Bayern Munich are facing a race against time to have Harry Kane leading the line for their monumental Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid. The England captain has been struggling with an ankle issue that kept him out of domestic action at the weekend, leaving fans and coaching staff anxious ahead of the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has candidly addressed his relationship with former manager Xabi Alonso, admitting that he struggled to establish a "connection" with the Spaniard during his tenure. Speaking ahead of a massive Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, the Brazilian also defended his partnership with Kylian Mbappe, insisting their bond remains "incredible" despite external criticism.
Arsenal have reportedly seen an ambitious approach for Barcelona star Dani Olmo rebuffed as the midfielder remains committed to the Catalan giants. The Gunners were keen to exploit the playmaker's lack of regular starts at the Spotify Camp Nou, but the Euro 2024 winner has made his intentions for the future crystal clear.
Arsenal have received a significant fitness lift as they gear up for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP. Mikel Arteta welcomed three key first-team stars back into training on Monday as the Gunners look to move past a difficult period of domestic results.
When Sporting CP signed Viktor Gyokeres, they took quite the gamble on a striker whose only consistent form in front of goal had come outside of the top-flight. Having failed to make the grade at Brighton, Gyokeres had proven to be a menace for Championship defences, scoring 43 goals for Coventry City over the course of two-and-a-half seasons with the Sky Blues.
Chelsea captain Reece James is reportedly on track to return from a significant hamstring injury by early May, handing Thomas Tuchel a major boost ahead of England's World Cup campaign. The versatile defender, who has been sidelined since last month, is making rapid progress in his rehabilitation to alleviate fears that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal swapped the Spotify Camp Nou for the Cupra Arena on Sunday to serve as acting president for his Kings League side, La Capital. With Barca team-mates Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo watching on, the 18-year-old stepped up to convert a high-pressure penalty, inspiring his team to a dramatic 8-7 comeback victory against Ibai Llanos’ Porcinos.
Because of Alex Manninger, Jürgen Klopp suffered a bitter defeat in early 2015. He recalled this in Liverpool when he was still looking for an experienced goalkeeper.
England could be without captain Leah Williamson next week for the huge World Cup qualifier against Spain at Wembley, after the Arsenal defender was again not involved for her club at the weekend. Williamson watched from the sidelines as the Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup, suffering a shock defeat to Brighton, and there is real doubt over whether she will be fit enough to join the Lionesses' camp this week as a result.
Former England striker Gary Lineker has called Liam Rosenior's decision to ban Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez for two games "odd". The Argentine World Cup winner was omitted from the squad for two matches after refusing to guarantee his Stamford Bridge future and hinting at a move to Real Madrid.
Arsenal's season is currently teetering on the edge of a collapse following a disastrous fortnight that has seen two trophy opportunities evaporate. Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has led the criticism, suggesting that Mikel Arteta’s squad lacks the mental fortitude required to secure major silverware as the pressure intensifies.
