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An “unbelievable” Chelsea player is now keen to leave the club this summer, with intermediaries involved in talks over potential moves to Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid, according to a report.

Maresca set to reshape squad this summer

Despite confirming the additions of Sporting CP duo Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo, the Blues continue to be linked with a number of new additions ahead of the summer transfer window, with Enzo Maresca clearly keen on reshaping his squad.

However, given the need to abide by the Premier League’s PSR rules, Maresca may have to oversee some departures before spending big on new arrivals, and several players could be axed in the summer.

Joao Felix, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, has now given the green light to join Galatasaray on a permanent basis, with the same report revealing fellow forward Christopher Nkunku could also be in line for an exit.

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The Blues could make a big offer for a defender, who is protected by an astronomical release clause.

ByDominic Lund Mar 30, 2025

Speculation has also been mounting over Noni Madueke’s future in west London, with Aston Villa now believed to be in pole position to sign the winger, as the Blues become increasingly tempted to cash-in.

Chelsea could be willing to sanction Madueke’s departure, but they may also have to brace for interest in a player they are less keen to see leave, with a report from The Boot Room revealing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are interested in Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez would be keen on a move to Spain, with intermediaries currently talking to the two Spanish clubs about a potential deal, but Maresca’s side won’t make it easy, with the maestro’s deal not set to expire any time soon.

The Blues have no plans to green light the Argentina international’s departure, and given that he is contracted until the summer of 2032, they remain in a strong negotiating position.

"Unbelievable" Fernandez has kicked on this season

The west Londoners spent big to get a deal for the £180k-per-week midfielder over the line, shelling out £106.8m, and he has started to justify his hefty price tag this season, having emerged as one of the side’s most consistent performers in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has also impressed on a number of key metrics for midfielders over the past year, most notably regularly providing goals and assists.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.15 (81st percentile)

Assists

0.23 (93rd percentile)

Progressive passes

6.90 (86th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

4.49 (96th percentile)

As such, it is little wonder some of Europe’s top clubs are queuing up for the “unbelievable” midfielder’s signature, but Chelsea should rebuff any approaches this summer, given his importance to the side.

With Fernandez contracted until 2032, there is little reason to sanction his departure unless he is unsettled, and Maresca will be hoping he is able to build on a much-improved 2024-25 campaign next season.

تقدم فريق الكرة بنادي يوفنتوس، بالهدف الثاني أمام منافسه الوداد البيضاوي المغربي، في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما اليوم، ضمن منافسات كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

وتقام المباراة بين يوفنتوس والوداد، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثانية من منافسات المجموعة السابعة بالبطولة، على أرضية ملعب “لينكولن فاينانشال فيلد”.

ويتواجد يوفنتوس في المجموعة السابعة ضمن منافسات كأس العالم للأندية، رفقة أندية الوداد المغربي ومانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي بالإضافة إلى العين الإماراتي.

وكان كنان يلدز، لاعب يوفنتوس قد سجل هدف فريقه الأول بحلول الدقيقة 6 من عمر الشوط الأول، بعد جملة فنية على حدود منطقة جزاء الوداد، لينجح كيفرين تورام في تقديم تمريرة حاسمة لـ يلدز، الذي تمكن من التسديد وهز شباك الفريق المغربي.

طالع.. فيديو | بالخطأ في مرماه.. عبدالمنعم بوطيل يُسجل هدف يوفنتوس الأول أمام الوداد

وأضاف يلدز الهدف الثاني لصالح فريقه في الدقيقة 16، من تصويبة صاروخية على حدود منطقة جزاء الوداد سكنت المرمى مباشرة. هدف يوفنتوس الثاني أمام الوداد في كأس العالم للأندية

16' KENAN YILDIZ, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? 😱

A beautiful golazo from the wonderkid to double @juventusfcen's lead! 🔥

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #JUVWAC pic.twitter.com/VbaRU0HuHe

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 22, 2025

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has given an update about his future at Old Trafford and said he's "different" to idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Garnacho claims he's 'different' to CR7Discusses United futureFocused on Europa League triumphFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine's adoration for Ronaldo has been well-documented, and they played together for a brief period at United in the 2022-23 season. However, in a press conference this week, the young winger has claimed that he is "different" to the Portugal captain, noting the contrasts between Old Trafford during CR7's heyday and the club today.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Garnacho has typically been one of United's better performers in recent seasons, although this campaign has been a difficult one for him. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has bags of potential and a recent strike against Brentford took him to 24 United goal involvements in all competitions, one away from matching the tally Ronaldo set before he reached the age of 21.

WHAT GARNACHO SAID

Asked about being compared with his hero, Garnacho said: “I’m not focused on the numbers. I think when Cristiano played here, he was a different footballer, [they were] a different type of games."

Garnacho has been linked with a summer transfer, but when quizzed on his future, the attacker added: "Yeah, obviously as a footballer, you always going to hear some rumours about the future. But I have a contract here until 2028, so I’m happy here."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?

The United youngster has a golden opportunity to win a first European trophy as the Red Devils eye up a potential Europa League final against fellow Premier League underperformers Tottenham Hotspur. First, though, Amorim's team must do the job against Athletic Club in the semi-final second leg and secure their entry into the final, having won the first leg in Spain 3-0.

MatériaMais Notícias

O primeiro passo de um longo caminho: assim é encarado o encontro entre Rodolfo Landim e Eduardo Paes (PSD), prefeito do Rio de Janeiro, que tratarão do interesse do Flamengo no projeto de um estádio próprio. A reunião foi proposta pelo clube da Gávea, que, impulsionado pelo “problema Maracanã”, busca uma solução viável. A conversa, que seria na quinta-feira, foi reagendada para domingo.

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+Andreas Pereira é o 19º jogador a deixar o Flamengo em 2022; veja!

JOGO DE PRESSÃO POLÍTICA?

O “sonho do estádio próprio” é antigo no Flamengo. Desde a reforma da Gávea ao interesse em terreno na Avenida Brasil (relembre aqui), a pauta é antiga entre os dirigentes e torcedores, mas volta a ganhar força após o clube, como concessionário do Maracanã junto ao Fluminense, entrar em atrito com a Justiça após vetar jogo do Vasco e ter a decisão revogada pela Justiça do Rio de Janeiro nesta semana.

Contudo, no dia 31 de maio, a diretoria publicou um comunicado a respeito de notícias sobre possível interesseem construir um estádio de futebol na área do Parque Olímpico: “o Flamengodeixa claro que esta é mais uma de tantas mentiras que circulam sobre o clube”.

Na mesma nota, o clube reafirmou “total desejo em continuar sendo o concessionário do Maracanã, verdadeira casa da Nação”, como fez nesta sexta, ao formalizaros termos do acordo de parceria com o Fluminense para participarem da próxima licitação do palco carioca.

A percepção de que o Maracanã, como um bem público e símbolo da cidade e do país, sempre terá “peso político” é um dos argumentos de quem defende, na Gávea, o avanço pelo projeto do estádio próprio, apesar das dificuldades e da identificação com o Maraca.

A GESTÃO DO PARQUE OLÍMPICO

Construído a partir de 2012 e uma das sedes da Rio-2016, o Parque Olímpico é uma área de 1,1 milhão de m², na Barra da Tijuca, na qual estão diversas estruturas esportivas. A gestão do espaço e das arenas, atualmente, estão sob responsabilidade do Governo Federal, da Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro e do Consórcio Rio Mais, formado pelasconstrutoras Odebrecht, Andrade Gutierrez e Carvalho Hosken.

A Secretaria Especial do Esporte, ligada ao Governo Federal, administra as Arenas Carioca 1 e 2 e o Centro Olímpico de Tênis.

O velódromo volta para a gestão da Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro em agosto, e passará a sediar eventos esportivos e o Museu Olímpico, segundo Paes.. O Parque Aquático Maria Lenk é a sede do Comitê Olímpico Brasileiro e a HSBC Arena está cedida à iniciativa privada.

A Arena do Futuro, que recebeu handball nos Jogos Olímpicos, está sendo desmontada pela Prefeitura para a construção de quatro escolas municipais, enquanto a Arena Carioca 3 está sendo adaptada para, também, como uma escola, segundo o prefeito Eduardo Paes.

As demais áreas e infraestruturas pertencem ao Consórcio Rio Mais, que venceu a licitação no modelo PPP (parceria público-privada).

Caso exista um projeto viável para a construção de um estádio no local, a negociação do Flamengo terá que ocorrer com o Consórcio.

+ Sonho antigo: projetos de estádios do Flamengo que não vingaram

O papel da Prefeitura, neste sentido, seria de autorizações, licenças e outras diversos avais a serem dados – os quais Eduardo Paes já se manifestou, publicamente, à disposição de ajudar o clube no projeto.

-Estarei com o presidente Landim nos próximos dias. Vou entender o que é o projeto. Acho ótimo o Flamengo ter um estádio no Rio de Janeiro, autorizo o que for. A única coisa que eu falei para ele é que o Parque Olímpico não é da Prefeitura, é privado. Se o Flamengo comprar a área, é um espaço bem legal para fazer um estádio. Se depender de mim tem estádio para todo mundo, principalmente para o Flamengo – afirmou o prefeito, durante transmissão no Instagram.

Entre as várias análises a serem feitas pelo clube a respeito da viabilidade da construção de um estádio próprio, a reunião com o prefeito Eduardo Paes é apenas um primeiro passo do Flamengo.

Things have just not gone Arsenal’s way this season.

Mikel Arteta has had to deal with poor decisions, a mountain of injuries, and a frontline that, when fit, has underwhelmed.

While Bukayo Saka was on a tear prior to his injury, and even Kai Havertz looked on course for a 20-goal season, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have been disappointing.

However, with the German now out for the season, the Belgian and Brazilian – when back from his own injury – will need to seriously up their game, especially as they’re being outscored by a former academy star who was sold for just £2m.

Martinelli & Trossard's season in numbers

Following a stellar campaign in which he scored 17 goals and provided two assists in 46 appearances for Arsenal, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.42 games, there was an expectation among fans that Trossard would be just as effective this year.

Unfortunately, that has simply not been the case, as while he’s looked a little better in recent weeks, the Waterschei-born ace hasn’t been anywhere near as dangerous as he was.

For example, in his 36 appearances thus far, totalling 2190 minutes, the 30-year-old has scored five goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.08 games, or every 183 minutes, which really isn’t good enough for a winger in a title-chasing team.

Likewise, before his injury, Martinelli was having a rather underwhelming campaign in terms of his output.

He’s scored just seven goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances, totalling 2378 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 216 minutes.

In short, neither winger has been playing to the standard required this season, and now that Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign, they’ll have to seriously step up their game, especially as a former youth player deemed surplus to requirements has been outscoring them.

The Hale End star outscoring Trossard and Martinelli

There are several Hale End graduates having great campaigns across England and Europe this season, from Emile Smith Rowe with Fulham to Donyell Malen, who just joined Aston Villa.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

However, in this instance, the player in question is not just a former academy player; he is the club’s second all-time top goalscorer for the U21s: Chuba Akpom.

Yes, before he went out on a myriad of loan moves that ultimately saw him move to Greek side PAOK Salonika for £2m in August 2018, the Canning Town-born poacher racked up an impressive tally of 33 goals for the U21s, which remains second only to Folarin Balogun’s 37.

Since leaving the Gunners, the Englishman has enjoyed fruitful spells with PAOK, Middlesbrough, and Dutch giants Ajax, and then on February 2nd, he joined French side LOSC Lille on a short-term loan with an option to buy.

Moreover, while the “terrific” striker, as dubbed by former manager Michael Carrick , has swapped teams halfway through the campaign, he’s enjoyed a relatively successful season in front of goal.

Appearances

35

37

35

Minutes

1698′

2190′

2378′

Goals

10

5

7

Assists

1

7

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.31

0.32

0.31

Minutes per Goal Involvement

154.36′

183′

216′

For example, in 35 appearances, totalling 1698 minutes, the 29-year-old sharpshooter has scored ten goals and provided one assist, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or more crucially, every 154.36 minutes.

Ultimately, at the start of the season, the idea of Akpom possibly getting any game time at Arsenal would have been laughable.

Still, with the number of injuries the team now have, combined with the poor form of Trossard and Martinelli, we can’t help but think he’d be a useful squad player at the very least.

Arsenal rejected world-class CF for just £7m, now he's worth more than Saka

The incredible star would have been a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 13, 2025

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has opened up on the heartache of receiving no new contract offer from the club, saying 'it wasn't nice'.

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De Bruyne leaving this summerStill wants to play at highest levelMan City decide against new dealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to the press after City's 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday, the 33-year-old spoke out about the behind-the-scenes activities that led to him announcing his Etihad exit earlier in April. While De Bruyne's Premier League performances haven't quite been up to scratch this season, it's clear he still backs himself and is not happy about the club's decision to let him go once his current deal ends.

AdvertisementWHAT DE BRUYNE SAID

According to De Bruyne, "there was a little bit (of shock)" when he found out he wouldn't be offered a contract extension. He said: "I didn't have any offer from them through the whole year and the club made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions. It was half a week till I reported it out and it wasn't nice. My family weren't home. They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is… I told (Txiki Begiristain, sporting director and Ferran Soriano, CEO) that I feel like I still have a lot to give. I know I'm not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Belgium international has struggled for consistent form over the past two seasons and has been increasingly plagued by injuries as he's grown older. But at 33, De Bruyne still has the quality and physical capacity to turn a top-level game on its head, as he showcased in a brilliant display against Crystal Palace earlier this month. When his City contract ends, there will no doubt be several clubs interested in bringing him in.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?

The Belgian star evidently isn't ready to retire just yet, but there aren't many clubs that would be able to match his extortionate Etihad wages. In the same interview, De Bruyne told the press, "I'm open for anything because I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting reasons, family and everything together." Before that transfer rolls around, he'll be keen to play a central role in securing City Champions League qualification.

Kobbie Mainoo is demanding a bumper pay rise at Manchester United as the midfielder continues talks over a contract extension.

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• Mainoo in talks with Man Utd over new deal
• Demanding massive increase to his salary
• Club unwilling to match his request

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 19-year-old will enter the last two years of his contract this summer, though the Red Devils have the option to extend for an extra 12 months. Player and club are in talks over a new long-term contract for the England international, who is set to receive a significant increase in his weekly wage.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, the Red Devils' offer is short of what the academy hero is demanding, reports, and he is instead considering a move abroad. Mainoo earns around £20,000 per week, the report says, but he is demanding the club take that up to £180,000 if they want him to extend his stay. United, though, are unlikely to meet that as they plan on reducing their wage bill.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United would demand around £70 million ($91m) for Mainoo should they fail to convince him to put pen to paper in the near future. However, they have not given up on reaching an agreement with him.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

  Mainoo made his return from a two-month absence with a muscle injury when he came off the bench late on against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday. He will hope to be involved again when Ruben Amorim's side face Newcastle on Sunday.

Chelsea’s form has hit a bit of a rut in the last few weeks. Enzo Maresca’s side have not been at their best, and recent results reflect that.

The Blues have actually failed to win in any of their last four Premier League games, with their last victory coming at home to Brentford, a 2-1 win on the 15th December.

Indeed, their last four top-flight games include a 0-0 draw at home to Everton, a loss against rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge before another defeat, this time on the road against Ipswich Town. Their 2025 began with a 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace.

It shows that the Blues squad is perhaps still not quite where Maresca would like it to be, and they are believed to be targeting some major reinforcements.

Chelsea target star addition

The player who the Blues are rumoured to be interested in is Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala. Things are still very much up in the air with the German’s contract at the Allianz Arena, and some European giants could be ready to pounce.

According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea are one of the sides who are thought to be ‘keen on a potential move’ for the German, if his contractual situation is not resolved soon.

However, they will have a real fight on their hands to win the race. Manchester City hold a strong interest, as do fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Arsenal. Real Madrid are another club who could make a move. A price for Musiala has not been clarified, but he is valued at £90m according to Football Transfers.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Why Musiala would be a good signing

Incredibly, if Chelsea were to bring Musiala to the club, it would be a return to Stamford Bridge for the Bayern star. He played for the Blues academy before moving back to Germany, including three appearances for Chelsea’s U18 side.

Looking back on it, letting the 21-year-old leave West London certainly seems like a mistake given the player he has turned into. Musiala has become one of the biggest stars in world football and is thriving once again under Vincent Kompany at Bayern this season.

In 22 appearances across all competitions, he has 14 goals and six assists. That includes an impressive nine goals and three assists in just 13 Bundesliga appearances. In Bayern’s last top-flight game before Christmas, he scored and assisted in a 5-1 win over RB Leipzig.

Musiala would certainly strengthen the Chelsea side in attacking areas. His goals and assists would actually see him rank first in the Blues squad for the most goal involvements, higher even than Cole Palmer who has scored and assisted 19 goals in all competitions.

He would certainly bring reinforcements to an already expansive Chelsea attack, and could even be Maresca’s own version of Vinicuis Junior. The Los Blancos star has scored 13 times and grabbed nine assists in 21 games all competitions in 2024/25.

Said to be one of Musiala’s most similar players via FBRef this season after their excellent performances in the new-look Champions League format, it’s clear to see where the parallels lie.

The duo are both silky dribblers, with Musiala averaging 5.68 progressive carries and Vinicius six progressive carries each game. They are also very creative, with the German playing 3.64 key passes per game, compared to 2.6 for the Brazilian.

The similarities are there for all to see between Musiala and Vinicius. They are both superstars, and it certainly makes it a lucrative deal for Chelsea to do. There is no doubt the fact that the German would add quality to the Blues’ attack, as the stats show.

As Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen described him, Musiala is “one of the top players in the world” and could be the next blockbuster attacker at Stamford Bridge. As cracks appear in the Blues’ form, he could be the man to help patch them and take Maresca’s side to the next level.

Not just Jackson: Maresca must ditch 5/10 Chelsea man after Palace

Chelsea dropped more points in the Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 4, 2025

Dominik Szoboszlai was brutally trolled by Arda Guler fans on social media underneath his wedding post as Instagram saga drags on.

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Turkey beat Hungary 6-1 on aggregate in the Nations LeagueGuler & Szoboszlai got involved in a social media spatTurkish fans hit out at the Hungarian on his wedding postFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The online banter between the two footballers has been ongoing, fueled by their recent Nations League clash, where Turkey dominated Hungary with a 6-1 aggregate victory in the quarterfinals. During the second leg, Real Madrid star Guler found the back of the net, scoring Turkey’s second goal in a convincing 3-0 win. After finding the net, he made a shushing gesture towards Szoboszlai, which took the Hungarian by surprise.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After the game, the Liverpool midfielder came across a post from Hungarian media outlet Nemzeti Sport, highlighting the moment Guler silenced him. Rather than ignoring it, Szoboszlai fired back in the comments, sarcastically referencing "1088 minutes"—the total amount of time Guler has played for Real Madrid this season. However, Guler didn’t let the remark slide. The 19-year-old responded through an Instagram story, hitting back at Szoboszlai with a direct message: "This guy is a joke. Isn’t six goals enough to shut you up?"

HOW DID THE FANS RESPOND

Away from football, Szoboszlai had a reason to celebrate, as he officially tied the knot with his partner, Borka Buzsik. Taking to Instagram, Szoboszlai shared a romantic photo of himself and his new wife, locking lips on their special day. He kept the caption simple, posting only "2025.03.25 ❤️", marking the date of the ceremony.

The comment section of the post was flooded with GIFs of Guler’s celebration, as Turkish supporters continued their relentless trolling campaign.

@szoboszlaidominik Insatgram@szoboszlaidominik Insatgram@szoboszlaidominik InsatgramGetty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SZOBOSZLAI AND GULER?

While the online rivalry rages on, both Szoboszlai and Guler have major club commitments ahead. Guler remains part of a Real Madrid squad chasing a historic treble, with the club still in contention for La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Despite limited game time this season, the Turkish star is eager to prove his worth in the final stretch of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Szoboszlai is focused on Liverpool’s title challenge in the Premier League and with a crucial Merseyside Derby against Everton coming up at Anfield next week, he will be looking to silence his critics on the pitch.

After such a disastrous start to the season, Rangers have been back to their best in recent weeks, and could now get another boost in the form of a returning player for the first time in 15 games against Ross County.

Rangers injury news

Still 11 points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic despite their recent resurgence, Rangers may be left with no choice but to set their focus on moving ahead of Aberdeen and at least into the top two once again. It’s a more realistic goal given that they sit just four points behind them with a game in hand, with the Gers having been boosted by seven games without defeat.

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By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 7, 2024

Among their improved results have been victories over Nice in the Europa League in thumping fashion and a recent 6-0 thrashing of Kilmarnock ahead of their clash against Ross County this weekend.

The good news, in what is a relief for the under-pressure Philippe Clement, looks set to continue for those at Ibrox, who are set to receive a welcome injury boost ahead of Sunday’s game.

As confirmed by Clement, Oscar Cortes could now make his long-awaited return against Ross County after missing the last 15 games in all competitions through injury. The winger may finally have the chance to get a run of games under his belt after suffering constant setbacks on the injury front.

Providing an update on the potential returns of Cortes and Rabbi Matondo, Clement told reporters (as relayed by Football Scotland): “Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes were in full training today for the first time, so that is positive news.”

Of course, the Belgian won’t want to rush either player back, but there’s no doubt that Cortes’ return in particular should provide Rangers with another much-needed boost.

"Direct" Cortes can finally make his mark

After injury cut his loan spell short last season, it looked as though Cortes would make up for lost time when he arrived on a permanent deal during the summer transfer window, only for injury to strike the Rangers star once again.

Missing the last nine league games in what has been a mixed Rangers run, Cortes now finally has the chance to kickstart his Ibrox career.

Described as “direct” and someone who “has an eye for goal” as he was on his way to Rangers by South American football journalist Nathan Joyes, there’s clearly still a talented player in Cortes.

Whether the Ross County game comes too soon for a return remains to be seen, but forthcoming games against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League and a must-win Old Firm derby against Celtic could see the return of Cortes at last.