HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 26: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets defends LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarteri in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Sunday’s NBA playoff games saw four teams pick up important wins to keep their series alive.
The Houston Rockets avoided a sweep with a 115-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. After losing the first three games, Houston responded with an impressive performance; all five starters scored at least 16 points. Amen Thompson led the way with 23.
The Boston Celtics put themselves in control of their series with a 128-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston built an early lead and kept it from there. Payton Pritchard scored 32 points off the bench, while Jayson Tatum finished with 30 points and 11 assists.
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The San Antonio Spurs also took a 3-1 series lead after beating the Portland Trail Blazers 114-93. San Antonio turned the game around in the second half to secure the win. De’Aaron Fox scored 28 points, and Victor Wembanyama added 27.
In the final game, the Toronto Raptors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 93-89 to tie their series at 2-2. Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 23 points in a low-scoring game.
Boston and San Antonio now lead their series 3-1, Houston has forced a Game 5, and Toronto has evened things up heading into the next round of games.
Head coach Eddie Howe is among those leading figures who will give his perspective, as was always planned.
Howe’s future has come under increased scrutiny following a bruising run of nine defeats in 12 games in the league.
He has said this year’s summit will be “slightly harder”, but stressed he is looking forward to a rare opportunity to address chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and minority owner Jamie Reuben in person.
“I’m sure there will be conversations on the team and how we have performed,” he said. “I sort of welcome that to a degree.”
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Newcastle‘s owners certainly need no reminding of Howe’s body of work after appointing him in 2021.
Howe took charge of a winless side deep in relegation trouble, but went on to end Newcastle‘s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by lifting the Carabao Cup last season. They also qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025.
However, this campaign has been his most testing yet, which is saying something. Only relegated Burnley and Wolves have lost more Premier League games than Newcastle‘s 16.
Newcastle have played 54 matches in all competitions, which is uncharted territory for the group, who reached the last 16 of the Champions League and a third League Cup semi-final in four years.
This drained side have been knocked back by injuries to influential players like captain Bruno Guimaraes at key moments.
Newcastle are also still feeling the effects of a turbulent transfer window last summer.
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David Hopkinson and Ross Wilson have since arrived, but the club operated without a chief executive and sporting director during a pivotal trading period.
Newcastle missed out on a host of top transfer targets, including Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and James Trafford, and have seen little return from a £100m-plus net recruitment drive that Howe was heavily involved in.
Finally, having decided to hold firm for so long, Newcastle ultimately buckled and sold Alexander Isak on deadline day after the striker pushed to join Liverpool for a British record £125m.
Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli delivered an inspirational message at the inauguration ceremony of a cricket academy at DPS (Delhi Public School) RK Puram on Tuesday, urging students to respect their learning environment and pursue their dreams with honesty and commitment. Speaking to students during the event, Kohli said he was not accustomed to addressing school gatherings but connected deeply with the audience, having once been in the same stage of life. Reflecting on his own journey, he highlighted how his priorities shifted early as he chose cricket as his career path.
“Thank you for having me. I’m not used to speaking in schools, so this is going to be a bit awkward for me because I moved away from the school setup long ago for cricket, and that’s what I’m going to talk about. I understand the environment of a school. I’ve been through the same process and stage that all you kids are a part of right now. And I can just share from my own experience how my focus and priority changed very early on in my life,” Kohli said.
The 37-year-old added, “What I want to say is, a school is a place where you come to learn, you come to grow, you become better people.”
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#WATCH | Delhi: Cricket star Virat Kohli inaugurated a branch of West Delhi Cricket Academy at DPS RK Puram. His childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma was also with him. pic.twitter.com/gQumDN5om8
The great cricketer further emphasised the role of educators in shaping character and ability, noting that they dedicate a significant part of their lives to guiding students.
“Have respect and regard for that environment first. For your teachers, for the people who are teaching you. They are giving you a part of their lives. It’s very important to give them that respect and the focus and attention that’s required,” Kohli added.
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Sharing insights from his own life decisions, Kohli spoke about his early commitment to cricket and the importance of clarity in one’s goals.
“I chose sport very early on in my life, but that came from a very honest place. I was very sure that I wanted to go ahead and pursue cricket, and I had to be honest with myself, my family, and also my teachers to convey to them that this is the path I want to take,” the former Indian captain said. said.
He advised students to be self-aware and fully committed to their ambitions. “Be honest with your dreams, about what you want to do and follow that dream with absolute commitment. Only you will know whether you are being 100% honest or not.”
Recalling his long association with the academy, Kohli said it remained a significant part of his life and childhood.
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“I started practising when I was eight years old, and I still continue to come to the academy whenever I get time. And it’s a big part of my childhood, and I hope all the kids that come to learn cricket here can value it, can learn something from the academy. And I hope it does wonders for the school, the cricket setup here as well. So, I wish everyone all the very best,” the 37-year-old concluded.
Meanwhile, Kohli became the first player to complete 9000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday. The right-handed batter achieved this milestone during his RCB’s away match against DC at his home stadium of Arun Jaitley Stadium, from where his journey as a cricketer started.
RCB opted to field first, and excellent spells from Josh Hazlewood (4/12) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/5) reduced DC to 75 in 16.3 overs, with Abishek Porel (30) and David Miller (19) offering some resistance. RCB batters came out all guns blazing as Jacob Bethell (20 in 10 balls, with a four and two sixes), Devdutt Padikkal (34* in 13 balls, with three fours and three sixes), and Virat Kohli (25* in 13 balls, with a four and two sixes) sealed the chase in 6.3 overs.
With this win, RCB have registered their sixth win in eight matches, with 12 points to their name. RCB are at number two in the points tally. This fifth defeat for DC, who have won three, keeps them at seventh spot in the points table.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
Early Monday morning, the R&A announced that the 2028 Open Championship would be hosted at Royal Lytham and St Annes in England. The news comes after many had speculated the 2028 could see Muirfield return to the Open spotlight after a lengthy absence due to controversy.
Here’s what you need to know.
R&A names Royal Lytham & St Annes as 2028 Open Championship venue
The R&A broke the big Open Championship news via press release, with CEO Mark Darbon praising Royal Lytham & St Annes and noting the illustrious champion when the Open was first held at the club in 1926: Bobby Jones.
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“Royal Lytham & St Annes is widely renowned as one of the world’s finest links courses and has witnessed many great championship moments since The Open was first played there in 1926 when the legendary Bobby Jones won,” Darbon’s statement said. “This is one of golf’s most cherished and historic venues and The Open’s return to these famous links will spark huge interest among fans to be part of one of the world’s great sporting events and celebrate the rich traditions of golf’s original Championship.”
Royal Lytham & St Annes has a serious Open Championship pedigree, with the 1926 Open won by Jones just one of 11 Opens held at the course located in Lancashire, England.
In addition to Jones, other pros who won the Open at Royal Lytham include Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros and David Duval. When the club last hosted the Open in 2012, Ernie Els hoisted the Claret Jug for his second Open victory.
The 2028 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes will not be played in mid-July as most Opens are due to the 2028 Olympics. Instead, the 2028 Open will be contested August 3-6.
Muirfield’s absence from Open Championship rota continues
While Royal Lytham is a prestigious course with a storied history, it doesn’t quite live up to the pedigree that Muirfield holds.
The famed Scottish links course has hosted 16 Open Championships, four more than Lytham when you include the 2028 Open.
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While Lytham is ranked 68th in our Top 100 Courses list, Muirfield is 11th.
Muirfield’s past Open champions include many of the tournament’s greats, such as Harry Vardon, Walter Hagen, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Nick Faldo (twice). Ernie Els’ other Open win came at Muirfield.
And at the 2013 Open Championship at Muirfield, Phil Mickelson shocked the world by capturing his only Open title, a tournament he thought he’d never win.
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But the 2013 Open was the last held at Muirfield. The R&A then removed it from its longtime place in the Open rota following a controversial 2016 vote in which Muirfield members elected to continue its policy of barring women from joining the club.
At the time, the R&A said, “The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and going forward we will not stage the Championship at a venue that does not admit women as members.”
“Muirfield deserves to be back on the Open rota,” McIlroy said in January.
Though now we know the Open will not go to Muirfield in 2028, there are still no future Open venues announced for 2029 and beyond.
Interestingly, Muirfield last hosted the Open in 2013, one year after Lytham hosted its most recent Open. With Lytham now returning in 2028, perhaps 2029 is the year the Open Championship finally returns to Muirfield.
The Brazilian is a former light heavyweight and middleweight champion, and is keen on winning the heavyweight title.
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However, Gane is a difficult opponent, at least that is what Ngannou thinks. Gane is a former interim champion, but lost two of the three undisputed title fights that he had.
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His last fight was against Tom Apsinall for the heavyweight title. The clash ended in a no-contest after the champion was unable to continue after several eye pokes from Gane.
Ngannou was speaking to Helen Yee and was asked about this fight. ‘The Predator’ didn’t think this matchup was good for the Brazilian:
“I don’t know, I have no idea. I think Ciryl has more tools here, and Alex Pereira has his own style, Ciryl Gane has his own style. For me, and I might be wrong, but this is not a good matchup for Alex Pereira, in terms of style.”
Ngannou further explained why Pereira should be wary of Gane:
“Basically, he is moving up a division and having to face a heavyweight that is lighter than a light heavyweight. Lighter on his feet.”
Ngannou was also asked who he preferred in the matchup, and his prediction was that Gane would win the clash.
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Check out Francis Ngannou speaking about Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane from 6:42:
Alex Pereira’s former rival believes Ciryl Gane has great chance to beat Brazilian
It’s not just Francis Ngannou who believes Ciryl Gane can defeat Alex Pereira. Artem Vakhitov, the last man to defeat the Brazilian in kickboxing, has been brought in by Gane for training ahead of the Freedom 250 card.
In a recent interview with Standemup, Vakhitov claimed that Gane has a great chance to defeat Pereira based on the training sessions with the Frenchman:
“Now I think there’s a 70% chance Ciryl Gane beats Alex Pereira. I would say it’s 70/30; of course, Ciryl has the edge. Most importantly, he has everything: speed, endurance, mindset, classic kickboxing, and a sense of distance. It only remains a mental game now, to come out angry and aggressive in this fight, then everything will work out for him, I think.”
The Minnesota Vikings turned heads with their first-round pick in this year’s draft by selecting defensive tackle Caleb Banks. They then doubled down and drafted Domonique Orange in the third round. There has been plenty of criticism of the Vikings’ draft, but as a big proponent of building in the trenches first, I give it a thumbs up.
A Bigger DT Front Now Sits at the Center of the Vikings Plan
There was a lot of focus on the safety position going into this draft, and there are still questions to be answered there despite the Vikings drafting Jakobe Thomas late in the third round. There were several options to add at the defensive tackle position over the first two days of the draft. Minnesota chose Banks and Orange to add to Jalen Redmond, giving the Vikings an exciting young trio on the interior of the defensive line.
Up until news of his most recent foot injury, Banks was my favored option for the Vikings at 18. Usually, medical red flags frighten teams away – see Jermod McCoy’s slide to the fourth round this year – but the Vikings chose to gamble on Banks’ health.
Banks has the talent, he wowed at the NFL combine despite having already injured his foot – unknown at the time – and looked like he was about to rise to the top end of the first round draft board. His injury history is a major concern that needs a solution, but I still like adding Banks.
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Many feel like he could have been gotten after trading back for better value, but the cards are dealt now. The success of this pick will be judged by what Banks does on the field. At 6’6 and 327 lbs, Banks is a monster in the middle who can dominate against both the pass and rush – if he can stay healthy.
The Vikings showed interest in Orange in the build-up to the draft, but after drafting Banks in the first, it was perhaps a slight surprise they drafted him in the third. Orange is stouter than Banks at 6’2 and 322 lbs, and he’s not there for finesse. Orange can be the solid, immovable foundation for Redmond, Banks, and the Vikings’ pass rushers to work around. I really like the pick, and with strength up front, the rest of the defense can fall into place.
A Change to the Same Plan
Last year, the Vikings also looked to bolster their interior defensive line, but they did it by spending big money on veteran free agents. Neither Jonathan Allen nor Javon Hargrave had the desired effect, and neither of them will be back in Minnesota for the 2026 season.
Will the different approach this season have more success? Allen and Hargrave were decent for the Vikings, but no more, and if Banks and Orange can offer that level of play to Brian Flores’ defense at a fraction of the price. That is a win for Minnesota.
Of course, there is also more longevity to this plan, with the hope that Banks and Orange will become big contributors to the Vikings’ defense for years to come. With Redmond as the only interior defensive lineman who is truly established, the pathway is clear for the two rookies to get early playing time in their careers.
Their competition includes Levi Drake-Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Taki Taimani, and Elijah Williams. If both live up to their expectations, and particularly in Banks’ case, stay healthy, both Banks and Orange should see plenty of playing time in their rookie seasons, and both can make a positive impact.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
The latest episode of Monday Night Raw saw the feuds and storylines shift gears with WWE Backlash a few weeks away. Fresh off the fallout from WrestleMania, the energy was electric in Laredo, Texas, where fans witnessed a night packed with thrilling matches and compelling moments. Stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch were all in the house.
WWE’s creative head, Triple H, has been in the midst of criticisms lately due to his contentious booking decisions. Last night’s show was nowhere near a five-star classic, but Hunter still managed to give fans some noteworthy moments. Whether it was Oba Femi’s big decision about his future or making certain matches official for Backlash, a few things were taken care of.
Thanks for the submission!
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Here are five things Triple H got right on WWE RAW this week:
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#5. Booking Asuka vs. IYO SKY for WWE Backlash
The Asuka vs. IYO SKY feud has been hanging in the balance for quite some time now. It was “in the works” for far too long, with no actual payoff. But it looks like WWE finally took some initiative this week as the company decided to shift gears. The Empress of Tomorrow cost IYO SKY her match against Becky Lynch last night and right after that, she also wrapped IYO in her submission hold.
This rivalry finally took a serious turn on RAW. Soon after, WWE made SKY vs. Asuka official for Backlash, a match that should have happened at WrestleMania 42. While the wait was long, the good thing is it’s finally happening. Triple H made a good decision by letting the two former Damage CTRL members compete in a singles match at the upcoming premium live event.
#4. Oba Femi declaring his own Open Challenge
Oba Femi has been directionless since defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. This was a problem that started to concern the WWE Universe and it looks like The Ruler was feeling the same. As a result, Femi made a bold proclamation this week on Monday Night Raw, stating that he will officially start his own open challenges from next week for the entire roster.
That was a solid decision that stirred a fresh wave of excitement among fans. Oba Femi is currently the hottest thing on the red brand and he needed something significant to continue his momentum. Hence, it was a good decision to keep Femi’s momentum sailing. Besides, every superstar who steps up to him each week will get the opportunity to be in the spotlight.
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#3. Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins’ validation
Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker have been involved in brawls and fights for the past two weeks. However, things were different this week. The two superstars stood toe-to-toe with each other under the same roof. Breakker and Rollins were involved in an incredible promo segment, where they had a fiery exchange of words. Most importantly, it gave both the chance to say what they had been holding off in their chest.
Honestly, Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker ruled every bit of it, dragging in some personal things. The fact that Triple H gave them a segment to express their thoughts was a fantastic decision. It was very much needed for both superstars to explain why their animosity began in the first place. Therefore, Rollins and Breakker trying to validate their points was just the right move.
#2. The Judgment Day’s dominance on RAW
Liv Morgan has been riding red-hot after capturing the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42. But the other members of The Judgment Day needed to shine as well. And this week’s Monday Night Raw finally gave that. Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez battled Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a tag team match where they secured a huge victory.
Following the bout, Morgan, Perez and Rodriguez were seen standing tall in the ring shoulder-to-shoulder, showcasing their dominance. The Judgment Day finally looked like a strong unit in that very moment. WWE did a commendable job there by putting the faction in the spotlight even in the absence of Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh on Monday Night Raw.
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#1. Jacob Fatu drew first blood on Roman Reigns
The biggest highlight of Monday Night Raw was the segment between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu. The two superstars were involved in a heated exchange of words, igniting personal animosity. But things boiled over when Reigns refused to give Fatu a shot at his title, stating that handing him an opportunity just like that would be nepotism. However, The Samoan Werewolf couldn’t digest it.
He went right after the OTC, choking him with a Tongan Death Grip. Jacob Fatu became completely unhinged as he unleashed his fury on the champ. It eventually led to Roman Reigns accepting his challenge for Backlash. WWE made this match official for the upcoming PLE and what a way to do it. Triple H showcased the segment incredibly on RAW, adding a personal layer to it.
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O’Sullivan’s hopes of a record eighth world title at the Crucible were ended by old rival John Higgins in a 13-12 thriller on Tuesday, with Robertson beating Chris Wakelin in the evening session to set up a meeting with the Scot.
Higgins suffered a notable kick in the deciding frame while potting a red, and subsequently ran out of on the next black, though held on to knock out O’Sullivan. Chalk marks were also evident during the match on the table.
O’Sullivan is one of only a handful of players on the World Snooker Tour (WST) to still use the traditional Triangle Chalk. While almost all players use Taom Chalk, which reduces kicks and leaves no marks on the table, there are no restrictions in events on the type used.
“I would prefer to play John so I don’t have to contend with the chalk that Ronnie uses, which should be banned from the game,” Robertson told the BBC. “I don’t know how you are allowed to even use it.
Neil Robertson would like the Triangle Chalk to be banned (PA)
“All the players hate it, it just destroys it. You get kicks, bounces and it makes an absolute mess of the table,” he said.
“I know he [O’Sullivan] is friends with [artist] Damien Hirst, but it’s like he is making artwork with the chalk all over the cloth. I don’t think he does it to put off anyone, he is not that way inclined at all. He is about the only player left on tour that uses that chalk – hopefully they bring in a ban.”
Robertson, rejuvenated of late, looked in good touch as he beat Wakelin 13-7 to continue his pursuit of a second world title. The Australian triumphed at the Crucible in 2010, though has not reached the final since.
On Monday, the new golf venture from the automotive and Formula 1 company unveiled world No. 5 Justin Rose as its first Tour staffer and investor. Rose will debut the clubs along with the McLaren papaya staff bag and logo mark on his chest at the PGA Tour’s Cadillac Championship this week.
Rose will be putting the new clubs in play amid a resurgent stretch of his career. The 45-year-old former world No. 1 has won twice on the PGA Tour since August and finished in the top-3 in the last two Masters. He leads the PGA Tour in greens in regulation this season and ranks seventh in Strokes Gained: Approach.
“From the beginning, this has been a passion project,” Rose said in a release. “I’ve had the opportunity to be involved from the outset — working with the team, testing the clubs and helping shape what they’ve become. That level of involvement, combined with the standards McLaren brings to everything they do, made this an easy decision for me. I’m excited to put the clubs in play and watch the brand flourish.”
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Part of what drew Rose to partner with the upstart brand was a long-standing relationship with Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. Rose also regularly plays golf with Lando Norris, the McLaren Mastercard F1 driver and reigning world champion.
Rose is expected to game a set of McLaren Series 1 irons 5-P with a Series 3 4-iron this week at Trump Doral.
The official launch of the McLaren brand is set for Wednesday, April 29, at the Cadillac Championship and is being conducted concurrently with Formula 1’s Miami Championship.
Michael Carrick has a couple of injury issues to deal with following Manchester United’s win against Brentford, including Matheus Cunha after the forward suffered a hip problem
Michael Carrick’s side stormed into a two-goal lead at Old Trafford as Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko struck in the first half, and although Mathias Jensen pulled one back late on for the Bees, it was too little too late, and the Reds held on for an important three points.
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Indeed, it’s a win that has maintained United’s grip on third place and has extended the gap between them and Brighton in sixth to 11 points with four matches remaining. With the top five sealing automatic qualification for the Champions League, United require a win in their next match to guarantee a spot in Europe’s elite club competition.
But it wasn’t all positive for United. Matheus Cunha missed out on the matchday squad with a fresh issue, while Luke Shaw was forced off in the second half.
With this in mind, Manchester Evening News has all the latest injury news and potential return dates from United…
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha was a shock omission from the United squad for the visit of Brentford, having been an almost ever-present in the XI during his time at the club. He played close to the full game in the win against Chelsea after scoring what proved to be the winner, but Carrick revealed pre-match that he picked up a minor hip flexor problem.
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Carrick said: “(Cunha) just had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the Chelsea game the other day. He was looking promising during the week, so we thought he might have been OK, but he just didn’t quite recover quick enough. It is nothing too serious, but unfortunately, he doesn’t make it tonight.”
Carrick didn’t offer an update on Shaw’s condition post-match, but further clarity is expected later this week ahead of Sunday’s mouthwatering clash against Liverpool.
Potential return date: Unknown
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt has endured a frustrating season, which has been plagued by a lower back injury he sustained back in November. The Dutchman hasn’t featured since, though he is closing in on a return to action.
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He was pictured in training this week, sharing pictures on Instagram with the caption: “Working hard, getting closer”.
Speaking earlier this month, Carrick said of his rehabilitation: “It’s different treatment and different exercises. He’s in the gym and doing work but he’s not quite on the grass and he’s not ready for that yet.
“That’s the process that unfortunately when you’re injured you’ve to go through. Sometimes it happens quick quicker than others and sometimes there’s things that don’t quite go to plan and it’s a bit slower.
“He’s just at that stage where he’s working through that at the moment and we’re trying to get him back right.”
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Potential return date: Before the end of the season
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