Sports

Trevoh Chalobah: From Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ to new chapter at Como

Published

2 hours ago

August 17, 2026

This is not Chalobah’s first spell with a club overseas, having spent part of the 2020-21 campaign on loan with Lorient in the French top flight.

It was there that he emulated his older brother Nathaniel, who played for Napoli, by taking the less-trodden path of moving to Europe as an English player, a route that has since become more commonplace.

The younger Chalobah says it was “not a coincidence” that Tuchel, whom he had faced while at Lorient after the German joined Paris St-Germain, picked him out and gave him his Chelsea debut.

Five years later, Tuchel promised him that if a defender dropped out of England’s World Cup squad, Chalobah would be first in line for a call-up.

While on holiday in New York, Chalobah received the call to join Tuchel’s squad at his first World Cup in place of the injured Tino Livramento.

“The story’s already written before I was born,” Chalobah said.

“He’s the one that gave me my debut for Chelsea and he’s the same manager that called me up for the World Cup last minute.

“I think certain things are meant to happen and I’m grateful for that. Obviously all thanks to him and I’m really happy.”

The tournament ended in a semi-final defeat by Argentina before the team secured the bronze medal with a 6-4 victory over France in their final match.

“No one wants to come third. You’re just one step away from the final,” he said.

“It was definitely hard for the players. It did hit us for a couple of days. You know how hard the boys worked, how they believed that we could win it.

“And yeah, we were so close. But we learn from this and be proud of what we’ve done and achieved.”

It is now another manager with whom Chalobah’s destiny intertwines.

Fabregas was one of Chelsea‘s stars when Chalobah was in the academy and taking part in training sessions with the first-team squad.

“I remember how demanding he was with the younger players. So yeah, I know him really well,” Chalobah explained, recalling those early sessions.

Fabregas has overseen Como’s remarkable rise from Serie B to the Champions League in just two seasons and convinced Chalobah to join amid interest from Inter Milan.

“He was a massive part,” Chalobah added. “He explained what he wanted, the way he sees the club and how he sees me fitting into this club and how I can help – having a lot of experience, physicality as well, the leadership.

“It wasn’t an overnight thing, it was a very thoughtful and hard decision. But I thought, as I said, the trajectory of this club and the direction it’s going in, and speaking to the manager, and wanting to be part of this story.

“I’m really excited for this new chapter in my beautiful story that I’ve had so far.”

Sports

How to watch Diamondbacks vs. Red Sox: TV channel and streaming options for August 17

Published

55 seconds ago

August 17, 2026

qasimgillani

The Arizona Diamondbacks will look for continued power from a slugger on a roll versus the Boston Red Sox on Monday at 7:10 p.m. ET, at Fenway Park. Ildemaro Vargas is on a two-game homer streak. Alec Gamboa (0-0, 1.59 ERA) gets the start for the Red Sox, who are 66-58 this season and third in the AL East. Mitch Bratt (1-1, 3.74 ERA) is the expected starter for the Diamondbacks, who are 66-59 and third in the NL West.

How to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Boston Red Sox

Diamondbacks vs. Red Sox odds

Favorite Moneyline: Red Sox -149
Underdog Moneyline: Diamondbacks +125
Total: 9
Total Over Odds: -102
Total Under Odds: -118

Injury reports

Red Sox

Masataka Yoshida: 10 Day IL (Hamstring), Curtis Mead: 10 Day IL (Hand), Justin Slaten: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Garrett Whitlock: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Tanner Houck: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Zack Kelly: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Trevor Story: 60 Day IL (Abdomen), Garrett Crochet: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Roman Anthony: 60 Day IL (Wrist), Johan Oviedo: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 60 Day IL (Forearm), Kutter Crawford: 60 Day IL (Wrist), Triston Casas: 60 Day IL (Knee)

Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar: 10 Day IL (Hamstring), Lourdes Gurriel Jr.: 10 Day IL (Adductor), Tommy Troy: 10 Day IL (Shoulder), Ryan Thompson: 15 Day IL (Back), Drey Jameson: 15 Day IL (Hip), A.J. Puk: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Cristian Mena: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Blake Walston: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Ryne Nelson: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Zac Gallen: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Corbin Burnes: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Andrew Saalfrank: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Justin Martinez: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Nolan Arenado: day-to-day (Neck)

Stats to know

Boston’s Wilyer Abreu has hit 22 home runs this season. He has also tallied 65 RBIs and has scored 69 runs. In 525 plate appearances, he has recorded a .257 BA, .335 OBP and .473 SLG with a 10.5% walk rate and a 20% strikeout rate. He has been effective on the base paths, recording eight steals on 12 attempts.
In 498 plate appearances, Ceddanne Rafaela has slashed .285/.323/.463 this season. He has hit 16 long balls and driven in 63 runs with a strikeout rate of 20.5% and a walk rate of 3.8%. He has 16 stolen bases on 23 attempts. He has come around to score 63 times.
Corbin Carroll is hitting for a .248 BA, .344 OBP and .490 SLG with a 21.9% strikeout rate and an 11.6% walk rate. His OPS is .834 and he has scored 76 runs. In 526 plate appearances, he has hit 18 home runs and driven in 57 runs. Carroll has recorded 17 steals on 19 attempts.
In 519 plate appearances, Ketel Marte has slashed .249/.314/.446 this season. He has hit 21 long balls and driven in 67 runs with a strikeout rate of 15% and a walk rate of 7.9%. and has scored 65 runs.

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

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Photo: Jamie Squire, Ishika Samant, Scott Taetsch, Alika Jenner / Getty Images

Sports

Ipswich Town transfer news: Abdoul Ouattara joins from Strasbourg

Published

8 minutes ago

August 17, 2026

qasimgillani

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of midfielder Abdoul Ouattara from French club Strasbourg.

The Ivorian, 20, joins on a five-year contract for a reported fee of £17m to reunite with manager Gary O’Neil, who was in charge of the Ligue 1 club last season.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world and as soon as I knew the opportunity was there, to play in England under a manager I have already enjoyed working with, I jumped at it,” Ouattara said.

“I am still young but have had some good experiences already and I can’t wait to meet the fans and my team-mates and get started.”

Ouattara made 45 appearances for Strasbourg in the French top flight and was part of the side that reached the Uefa Conference League semi-finals last season.

O’Neil added: “Abdoul is a talented young player who can play in different positions, so is a very good addition to our squad.

“We enjoyed working with him in France last season and are delighted to have the opportunity to do so again at Ipswich.”

Since securing promotion from the Championship last season, Ipswich have spent £124m with Ouattara their 11th major signing.

Ipswich begin their Premier League campaign at home to Sunderland on 22 August.