Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has branded the club’s congested December fixture schedule “irresponsible,” warning that it threatens player welfare and undermines the integrity of the competition calendar. The Eagles are set for a punishing run of matches following their qualification for the EFL Cup quarter-finals, with dates clashing dangerously close together due to UEFA’s expanded European calendar. Palace are due to host Manchester City on Sunday, 14 December, face KuPS in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, 18 December, and then travel to Leeds United on Sunday, 21 December. However, Arsenal vs Palace’s EFL Cup quarter-final opponents want the…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has moved to clarify his recent comments about squad depth, insisting he is “completely happy” with the players at his disposal despite a difficult run of form and growing criticism from supporters. The Dutchman’s remarks come just days after Liverpool’s shock 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat at home to Crystal Palace — their sixth loss in seven matches across all competitions. Slot’s team selection that night raised eyebrows as he fielded a youthful side, handing starts to three teenagers and naming five more on the bench. After the defeat, Slot appeared to suggest that his weakened lineup…

Manchester United’s new goalkeeper Senne Lammens insists he is unfazed by the weight of expectation that comes with guarding the posts at Old Trafford — and has played down early comparisons with legendary stopper Peter Schmeichel. At just 23 years old and with only one full season of senior football behind him, Lammens has already stepped into one of the most demanding roles in world football. Since his £18.1m deadline-day move from Royal Antwerp, the Belgian has quickly established himself as United’s first-choice keeper, replacing Altay Bayindir after the Turkish international’s inconsistent start to the season. The decision to sign…

The Premier League has confirmed that just one match will take place on Boxing Day this year, citing the expansion of European club competitions as the main reason behind the reduced schedule. Manchester United’s home clash with Newcastle United, kicking off at 20:00 GMT, will be the sole fixture on 26 December — a striking departure from one of English football’s most beloved traditions. For decades, Boxing Day football has been a cornerstone of the Premier League calendar, drawing packed stadiums and millions of television viewers. Traditionally, all 20 clubs are in action across the day, with festive fixtures serving…

England forward Michelle Agyemang has confirmed that she will miss the rest of the season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during England’s 3-0 victory over Australia. The 19-year-old, currently on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion from Arsenal, sustained the injury in a non-contact incident just 13 minutes after being introduced as a second-half substitute. The injury marks a heartbreaking setback for one of England’s brightest young talents, whose rise to prominence has been nothing short of impressive. Agyemang, a key figure in the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph, was carried off the pitch on a stretcher, prompting…

Barcelona’s injury problems deepened on Wednesday after the club confirmed that midfielder Pedri has suffered a tear in his hamstring, ruling him out for a significant spell. The 22-year-old sustained the injury during training earlier this week, and medical tests have revealed a tear in the distal biceps femoris muscle of his left thigh, part of the hamstring group located at the back of the leg. Barcelona released a brief statement confirming the diagnosis, adding that “the player’s recovery will dictate his return to action.” While no official timeframe has been provided, such injuries typically require several weeks — and…

Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne faces an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a serious thigh injury sustained while scoring in his team’s 3-1 victory over Inter Milan. The 34-year-old Belgian playmaker was forced off midway through the first half of Saturday’s Serie A clash after clutching the back of his right leg moments after converting a penalty in the 33rd minute. Despite Napoli’s impressive win, the club’s celebrations were dampened by the sight of their talisman leaving the pitch in clear discomfort. Subsequent medical scans confirmed a high-grade tear of the biceps femoris, one of the…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the dates and venues for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, which will determine Africa’s final representative for the global showpiece. The mini-tournament, featuring four African teams comprising Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will take place from November 13 to 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco. The playoff winner will advance to the intercontinental playoff, where they will compete for Africa’s 10th and final spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Key Fixtures and Venues According to CAF, the semi-final matches will be played on Thursday, 13 November, at two venues:…

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has issued a public apology to supporters, teammates, and club officials following his angry reaction to being substituted during Sunday’s 2-1 El Clásico victory over Barcelona. The Brazilian, who has been one of Madrid’s standout performers this season, was taken off in the 72nd minute at the Santiago Bernabéu. Clearly frustrated, Vinicius headed straight down the tunnel rather than joining his teammates on the bench. Cameras later captured him muttering in discontent, saying: “Always me! I’m leaving the team! It’s better if I leave, I’m leaving,” sparking speculation about his future at the club. After…

A man has died after his electric wheelchair collided with a car driven by Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez in northern Italy. The fatal incident occurred in the province of Como, near Lake Como, on Monday evening. According to local authorities, the wheelchair is believed to have veered into the path of Martinez’s vehicle as it travelled alongside a main road. Italian police confirmed to Reuters that the 27-year-old Spanish goalkeeper immediately stopped his car and attempted to assist the victim, but the man succumbed to his injuries before emergency services could arrive. “The car driven by Inter goalkeeper Josep…