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Alexander Isak will not be part of Newcastle United’s squad as they face Arsenal this Sunday, with the Swedish striker sidelined by a minor groin injury.

The absence of the club’s top scorer is a setback in their push for Champions League qualification, especially considering Isak’s standout season. He has netted 23 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, trailing only Mohamed Salah in the scoring charts.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has made just one change to the team that triumphed over Chelsea in their last outing, bringing in Callum Wilson to lead the line at the Emirates Stadium. This marks Wilson’s second league start of the campaign, stepping in for Isak at a crucial point in the season.

In an official club statement released ahead of the match, Newcastle confirmed: “Wilson will make just his second league start of the campaign in place of leading goalscorer Alexander Isak, who misses out with a minor groin injury, as the Magpies bid to make sure of Champions League qualification.”

Wilson, who has featured in 16 Premier League games this term, is still searching for his first goal of the season and will be aiming to end that drought against a formidable Arsenal side.

Newcastle also continue to cope without midfielder Joelinton, who is recovering from a knee injury. Howe recently acknowledged that it’s unlikely the Brazilian will return before the season ends.

“He’s working away behind the scenes,” Howe said. “Typical Joe – he’s absolutely foot to the floor trying to get fit because he wants to be involved. The biggest possibility is that we don’t see him again this season and we’ll get him ready for next year.”

Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League table and just two points ahead of Newcastle, welcome back Declan Rice from a hip issue.

The midfielder replaces the suspended Mikel Merino in the starting eleven. Kai Havertz also returns to the matchday squad for the first time since February following a hamstring injury, taking a place on the bench.

Both sides are locked in a tight race near the top of the table, with every point crucial as the season draws to a close.

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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.

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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.

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