Arsenal have plenty of time on their hands to bring in stars to strengthen their bid for the Premier League title, but may now face a battle to retain one of their key men, according to a report.

Arsenal closing in on Martin Zubimendi deal

In what appears to have become a long-running saga, Arsenal are close to signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after the Spain international was in London over the weekend to try and iron out the finer details of his move.

With Thomas Partey set to leave the Gunners on a free transfer amid interest from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, there is definite scope for Mikel Arteta to reshape his engine room ahead of another campaign where his side are expected to lead the fight on all fronts.

Nevertheless, there is still no clear direction on whether Arsenal will sign Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line as the financials involved between the club and either RB Leipzig or Sporting remain to be determined.

Of course, the Gunners have plenty of capital to play with in North London, but they need to factor in the best possible way to use it without being short-changed in their hunt for reinforcements.

Taking a measured approach to signings makes a degree of sense, though there is always a sense of impatience among supporters desperate to see new arrivals.

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Jorrel Hato is another long-term Arsenal target. Still, there may need to be one or two departures to bankroll their summer spending spree.

Looking ahead to potential events that could occur, the Gunners now have a major decision on their hands involving one of their most important contributors.

Arsenal could face battle to retain Gabriel Martinelli

According to TBR, Arsenal could struggle to retain Gabriel Martinelli after Bayern Munich made contact over a potential move for the Brazil international.

Lodging an enquiry, the Bundesliga champions have tempted the 24-year-old to think about his future, and he is said to be ‘exploring his options’ and hasn’t made a conclusive decision over whether to stay in North London or otherwise.

Gabriel Martinelli’s Premier League campaign in numbers – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

40

Successful dribbles

33

Shots

55

Shots on target

25

Successful crosses

22

Labelled “brilliant” by teammate Gabriel Jesus, Saudi Pro League clubs have also expressed an interest in his services, though it feels unlikely that he would opt to leave Europe’s top-five leagues during a relatively early stage in his career.

Enjoying a productive time of things last term, £180,000 per week earner Martinelli registered ten goals and six assists in 51 appearances across all competitions and wouldn’t be easy to replace at the Emirates Stadium.

Intriguingly, Arsenal have looked at Chelsea’s Noni Madueke after missing out on Nico Williams to Barcelona, so there is a possibility that wingers will form a key part of their transfer strategy regardless of the outcome elsewhere.

Chelsea secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup following an extra-time victory over Benfica at the weekend.

Reece James looked like he had powered the Blues into the next round, but a penalty from Ángel Di María sent the clash into an extra 30 minutes.

The game was suspended for a couple of hours, just minutes from the final whistle, due to a storm threat, but Chelsea finally won the clash 4-1.

It may have taken 4 hours and 39 minutes, but Enzo Maresca’s side now face off against PSG for a spot in the semi-final.

Despite the focus being on the tournament and progressing as far as possible, the manager is still keen on bolstering his squad via the transfer market.

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Reports coming from the Athletic claim that the Blues have reached an agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion regarding a move for Joao Pedro.

The proposed deal looks set to be in excess of £50m and the Brazilian has agreed personal terms with the club.

With a medical booked in early for next week, it appears as though Maresca is closing in on signing another key target. Just what will Pedro offer the Blues?

Why Chelsea want to sign Joao Pedro

Maresca is looking to sell both Christopher Nkunku and João Félix this summer, with both players struggling for regular gametime last season.

Nkunku may have scored against Benfica, but with clubs such as Manchester United showing some interest in the Frenchman, it looks as though he might be sold.

Felix played just 20 times for Maresca last season, scoring seven times, but the Portuguese star spent the second half of the campaign out on loan at AC Milan.

Pedro’s arrival suggests one, or perhaps both, will soon be departing Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

The Brighton star is versatile, being able to operate as a centre-forward, second striker or even out wide on the left flank.

Last term, he typically operated in an advanced role centrally, scoring ten goals for the Seagulls and registering seven assists, proving he is adept in front of goal and at creating opportunities for his teammates.

Such were his performances, the 23-year-old ranks highly among his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues.

Indeed, not only does the forward rank in the top 12% for assists (0.28) per 90, but he also ranks in the top 10% for shot-creating actions (3.33) and successful take-ons (1.34) per 90.

Furthermore, Pedro’s ability to get the ball into dangerous areas is evidenced by the fact he ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes (3.6) and in the top 3% for progressive carries (3.05) per 90, indicating that he will offer a lot of attacking qualities for the Blues next term.

It won’t be the only area of the squad that the Italian will be keen on strengthening, however, especially with the added demands of Champions League football next term.

As such, it’s certainly worth Chelsea bringing in a defender or two this summer.

Chelsea's search for a defender

Last season, the club conceded a total of 59 goals across all competitions from 57 matches, and this record will be something Maresca aims to improve next term.

Over the same period, Chelsea scored 120 goals. This suggests that bolstering the defence is surely a bigger priority than adding to the forward line, notably Joao Pedro.

It looks as though the Blues are keen on a defender who played against them just last weekend – Antonio Silva.

Journalist Simon Phillips stated via his Substack that the Blues have been impressed with the youngster, saying:

“Chelsea have tried and made approaches and checks on a number of potential new centre back names this summer so far and still have more to look at and in to. Chelsea have been scouting Antonio Silva of Benfica all season and already have him added to our transfer shortlist alongside his team mate, Tomas Araujo.

“But Chelsea are looking for an out and out centre back and attentions have again turned to the 21-year-old Portuguese international who has just two-years remaining on his contract.”

The centre-back is valued at €32m (£27m) according to Transfermarkt, but Benfica will be looking for a much higher fee than that to sanction a sale considering his release clause stands at around £87m.

Given their defensive issues last term, Silva would be a better signing than Pedro, that’s for sure.

Why Chelsea must sign Antonio Silva

The 21-year-old played over 40 times last season, including all four games at the Club World Cup for Benfica.

At the tournament, Silva averaged a 92% pass success rate, while winning a staggering 80% of his total duels contested, made 2.3 tackles per game and lost possession just 4.3 times per match in the States.

These performances have attracted plenty of attention, and there is no doubt that Silva is only going to get better and better.

After he burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old with a goal against Juventus in the Champions League back in 2022, Jamie Carragher claimed the defender was “going to be a superstar” and his upwards trajectory certainly suggests so.

When compared to his peers in the Champions League last season, Silva ranked in the top 1% for clearances (7.7) per 90, while also ranking in the top 16% for aerials won (2.36) and in the top 9% for touches in the defensive penalty area (12.91) per 90.

An impressive array of statistics indeed, and considering his ceiling is extraordinarily high, Maresca must make signing Silva a key priority this summer.

Pedro will certainly add plenty of dynamism to the club’s attacking department, but it is at the heart of the defence where the real improvements are required given the problems Maresca’s men suffered last term.

As such, spending whatever it takes to bring Silva from Benfica to the Premier League must be the next move BlueCo are planning.

If he lands his signature, Silva will almost certainly be a better signing than Pedro.

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Sri Lanka captain also explains why they’ve been hard to come by

Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Sep-2024It’s the batters, batters, batters. Right through the series, Sri Lanka have emphasised that it was their batting order that was letting the side down. Four innings in, with Sri Lanka never having got close to 350, with none of their top seven having got to triple-figures, captain Dhananjaya de Silva has reiterated the importance of top order runs again.In the first Test, Sri Lanka were 72 for 5 in the first innings. In the second Test, they were 83 for 5 in the first innings. Here’s where de Silva believes they lost.”Our batters have to score runs, and that’s the biggest issue we’ve had, ” he said. “Those who got starts didn’t turn them into hundreds and 150s. If you look at Joe Root on their side, he’s consistently made runs and it’s around him that others made runs. That’s what someone on our side needs to do as well, so we can get to 300 or 350. First-innings runs are what’s crucial to victory.”Related

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The only Sri Lanka batter to make serious runs on tour has been Kamindu Mendis, who batting at No. 7 has made scores of 113 in Manchester and 74 at Lord’s. He arrives at his sixth Test with a batting average of 78.87, having made six fifty-plus scores in nine innings, and having gone onto triple-figures on three of those occasions.Sri Lanka would have been tempted to shunt him up the order for this match, given not only his form, but the fact that he bats in the top and middle order frequently for domestic sides. But they will leave him where he is, for now, de Silva said.”I think if Kamindu plays well down there there’s no reason to change what he’s doing and put him in trouble. If he’s scoring there, it’s good for his career as well. In the future, maybe we will talk to him, about his plans as well and see what changes we can make. But right now we’re thinking of him as a No. 7.”The remainder of the batting order, even those on their third tour of England, have struggled badly against England’s seamers meanwhile. A lot of this has to do with their discipline, de Silva said.”They [England] have a lot of control in addition to their experience. They have great control of line and length and we don’t get many loose balls in England. We need to be prepared for that and our plans have to take that into account. That’s just what you get in England. In the two previous matches they didn’t let us execute our plans. That’s why they were successful.”Root, who has made 350 runs in four innings so far in the series, has also helped pound Sri Lanka to a 2-0 scoreline. Earlier this week, Dimuth Karunaratne spoke about Sri Lanka needing to go back to square one with their planning for him. De Silva hopes they’ve now got something together that will surprise Root, at the very least.”It’s not that our plans against him didn’t work – he just very quickly recognised what we were trying to do and countered it. That’s what world class players do, and that’s why he scored runs. We’ve hopefully come up with something now that he won’t expect.”

It’s safe to say no Tottenham Hotspur fan could’ve predicted what the club have been through over the last couple of weeks, with Thomas Frank enduring quite the start to his reign at the club.

The Dane was appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss back in June, looking to build on the Europa League success achieved by Ange Postecoglou at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

He’s certainly looked to add to his squad, completing the £55m deal of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United last week, with the Ghanaian becoming the first major signing of his spell in charge.

It looked almost certain that the 24-year-old would be joined by Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in North London, but a deal has appeared to hit a huge stumbling block.

Such a scenario is something you would usually see when watching a Hollywood movie, but it’s something that has to be taken into consideration when dealing with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Spurs decided to trigger Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause in his contract last Thursday, with a deal rapidly developing, so much so that he was set for a medical the following day.

However, a deal has been far from ideal to date, with Forest threatening legal action over an illegal approach, which could be seen as an added money-making exercise given the bargain clause.

Whilst that deal appears on hold for the time being, the same can’t be said for centre-back Koni de Winter, with progress being made for his signature, according to The i Paper.

They claim that the Lilywhites have made an approach to land the Belgian international who could be available for as little as £22m during the ongoing window.

However, it also states that they face tough competition from Intern Milan for the 23-year-old’s services, potentially leading to a battle to land the star in the coming weeks.

Why Spurs’ £22m target would be a better signing than Gibbs-White

Given his tally of seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season, there’s no denying that Gibbs-White would be a superb addition for Frank’s side ahead of 2025/26.

He has the opportunity to further his career, playing in the Champions League whilst also potentially cementing his place within Thomas Tuchel’s England set up on a consistent basis.

However, despite the work of Marinakis to stop such a move, there’s also the question of where the 25-year-old would feature in North London, given the addition of Kudus and the current option of James Maddison.

There’s no denying that his best position is in the number ten role behind the striker, potentially being a waste of money, should the manager land him and decide to play him out of position.

Such a decision could make De Winter a better addition this summer, especially considering the lack of depth currently available in the centre-back department.

The Belgian would offer a superb option for Frank’s side ahead, potentially having the tools to cement his place in the side in the long term, given his tender age.

De Winter, who’s been labelled “imperious” by journalist Sacha Tavolieri, won 58% of the tackles he entered last year, whilst winning 3.2 aerials per 90, handing Frank’s side a talented defensive option to help bolster the backline.

Koni de Winter’s stats for Genoa in Serie A (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

25

Goals scored

3

Pass accuracy

87%

Passes into final third

1.7

Tackles won

58%

Aerials won

3.2

Recoveries made

4.8

Stats via FotMob

He also made 1.1 interceptions per 90 and 4.8 recoveries, helping the Italian side keep double figures for clean sheets – something which is desperately needed in North London, given their measly tally of 65 goals conceded.

At just 23, he’s already racked up over 100 senior appearances, having the ability, but also the potential to be a real asset for the club in the present and the years ahead.

Gibbs-White would certainly excel in North London, but the need for added reinforcements at the back is just as important during the current window.

De Winter would provide just that, and at just £22m he would be a massive bargain, one that could also see the hierarchy make a tidy profit on their investment in the near future.

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Everton boss David Moyes is a man with a lot on his plate.

However, he’s proven his aptitude as a high-level manager across many years at various outfits – including two stints with the Toffees.

It’s been a long old journey for Everton and their legion of supporters, but having emerged from troubled waters with a vision and a plan to reach that horizon, it’s a journey which may open up new possibilities.

Just consider the micro successes. Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new contract; Thierno Barry, billed a superstar in the making, has signed for £27.5m and will replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Such transactions will come together to present a clear vision at the macro scale. Everton have a new kind of attention to detail and structure, which Moyes is directing.

And he plans on making one or two more exciting signings ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Everton planning more signings

The arrival of the 6 foot 5 Barry feels a very apt signing. He is a powerful and potent striker, raising the goalscoring bar as Everton step into a new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

But he could still do with some more support. As per i News, Everton have established contacts with Manchester City for playmaker James McAtee; the competition for his signature, however, is thick.

Everton would be wise to demonstrate their diligence by proving they have alternative picks on the radar, so too not be left adrift if McAtee’s signature is drawn by another.

Well, Omari Hutchinson is anticipated to be on the move this summer following Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League, and Everton have been reported by journalist Graeme Bailey to be gearing up for a move now that Barry is a Blue, alongside West Brom’s Tom Fellows:

“In terms of what’s next, Everton want wingers — I think Tom Fellows and Omari Hutchinson are very interesting, I think they’re under the radar as well.

“I think you could see both come in because they are very different wingers, one is inverted and one’s not, I think Moyes would love them both.”

The English attacking midfielder has a £35m release clause in his contract, but it’s clear to see this could prove a bargain if he reaches his full potential.

Why Everton want Omari Hutchinson

After completing a successful loan spell in the Championship with Ipswich, Hutchinson joined Kieran McKenna’s outfit from Chelsea last summer for a £20m fee.

Considered by analyst Ben Mattinson to be among a “ridiculous” crop of rising talent at Chelsea before his permanent switch, Hutchinson proved himself capable in the Premier League last year and could start to catch a few eyes in a more stable system on Merseyside.

He only registered five goal involvements in the Premier League last season, but Hutchinson managed to demonstrate enough of his quality to impress, with The Football Terrace’s Dean Jones even calling him “similar to Cole Palmer”.

Matches (starts)

28 (27)

Goals

3

Assists

2

Shots (on target)*

1.3 (0.6)

Big chances missed

1

Pass completion

84%

Big chances created

5

Key passes*

0.9

Dribbles*

1.6

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

Duels won*

4.3

As you can see from the round-up of Hutchinson’s statistics above, his crisp and creative passing, clinical finishing (only missing one big chance while converting three more) and natural defensive application all suggest he’s got what it takes to become a complete attacking midfielder of a similar mould to Chelsea’s superstar, who has scored 41 goals and supplied 28 assists across 96 matches since leaving Manchester City.

Palmer is defined by his skilful style, emerging onto the scene with a rare confidence, unburdened by so-called inexperience and leaving the likes of Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher marvelling that he’s “the best player in the Premier League”.

Does Hutchinson have the same high-rise roof? Perhaps not, but then we have yet to see the 21-year-old realise his full potential, performing in a team looking to challenge in the higher levels of the Premier League. Thus, the gap could be limited, but by how far is uncertain.

In any case, Hutchinson’s silkiness and dynamism suggest he would be a fantastic fit in an Everton team now preparing for life with a robust and reliable striker, and indeed developing further Moyes’ system, more ranged and layered than before.

Everton would only improve with a player of Hutchinson’s ilk added to Moyes’ squad. Hailed a “special talent” by scouting consultant Felix Johnston, he has the playmaking ability and winged footwork to become Everton’s own version of Palmer, maybe not reaching the same giddy heights but filling a similar gap.

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The fast bowler hopes some technical changes can put him on track to revive his Australia career

AAP15-Aug-2024Jhye Richardson has returned to the run up that earned him three Tests for Australia, with the hope that his horror run of hamstring woes are behind him.Richardson has made a successful return to competitive cricket this week, playing as part of a Perth Scorchers side in the Top End T20 series in Darwin.Related

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Held back by injuries since his Test debut in 2019, Richardson has suffered four separate hamstring setbacks since his most recent limited-overs international in June 2022.He was initially named to return to Australia’s white-ball squad last summer, before being ruled out when he suffered his latest hamstring injury in the BBL.In the months since, Richardson has been able to get a solid block of net bowling in while only playing one game in the IPL, before pre-season stints in Perth and Brisbane.”I’m trying to avoid problem areas and build that resilience that I haven’t had in the past couple of years,” Richardson told AAP. “I’ve played two games [in Darwin], the body has been good. It’s obviously a different intensity playing competitive cricket again.”Richardson had tinkered with his run up before his most recent hamstring injury, only reaching top speed closer to the crease in a bid to make it more efficient. But he has since returned to his more traditional style, which sees him sprinting in at speeds of close to 22.5kph from earlier in his run up.Jhye Richardson’s injury issues have limited him to three Tests•Getty Images

“We wanted to explore what that looked like, with the goal of getting back to red-ball cricket,” Richardson said. “But I am back to my old run up now, understanding that what I had done previously for 10 years had probably somewhat worked.”I probably just felt a bit rushed. I didn’t feel as balanced. Everyone speaks about rhythm and feeling balanced and strong at the crease. And the ultimate goal is to perform, right? I have put a lot of work into my hamstring, so everyone is comfortable with the fact I can go back to what has worked previously.”Richardson’s fitness comes as a big few years loom for the 27-year-old. Selectors have kept the faith in the West Australian, retaining him on the national contract list despite the long run of injuries.Change is also coming in the Test team, with all three frontline quicks over the age of 30 and back-up paceman Scott Boland 35. Richardson appears the most credentialed man to one day lead the attack, with 11 wickets at 22.09 in his three Tests to date.”I think [it is important to be fit then], but we are looking pretty far into the future there,” he said. “Taking it one step at a time, getting the body right and making sure everything is right on my end, and not worrying about what is happening externally.”We obviously know there will be a transition point at some stage. When that happens, I am not too sure. But ultimately being fit at any time is my goal. Regardless of when the transition happens. And to be able to play Test cricket regardless of who is in the team.”

أثيرت أنباء خلال الساعات الماضية عن اقتراب انتقال المهاجم الفلسطيني أسد الحملاوي، لاعب كرايوفا الروماني، إلى الأهلي في يناير المقبل.

وتحدثت تقارير عن وجود اتفاق بالفعل ودفع الشرط الجزائي، وهو ما أثار ضجة كبيرة بين جماهير القلعة الحمراء الباحثة عن مهاجم جديد.

اقرأ أيضًا | مجدي عبد الغني عن تصريحات حسام غالي: لماذا تعلّمنا مبادئ الأهلي؟.. وسيجعلوني “أبو لهب”

مصادر خاصة لـ بطولات، نفت بشكل قاطع صحة هذه الأخبار، مؤكدة أنه لا يوجد أي اتفاق من قريب أو بعيد بين الأهلي واللاعب.

وأضافت أن كل ما يتداول لا يتعدى كونه شائعات واجتهادات إعلامية، وأن النادي لم يدخل في أي تواصل رسمي مع الحملاوي.

كما أوضحت المصادر أن الحديث عن انتقال اللاعب مقابل مليون يورو غير صحيح إطلاقًا، حيث يبلغ الشرط الجزائي في عقده مع كرايوفا 10 ملايين يورو.

وتأتي هذه الشائعات بالتزامن مع رغبة الأهلي في تدعيم خط الهجوم، خاصة مع ضغط المباريات وأزمة التهديف.

من جانبه، أكد ياسين طاهري، المدير الرياضي لنادي كرايوفا، في تصريحات تلفزيونية قبل أيام قليلة، أنه ليس هناك أي عرض رسمي من الأهلي أو غيره بشأن الحملاوي.

وأضاف طاهري أن اللاعب يركز حاليًا مع الفريق الروماني ولا يفكر في الرحيل خلال الموسم الجاري.

وشدد طاهري على أن إدارة كرايوفا لن تناقش مستقبل اللاعب إلا إذا جاء عرض رسمي بعد نهاية الموسم.

Tottenham Hotspur will have to balance the books soon by making key player sales, especially with the plethora of non-locally trained players in their squad, which could result in them having to submit a weakened Champions League squad.

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Due to UEFA rules, Spurs require at least eight ‘locally trained’ players to be named in their 25-man list, and if they cannot meet this quota, then their total of A-list players will be reduced to make up the deficit.

While Morgan Gibbs-White’s potential arrival – which has now been delayed due to legal complications – could have a positive impact on this, given he came through the Wolves academy, their recent signing of Mohammed Kudus means that the north Londoners currently boast around 24 non-locally trained players in their current squad, even if this does include the likes of Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Yang-min Hyeok, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Taking this into account, The Telegraph reports that Tottenham will need to sell at least one player this summer, and there are plenty of candidates.

Gil and Solomon are very likely to be sold after spending 2024/2025 out on loan at Girona and Leeds United respectively, with the former already confirming his intention to leave N17 in the coming weeks.

“That’s something my agent will tell me where things are going, but they [Spurs] told me, and I told them, that the best thing is for us not to continue being linked to Tottenham,” said Gil to Estadio Deportivo in April.

“They bet on me when I was young, and they’ve treated me fairly well, but if I have to go back there, I’ll focus on giving my best as always. I’m calm because no one can have a bad word to say about me not being professional. Without playing, I’ve always trained well, I’ve done what I had to do, so whatever has to happen, will happen. We’ll see where we are next year.”

Son Heung-min has entered the final 12 months of his contract and may be sold by Spurs, according to recent reports, with Yves Bissouma also attracting interest from Turkey.

However, another option could be injury-plagued striker Richarlison.

Richarlison likely to leave Tottenham as Vasco de Gama phone him

They’re very unlikely to make a substantial fee back off the £60 million they paid Everton to sign the Brazil striker in 2022, but Tottenham’s signings of Gibbs-White and Kudus will only push him further down the attacking pecking order.

Spurs are also still interested in signing Brentford star Yoane Wissa, and if they were to sensationally bring in the Bees star too, it would surely draw the curtain on Richarlison’s north London career.

The 28-year-old, barring a fine purple patch under Ange Postecoglou midway through 2023/2024, has found life very difficult at Spurs overall – with journalist Leonardo Lacerda, via Bolavip, sharing that clubs in Brazil could offer him a route back home.

Lacerda is quoted saying that Vasco de Gama president, Pedrinho, has personally phoned Richarlison to gauge the possibility of a transfer, but the ex-Watford man also has admirers in Saudi Arabia.

“It’s happening! President Pedrinho, accompanied by a member of the Vasco leadership, contacted Richarlison directly through a phone call,” said Lacerda.

“The goal was to get a closer look at the striker’s situation, as he’s unlikely to remain at Tottenham next season. In addition to Vasco, the striker is attracting interest from Fluminense, Flamengo, and Palmeiras. Two Saudi Arabian clubs have also entered the fray—Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.”

With Richarlison emerging as a real man in demand, it is now Levy’s task to set a realistic asking price, with reports suggesting Spurs will let him go for around £20 million.

Olly Stone has pledged that he will “try to touch” Mark Wood’s speeds when he replaces him as England’s out-and-out fast bowler at Lord’s this week. Wood hit 97mph/156kph against West Indies last month but injured his thigh in the first Test against Sri Lanka and has been ruled out for the rest of the series, with Stone replacing him as England’s only change to their XI for the Lord’s Test.Stone, 30, has only played three Tests in his injury-blighted career but has been a regular in England squads when fit. After missing most of last season with a hamstring injury, Stone has played 28 times across formats this summer for Nottinghamshire and London Spirit, the second-most appearances he has made in a single season.He will have a similar role in the side to Wood, being asked to bowl as fast as he can in short spells. “It’s been pretty frightening… the way he’s come in and bowled this summer is very exciting,” Stone said. “Hopefully, I can go out there and try to touch his speeds. He’s obviously up there with the fastest in the world so I’m not sure if I’ll match it – but I’ll give it a good shot.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Stone made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2019, but then had back surgery in the adjacent Wellington Hospital in 2021, having two screws inserted. “It’s the best thing I ever went in for,” he said. “Thankfully – touch wood – so far, I’ve had no recurrences with that… I’ll keep coming back for Test cricket until my body tells me otherwise.”I just love the feeling of coming off after a long four or five days, on the back of a hard-fought win. It’s more than just skill at times: it’s your character, and the way you are out there as a team for those four or five days. It’s something that white-ball cricket can’t give you. I just love the slog of that hard graft, going out there and providing your team with something different to help you try to win the game.Related

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“I’ve always said that one of the reasons I went down certain surgical routes to have my back sorted was so that I could go out and play Test cricket again. It’s never been in my mind to give that up. If my body then gave up on me, maybe I’d have to step away. But thankfully, so far, I’ve found a way and I can be back out there in an England shirt.”That Stone is regarding this week as a “second debut” speaks of his desire to start a new, injury-free chapter in his career. In total, he has suffered four stress fractures of the back – including two in the space of seven months in 2019 – with the last of those picked up during his previous Test appearance, against New Zealand at Edgbaston in 2021.In 2016, he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament celebrating the wicket of Moeen Ali in a T20 match for Northamptonshire against Worcestershire, which ruled him out for 13 months. In 2022, he sustained a broken finger while making a comeback for Warwickshire’s second team after that back operation the year before, which required more surgery and ruled him out for a further six weeks.Ahead of what will be only his 53rd first-class appearance, Stone, who turns 31 in October, is optimistic about a healthy few years on the horizon.”Although I’ve had these injuries, I feel as good as ever and ready to keep going for a few more years.Stone was in form for London Spirit in the Men’s Hundred•ECB/Getty Images

“It’s been a long time and [Lord’s is] a special place to play regardless of the situation. So to come back and play, I just want to go out there and enjoy it, play with a smile on my face and hopefully the wickets will come.”Stone also has the chance to show he can be a viable option as a long-term No.8. This summer has been his most productive to date, scoring 315 Division One runs at an average of 35.00, with three half-centuries including a career-best of 90 against Somerset in June.”If I can go out there and put a few runs on the board and add to a good score you never quite know,” Stone said, on the prospect of his securing a long-term place in the XI with his batting. “County cricket and Test cricket can be quite different so that’ll test me.”I guess maybe my motivation at the start of the year was the longer I bat, the less I bowl. Whether that was I put a few shots away maybe initially, and then once I get in, start to, not necessarily play loads of shots, but be a bit more positive.”Stone has taken 11 Championship wickets at 52.63 for Nottinghamshire this season but has benefitted from England’s decision to prioritise attributes over averages in selection. The same logic informed Josh Hull’s call-up as cover for Wood – with Luke Wright, the national selector, hinting that Sam Cook would have come into the squad if Chris Woakes had been injured, rather than Wood.”Sam has been very aware of how we’re looking to balance our pace attack, and he’s close,” Wright said. “I feel for Sam. He’s an incredible bowler, and you’re never that far away. If it had maybe been Woakesy, or a different [injured bowler], then it might bring him into it more.”But once we lost Woody, we wanted to try to keep that pace into it and have that variety in attack, and obviously that’s where having a big 6ft 7in left-armer that we could bring in, that’s why he got the nod ahead of him. But look, for Sam, he’s certainly on the radar. He’s missed out this time, but it doesn’t mean he does down the line.”England XI for second Test vs Sri Lanka: 1 Ben Duckett, 2 Dan Lawrence, 3 Ollie Pope (capt), 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jamie Smith (wk), 7 Chris Woakes, 8 Gus Atkinson, 9 Matthew Potts, 10 Olly Stone, 11 Shoaib Bashir