Football
PSG face Ousmane Dembele blow for Arsenal clash as injury expert gives verdict
Ousmane Dembele’s availability for Paris Saint-Germain’s second-leg clash with Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals is in serious doubt.
The French forward, who has been a key figure in PSG’s potent attack this season, was forced off in the second half of the first leg at the Emirates after scoring his 33rd goal of the campaign. That goal handed PSG a valuable 1-0 lead heading into the return match at Parc des Princes.

Dembele has already been ruled out of this weekend’s Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg as a precaution. Following the injury, PSG issued a short update stating his condition is improving, but additional medical evaluations are ongoing.
With less than a week remaining before the pivotal European showdown, the window for recovery appears narrow.
Manager Luis Enrique acknowledged after the match in north London that Dembele’s fitness remains uncertain. Behind the scenes, club medics are monitoring him closely, but the timeline looks challenging.
According to Stephen Smith, CEO of Kitman Labs and an expert in performance and injury analytics, even a minor hamstring issue makes a quick return highly unlikely. Smith notes that for a grade 1 strain, a minimum of two weeks is typically required before a player can resume match play safely.
Smith also warned of the dangers of rushing a player back too quickly, especially when muscle fiber damage is involved. The stakes are high for PSG, who have already secured the Ligue 1 title and are now fully focused on winning their first-ever Champions League trophy.
The temptation to bring Dembele back quickly is understandable, given his recent form and the magnitude of the upcoming match. However, pushing an injured player too soon could result in more severe damage and a longer layoff.

The club will be relying heavily on its internal data to assess his return-to-play readiness. This includes tracking muscle strength, running metrics, and velocity benchmarks to determine whether he can safely meet performance expectations.
Without clearing these standards, Dembele’s participation would pose a serious risk.
With only days remaining, PSG must weigh their desire to field one of their top performers against the long-term consequences of aggravating the injury.
Even though it’s a critical match against an elite opponent in Arsenal, team doctors are unlikely to greenlight Dembele unless he shows significant progress in a short span. His chances of starting—or even appearing at all—are dwindling as the clock ticks toward Wednesday’s decisive fixture in Paris.
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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