Martin Odegaard has pulled out of Norway's Nations League games against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.

Odegaard, who was injured while on international duty in September, only returned to action for Arsenal last week.

After coming on from the bench against Inter in the Champions League, the playmaker featured for the entire game as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, and teed up Gabriel Martinelli's opener at Stamford Bridge.

Yet Odegaard will not play for his country in their matches over this international break.

"This has been a complicated ankle injury. With very few training sessions with the team [Arsenal] over the past nine weeks, it's natural that the body is not 100% at this stage," Norway's national team doctor Ola Sand said in a statement on Tuesday.

"After thorough examinations and conversations, we have agreed that Martin will not be ready to play in the matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.

"In consultation with him, we've agreed that it's better for him to return to London to continue his rehabilitation there."

Norway are top of their Nations League group, though they are level on points with Slovenia and Austria.

Ruben Dias has dared Manchester City's critics to "doubt us" after the Premier League champions' four-game losing streak.

Pep Guardiola lost four straight matches in all competitions for the first time in his managerial career as City capitulated in a 2-1 loss to Brighton on Saturday.

That loss came on the back of a 4-1 defeat to Sporting CP – coached by new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim – in the Champions League, as well as a reverse to Bournemouth in the Premier League and an EFL Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham.

City are five points behind league leaders Liverpool, but Dias shrugged off the doubters.

"I would say, please doubt us, doubt us, feel welcome to do so," the centre-back told reporters.

"When we did the treble, we even called it the dark January. We had a tough period. But it is what it is.

"What matters is how you bounce back from these moments. That's why our team has won so much because in moments of difficulty, the characters come up and we stay together.

"We don't find people to kill, we find people to bring into the cause and fight together.

"That's what we need to do once again. Until it's done, it's not done."

City's losing run combined with Liverpool's excellent form has seen a swing in the Opta supercomputer's predictions.

The model now has Liverpool as the favourites, with a 60.3% chance of winning the title.

Manchester City's Jeremy Doku is one of four players to withdraw from Belgium's Nations League squad for their fixture against Italy and Israel. 

Doku becomes the fifth player from Pep Guardiola's ranks to pull out from international duty this month and will not be available for Domenico Tedesco. 

The 22-year-old was not part of the City side that lost for a fourth consecutive game in a row away to Brighton on Saturday, despite featuring against Bournemouth and Sporting CP.

Doku has managed two goals and two assists in all competitions this season, while he has also completed the most dribbles (21) in the Premier League for the Citizens. 

Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere is also another notable injury absentee after being forced to miss the Serie A side's 2-1 win over Udinese at the weekend with a hamstring issue.

The midfielder's seven goal involvements (two goals, five assists) in the Italian top-flight is a total only bettered by Ademola Lookman (10) and Mateo Retegui (14) for Atalanta. 

Joaquin Seys, who earned a first senior call-up to the Red Devils side, also misses out after he was carried off with a leg injury while playing for Club Brugge. 

Lyon's Malick Fofana has also withdrawn, though Tedesco welcomed four new faces to his squad. 

Juventus' Samuel Mbangula, RB Leipzig's Arthur Vermeeren, Sevilla's Albert Sambi Lokonga and Anderlecht's Killian Sardella all come into the 23-man squad. 

Belgium sit third in Group A2 and know they must win both of their games to stand any chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the competition. 

They welcome group leaders Italy to Brussels on Thursday before making the trip to Budapest to take on Israel three days later. 

Frenkie de Jong is expected to make his return for the Netherlands in their Nations League clash against Hungary, but is a long way off from reaching his "peak" level.

Those were the words of Ronald Koeman, who called up the Barcelona midfielder for the first time in 14 months after his struggles with an ankle injury. 

De Jong has made seven appearances for Barca in all competitions this season, but was substituted in their 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad. 

The 27-year-old was replaced by Dani Olmo at half-time on Sunday after sustaining a knock, though Koeman confirmed it was not a serious issue. 

"I got in touch pretty quickly. Then it became clear that it wasn't about his ankle," Koeman said. 

"It was already stated somewhere that it was about his shin, so it wasn't a problem then either. 

"We assume that he can play on Saturday. But it is possible that he will have to train individually tomorrow. But we will see that tomorrow."

However, Koeman said that despite his recent return to the pitch, De Jong is yet to return to being the player that helped the Netherlands finish runners-up in the 2018-19 Nations League.

"It's clear that he's been out for a long time and hasn't played a whole game yet. So yes, then you're not at your peak yet. Let's put it that way.

"But it's so important for us that he's there."

De Jong was one of three players to return to Koeman's ranks, alongside PSV Eindhoven's Noa Lang and Ajax's Devyne Rensch, but there was no place for Memphis Depay. 

Depay featured in all six of the Netherlands' fixtures at Euro 2024, notching one goal and one assist in their run to the semi-finals of the competition. 

The 30-year-old recently joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians and has scored three goals in 10 appearances for his new club. 

However, Koeman explained the reasoning behind his omission was due to his fitness, but kept the door open for a return to the squad next year. 

“Memphis is not good enough and fit enough in my opinion,” he added. "If there is one player I have regular contact with, it is Memphis. We have talked about his situation.

"If he continues like this, he will come into the picture in March. He probably finds it a shame now that he is not in the squad, and maybe he did not expect to be left out either.

"Memphis is getting fitter, that is clear. But I will decide the moment when he returns.”

The Netherlands welcome Hungary to the Johan Cruijff Arena this Saturday before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina three days later.

Koeman's side sit second in Group A3 with five points from their four games, and know that two victories will seal their progression to the quarter-finals of the competition. 

Beth Mead said that Renee Slegers has been a "breath of fresh air" ahead of Arsenal's Women's Champions League tie against Juventus on Tuesday.

Slegers has been in interim charge of the Gunners since Jonas Eidevall's resignation last month, and has impressed during her temporary tenure. 

She has won three of her four games at the helm, the latest of which came in a 5-0 victory against Brighton, moving Arsenal up to fourth in the Women's Super League table.

And Mead, who joined Slegers on pre-match press duties on Monday, believes Arsenal are heading in the right direction under her guidance.  

“It’s a breath of fresh air with Renee and we’re enjoying it so far," Mead said. "We’re in a good place at the moment.

"We have the environment to build again, it’s a release of new energy right now and when you get the results and the performances, then it makes you a happier footballer.

When asked if she would like Slegers to stay at Arsenal, Mead added: “In some capacity. We love having Renee here and will be happy with whatever she chooses to do.”

However, Slegers revealed she was unsure about what the future may hold, placing full focus on their upcoming Champions League clash.

"I think I get this question every time, and my answer will be the same," Slegers began. 

"I'm very much in the moment, I know that this will be the situation for this block, and we as the coaching staff are trying to do everything to help the girls forward.

"I think everyone is putting that little extra in from both the staff and the player's perspective. So I’m just trying to get the best out of Arsenal, because I care a lot.

"I really enjoyed the role I had before. Now I have to play this role for the team, so I’ll play this role for the team. About the future? I don't know."

Arsenal will be looking to improve their recent away from in Europe on Tuesday at the Stadio Comunale Vittorio Pozzo Lamarmora. 

They are winless across their last three Champions League away matches (D1 L2), only enduring a longer run in the competition once before (D1 L3 between 2003 and 2005). 

The Gunners sit second in Group C on three points, level with Tuesday's opponents, but Slegers is confident of sealing a big result in Italy. 

"We are going there to play our best football, and we have a big belief in what we can do tomorrow," Slegers said. 

"Looking at what we've been performing lately, and obviously scouting Juventus, we have a big belief in ourselves. 

"And then we'll see how the game progresses, what decisions we have to make, but we go there to win."

Beth Mead said that Renee Slegers has been a "breath of fresh air" ahead of Arsenal's Women's Champions League tie against Juventus on Tuesday.

Slegers has been in interim charge of the Gunners since Jonas Eidevall's resignation last month, and has impressed during her temporary tenure. 

She has won three of her four games at the helm, the latest of which came in a 5-0 victory against Brighton, moving Arsenal up to fourth in the Women's Super League table.

And Mead, who joined Slegers on pre-match press duties on Monday, believes Arsenal are heading in the right direction under her guidance.  

“It’s a breath of fresh air with Renee and we’re enjoying it so far," Mead said. "We’re in a good place at the moment.

"We have the environment to build again, it’s a release of new energy right now and when you get the results and the performances, then it makes you a happier footballer.

When asked if she would like Slegers to stay at Arsenal, Mead added: “In some capacity. We love having Renee here and will be happy with whatever she chooses to do.”

However, Slegers revealed she was unsure about what the future may hold, placing full focus on their upcoming Champions League clash.

"I think I get this question every time, and my answer will be the same," Slegers began. 

"I'm very much in the moment, I know that this will be the situation for this block, and we as the coaching staff are trying to do everything to help the girls forward.

"I think everyone is putting that little extra in from both the staff and the player's perspective. So I’m just trying to get the best out of Arsenal, because I care a lot.

"I really enjoyed the role I had before. Now I have to play this role for the team, so I’ll play this role for the team. About the future? I don't know."

Arsenal will be looking to improve their recent away from in Europe on Tuesday at the Stadio Comunale Vittorio Pozzo Lamarmora. 

They are winless across their last three Champions League away matches (D1 L2), only enduring a longer run in the competition once before (D1 L3 between 2003 and 2005). 

The Gunners sit second in Group C on three points, level with Tuesday's opponents, but Slegers is confident of sealing a big result in Italy. 

"We are going there to play our best football, and we have a big belief in what we can do tomorrow," Slegers said. 

"Looking at what we've been performing lately, and obviously scouting Juventus, we have a big belief in ourselves. 

"And then we'll see how the game progresses, what decisions we have to make, but we go there to win."

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer and Declan Rice headlined England's latest withdrawals from Lee Carsley's final squad for their upcoming Nations League fixtures. 

The Three Lions take on Greece this Thursday before returning to Wembley three days later to face the Republic of Ireland, but will be without eight key players for those games.

Alexander-Arnold was replaced by Conor Bradley in the 25th minute of Liverpool's 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, though Arne Slot is hopeful the injury is not a serious one.

And his absence will be felt by the Three Lions. Only Mohamed Salah (21) has created more chances for the Reds in the Premier League this term than Alexander-Arnold (20). 

Palmer, who missed training following a challenge from Lisandro Martinez during Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United before playing against Arsenal, is another to drop out. 

This season, Palmer's 12 goal involvements (seven goals, five assists) in the Premier League is only bettered by Liverpool's Salah (14). 

Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Rice also miss out, with the latter dealing with a foot injury that forced him to miss the Gunners' Champions League defeat to Inter last week. 

Rice was substituted in the 71st minute of their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, with Saka limping off 10 minutes from time at Stamford Bridge. 

Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are also ruled out, with Pep Guardiola expressing his frustration about the latter's inclusion by Carsley after ruling him out of their trip to Brighton.

Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale and Chelsea's Levi Colwill have also withdrawn from the initial 26-man squad. 

It has, however, opened the door for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers to receive his first senior call after impressing under Unai Emery this season. 

Rogers has three goals and three assists in 15 appearances in all competitions for the Villans this term, a total only bettered by Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins (both eight). 

Jarrod Bowen and Jarrad Branthwaite along with the uncapped Tino Livramento and James Trafford have also been added to Carsley's ranks. 

Manchester United have confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy has departed the club following Ruben Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford.

Van Nistelrooy returned to the club in July on a two-year contract as an assistant to Erik ten Hag.

He was placed in interim charge after Erik ten Hag's dismissal last month. 

The 48-year-old oversaw four games during his temporary tenure, earning victories over Leicester City in the EFL Cup and PAOK in the Europa League. United were then held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea, but Van Nistelrooy signed off in style with a 3-0 win over the Foxes in the Premier League on Sunday. 

But Amorim, who began his new role on Monday, has decided against retaining the Dutchman's services, with the club saying the full men's first team coaching composition will be announced in due course.

"Ruud is and always will be a Manchester United legend," the club said in a statement.

"We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford."

Assistant Rene Hake, goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar and analyst Pieter Morel have also left the club.

However, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will remain in his coaching role and continue his link between the first team and the academy.

Sporting CP have confirmed Joao Pereira as the club's new head coach following Ruben Amorim's departure to Manchester United. 

Pereira, who made 154 appearances across three different spells with Sporting, has put pen to paper on a deal that runs through until 2027 with the Primeira Liga champions. 

The 40-year-old also appeared five times under Amorim during the 2020-21 season, a campaign that saw Sporting claim their first top-flight title in 19 years. 

Pereira has previously managed Sporting's Under-23 side, taking charge of 53 games and winning 20 of those (D17 L16), averaging 1.45 points per match. 

He most recently took charge of Sporting's B team, but oversaw just 11 matches, and he is relishing the opportunity of leading the club after the international break. 

"As a player, Sporting gave me a lot, allowing me to play for the national team, join one of the best leagues in the world and return home twice," Pereira said. 

"I only repaid them with a Super Cup and a national championship, which felt more like their gift to me.

"That’s something I regret, so as a coach I’d like to repay them with more titles because Sporting deserve it.

"If I had doubts and thought things might go wrong, I wouldn’t be here. It hasn’t even crossed my mind that it could go poorly.

"I know we’ll face challenges, but I believe it will go well."

But Pereira has a tough act to follow, with Amorim ending his glittering stint with the club on a high after a 4-2 win over Braga on Sunday. 

Amorim won 164 of his 231 games in charge of Sporting, averaging a win percentage of 71%, which is a club record. 

During his time in charge, only Manchester City (127) won more matches than his Sporting team (122) across Europe's top 10 leagues. 

"Ruben leaves behind a legacy, and that legacy isn’t only in titles, victories, and records but also in the unity he built among the Sporting family," Pereira added.

"I know this brings great responsibility, but that responsibility comes hand-in-hand with a strong ambition and motivation to continue making Sporting a winning club with a bright future.”

Pereira's first assignment will come in the Taca de Portugal against fourth-tier side Amarante on November 22, before welcoming Arsenal to the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the Champions League five days later. 

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman has been ruled out of his side's upcoming Nations League fixtures against Finland and England next week. 

Coleman sustained a foot injury in Ireland's Nations League defeat to the Three Lions in September and has made just two appearances in all competitions for Everton this term.

Sean Dyche confirmed in the lead up to the Toffees' goalless draw with West Ham at the weekend that the 36-year-old was now struggling with a minor hamstring issue. 

Norwich City defender Shane Duffy and Celtic forward Adam Idah have also withdrawn from Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad, despite featuring for their clubs at the weekend. 

Since sealing a permanent move to Celtic after a successful loan spell last season, Idah has netted five goals in 15 appearances for Brendan Rodgers' side in all competitions.

The trio have been replaced by Southampton's Ryan Manning, Everton's Jake O'Brien and Wolves' Matt Doherty, who was dropped from the squad for their October fixtures. 

Hallgrimsson's side welcome Finland to the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, hoping to improve on their recent record in the Nations League. 

They have won just 15% of their 20 games in the competition (W3 D6 L11), with only Iceland (5.6%), San Marino (6.3%), Andorra (10.0%) and Liechtenstein (10.5%) winning fewer.

Ireland then travel to Wembley to face England four days later in what will be Lee Carsley's final game in interim charge before Thomas Tuchel takes the reins in the new year.

Republic of Ireland squad in full: 

Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City); Matt Doherty (Wolves), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City); Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Andy Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton); Evan Ferguson (Brighton), Tom Cannon (Stoke City, on loan from Leicester City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Brom).

Ruben Amorim insisted he was "not naive" about the "difficult" task awaiting him as Manchester United's new head coach. 

Amorim took charge of his final game as Sporting CP's manager on Sunday, culminating in a 4-2 away win against Braga to maintain their perfect start to the Primeira Liga season.

The 39-year-old ended his glittering career with the Portuguese side having won 164 of his 231 games at the helm (D34 L33), bowing out with a win percentage of 71%, a club record. 

Amorim arrives at Old Trafford after a string of impressive results under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who went unbeaten across his four games during his temporary stint. 

Though the Portuguese's arrival at the club and the positive results of late have lifted the mood in Manchester, Amorim acknowledged the enormity of the task at hand. 

"I feel ready for the new challenge," Amorim told reporters after his final match at Sporting. "I'm not naive, I know it's going to be very different, very difficult.

"I'm at peace now. I can focus on my new job, and I'm looking forward to starting tomorrow.

"I know it will be difficult to reproduce what I have here anywhere else, but there are other places with different exposure and pressure."

United are yet to confirm the precise nature of Amorim's backroom team and whether Van Nistelrooy will remain at Old Trafford. 

The Dutchman returned to Old Trafford in July as an assistant coach under former boss Erik ten Hag, signing a two-year contract. 

"I have to talk with him [on Monday]," Amorim added. "I will explain everything. I'm very clear, and I will tell you like it is. So let's wait."

Amorim now has 13 days during the international break to prepare for his match in charge, which comes at Portman Road against Ipswich Town on November 24. 

His first Old Trafford outing comes four days later in the Europa League against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt. 

Real Madrid have announced that Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez are both set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining muscle injuries in the first half against Osasuna.

Rodrygo was taken off after just 20 minutes, while Vazquez lasted until half-time before making way.

The Brazilian has seen a more limited role for Madrid this season, playing just 667 minutes in LaLiga so far, but has netted three goals and registered one assist in that time. He is reportedly set to be out for five to six weeks.

He has also played the third-most crosses of any Los Blancos player in the Spanish top-flight (22), while he has attempted (32) and completed (14) the third-most dribbles in the squad so far this term.

Vazquez's absence will reportedly be about a month, giving Carlo Ancelotti a headache at right-back, with Dani Carvajal already out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

This news comes after Madrid confirmed on Saturday that Eder Militao required surgery on an ACL tear he suffered in the first half of the same game.

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have been recalled to the United States squad ahead of their Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals.

The two-legged tie against Jamaica marks new head coach Mauricio Pochettino's first competitive games in charge.

He has overseen two friendlies so far, a 2-0 win over Panama in his first match, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, a game which both Pulisic and McKennie missed.

The latter's Juventus team-mate, Timothy Weah, is also back in the squad, but he will miss the first leg against Jamaica, serving the second of his two-game suspension after being sent off against Panama at the Copa America.

Weah, who scored for Juventus against Torino, has been involved in four goals in his last four league appearances (three goals and one assist), as many as in his previous 63 matches between Serie A and Ligue 1.

Meanwhile, Tyler Adams is a notable absentee despite recently returning from a long-term injury to feature for Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The USA are chasing a fourth consecutive Concacaf Nations League title, and visit Jamaica for the first leg on Thursday before hosting the return on November 18 in Missouri. 

USA squad in full:

Diego Kochen (Barcelona Athletic), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Gianluca Busio (Venezia), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Yunus Musah (Milan), Tanner Tessmann (Lyon), Malik Tillman (PSV), Cade Cowell (Guadalajara), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Christian Pulisic (Milan), Brandon Vazquez (Monterrey), Tim Weah (Juventus), Alex Zendejas (America).

Spain will be without star winger Lamine Yamal for their upcoming Nations League games against Denmark and Switzerland.

Yamal starred for La Roja at Euro 2024 and has been exceptional for Barcelona so far this season.

The teenager has already provided a LaLiga-leading seven assists this term, while his 12 goal contributions rank joint-third in Spain's top tier, behind club-mates Robert Lewandowski (16) and Raphinha (13).

Yamal has also attempted (84) and completed (34) more dribbles than any other player in LaLiga in 2024-25, while Barca's two league defeats have come in matches in which the attacker did not start; a 4-2 loss at Osasuna in September, and a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Indeed, injured Yamal was left out of Hansi Flick's squad against La Real, and Spain have now called up Bryan Gil in his place, and Barcelona confirmed on Monday that the 17-year-old has suffered a grade one high ankle sprain, and will be out of action for up to three weeks.

Luis de la Fuente's team are top of their Nations League group, with 10 points from their four matches.

La Roja face Denmark on Friday before hosting Switzerland on November 18. 

Should Spain collect one more win from their final two matches of 2024, then they will set a new national record for the number of victories in all competitions in a single calendar year. surpassing the 10 they managed in 2009.

Barca also confirmed that Lewandowski will need 10 days out of action after suffering a back injury, meaning he will sit out Poland's matches against Portugal and Scotland.

Defending champions Cavalier SC continued their unbeaten run in the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Vere Phoenix United at Sabina Park on Sunday. Early goals from Dwayne Atkinson and Jalmaro Calvin gave Cavalier the edge, despite a second-half response from Vere Phoenix’s Matthew Woo Ling. The win moves Cavalier into fourth place with 15 points from four wins and three draws, while Vere remain in ninth with eight points.

The match was charged with intensity due to a brewing rivalry between Cavalier’s Head Coach Rudolph Speid and Vere Phoenix Technical Director Craig Butler. With the Reggae Boyz technical staff, including Head Coach Steve McClaren, in attendance, Butler acknowledged the extra motivation within his squad to face the reigning champions.

Despite the loss, Butler expressed confidence in his team’s potential, citing the absence of key players due to schoolboy football commitments. “When you look at the quality of the team, they’re both good, but it was good for us to play the top team in the league and to realize that they’re not many goals better than the team we have in place,” he told the Jamaica Observer. He further suggested that Cavalier’s narrow win only solidifies his belief that Vere Phoenix can compete for the title once they’re at full strength.

Butler remained undeterred by his team’s current standing and praised the work of Head Coach Lenny Hyde, saying, “If the head of the competition can only beat us 2-1, it means we’re improving… we’ll continue to do what we’re doing.”

Speid, however, brushed aside any narratives surrounding the rivalry, emphasizing Cavalier’s straightforward approach. “What narrative?” he responded dismissively. “We’re not worried about those things; we just played how we were supposed to play. We’re a professional unit, we come to get the points and go home — that’s it and that’s most important.”

The weekend saw other intense matchups in the Jamaica Premier League:

Mount Pleasant defeated Harbour View 3-1
Portmore edged Humble Lion 1-0
Racing United claimed a 1-0 win over Chapelton
Montego Bay topped Dunbeholden 2-1
As the league heads into a break for the international window, Cavalier SC remains focused on their winning streak, while Vere Phoenix looks to regroup and return stronger, setting up for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.