We looked yesterday at the fact that Thomas Partey, injured since October, looks like he could be available by the end of January. Let’s set the numbers on all the dials, right across the board, to 11. We need that little extra push over the cliff, after all. Well, news out of Dubai, where the lads are training, is that it isn’t just Partey who’se returning to the fold to give us that push. No, indeed. I daresay we’ll be returning to (something closely resembling) full-strength in no time. New signings? Who needs those? We have “new signings” at home!
Let’s start with a little bit of a Portugeuse entrada, just a little something to whet the appetite. Yes, Fábio VIeira was spotted in training in Dubai, and it looks like the Portugeuse midfielder is well on his way to recovering from his November groin surgery. While Vieira hasn’t quite lived up to his £34m transfer fee just yet, his return to fitness could give us vital options or at least (something resembling) depth on the right. If Vieira could at least occasionally slot in for Saka or Ødegaard, offering them respite and rest, his return could indeed prove to be vital to the run-in. Feeling peckish yet? That was but a mere morsel to the main courses.
Also seen training in Dubai was none other than Gabriel Jesus. Most recently, klaxons (based on Greek klazein “to roar”) sounded when the Brazilian suffered a knock to the knee summoning spectres of another long spell on the sideline after last season’s ACL surgery. Even if Jesus hasn’t been as profliic in front of goal as we might need him to be, he adds dimensions to our attack. To have him back means that we won’t have to rely as exclusively on Nketiah through the middle or on jerry-rigged alternatives such as trying Martinelli or Trossard there. If Jesus can overcome this latest knock, he could come back rejuvenated and determined to overcome his reputation as a less-than-clinical finisher. What would it mean for him and for us? Surely, you’re dabbing the corners of your mouth with a napkin by now?
Last but certainly not least, we have the return of Jurrien Timber, last seen prowling our left flank against Nottingham Forest ages ago in August, is back on the grass in Dubai, looking spry and determined. With Tomiyasu off to the Asian Cup and Zinchenko’s defensive liabilities becoming ever more evident, it would indeed be welcome news to learn that the versatile Dutch defender will soon be available for selection. Six months is more or less the target for a return from a cruciate ligament tear, so we may have to wait a few more weeks before Timber is summoned. The eight-second clip of him in training offers what only be called irrefutable evidence of his complete and utter return to 100% fitness. Well, maybe.
While our ability to bring in actual new signings may be compromised somewhat, the idea that we’re welcoming these three (plus Partey) back into the fold has to count as good news, even if it’s not as sexy as an actual new signing such as that of Toney or of Osimhein (neither or which were all that likely even at the best of times. Toney hasn’t kicked a ball since May, and Osimhein has a release clause so exorbitant that he must have Ronaldo and Mbappé feeling various shades of envy.
Sure, it would be nice to see us splurge in this window, but January windows are rarely a good time to spend. Players are cup-tied for Champions League play (isn’t that a nice concern to have once again?) and need some bedding-in time. What’s more, clubs will seek extortionate fees. On a larger level, the fact that FFP concerns are apparently actually real—witness the points-deduction to Everton, Newcastle’s apparent need to sell players before buying others, and the still largely illusory 115 violations Man CIty have been charged with—mean that ourselves do have to be careful lest we run aground against those same reefs. I’ve referred to the returns to fitness of these four players in a tongue-in-cheek manner; the reality is that those returns could very well prove to be instrumental during the second half othe season. “Like a new signing,” indeed.
Here fishy firshy with the transfer window headline
Que?
I’ll admit to giving it a try, but I hope you’ll admit that I follow up with some actual substance and insight, as opposed to various sites that are merely recycling the same empty rumours over and over.
Toney does seem to have some match fitness, as he scored a hat trick in a Brentford U23 friendly last week.
Unless we can craft a creative loan deal similar to the one for Raya, I don’t think we have the funds to get him in January.
Let’s not bother. I believe BHA’s Ferguson’s “available” for that sort of money, and he’s eight years younger. Wishful thinking I suppose!
Good day folks,
Do you know if its any truth in saying that Partey only played around 60-65 minutes for Athletico madrid. In order to keep him fit. Aware of his physique?
And what happened to my handle, Welsh Corgi?
Ok, now I know:-)
Transfermarkt shows that he regularly played full 90s in his last season at Atleti, but I’m too lazy to delve too much further into his history. It could be that we’re seeing the effects of playing a more-aggressive role, closer to a b2b rather than the more-conservative DM role he played there plus playing in colder weather and age.
Thanks Jon, yepp, seemed a little to convient that Athletico managed his physique impeccable by 60-65 minutes and we brooke him.
Such an idea would fit the persecution complex/narrative we’ve built up over the years. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb when I suggest that playing in La Liga puts fewer/lesser demands on a player than playing in the Prem.
Interesting about ‘klaxons’. I didn’t know that.
You’re seeing the English teacher in me.
To be honest, I don’t expect English teachers these days to be able to spell never mind understand Latin and Greek roots.
Those, sir, are fighting words. I equip my students with a veritable arsenal of linguistic and semantic tricks, words that most have never heard of. Polysyndeton. Asyndeton. Scesis onomaton. We don’t merely identify metaphors and allusions; we plumb the depths of why the author used them and whether or not they were effective. I may teach 13 and 14 year olds, but I treat them as if they are English majors at university.
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Delighted to hear it. I enjoyed similar teachers at school but that was many years ago. My eldest granddaughter is now an English teacher. Lovely girl, very smart, reads a lot too. She wouldn’t know a Greek root from a turnip.
well, a turnip is after all a root vegetable, so she wouldn’t be that far off…
You are exciting to read. No doubt about that. Can do with some refresher courses in English. I got one for free. But Vieri, Jon! No dice. No speed, no strength. Doubtful skills too.
Cheers, Dan!
I have my doubts about Vieira as well. He probably suffers by comparison with Patrick, sharing that iconic last name and all. Fabio is slight of frame but does have some skills. I doubt he’s strong enough to play regularly in the Prem.