Donny Afroni

Barcelona’s midfield options have received a significant lift as Gavi prepares to step back onto the pitch for the first time in over half a year. The club confirmed on Saturday that the 21-year-old is ready to feature in the matchday squad once again, with it marking the end of a long and difficult road to recovery for the La Masia graduate.

Chelsea legend Ashley Cole is clearly a huge fan of Burnley defender Kyle Walker, crowning him as one of the best full-backs of the Premier League era. Asked by GOAL to choose among some of the star players to have played in the English top flight in that position, the former England international picked Walker as his No.1.

Arne Slot has reached the 100-game milestone as Liverpool head coach, but the landmark comes at a time of significant turbulence for the Dutchman at Anfield. Despite a record-breaking start to his tenure on Merseyside, the former Feyenoord boss is currently facing the most scrutiny of his career as the Reds' form continues to falter, with Slot bizarrely saying it's the "nicest club to struggle at".

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr became the centre of attention, but not for his goal-scoring skills, after a tense incident during a Saudi Pro League's under-15 derby. The young Al-Nassr talent couldn't hide his frustration in a high-intensity match against Al-Hilal, demonstrating that he has inherited not only his father's talent but also his competitive and volatile temperament under pressure.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has jumped to the defence of Bukayo Saka following a string of underwhelming performances from the England international. The academy graduate was substituted after a disappointing hour-long cameo against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday night, sparking concerns about his current physical and mental state.

Pep Guardiola has sensationally claimed he has been "massacred" for his tactical decisions following Manchester City’s humbling 3-0 Champions League defeat at the hands of Real Madrid. The Catalan coach, evidently feeling the heat after the first-leg collapse at the Bernabeu, delivered a marathon four-minute response to questions about his team selection, even going as far as to mimic gunshots with his fingers to describe the wave of online criticism he has faced.

Thiago Silva has thrown his significant weight behind Neymar as an "indisputable" pick for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. Despite persistent struggles with fitness that have hindered his momentum at club level with Santos, the veteran defender believes Neymar is still capable of being a difference-maker for the Selecao on the world stage.

England captain Harry Kane has led the tributes to Kyle Walker after the veteran defender announced his retirement from international football. The 35-year-old Burnley full-back has decided to end his Three Lions career after earning 96 caps and representing his country at five major tournaments, spanning a 14-year period at the very highest level of the game.

Pep Guardiola couldn't help but crack a smile when the name of Kylian Mbappe cropped up during his latest press duties. Ahead of Manchester City's seismic Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Real Madrid, the Catalan coach found himself fielding questions about the French superstar’s supposed off-field movements in Paris with Spanish actress Ester Exposito.

Victor Osimhen was overcome with emotion ahead of Galatasaray's Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Liverpool on Tuesday night. Moments before kick-off at a raucous Rams Park, the home supporters unveiled a massive, poignant tifo featuring a portrait of the Nigerian striker alongside his late mother. The banner was accompanied by a powerful message that clearly resonated with the 27-year-old forward: "We are family and family is everything."

Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has sensationally defended his tactical approach despite witnessing his side suffer a devastating 6-1 loss at home to Bayern Munich. The Champions League round of 16 first leg turned into a nightmare for the Bergamo outfit, but the manager remained steadfast in his footballing philosophy, refusing to entertain the idea of adopting a more defensive setup against the German giants.

Tottenham's crisis has deepened following their humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The result has left the club's fanbase in open revolt, with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) demanding "emergency action" as the side endures the worst losing streak in its entire 143-year history.

Eden Hazard has predicted that Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior could retire from football early, drawing startling comparisons between the Brazilian’s current experience and his own time at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite injuries limiting their time on the pitch together to just 27 matches, Hazard spent four seasons sharing a dressing room with Vinicius and believes he has a unique insight into the player's mindset.

Eddie Howe whisked away the frustration of a "soft" late equaliser to focus on what he described as an "outstanding" Newcastle United performance against Barcelona. St James' Park was rocking as the Magpies went toe-to-toe with the Catalan giants, only to be denied a first-leg advantage by a controversial late penalty that leaves the Champions League round of 16 tie on a knife-edge heading into the second leg at Camp Nou.

Tottenham interim boss Igor Tudor has offered a puzzling explanation for his decision to hand Antonin Kinsky a surprise start in their 5-2 Champions League thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid. The 22-year-old goalkeeper endure a nightmarish evening at the Metropolitano, lasting just 17 minutes before being hauled off following two catastrophic errors that gifted the Spanish side a three-goal lead.

Mohamed Salah's form has been a significant source of concern for Liverpool this season, leading many to wonder if the Egyptian King has finally lost his touch. Former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann has again criticised Salah, arguing that the Egyptian's struggles will not change, as his glory days are over. He urged the management to make immediate changes next season by recruiting new players.

Liverpool's preparations for their crucial Champions League clash against Galatasaray took a bizarre turn on Monday morning. While the focus was on who was present at the AXA Training Centre, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood was left baffled at video footage of a training routine involving some of the club's biggest stars - a clip that was eventually deleted by Sky Sports.

Bayern Munich have received a massive fitness boost ahead of their crucial Champions League knockout stage encounter against Atalanta. Harry Kane, who has been sidelined with a calf issue, was spotted back on the grass on Monday as the German giants completed their final preparations. The 32-year-old striker took part in the full session with the rest of the squad, moving freely and showing no ill effects of the knock that kept him out of domestic action recently.