score the winning goal from the spot after Ryan Kent won a penalty, with Rangers able to dominate the majority of the match.

Forget Roofe

Whilst the former Leeds man may have scored the decisive goal to win the three points, it was Glen Kamara who ran the show for Rangers with his sublime performance in midfield. He was the real star for van Bronckhorst’s side and was crucial to their domination throughout the game.

The Finland international was excellent in all facets of play, impressing defensively, in transition and in the final third. Per SofaScore, he won 70% of his 10 duels, making two clearances, one tackle and three interceptions. This shows how strong he was facing his own goal as he won the ball back consistently and snuffed out Hibernian attacks to keep Rangers on the front foot.

In transition, he completed two of his three attempted dribbles and three of his five long pass attempts. This highlights his ability to mix up his game and drive the side up the pitch, either by bringing the ball out by himself or unleashing his full range of passing to spread the play – moving the Hibs defence around and creating space for others to work in.

The £5.4m-rated gem also made an impact in the final third. Per SofaScore, he created two chances for his teammates, whilst completing 89% of his passes and having 72 touches of the ball. This shows that he was able to control the game whilst also making forward, defence-splitting, passes when needed to up the intensity and pile the pressure on the hosts.

Therefore, he was the star of the show and ran the game for van Bronckhorst. The Dutchman will surely be delighted by his player’s display in the middle of the park and hoping that this is the benchmark he sets for the remainder of the campaign.

AND in other news, Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”…

Aston Villa shared updated matchday regulations on their official Twitter page on Wednesday afternoon.

And a number of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts to the news as a result.

Villa look set to take on Burnley on Saturday afternoon, with Steven Gerrard looking to make it five wins from seven as manager. The Clarets have had two of their last five Premier League games called off, one of which has been due to Covid.

Fans attending the game will now have to provide NHS Covid-19 certification, whether that be proof of double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test.

Villa have advised fans to pre-register their Covid status online, with supporters possibly being refused entry if the required proof isn’t provided.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the club’s social media update regarding the matchday regulations, with many not happy and one labelling it as ‘laughable’.

“Disgusting”

Credit: @poipinbandearg

“No-one can get phone reception near Villa Park, so showing proof on arrival is going to be tricky. The replies are already a bin fire. ~10k will show up at 2.50pm. And then you have to watch Burnley. Saturday will be terrible.”

Credit: @craigfots

“Laughable so the vaccinated will be the ones spreading it? Us unvaccinated have to do a test so if we are negative it cant be us who will they blame then?”

Credit: @webbyavfc

“Shambles lads”

Credit: @villa_utv

“Disgusting”

Credit: @tombrush1982

“3 hour long queue Saturday then can’t wait”

Credit: @JamesMayyyy

In other news: ‘Unbelievable’ – Lots of Villa fans flock to John Percy’s exit rumour

Antonio Conte may need to take Lucas Moura out of the team, football.london’s Alasdair Gold has claimed.

The lowdown

The Brazilian has started both matches since the 52-year-old took over from Nuno Espirito Santo last week. He scored in the 3-2 Europa Conference League win over Vitesse, but his impact was limited in Sunday’s goalless draw away to Everton.

In his 71 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Giovani Lo Celso, he only attempted one shot, which was blocked, and created just one chance. Overall, he lost five of his nine ground duels against the Toffees (via SofaScore).

Former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson has recently hailed the application of the £80,000-per-week forward, insisting that he always gives ‘150%’.

The latest

Writing for football.london, Gold has identified a ‘problem’ with the shape used at Goodison Park, which relies on wing-backs to provide width. He said that it forces Son Heung-min and the opposite winger ‘into a congested area’ with Harry Kane.

As an alternative, the journalist suggested that Conte could switch to a front two of Son and Kane with a central playmaker in behind them.

“It would be harsh on Lucas, who is one the most determined and energetic players in the Spurs side, capable of creating attacking situations out of nothing,” Gold wrote.

“However, the Brazilian’s decision-making also lets him down during passing moves and against Everton, Tottenham’s moves sometimes floundered at his feet.”

He later added: “With Conte’s admiration for Skipp already in place and Hojbjerg being a leader in the team and a key figure, Lucas could end up being the fall guy and revert to being an impact sub and rotational starter as the games come thick and fast.”

The verdict

Could Lucas possibly find joy in another role? The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare suggested last week that he could potentially slot in at wing-back, just as Victor Moses did during Conte’s spell at Chelsea.

Eccleshare wrote that giving Lucas the space to ‘build up a head of steam’ could be a ‘frightening proposition’ for defenders if he doesn’t appear a perfect fit for the position. He could probably operate as part of a front two as well, given that he’s been used as a centre forward or second striker 61 times over the course of his career.

Therefore, while Gold’s reservations are understandable, there is enough to suggest that the 28-year-old might not need to be hastily jettisoned from Conte’s starting line-up.

In other news, here’s what Daniel Levy has promised to Conte

Celtic are ‘likely’ to sign in-demand midfielder Fernando Henrique from Gremio, according to reports from Brazil, relayed by The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Henrique profiled

Henrique is 20 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder, although he can also play in a defensive or attacking role.

Already sponsored by Adidas and comfortable playing with both feet, Henrique has made 16 appearances for his current employers, with the last of those coming in September.

The 5 foot 9 midfielder hasn’t featured in Gremio’s last 14 games, and it seems as if he could be making the move to Celtic Park fairly soon.

The Latest: January move ‘likely’

The Daily Record cite reports from Brazil where it’s claimed the Hoops are leading the race for Henrique’s signature.

Scotland is thought to be the ‘most likely’ destination for Henrique once the Brazilian top flight is concluded next month.

The Verdict: Interesting…

Celtic’s scouts must have had their eye on Henrique for some time, considering the midfielder not featuring in Gremio’s last 14 games.

From the outside looking in, a transfer appears strange, but Ange Postecoglou does want to bolster his midfield options and Celtic’s representatives made contact with Gremio last month, so it shouldn’t come as a shock.

Postecoglou has relied heavily on Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic this season, so Henrique’s versatility could come in handy and bolster the club’s midfield depth, should he make the move to Parkhead as now expected.

In other news: Celtic keen to sign ‘unbelievable’ versatile ace who’s hailed for his fitness. 

Fabio Paratici has seemingly been given a green light to secure one of Tottenham Hotspur’s mooted transfer targets.

Earlier in the summer transfer window, the north London outfit were linked with a move for Lille midfielder Renato Sanches, with French publication le10sport reporting their ‘strong interest’ in his signature.

At the time, he was thought to be available for around €30m (£26m) due to the Ligue 1 club’s financial problems.

His form at Lille last season carried into Euro 2020, where he delivered a number of eye-catching performances, so it’s no wonder Spurs were one of several clubs who were keen on him.

And now, comments from Les Dogues president Olivier Letang have opened up the door for a team like Tottenham to strike.

“I have already discussed this with him. If an offer from a big club arrives, Renato will be able to leave. We will see what will happen,” he told BFM Lille ahead of the January transfer window (via FourFourTwo).

One of Nuno’s bigger problems since arriving in N17 has been finding the right balance in midfield. They are amongst the Premier League’s least creative teams, having averaged the fourth-lowest number of shots per game (10.9) and fifth-lowest expected goals (8.80 xG).

Furthermore, who knows if Tanguy Ndombele will kick up a fuss again, whilst the form of Dele Alli has been concerning and it’s widely believed that Harry Winks will seek a temporary exit in January, so there could certainly be a place up for grabs.

In fact, a swoop for Sanches could be one of the club’s very best moves in recent times, perhaps since the arrival of Heung-min Son.

The 24-year-old, valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, has been likened to Clarence Seedorf due to his box-to-box qualities, whilst he is said to have the ‘strength of a WWE heavyweight and the nimble feet of a ballet dancer,’ as per Bundesliga.com.

Sanches won the Golden Boy award in 2016 and has also been lauded as a “machine” by the press and as a “complete athlete” by the aforementioned Lille chief.

A two-time winner of the Bundesliga and last season’s Ligue 1 champion, the young Portugal international would have to be considered quite the coup given his trophy-laden record, praise and touted potential alone.

AND in other news, Forget Son: “Phenomenal” £36m-rated Spurs dynamo has been Nuno’s big saving grace…

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has revealed that midfielder Morgan Sanson won’t be available for the meeting with West Ham this weekend.

And a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Sanson has made just one senior appearance during the current campaign due to injury but has been back in the matchday squad in the defeats to Wolves and Arsenal.

Smith didn’t use the Frenchman, though, who Gregg Evans said lost his temper after Anwar El Ghazi was sent on as the last substitute at the Emirates last time out.

The 27-year-old reportedly took his anger out on his warm-up top and a bunch of water bottles, which was noticed by assistant manager Craig Shakespeare.

Smith admitted on Friday that Sanson and youngster Jaden Philogene-Bidace were ill and wouldn’t be available against the Hammers, however, some Villa fans didn’t seem to believe the Villa boss.

Villa fans react

Villa posted the news regarding Sanson on their official Twitter page. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling the treatment of Sanson as ‘disgusting’.

“you’ve got to be joking”

Credit: @CamUTFV

“Sanson isn’t ill though is he? you’re just embarrassed he put you in your place”

Credit: @Nathhhavfc

“It’s disgusting how Smith has treated @Morgan_Sanson8 he deserves much better and I’m sure there’s a good player in there just as there is with @fredguilbert24. All the fans know Sanson isn’t ill but he is clearly fuming with Smith”

Credit: @VillaWatch1

“We are so disrespectful to Sanson, we don’t deserve him”

Credit: @KingLandranger3

“he is not ill u just don’t like him pal”

Credit: @avfcdann

“How convenient that the guy who threw a bottle at him is supposedly “ill”. He’s losing the dressing room 100%”

Credit: @AndreasH1874

In other news: ‘Brilliant’ – Lots of Villa fans love ‘superb’ official late-night update.

Manchester City progressed through to the fourth round of the League Cup with a 6-1 win over League One outfit Wycombe on Tuesday night.

Pep Guardiola named a youthful side, with five academy products in the XI, and saw his side go 1-0 down after 22 minutes. However, goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez (2), Phil Foden, Ferran Torres and Cole Palmer secured a comfortable win for the Cityzens in the end.

The win stretches City’s unbeaten run to six games in all competitions, with a mammoth trip to Chelsea coming up next in the Premier League.

Did any players play their way into the XI for the Chelsea clash? Well, one player who must have caught Pep’s eye with his performance was midfielder Phil Foden.

The England international was instrumental in everything City managed to do going forward, stringing pieces of play together and being directly involved in three of the six goals. His delicious pass out wide to De Bruyne set up the Belgian’s equaliser before he belted in City’s third goal and then set up Torres for a tap-in with a sublime ball across the box.

Defensively, with four of his five ground duels won, Foden put a shift in and worked hard for the team in central midfield. However, it was at the other end where he showcased his best qualities. Per SofaScore, he created a whopping seven chances for his teammates, whilst also completing nine of his 10 long pass attempts.

He was also successful with four of his five attempted dribbles, showing that he produced an all-around attacking display as he created chances, scored a goal, passed well and was able to carry the team up the pitch.

The midfielder had 90 touches of the ball, highlighting how he was able to dictate the flow of the match throughout the game, bossing the middle of the park and contributing heavily to the eventual victory.

Therefore, he must have caught Pep’s eye as it was a stunning display where his best qualities shone in full view, which could improve his chances of making the XI against Chelsea.

Foden has played just 18 minutes of Premier League action this term and this showing against Wycombe could tempt the manager to start him for the first time this season in the league when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.