Football
Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal injury boost ahead of Paris Saint-Germain showdown
Arsenal have received a crucial injury boost ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners will make the trip to the French capital with renewed hope following encouraging news from the training ground.
After a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Emirates in the first leg, Mikel Arteta’s side faces an uphill battle if they are to book a spot in the final in Munich later this month. However, Tuesday’s training session provided reasons for optimism as Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were all involved.

Odegaard, whose recent performances have drawn criticism, appeared to suffer a knock to his foot late in Arsenal’s shock home loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.
While the Norway captain had initially eased concerns about a serious injury, his full participation in training just two days before the decisive match is a major relief for Arteta and fans alike.
The midfielder’s creativity and leadership will be pivotal if Arsenal are to overturn the deficit at the Parc des Princes.
Jurrien Timber also made a welcome return to training. The Dutch defender missed the weekend fixture after limping off during the final minutes of the first leg against PSG. Ben White filled in for Timber against Bournemouth, but Arteta indicated a late decision will be made on whether Timber is fit to start in the second leg.
The manager confirmed during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference that Timber’s availability will depend on how he responds during the final training session, adding further intrigue to Arsenal’s defensive setup.
Equally positive was the sight of Riccardo Calafiori back in full training. The Italian defender has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury while representing Italy in March.
His inclusion in the traveling squad is a timely boost for the Gunners, who have had to manage defensive rotations during a demanding run of fixtures.
Arteta spoke of Calafiori’s readiness, stating that the 22-year-old is fit and available to play if needed, giving the manager another defensive option in such a high-stakes encounter.
Arsenal’s path to the semi-final has already defied expectations. The team delivered a remarkable performance to eliminate Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, proving they can compete with the continent’s elite even away from home.
Arteta remains confident that his squad can repeat that level of execution against PSG. Speaking to the media, he emphasized the need for a more consistent and refined version of their first-leg display.
According to him, if Arsenal can sharpen their execution and maintain focus throughout the game, their chances of progressing to the final will be within reach.
The manager acknowledged that few had expected Arsenal to reach this stage, but he urged his players to embrace the opportunity to write their own chapter in club history.
As the team heads to Paris with key players returning and confidence in their European credentials, the stage is set for another dramatic night in the Champions League.
Whether it ends in triumph or heartbreak, Arsenal are ready to give everything in pursuit of glory.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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