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An ex-Liverpool star has issued a warning to Liverpool despite praising the renewal of contracts for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

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• Ex-Liverpool star pleased with duo's deals
• Believes they can play for two more years
• Has word of warning for the club

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former favourite Vladimir Smicer insists it is great news that the pair, who "look 28", will remain at Anfield for two more years, but has also stressed the need for the Reds to look to the future.

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  WHAT SMICER SAID

  Smicer told Tuttomercatoweb: "They are not very young but they show their consistency. Every time they play you can see that the team benefits from their presence on the pitch. And they are really consistent. The important thing is that they are physically intact. Salah looks like he is 28 years old. Liverpool obviously have to think about the future, but starting again by building the team around them I think is a great choice."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Keeping Van Dijk and Salah at the club allows Liverpool to retain some consistency heading into next season, with Trent Alexander-Arnold considered likely to depart for Real Madrid. Salah is the league's top scorer with 27 goals, while Van Dijk has been one of the stars of their imminent Premier League title win.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Liverpool could win the Premier League this weekend, if they win at Leicester and Arsenal lose to Ipswich. If not, they will have the chance to seal the deal the following weekend when they host Tottenham.

Tony Mowbray was handed a rude awakening back in the hot seat of football management away at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night as his new West Bromwich Albion side fell to a dire 2-0 defeat.

It was a flat display from the Baggies at the Riverside Stadium who could only muster up one big chance being created all evening, with the quality of Ben Doak towards the close of the contest eventually securing Michael Carrick’s men all three points.

Mowbray could well want to add more quality to the attacking ranks after seeing his new team draw blanks on the road, with this striker reportedly on their agenda.

West Brom interested in signing new forward

This has been a promising transfer window for a number of promotion chasers so far, notably Sheffield United who have welcomed Ben Brereton Diaz & Tom Cannon through the door.

Transfer Focus

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

So, what is West Brom’s response? Well, as per Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, the promotion candidates are considering a loan move for St. Gallen star Willem Geubbels this January in order to give them another standout option up top.

The Baggies are not alone in this pursuit, however, with the 23-year-old attacker also being eyed up by fellow Championship outfits Leeds United and Norwich City.

This will be an area that West Brom will be desperate to improve in, especially when you consider usual first-team ace Josh Maja – who has 12 second-tier goals next to his name – is now sidelined for the foreseeable owing to a leg injury that requires surgery.

What Geubbels can offer West Brom

It would be a wise decision to try and snap up Geubbels before the close of the hectic transfer window, with the ex-Olympique Lyonnais youngster perhaps an upgrade on what Mowbray already has at his disposal – away from any lingering injury issues – in the form of Karlan Grant.

After all, Grant hasn’t always found his time at the Hawthorns to be a walk in the park.

Indeed, before becoming a first-team regular this season, the former Huddersfield Town man had found himself chucked out on loan to Cardiff City, with a lacklustre three goal return managed during the 2022/23 campaign in the Championship signalling his switch to the Bluebirds.

He has managed to breathe life back into his playing days in the West Midlands when looking at the table above, but his spot could soon be taken up by Geubbels’ arrival onto the scene, with the 23-year-old managing to match and surpass a few of Grant’s numbers this season playing out in Switzerland.

With a further three strikes coming his way away from league action, the Frenchman ends up bettering Grant’s output overall in all competitions, with two of his goals even coming in the UEFA Conference League.

Capable of playing down either wing too, much like Grant, the “powerful” attacker – as he has been described by The Rangers Journal – does feel like an improvement on the West Brom number 18 as competition for spaces in Mowbray’s starting lineup heats up.

The 61-year-old will hope his new potential recruit can lead the line effectively until Maja’s return, as the Baggies are clearly missing their injury-stricken star man dearly with only one strike across their last three Championship outings.

That’s where Geubbels will hope he can be of use as a short-term purchase, as Mowbray goes about leaving his lasting mark back at the helm.

West Brom have struck gold on "animal" who is worth more than Isaac Price

This West Bromwich Albion star will hope he can impress Tony Mowbray.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 21, 2025

Carlo Ancelotti has issued an honest response to mounting speculation that he is facing the sack at Real Madrid.

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• Ancelotti under scrutiny after UCL exit
• Real trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga
• Coach linked with the Brazil national team

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ancelotti’s track record at Real Madrid is undoubtedly impressive. Across two spells at the helm, he has led Real to 15 major honours, securing his legacy as one of the most successful managers in the club’s storied history. Despite this, his position has come under threat following a humbling Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, which ended the club’s hopes of defending their European crown.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Adding to the pressure, Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, trailing fierce rivals Barcelona by four points with only six fixtures left in the domestic calendar. The two teams are also set to meet in the Copa del Rey final this weekend, and another defeat could spell the end for Ancelotti.

• WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  Ancelotti has broken his silence on swirling rumours surrounding his Real Madrid future, addressing the growing speculation in a composed manner. Speaking ahead of Madrid’s midweek La Liga clash against Getafe, Ancelotti declared his commitment to the club and underlined the affection he still holds for Los Blancos while rubbishing talk of tension with club president Florentino Perez and the rest of the board.

  "I have no grudges against anyone. I love this club, and I hope I can stay as long as possible," he told reporters. "When this is over, I'll be grateful and take my hat off to this club. The honeymoon continues. I’m very happy, contented. There is a lot of pressure, true, but that is always the case at this point of the season. I’m happy with the club, they know this has been a tough season. Stress is fuel – it doesn’t bother me, it gives me more energy."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Speculation over Ancelotti’s next move has gathered momentum in recent weeks. Serie A powerhouses Roma and AC Milan have reportedly expressed interest in bringing the tactician back to Italy, while the Brazilian national team is also said to view him as their ideal coach heading into the 2026 World Cup.

  When quizzed about the prospect of moving on this summer, Ancelotti responded: "In football, anything is possible. Anything can happen."

The transfer window is set to close in a week, and so far, Tottenham Hotspur have not done enough business.

Daniel Levy and Co spent £12.5m on Czech goalkeeper Antonín Kinský, and while that was a necessary purchase, the need for reinforcements elsewhere on the pitch is just as acute.

Ange Postecoglou’s defence has been ravaged by injury, and now the attack isn’t looking much better following last week’s news that Dominic Solanke is set to be out for at least a month and a half.

On top of that, the iconic Son Heung-min, who has been one of the club’s shining lights for years, is looking less and less effective by the week.

Fortunately, Postecoglou may soon be able to rest the South Korean superstar more often, as recent reports have touted an incredibly exciting winger with a move to N17 this month.

Tottenham target incredible winger

According to a recent report from Spain, Tottenham are now one of several teams keen on signing Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams this month.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, the report has revealed that the Lilywhites are now willing to pay the Spanish winger’s €58m release clause, which comes to about £49m.

However, it’s not that simple, as the story has also claimed that North London rivals Arsenal are also now willing to activate the 22-year-old’s release clause, which could lead to quite the showdown before the window closes.

In all, it could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ ability and potential, it’s one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be the perfect replacement for Son.

Why Williams would be the perfect Son replacement

So, the first thing to say is that Son is unquestionably a Premier League great and one of the most dangerous attackers the league has seen over the last decade.

However, what is also true is that he’s set to turn 33 years old by the end of the season, and as many fans will likely attest, while he can still strike a ball brilliantly, he is far less effective in games than he used to be, which is where Williams could come in.

The young international, whom respected analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed “one of the best wingers on the market,” might not be having the most productive of seasons in terms of his pure output, but only last year he racked up a sensational tally of eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games.

Moreover, it’s his buildup play, and what he is able to do before a goal is scored that could make him the perfect player to step into the fold as the South Korean’s long-term heir.

For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, the Pamplona-born star sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for take-ons attempted, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for carries into the penalty area per 90.

In contrast, the former Bayer Leverkusen man sits in the top 33% for carries into the penalty area but the bottom 38% for take-ons attempted and the bottom 36% for successful take-ons, also per 90.

Ultimately, while Williams is still developing, he already looks to be an incredibly dynamic winger, which is just what Postecoglou needs off the left and what Son no longer is.

Therefore, while it’ll cost a lot of money, Spurs should be doing all they can to get ahead of Arsenal and bring the Bilbao star to the white side of North London.

Better than Solanke in 23/24: Spurs move close to signing £25m "powerhouse"

The international striker might be just what Spurs need this season.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 27, 2025

This season has felt like something of a slog for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have seemingly gone from one talking point to another over the last six months, be that dodgy decisions, injuries to key players or a lack of attacking signings in the winter transfer window.

The last two have left the team looking incredibly thin in the frontline, with Kai Havertz being the latest addition to the ever-growing injury list following a suspected muscle problem picked up in Dubai.

The German international has come in for plenty of criticism over the last few months, and while he’s a key player for the team, he’s currently being outperformed by someone Arteta let go for nothing.

Arsenal's slim attacking options

So, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and now Havertz all out of action, Arsenal’s frontline options look precariously thin.

Out wide, he only has two senior wingers to choose from in Leandro Trossard, who has 11 goal involvements in 36 games this season, and Raheem Sterling, with a disappointing haul of one goal and two assists in 18 appearances.

Fortunately, academy star Ethan Nwaneri has shown he’s more than capable of contributing to the first team this season, racking up a sensational tally of seven goals in just 700 minutes of action across 23 appearances.

Up top, there is even less of a choice for Arteta, as following reports of Havertz’s recent injury, Trossard is the only senior option left who has played as centre-forward, and even then, that is not a position he appears to be all that comfortable in.

The former Chelsea ace’s potential absence could be a serious problem, as while Understat’s data revealing he’s underperformed his expected goals in the league by 2.76 demonstrates he can be profligate at times, he’s still done an alright job leading the line.

For example, in 34 appearances, totalling 2776 minutes, the Aachen-born poacher has scored 15 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 138.8 minutes.

That said, while Havertz is doing a better job than he perhaps gets credit for, he’s still being outperformed by a striker let go by the club for nothing three years ago.

The former Arsenal star outperforming Havertz

Arteta has seen his fair share of strikers leave Arsenal since taking charge, like Alexandre Lacazette, who moved back to Lyon, and Eddie Nketiah, who moved to South London to join Crystal Palace.

However, the forward in question is former club captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, who left the club for free in the 2022 winter transfer window after scoring 92 goals and providing 20 assists in 163 appearances, which was enough for Saka to brand him a “legend”.

The next few years would see the Gabonese star play for Barcelona, Chelsea and Marseille, where he did unbelievably well, producing 41 goal involvements in just 51 appearances last season, which was also enough to earn a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, where he has kept up his good form.

In fact, the former star of the Emirates has already scored 12 goals and provided two assists in just 20 appearances, totalling 1784 minutes this season.

That means he’s maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 127.42 minutes, which is a better average than Havertz has managed for the Gunners this term.

Now, while the level of football in Saudi Arabia is obviously far lower than that of the Premier League, the 35-year-old sharpshooter was tearing things up in a top-five league only last season, so there is every chance he could still be doing a job in England.

Ultimately, Havertz has been doing reasonably well this season, but we can’t help imagining just how different things might have been had Arteta and Aubameyang been able to reconcile their differences in 2022.

Arteta's new Willian: Arsenal flop has been a "waste of time" this season

The experienced star has been a disaster for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 11, 2025

Harry Kane has opened up on the “long journey” to a first career title that has finally seen him savour success alongside Eric Dier at Bayern Munich.

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• Striker headed to Germany in order to win trophies
• Curse has finally been lifted in 2025
• Familiar face alongside him during wild celebrations

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  England captain Kane completed a big-money transfer to Germany in the summer of 2023. He severed career-long ties with Tottenham at that stage – having become their all-time leading goalscorer – with trophy-winning ambition taking him away from his homeland.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fellow England international and ex-Spurs team-mate Dier made his own move to the Allianz Arena in January 2024, on an initial loan agreement. He has helped Kane to break his trophy curse in 2025.

• WHAT HARRY KANE SAID

  Bayern are Bundesliga champions again, with Kane telling the club’s of that achievement: “It feels amazing. We put in a lot of hard work over the season, dedicated ourselves physically and mentally, and then there’s nothing better than celebrating when you’ve won something together. It’s a special group – the players and the staff. It’s the first trophy in my career, so it feels that extra bit sweet.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kane celebrated into the early hours of the morning after seeing Bayern’s coronation confirmed. He drank champagne and smoked cigars with Dier, with the 31-year-old adding on an emotional evening: “We watched the game together. After the final whistle, the emotions were running high and I immediately hugged Eric. We’ve had a long journey together. It was just something special.

  “There were a lot of emotions, a lot of feelings in that moment and still are now. I’ve been playing football for a very long time and it’s taken a while, but it’s just a great feeling and I’m proud of everyone who was involved.”

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham gave his first interview in Spanish after Sunday's win over Sevilla but was quick to apologise afterwards.

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• Bellingham on target as Madrid win 2-0
• Speaks to TV afterwards in Spanish
• Apologises for being 'very bad'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham scored his ninth La Liga goal of the season on Sunday as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0. The England international then spoke to the media after the game and conducted the interview entirely in Spanish for the first time since moving to Madrid from Borussia Dortmund.

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  WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

  Bellingham told TV cameras: "We want to finish well, and that's why we went for the win, but it's a little sad because we want to play for titles. It's important because it's another title. I hope we win it. It's the team's and the club's dream. It's important for us, after a somewhat weak season."

  After being thanked for trying the interview in Spanish, a blushing Bellingham was quick to apologise, saying :"Very bad, sorry… Very nervous."

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bellingham may have found it tough going but his efforts earned him praise. "He was nervous, but he came out of the interview with good marks," read the message on El Chiringuito's social media post. The England star has previously revealed that team-mates Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz have been helped him learn Spanish since arriving in Madrid, and he's never been shy in try out his new language skills particularly during last season's title celebrations.

After last season’s play-off final heartbreak, every Leeds United supporter will be hoping that the club can ride out the next couple of months of action and secure a return to the Premier League.

Since dropping down to the Championship, the Whites have won a total of 49 matches out of a possible 79, with boss Daniel Farke currently achieving a 62% win rate in the league, promotion form without a doubt.

The German deserves tremendous credit for his ability to build a side capable of competing after dropping down to the second tier, with Luton Town just one example of what can happen, currently sitting in the relegation zone.

His side are currently sitting top of the tree with just 13 games remaining, seven points clear of third place – taking a huge decline in form to prevent them from going one better than last campaign.

It’s safe to say one of the summer additions that arrived at Elland Road during the off-season has made a huge difference, looking to be one of the signings of the season after his bargain transfer.

Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds United in 2024/25

During the summer, Leeds decided to buy Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka from German side Fortuna Düsseldorf for a fee in the region of just £3.5m, arriving as an unknown quantity to the majority of the fanbase.

However, six months on, he’s cemented his place as a regular starter at the heart of the Whites midfield, offering that consistent presence that has contributed to their success in recent weeks.

The 26-year-old’s form has kept numerous stars out of the starting lineup, with the likes of Joe Rothwell having to resort to a place on the bench, whilst Ethan Ampadu has dropped back into a centre-back role.

Tanaka has started each of the last 10 league matches, dating back to Boxing Day, notching two goals and one assist in that time – taking his total to four goal contributions when combined with his first assist against Middlesbrough.

However, despite his first excellent form in Yorkshire, he’s been outperformed by one player who came through the ranks at Elland Road before departing back in 2017.

The former Leeds star who’s outperformed Tanaka in 2024/25

Leeds’ academy has produced numerous high-level talents over the last few years, many of whom have made an impact on the first team before departing for huge sums – allowing Farke to make investments such as Tanaka.

However, some also left for a bargain fee, including midfielder Alex Mowatt who left for fellow Yorkshire outfit Barnsley in a six-figure deal way back in January 2017.

The academy graduate made over 100 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring countless long-range goals, but eventually fell out of favour under previous boss Garry Monk – leading to his subsequent departure.

Fast-forward eight years, the now 30-year-old plies trade for fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion, subsequently playing a key role in their own ambitions of securing promotion come the end of May.

The Englishman has made 30 appearances in 2024/25 to date, matching or bettering Tanaka in numerous key areas, highlighting the development he’s endured after his move away from the club.

Mowatt, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by former Whites boss Steve Evans, has registered more goals and assists than the current first-team star, offering more of a goal threat with his set-piece delivery.

He’s also averaged more progressive carries per 90, whilst registering more shot-creating actions, highlighting his attacking qualities in the box-to-box role he currently operates in.

Whilst Tanaka is undeniably known for his defensive abilities, Mowatt has averaged more clearances per 90, also winning more of the tackles he’s entered – showcasing his talents at both ends of the pitch.

At the time, it was disappointing to see such a promising youngster depart for such a cheap fee, even more so now given his rise away from Elland Road.

He could’ve been the perfect partner next to Tanaka at the base of Farke’s midfield, adding that depth to further bolster their chances of ending their two-year Premier League exile.

However, it remains a case of what could’ve been for Mowatt with his boyhood side, demonstrating what they could’ve had if they decided to keep hold of him rather than sell him on the cheap.

Leeds could unearth new Phillips in star who "glides through games"

Leeds United could have the next Kalvin Phillips on their hands already.

By
Dan Emery

Feb 18, 2025

Mauricio Pochettino called in 27 players to camp ahead of two pre-tournament friendlies and 2025 Gold Cup

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• Pochettino calls up 27 players
• Balogun and Dest return
• Pulisic, Robinson among those missing out

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mauricio Pochettino named his squad ahead of the upcoming pre-Gold Cup friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, calling in veterans such as Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest as well as newcomers Damion Downs, Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter and Quinn Sullivan.

  The squad features a total of 27 players for the two friendlies, but will be trimmed down to 26 prior to the Gold Cup. The federation is required to submit a 26-player Gold Cup squad no later than June 4.

  While several familiar faces are back in the team, there are several notable absences in the squad. Christian Pulisic is out, while his club teammate Yunus Musah is also not on the roster.

  Antonee Robinson, too, misses the squad after injury issues forced him out of the CONCACAF Nations League team in March. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Gio Reyna were totally left out of the preliminary roster due to their Club World Cup commitments.

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  SQUAD IN FULL

  GOALKEEPERS: Matt Freese (New York City FC), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)  

  DEFENDERS: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), DeJuan Jones (San Jose Earthquakes), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati),  

  MIDFIELDERS: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union); Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew) 

  FORWARDS: Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Folarin Balogun (Monaco); Damion Downs (FC Koln), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps), Haji Wright (Coventry City) 

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer sporting director, Pulisic and his team made the request to sit out the Gold Cup.

  “Christian and his team approached the Federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer, given the amount of matches he has played in the past two years at both the club and international level with very little break,” Crocker said. “After thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, we made the collective decision that this is the right moment for him to get the rest he needs. The objective is to ensure he’s fully prepared to perform at the highest level next season.”

  With a number of key names out, Balogun and Dest return to the fold after long-term injuries, meaning they will feature under Pochettino for the first time this summer. Tillman and Aaronson, too, are back in the team after being left off the Nations League roster.

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  WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

  “As we continue preparations for the World Cup, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with this group of players for an extended period and it’s important we take advantage of every moment we have together,” Pochettino said. "Of course, we want to win and to perform in a very good way. These players have earned the chance to compete for our fans and to show their quality and mentality.” 

With seven points separating themselves and the Championship relegation zone, Portsmouth have just been dealt a frustrating blow at a crucial time on the injury front.

Portsmouth injury news

With just 13 games remaining in the Championship, Pompey are currently on course to survive at the first time of asking. However, as always, anything can still change and John Mousinho will be keen to see his side make it three wins on the bounce when they face Queens Park Rangers this weekend, having just defeated both Cardiff City and Oxford United.

Finding their form at a crucial stage, those at Fratton Park could look back on their recent wins as a defining moment for their campaign. With all three of Derby County, Plymouth Argyle and bottom side Luton Town all deciding to sack their respective managers recently, Portsmouth are enjoying their reward for sticking by Mousinho.

The next 13 games could still be full of twists and turns though, especially following recent injury news. As confirmed by Portsmouth, Callum Lang is now set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn hamstring.

Sharing the news, Mousinho told reports at his latest press conference: “Not great news on Callum. The scan has come back, as we suspected, with a hamstring tear.

“We’re going to re-scan it in about 10 days just to see how it’s settled down. There’s a lot of fluid there at the moment. Most likely, we’re not going to see Callum in a Portsmouth shirt until next season.

“It’s a bit of a strange one because after the game, he was okay. He was up and about. He’s still actually up and about now. It’s not really affecting him a huge amount, but just the nature of it and the location of the injury means it’s going to be a long one.”

Portsmouth must replace "superb" Lang's goals

It’s the worst possible news for Portsmouth, who must now finish their battle for survival without their main man who has scored as many as 10 goals in 29 Championship games this season. Just how Mousinho attempts to replace those goals remains to be seen. For the next 13 games, it may well be a case of defence is the best form of attack at Fratton Park.

The Pompey boss needs no reminder of Lang’s quality, having been full of praise for his forward earlier this season. Mousinho told BBC Sport: “Since Callum has come to the football club he has scored some big goals and he has been our outstanding player this season.

“The energy he puts in, the amount of running he does, his physical presence and it is about adding quality for him – today he added the quality and was superb. My only disappointment is that he didn’t score more. It was really pleasing and he should be pushing for more and more.”