Football
Arsenal suffer Thomas Partey and Jorginho injury blows before Real Madrid clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered concerning news ahead of the Champions League second-leg clash against Real Madrid, with key midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho both facing potential absences due to injury.
The duo picked up issues during the recent 1-1 draw with Brentford, casting doubt over their availability for the upcoming showdown at the Bernabeu.
Arteta has already confirmed that Ben White is a doubt for the Madrid clash, and now Partey and Jorginho have joined the injury list. Partey, who scored in the Brentford game, was substituted after experiencing discomfort.
Arteta admitted that the Ghanaian felt something and the staff decided not to risk aggravating the issue.
When asked for specifics, the manager revealed that he hadn’t yet spoken to the medical team but acknowledged the situation was unexpected.
Jorginho’s issue appears more serious. After going down in the match, he indicated he was struggling to breathe.
Arteta later explained that the problem may be related to the ribs, describing the injury as potentially “significant” given Jorginho’s usual resilience on the pitch.
The midfielder was unable to continue, leaving the Gunners to finish the match with ten men.
White, who missed the Brentford match altogether, remains questionable for Wednesday’s fixture. Arteta confirmed the right-back was not fit enough to be included in the squad and said the next few days would determine his availability for the trip to Spain.
These injury updates come at a critical time for Arsenal as they look to maintain their momentum in Europe.
The north London side delivered a dominant performance in the first leg against Real Madrid and are in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.
However, the potential absence of three influential players could disrupt their rhythm and force tactical adjustments.
In contrast, Real Madrid have received a boost with the return of Dani Ceballos. The Spanish midfielder, who previously spent time on loan at Arsenal, is back to full fitness after missing several matches due to injury.
Ceballos has been a consistent figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad this season and could play a role in Madrid’s attempt to overturn the deficit at home.
As both teams prepare for a high-stakes encounter, fitness concerns and late medical assessments are likely to shape the final line-ups.
Arsenal’s depth will be tested, while Madrid will look to capitalize on their opponent’s injury troubles. With a semi-final spot on the line, the pressure is mounting for both sides, and Arteta will be hoping for positive updates on his key players before kick-off.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic forward known for his illustrious spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid, has reportedly received a significant transfer offer that could mark the end of his time in Saudi Arabia.
The Portuguese star joined Al-Nassr in 2023 following his second departure from Old Trafford and has since maintained an impressive goal-scoring record, finding the net 97 times in 109 appearances.
Despite his individual brilliance, Al-Nassr endured a trophyless campaign and failed to secure qualification for the Asian Champions League, leaving the 40-year-old increasingly frustrated.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo has been presented with a major proposal from a Brazilian club.
While the specific team has not been disclosed, the move would potentially allow him to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13.
Among the Brazilian teams qualified for the tournament are Palmeiras, Fluminense, Flamengo, and Botafogo. The allure of participating in another global tournament is believed to be a tempting factor in Ronaldo’s decision-making process.
Earlier this year, Ronaldo was close to renewing his deal with Al-Nassr, but the disappointing season combined with this new opportunity may alter his trajectory.
His reaction following a recent loss to Al-Ittihad, where he reportedly exited the stadium in anger, has only fueled speculation about his future in the Saudi Pro League.
Throughout his two-decade-long career, Ronaldo has amassed a remarkable legacy. He lifted three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his first stint with Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid, where he scored an astonishing 450 goals in 438 appearances.
During his time in Spain, he also added four more Champions League titles to his name. His subsequent move to Juventus saw him continue his scoring form with over 100 goals and three Serie A titles.
Ronaldo was recently named the highest-paid athlete in the world for the third consecutive year. Forbes estimates his total earnings at $275 million (£206 million), placing him ahead of athletes like Stephen Curry, Tyson Fury, Dak Prescott, and longtime rival Lionel Messi.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to dominate both on the pitch and in terms of global marketability.
As speculation grows about a possible move to Brazil, fans and analysts alike are closely watching to see whether Ronaldo will extend his legendary career by adding another chapter in South America or remain in the Middle East for one final stint.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
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