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Antonio Cassano has jumped to the defence of Juventus boss Igor Tudor after their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, insisting the Croatian shouldn’t be blamed for the team’s poor run. The outspoken former striker instead called out the Bianconeri’s squad quality, warning the club that sacking Tudor would be a huge mistake.

• Cassano backs Tudor after Real Madrid defeat

  Juventus’ winless run stretched to seven games after a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, leaving boss Tudor under growing scrutiny. Despite the result, the Italian giants showed flashes of promise at the Bernabeu, pushing Madrid for large spells before English starlet Jude Bellingham’s close-range finish decided the game.

  Former Italy striker Cassano has, however, leapt to Tudor’s defence, claiming the problem lies with Juventus’ underwhelming squad rather than the manager. Speaking to , Cassano praised the Croatian’s tactical organisation and mentality, arguing that the 46-year-old is doing his best with limited resources.

  “Igor Tudor is great: a great person, a great coach, a great communicator, he has a great personality, and I'm on his side,” Cassano said. “At the Bernabeu, he showed that he played a great match, in a world-class stadium. He could have scored a couple of goals, he could have conceded, he played the game brilliantly. But then, guys… what kind of players does Juve play with?”

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  ‘Tudor is not the problem’ – Cassano's verdict

  Cassano continued his defence by stressing that Juve’ tactical discipline and effort under Tudor were clear to see in Madrid. Despite missing several chances, including Dusan Vlahovic’s late opportunity denied by Thibaut Courtois, the Bianconeri competed toe-to-toe with Xabi Alonso’s side for much of the contest.

  “Juve played a great 65 minutes, they attacked, they had space to attack, but then when they finished… guys, they don't have Juve-caliber players,” Cassano said. “And it's not the coach's fault, he's trying to get what he can out of them. And Juve played a great match. Real Madrid didn't steal anything because they had their chances, but if you have 3-4 players of a certain level at your disposal in that team, this time you'll score three or four goals against Real Madrid. Maybe you concede four, but if you score three, you scare them.”

  His comments reflect growing frustration among pundits who believe Juve have been weakened by years of poor recruitment and short-term planning. Tudor, who took over amid a turbulent period, has been credited with bringing back intensity and structure, but Cassano warned that without better players, results will remain inconsistent. “With a team like that… Tudor is the best coach right now, the one who can keep the ship afloat,” Cassano concluded.

• Juventus improving under Tudor but still lacking bite

  Tudor’s Juventus have shown signs of tactical evolution, especially in defensive structure and pressing organisation. The Croatian deployed a 5-4-1 system against Real Madrid, ensuring defensive solidity while allowing width through wing-backs Andrea Cambiaso and Pierre Kalulu. Players like Teun Koopmeiners and Khephren Thuram brought physicality in midfield, while Vlahovic led the line alone.

  The plan initially worked, and Juventus frustrated Real for long spells, creating several chances before Bellingham’s decisive strike. However, the lack of a clinical edge and creative spark continues to haunt the Turin side. Key absences, including Federico Chiesa and Nicolo Fagioli, have also limited their attacking variety.

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  Lazio clash offers chance for reset

  Juventus now turn their focus back to Serie A with a crucial away fixture against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, October 26. The Bianconeri have not won in seven matches across all competitions, piling pressure on Tudor to deliver a turnaround.

  Statistically, Juve remain one of Serie A’s most active attacking teams, ranking third for total shots behind Inter and Napoli. However, their conversion rate and decision-making in the final third continue to undermine their efforts.

  Juventus have historically dominated this fixture, winning 87 of their Serie A meetings with the Biancocelesti. Yet Lazio, backed by their home crowd, will be eager to exploit Juve’s fragile confidence.

  For Tudor, the message from Cassano is clear, Juventus must hold their nerve, but Cassano’s warning could prove timely if Juventus are to avoid yet another managerial reset.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is confident the goals will soon start to flow for forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Sweden striker Gyokeres, on more than £10m per season, has drawn a blank in his last five matches having been frustrated again in Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos.

However, it was the 27-year-old’s shot which was deflected on to a post to allow Gabriel Martinelli to score Arsenal’s opener, while he was also denied by some last-ditch defending.

The Gunners face struggling West Ham at home in the Premier League on Saturday, when the floodgates could open for Gyokeres.

“I don’t know, but hopefully, yes, and hopefully it will be on Saturday,” added Arteta.

Bukayo Saka came off the bench to wrap up another satisfactory night’s work in Europe for Arsenal, who now have six points from their opening two games.

Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi played the full 90 minutes in his first taste of the Champions League at Emirates Stadium.

“I’m really happy,” he told the club website: “The atmosphere was amazing. We scored two and kept a clean sheet.

“It was really demanding. We started really well but at the end they pushed a lot in the second half. I think we suffered in some moments where we shouldn’t have.

“We want to keep the momentum and win as many games as possible. We will recover well and prepare for the next game against West Ham.”

The New York Yankees are the current favorites to win the AL East at +165. Every team returns plus money if they win the division, and loyal Boston Red Sox fans have the potential for a 13-to-1 payout.

New York Yankees +165
Baltimore Orioles +205
Toronto Blue Jays +400
Tampa Bay Rays +650
Boston Red Sox +1300

After signing outfielder Juan Soto in the offseason, and with early reports that starting pitcher Carlos Rodon may be back in form, the Yankees are currently the betting favorites, despite the fact they finished in fourth place with just 82 wins and were one of only two teams in the division not to make the postseason in 2023.

Everton are believed to have entered the race to complete the signing of a relegated Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Moyes pushing for new Everton signings

The Blues continue to be linked with new signings on a daily basis, with David Moyes knowing the importance of bringing guaranteed quality to the club this summer. One such figure is reportedly Fenerbahce ace Oguz Aydin, with the 24-year-old winger enjoying a strong 2024/25 season with the Turkish giants, bagging 10 goal contributions (seven goals and three assists) in 18 Super Lig starts.

VfB Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade has emerged as arguably one of Everton’s more exciting rumoured transfer targets, especially as the likes of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are also eyeing him up. A tally of 12 goals in 17 Bundesliga starts in 2024/25 sums up why he is such a sought-after attacking player, having recently broken into the Germany set-up.

Jarrad Branthwaite isn’t guaranteed to remain a Blues player beyond the summer window, so a top-quality replacement needs to be looked at, and Burnley’s Maxime Esteve has been talked about as a potential successor. He enjoyed a fantastic campaign with the Clarets, playing a huge part in them conceding just 16 goals in their 46 Championship matches.

Everton enter race to sign Premier League defender

According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, Everton are interested in signing Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters ahead of next season. The Blues are “among the clubs joining the race” to snap up the 28-year-old, who will no doubt be keen to stay in the Premier League, following Saints’ relegation to the Championship. West Ham and Fulham are named as suitors, too.

Walker-Peters looks like an ideal option for Everton this summer, with the Englishman now a proven Premier League player who can thrive as both a right-back and a left-back. He would come straight in as a key starter, replacing Ashley Young, and it would be a surprise if he looked out of his depth, having matured into such a reliable performer, being lauded by journalist Adam Blackmore in the past.

“I wonder how important he’s become. You look at what happened in the summer [rumoured transfer interest] and you just wonder by the end of the season how important keeping him will have been. He’s such an integral part of what they’re doing. It’s almost like the team is built around him to get the most out of him.”

At 28, Walker-Peters isn’t past his best, so there wouldn’t be that risk with Everton signing him, and there is no reason why he can’t be an important player for Moyes for the next four or five years.

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He now has 148 Premier League appearances to his name, not to mention two caps for England, so it is difficult to see many negatives to the Blues securing his services.

Liverpool won the Premier League this season but already FSG are planning for the future. Arne Slot came and conquered English football when none beyond Merseyside’s red reach thought he had the capacity, and he did it with minimal transfer investment.

Now, though, is the time for action. This is the squad Jurgen Klopp build over so many years, carefully created and layered to now stand among Europe’s elite.

That’s not to say Slot has ridden the coattails of his predecessor, who failed to add to his one Premier League triumph across each of the previous four campaigns.

The Dutch coach has taken the tools handed to him and built something new, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold now officially a Real Madrid player and Liverpool’s fiercest rivals at home and abroad gearing up to strengthen, it was always going to be important to build.

The latest Liverpool transfer targets

Liverpool have acted with consummate efficiency in the build-up to the summer transfer window, already announcing the signing of Jeremie Frimpong as Alexander-Arnold’s direct replacement at right-back.

Bayer Leverkusen have lost their electric right-sider, and their star playmaker is set to follow. Florian Wirtz is one of the most talented midfielders on the planet, and FSG have entered the final stages of what should become a club-record €130m (£110m) signing.

Next up, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez should join the Anfield rebuild, with Kostas Tsimikas mooted for a departure and Andy Robertson, 31, taking a step back, handing the Hungarian Kerkez the keys for the long-term berth.

When all this is wrapped up, you’d think the Reds would turn toward exits, with Darwin Nunez expected to depart and the futures of younger squad members like Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah uncertain too.

Such financial gains would lead Liverpool toward a new number nine, but they may not stop there. Extra cover at centre-back has been discussed, and sporting director Richard Hughes may even move for a new centre-midfielder.

Liverpool enter race for new midfielder

Liverpool are well-stocked in the centre of the park, but Ryan Gravenberch’s qualities were exhausted in the deep-lying role across the campaign, and some competition would do nicely.

That’s why – according to GIVEMESPORT – Liverpool are prepared to hijack Manchester United’s potential move for Atalanta’s Ederson, 25, whose performances in Italy have earned praise, leading to a stunning Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Though the Brazilian would cost around £50m, this could be a worthwhile investment for a Liverpool side determined to challenge for silverware across a range of various fronts.

Why Liverpool want to sign Ederson

It may not be a priority position this summer, but the beauty of Liverpool completing the lion’s share of their transfer business is that they can turn toward bonus deals, and Ederson would surely be the icing on the cake.

An athletic and robust player, Ederson thrives at the heart of the field, flying in with challenges, recycling possession and driving the ball forwards.

A man of different parts, then. Ederson completed 87% of his passes in Serie A this season, winning 4.9 duels per game at a success rate of 56%, suggesting he has the physical strength and technical crispness to succeed in the Premier League.

As per FBref, Ederson ranks among the top 12% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes and the top 19% for ball recoveries and aerial battles won per 90, emphasising a rounded approach that ‘Slotball’ would welcome with open arms.

Ederson’s powerful eye for goal and Brazilian heritage suggest he could become Slot’s own Fabinho, with the iconic Klopp favourite doing the dirty work in the middle of the park for Liverpool, allowing the forwards to flourish and steal the headlines.

Liverpool signed Fabinho from AS Monaco in a deal worth £44m back in May 2018, the Brazil international going on to feature prominently across five campaigns, winning the full gamut.

Fabinho might not have had the flair of, say, Gravenberch, who is more of an elegant, shoulder-dropping maestro of a number six, but his industrious approach to his craft bred rich results for the Anfield side, anchored as he was in the middle, dispossessing opponents and calmly picking out teammates in opportune areas.

Now, it’s time to bring in the next version, one who could give Slot a greater width of possibility to pick from in the centre of the park. Described as a “machine” of a midfielder by journalist Carlo Garganese, Ederson is the real deal, a proven winner in Italy with the physicality and dynamism to make a positive impression with Slot’s champions.

He’s also tuned to the modern way of things, with a broad tactical reach that could see Liverpool’s boss shuffle him across a variety of positions to best serve their goals, maybe even discovering a formula which could see Gravenberch and Ederson playing together on the field.

Given Liverpool fell by the wayside across tournament fronts this season, it might be wise to bring in a different profile to jockey with Gravenberch, who has performed remarkably well and was crowned the Premier League Young Player of the Year; however, sometimes a grittier style is required.

It’s the kind of profile Fabinho utilised so expertly across the span of his Liverpool career. Wataru Endo has been brilliant since arriving as a stop-gap replacement, but becoming a cult hero and a Premier League champion besides, but the 31-year-old doesn’t bear his predecessor’s completeness.

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It’s clear: if Liverpool manage to complete their business this summer and recoup some lost money through the sales of several fringe stars, Ederson is the man to go for, especially if it foils Man United in their pursuit of a much-needed rebuild.

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By
Tom Cunningham

May 31, 2025

After a terribly disappointing season, Arsenal need a massive summer.

Fortunately, Mikel Arteta has made it pretty clear on multiple occasions now that the club are very much planning for one as they look to make the right additions to get them over the line in the Premier League next year.

For example, one of the most prominent links in recent days has been to Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo, who’d undoubtedly be the calibre of player to help take the Gunners to the next level.

However, that’s not all, as recent reports have now linked the club to another international who’d be a dream teammate for the Brazilian and has even won comparisons to Erling Haaland, of all people.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other needle-moving stars Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, like Nico Williams and Antoine Semenyo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost the club around £50m due to a release clause in his contract, and as he’s managed to rack up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season, that feels like a more than fair price.

Likewise, Semenyo would cost the Gunners around £70m, and with a haul of 11 goals and seven assists in 41 games for Bournemouth, he’d undoubtedly be worth the money.

However, to really get the most out of Rodrygo next season, the North Londoners would probably be better off signing an exciting centre-forward, someone like Benjamin Sesko.

According to a recent report from an Arsenal insider, the club have maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig star ahead of the summer transfer window.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Slovenian international is now the North Londoners’ “first choice” for that striker position.

A price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this month claimed that due to the 21-year-old’s impressive performances this season, his release clause could now be at £75m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Sesko’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be an ideal teammate for Rodrygo and has been compared to Haaland.

Why Sesko would be perfect for Rodrygo

So, before getting to why Sekso would be an ideal teammate for Rodrygo, let’s examine this comparison to Haaland and where it has come from.

Well, in this instance, it stems from respected talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described the Slovenian international as the “new Erling Haaland” in May 2021, and based on what’s happened in the years since, it’s not hard to see why.

For example, like the Manchester City star, he moved from the domestic league in his own country to RB Salzburg, where he was good enough to earn a move to one of the Bundesliga clubs most known for developing youngsters.

On top of that, he is a physical beast, standing at 6 foot 5 and somehow still being relatively fast, and then there is his attacking ability, which is also what would make him a perfect teammate for Real Madrid’s Brazilian star.

For example, so far this season, the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has put the ball in the back of the net 21 times and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or one every 120.66 minutes.

Moreover, according to Understat, his 13 Bundesliga goals have come from an expected goals figure of just 10.84 this season, and as he scored 14 league goals from an expected goals figure of 8.60 last season, it’s fair to say he’s clinical in front of goal.

So, just imagine someone of his stature and goalscoring ability alongside Rodrygo; the Brazilian would see his assist tally soar, while the Slovenian would surely hit that 20-goal-a-season mark.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to sign a new striker this summer, and, from age to ability and potential, Sesko looks to be the perfect candidate.

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Leeds United have the opportunity to cement their place in the Premier League next season, ending their two-year exile from the top-flight after promotion from the Championship.

The Whites will need to invest heavily in the playing squad to hand Daniel Farke the chance to consolidate next year, in what’s likely to be an extremely difficult campaign.

The last six teams who have achieved promotion to such a division have all been relegated the following year, with the German aiming to be the man to buck such a trend.

However, if he is to achieve such a feat, he will need to be brutal with his squad, cutting players out and signing top-level talents to boost his ambitions of achieving his goal.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in identifying players who could bolster the side at Elland Road.

Leeds’ pursuit of new signings this summer

Even though the transfer window isn’t officially open yet, Leeds have already made moves for multiple players to try and provide needed talent and depth to key areas of the squad.

It was reported in recent days that they had made contact to sign Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters this summer, with the 28-year-old’s deal at St Mary’s set to expire at the end of June.

However, the opposite side of the pitch has also been one of interest, with the Whites earmarking Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas as a summer target, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims that the Reds are open to allowing the 29-year-old Greek international to depart this summer, potentially moving in a double deal with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during the off-season.

It also states that he may want to leave Anfield this summer to gain valuable first-team minutes elsewhere after starting just eight league games under Arne Slot in 2024/25.

Why Leeds’ target would be the dream Firpo replacement

Junior Firpo has set the Championship alight this campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch in the club’s success and ability to claim promotion.

The Dominican international featured in 32 league matches this season, registering 14 combined goals and assists, a simply staggering tally for a left-back.

However, the 28-year-old’s future looks up in the air this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June, with no new deal appearing on the horizon.

He’s since been touted with a return to former club Real Betis this summer, which could see his four-year spell in Yorkshire conclude in the coming weeks.

However, whilst supporters would be devastated, they shouldn’t worry, with a deal for the £17m-rated Tsimikas allowing them to forget about the departing full-back.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Liverpool star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – offering Farke the added quality he’s been searching for in the defensive department.

The Greek star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one journalist, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – still handing Farke an excellent attacking option.

However, defensively, Tsimikas has dominated, winning more tackles per 90 and making more interceptions – offering added defensive quality to a backline which will come under huge pressure in the Premier League.

Any deal for the Liverpool ace would be one that could allow for an excellent option at full-back for the manager, also offering him the needed top-flight experience within the squad.

Whilst a new deal for Firpo is something which most supporters want, the 29-year-old offers a superb alternative should the Dominican depart Elland Road this summer.

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One manager appears very attracted by the prospect of a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, after the tactician missed out on the Man United job to Ruben Amorim.

Tottenham's list of rumoured managerial targets

Ange Postecoglou could be facing his final few weeks as Spurs boss, according to some reports, as there is a growing belief the Australian could be sacked regardless of their success in Europe.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 30, 2025

The Telegraph reported last week that Postecoglou is heading for the Spurs exit door, and it may not even tie in with their Europa League campaign, even if the Lilywhites do end up winning their first piece of major silverware since 2008.

Chairman Daniel Levy reportedly has numerous candidates under consideration to succeed Postecoglou, including Domestically, Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley), who have all been linked in the last few weeks.

Even Carlo Ancelotti, Jürgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso have been internally discussed as managerial options by Tottenham chiefs, according to GiveMeSport, but the trio may be very hard to tempt to N17, especially as Real Madrid are currently blocking an exit for their head coach.

Spurs may have to temper their expectations when it comes to high-profile coaches of Ancelotti’s ilk, but a readily-available head coach with Champions League and trophy-winning experience comes in the form of ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić.

The German left Dortmund after guiding them to an unexpected Champions League final last season, where they lost to Real Madrid, and won two major trophies during his time in the Bundesliga.

Terzic was mentioned as a potential target for Spurs back in January, and links have now resurfaced from his homeland.

Edin Terzić "would be immediately open to discussions" with Tottenham

It comes courtesy of newspaper Sport Bild, who report, via Sport Witness, that Terzic “would be immediately open to discussions” with Tottenham if the north Londoners come forward with an offer.

The 59-year-old rejected opportunities at Besiktas, West Ham and AC Milan in the last year, but was open to the Man United job before he ultimately watched Amorim take the reins at Old Trafford instead.

He’s now keen on a potential opening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he’s hungry to get back into management. Terzic is said to be taking advice from legendary ex-head coaches like Arsène Wenger in preparation for his next job, spending several weeks in Spain, Italy and England recently to watch as many top flight encounters as possible.

Tottenham Hotspur appear set for major changes this summer, with Daniel Levy reportedly eyeing up new managers to potentially replace Ange Postecoglou, and an overhaul could also occur in the Lilywhites squad.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 29, 2025

Norwegian minnows and 2025’s fairy-tale underdogs, Bodo/Glimt, await them in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday, and a highly-anticipated victory would go a long way in sealing Spurs’ first European final since 2019.

Tottenham could face Athletic Bilbao, spearheaded by in-demand Spain sensation Nico Williams, or Premier League rivals Man United in the final, provided they get past Bodo/Glimt.

The Scandinavians cannot be underestimated, and they knocked Serie A giants Lazio out in the last round, but Spurs have more than enough quality on paper to get the job done.

However, even if the Lilywhites do go on to win the Europa League and make history by doing so, Postecoglou could still part ways with Tottenham this summer – leading to a host of different managers being linked with the job.

According to The Telegraph, Spurs are also facing a difficult summer transfer window, with the prospect of a ‘sell to buy’ strategy looming amid rumoured outside interest in the likes of Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro.

Tottenham could have to cash-in on Romero, who is believed to be eyeing a move away from N17 as Atlético Madrid put in extensive work on signing him for Diego Simeone ahead of next season (Marca).

There could also be changes nearer boardroom level, with ex-managing director Fabio Paratici still in the picture for a return to the club.

Fabio Paratici inclined to re-join Tottenham after failed AC Milan talks

The Italian was repeatedly linked with a reunion at Spurs, as his worldwide FIFA ban from footballing activity is due to expire on June 30th.

Reports earlier this month claimed Levy personally held talks with Paratici about re-joining Tottenham, and he was spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during their 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Paratici’s negotiations over a move to AC Milan also collapsed in early April, but according to an update via Milan News, the 52-year-old held a recent meeting with the Rossoneri to discuss his appointment once again.

The prospect of becoming Milan’s sporting director was on the table again for him during these discussions, but it is currently believed Paratici is more inclined to work at Tottenham and continue his adventure away from Italy.

After being forced to resign from his Spurs post in 2023, Paratici remains a popular figure among supporters, having led the club’s pursuit of key signings like Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Romero, Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr.

Known for his tireless work ethic behind-closed-doors, it will be intriguing to see if Levy is still tempted by the prospect of welcoming him back.

Sunderland and Regis Le Bris have received not one but two significant injury boosts ahead of their Championship play-off campaign, according to a recent report.

Sunderland’s patchy form continues ahead of play-offs

The Black Cats have long been cemented as a team in this season’s Championship play-offs after falling short of competing for an automatic spot but having a big enough cushion to the teams below them.

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By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 15, 2025

That has meant Sunderland haven’t really had much to play for in recent games, as they continue to have a nine-point lead over fifth-place Bristol City. The fact they haven’t had much to play for is shown in the results, as Sunderland have won two of their last seven Championship games. They suffered two defeats over the weekend, with their latest being a 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers, and while Le Bris was unhappy with the result, he was pleased with his side’s performance.

“The energy was largely positive, the way we played. Disappointing result, positive performance.

“The opponent had a specific plan; only two shots and one goal. They were efficient, and it wasn’t the case for us. It is now a question of mindset, energy, ambition and desire.”

Sunderland: Le Bris handed double injury boost ahead of play-offs

Le Bris has made several changes to his team in recent weeks to keep everyone fresh, and now with only two games remaining before the play-off campaign gets underway, the Sunderland boss has revealed an injury boost. Relayed by The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson, Le Bris has now revealed that he expects Dennis Cirkin and Dan Ballard to return in time for the play-offs.

Cirkin has not played for the Black Cats since being substituted in the 3-0 defeat to Coventry City in the middle of March, meaning he has missed the last six league games. There was a possibility the full-back was going to be on the bench for the game against Rovers, but Le Bris decided not to risk him, with him now set to return to training this week and possibly be involved against Oxford United at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Ballard has been out with a hamstring injury since the end of February and while he isn’t expected to be involved against Oxford, he is making good progress on his return and could be involved against QPR on the final day of the season.

“We will probably have Dennis next week, and then we should have Ballard after the Oxford game. Hopefully, he will be available for the last game (against QPR),” Le Bris told The Northern Echo.