Sport

Arsenal injury update: Mikel Arteta confirms double blow after Nottingham Forest draw in Premier League Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed in the aftermath of his side’s draw with Nottingham Forest that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are not scheduled to return before the March international break. The Gunners were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Forest on Wednesday night, failing to truly threaten their opponents despite enjoying 65% possession. Arsenal looked devoid of attacking ideas, but it was no surprise given Saka, Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all missed out on the draw. When asked in the aftermath of the result whether Saka or Martinelli could return before the next international break, Arteta was sceptical, saying: “I don’t think so, no.” When pressed on if the duo could return for Arsenal’s game against Fulham on April 1 after the break, the Spaniard was cautious, telling reporters: “I think so, but again, let’s see how they evolve in the next few weeks to make the right steps as well, and then after that, they’ve been out for a long, long time, so we’re going to have to integrate them as well, probably gradually. So they’re evolving well, but they’re still a bit far.” The timeframe provided by the head coach would indicate that they will miss both legs of the Gunners’ Champions League round of 16 clash against PSV Eindhoven, as well as games against Manchester United and Chelsea What can Arsenal achieve this season? Arsenal’s draw against Forest means they are now 13 points behind first-placed Liverpool, and though they boast a game in hand on the league leaders, it is hard to see that gap closing between now and the end of the season. The Gunners failed to created one expected goal on Wednesday, and have failed to score in back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since May 2023. Ethan Nwaneri started his sixth top-flight game of the campaign in attack, but given he is just 17 years old, it is difficult to expect him to replicate the impact of players like Saka. The Londoners are still in the Champions League and have what appears to be a favourable tie on paper against PSV, but as West Ham United and Forest demonstrated, it is possible to frustrate Arteta’s side by sitting in deep. Arsenal still boast a formidable defensive record this season having only conceded 23 goals in the Premier League – the best in the division – and they could rely on their backline to get the better of teams like Real Madrid in the latter stages of the Champions League. However, there is no doubt that the Gunners could struggle in the coming weeks without their key attacking stars, and it would not be surprising if PSV caused them numerous problems over the course of the tie.

Published

6 hours ago

February 27, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are not expected to return before the March international break, following the Gunners’ frustrating 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Despite dominating possession with 65%, Arsenal struggled to break down Forest’s defense, lacking creativity in attack. The absence of key forwards, including Saka, Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, was evident as they failed to pose a significant threat in the final third.

When questioned about potential returns for Saka and Martinelli ahead of the international break, Arteta expressed doubt, stating, “I don’t think so, no.”

Asked whether the duo might be available for Arsenal’s clash with Fulham on April 1, Arteta remained cautious. “I think so, but again, let’s see how they evolve in the next few weeks to make the right steps. After that, they’ve been out for a long, long time, so we’re going to have to integrate them gradually. They’re progressing well, but they’re still a bit far,” he explained.

Arteta’s timeline suggests that both players will miss Arsenal’s Champions League round of 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven, as well as crucial Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Arsenal’s Prospects This Season

Arsenal’s draw against Forest leaves them 13 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. While they do have a game in hand, bridging that gap appears unlikely with their current struggles in attack.

The Gunners have now failed to score in consecutive league matches for the first time since May 2023. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri, starting his sixth Premier League match, showcased promise but understandably lacks the experience to match the influence of players like Saka.

Still, Arsenal remain contenders in the Champions League and are favored in their upcoming tie against PSV. However, recent performances against defensive teams such as West Ham and Forest indicate that breaking down compact defensive setups remains a challenge for Arteta’s side.

Defensively, Arsenal continue to impress, boasting the Premier League’s best record with just 23 goals conceded. Their solid backline could be crucial in navigating tougher Champions League matchups, including potential encounters with elite clubs like Real Madrid.

Nonetheless, without their primary attacking stars, Arsenal may face difficulties in the weeks ahead. PSV could capitalize on their vulnerabilities, making the upcoming fixtures a true test of the Gunners’ resilience and adaptability

Manchester United

Amorim Plans Talk with Garnacho Over Substitution Reaction

Published

6 hours ago

February 27, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim intends to have a conversation with Alejandro Garnacho following the winger’s reaction to being substituted during United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich.

Garnacho was taken off two minutes before halftime after Patrick Dorgu received a red card, with Noussair Mazraoui replacing him. The Argentina international walked straight down the touchline to the dressing room instead of taking a seat on the bench. Heavy rain at Old Trafford may have played a role in his decision, as he appeared to signal that he wanted to remove his soaked shirt. It remains unclear whether he returned to watch the second half.

“I will speak to Garnacho about that,” Amorim stated.

Previous Discipline Issues

The 20-year-old has previously faced disciplinary action at United. In December, he and Marcus Rashford were dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium due to concerns over their training performance and attitude. While Rashford, now on loan at Aston Villa, has not played for United since, Garnacho quickly returned to first-team action.

Dismissing any link between the two incidents, Amorim said, “You’re making a connection with Rashford, but it was simply cold and wet.”

Tactical Decision Behind Substitution

The decision to replace Garnacho was purely tactical. Following Dorgu’s red card, Amorim opted to maintain a defensive setup by switching to a 5-3-1 formation. He acknowledged that taking Garnacho off was a tough choice given the winger’s ability to exploit one-on-one situations with his pace.

“We had to remove someone, and I made that call,” Amorim explained.

A Challenging Week at United

This victory comes amid a difficult period at the club, with recent announcements of job cuts affecting staff morale. Chief Executive Omar Berrada confirmed that up to 200 positions could be eliminated over the next four months. Understandably, this has left employees feeling disheartened.

Despite the win, it offered little solace to those directly impacted by the off-field turbulence. Moreover, beating a struggling Ipswich side at home is unlikely to be remembered as a significant moment in United’s season. However, the manner of the win—bouncing back from an early defensive lapse, then responding again after being reduced to 10 men—was well received by the fans.

“The supporters were incredible,” Amorim remarked. “They want to see us fight until the end, and we did that today. Despite everything going against us, we persevered. The connection with the fans is strong.”

United’s Struggles and Future Prospects

United’s performances have been under intense scrutiny, with results playing a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the club’s ongoing changes. Some senior figures acknowledge that the team’s struggles have compounded frustrations about the restructuring, but they maintain confidence in Amorim’s long-term vision.

During this match, Ipswich fans didn’t hold back in their criticism, taunting United with chants that questioned their quality. It was a valid point—United, expected to be competing for major honors, currently sit in 14th place and are far from Champions League contention.

Despite this, the club’s leadership remains steadfast in their belief that Amorim needs time to implement his system. They argue that another managerial change would only continue the cycle of instability that has plagued the club for years.

However, even Amorim admitted that United’s recent performances, such as the gritty FA Cup win at Arsenal and the hard-fought draw against Liverpool, have not showcased the style of play he envisions.

“We’re surviving right now, but it’s difficult for me to watch us sit back so much. The players feel comfortable in a low block, but that’s not the football I want us to play,” Amorim said.

Looking Ahead

United have now gone two Premier League matches without defeat, matching their best run under Amorim. Climbing to 14th in the table, they remain nine points adrift of the top half and a distant 13 points from a Champions League spot.

No one at Old Trafford expects a miraculous turnaround before the end of the season. However, there is optimism that results can improve. Their upcoming FA Cup fifth-round clash against Fulham and Europa League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad will be crucial in keeping European qualification hopes alive. Dorgu, suspended for the Fulham match, will be unavailable.

The Spotlight on United

Being associated with Manchester United means every action—on or off the pitch—faces immense scrutiny. This week’s cost-cutting measures have sparked debate, with some pointing out that many companies don’t provide free staff lunches, yet the club’s financial decisions have drawn widespread attention.

United’s global status ensures constant focus, whether for financial matters or on-field performances. While the victory over Ipswich provided some relief, the discussion surrounding the game will likely center on Dorgu’s red card and United’s defensive mix-up that led to the opening goal rather than the result itself.

“When that mistake happened, everyone thought, ‘Here we go again,’” Amorim admitted.

Regarding Dorgu’s dismissal, the coach defended his player, saying, “There was no intent to harm. Sometimes, you just go in too strong.”

Conclusion

Amorim’s fourth home Premier League win as United boss came with plenty of drama, but it will take more than one gritty victory to lift the dark clouds lingering over Old Trafford. The focus remains on long-term improvements as United navigate a turbulent season

Sport

MLS Fines Lionel Messi for Incident with NYCFC Coach During Draw

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Major League Soccer has handed Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi an undisclosed fine following an altercation with a New York City FC assistant coach during Saturday’s 2-2 draw.

The incident occurred as Messi was leaving the field after the final whistle, having just received a yellow card for arguing with referee Alexis Da Silva. Messi exchanged words with NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy, covering his mouth as two Miami staff members intervened. As Messi started to walk away, he turned back toward Ballouchy and placed his right hand on the coach’s neck, applying enough pressure that it appeared to startle him.

In a separate incident from the same match, MLS also fined Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez for violating the league’s policy on hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent. Suárez was involved in a brief altercation with NYCFC defender Birk Risa after halftime, during which he grabbed Risa by the back of the neck.

Additionally, Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutiérrez was fined and suspended for one match after delivering a high elbow to the head of Columbus’ Yevhen Cheberko during the team’s 4-2 loss in their season opener. Gutiérrez will miss Chicago’s home opener against D.C. United on March 1.

The league also issued a fine to Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller for delaying his exit from the field after receiving a red card in the 11th minute of Sunday’s match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Manchester United

Manchester United Face Injury Crisis with Eight Key Players Missing for Ipswich Town Clash

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester United’s injury woes have intensified ahead of their home clash with Ipswich Town on Wednesday night, with the team set to be without eight players for the match. Manager Ruben Amorim is facing a growing crisis as several key players remain sidelined, further challenging United’s depth.

Having gone three matches without a Premier League win, United are desperate to return to winning ways against Ipswich. However, Amorim will have to navigate this crucial game with a depleted squad, as the injuries continue to mount.

The team drew 2-2 with Everton in their last outing, despite missing several key figures. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Amorim confirmed that no players would be returning from injury for the Ipswich game, leaving United with limited options.

The list of absentees includes Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, and Toby Collyer, all of whom are still unfit to feature. In addition, Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez are out for the remainder of the season due to long-term injuries.

There are also growing concerns over Noussair Mazraoui, who sustained a knee injury during the Everton match. This leaves Amorim in a difficult position, possibly having to rely on academy players to fill out the bench once again.

In recent matches against Everton and Tottenham, Amorim has included young players such as Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Sekou Kone, Chido Obi-Martin, and Elyh Harrison on his substitute bench.

“Toby Collyer is getting closer, but he’s not ready yet. Kobbie Mainoo is making progress, but we have to adapt and make do with the players we have available for the match schedule,” said Amorim.

Despite the challenges, Amorim remains hopeful for the Ipswich game. He drew optimism from United’s spirited second-half comeback against Everton, which saw Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte both score to secure a 2-2 draw.

When asked about his motivational approach in the second half, Amorim explained, “I told the players to keep playing the same way. During the week, I saw a different energy, and we stuck with our approach. It was all about belief and focus on the details—like controlling the ball and winning the second balls. Everyone was aware of Everton’s strengths, and we proved that we could improve in the second half by playing with better energy and fight.”

With the injury crisis mounting, Ruben Amorim will need to find a way to inspire his depleted squad as they prepare to face Ipswich Town under challenging circumstances.