Rio Ferdinand believes Mikel Arteta should not be criticised for prioritising his players’ fitness during the title run-in, drawing comparisons with methods once used by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Arsenal F.C. are in a strong position to end their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, holding a nine-point lead over Manchester City F.C.. However, they still face a crucial trip to the Etihad, while also having played one game more than their closest rivals, who recently underlined their quality with a Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal at Wembley.

The international break may have come at the right moment for Arteta, particularly with several key players withdrawing from national duty due to fitness concerns. While this has drawn criticism, Ferdinand suggested it is a calculated move aimed at keeping the squad fresh for the decisive final stretch of the season.

He argued that such an approach is not new, recalling how Ferguson would often urge his top players to limit their involvement with national teams in order to avoid injuries ahead of important club fixtures. According to Ferdinand, protecting key individuals during a title push is simply part of elite management.

Despite concerns over the number of Arsenal players pulling out of international duty, Ferdinand played down fears, suggesting most of them will be available for selection soon, with only a few likely to miss out. He believes the players themselves have bought into the idea of focusing fully on winning the league.

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel addressed the situation surrounding Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, whose withdrawals from the England national football team squad raised eyebrows.

Tuchel insisted both players were eager to feature and only returned to Arsenal after medical assessments confirmed the risk of aggravating their injuries was too high. He stressed that neither player showed any reluctance to represent their country, explaining that the decision was purely precautionary at this stage of the season.

The England boss acknowledged that the situation might appear suspicious given the number of Arsenal players pulling out, but made it clear he trusts the honesty of both Rice and Saka. He revealed that Rice, who is not yet fully fit, even attempted to train before reporting discomfort, while Saka worked in the gym to try and prove his readiness.

Tuchel maintained that, under different circumstances—such as at the end of the season—both players might have pushed through the issue. However, with major fixtures still ahead, avoiding further injury was the priority for both club and country.

Manchester United F.C. defender Noussair Mazraoui has hinted that he could step away from professional football after the 2026 World Cup.

The Moroccan full-back revealed he is already thinking about life beyond the game, suggesting the tournament could mark the end of his playing career. He explained that his focus may shift toward personal and spiritual goals, including memorising the Quran and potentially becoming an imam in the future.

Despite those comments, Mazraoui remains under contract at United until the summer of 2028, meaning any early retirement would come as a personal decision rather than a contractual necessity.

The 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11, could therefore represent his final appearance on the global stage. Morocco national football team are set to face Brazil national football team, Scotland national football team and Haiti national football team during the group stage.

His remarks offer a rare insight into a player considering a very different path after football, prioritising faith and personal development over extending his time in the sport.

DR Congo national football team have the opportunity to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Jamaica national football team in their playoff final on Tuesday, with the match set to take place at Estadio Akron.

However, one of the team’s most recognisable supporters will be absent. Michel Kuka Mboladinga—widely known as Lumumba Vea—confirmed he will not be able to travel to Mexico in time for the crucial fixture.

Mboladinga rose to global attention during the Africa Cup of Nations, where he became a viral sensation for maintaining a motionless, statue-like pose throughout DR Congo’s matches. Dressed in striking, colourful suits, his appearance paid tribute to Patrice Lumumba, adding cultural significance to his unique style of support.

Explaining his absence, Mboladinga said he was unable to secure a visa in time despite efforts to fast-track the process. He noted that even urgent applications require at least a full day to be processed, making it impossible for him to complete the journey and arrive before the match.

Reports indicate he had travelled as far as Kenya in an attempt to finalise his travel plans but encountered complications with his application, particularly relating to required financial documentation. As a result, he will now return home and support the team from afar.

While his presence will be missed in the stands, DR Congo will be focused on the task at hand as they aim to seal qualification for the World Cup on one of the biggest nights in their recent football history.