Cristian Chivu's Inter have been hit by a major injury blow, with veteran star Henrikh Mkhitaryan ruled out until December with a thigh strain. The 36-year-old midfielder will miss at least seven matches, including crucial Champions League ties and the all-important Derby della Madonnina against their arch rivals AC Milan on November 23.

Thigh strain confirmed after medical tests

According to , the Armenian international's injury, sustained during the 3-1 defeat to Napoli, is serious enough to keep him out of at least seven crucial upcoming fixtures for both domestic and European competition.

Inter released an official statement on Monday confirming the nature of the 36-year-old's injury after he underwent medical evaluations.

"Henrikh Mkhitaryan underwent clinical and instrumental tests this morning at the Humanitas Institute in Rozzano," the club statement read. "The tests revealed a strain in the semitendinosus of his left thigh. His condition will be evaluated next week."

The problem will keep the midfielder out for at least a month, with a potential return not expected until early December.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMkhitaryan set to miss seven crucial fixtures including Milan derby

The timing of the injury is a major setback for Nerazzurri coach Chivu. Mkhitaryan is now set to miss a total of seven games during a packed schedule.

His absence will be most keenly felt in the five upcoming Serie A matches: fixtures against Fiorentina, Verona, Lazio, Pisa and the high-stakes derby against city rivals AC Milan.

The Armenian, who has started 75 per cent of Inter's league games this season, will also be unavailable for two vital Champions League clashes against Kairat Almaty and Atletico Madrid, as the Nerazzurri fight to secure their standing in the group stage.

Zielinski steps in as Chivu eyes December return

While Inter have alternatives in midfield, including Piotr Zielinski who replaced Mkhitaryan at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the loss of the veteran's experience is a significant one. Chivu must now navigate a difficult period without a key component of his squad.

The earliest expected return date for Mkhitaryan, who has hinted that this could be his last season before he retires from the game altogether, is the Coppa Italia match against Venezia on December 3, or the following Serie A fixture against Como three days later.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWhat next for Inter?

The injury compounds a difficult weekend for Inter, who sit fourth in the Serie A table following their loss to league leaders Napoli. The controversial clash saw Antonio Conte and Inter star Lautaro Martinez involved in a spat on the sidelines during the intense Serie A clash, in which Kevin De Bruyne sustained an injury after converting the penalty that gave Napoli the lead. After the match, it was reported that the referee Maurizio Mariani and his assistant, Daniele Bindoni, being demoted from the Italian top-flight for the time being.

Chivu's side must now prepare for a tough run of fixtures without Mkhitaryan, starting with their upcoming league match against Fiorentina, as they aim to keep pace with AC Milan, Roma and Napoli at the top of the table.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ao balançar as redes na derrota do Corinthians contra o São Paulo, o atacante Romero não apenas marcou seu primeiro gol em seu retorno ao clube alvinegro, como também interrompeu um jejum de 52 jogos sem marcar pelo Timão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansCom Rojas, Corinthians encerra preparação para enfrentar o Fortaleza e divulga relacionadosCorinthians02/10/2023CorinthiansPróximos jogos do Corinthians: onde assistir ao vivo, datas, horários e calendárioCorinthians10/10/2023ListasEx-Corinthians estreia com nome errado na camisa: relembre gafes em camisas de futebolListas02/10/2023

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

O paraguaio festejou o gol marcado no Majestoso e espera que o bom momento se prolongue até o final da temporada.

– Foi muito importante voltar a marcar com a camisa do Corinthians, estava ansioso para fazer o gol. Graças a Deus eu já comemorei esse gol, importante, num clássico ainda. Tomara que seja o primeiro de muitos – disse o camisa 11 à Corinthians TV.

Romero projetou o jogo decisivo contra o Fortaleza, pela volta da semifinal da Copa Sul-Americana, e disse que o Corinthians está “pronto para fazer história”.

continua após a publicidade

– Um jogo muito importante para a gente chegar em uma decisão de Sul-Americana é muito importante. Estamos muito motivados, estamos bem. Sabemos da importância do jogo. Nos preparamos, descansamos e estamos preparados para jogar e fazer história – afirmou.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Mesmo com poucos dias de treinos no CT, Romero elogiou a metodologia de Mano Menezes, destacando a forma como a comissão passa confiança aos atletas.

continua após a publicidade

– Passou confiança para o grupo, muito importante que ele conheça a maioria dos jogadores. Muito pouco tempo de trabalho, mas já passou confiança para o grupo e vamos tentar fazer amanhã – concluiu Romero.

Serie B side Juve Stabia has been seized by Italy’s anti-mafia prosecutors after investigators linked the club’s management to the Camorra’s D’Alessandro and Imparato clans. The move places the promotion-chasing team under judicial control, marking the third such intervention in Italian football after Foggia and Crotone, and the most severe to date.

• From dream season to disaster

  Juve Stabia's recent 2-0 derby win over Avellino had lifted the Wasps to seventh in Serie B, tied on points with promotion contenders Venezia, and fans dared to believe in the dream of reaching Serie A within three years. But that ambition has now been shattered. According to Italy’s National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor, Giovanni Melillo, Juve Stabia are “subordinate” to the Camorra, specifically, the D’Alessandro and Imparato clans.

  Following the findings, the club have been placed under receivership under Italy’s Anti-Mafia Code, a law born in the wake of the 1992 assassinations of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. The measure, carried out by the Naples Police Headquarters, is meant to “restore legality and transparency” amid allegations of deep mafia infiltration. This marks the third-ever judicial seizure of a professional football club in Italy, after Foggia and Crotone, but Stabia’s case is reportedly the most severe. Authorities are even considering asking the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to postpone upcoming fixtures, including the high-profile home game against Bari on October 29.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Mafia control from tickets to travel

  According to prosecutors, the Camorra’s influence stretched across nearly every operational layer of the club from security, catering, travel logistics, to ticketing. The investigation began in February 2025 when a police audit revealed that a man linked to the Imparato clan was overseeing stadium security. From there, the findings multiplied with banned individuals attending matches under false identities, free tickets distributed to known clan members, and even evidence of falsified entry records at the Menti Stadium.

  Last season alone, 38 Juve Stabia fans were hit with stadium bans, among which 22 persons were suspected of clan affiliation. Investigators allege that these bans were regularly circumvented with internal cooperation. Prosecutors described the infiltration as “comprehensive,” saying, “Players just had to play; the Camorra handled everything else.”

  This systemic control has shaken public trust in Serie B governance and reignited concerns about football’s vulnerability to criminal interference, especially in regions where the Camorra, 'Ndrangheta, and Cosa Nostra remain economically entrenched.

• The wider pattern – Crotone, Foggia and beyond

  Stabia’s case follows a troubling trend. Just last month, Serie C side Crotone was placed under judicial administration for a year after prosecutors found evidence of 'Ndrangheta interference in operations ranging from stadium management to sponsorships. A similar case in Foggia saw local mafia elements control gate receipts and influence matchday security.

  In each case, the aim of judicial intervention has not been punishment, but protection, to “shield clubs and communities from criminal control.” However, Juve Stabia’s seizure stands out for its scope and timing as the club’s recent success and newfound international ownership made it appear modern and clean on the surface.

  The takeover by Brera Holdings, an Irish investment firm that acquired a 52 per cent stake in June 2025, was meant to modernise operations. Yet investigators now allege the new owners “inherited long-standing financial ties already under mafia influence” and failed to sever them. The revelations have turned what was meant to be a financial expansion into a reputational crisis.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Italian football’s fight for integrity

  For the FIGC and Serie B authorities, Juve Stabia’s seizure poses urgent questions about how deep-rooted criminal networks still exploit football infrastructure. Italy’s lower leagues, often cash-strapped and locally run, remain particularly exposed to infiltration by clans seeking influence, money laundering opportunities, or social control.

  The judiciary will now appoint administrators to oversee the club’s daily operations, while the FIGC evaluates whether Stabia can safely continue competing. Points deductions or relegation could follow if direct collusion is proven. But for now, the intervention serves as a stark reminder that football in southern Italy remains a battlefield – not just between clubs, but between legality and corruption.

  As Prosecutor Melillo warned: “The goal is not to destroy football in Campania, but to liberate it.” Whether Juve Stabia can ever reclaim its credibility, however, remains to be seen.

Seales took 5 for 60, Shamar Joseph 4 for 46 to bowl Australia out for 180 before the visitors’ quicks returned fire with four late wickets

Andrew McGlashan25-Jun-2025

Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph shared nine wickets on the opening day in Barbados to increase the pressure on Australia’s faltering batting line-up, but the visitors’ quicks struck back to suggest another Test match that could unfold in fast forward on a surface that offered assistance for the seamers.Australia’s reshaped top order slipped to 22 for 3 against new ball before Usman Khawaja, who was dropped twice on 6 and 45, and Travis Head added 89 as they threatened to take control. However, Khawaja’s dismissal to Shamar Joseph sparked a collapse of 7 for 69 which included Head for 59 after he’d been controversially reprieved by the third umpire who ruled a catch hadn’t carried to wicketkeeper Shai Hope.Australia’s 180 was their lowest total in West Indies having chosen to bat first, and their lowest either way since 1995 in Trinidad. But while they have issues over the batting, the bowling attack remains formidable and the total grew in significance amid Mitchell Starc’s new-ball burst. He had former captain Kraigg Brathwaite, playing his 99th Test, edging low to second slip where Beau Webster held an excellent catch. He then shaped one away from the left-handed John Campbell to leave the hosts 16 for 2.Related

Shamar keeps the spotlight on Australia's struggling top order

Plenty left in the tank: Khawaja eyes more Ashes glory and mentoring role for Konstas

Pace, swing, youth and promise – Ian Bishop's rundown of WI's bowling options for Australia Tests

'I'm going to give my all' – Hope wants to do it for West Indies in Test cricket again

Keacy Carty and debutant Brandon King, who had earlier dropped three catches, mixed caution with positivity to see West Indies to within 20 minutes of the close. But Carty could do little against a delivery from Pat Cummins that kicked from short of a length and caught the shoulder of the bat on the way through to Alex Carey. Then nightwatcher Jomel Warrican couldn’t keep out an excellent delivery from Josh Hazlewood. At the moment, it would appear unwise to be making cricket-watching plans for the weekend.Ahead of the game, just the second Test in six years at the ground, there was degree of uncertainty over what conditions would present. There was movement throughout while the occasional delivery also lifted sharply to challenge Cummins’ view at the toss that “it looks a pretty good wicket.”Seales ended up edging the wickets tally, but Shamar Joseph was magnificent throughout: his first spell read 6-2-12-2 and his third 5-0-12-2. With better catching support from his team-mates – West Indies dropped four chances in the innings – he and not Seales would have had the five-wicket haul.Shamar Joseph had two wickets and two dropped chances in the first hour•Randy Brooks/AFP/Getty Images

He bowled with pace, movement and occasionally some significant extra bounce. It took him just 10 balls to make his first impact, nipping one back at the recalled Sam Konstas to pin the 19-year-old lbw although the not out decision needed to be overturned by the DRS.Cameron Green should have gone for a duck second ball when he edged a drive off the back foot, but King dropped a regulation chance at gully. Shamar Joseph then saw another chance go down when new captain Roston Chase spilled Khawaja at first slip.Green went on to be given a torrid working over as he continued to find life tough at No. 3. Shamar Joseph regularly challenged the outside edge and then drew one which carried low to second slip.Josh Inglis, filling in for the injured Steven Smith at No. 4, tried to take a positive option but top-edged a pull from outside off which Hope settled under to give Seales his first wicket. It was not until the end of the over in which Inglis fell, the 16th of the innings, that Australia struck their first boundary when Head opened his account with a strong drive although a slow outfield was partly to blame.Khawaja then briefly went on the attack, pulling Alzarri Joseph for six and twice sending Seales through the off side, but there was never a great sense of permanency to his innings. Still, he and Head had repaired some of the early damage as they carried Australia through to lunch without further loss on 65 for 3.Fortune favoured Khawaja after the break as he was beaten by Alzarri Joseph and edged through a gap in the slips. Head also slashed over the cordon as he took a typically positive approach which started to turn the tide in Australia’s favour as he brought up a 57-ball fifty.Khawaja’s second life came when he slashed to gully on 45 where King was again the culprit, but this one didn’t cost West Indies too many as Shamar Joseph resumed his wicket-taking when Khawaja bottom-edged a pull. He then produced a magnificent delivery which completely squared up Webster and clipped the top of off stump.In his next over Shamar Joseph thought he had his fifth wicket when Head edged through to Hope who took it very low and signaled his uncertainty to the square-leg umpire. The on-field officials went upstairs and, having seen the first replay, West Indies started celebrating only for it to be eventually ruled not out by Adrian Holdstock much to their bemusement – it did appear as though Hope’s fingers were under the ball.Another wicket did fall before tea, Alex Carey edging Seales to first slip, and it became a clatter after the interval with Head flaying an edge to the keeper and Starc nicking to second slip. Cummins threw the bat to good effect for runs that, if the low-scoring nature of this match continues, could prove important before Seales struck and gave the Australia captain a send-off on the way to his third five-wicket haul.

Manchester United will travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon to take on one of their biggest rivals, Liverpool. It is the chance for Ruben Amorim’s side to finally win back-to-back games under the Portuguese boss for the first time, but it will be tough.

United’s record away to the Reds in the last decade or so has been abysmal. They haven’t won at Anfield since the end of the 2015/16 campaign. That day, Wayne Rooney’s strike was the only thing that separated the two sides.

The season before, Juan Mata’s heroics secured all three points for the Red Devils.

Looking back on ‘Juanfield’

One of the most iconic trips to Anfield in recent history for United was certainly the 2014/15 clash. The Red Devils were victorious thanks to Mata’s two goals, which led supporters to lovingly dub the game as ‘Juanfield’ after the Spanish midfielder.

It was a superb performance from the former United number eight. He gave his side the lead with a right-footed strike in the first half in front of the Kop, poking the ball past Simon Mignolet less than a quarter of an hour into the game.

His second goal will always be the one that stands out. Mata doubled United’s lead with a fantastic scissor kick, checking his run before executing the acrobatic effort to perfection.

His strike nestled into the bottom left corner to put the Red Devils 2-0 up. MUTV commentator Stewart Gardner said it was “one of the great United goals at Anfield.”

Despite Daniel Sturridge’s strike, which pulled a goal back for the home side, it was always going to be hard for Liverpool to get back into the game. Steven Gerrard was infamously sent off at the start of the second half, just 38 seconds after entering the fray.

It was a win that will live long in the memory for United, with Mata’s brilliance off the right-hand side the reason why they secured the victory. Amorim has a player of his own who could replace the heroics of ‘Juanfield’.

Amorim can unleash his own Juan Mata

Despite another poor start to the season, United do have attackers who can hurt the opposition.

Bruno Fernandes is always a threat, although he is playing in a pivot. Matheus Cunha scored at Anfield last season, and Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko are in fine goalscoring form.

However, the key man for United this weekend could be Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian star has shown great promise in his short Red Devils career so far, with two goals and one assist across eight games in all competitions, replicating Mata in operating off that right flank and cutting in onto his favoured left foot.

The 26-year-old has built up a strong reputation with fans and pundits alike. Former United academy player turned MUTV commentator Ben Thornley said last season that he is “unplayable” for a lot of defenders.

This could see him cause problems for Liverpool’s left-back, although it is unclear if that will be Milos Kerkez or Andy Robertson. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have also shown defensive frailties this season.

On top of that, Mbeumo knows what it takes to score past the Reds.

He did so as a Brentford player back in 2022/23, running in behind the Liverpool defence, latching a long pass ahead of Konate and slotting the ball past Allison.

It would be excellent for United if Mbeumo can replicate his performance that day.

The Cameroon star was imperious, creating two chances, making five ball recoveries and, of course, getting a late third goal in a 3-1 win.

Touches

24

Ball recoveries

5

Duels won

2

Chances created

2

Shots on target

2

Goals

1

Expected goals

0.97xG

A win at Anfield on Saturday would be huge for Amorim. Not only would it be back-to-back three points in the top flight, but a win at one of their biggest rivals for 10 years, which would be a huge achievement for the Portuguese boss.

How he would love Mbeumo to recreate the heroics of ‘Juanfield’ this weekend, and earn United a huge three points.

Forget Mainoo: Amorim has the next Pogba in "generational" Man Utd talent

Manchester United appear to have another elite-level star already within Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 18, 2025

In what could end in a major blow for rivals Manchester United, Liverpool are now reportedly keeping tabs on a transfer target that Ruben Amorim is desperate to sign.

Slot defends Wirtz andLiverpool spending

Despite getting off to a solid start in their Premier League title defence, Arne Slot has been forced to defend big-money signing Florian Wirtz. The German is taking longer than some expected to find his feet at Anfield and the patience of those in the Premier League is far thinner than those in the Bundesliga.

However, the Liverpool boss was quick to remind reporters that the former Bayer Leverkusen star isn’t the only one to struggle when it comes to goals and assists.

Aside from the frustrating criticism, it’s good news for Liverpool that their results have remained the same even without Wirtz at his best. It begs the question of just how ruthless they’ll be once he’s up to speed in England’s top flight.

Slot also defended Liverpool’s spending as a whole, arguing that his side also generated impressive funds through player sales. He told reporters: “No club never sells and only buys. We didn’t have a big squad last season and [this summer] we did sell and bring players in. That is such an exception in English football.”

Their own Bellingham: Liverpool have "one of the best youngsters in Europe"

Liverpool may have found their own Jude Bellingham in 17-year-old star

1 ByWill Miller Sep 19, 2025

Those sales may yet allow those at Anfield to spend once more in 2026, and that should concern Manchester United amid reports that Liverpool are eyeing one of their “key” targets next year.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Baleba

As reported by TeamTalk’s Dean Jones, Liverpool are now keeping tabs on Carlos Baleba, who remains a “key” Man United target and someone that Amorim is desperate to sign next summer. The Red Devils were, of course, priced out of a move by Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, but Liverpool are unlikely to face issues meeting the midfielder’s likely £100m price tag.

Jones told TeamTalk: “Manchester United were the first club to make a move for Baleba in the summer and they still see him as a key target for their long-term rebuild under Amorim.

“There was intent behind that approach, wanting to show the player and club how serious they are. But the concern is that Liverpool’s admiration could turn into something more concrete.

“They’ve already shown this year they’re not afraid to splash out big money on the right player, and if they decided to push for Baleba, United would suddenly find themselves in an unwanted situation. No one wants to go head-to-head with Liverpool – on or off the pitch.”

A move for the Brighton star would also make a lot of sense for Liverpool. Now that Slot operates with a double pivot at the heart of midfield, there’s not many Premier League partnerships that would be able to outperform Ryan Gravenberch and Baleba.

Four late wickets for Surrey saw them take control of the Rothesay County Championship clash at Visit Worcestershire New Road, as Worcestershire ended day two 69 for 4, still trailing by eight-runs.Ben Allison led the way for the hosts, with his 5 for 44 helping restrict Surrey to 291 all-out, Dom Sibley top-scoring with a measured 73.With a lead of 77, Surrey’s seam-bowling attack ensured the day belonged to them with another potent display.Nathan Smith and Matt Fisher collected two wickets apiece, as Worcestershire’s top four were ripped apart in a devastating evening session that put the visitors well in control.Surrey added 40 to their overnight total, but shortly after Ryan Patel had brought up an elegant half-century, Allison made the breakthrough for Worcestershire as he hurried the left-hander with a back of a length delivery that was chipped straight to Jacob Duffy at mid-on.Rory Burns joined Sibley, as the pair continued Surrey’s batting dominance, bringing up their 100 in the 35th over.With Sibley easing his way to a measured 132-ball fifty, Worcestershire’s seamers offered little in the way of opportunities, as lunch arrived with the visitors in total control at 147 for 1.The home side struck twice in quick succession upon resumption, however, when Duffy drew an edge from the bat of Burns for 34, followed up three overs later by the industrious Matthew Waite, who produced a gem of a delivery to see the back of Sam Curran for just 8.Worcestershire had seamer Allison, their standout bowler on the day, to thank for a vital three-wicket burst, that swung the momentum of the afternoon and checked the visitors’ progress.After ending Sibley’s 184-ball knock, he then claimed the wickets of Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner in successive overs, as the home side reduce their opponents to 197 for 6.As a result of Santner’s frustration at his dismissal, Worcestershire were awarded five penalty runs and saw their total rise to 214, with confirmation the New Zealand international had been charged with two separate Level One offences.Dan Lawrence came together with Jordan Clark, as Surrey raced into a lead of 52 when tea was taken. Lawrence continued his fine four-day form, passing fifty early in the evening session, but failed to capitalise as he edged a rising Tom Taylor delivery shortly after the new ball was taken, departing for a well-made 52.Taylor was consistent throughout, claiming more two wickets late on, before Allison returned to complete his five-wicket haul as Surrey were bowled out for 291.With 17 overs left in the day, Smith wasted no time exposing the hosts top-order batting frailties, as he dismissed both Gareth Roderick and Henry Nicholls inside his first two overs.Fisher picked up where he left off in the first innings, nicking two wickets for himself as the top four departed, leaving Worcestershire still short of parity and well behind in the contest.

يلتقي فريق الكرة بنادي الزمالك مع نظيره بيراميدز في مباراة صعبة وقوية مساء اليوم الخميس، ضمن لقاءات بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

وتقام المباراة بين الزمالك وبيراميدز، على أرضية استاد آل نهيان في مدينة أبوظبي الإماراتية، في إطار مواجهات نصف نهائي السوبر المصري.

يطمح الزمالك لتقديم أداء قوي وكسب ثقة جمهوره بعدما تذبذب أداء ونتائج الفريق منذ بداية الموسم الحالي، والذي أدى إلى رحيل يانيك فيريرا المدير الفني.

بينما يسعى بيراميدز لتحقيق أول ألقابه في السوبر المصري، والحفاظ على تألقه في الفترة الأخيرة وتتويجه ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا وكأس السوبر الإفريقي وكأس القارات الثلاثة.

طالع | تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام بيراميدز اليوم في السوبر المصري.. بديل خوان بيزيرا

ومن المقرر أن يتأهل الفائز لملاقاة المنتصر من مواجهة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا في النهائي المرتقب للبطولة يوم الأحد المقبل.​ موعد مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز اليوم في السوبر المصري

تنطلق صافرة بداية المباراة في تمام الساعة السابعة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الثامنة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، والتاسعة والنصف بتوقيت أبوظبي.

ويمكنك متابعة مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من خلال مركز المباريات من هنا.

Kishan unbeaten on 44 in first innings for new county as Hill, Moriarty take two wickets each

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 22-Jun-2025Ben Slater made 96, captain Haseeb Hameed 52 and new signing Ishan Kishan is 44 not out, but struggling Yorkshire had a case for claiming honours even against the Rothesay County Championship leaders, who finished day one at Trent Bridge on 298 for six.Yorkshire, for whom seamer George Hill and spinner Dan Moriarty took two wickets each, are next to bottom of Division One with only one win from seven matches so far. They had the disappointment, too, of being unable to field Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique after a visa delay prevented his debut.Ishan, the India wicketkeeper-batter, had no such problem as he starts a two-match stint as cover for South African Kyle Verreynne, and Nottinghamshire will hope he can yet extend his innings significantly after a number of their batters made starts but failed to build on them.On a used pitch, Nottinghamshire opted to bat first and had been 90 without loss at lunch after a morning in which the only real chance created by the Yorkshire attack was squandered as Slater drove left-arm spinner Moriarty into the covers but was put down by Dom Bess with the score on 47.Spearheaded with the new ball by Jack White and the New Zealander Will O’Rourke, playing in his first and only Championship match, Yorkshire had bowled tidily enough but it was not the resumption after lunch, delayed by 15 minutes because of rain, that they were rewarded.The first breakthrough came after just two deliveries as Hameed, who had gone to fifty just before lunch and was looking comfortable enough, was caught behind off a bottom edge looking to play Jack White into the leg side.Five overs later, the captain was followed back in by Freddie McCann, who abruptly changed the tempo with four quick boundaries but perished somewhat unnecessarily in search of another. Having pulled O’Rourke for four two balls earlier in an over that had already added 11 runs to the Nottinghamshire total, he top-edged his attempt to repeat the shot against a quicker delivery and gave Jonny Bairstow another catch.Joe Clarke had found some form towards the end of the first block of red-ball fixtures, which he finished with 277 runs in three innings, including 64 and 94 against Yorkshire at Headingley as Nottinghamshire completed a fourth win from seven matches. He did not progress beyond 31, though, on this occasion, falling four overs before tea after Moriarty and off-spinner Bess bowling in tandem had introduced an element of frustration.Attempting to hit Moriarty over the leg side, Clarke miscued to mid-on where Revis, back-pedaling furiously, fell over backwards as he grabbed the ball with his left hand and, despite a heavy landing, it stuck there.After Jack Haynes, on eight, had escaped a sharp chance to Adam Lyth at slip off Moriarty, Slater clipped Bess to the leg-side boundary for his 12th four to move into the 90s. Yet, with a first century of the season seemingly there for the taking, he missed out, tempted by an opportunity to get there in one hit as Moriarty strayed wide but hitting straight to Hill at cover.Ishan, primarily known for his exploits in T20 cricket, announced himself with a flurry of boundaries – three in the same over off Hill – but Yorkshire’s current leading wicket-taker responded by dismissing Haynes leg before for his 33rd success of the season before the second new ball was taken with Nottinghamshire 253 for five, adding another – and another unforced error from the home side’s perspective – as Lyndon James was caught at extra cover. Ishan was still there on 44 when bad light brought play to an end, two overs early.

Elland Road has been home to many Leeds United greats over the years.

Even when the Whites weren’t competing in the Premier League, there were a handful of top stars always entertaining the West Yorkshire masses, with names such as Luciano Becchio and Pablo Hernandez sticking out, among many others.

Of course, the current crop is beloved in their own right, having just lifted the Championship title on a mammoth points haul of 100 points.

But, they have some catching up to do in the daunting environment of the Premier League to be seen in the same glowing light as some past top-flight icons at Leeds, with Lucas Radebe still viewed as an all-time hero, twenty years on from his final outing for the club.

Radebe's heroics at Leeds

Costing just £250k to obtain in 1994 from South African side Kaizer Chiefs, not many would have anticipated that many years down the line, Radebe would end up being Leeds’ formidable captain in the Champions League against the likes of AC Milan.

Still, despite a slow beginning to life at Elland Road, which saw him make just 12 appearances for the club during his debut season, the no-nonsense number 5 would eventually leave a lasting mark on the Leeds faithful, with Radebe going on to be affectionately known as “The Chief” for his warrior-like showings.

Starting his really early playing days as a goalkeeper, Radebe would ultimately find his calling in England as a tough and bruising centre-back figure, with ex-Leeds teammate Nigel Martyn referring to him as a “fierce competitor” when glowingly recalling his career in 2021.

Further lauded as an “absolute legend” by Martyn, the 70-time South Africa international’s vital importance to the Leeds cause is clear to see when looking back on his long-standing stay at the club, with 260 appearances picked up by Radebe across ten seasons, even seeing the Whites get near to Champions League glory at the turn of the millennium.

Unfortunately, persistent knee problems would see his minutes deplete by the close of those ten long campaigns, but with Radebe recently being unveiled as a new club ambassador, it’s clear he’s still held in high regard to this very day.

Amazingly, Daniel Farke could well have a Radebe-type player on his hands right now.

Farke's own Radebe-type star

Since Radebe hung up his boots, there haven’t been an overflowing amount of standout number fives who have pulled on that famous number, with Ben White one notable name, among transfer misfires such as Robin Koch and Giuseppe Bellusci.

Instead, it could well be Leeds’ current number 6 that embodies Radebe most closely in Joe Rodon, with the Welshman very much a full-blooded presence for Farke and Co, in the same vein as the South African before him.

He has even used his aerial expertise this season to power home a header versus AFC Bournemouth at the end of September, with the Swansea-born “warrior” – as he has been labelled by his manager – only one goal shy of Radebe’s goal count.

But, it’s his overall numbers in a defensive sense that put him even more on the same pedestal as the feared former number 5, with Rodon routinely putting his body on the line and coming up clutch in crunch moments to ensure his side isn’t breached at will.

Games played

43

46

7

Goals scored

0

1

1

Assists

0

0

0

Touches*

83.7

92.2

61.3

Accurate passes*

66.0 (91%)

75.1 (92%)

43.7 (91%)

Ball recoveries*

4.2

4.0

2.3

Clearances*

4.5

5.0

6.6

Total duels won*

4.7

4.3

5.1

Clean sheets

17

25

2

Rodon has undoubtedly become as crucial for Farke as Radebe was for the litany of managers he worked alongside at Elland Road, with the 27-year-old collecting a mightily impressive 44 clean sheets across three seasons of league action.

Yet, he hasn’t always had it his own way at Leeds, with the disappointment of promotion falling through at the close of the 2023/24 season meaning he could have walked away from West Yorkshire for good, having only been at the club on loan.

He opted to join permanently for £10m instead and in the words of journalist Isaac Johnson, he has since gone on to be in the debate as Farke’s “most important player.”

It will now be up to the resilient defender to steer his side to immediate Premier League safety, with the potential very much there for him to be known as a top-flight great, much like Radebe is forever immortalised as.

Leeds have signed "explosive" ace who looks like a new Raphinha-type player

Leeds fans might finally get their dream Raphinha replacement

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 12, 2025