Mikel Arteta is facing a growing injury headache after the international break, with as many as 10 senior Arsenal F.C. players returning to London Colney carrying fitness concerns.

The Gunners’ hopes of a quadruple were dashed recently following defeat to Manchester City F.C. in the Carabao Cup final, and their next test comes in the FA Cup against Southampton F.C.. However, uncertainty remains over which players will be fit enough to feature, with the medical team still assessing the full extent of multiple knocks.

Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze are expected to miss out, with Madueke spotted wearing a knee brace after England’s recent draw with Uruguay national football team. Meanwhile, Arteta is unlikely to take risks with key figures such as Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi, especially with a crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final and a decisive league clash against Manchester City looming.

Despite the setbacks, Arsenal should still be capable of naming a competitive side. In goal, David Raya is expected to return, particularly after Kepa Arrizabalaga endured a difficult outing at Wembley, raising doubts about his chances of featuring again this season.

In defence, Arteta is expected to be cautious with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, both of whom have been dealing with injury concerns. That could open the door for Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera to step in centrally. Ben White is in contention for a return at right-back, while youngster Marli Salmon could retain his place. On the left, Myles Lewis-Skelly is likely to feature after missing the previous round through suspension.

Midfield selection remains uncertain, particularly if Rice and Zubimendi are not fully fit. Christian Nørgaard could provide stability at the base, while captain Martin Ødegaard is pushing to return after a spell on the sidelines. With Eze unavailable, much of the creative responsibility will likely fall on the Norwegian playmaker, with Kai Havertz offering support in a more advanced role.

In attack, Viktor Gyökeres will return full of confidence after his recent international hat-trick and is expected to lead the line. On the wings, options are limited, but Gabriel Martinelli has been reliable in cup competitions, while youngster Max Dowman could be rewarded with a start following his standout performance in the previous round.

Even with a stretched squad, Arteta still has enough depth to field a strong lineup, though much will depend on late fitness checks as Arsenal look to navigate a crucial stage of their season.

Gary Lineker backs two European giants as World Cup favourites, just ahead of England national football team

Gary Lineker believes Spain national football team and France national football team are the leading contenders to win the World Cup this summer, placing them slightly ahead of England national football team in the race for the trophy.

With Thomas Tuchel preparing to guide England into the tournament in the United States, hopes are building that the team can finally end their long wait for a second World Cup title—something they haven’t achieved since 1966. Under Gareth Southgate, England came close on multiple occasions, reaching two European Championship finals and making deep runs in consecutive World Cups, but ultimately fell short.

There is renewed optimism with Tuchel now in charge, particularly given the quality available in the squad, including captain Harry Kane and influential midfielder Declan Rice.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker pointed out that Spain are widely viewed as the team to beat, especially after their victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. He also highlighted France’s strength in depth, describing their squad as one of the most complete in world football. While he acknowledged England’s chances, he suggested both Spain and France currently edge them in the pecking order.

Lineker also identified Argentina national football team and Brazil national football team as part of a strong group of contenders, while noting that Portugal national football team could emerge as a dangerous outsider—particularly depending on how they manage Cristiano Ronaldo’s role within the squad.

Despite backing Spain as his top pick, Lineker stressed that England are firmly among the teams capable of winning the tournament, even if they haven’t often been tipped as outright favourites in recent years.

Former England defender Micah Richards echoed that sentiment but raised concerns about the playing conditions. He suggested that teams like Spain, France and Italy may be better suited to handling the heat, given the climates they are more accustomed to domestically. If forced to choose, Richards admitted he would also lean towards Spain.

England will kick off their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Croatia national football team, with Ghana national football team and Panama national football team also in their group.

In their final international break before the tournament, England were held to a 1-1 draw by Uruguay national football team and will face Japan national football team in another friendly as preparations continue.

Manchester United F.C.’s senior squad have reportedly thrown their support behind Michael Carrick, with most players said to be in favour of the interim boss being handed the role on a permanent basis.

Carrick stepped in during a turbulent period for the club, following a disappointing run under Ruben Amorim, who managed just three wins from his final 11 games in charge. The situation failed to improve under caretaker Darren Fletcher, whose brief spell included a draw against Burnley F.C. and an FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion F.C..

Since taking over, Carrick has overseen a strong turnaround, guiding United to seven wins from ten league matches and restoring a sense of belief around Old Trafford that had been missing in the years following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

A number of high-profile names had been linked with the job after Amorim’s exit, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Carlo Ancelotti, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino and Oliver Glasner. However, Tuchel—once considered a leading candidate—effectively ruled himself out by committing his future to England until Euro 2028.

Carrick’s early success has not gone unnoticed within the dressing room. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are believed to be particularly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

While his current deal runs until the end of the 2025/26 season, the club have yet to clarify whether he will remain in charge beyond this summer. A final decision could depend on whether Carrick secures UEFA Champions League qualification, with United currently sitting in a strong third-place position in the league.

Behind the scenes, players have reportedly welcomed Carrick’s more flexible approach, especially compared to the rigid tactical demands under Amorim. His willingness to allow individuals to express themselves has been seen as a major positive, along with his extensive knowledge of players and leagues across world football.

Opinions outside the club remain divided. Former United figures like Gary Neville and Roy Keane have questioned whether Carrick is the right long-term solution. However, Juan Mata, who played alongside him for five seasons, believes his former teammate has already shown he is more than capable of stepping into the role permanently.

Mata described Carrick as highly intelligent and someone who always led by example during his playing career, preferring to let his performances do the talking rather than seek attention. He added that Carrick’s influence in the dressing room was significant, both in terms of his professionalism and his ability to support teammates.

According to Mata, Carrick is now carrying those same qualities into management—quietly setting standards, connecting well with players, and delivering the results the club has been craving.