Madrid lose Trent with long-term injury

Real Madrid confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold has suffered a thigh injury, with reports suggesting the defender could miss up to two months.

Maresca defends rotation after Chelsea’s Leeds setback

Enzo Maresca says workload and injuries demanded rotation, rejecting criticism after Chelsea’s midweek collapse at Elland Road.

Arteta backs Merino for shock attacking role

Mikel Arteta says Mikel Merino has earned the right to be considered as a striker option, even when Arsenal’s forwards return to full fitness.

League leaders Bayern face in-form Stuttgart

League leaders Bayern Munich travel to Stuttgart on Saturday, setting the scene for a battle between the Bundesliga’s two in-form goal getters: Harry Kane and Deniz Undav.

Defensive doubts for Liverpool as Villa eye Arsenal upset

Liverpool travel to Leeds this weekend with mounting questions over whether Arne Slot can stop the rot, while in-form Aston Villa take aim at Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Man United rue missed chance in West Ham stalemate

Manchester United’s issues defending a lead cost them a place in the Premier League’s top five after lowly West Ham hit back to salvage a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Thursday.

McTominay scoops Serie A’s Player of the Season Award

Scott McTominay’s emergence as one of Serie A’s most influential performers was formally acknowledged in Milan, where the Napoli midfielder was named the league’s Player of the Season.

AFCON 2025: Key details and what to expect

With an expanded 24-team field and several major nations seeking to recover from underwhelming 2023 campaigns, the competition arrives with both historical weight and renewed competitive tension.

FIFA gives clubs extra week before releasing AFCON stars

Star players such as Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo and Achraf Hakimi will be able to play for their clubs for an extra week until December 15 before joining their national teams at the Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA said on Wednesday.

How are the 2026 World Cup favourites shaping up?

Ahead of Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw, we run the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals to take place across North America next June and July: