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Adding to the injuries sustained by Reds duo Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip is also now sidelined, reports The Athletic’s James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Diaz and Trent hurt at Arsenal

After just 42 minutes of play in the 3-2 loss to Arsenal on Sunday, Diaz was forced off the pitch after sustaining a knee injury.

According to Sky Sports, the 25-year-old is expected to be out of action until after the World Cup, although a scan revealed a welcome boost as the Colombian will not require surgery.

During the same game, Alexander-Arnold was substituted at half-time having suffered an ankle injury accidentally inflicted by Gunners winger Gabriel Martinelli, and the full-back will miss around two weeks.

The Latest: Matip out

Adding to an already decimated Liverpool back-line, Pearce has now revealed another injury blow for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist said:

“Liverpool’s injury problems have deepened with Joel Matip expected to be sidelined for around two weeks by a calf problem.”

The Verdict: Bad to worse

Having returned from injury towards the end of August, Matip featured for Klopp in all three of the Reds’ Champions League fixtures this season.

He also returned to the starting line-up for the previous two Premier League outings, and the absence of the former Cameroon international will come as a big blow to the side’s build-up from the back due to his ‘quality’ attacking abilities, in the words of Virgil van Dijk.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the defender ranks in the top one percent for progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area, and also in the top four percent for assists and shots total.

With Ibrahima Konate making a late cameo during the Arsenal clash after a two-month injury absence, Klopp will be hopeful the Frenchman can step up in Matip’s shoes, but the likelihood that Joe Gomez will be filling in for Alexander-Arnold means there is virtually now zero depth in the heart of defence.

Aston Villa target Mauricio Pochettino is keen on potentially taking over from Steven Gerrard, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Pochettino rumours

Speculation first emerged towards the end of August regarding Pochettino and Villa. FI stated that Pochettino was on a list of targets for NSWE, stating that they wouldn’t be afraid to part ways with Gerrard, should results fail to improve.

Gerrard has guided Villa to a draw with Manchester City and a win over Southampton since then, however, rumours regarding the former Tottenham and PSG manager moving to the Midlands are still circling.

The Latest: Update

FI shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Pochettino after he turned down the job at Ligue 1 side Nice.

They claimed that the Argentine ‘would be very open’ to the possibility of taking over at Villa Park, with his next role in management not depending on Champions League football.

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The Verdict: Pressure still on Gerrard?

Villa may have picked up three points prior to the international break, however, it wasn’t a convincing display.

The much-needed victory took Villa into 15th place with seven points from seven games, but the six games in October could be crucial in regards to Gerrard’s future.

If things don’t improve further, then perhaps NSWE would be willing to pull the plug and step up their interest in Pochettino, especially as he is now keen on a possible return to England.

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a January move for Rangers wonderkid Cole McKinnon, and the 19-year-old could form a superb long-term partnership with Elliot Anderson at St James’ Park.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the Magpies have been tracking the teenage midfielder for some time and sent scouts to watch him play for Partick Thistle this season, where is currently on loan.

They suggest that the Toon are weighing up a bid for McKinnon, who has started the campaign in fine form, contributing two goals and one assist in 10 appearances for the Jags.

However, it may prove difficult to prise him away from Ibrox as he recently committed to a new deal with Rangers until 2025, so Dan Ashworth will do well to bring him to St James’ Park in January.

Imagine him and Anderson

Anderson looks as if he could have a big part to play in Eddie Howe’s side this season, having featured in three Premier League games already, as well as impressing in the League Cup win against Tranmere Rovers.

The 19-year-old academy graduate starred for Bristol Rovers in League Two last season, helping Joey Barton’s side to promotion as he contributed seven goals and six assists in just 21 appearances, averaging a superb 7.64 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Former Bristol Rovers team-mate Sam Finley said of Anderson: “He is unbelievable, a top, top player. I think he realises and everyone else realises, he is too good for the level he is playing at.”

He must have impressed Howe in pre-season as the 44-year-old kept him at St James’ Park this summer, and it seems clear that the teenager has a very bright future with the club.

The prospect of two talented teenage midfielders in Howe’s squad from January, should McKinnon join the Toon, is surely an exciting one for Newcastle fans, especially if the Scottish youngster can live up to his obvious potential.

When McKinnon signed a new contract at Rangers, academy coach Craig Mulholland said: “He has an outstanding desire to win, is a supporter who cares about the club and we are all very excited to see him maximise the potential he has in the coming years here at Rangers.”

Should he arrive at St James’ Park in the next transfer window, and Anderson continues to impress, then the two could easily form a top partnership in Howe’s Newcastle side for many years to come.

Journalist Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express says a West Ham United bid is ‘also in’ for Spezia starlet and Poland international Jakub Kiwior.

The Lowdown: Hammers making moves…

The east Londoners are reportedly busy behind-the-scenes as manager David Moyes seeks to bolster his reinforcements ahead of what will be a busy 2022/2023 Premier League campaign.

West Ham have already sealed the signings of Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet and most recently Thilo Kehrer from Paris-Saint Germain.

Players remain of interest to the Irons board, like Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz, and so are up-and-coming youngsters.

The Latest: Kiwior bid ‘also in’…

Journalist Taylor, sharing some West Ham transfer news, have made a claim involving Kiwior.

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He states, writing for The Daily Express, that bids for both the 22-year-old and Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri are ‘also in’ as Moyes and head of recruitment Rob Newman scour the market.

With just two weeks of the window remaining, it is added that West Ham want to make a few more signings before September 1, and this contradicts claims that their move for Kiwior is planned for 2023.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Kiwior, having already been capped by Poland, comes as an exciting young defender with real potential for his age.

As per WhoScored, the starlet averaged more tackles per 90 than any Spezia player in Serie A over the 2021/2022 season and even finished the league campaign as their fourth-best performing player by average match rating, impressive feats for a young talent in such a gruelling league.

It’s clear why Kiwior has grabbed the attention of West Ham chiefs after a solid season in Italy and it will be interesting to see whether the east Londoners push hard for a move or indeed wait until next summer as some have suggested.

Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Rene Maric as assistant head coach.

The Lowdown: Maric profiled

Maric is just 29 years of age but has already worked with a number of high-profile clubs.

The Austrian has worked alongside Marco Rose at Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund for a combined 246 matches.

Both Rose and Maric departed Dortmund at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and the latter has now headed to Yorkshire to work under Jesse Marsch.

The Latest: Leeds move for Maric

The Whites confirmed a move for Maric on their official website on Saturday, with Marsch describing him as ‘the perfect fit’ at Elland Road.

Victor Orta also shared his thoughts on the deal, admitting that he was ‘really pleased’ that Maric picked Leeds ‘over several other options he had to choose from across Europe’.

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The Verdict: At Elland Road tonight?

A move for Maric appears to be a coaching coup due to his previous experience at the highest level, and who knows, he could well be present at Elland Road this evening for Leeds’ final pre-season fixture against Italian side Cagliari now that his appointment has been made official.

It is good to see that the club have acted and brought in a new number two ahead of the upcoming campaign, especially as Marsch’s previous assistant Franz Scheimer left his role on a day-to-day basis earlier this month.

Maric could be the club’s final coaching addition, with Ewan Sharp and Pierre Barrieu already brought in and Michael Skubala taking over as under-21 head coach as the backroom revolution continues in LS11.

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans for the rest of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has revealed that the Magpies are preparing to table offers for multiple targets as they look to improve their options in the wide areas.

He tweeted: “TRANSFER LATEST: NUFC ready to bid for three different Premier League targets – Jack Harrison, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes – but none currently fall within their price range and, at this stage, their respective clubs are in no mood to budge…”

The reporter then added: “Ideally, they want a wide attacker for about £25m. That’s roughly where they value all three of those players. The problem, of course, is that Leeds, Everton and Leicester think different!”

Supporters will be excited

This claim will surely leave supporters feeling excited as it suggests that the club are now at a stage where they are ready to start making serious moves to bolster their attack.

Newcastle are yet to sign a forward player in the window and this update confirms that they have now identified their targets and are willing to make firm offers for them.

Whilst Leeds, Everton and Leicester are holding firm at this moment in time, the situation may change once the Toon officially make an offer. A compromise could be made by one, or both, of the teams as the window heads into the final few weeks and clubs attempt to wrap up their business.

The Premier League campaign kicks off in under a fortnight and the aforementioned trio will not want any players who do not want to be there disrupting things on the pitch. There is no suggestion that will be the case with Harrison, Barnes or Gordon, but serious interest from Newcastle could tempt them into forcing a move.

Supporters will also be excited by the potential of one of them joining the Magpies this summer as they would all be excellent signings.

Harrison has racked up 16 goals and nine assists in the last two Premier League campaigns, whilst Barnes has scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in that time. 21-year-old Gordon, meanwhile, is an up-and-coming winger and chipped in with four goals and two assists last term.

These statistics show that they are all capable of making an impact in the final third in the top-flight, or at least have the potential to go on and do so, and that is why supporters will be buzzing with the club’s interest in them.

AND in other news:  “Not going to happen..”: Sky Sports journo drops NUFC claim that’ll frustrate Howe

Everton will only sell Anthony Gordon if an ‘absolutely ridiculous’ offer arrives this summer, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Exit links

The 21-year-old was a rare bright spark in a disappointing Toffees outfit last season, featuring 35 times for the first team in the Premier League in a breakout season with four goals and two assists.

As a result of his stunning form in helping the Blues escape the drop, a number of rumours have emerged linking the winger with a move away from Goodison Park.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is said to be interested in a move for the youngster, after seemingly having secured the signing of Blues star Richarlison for an initial £50m fee.

The Latest: ‘Ridiculous money…’

Having faced so many issues over the past year, Jones believes that Gordon’s departure is the last thing Everton need ahead of the new season, claiming Spurs or any other suitor will have to break the bank.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he said: “Everton have had so many problems over the last couple of seasons, especially with the relationship between the club and the fanbase.

“So, if they were to get rid of Anthony Gordon there would be uproar, so I don’t believe they will sell Anthony Gordon unless they get absolutely ridiculous money for him.”

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The Verdict: Keep at all costs

When looking at the 21-year-old’s underlying stats, it is easy to see how he so quickly became a fan-favourite at Goodsion Park.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Toffees winger ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks, the 96th percentile for tackles and the 94th percentile for pressures (via FB Ref), leading from the front with his exceptional work rate.

With such dire performances from the team last season, it was a breath of fresh air for Blues fans to see the youngster giving it his all on the pitch.

Looking at the long-term, Gordon will surely be a staple in Frank Lampard’s plans, so an exit for the player would be awfully received by everyone at the club.

Leeds United supporters may not be too thrilled to see a familiar name linked with a switch to Elland Road this week…

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk editor James Marshment, relaying news from his website, the Yorkshire giants are keen on signing Adama Traore from Wolves in a cut-price deal.

“@TEAMtalk understands Victor Orta remains keen on a deal for Adama Traore this summer amid claims Wolves will now accept a cut-price £20m fee. Winger was brought to Boro by Orta back in August 2016,” he tweeted alongside an accompanying article written by his colleague Graeme Bailey.

Spurs have also shown strong interest in the Spaniard and there is currently no plan for Barcelona to sign him permanently following a mixed loan spell in LaLiga last season.

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Poor Raphinha replacement

With the future of Raphinha so uncertain in west Yorkshire, there won’t be many supporters happy to see Traore’s name mentioned with a move to Leeds this off-season.

The Brazil international finished the 2021/22 campaign as their top scorer in all competitions and proved to be their major creative outlet on the wing, having averaged 0.7 more key passes per game than any other player, as per WhoScored.

It remains to be seen where or if he will go, though he’s going to rake in at least £45m, according to Fabrizio Romano (via Metro).

Simply put, Traore isn’t fit to lace Raphinha’s boots and would be something of a dire replacement, with his end-product a big, big issue.

“Last season his numbers were poor. Go back two or three seasons it was all about his end product not being good enough and it probably wasn’t,” claimed Danny Mills to Football Insider.

Indeed, at the Nou Camp, he could only muster up two assists across 11 appearances, taking his total combined for both Barcelona and Wolves in 2021/22 to one goal and four assists in 40 games, via Transfermarkt.

On that evidence, the current Leeds star is leagues apart from Traore, and Orta would be making a bad decision in signing him this summer, with some fans already left fuming on social media.

AND in other news, Leeds United can land their own Declan Rice by signing “unbelievable” £38k-p/w gem…

West Ham United will look into signing Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Dennis delivers despite Watford relegation

Whilst the Hornets endured a tough season in the Premier League, having won just six games all season, the Nigeria international can hold his head high, given he achieved a double-figure goal tally for a team which was relegated.

The Daily Mirror have reported in recent weeks that the Irons are looking at a move for the 24-year-old and that the east London club could secure the player’s services for £20m.

The Latest: Jones’ claim on Dennis

Following Watford’s relegation to the Championship, Jones expects the Hammers to look into the possibility of bringing Dennis to the London Stadium this summer.

Speaking with GiveMeSport on Sunday night, he claimed: “It’ll be interesting. There are loads of names that West Ham are looking at at the moment. People like Emmanuel Dennis, I’m sure that they’ll be looking into situations like that because they always explore good opportunities, but we’ll have to wait.”

The Verdict: Good competition for Antonio

With Michail Antonio being West Ham’s only senior striker, the arrival of Dennis would provide the Jamaica international with much-needed competition for the number nine role in David Moyes’ starting XI.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the 32-year-old ranks in the 40th percentile for non-penalty goals, whereas Dennis ranks in the 81st percentile (via FB Ref).

According to WhoScored, the Nigerian forward was the Hornets’ best player this season, with an average match rating of 6.89 across the campaign. That would put him fifth among the Irons’ squad, indicating that he’d probably be well able to make an impression for Moyes’ team.

This shows how the 24-year-old has proven himself to be Premier League quality, so a move to the London Stadium could prove to be a shrewd one from GSB if they can lure him from Vicarage Road.

In other news: Paddy Kenny makes Jarrod Bowen transfer claim

Steven Gerrard has suffered what can only be described as a Jekyll and Hyde start to his Premier League managerial career with Aston Villa.

A solid start in the Midlands was quickly forgotten following a poor festive period, and following their 3-2 defeat to Manchester City last Sunday, they ended up in 14th place, three positions worse off than in 2020/21.

Gerrard has already begun to plan ahead for next season, though, securing the signings of Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos, and Boubacar Kamara as he aims to rejuvenate a playing squad which should be capable of finishing in the top half of the table.

The 41-year-old has shown interest in Rangers defender Calvin Bassey recently, although it’s a deal for another defender in Sven Botman which could really excite the supporters.

The Telegraph have stated that Villa are one of the clubs who are keen on the 22-year-old Lille defender and are waiting in the wings in case his proposed move to Serie A champions AC Milan doesn’t happen.

Villa Park would be rocking

The centre-back has been described as a “leader” by former Lille manager Christophe Galtier, and with his agent Francesco Miniero lauding him as a “golden boy”, the future looks bright for the Dutchman.

It was reported in April that a €33m (£28m) move to Milan was close to completion, although nothing has been confirmed yet, so Villa should strike when they get the chance.

Botman ranks third in the Lille squad this season with an average WhoScored rating of 6.83, winning 2.3 aerial duels per game. This would rank him joint-third in the Villa squad for that metric, with only Kortney Hause (2.9) and Calum Chambers (2.4) more dominant in the air.

If Gerrard can pull off this deal, it would signal a huge statement of intent from the Midlands club. Milan will be appearing in the Champions League next season, so turning that opportunity down in order to play in the Premier League would leave the Villa Park faithful absolutely rocking.

It could well be a very interesting transfer window for the club’s supporters, if this month’s activity is anything to go by.

AND in other news, Gerrard must brutally axe “fortunate” AVFC dud in deal for “astonishing” £25m monster