Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message of support to his Portugal team-mates ahead of their meeting with Armenia. The Selecao currently top Group F ahead of the final round of World Cup qualification games but defeat to Ireland on Thursday means they need to win to book their trip stateside next summer. And ahead of the game, Ronaldo took to Instagram to throw his backing behind the national team.

Ronaldo suspended for Armenia clash after red card

Ronaldo was sent home from the Portugal national team over the weekend ahead of their game against Armenia. The 40-year-old was shown his marching orders in the Selecao's 2-0 loss to Ireland last week as a Troy Parrott brace confirmed a huge win for the Boys In Green on Thursday.

The Portugal captain endured a frustrating evening at the Aviva Stadium last week having been sent off on the hour mark for an elbow on defender Dara O'Shea, marking the Al-Nassr striker's first ever dismissal on the international stage. Ronaldo is suspended for today's game against Armenia, and with straight red cards on the international stage resulting in a two-game ban, he would miss Portugal's World Cup 2026 opener should they avoid the play-offs.

Ronaldo was sent off despite insisting before the Ireland defeat that he'd be a 'good boy' upon his return to the country, stating: "I really like the fans here. The support they give to their national team is lovely.

"For me, it's a pleasure to play here again, I hope they don't boo me too much tomorrow – I swear that I'm going to try to be a good boy."

AdvertisementRonaldo's Instagram post to colleagues

Ronaldo will be watching the game from home, but voiced his support for the national team with an Instagram post on Sunday morning. "Go team! All together today and forever! For Portugal and for our flag!" the message read on his official social media account.

In Ronaldo's absence, Goncalo Ramos is expected to lead the line for Portugal against Armenia. The PSG striker has played as Ronaldo's deputy throughout qualifying, featuring off the bench in all five Selecao games.

The 24-year-old is yet to score in qualification but will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet in Porto when Portugal face off against Armenia. The Havakakan have lost four of five group games to date, including a 5-0 loss to today's opponents back in September, and have conceded 10 goals in total in the process.

AFPKey man returns for Portugal for Armenia clash

While Roberto Martinez is unable to call upon Ronaldo, the Portugal boss welcomes back another key attacker, who sat out the 2-0 loss to Ireland due to a ban of his own. Bruno Fernandes missed the defeat due to suspension but is expected to return to the starting XI for the meeting with Armenia.

Martinez is expected to go with a strong XI despite the calibre of opposition on Sunday afternoon. Portugal may sit top of the Group F in World Cup qualifying but their lead has been cut to just two points following a 2-2 draw with Hungary last month and Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Ireland.

Ireland take on Hungary in the other Group F tie, with the pair split by just a single point heading into matchday six. Back-to-back wins over Armenia and Portugal has seen Ireland force their way back into playoff contention but they need to win today in order to leapfrog Hungary into second.

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Ronaldo set to return to action with Al-Nassr

For Ronaldo, he'll hope to quickly move on from Thursday's dismissal when club side Al-Nassr face Al-Khaleej next weekend. Jorge Jesus has overseen a 100% start to the Saudi Pro League season, winning all eight of their opening matches.

Ronaldo has been a star player for Al-Nassr this season, scoring nine times in the Saudi Pro League. Only compatriot Joao Felix has scored more goals than the legendary striker this season, the former Chelsea man having struck 10 times.

Upcoming opponents Al-Khaleej, meanwhile, sit sixth in the table and have won two of their four away league matches this season. 

49ers Enterprises’ takeover in the summer was supposed to signify the start of a glorious new era for Rangers, but it has not quite panned out that way so far.

Their first major decision was the appointment of Russell Martin as manager, but he lasted just 123 days in the job, winning only five of 17 games before being dismissed last month.

There are early signs that his successor Danny Röhl is starting to slowly turn things around, claiming a third successive league victory at Dundee on Sunday, albeit the Gers’ nightmarish start to the campaign means they are still down in fourth place, 12 points adrift leaders Hearts.

Irrespective of whom the manager is, if Rangers are going to reclaim a first Premiership title since 2021 any time soon, their recruitment has to improve.

So much money has been wasted in the transfer market, much of it this summer, splashing almost £30m on 13 new recruits, left with very little to show for it, with the team having got significantly worse.

However, there is a clear frontrunner for the club’s biggest waste of money award in recent times, but it isn’t going where you might think.

Rangers' attacking options compared to 2024/25

Last season, Rangers boasted a genuinely frightening front three, all of whom were allowed to depart over the summer.

Václav Černý did not return, following the expiration of his loan from Wolfsburg, instead moving to Beşiktaş.

Meantime, Hamza Igamane was sold to Lille for £10.4m, while Cyriel Dessers departed for Greece, joining Panathinaikos for a reported fee of around £3.5m.

The table below documents just how prolific the trio were last season.

As the table documents, this departed trio scored 55% of all 115 goals Rangers bagged across all competitions last season, as well as 14 of the 20 they scored in Europe, with the Gers making a run to the Europa League quarter-finals.

Thus, Černý, Dessers and Igamane were always going to be a tough trio to follow, with Rangers splashing around £16m on a new quartet in an attempt to do just that, but their attacking options have unquestionably been weakened.

Djeidi Gassama, in fairness, has looked pretty bright, scoring his sixth of the season at the weekend, albeit he is currently not at Černý’s level, while Oliver Antman, despite a scintillating debut, has done little since.

In terms of pure centre-forwards, Bojan Miovski, who joined from Girona for £2.6m, is yet to recapture the form he showed at Aberdeen, while the signing of Youssef Chermiti remains baffling.

After the Portuguese striker failed to score a single goal during two seasons at Everton, Kevin Thelwell, who had initially brought him to Merseyside, decided to sign him again, agreeing to pay the Toffees £8m, potentially rising to £10m with add-ons, making him the club’s second-most expensive signing in history, behind only Tore André Flo in 2000.

Chermiti did open his Rangers account against Kilmarnock during Röhl’s first Premiership match in charge, but has squandered numerous gilt-edged opportunities, with many concluding that he simply is not worth the huge investment.

Röhl must see something in the 21-year-old, however, considering he has started four of the last five matches, but the jury is not so much still out on Chermiti, they’re more on a proverbial break.

At least the striker is starting regularly and contributing that way – the same cannot be said of another expensive signing, saving him from the unwanted worst recent signing accolade, which surely only has one clear winner.

Rangers' worst value for money signing

A player who officially joined Rangers this summer is Óscar Cortés, albeit he had been on loan at the club since 1 February, making him the forgotten man.

When he initially arrived in Glasgow, he did so to plenty of excitement, having been one of the best players at the under-20 World Cup in the summer of 2023, scoring four goals and registering two assists as Colombia reached the quarter-finals, picking up the Bronze Boot, with scout António Mango thereby asserting that he was an “insane talent” who “would be ideal for Liverpool”.

He joined Rangers on loan from Ligue 1 side Lens with an obligation to buy, while the Rangers Journal calling him a “very promising young winger”, who will “provide pace, power and… goal contributions” to the Gers’ forward line.

However, this is certainly not how events have transpired.

To date, Cortés has made just 21 appearances for the Light Blues, totalling 764 minutes, not even named among the substitutes on 58 occasions, usually due to injury.

The Colombian international scored just a solitary goal for the goal, this a sweet right-footed strike during a 5-0 demolition of Hearts just a few weeks after his arrival.

Due to the obligation to buy clause, despite his lack of activity, Rangers were forced to buy Cortés for £4.5m in the summer, making him one of their most expensive signings of all-time.

He actually started August’s League Cup tie against Alloa Athletic at left-back, his only start of the campaign, before being loaned out to Segunda División side Sporting Gijón.

Well, he is yet to make much impact in Spain’s second-tier, seeing just 92 league minutes for los Rojiblancos to date, earning his first start against Mirandés last Friday night, albeit he was hooked at half time, as his team were defeated 2-1.

Seemingly unlikely to revive his career at El Molinón, Cortés has to be considered one of Rangers’ worst value for money signings ever.

Having paid £4.5m to secure his signature, Football Transfers estimate that his value has already dropped to £3m and is on a downward trajectory.

Thus, if Rangers are going to get back to dominating Scottish football, they can ill-afford many more transfer missteps such as this.

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By
Ben Gray

Nov 12, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are adjusting to a more pragmatic tactical style under Thomas Frank. This has caused several contentious talking points to spring up over the past several months.

Yes, Spurs are imperfect, and improvements are needed. But they are also fifth in the Premier League after 11 matches, and have lost only three times.

Goals are being scored, albeit with underlying attacking metrics emphasising the work is needed in creative departments. But then, even this comes with the caveat that Tottenham have been without Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, arguably the two most creative outlets at the club, since before the start of the season.

1. Chelsea

3rd

20.4

2. Crystal Palace

2nd

19.4

3. Man City

10th

19.0

4. Arsenal

1st

18.8

5. Man United

7th

18.2

15. Tottenham

5th

11.0

Yes, more is needed. And Frank will consider across the next two international-break-filled weeks his options across the park, and how he can water the roots of his philosophy while growing his Tottenham garden into something viewed as new and growing, rather than negative and Nuno-esque.

The changes Frank needs to make at Spurs

Tottenham showed spirit and resolve against Manchester United last weekend, and though Richarlison’s late strike was cancelled out at the death by Matthijs de Ligt’s header, the hosts did not crumble but responded after a wretched first half.

That’s a glass-half-full way of looking at it, sure, but Tottenham must take the positives – as Frank did.

However, the Danish tactician needs to iron out the many creases in this squad, and one sure-fire way to start that process is by forgoing the decision to field Djed Spence and Richarlison as a left-sided partnership. Width and dynamism are needed down the flanks, and the out-of-position Spence and technically limited Richarlison don’t work well together.

When Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert connected in the second half, things changed.

Likewise, there must be a wider shift in regard to mentality and confidence. Over the past year, Tottenham have played 20 home games and they have won only three. Much-improved away results and a tougher framework from head to toe have scrubbed away the bitter lower-table position of last year, but there remains a need for more positivity, more fluency and enterprise on the ball.

The forwards need to much do more, yes, but the midfielders have flattered to deceive from this perspective this season, and it’s time for Frank to consider parting with one player who lacks the nuance in his role to thrive and make the system tick.

Frank must drop struggling Spurs star

When Tottenham signed Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus in January 2022, initially on loan and then for a fee just shy of £22m, they knew they had landed a talented and multi-faceted midfielder.

And yet he’s falling by the wayside in Frank’s system. The 28-year-old hasn’t fallen, not yet, but his performances are becoming a concern, with analyst Raj Chohan even describing him as a “candidate for worst centre-midfielder at a big six club”.

The conundrum here is two-fold: Bentancur has just signed a new contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, raising his salary considerably to around £120k per week.

But the other angle here is that the Uruguayan just doesn’t work alongside Joao Palhinha, a player who has been regarded by many as one of the best Lilywhites players so far this season, having arrived on a loan deal from Bayern Munich in the summer.

So, if Palhinha has to play, his tough-tackling, protective presence in the middle, Frank must start playing a deep-lying midfielder beside him who can drive play forward with surgical passes. Instead, two pragmatic midfielders have been yoked together in a midfield lacking creativity under a manager who is facing criticisms for a pragmatic style of play.

It is not that difficult to identify the potential problem here, especially when bringing Xavi Simons into the equation, the playmaker yet to adapt to the rigours of the English game, and then addressing again the duel absence of Kulusevski and Maddison.

25/26

10

659′

24/25

26

1,653′

23/24

23

1,007′

22/23

18

1,506′

21/22

17

1,365′

As per data-led platform FBref, Bentancur actually ranks among the bottom 39% of Premier League midfielders this term for progressive passes per 90, underscoring the issues presented in the build-up. Palhinha, unsurprisingly, does not rank highly himself (bottom 11%).

The decision to start Bentancur from the bench against Man United – ending the South American’s run of six successive Premier League starts – tells of Frank’s awareness about all this, but then Pape Matar Sarr wasn’t at his best on that day in any case, albeit growing into the game after a shaky start, his energy and optimism a nice counterpoint to Palhinha’s ruggedness.

Much to chew on. Lucas Bergvall has the progressiveness to forge a protean partnership with Palhinha in the centre, but the teenager has not yet nailed down a prominent role under Frank.

Bentancur might have signed a new contract recently, but that does not mean he is unsellable. Conversely, this could provide an insight into a longer-term plan; this summer, Atletico Madrid were among those interested in an experienced midfielder whose stock has now risen from a financial vantage.

If Tottenham are to persist with the anchoring presence that is Palhinha, it might not be a bad thing to ship Bentancur and his limitations out. When the injured parties return, the picture will become a whole lot clearer, and Bentancur may well be absent from the view.

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2 ByDan Emery Nov 10, 2025

Sheffield United have completed a free deal for Patrick Bamford following his departure from Leeds United earlier this season, with the striker signing a short-term contract until January 2026.

The Blades are desperately attempting to turn their season around following a miserable start which saw Chris Wilder return to replace Ruben Selles just three months after he left the club.

Now as low as 22nd and far from the promotion hopes that they had in mind, those at Bramall Lane suddenly find themselves in an early, unexpected relegation scrap which they’ll be looking to turn on its head after the international break.

Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Queens Park Rangers at least stopped the rot and handed the Blades their first clean sheet in four games, but they must find a way to turn a draw into all three points in a crucial clash against rivals Sheffield Wednesday on 23 November.

Speaking to reporters after the QPR stalemate, Wilder admitted his frustration afrer what he felt was a performance worthy of three points.

Goals were once again the problem for Sheffield United, but the arrival of Bamford could help put an end to their unexpected woes in the Championship.

Sheffield United sign Bamford

As reported by The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Sheffield United opened talks to sign Bamford just this week, and things have moved quickly as the Blades announced an agreement on Thursday morning.

The former Leeds forward has been a free agent since leaving Elland Road in August, but now seemingly has the chance to make a return to the Championship on a prove-it deal lasting just a few months.

If Wilder is looking for goals then getting the best out of Bamford will give him exactly that. The 32-year-old has stolen headlines in the Premier League at his best and has as many as 69 Championship goals to his name throughout his career.

Previously dubbed “fantastic” by Leeds boss Daniel Farke, Bamford has the perfect opportunity to get the latter stages of his career back on track by joining Sheffield United. And he could even get the perfect chance to impress on his debut in the derby if he proves his fitness in time to face Sheffield Wednesday.

Wilder set to make ruthless January decision as three Sheffield Utd players get the axe

Barcelona have finally received the kind of news they have been waiting months for. Pedri’s accelerated recovery puts him on course to face Chelsea in a crucial Champions League clash, Joan Garcia is set to return after the break, Raphinha has also entered the final phase of his rehabilitation, with their injury returns coming at an ideal time for manager Hansi Flick.

• Pedri’s fast-tracked return ahead of Chelsea clash

  Pedri’s injury during the El Clasico loss to Madrid was one of the defining blows of Barcelona’s turbulent season. The midfielder tore the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh, a serious hamstring injury that was expected to leave him out for six weeks. The timeline meant missing vital Champions League fixtures and the entire November international window, depriving Barca of the player who dictates tempo, links phases, and provides balance in midfield.

  In his absence, Barcelona visibly suffered. Without Pedri’s positional intelligence and control, their build-up became erratic, transitions slower, and Flick’s game model lost its anchor. Matches against Club Brugge and league opponents highlighted how heavily the side still leans on his presence.

  However, in a major and somewhat unexpected twist, Pedri has responded extremely well to treatment, allowing Barcelona’s medical staff to accelerate his reintegration. Journalist Xavi Campos confirmed that he is now expected to be available for the Champions League clash against Chelsea on November 25 in a match that could decide top spot in the table. Barcelona will not risk him against Athletic Club, but the plan is clear: Pedri will be eased in at Stamford Bridge.

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  Joan Garcia’s return restores stability between the posts

  If Pedri’s injury hurt Barcelona’s structure, Garcia’s absence damaged their foundations. Before tearing his medial meniscus in late September, the 24-year-old was in outstanding form: seven matches, three clean sheets, only five goals conceded.

  His injury, which required arthroscopic surgery on September 27, came at the worst possible moment. Barcelona had begun to settle defensively, and Garcia’s chemistry with the back line was improving every week. His replacement, Wojciech Szczesny, offered experience but struggled to replicate Garcia’s calm presence. Over nine matches, Barca conceded far more chances, lacked assurance in build-up, and visibly missed their first-choice keeper.

  The international break, however, has worked in Barcelona’s favour. With no competitive fixtures, Garcia has been able to use the fortnight to complete the final stages of his rehabilitation without pressure. Reports now confirm he is fully recovered and expected to start against Athletic Bilbao when La Liga resumes.

• Raphinha enters the decisive phase of his recovery

  The international break also offered Barcelona something they have rarely enjoyed this season: a quiet training environment with no new injuries and even better, clear signs of progress. The most encouraging update concerns Raphinha, who has officially entered the final phase of his recovery.

  The winger has been working individually at Ciutat Esportiva, focusing on strength, explosiveness and controlled workload to avoid setbacks. With only a handful of first-team players in training, all eyes shifted to him and every report from inside the club described his evolution as “very positive.” If his progress continues, he is expected to rejoin full sessions right after the international break, giving Flick another guaranteed starter during a period in which rotation will be unavoidable.

  His comeback also arrives at a moment when other attacking options, such as Lamine Yamal, remain in longer recovery programmes.

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  Rare positive window for Flick amid a season of setbacks

  For coach Flick, the first months of the season have resembled a survival test rather than a smooth managerial transition. Multiple key players dropped out with long-term injuries, medical disagreements created tension with national teams, and constant squad disruption made it nearly impossible to establish a consistent style of play.

  At various points, Flick lost Pedri, Raphinha, Gavi, Garcia, Yamal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and several defenders. Tactical adjustments became reactive rather than strategic, and results fluctuated as Barcelona tried to adapt.

  This is why the current wave of good news feels so significant. Pedri’s accelerated return, Garcia’s full recovery, and Raphinha’s advancing rehabilitation collectively give Barcelona something they have not had all season which is continuity. Flick will finally be able to work with a more complete squad, regain tactical balance, and build consistency ahead of a demanding fixture calendar.