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Liverpool will return to action in the Premier League after almost a month on Saturday afternoon, hosting Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield and now an early team update has emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce has outlined the current state of play in the club’s ongoing injury problems ahead of the game tomorrow.

Pearce wrote in an article for the publication that Ibrahima Konate, Calvin Ramsey and Jordan Henderson will all finally be available for selection after recovering from injury, however, Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones and Naby Keita continue their recovery and are unlikely to make an appearance against Brighton.

Klopp will be relieved

There is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will be relieved to have some of his players back and ready for selection after the prolonged break as his team faces nine fixtures over the month of October.

The Reds will take on Brighton, Arsenal, Manchester City, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Ajax and Rangers twice before November in a very congested month of football, and the Liverpool manager will be desperately hoping they can come out of the other side of it with results, momentum and good form.

The Merseysiders are currently suffering their worst start to a Premier League season under Klopp since he joined the club back in 2015, and are currently 8th in the league table, nine points off the top spot but there are many opportunities over the next few weeks to rectify that especially playing both Arsenal and Man City.

Having Konate back in the matchday squad will give the defensive line a huge boost over the upcoming fixtures as the young centre-back proved last season he was a standout performer, especially in the Champions League campaign that led to another final for Liverpool.

The 23-year-old Frenchman scored twice, made 1.6 interceptions, two tackles and 2.9 clearances per game, as well as winning 59% of his duels combined and successfully completing the majority of his dribbles (67%), earning Klopp’s trust to start in the final against Real Madrid where he was one of the highest rated players (7.5) in the defeat.

With that being said, Klopp will be hoping the extended break will have given his team enough time to build their confidence and come back fighting over the months and weeks ahead before the club breaks again for the World Cup, as Liverpool cannot afford to drop more points if they want to be in with a chance of competing for the title.

A report has shed more light on the much-talked about future of West Ham United manager David Moyes involving ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Moyes under pressure…

The Scotsman prepares for today’s encounter with Wolves under real pressure with West Ham having won just one of their opening seven Premier League matches so far.

Currently sitting 18th, Moyes’ side have struggled to threaten consistently, scoring just three goals in total – the joint-lowest record in the top flight alongside today’s opponents.

This afternoon’s late kick off could be make or break when it comes to determining the future of West Ham’s manager as a report from the last 48 hours explains the current situation.

The Latest: Crunch time?

Indeed, according to a new claim, Moyes ‘could be relieved of his functions’ in the event of a ‘poor performance’ at the London Stadium tonight.

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What’s more, this update from jeunesfooteux also claims that West Ham chiefs have sounded out potential replacements with Pochettino among the candidates to be looked at.

The Verdict: Give him more time…

The latter Argentine head coach, a big name considering his recent roles with Paris-Saint Germain and Spurs, would arguably be a brilliant man to come in if Moyes does get sacked.

Called a ‘genius’ by former Tottenham shot stopper Heurelho Gomes, Pochettino’s status as a free agent is also an attractive factor to his potential appointment.

However, Moyes should be given more time to turn things around at West Ham, especially when factoring in their meteoric rise over the last two years.

He has guided the Hammers to successive European qualification campaigns since the beginning of 2020/2021, and after GSBK’s significant transfer window investment, they should at the very least give Moyes a few more matches to try and click their new signings into gear.

Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot is Barcelona’s ‘best placed’ target for the January transfer window, according to reports from Spain.

The Lowdown: Dalot linked with Barcelona

The 23-year-old has enjoyed an upturn in fortunes so far this season, becoming United’s first-choice right-back and making eight starts in the Premier League.

Dalot has been linked with Barcelona in recent days, as the La Liga club’s manager Xavi eyes up defensive reinforcements, with reports that the Blaugrana have already commenced negotiations over a possible move for the Portugal defender.

Another update suggests that this is a transfer rumour which very much has legs to it.

The Latest: Barcelona’s ‘best placed’ target

According to Spanish outlet Sport [via Sport Witness], Dalot is Barcelona’s ‘best placed’ target at right-back, with ‘appropriate decisions’ to be made regarding a January move.

The 23-year-old’s current United deal expires next summer, at which point he would be able to depart on a free transfer.

The Verdict: Dalot having a good season

Losing Dalot would be a blow for United, with the defender taking his new game to another level so far this season and even scoring twice for Portugal in their 4-0 UEFA Nations League win over Czech Republic in recent weeks.

At 23, he still very much a maturing player, so the Red Devils could end up losing him at just the wrong time, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka their only other natural option at right-back.

The hope is that Dalot decides to extend his stay at United but the lure of Barcelona can be huge for Portuguese players, with past greats such as Luis Figo and Deco representing the Catalan giants.

They also seem to be on an upward trajectory under Xavi, who currently has them top of La Liga, so that too could tempt the right-back into joining Barca.

Celtic have seemingly made few errors with regards to recruitment of late under manager Ange Postecoglou, although one move in the recent window that already appears something of a headscratcher is the signing of Danish midfielder, Oliver Abildgaard.

The 26-year-old had been the ninth and final signing of the recent window, joining on a season-long loan deal from Rubin Kazan, having been keen to seek a departure from the Russian outfit after two years with his parent club.

The addition of the 6 foot 4 menace had seemingly been in order to provide the Scottish champions with a more defensive-minded asset at the base of the midfield, with Postecoglou lauding his new addition’s towering stature as a bonus to a side that “would struggle to get on any rides at Disneyland” as a result of their diminutive status.

The one-cap powerhouse appeared to be a potential alternative to skipper Callum McGregor as that screen in front of the back four, with the club having seemingly been in need of a replacement for Nir Bitton, following the long-serving gem’s departure at the end of last season.

Fast forward a few months into the season, however, and it remains to be seen if Abildgaard will be able to make an impact at Parkhead, having thus far been restricted to a bit-part role for the Scottish Premiership side.

After missing the early weeks of the campaign in order to adequately get up to speed, the £6.3m-rated dud has since made just four appearances in all competitions to date, with all of those outings having come from the substitutes’ bench.

The on-loan giant’s most notable display came during the Champions League defeat away to RB Leipzig a few weeks ago following the injury to the aforementioned McGregor inside the first half, with the one-time Aalborg man ultimately impressing with a solid showing in that encounter.

Even after that encouraging performance, however, the Hasseris-born brute has since been unable to secure a more prominent role in the side of late, despite the club captain set to be ruled out until after the upcoming World Cup.

That absence has instead seen Matt O’Riley take on a deeper role in recent games, with the 21-year-old looking particularly impressive in that berth during the loss to Leipzig at Parkhead in midweek.

If Abildgaard is unable to gain a starting berth when McGregor is unavailable, it appears hard to see the loanee being able to force his way into Postecoglou’s plans once the academy graduate returns, with the Dane’s signing already appearing a potential mistake.

Such are his current woes that pundit Barry Ferguson had even tipped James McCarthy – who had been linked with an exit over the summer – for a start against the Bundesliga side in midweek, with the Republic of Ireland international having recently played his part in the dramatic victory over St Johnstone, after winning the ball in the build-up to that late goal.

It may well be wise to put more faith in the 31-year-old – who still has just under three years left on his existing deal – ahead of the anonymous Abildgaard, with any potential permanent move for the latter man next summer likely out of the question at present. Indeed, it would not be a surprise that come the end of his loan spell, he is ruthlessly ditched by Postecoglou.

Tottenham Hotspur could well be facing a notable setback ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Sporting CP, amid concerns over the fitness of both Pierre-Emile Hojberg and Cristian Romero.

What’s the word?

That key duo were ruled out of Sunday’s defeat to Newcastle United with what were believed to be “minor” injuries, although it remains to be seen if the pair will be fit to feature against Ruben Amorim’s side in just a few days’ time.

Speaking after that latest loss to the Magpies, Spurs boss Antonio Conte appeared uncertain as to whether Hojberg or Romero will be involved in the crucial midweek tussle in N17.

As per the Evening Standard, the Italian coach stated: “If you ask me in this moment, I don’t have an answer because I don’t know the way they recover from this fatigue and this situation.

“Romero was the last two or three games, he arrived every day half and half to decide if he plays or doesn’t play. I think in the past we have taken risk.

“The players gave their availability to play otherwise honestly if the player doesn’t want to play, I don’t force the player. Now after the game against United, he felt a lot of fatigue and then yesterday he felt fatigue in his calf. Before in his thigh, the right. Now left in the calf.

“Pierre it was the same because Pierre played every game, he played every minute and he was really tired.”

Awful news

That news has seemingly come at the worst possible time for Conte and co, with the Lilywhites currently in the midst of a hectic run of fixtures leading up to the World Cup break, with the north London outfit simply unable to afford such notable setbacks.

Having already been somewhat depleted of late by the absence of both Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, adding Hojberg and Romero into the mix would be a further unwanted headache for the former Chelsea boss.

In the case of the latter, the Argentine international has sparkled since joining the Premier League outfit on an initial loan deal last summer, having notably been described as the signing of the season last term by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher – who also lauded the player’s “aggressive” and “street-wise” nature.

Not having that relentless presence in the side is an obvious blow for Tottenham, with his replacement Davinson Sanchez having been “desperately poor” in yesterday’s loss against the Tynesiders, as per Sky Sports reporter Ben Grounds (Live Blog, 23/10/2022, 17:41).

As for Hojberg, the Danish midfielder has largely been an ever-present for the club since his arrival from Southampton back in the summer of 2020, missing just three of his side’s 88 top-flight games in that time – with all those appearances having come from the start.

The former Saints ace has also added a goalscoring touch to his game this season with three goals in his 11 league outings, while the likes of Yves Bissouma and Oliver Skipp are yet to score, with Rodrigo Bentancur having just one goal to his name in all competitions.

To be without those two crucial figures on Wednesday could well hamper Spurs’ chances of getting a result, with it all still to play for with regards to knockout stage progression with just three points separating all four sides in Group D.

Sunderland are currently struggling for consistency in the Championship, and despite sitting comfortably in 13th, Tony Mowbray will be ruing the numerous missed opportunities his side have had to advance in the league.

Of their last five matches, they have drawn twice, lost twice and won just once. They have also only managed to score twice across this period.

Their issues are coming from the lack of forward play, and despite being inundated with tricky wingers, they have no focal point to play off.

They could instead look to the academy to fill this void that the makeshift Elliot Embleton has unfortunately failed to do.

The man could be Harry Gardiner, who has recently made the step up to U23s football having scored a fair amount for the U18s.

The 19-year-old was signed over the summer from South Shields FC, where the management staff were full of praise for their young marksman.

Academy manager Wess Brown led the praises, claiming: “He is a quiet lad on and off the pitch but his intelligence shouts louder than any player I’ve seen for a long time. Harry has a bright future and has excelled in our environment.”

During his trial period, he featured ten times for the U18s. He managed to score a respectable six times and assist a goal too, before being handed some appearances in the Premier League 2 where he has remained for the current season.

He has only featured once this season, but Gardiner will be desperate to build upon his fine start on Wearside.

Despite a productive opening stage at the Stadium of Light, Ellis Simms still remains injured. He had scored three goals in his first two games for the club and impressed with his speed and physicality despite his age.

Now, perhaps, might be the chance for one of their own youngsters to step up and stake a claim for themselves, with Gardiner demonstrating he could be the club’s own Simms such is his ruthless streak in front of goal. In the process, it would prove that the Mackems don’t need loan players in order to fire them back to the Premier League.

Whatever Mowbray decides to do, he will want to do it quickly to ensure his side does not fall too far away from those coveted promotion spots.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been the subject of praise following the north London club’s 3-2 win over AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. 

The Lowdown: Spurs leave it late

After drawing 1-1 against Sporting in the Champions League on Wednesday, the Lilywhites found themselves 2-0 down with 49 minutes on the clock against the Cherries.

With goals from Ryan Sessegnon and Ben Davies putting Antonio Conte’s side level, it was a dramatic late winner from Bentancur in the 92nd minute that secured the three points for Spurs.

Having replaced Yves Bissouma after 58 minutes played, Bentancur’s cameo also earned him some big praise.

The Latest: Big praise for Bentancur

Once the game had ended, journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor had this to say on Twitter regarding Spurs and the midfielder’s efforts after coming on in the second half.

“Half an hour of power from Tottenham, which is probably the limit for some of these players. Given the issues, Bentancur’s effect on games is quite amazing.”

The Verdict: Inspired decision from Conte

In addition to scoring the vital goal that completed Spurs’ comeback and gave them the win, the 25-year-old also managed to accurately complete 30 of the 33 passes he attempted, giving him a success percentage of 91%.

As well as successfully completing the two dribbles he attempted, the Uruguayan also won three of the four duels he was involved in, further highlighting how much of an impact he had on the game.

This heroic cameo performance ultimately earned Bentancur, who has been hailed for his “outrageous” skill in the past by Lee McQueen, an overall match rating of 7.7/10 from SofaScore, leaving Heung-min Son (7.8/10) as the only Spurs player with a higher rating on the day.

Newcastle United could reportedly sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer this summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

The Frenchman is out of contract in Turin in the summer, meaning that he can leave on a free transfer or sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in the January transfer window.

He has recently admitted that he does not know whether he will renew his current deal with the Old Lady, following their failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

As per Calciomercato, Juventus cannot afford to renew Rabiot’s contract on current terms, which are thought to be €7m (£6.1m) per season.

However, Newcastle are among a number of clubs who can, and would be ‘interested’ in signing him up once his deal expires. Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to be interested in his signature, should he leave Turin.

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The Verdict: Another option…

Rabiot would certainly offer Eddie Howe and the Newcastle squad another quality option in the middle of the park.

Once claimed to be built ‘like a wardrobe’ by former team-mate and football legend Gianluigi Buffon, the 6 foot 3 dynamo ranks highly among other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won, blocks and tackles made per game over the past year (FBRef).

This marks him out as a midfielder who is well able to work hard out of possession for the benefit of his team.

Rabiot is set to star in France’s midfield at the upcoming World Cup, given the injuries to Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, so the Toon Army can get a glimpse of what the 27-year-old could offer to them should he come to St James’ Park.

After their crushing midweek defeat to AFC Bournemouth, there was hope that on their second trip Everton might be able to muster up a more impressive performance.

However, it seems that when it comes to the Vitality Stadium, the Toffees never seem to have much luck. It marked another game on the south coast without victory, in a ground where the Toffees have never won in the league.

In an equally embarrassing display as Tuesday’s, Frank Lampard sent out his first-choice side only to receive another beating by three goals.

Whilst many could have been highlighted for their frustrating displays, it must be noted that the officiating performance left little to be desired.

There were calls for Lewis Cook to see red for a two-footed lunge, just after the Cherries had scored their second despite James Tarkowski being left in a heap holding his head.

Regardless, that cannot excuse the individual performance of Amadou Onana, who was riding the high of selection for the Belgium national team with the World Cup looming.

However, he failed in his big audition for a starting birth with an anonymous 75 minutes of football.

With just 40 touches and 18 accurate passes all game, perhaps the most damning statistic is that even his goalkeeper Jordan Pickford recorded more passes, with 21.

Despite holding 64% of the ball, there was little creativity in the midfield which led to their lack of opportunities. They could only muster three shots on target compared to the home side’s nine, with the engine room often left empty for the Bournemouth midfield to run riot,

For a man whose game revolves around his defensive actions, the fact that the 21-year-old recorded only three tackles whereas his partner Idrissa Gueye made seven shows the gulf in quality.

That would be all he offered, as Onana made no interceptions, clearances or blocks (via SofaScore).

With the break coming at a perfect time for Everton, Belgium will have hopes that they can finally take advantage of their golden generation with a World Cup victory.

However, with performances like that, there is little chance that the 6-foot-3 colossus will play a part in any success they might have.

With an enforced World Cup break now coming at the worst possible time for high-flying West Bromwich Albion, they will now be stuck waiting nearly a month until their Championship season resumes with a trip to Sunderland.

It has been a tumultuous campaign thus far, with Steve Bruce having seen his reign come crashing to an end as his side was left adrift in the relegation zone.

However, under the new leadership of Carlos Corberan, there has been a huge turnaround. The Baggies had won all of their last three matches without conceding, delighting fans as their side finally found a solution to their plight.

One player who has massively contributed to this turnaround is Kyle Bartley, with the stalwart of a centre-back having scored two in his last two games and defended staunchly throughout.

He stands as proof that his age will make him a fine asset at the Hawthorns, as Semi Ajayi will hope to echo upon his return from injury.

It was said in the middle of September that following surgery to his ankle he would be out of action for up to eight weeks. When their trip to Wearside comes back around, calling an end to this rest period, the 29-year-old could finally be back in contention.

Having moved to the Hawthorns in a £1.5m deal, Ajayi had played every minute of their season before being struck down. In total, he has featured 117 times for West Brom.

His performances have been so consistent that he has been linked with moves away from the Midlands. Kevin Phillips sang his praises earlier this year when those rumours intensified, dubbing him: “a big, powerful centre-half with leadership qualities.”

Ajayi’s solidity has led to an unsurprising surge in his value, which peaked only last year when he hit €6m (£5.2m) in June of 2021.

That marks a sensational 246% increase from when he first signed for the £13k-per-week titan.

It marks yet another player who West Brom have struck gold on in recent years, and now under the guidance of Corberan, there will likely be plenty more to rise up to earn the club added acclaim.