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Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted in response to a five-word message from the club on defender Andrew Robertson.

The Scotsman missed their opening game of the 2021/2022 Premier League season away to Norwich City after sustaining what looked to be a serious ankle injury in pre-season (Daily Star).

Robertson played in Liverpool’s friendly against Athletic Bilbao last week before being taken off, with the left-back landing awkwardly and rolling his ankle after attempting to block a cross.

Kostas Tsimikas stepped in to replace the 27-year-old as Jurgen Klopp’s side ran out 3-0 winners at Carrow Road, but he endured a mixed afternoon by all accounts.

Now, sharing an update on Robertson, the club’s official account has now dropped a teasing five-word message in regards to his comeback.

Liverpool, whilst uploading an image of the Scotland international back running on the grass, simply stated: ‘On the road to recovery’ (Twitter).

This was enough to send fans wild on Twitter, with many erupting in response to the Reds’ official account whilst appearing excited they could have him back.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

Liverpool fans erupt over five-word Robertson message…

“Absolute engine”

Credit: @6Thiagoat

“YESSIRRRRRR”

Credit: @LFCJaake

“Wow this is amazing!!! I saw him twist his ankle Robbo is an alien”

Credit: @james_manaja

“Woooooooohooooooo!!!!! Robbo is back”

Credit: @Dav1dLFC

“What?! That’s mental”

Credit: @anirudhkowtha

“Beautiful sight this”

Credit: @thesmigger

“he’s actually a monster”

Credit: @moonwavez

“Good one, good news of the week”

Credit: @ozichukwuogara3

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘We are filthy rich’…Many Liverpool fans flock to ‘interesting’ bid claim, find out more here.

Aston Villa will be without Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore against Newcastle United on Saturday.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the confirmed news on social media.

Reliable reporter Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live shared a report on Friday morning, where Dean Smith ruled the pair out of the meeting with Steve Bruce’s side.

Watkins missed last week’s opener against Watford with a knee injury, and Smith admitted he was hopeful the forward could return for the clash with Brentford next weekend.

Traore, who featured at Vicarage Road, suffered a hamstring injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Liverpool on Sunday and is expected to be out until after the international break.

Villa fans react

Preece shared the news regarding the injured pair on Twitter on Friday morning, labelling it as a ‘big blow’.

These Villa fans were all quick to give their thoughts to the news, with a selection of negative responses available to view below.

“Season unravelling before it starts! Last year’s polished start seems a distant memory. It just feels like like we are not ready. Injuries, late arrivals, formation woe, coaching staff departures, starman gone, hardly ideal planning!!!”Credit: @MMattbevan”Nooooooo Ollie”Credit: @_JackAvfc”Hopefully someone asked why on earth Traore and Targett played two matches in two days. Mindless that was. Cannot believe someone made that decision.”Credit: @TheVillaDecree”A shambles. Preseason was very poor, the big distraction didn’t help I guess.”Credit: @EdConnaughton”Ouch no Ollie again”Credit: @Richard_Meakin”sigh”Credit: @avfcskewwilly

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘My club doing bits’ – Many AVFC fans buzz at ‘awesome’ news.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko is in talks over a surprise move to Premier League rivals Watford on a permanent deal, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: No room for sentimentality as Nuno Espirito Santo re-shapes his squad

Despite starting the 2021/22 campaign in strong fashion, Lilywhites boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to re-structure his squad and dispose of players not currently at the forefront of his thinking.

Not held back by any misplaced loyalties or sentimentality, the Portuguese coach has got rid of experienced figures such as Toby Alderweireld, Erik Lamela and Danny Rose [Transfermarkt].

In total, six players have left on permanent deals under the leadership of Nuno and Fabio Paratici, and it looks like we could be about to add one more big earner to that number.

The Latest: Watford in permanent talks to sign Sissoko from Tottenham

Watford are believed to be in advanced negotiations to sign 6 foot 2 ace Sissoko on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur [Sky Sports].

Both clubs are ‘confident’ that a deal can be finalised by next week according to Alasdair Gold, who confirmed ‘Spurs very much in talks’ with the newly promoted side.

The France international likely to be a direct replacement for Will Hughes, who is set to depart for Crystal Palace.

Sissoko is not a priority for Nuno, who has omitted him from three match-day squads this campaign.

The Verdict: Offloading £79k-per-week

Carrying a considerable wage package at £79,000 per week, offloading Sissoko would be an intelligent move by the Spurs hierarchy that would free up funds to bring in younger talent [Salary Sport].

In 2020/21, the former Newcastle man was ever present for his current employers, but registered just two goal contributions in 42 appearances in all competitions; one goal and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Always willing to receive and recycle the ball, the 32-year-old recorded an 84.4% passing accuracy across last term [WhoScored], but his lack of end product from midfield has always been the issue.

Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by former boss Mauricio Pochettino and ‘incredible’ by Football.London’s Rob Guest, moving on to pastures new may be the best course of action for both Tottenham and Sissoko after five years in north London.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have reached a transfer agreement. Find out more here.

Leeds United, who have been at the heart of punters’ bet365 erbjudandekod use going wayward so far this season, are eyeing a late transfer swoop for Sheffield United starlet Daniel Jebbison in this transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to TEAMtalk, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are among a number of sides keeping a close eye on developments over Jebbison, with Sheffield United open to selling him this summer.

The report adds that while Everton’s bid for the young striker was turned down, they too are expected to go back in with an improved bid while Aston Villa and Brentford are also eyeing up moves of their own.

Could be another Orta masterclass

Dubbed a “shining light” by Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards, Jebbison made his mark towards the back end of last season, notching against Everton – in fact, by finding the back of the net, he became the youngest player in Premier League history to score on his first start at that level.

His former manager at Chorley, Jamie Vermiglio, said: “Jebbo was on loan with us but missed the train before his debut against Chester. It meant he had to get a taxi all the way across.

“Cost him an absolute bomb. About £180, all out of his own pocket. But the main thing is he wasn’t late. To me, that showed what the lad is all about. Some lads in his position at a Premier League academy might have just sacked it off.

“Players do turn their nose up all the time at travelling to Chorley and dropping down four or five leagues to play. But not him. That’s why he made such a good impression here, despite not being with us for very long. But what I did like was his willingness to go into a new environment at 17. He didn’t drive, didn’t know anyone here. But he was prepared to take that gamble, that little risk. That shows what sort of a character he is.”

Given all the impressive youth-team signings Leeds have made over the last 12 months in particular – the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood in particular – securing a deal for Jebbison could well be another masterclass from Victor Orta.

The 6 foot 3 centre-forward has already got his taste of Premier League football at Sheffield United, and under the coaching and guidance of Bielsa at Elland Road, he could turn into a real superstar.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

Unlike the Old Firm clashes that took place throughout 2020/21, Celtic actually look in a good place.

The Hoops have only tasted defeat once since their opening day loss and are scoring a bucket load of goals. In fact, throughout their last seven matches, they have beaten the goalkeeper on 25 occasions.

It’s in stark contrast to last season when Celtic were taken to the cleaners by Rangers during a disastrous trophyless campaign.

Under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, the Bhoys have bounced back and look every bit a title contender again.

Yet, after just about scraping through to the Europa League group stages on Thursday, will the Australian make many changes on Sunday?

Here’s the starting XI we’re predicting…

We’re tipping Postecoglou to make two changes to the team that lost to AZ Alkmaar last Thursday.

The first change comes at right-back where Josip Juranovic is afforded his first minutes in a Celtic shirt since signing from Legia Warsaw.

Anthony Ralston has been one of the club’s most consistent players this season and already has two goals from a full-back position in the early stages of the campaign.

However, in a game with so much riding on it, Postecoglou will be pleased to be able to call on a reliable defender in the form of Juranovic.

The final alteration is up top where Odsonne Edouard comes back into the fray at the expense of £16k-per-week Tom Rogic. He didn’t start in the Netherlands this week but is handed another chance before a potential move away in the final days of the transfer window.

This could be Edouard’s last appearance as a Celtic player and with that in mind, he will be hoping to go out with a bang.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/postecoglou-hoops-bhoys-jenz-larsson-nisbet” title=”Check out the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

As a result of his inclusion, Kyogo Furuhashi moves back to the left-hand side with Ryan Christie in behind the striker.

Greg Taylor is fit enough to start at left-back which is news that will come as a relief to the manager. The Scot limped off in the Europa League in midweek but has been included in the provisional squad this weekend.

James Forrest is also due to return after not travelling to the Netherlands.

AND in other news, Forget Montgomery: Celtic can soften Taylor injury blow by signing “incredible” 20 y/o…

Joe Aribo travelled to join up with the Nigeria squad recently and his manager has dropped a worrying claim about his future at Rangers.

The Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr claimed that the Rangers midfielder was involved in transfer talks at the end of the window, which was his reason for being late for international duty.

He said:

“We are ready, we are still missing two players or three (Aribo, Onuachu, Awaziem), they will arrive tonight or tomorrow.

“These players were concerned by transfer problems so they could not be here with us since yesterday (Tuesday).”

Although the former Charlton Athletic man obviously didn’t leave Ibrox before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, Rangers fans may well be concerned to hear that he was involved in transfer negotiations.

Since joining on a free transfer from the Addicks in 2019, the midfielder has established himself as a key player in Steven Gerrard’s side, making 99 appearances, in which he has contributed 18 goals and 16 assists.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

At just 25, the £5.85m-rated man still has plenty of time to improve his game and his attributes suggest that he could certainly make it in the Premier League, so it is no surprise to see him attracting interest from abroad.

However, Gerrard was clearly keen to keep hold of his best players in the transfer window as the Teddy Bears look to retain their Premiership title, and if Rangers did have any negotiations regarding Aribo, they clearly didn’t amount to much.

The 41-year-old manager is certainly a big fan of the Nigeria international, as he sang his praises last season, saying:

“He was fantastic today, not just the goal but his running power, his quick feet and the way he outplays people. He is a fantastic kid, you can’t get him off the training pitch, he’s always working on his game.”

Therefore, whilst Rangers were able to keep him in this transfer window, fans may well be worried about the prospect of him leaving in January after Rohr’s transfer claim.

And, in other news… £3.15m-rated Rangers ace may have played his last Ibrox game

A number of Liverpool fans are buzzing with the latest news revolving around Barcelona’s Pedri.

At only 18-years-old, Pedri has made 91 senior appearances at club level and has only missed three Spain games since making his debut in March earlier this year.

Jurgen Klopp was expected to bring in a midfielder replacement for Gini Wijnaldum in the summer transfer window but failed to do so with Ibrahima Konate the only incoming through the door.

Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are likely to be called upon when needed, but with both players carrying a track record of injuries, that area may prove to be difficult for Klopp this season.

According to Spanish reporter Eduardo Inda, [via Anfield Edition on Twitter], Liverpool are interested in signing Pedro and Klopp is ‘in love’ with the teenager.

The journalist has stated that the 2019/20 Premier League champions are willing to pay around £85.9million for Pedro, smashing the club’s previous transfer record.

Liverpool fans react to Pedri claim

These Reds fans took to Twitter to show their excitement about potentially luring the Spain international away from Barcelona.

“YES PLEASE”

Credit: @soydylo

“I’d cry for him to be in a Liverpool shirt”

Credit: @kloppboy23

“We are serious?’

Credit: @MR_obrajnr

“I’m praying”

Credit: @himma1_s

“Him or Olmo will do, top players with bright futures”

Credit: @MoreLiverpool

“Please sign him”

Credit: @False_CF_

In other news, Liverpool fans relieved that midfielder transfer didn’t happen. Find out more here.

Southampton’s first-team have won one of their five competitive matches in all competitions so far this season, with their only victory coming against Newport County in the League Cup.

The Saints have drawn three of their four Premier League matches, sharing the spoils with Newcastle, Manchester United and West Ham whilst also losing to Everton.

Another competition Southampton are competing in is the EFL Trophy. It is composed of League One and League Two outfits, with a smattering of Premier League youth sides, including the Saints’ U21s.

They, unfortunately, were unable to add to the club’s wins this season as they lost 1-0 to Leyton Orient in their opening group stage match.

Results are not the be-all and end-all in academy matches, though, despite them playing against a senior side. The most important facet is the individual performances and development of the players in the team, rather than how they play as a unit.

One player who caught the eye against Orient, in spite of the defeat, was central defender Dynel Simeu. The centre-back joined the Saints on a permanent deal from Chelsea in the summer and has not been seen at first-team level, as he is yet to make his senior bow.

Simeu was handed the highest SofaScore rating (7.7) of any player in the match, including the Orient players, as he stood out in defence. Per SofaScore, he won an impressive 85% of his duels on the pitch, winning nine of his 11 ground battles and eight of his nine headers.

He was up against a tricky opponent in Tyrese Omotoye. The teenager is on loan at Orient from Premier League side Norwich – where he made three appearances in the Championship as the Canaries won the title. His involvement in the first-team suggests that Norwich see potential in him, but Simeu was able to lock him up with his strong defending.

Per SofaScore, Simeu made seven clearances and five tackles, whilst also making one block and four interceptions to cut out Orient attacks. This highlights how impressive he was for the young Saints and why the overall result is not always the most important aspect of a game.

Simeu will surely have caught Ralph Hasenhuttl’s eye with this performance. He was able to stand out as the best performer among his fellow academy prospects and the senior Orient players, which will delight the Austrian head coach as it suggests that he has the potential to make the step up to first-team football further down the line.

Of course, he will need to perform consistently and prove that this is not a one-off, but Hasenhuttl will have been impressed by how effective Simeu was with his defending against the League Two outfit.

AND in other news, £34k-p/w gem’s value has risen 143% since Southampton exit, Ralph made a huge mistake…

Southampton head to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday in search of their first win in the Premier League this season at the fifth attempt.

The Saints have picked up three points from their opening four league matches, drawing with Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester United after a 3-1 defeat to Everton on the opening day of the campaign.

Ralph Hasenhuttl now faces the unenviable task of trying to pick up a result away to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have won their last four games in all competitions, scoring 17 goals in the process.

Southampton’s last match ended in a 0-0 draw against the Hammers and Hasenhuttl made a bold call ahead of kick-off, dropping Che Adams from the starting line-up. The Scotland international ended up being an unused substitute as the Saints failed to score, with Armando Broja replacing Adam Armstrong up front in the second half.

It is now time for the Austrian to unleash Adams and bring him back into the starting XI against Manchester City this weekend. Whether that means partnering him with Armstrong in a front two or going with the Scot as the sole number nine remains to be seen, but he should be in the side come 2pm on Saturday as he has the quality to be a game-changer for the Saints.

Earlier this year, Adams was the recipient of a contender for manager quote of the season from Hasenhuttl, who called him a ‘ketchup bottle phenomenon’ for his feast-or-famine goalscoring pattern.

The Austrian said: “Maybe again we have the ketchup bottle phenomenon. A long time nothing, but then maybe everything comes at once. So let’s see.”

The £52k-per-week beast produced nine goals and five assists for Southampton in the Premier League last season, showing that he has the ability to score and create goals at this level. He has also plundered decisive goals against City in the past, scoring a sensational 40-yard screamer against Guardiola’s side in a 1-0 win at St Mary’s in 2020.

This is why he should be reintroduced into the starting XI for the match on Saturday. Adams has proven that he can score goals in the Premier League, and indeed against City, which means that he has the potential to be a game-changer for Hasenhuttl’s side. It’s time to squeeze the ketchup bottle to see what comes out…

AND in other news, Semmens must sanction deal for “dangerous” Saints beast, Ralph would be buzzing…

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ John Wenham has shared what he knows as managing director Fabio Paratici allegedly eyes a swoop for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen.

The Lowdown: Spurs scouts get tracking…

As per The Independent, it appears Tottenham and Paratici have now taken a keen interest in signing the Irons attacker who has thoroughly impressed under David Moyes so far.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-developments/” title=”Spurs developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, as they reported earlier this week, Spurs are long-time admirers of the Englishman and have been circling alongside the likes of Liverpool and Leicester City.

The Latest: Lilywhites source shares what he knows…

Speaking to FI, Lilywhites source and ‘insider’ Wenham has shared what he knows on this interest and reliably informs whether this deal could indeed happen.

“West Ham spent £18million on him and would obviously look for a lot more than that to sell him,”

“Tottenham and West Ham don’t do business. There is no love lost between the two clubs at boardroom level.

“I don’t see West Ham entertaining any bids for Bowen from Tottenham, that one is a non-starter.

“Tottenham may be interested in him but some clubs just don’t do business.

“I would categorically rule that one out now. Even if West Ham said he was available they would turn down an approach from Tottenham.

“From what I’ve heard from people I know in the industry, I just can’t see that one happening.”

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs fans?

Going by the numbers, Bowen would be a stellar signing for Spurs, so it comes as a blow that this N17 source sees it as a non-starter.

According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old has averaged an electric 3 completed dribbles and 2.4 key passes per 90 in the Premier League so far – both more than any Spurs player.

As well as this, talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan recently labelled him a ‘world-beater’ for his fine form (talkSPORT via Read West Ham).

In other news: Medical was done: Source reveals player’s summer move from Spurs fell apart at the very last second, find out more here.