Football
Mikel Arteta gives Mikel Merino injury update ahead of Arsenal vs PSG
Mikel Arteta has provided an important fitness update on Mikel Merino ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Although Liverpool has already secured the Premier League title, Arsenal remains in the hunt for European glory, just three games away from potentially lifting the prestigious trophy.
Their journey continues on Tuesday night when they host PSG at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the semi-final.
Throughout the season, Arteta has faced numerous injury challenges, particularly in the forward positions.
Key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have spent significant time on the sidelines, forcing the manager to find creative solutions.
One of those adjustments was deploying Mikel Merino, typically a midfielder, in a more advanced role. This tactical tweak paid off during the quarter-final matchup against Real Madrid, where Merino scored during Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 victory at home.
However, Arsenal supporters grew concerned when Merino was absent from the recent 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Arteta revealed that both Merino and Ben White had picked up injuries prior to that match, causing a fresh wave of uncertainty heading into the semi-final.
Fortunately, there was some relief when images surfaced of Merino participating in training on Monday, suggesting he could be available for selection.
Still, Arteta admitted during his pre-match press conference that it remains unclear whether Merino will be fit enough to start against PSG.
Adding to the squad’s complications, Thomas Partey will miss the crucial encounter due to suspension, a significant blow to the midfield’s stability.
With Partey sidelined, Merino might be required to return to his natural midfield position, especially considering the excellent form of Leandro Trossard, who has netted four goals in his last four Premier League appearances.
Arteta, addressing the media, explained, “We lost Thomas unfortunately very late in the game against Real Madrid. Ben and Mikel were able to train. Let’s see if they are able to start tomorrow. Ricci [Riccardo Calafiori] is still not fit.” His comments have left fans anxiously awaiting the official team news as Arsenal prepares for one of their biggest matches in recent history.
Arsenal has never lifted the Champions League trophy and has only once reached the final, back in 2006 when they fell short against Barcelona. Now, with the club among the final four in Europe, Arteta is eager to seize the opportunity and create a new chapter in Arsenal’s storied history.
He added, “With the circumstances this season and how we have overcome a lot of issues and challenges to be one of the best four teams in Europe, it’s a beautiful story right now but we want more.”
As the Emirates prepares for an electric night under the lights, the Gunners know that a strong performance against PSG could bring them one step closer to fulfilling a long-standing dream. Whether Merino will be fit enough to contribute from the start remains to be seen, but Arsenal fans will be hoping for every possible advantage as the semi-final showdown approaches.
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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