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da esoccer bet： Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has been urged to play a youngster who former Spurs right-back Pascal Chimbonda says is just like Mohammed Kudus.

da mrbet： Spurs head into next Sunday’s North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium with genuine hope that their star attacker will be fit to face Arsenal, though he missed their last two crucial matches and didn’t travel with the Ghana squad to face Japan and South Korea.

The 25-year-old, who started every Premier League game this season before his recent knock, has been one of Spurs’ most effective players, registering four Premier League assists and scoring his first goal for the club away to Leeds just before the last international break.

Kudus’ impact since arriving from West Ham in the summer has been transformative, and he’s established himself as the creative heartbeat of Tottenham’s attack. The forward’s absence was pretty evident in their 2-2 draw with Man United, where Spurs lacked the directness and spark that has made Kudus such a pivotal figure in Frank’s system.

The Lilywhites boss has been optimistic about his chances of featuring at Arsenal, though, telling the media that Kudus should be available for the clash.

With Tottenham already decimated by injuries to key players, Kudus’ potential return would be a massive boost. The winger’s excellent form before his knock makes him arguably Tottenham’s most important attacking player, and Frank will be desperate to have him available for a fixture where Spurs desperately need to end their Emirates hoodoo.

Tottenham absentee list

Problem

Estimated return date (subject to change)

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

According to WhoScored, no other player in the Premier League has averaged a greater number of completed dribbles per 90 than the ex-West Ham star this season, and he’s also the ninth-best performing player in the entire division overall.

Kudus could play a key role in breaking down a resolute Arsenal backline and the best defence in Europe’s top five leagues, but according to Chimbonda, Frank has another young, direct winger who could also provide that extra injection of threat.

Thomas Frank urged to play Wilson Odobert with Mohammed Kudus comparison made

Speaking to Spurs Web, the ex-Tottenham defender says Frank would have a lot more luck going forward if he started Wilson Odobert on the left-hand side more often.

The Frenchman was recently heralded for his ‘best performance in a Spurs shirt’ in their 4-0 rout of FC Copenhagen last week, and the winger bagged an assist against Man United after coming off the bench to replace the injured Randal Kolo Muani.

The 20-year-old contributed three goals during an injury-disrupted debut season, and enjoyed a memorable night against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League Round of 16, where his double helped Spurs overturn a 1-0 deficit.

Brennan Johnson has struggled since being displaced from his preferred right-wing position by Kudus too, failing to replicate form which saw the Welshman finish last term as their top scorer.

With the likes of Kudus, Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel all competing with him for a starting spot, rotation is hardly a surprise, but Johnson has failed to impress off the left, and Odobert has started to feature more in that role in recent weeks.

Tel has showed promise in brief cameos, doing in five minutes what Richarlison failed to do in 84 against United. However, he remains inconsistent and relatively raw. Simons can also play on the left wing, but Spurs need the Dutchman to inspire in a more central attacking midfield role.

Odobert represents the best option to start against Arsenal on November 23, with his pace and directness potentially giving Jurrien Timber something to really think about.

Manchester United are now planning a move for Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Spanish club.

Despite their struggles last season, Man United proved they still have pulling power in the summer transfer market, winning the race for the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, even though both forwards attracted interest from a number of clubs playing in Europe.

However, it has been a long time since United have been able to make a real statement signing in the transfer window by signing one of the world’s best players, given the decline since Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012-13 season.

It was recently revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe actually stepped in to prevent a move for FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, despite Ruben Amorim being very keen to sign the Poland international.

The INEOS chairman has concerns about Lewandowski’s age and wage demands, which means the move wasn’t given the green light, despite the 37-year-old being regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

Vinicius, on the other hand, is still in the prime of his career at 25-years-old, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for his signature…

Man Utd now planning move for Vinicius Junior

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Man United now intend to make a move for the Real Madrid forward if the opportunity comes up, with it emerging that his future at the Spanish club is up in the air.

The Brazilian’s contract is set to expire in 2027, meaning rumours of a possible departure are now swirling, amid widespread interest from some top clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Manchester City also named as potential suitors.

However, United may have to shell out a massive fee to tempt the La Liga giants into a sale, with it recently being revealed they are unwilling to sanction a departure for less than €250m (£220m).

Having identified one of the best wingers in the world as a target, INEOS clearly mean business, and the left-winger’s goal catalogue alone suggests he could be capable of taking Man United’s forward line to the next level.

Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, the former Flamengo man was a constant threat in front of goal, chipping in with a whopping 41 goals and assists for Real Madrid in all competitions, finding the back of the net eight times in the Champions League.

Amorim will no doubt be pleased with his summer acquisitions in attack, with Mbeumo making an instant impact, bagging a brace in the 4-2 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, and Matheus Cunha is also now off the mark.

However, Vinicius Junior, who has been lauded as “spectacular” by journalist Tom Allnutt, is a proven top-level forward, and Man United should not pass up the chance to sign him if the opportunity arises.

Vinicius Junior is currently in the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or Power Rankings Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings

Who will be lifting the individual honour in 2026?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 6, 2025

انتقد الإعلامي أحمد شوبير الطريقة التي جرى بها التعامل مع لاعب نادي زد أحمد عاطف خلال معسكر منتخب مصر استعدادًا لبطولة كأس العرب في قطر، مؤكدًا أن اللاعب تعرض لموقف غير عادل بعدما تم استبعاده بدعوى الإصابة رغم تأكيده أنه سليم تمامًا.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الاثنين: “حق الاختيار والاستبعاد هو حق أصيل للمدرب، ولكن عندما أظهر أمام الجمهور ومعي اللاعبين وكل الأمور على ما يرام، أجد اللاعب في غاية السعادة، أسرته تودّعه وتدعو له، والدته تقبّله وتقول له: يا بُني ربنا يوفقك ويكرمك، والبيت كله يدعو له قبل سفره، وهو يقول لهم: ادعوا لي ولا تنسوني من الدعاء. أمور جميلة بالفعل، كلام جميل وكله فرحة”.

وتابع: “ما حدث أنّ أحمد عاطف، وهو أحد المهاجمين المحترمين في نادي زد، وكان قبل ذلك في نادي مودرن، سافر مع بعثة منتخب مصر الثاني إلى قطر، كانت هناك محاولات لضم مروان حمدي، مهاجم بيراميدز، ولكن أحمد عاطف كان موجودًا بالفعل، ولوائح الاتحاد العربي لا تسمح باستبدال لاعب إلا في حالة الإصابة”.

وأضاف: “وعندما فشلت محاولات ضم مروان حمدي، قُدّم تقرير يفيد بأن أحمد عاطف مصاب، فقال لهم اللاعب: والله العظيم لست مصابًا، ولا يمكن أن أكذب في مثل هذه الأمور، لكنهم قالوا له: لا، أنت مصاب، فأكد لهم أنه غير مصاب وأنه سليم تمامًا، لكنهم أصرّوا على موقفهم بدعوى أنهم يعرفون مصلحته أكثر منه”.

طالع أيضًا | أحمد حسن عن أزمة أحمد عاطف: اللاعب أساء لنفسه.. وتصريحاته غير مبرّرة

وواصل: “دخل أحمد عاطف بعد ذلك في أزمة، وفي النهاية بدا وكأنه هو المخطئ! وهذا نوع من الظلم، ضع نفسك مكان اللاعب.. مثلًا الكابتن أحمد حسن، مدير المنتخب: لو كنت مكان أحمد عاطف وتعرضت لمثل هذا الموقف، ماذا ستفعل؟ اللاعب لم يقل شيئًا مسيئًا، لكنه كان يشعر بالظلم وبالألم الكبير في داخله”.

وأضاف: “أنا أيضًا كنت متألمًا جدًّا مما حدث، ومُنع الحديث في الأمر حتى لا تُكتب مذكرة ويتم تحويلها إلى هيئة التحكيم الدولية، رغم أن اللاعب لم يرتكب أي خطأ، هو فقط عبّر عن شعوره، لكن حتى هذا لم يُسمح له به، هناك وجع حقيقي، والموضوع لا يحتاج إلى الكثير من الكلام”.

واختتم: “أنا لست مختلفًا على أن مروان حمدي لاعب مهم وسيُضيف للمنتخب بإذن الله، وهذه وجهة نظر فنية تُحترم، لكن ما حدث مع أحمد عاطف لم يكن جيدًا.. لم يكن لطيفًا على الإطلاق”.

Manchester United have placed a £29 million forward who Ruben Amorim knows well on their radar, but this time it’s not the heavily linked Viktor Gyokeres.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils will continue their defence of the FA Cup this season after knocking out Arsenal on penalties in what was an impressive performance by Amorim’s side. The Portuguese will be pleased with his side’s toughness in recent performances, but his focus will now already turn to their next game on Thursday, and he may be hoping there is some transfer activity between now and then too.

Man Utd plot move for £45m "monster" who's better than Mbeumo & Kolo Muani

Ruben Amorim is looking for a new attacker to join his Manchester United side this month.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 13, 2025

If United do conduct business this month, it is likely to be limited due to them staying in line with PSR. A new left-back is very much on the agenda at Old Trafford, but signing a new striker is also high on the list for Amorim. The Premier League side are in direct talks over signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, as he is set to leave the French side this month in what looks to be a loan capacity.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that United are going to be offered the chance to sign Jonathan David on a free transfer this summer. The Canada international looks set to leave Lille at the end of the campaign, and he is being offered to the Red Devils and other clubs.

Reports are also indicating that talks between United and Juventus over a swap deal for Dusan Vlahovic and Joshua Zirkzee are now at an advanced stage. Both sides are showing a willingness to complete the deal, with the Serbian viewed as an upgrade for the Red Devils in attack, and there is a feeling that a move could be finalised in the coming weeks.

Man Utd now prepared to sign £29m Sporting youngster

The search for a new striker doesn’t stop there for United, as according to reports from Spain, Man United are now interested in signing Conrad Harder from Sporting CP as a Gyokeres “Plan B”, and are willing to invest in such a promising youth talent.

The 19-year-old joined the Portuguese side in September from Nordsjaelland, with Amorim the one who led the pursuit for the player. Harder had spent all his career in Denmark before moving to Portugal, but his exploits in front of goal earned him his move to Lisbon.

Harder has made an impressive start to life in Portugal too, already among the goals and assists, even while not nailing down a regular starting spot as of yet due to the presence of his Swedish superstar teammate.

Harder, who has been described as being “very similar” to Gyokeres by analyst Ben Mattinson, has gained the attention of teams around Europe for having the ability to be versatile in the forward positions. The Denmark under-21 international can play as a number nine but has shown at Lisbon that he can also play as a winger, making him a flexible asset.

If United are to make a move for the striker, Lisbon are going to do what they can to retain his services, with them demanding at least 35 million euros, which is roughly £29 million. That fee may be a problem for United, but signing Harder would be a player for the now and the future.

With the January transfer window ticking away and Dominic Solanke sidelined, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly working on a deal to sign a forward who has already impressed their scouts.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites have welcomed just one fresh face in the form of Antonin Kinsky so far this month, and it’s that lack of activity which could quickly come back to bite them in the second half of the season.

Ange Postecoglou hasn’t shied away from his side’s need for reinforcements either, telling reporters as relayed by The Standard last week: “I have daily communication with Johan [Lange, technical director] in particular and he’s trying everything he possibly can to get the help we need.

“I don’t think I’m stating anything other than the obvious and for me to come here and say something else would be disingenuous: this playing group needs help.”

Sat in the depths of the Premier League’s bottom half, the rumours have been coming thick and fast as to the reinforcements that the Lilywhites could turn to this month, including Ajax star Brian Brobbey and now one other attacking option.

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are now working on a deal to sign Hamza Igamane from Rangers this month after scouts were in attendance to watch the forward score a hat-trick against Hibernian earlier this year and then score once more in a 3-0 victory over Aberdeen.

With the forward hitting his best form at the perfect time, Spurs could yet welcome an ideal solution to their attacking problems as Solanke fights back to fitness in the coming weeks.

Tottenham interested in "decisive" ace who Arsenal are confident of signing

They could battle their North London rivals…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 26, 2025

With just one week left until the transfer window slams shut though, those in North London will have to act quickly if they want to lure Rangers into a January sale and welcome a much-needed fresh face in Postecoglou’s frontline.

Tottenham should take a chance on "rough diamond" Igamane

Whilst Igamane is still far from the finished product, there’s no doubt that he’s shown plenty of potential at Rangers – scoring 13 goals in all competitions which includes his effort against Spurs in the Europa League. Still just 22 years old, Spurs should take a gamble on the young forward who already showed exactly what he can do in front of the travelling Spurs fans earlier this season.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of his form, Rangers boss Philippe Clement told reporters when asked about Igamane, as relayed by The Daily Mail: “I spoke with a lot of people before bringing Hamza in to the club. People in Morocco I knew from before. I’m lucky in that way that people knew him. They said he’s a rough diamond.”

That “rough diamond” is now shining brighter than ever and could yet steal the show in North London if Spurs push on and seal Igamane’s signature before the deadline this month.

Antonio Conte clashed with the Italian press after Scott McTominay inspired Napoli to a huge win in the Serie A title race over Monza.

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Napoli beat Monza 1-0 in Serie AMcTominay scored the winnerConte criticised by Italian press Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Conte has repeatedly lamented the lack of reinforcements since Napoli sanctioned the January sale of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain. The Georgian’s departure left a gaping hole in Napoli’s attack, and Conte has been vocal in pointing out the lack of like-for-like alternatives available to him.

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The absence of quality has been particularly noticeable in matches where Napoli have struggled to create chances. Though Saturday's game yielded a win through Scott McTominay, the manager pointed to the overall performance as further evidence that the squad lacks the necessary depth and balance to sustain a title challenge. Conte was also seen exchanging heated words with Napoli supporters in the stands after McTominay’s winner, as fans voiced their own opinions from the terraces.

WHAT THE MEDIA SAID

Despite Conte’s complaints, Italian media outlets have challenged his assessment of the squad. notably highlighted the game-changing influence of Giacomo Raspadori, who came off the bench to deliver the decisive assist for McTominay’s goal.

“The link-up between Mathías Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola didn’t work, and not even Billy Gilmour was convincing,” journalist Sebastiano Vernazza wrote in his player ratings.

“Conte saved himself with Raspadori, the living proof that the reserves are not so bad.”

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

Despite the drama surrounding the win, the result propelled Napoli to the top of the Serie A standings, albeit temporarily. They now sit level on 71 points with Inter, who have a game in hand and face a potentially tricky test away at Bologna on Sunday.

He is contracted to the Royals in the SA20 and CPL, but he will be up against them in the IPL on Friday

Matt Roller04-May-20239:30

Are IPL team owners going to take over world cricket?

Royal Multisport Private Limited – Rajasthan Royals’ parent company – have been David Miller’s employers for around one-third of the last seven months but on Friday night, he will find himself walking out to bat them.Miller represented Barbados in the Caribbean Premier League last September, and captained Paarl in the SA20 in January, but for the months of April and May, he is playing for the team that beat Rajasthan in last season’s IPL final. It is a right Royal tangle, and one that highlights the oddity of players representing different IPL-owned franchises in different leagues.”I’ve got some understanding of what they are all about,” Miller said before training in Jaipur on Thursday evening. “I’m looking forward to it. I know a lot of the guys, and this is the joy about franchise cricket around the world: you get to build relationships with players and management along the way, and build some really good friendships.”Similar situations have arisen throughout this IPL season. Two weeks ago, at the Wankhede Stadium, Sam Curran won the Player of the Match award for captaining Punjab Kings to victory over Mumbai Indians – the franchise who recruited him for their SA20 team, MI Cape Town, and bid aggressively for him in December’s mini auction.Related

• IPL teams and international stars in informal contract discussions

• Royals vs Titans brings together IPL 2023's best in class

• 'I feel extremely backed' – Miller on his success at GT

Perhaps, in that context, it is no wonder that franchises are looking to tie players to year-round contracts. There are clear challenges as to how to fit them into the draft and auction systems around the world that are designed to ensure a level of competitive balance, but the oddities thrown up by the status quo suggest change is likely.In a parallel universe, Miller might well have found himself walking out in Royals’ pink kit tomorrow rather than Gujarat Titans’ dark blue. He spent two IPL seasons with them in 2020 and 2021 and if his record for them was anything like what it has been since he joined Titans, he would surely have been retained ahead of the 2022 mega-auction.But Miller struggled for opportunities with Royals, batting only nine times for them in two years, averaging 20.66 and striking at 109.73. “It has been quite frustrating, not really being able to play over the past couple of years,” he told this website ahead of IPL 2022.It has been a bumpy ride for Miller in the IPL. From 2013-2015, he was one of the league’s best middle-order batters, consistently scoring 350-plus runs a season for Kings XI Punjab. But after a lean 2016 season – in which his top score in 13 innings was 31 – he found himself struggling for consistent opportunities, first with Kings XI and then Royals.David Miller had captained Paarl Royals in the inaugural SA20 earlier this year•SA20

“I wouldn’t say professional sport is easy,” Miller said. “It can be very challenging and tough at times, especially in a tournament like this where there’s so many overseas [players] in one squad and if you don’t really do well in one season, you’re kind of just forgotten about.”Outside of the IPL, I’ve done really well internationally, domestically – it’s just the IPL, where that one bad season that I had… I kind of just got written off. I knew what I was capable of. It was just a matter of getting a really good run and opportunity, so I trained really hard and tried to become a better player.”At Titans, Miller has played every single game that he has been available for, missing only the 2023 season opener when he was on international duty. “I was really chuffed that last season went the way it did,” Miller said, “and I had the opportunity to play throughout the whole season.”And his record has been phenomenal. He is Titans’ third-highest run-scorer across both seasons, averaging 60.09 with a strike rate of 144.00, and has been at the crease in nine of their twelve successful run chases.Key to that has been a marked improvement against spin. From 2016-21, Miller scored at just under a run a ball (98.68) against spin in the IPL, and averaged 22.60 against it; since joining Titans, his strike rate against spin has shot up to 145.32. With only three dismissals to spinners in his last 24 IPL games, he has a remarkable average of 98.33 against spin.The secret? “Just the mindset,” Miller explained. “I’ve never really felt that I’ve been poor against spin, but it’s definitely an area that I’ve needed to work on and as the years have gone on I’ve definitely focused a lot more on it. The biggest thing for me is just the mindset rather than technical faults and stuff like that… [but] I’m probably looking to play more on the back foot than [the] front foot.”It’s [been about] finding a way of getting off strike and accessing different areas. Playing spin… I’m feeling a lot better, and not feeling that they can bog me down. I’ve got my boundary options, I’ve got my one [single] options and then it’s just about going out there and trusting that preparation that you’ve had with the mindset.”If he can extend that success against R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal on Friday night, Miller will leave Royals wondering what might have been.

Las Águilas will visit Rayados de Monterrey Wednesday for Matchday 15 of the Clausura 2025

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América is on a six-game unbeaten streak against MonterreyThe Águilas don't want to risk their captainThey lost the top spot in the standings over the weekendFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

América will look to snap a four-game winless streak across all competitions – two of those in Liga MX – when they face Monterrey on Wednesday in Matchday 15. Beyond the poor run of results, André Jardine’s side has struggled in front of goal, scoring just once during that stretch.

The absences of Rodrigo Aguirre and Henry Martín have forced the Brazilian coach to play without a natural striker, contributing to the team's scoring drought. The good news for Las Águilas is that the Uruguayan forward is back and available for Wednesday, but fans will have to wait a bit longer to see their captain return to action.

“Aguirre will already be available, and Henry will gain a little more time to recover 100 percent,” said Jardine. “We don’t want to rush things, because that could be dangerous. He’ll likely only be ready for the Liguilla, and I hope that with the upcoming break, we can get him – and everyone else – in top shape.

"My goal is to have the team and each player reach the playoffs in the best possible form. As for the lack of goals, I’m not worried.”

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América has dealt with several injuries throughout the Clausura 2025, with the most notable absences being strikers Rodrigo Aguirre and Henry Martín. Both missed the crucial Champions Cup quarterfinal clash against Cruz Azul, where Las Águilas were eliminated.

Now, with the Liga MX season entering its final stretch and a historic fourth consecutive league title on the line, Jardine is gradually recovering key players. Aguirre is back in the squad, while Martín is still sidelined with Achilles tendonitis in his left foot, an injury that has kept him out for more than a month.

Midfielder Alan Cervantes will miss the Rayados match due to an ankle injury, and defender Sebastián Cáceres remains questionable. América’s medical staff is working to have as many players as possible fit for the playoffs.

On the other side, Martín Demichelis' Monterrey will be without Germán Berterame and Óliver Torres, both suspended after red cards in last weekend's Clásico Regio. However, there’s good news for the northern side as Sergio Canales and Jesús Corona are set to return.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Las Águilas are riding a six-match unbeaten streak against Rayados, with four wins and two draws in that span. The most recent clash between the two sides came in the Apertura 2024 final, where América emerged as champions, securing their third consecutive league title and completing the historic three-peat.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?

The Azulcremas will face Monterrey Wednesday in Week 16.

“Everything is very tight," Jardine said. "We’re going to Monterrey, and the toughest matches are coming. This battle at the top is intense, the tournament has been spectacular – there are six teams fighting for the title. I imagine a very close end to the regular season and a Liguilla that will be extremely competitive."

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jul-2015Upul Tharanga – playing his first Test after a year – began the rebuilding process with Dimuth Karunaratne, as the pair took Sri Lanka to lunch unscathed save the early dismissal•AFPYasir Shah made inroads into the Sri Lanka middle order after lunch, claiming three scalps, two of them to exuberant strokes which were poorly executed•AFPOn the other end of the scale, Karunaratne was skipping down the track and going back as he milked the spinners, striking a few delectable drives in between•AFPKarunaratne and Jehan Mubarak added 67 runs for the fifth wicket and drove Sri Lanka into a dominant position, but Mubarak got out at an inopportune time. Karunaratne moved on to his second Test century – a show of extreme diligence and determination – and was out for 130. Sri Lanka ended the day on 272 for 8•AFP

Rachin Ravindra has replaced Bracewell in New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming ODIs against Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Mar-2023Michael Bracewell, the New Zealand spin-bowling allrounder, has been signed up by Royal Challengers Bangalore as replacement for Will Jacks, who has been forced to give IPL 2023 a miss after picking up an injury while on tour for England in Bangladesh.Jacks, one of Royal Challengers’ big buys at the last auction, had been acquired for a price of INR 3.2 crore (US$ 390,000 approx. at the time). Bracewell, though, will join Royal Challengers for his auction base price of INR 1 crore, the BCCI said in a press statement.Rachin Ravindra, meanwhile, has been called up as Bracewell’s replacement for New Zealand’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which will follow the ongoing Test series.Related

• South Africa players to join IPL after Netherlands ODIs

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“Michael’s been a key contributor to our white-ball teams since making his debut last year. It’s exciting he’ll get a chance to take up the learning opportunities the IPL provides – particularly as a spin bowling all-rounder,” Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach, said in a statement. “With a World Cup in India this year it’s great to have players getting more experience in those conditions.”Bracewell, 32, is equally handy with bat and ball, and has played seven Tests, 19 ODIs and 16 T20Is for New Zealand. In a T20 career of 117 matches, he has 2284 runs at a strike rate of 133.48, and 40 wickets with an economy rate of 6.52. He joins captain Faf du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, Reece Topley, David Willey and countrymate Finn Allen as the overseas players at Royal Challengers.Jacks, who, like Bracewell, has never played in the IPL, sustained a muscle injury while fielding in England’s victory in their second ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka. After scans earlier this week and consultation with a specialist, he had to opt out of the IPL.The injury came as a significant blow for Jacks, who had hoped to use the IPL as an opportunity to familiarise himself with Indian conditions and push his case for selection in England’s squad for the 50-over World Cup later this year. He had tweeted “Gutted. I’ll be back,” after news of his exit from the IPL came out on March 15.Royal Challengers play their first game of the season against Mumbai Indians on April 2. It will be their first fixture at their home ground, Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, since May 2019, after which Covid-19 had forced IPL matches to be held in limited centres, even in the UAE.