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Reliable journalist Joe Crann has revealed some key details that have emerged regarding Bailey Cadamarteri’s new Sheffield Wednesday deal.

Cadamarteri signs new Sheff Wed deal

There has been something of a resurgence from the Owls in recent times, with Danny Rohl not necessarily always getting positive results, but bringing more of a feel-good factor back to Hillsborough after Xisco Munoz's disappointing reign.

There have also been important wins at home to Blackburn Rovers and away to Stoke City, however, while a late 1-1 with Leicester City was an impressive point, too, and a feeling for the first time that this season is not over yet.

Rohl deserves real credit for the impact that he has made, and one player who has arguably benefited more than most is Cadamarteri, who has been handed his debut by the 34-year-old, making a real impact in the process. The teenage striker has already scored twice in his first seven appearances for Wednesday, and he is performing with real maturity, considering what a young player he is.

The 18-year-old has been rewarded for his good recent form with a new contract at Hillsborough, with the Englishman seen as a big young prospect for the future – one who will hopefully remain with the Owls for as long as possible. The length of Cadamarteri's contract wasn't confirmed, however, but a new update has now shed light on the situation.

Journalist makes exciting Cadamarteri claim

Taking to X on Saturday morning, Crann claimed that Cadamarteri has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Sheffield Wednesday.

"Understand that Bailey Cadamarteri was handed a 4.5 year deal as he committed his future to SWFC – should take him through until 2028."

Meanwhile, in Crann's report for The Sheffield Star, he states that the news is "music to the ears of Owls fans everywhere", given the impact that the youngster has made in recent times.

This is indeed fantastic news for Wednesday, who aren't exactly a club renowned for producing top young talents who go on to shine for the Owls for a sustained period of time. While it is still early days with Cadamarteri, the early signs are promising, with the striker possessing a physicality beyond his years, as well as a natural striker's instinct in front of goal. He also netted twice in five appearances for the Under-18s, and the hope is that he keeps progressing under Rohl, becoming a regular starter over time and a key feature of the boss' rebuild.

This is an Owls squad with ageing attacking players in it, from Lee Gregory to Michael Smith – even Josh Windass turns 30 in January – and it would be so exciting to see a homegrown star lead the line effectively.

Sheffield Wednesday could sign Fletcher upgrade who's outscoring Cadamarteri

This £11.5k-per-week striker could be Sheffield Wednesday’s perfect replacement for Ashley Fletcher.

ByAdam Scully Dec 12, 2023

Cadamarteri's new deal also means that Wednesday can now demand good money for his services, should interest in him emerge over the coming years, rather than make the error of not protecting his value and seeing him leave on the cheap.

This news is just another positive to add to the list at Hillsborough right now, even though Rohl's side remain rooted near the bottom of the Championship table.

BBL stint gives England Test captain chance to expand T20 game

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Aug-2018Joe Root, England’s Test captain, and Jos Buttler have signed to play for Sydney Thunder in the 2018-19 Big Bash League. Both players will be available for seven games before heading to the West Indies with England in January.The move is particularly significant for Root, who was overlooked when entering the IPL auction earlier in the year. He has previously spoken about his desire to improve in the shortest format but has had few opportunities to develop his game since taking on the Test captaincy, and was dropped from England’s T20 XI last month.Root will link up again with Shane Bond, the former New Zealand bowler who is Thunder’s head coach. Bond worked with England’s Test squad as bowling coach during last winter’s Ashes.”Everyone you speak to that has played in the Big Bash finds it a really interesting tournament and watching it you can see that,” Root said. “You want to be involved in it and I’m really excited to get that opportunity with Sydney Thunder.”I’ve had some really good experiences with Shane Bond in the past when I’ve worked with him and I’m really looking forward to doing that again.”Buttler, by contrast, is one of most sought-after players in T20, having enjoyed a stellar 2018 IPL with Rajasthan Royals. He returns to Sydney Thunder after scoring 202 runs in six innings during last year’s BBL.”I loved my time there, there’s a great atmosphere in the group,” Buttler said. “There’s a lot of young guys but some experience in there as well, including Shane Watson who I really enjoyed getting to know and playing under his captaincy. It’s a great part of the world and a really fun dressing room.”England’s winter shedule allows centrally contracted players such as Root and Buttler a rare window to play in the BBL. Their tour of Sri Lanka concludes on November 27, and they do not leave for the Caribbean until January 11.

Jan Oblak was the hero as Atletico Madrid came from 2-0 down on aggregate to ultimately defeat Inter on penalties in the Champions League last 16.

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Game went to penaltiesEnded 2-2 on aggregateOblak made two saves in shootoutGettyTELL ME MORE

Diego Simeone's men were 1-0 down from the first leg but staged a remarkable comeback despite going behind on the night at the Wanda Metropolitano, levelling the aggregate score at 2-2 before triumphing on penalties.

Alvaro Morata had a fine chance after 28 minutes as he was found unmarked in the box but his header was well saved by Yann Sommer. Soon after, Inter opened the scoring on the night after a surgical counter-attack that saw Federico Dimarco played in 12 yards from goal, and he scored with a first-time finish to give his side a two-goal cushion.

Atletico hit back immediately, though, as Inter failed to clear a through ball and Antoine Griezmann finished on the turn.

Marcus Thuram had a gilt-edged chance to put the game beyond Atletico in the second half but he blazed over with 15 minutes remaining. Memphis Depay, on for the ineffective Morata, hit the post in the 85th minute but the ball came back in just seconds later, and the Dutchman made no mistake.

The same could not be said of Rodrigo Riquelme, as he was played in brilliantly by Griezmann in the last minute of injury time and somehow blazed his shot over the bar.

The tie went to extra time, where Lautaro Martinez had perhaps the biggest chance, but he could only send a header wide.

And so it was penalties. Atletico won the shootout in dramatic fashion, as Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaasen both saw their penalties saved by Jan Oblak, and Martinez blazed the ball over the crossbar to hand the hosts victory. Saul had missed for Atleti, but it mattered little in the end.

AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP

Jan Oblak! The Atletico 'keeper saved twice from the spot in the penalty shootout and appears to carry with him the aura of a truly elite goalkeeper. He made a couple of vital saves in normal time, but his most telling contributions came in the highest-pressure situation imaginable. A world-class showing.

GettyTHE BIG LOSER

Martinez endured a nightmare of an evening. Not only was he peripheral throughout the 90 minutes, he had a major chance to score an unmarked header in extra time but fluffed his lines, and then he blazed over the decisive penalty to hand Atletico a dramatic victory. It couldn't have gone much worse for the Argentine, who turned in almost the exact opposite of a captain's performance.

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GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?

Both teams have a quick turnaround for the weekend; Atletico face Barcelona in a huge encounter on Sunday in La Liga, while Inter play Napoli on the same day in Serie A.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for a "special" player in the past, and their interest in him has now reportedly been reignited after an injury to Callum Wilson.

Newcastle eyeing midfielders and attackers

The Magpies have looked like a ragged side in recent weeks, with their season becoming increasingly affected by a combination of injuries and fatigue. Eddie Howe has suffered some desperately bad luck in the fitness department, losing what feels like a never ending list of players to injury, and in last weekend's 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Newcastle seemingly had little left in the tank.

January transfers feel essential for the Magpies, with Sandro Tonali's ban meaning at least one midfielder is required to cover for him. Manchester City ace Kalvin Phillips is reportedly a target, while Ruben Neves heading to St James' Park also isn't out of the question.

While the midfield has arguably taken precedence, another attacker could be on the agenda, too, especially with concerns around the fitness of the likes of Miguel Almiron, Wilson and Alexander Isak. Barcelona's Ferran Torres has been earmaked as a target for Newcastle, and he could be an eye-catching addition midway through the season, or even next summer for that matter.

Newcastle still interested in Hugo Ekitike

According to a new twist from 90min, Newcastle's interest in Paris Saint-Germain attacker Hugo Ekitike has returned, as they look to seal a loan move for him in January after missing out on him in the summer.

"Newcastle United have reignited their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike and are exploring a potential loan move for the 21-year-old, 90min understands.

"The Magpies failed with a €40m (£35m) bid to sign Ekitike from Stade Reims in the summer of 2022, with PSG going on to sign the striker on loan with an obligation to make the move permanent this year for €35m (£30m)."

Ekitike is someone with a huge amount of potential, so he could be viewed as a great long-term option for Newcastle if they go ahead with a buy option. The youngster is finding it really difficult to enjoy regular playing time for PSG at the moment – Ekitike has only played nine minutes of Ligue 1 action this season – and he could jump at the chance of a new challenge.

The 21-year-old has shown his worth in the past, scoring and assisting four times apiece for his current club, but he has often had to play second fiddle behind such illustrious teammates as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Howe could feel that he can turn Ekitike into a fantastic striker over time, giving him more regular football and making him a more polished all-round footballer, and he has been lauded by former Reims manager Oscar Garcia in the past, who said of him:

"There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training."

Failure to sign a midfielder and some depth up front in January would feel like negligence by Newcastle, assuming the funds are available, and Ekitike looks like an exciting option to bring in.

The South Africa captain backs both quicks to deliver with the reverse-swinging old ball in Sri Lanka

Andrew Fidel Fernando in Galle11-Jul-2018To get your mind around exactly how ridiculous South Africa’s pace gifts are at present, consider this: Dale Steyn, almost certainly the greatest fast bowler of his generation, has the worst average among the frontline quicks in his squad. His 419 wickets have come at 22.32; Vernon Philander averages 21.46, Kagiso Rabada, 21.59, and Lungi Ngidi, 16.42. What makes the presence of these riches more incredible, is that Morne Morkel, one of South Africa’s best ever, retired in their previous series.Now, some of these stats are skewed. Ngidi has only played three Tests, all at home, and his record will probably worsen. Philander’s numbers are substantially skewed by a phenomenal home average of 18.27 – his average in Sri Lanka, from two 2014 Tests, is 76.But while Rabada also has modest figures in Asia, his only previous experience on the continent being his three Tests in India, there is a feeling in the South Africa camp that he is a much improved bowler now. If it is true that Steyn is not at his best following a series of frustrating injuries (coach Ottis Gibson described his bowling as “rusty” following the two-day practice match), here is the bowler that will assume the role of attack leader, South Africa believe. There is pressure on spinner Keshav Maharaj to shine on his first series in this part of the world, but captain Faf du Plessis still has plenty of faith in reverse swing, and in Rabada’s ability to extract it.”Dale has been the spearhead, but I think KG (Rabada) will take over that mantle. He’s got the skill, he’s got the pace and he’s got the control to do well in all conditions around the world,” du Plessis said on the eve of the first Test. “I have seen growth in him since the India tour. I think that’s what’s remarkable about KG, is how quickly he learns. That was his first subcontinent tour and I believe he’ll learn from that – the way he’s improved his control.”With his skills, he’s got the ability now to swing the ball both ways with a reverse-swinging ball, which is a skill that not a lot of bowlers have. And once again, pace against any subcontinent team is something you want try and expose. We’ll have to see to what extent the wicket allows for that. It’s good to see him bowling quick again after his recent injury. He looks hungry to perform in the series.”Not that Steyn is expected to fade away. When South Africa were last in Galle, he had claimed 9 for 99, using reverse swing to devastating effect in both innings, to propel his team to victory. This time around, Steyn’s pace may not be what it was four years ago, but his skill – particularly with the old ball – remain undiminished, du Plessis said. In fact, in a three-man pace attack, it is for those later overs that Steyn may be reserved.”Dale’s X-factor is how he picks up wickets with a reverse-swinging ball. His way of getting wickets with the new ball is getting it to move around a little bit with swing, and a little bit of seam, really consistently. But there’s a period of the game when Dale gets his tail up. He gets one wicket, and is up there with the most dangerous bowlers in the world, because he is so skillful, and he can get the ball to reverse swing at pace. I’m hoping to see Dale bowl really quick again. He hasn’t bowled for a long time, so he’ll be excited to get the opportunity. It’s a good sight to see when he gets the ball reversing, and he’s running in and keeping those legs really really fast.”In almost any other side in the world, a bowler of Ngidi’s potential would command a place in every Test, but signs are, he may have to miss out in Galle. While Steyn, Rabada and perhaps Maharaj are aggressively looking for wickets, du Plessis suggested that it is Philander who will be relied on to provide control from the other end.”With Vern, his control is exceptional,” du Plessis sad. “He won’t offer you much as a batter. Even if there’s not much grass and seam movement, Vern is still a guy that will hold a game for you. And then from the other side, from a captaincy point of view, you can bring a guy and try and get wickets.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has done some exemplary work in taking his side into title contention just months into his reign, and there is a growing sense that the best is yet to come.

After enduring a testing, unrewarding 2022/23 campaign, finishing eighth in the Premier League, dismissing their fourth manager in as many years (Antonio Conte, proven winner), and acquiescing to the sale of world-class talisman Harry Kane.

One constant, like an immovable rock against the gushing tide, is chairman Daniel Levy, who has led from the boardroom with diligence if proving to be an elusive and enigmatic figure at times.

His no-nonsense negotiating has worked both ways over his career in London, and while Tottenham have experienced some difficulties over recent years, it is all coming together at present.

That being said, Levy, Postecoglou, and co will be determined to sustain this brilliant purple patch and put Tottenham in a place that will allow them to compete for major honours and European nights with regularity, with the club sure to be busy in the transfer market in 2024.

Tottenham's key transfer targets

If the recent rumours are to be believed, Spurs are seeking to suffuse future additions across the squad, not restricting the improvements to any one department.

The interest in Juventus winger Federico Chiesa is one murmuring to keep an eye on, with Italian outlet Calciomercato revealing that Tottenham and Newcastle United are monitoring his situation, with the Serie A side setting a £52m asking price.

Chiesa could bring some dynamism and impetus to the frontline but whether Levy is willing to meet such a high fee in the winter window remains to be seen, and, as such, it could be the defensive line that receives attention first.

According to a report in Spain, Borussia Monchengladbach centre-half Ko Itakura, aged 26, is in Postecoglou's sights as Tottenham seek to bolster their defensive ranks.

With his contract expiring in June and having yet to play this term, Eric Dier looks set to depart next year, and some reliable depth for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could be crucial over the coming years.

The Japan star could prove to be an astute and cost-friendly acquisition if Spurs are able to strike a deal to secure his services during the upcoming January transfer window.

Why Tottenham are interested in Ko Itakura

Itakura, formerly of Manchester City, has been an impressive figure in the Bundesliga since joining for €5m (£4m) in July 2022, having previously impressed on loan with Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga 2.

Die Knappen returned to the first division after suffering relegation and Itakura was at the heart of the success, starting 30 appearances, scoring four goals, completing 87% of his passes, and averaging 0.5 key passes, 3.0 clearances and 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game, as per Sofascore.

Now an integral member of Gerardo Seoane's squad, the 6 foot 2 titan started 22 times in the league last season, having impressed across seven displays so far this term, scoring twice, completing 89% of his passes, making 4.4 ball recoveries, 3.0 clearances and 1.7 tackles and interceptions per match.

He is clearly a robust and tenacious force at the back, and Tottenham could make good use of his qualities, having been originally signed by Manchester City in 2019 when he was 21 years old for his ball-playing ability and versatility as a centre-back and in a holding midfield role.

City reject turned "immense" modern defender

Such qualities seem to make Itakura a tailor-made replacement for Dier, who is poised for a poignant exit after completing 360 appearances for the Lilywhites.

As per FBref, the 22-cap international ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 12% for pass completion rate, and the top 6% for blocks per 90, emphasising his offensive value, crispness in possession and steely value in the rearguard.

The £32k-per-week colossus was once hailed as "one of the very best central defenders in the Eredivisie" by pundit Hans Kraay, who also remarked on the "incredibly fast" gem.

And according to the German Bundesliga's official website, his playing style aligns with one-time Tottenham phenom Jan Vertonghen's, with his 'rangy and quick' approach and regular deployment on the left side of the defence bolstered by a passing ability not too dissimilar to the Belgian's, who was once described as a "dominant centre-half" by The Times' Henry Winter.

To underscore his talent, Barcelona were hoping to sign the now-36-year-old in 2014, who boasted the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta at the time; if Itakura is mentioned in the same breath this can only be a testament to his own pedigree in making impressive passes.

Vertonghen signed for Tottenham for around £10m in 2012 and played 313 games for the club, scoring 14 goals and supplying seven assists, leaving as a "Tottenham legend" – according to journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke.

Statistic

#

Appearances

444

Goals

15

Assists

9

Shots per game

0.6

Pass completion

86.5%

Aerial wins

2.4

Tackles per game

1.6

Interceptions per game

1.7

Clearances per game

4.7

*Sourced via WhoScored, since 2010/11

An assured passer and an active presence in stifling offensive threats, Vertonghen was crucial to the defensive might of Tottenham's team, and while he did not glean major silverware, he left his indelible mark on the Premier League after years of stalwart service.

Given that Itakura offers a similarly high output of defensive action, balances his craft and retains an impressive level of control with his distribution, he really could be the perfect heir, with his two-footedness also a factor.

By signing Itakura, Tottenham would not only secure a big upgrade on Dier but would wield a player of the same ilk as Vertonghen, who established himself as one of the finest defenders of Spurs' recent history, playing a central role in the halcyon days of Mauricio Pochettino.

It could prove to be a masterful signing as Postecoglou looks to strengthen his team and build it fit for title-winning purpose, with the knowledge that European exploits could lay just around the corner.

Levy and the Australian coach must now navigate the January transfer window to secure a deal for the Bundesliga ace at the start of next year, in order to bolster the squad for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.

New Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is looking to make his mark at the club, and he wants a new addition to boost his backroom team, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Watford 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday

The Owls have come crashing back down to reality this season after their memorable League One campaign last time around, which saw them promoted to the Championship after a dramatic win over Barnsley in the playoff final.

Xisco Munoz came in as manager during the summer, following the surprise exit of Darren Moore after overseeing a great season, but his time in charge proved to be disastrous, failing to pick up a single win.

He was recently sacked and replaced by Danny Rohl, who is an exciting young manager most well-known for being assistant manager for Germany and Bayern Munich in the past. The 34-year-old's first game in charge of Wednesday came away to Watford on Saturday afternoon, but despite battling bravely at Vicarage Road, they were beaten 1-0 late in the day, meaning they continue to be rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.

It is clear that Rohl will need to be able to bring in the players he wants, in order to do the best possible job, and exactly the same applies to his backroom team away from the playing squad.

Danny Rohl wants Sheff Wed signing

Taking to X on Monday morning, Crann dropped a new Sheffield Wednesday update, claiming that Rohl is keen on bringing in a goalkeeping coach of his choice, even though Nicky Weaver is impressing in the role:

"Danny Rohl is very happy with the work done by Nicky Weaver with SWFC's goalkeepers, but has confirmed that he is looking to bring in his own man for the role."

Rohl has clearly hinted at a new Sheffield Wednesday signing as well, saying:

“I’m trying, but we’ll speak about this position also in the next few days. At the moment we have Nicky and he is doing very well. But I have to decide in the next few days about this position.”

While this may sound harsh on Weaver, football is a ruthless business and Rohl will have his own ideas on exactly who he wants in a department that has caused plenty of fuss at Middlewood Road – let's not forget the club had just one 'keeper on the books in Cameron Dawson earlier this year.

In order for the Owls to battle their way out of the Championship relegation zone, they need everyone at the club to be pulling in the same direction, which is why Rohl being trusted to make the right appointments is the only way forward.

Danny Rohl

2023-

Xisco Munoz

2023-2023

Darren Moore

2021-2023

Tony Pulis

2020-2020

Garry Monk

2019-2020

Steve Bruce

2019-2019

Jos Luhukay

2018-2018

Carlos Carvalhal

2015-2017

Stuart Gray

2013-2015

Dave Jones

2012-2013

Wednesday have a huge battle on their hands to avoid a quickfire return to League One – they are already nine points adrift of Plymouth Argyle in 21st place – but Rohl does feel like an exciting appointment who will bring fresh ideas to the team.

Even if results aren't good to begin with, patience is required with him, and that may even still apply if the Owls are relegated at the end of this season.

With the new appointment of Mauricio Pochettino to Stamford Bridge as manager, Chelsea were meant to be entering a new era with a world-class manager steering them back to their previous best.

The Blues hadn't messed around in the transfer window either, breaking the bank to add the likes of Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, and more to their squad – notably paying £115m for the Brighton and Hove Albion central midfielder.

Yet, Pochettino's side find themselves in an unsatisfactory mid-table position at this current point in time with three defeats from their opening eight matches which included two narrow 1-0 home losses to Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

An injury to young Blues talent Cole Palmer – who signed for the club in the recent transfer window from Manchester City – sustained on England U21 duty won't fill Pochettino up with much confidence either ahead of Arsenal hopping over to west London next Saturday.

How is Cole Palmer playing?

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder relocated from his place of birth in Manchester to Chelsea in order to get more first-team minutes, with Palmer frustrated by being on the periphery at at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola – making 41 first-team appearances under Pep over a number of seasons, contributing six goals and two assists.

He's made six appearances for Pochettino this campaign so far, scoring his first goal in his new colours versus Burnley in the Blues' last outing before the international break from the penalty spot.

He also assisted Chelsea's fourth goal of the afternoon at Turf Moor, linking up with another new signing in Nicholas Jackson who scored late on to clinch an impressive 4-1 victory.

Fans of the west London outfit will hope Palmer's injury isn't a serious knock, with manager Lee Carsley having commented on the injury situation directly after his young Three Lions side emphatically beat Serbia 9-1 in Nottingham, stating: “There are a few bumps and bruises and we will monitor Cole, but we will not be taking any chances”.

If he isn't fit, this could leave Pochettino with a selection dilemma.

But, this dilemma could be solved by starting a "forgotten" transfer buy at Stamford Bridge – as described by journalist Felix Johnston – who also featured for his country in that 9-1 demolition, in the form of Noni Madueke.

How is Noni Madueke playing?

The 21-year-old will be desperate to break into his Argentine head coach's first-team plans, especially if his fellow countryman, Palmer, is to be sidelined.

Madueke scored two goals in the win versus Serbia, the ex-PSV Eindhoven winger starring at the City Ground despite a lack of first-team opportunities afforded to him recently at Chelsea.

Speaking whilst with the England camp, the young attacker – who has only made 16 appearances for the Blues since signing from the Netherlands in January – is still confident he can break into the Chelsea starting line-up after signing for £29m in January this year.

He said: "I love coming over here and showing everyone what I can do. It's a great squad, just as good as the last one. I've got a lot of belief in my ability and I'm sure things will click sooner rather than later. I think I've got it in me."

Despite having been cast out of late – after being an unused substitute against Burnley last time out – Madueke does appear to have the tools to be a real weapon for Pochettino, after previously recording 34 goal involvements in just 80 games for PSV.

As much as Palmer's thigh knock is a blow for the Blues, Madeuke could well benefit from his teammate's potential absence and seek to put himself back into Pochettino's good books when the international break is at an end.

Vivianne Miedema says that her recent start for the Netherlands "couldn't make the damage any worse" following the news that she needs knee surgery.

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Miedema started for Netherlands last weekThen left camp early to return to ArsenalDefends start after news she requires knee surgeryWHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall confirmed on Friday that Miedema requires 'minor knee surgery' just days after starting for the Netherlands against Spain. Asked about those minutes in the international break, which were followed by the forward having to leave the Dutch camp prematurely, he added: "She doesn't need a surgery because of those 45 minutes she played against Spain. She would have needed the surgery anyway. It was nothing that the Dutch team did that complicated this here or made the situation worse. It was a situation that needed to be fixed anyway."

AdvertisementWHAT MIEDEMA SAID

Miedema has now spoken herself about the situation, which comes just four months after her return from an ACL rupture. "It's the same knee again," she wrote in her column for . "I already knew this surgery was coming. We decided to join the Netherlands camp anyway to see if I could still contribute. In consultation with all the medical specialists, of course. I couldn't make the damage any worse. So what remains is another rehabilitation in which I'll listen to my body very carefully.

"I was just on the way back and felt myself getting stronger mentally and physically," she added. "Soon, I'll have to go back to the gym. It's hard and frustrating. When will this stop for me? But following my previous injury, I'm used to this now."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Miedema will be absent for 'several weeks', which is a real blow for an Arsenal team that still has a chance of winning the Women's Super League title and is in the semi-finals of the Continental Cup. The Gunners are already without three players who are at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and Eidevall revealed on Friday that Amanda Ilestedt will be missing be Sunday's clash with rivals Tottenham, too.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Spurs beat Arsenal for the first-time in the history of the women's team in December. Prior to that, the Gunners were unbeaten in 14 meetings with their north London rivals, winning 11 of those in 90 minutes, two on penalties and drawing once.

Northants have singularly failed to live up to optimistic pre-season forecasts but they dug deep at the old Welbeck Colliery ground

ECB Reporters Network20-May-2018
ScorecardNorthants captain Alex Wakely finally found release from a tough start to the season as Northants overcame the defending champions, Nottinghamshire in the Royal London Cup.Half centuries from Wakely, Josh Cobb and Adam Rossington, backed up by some slow left-arm guile from Graeme White, helped Northamptonshire Steelbacks to a 49-run victory over Notts Outlaws at Market Warsop in the Royal London One-Day Cup.Northants posted 339 for 9 against the defending champions, with Cobb top-scoring with 78 from 90 balls, whilst Wakely made 72 and Rossington added 50.Harry Gurney, with 2 for 57, returned the pick of the bowling figures for Notts, with Jake Ball and Luke Fletcher also capturing two victims apiece.In reply, Notts failed to string any significant partnerships together and were bowled out for 290 with 3.4 overs remaining.Steven Mullaney followed up Thursday’s 70 against Lancashire with an innings of 71 but no-one else made a half century. White claimed three for 63 against his former county.At the start of the day, having been put in by Mullaney, Northants were able to build useful stands, almost at will, on a good track, with a lightning fast outfield.After Ball, playing on his home club ground, had removed Ben Duckett for 19, the home side came under pressure as Richard Levi, Cobb and Wakeley took the score beyond 200 with 17 overs still to be bowled in the innings.Cobb, who scored 56 against Leicestershire Foxes on Thursday, hit seven fours and three majestic sixes before hitting Billy Root’s off-spin out to Ross Taylor at deep square leg.Wakely, passing 50 for the first time this season, also hit two maximums before being yorked by Fletcher, after a fourth wicket stand of 65 with Rossington.In the quest for quick runs, over the closing overs, Steven Crook twice cleared the ropes as he sped to an unbeaten 45 from just 28 deliveries to put the target out of reach.The Outlaws lost four wickets inside the first 20.1 overs of their reply, including that of Riki Wessels, who made from 47 from 54 balls.White’s left-arm spin tore the heart out of the Notts middle order, removing Taylor and Samit Patel – before adding the prized scalp of the Outlaws captain to his list.Mullaney had reached his 50 from 47 balls, with six fours and a six and was keeping his side in contention until adjudged to be lbw when sweeping across the line.Billy Root made 36 and Fletcher plundered 29 from only 20 balls but his side’s race had been run long before then.The victory not only secured two points but also brought an end to a dreadful sequence of results for Northants, who hadn’t won in Nottinghamshire in any competition since 2003.