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Inigo Martinez Out for Four Weeks with Hamstring Injury
Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez will be sidelined for four weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in the 5-2 Spanish Super Cup win over Real Madrid. The 33-year-old underwent tests on Tuesday, confirming a right hamstring injury.
Martinez's absence means that Ronald Araujo will likely take his place in central defense. Martinez will miss key upcoming matches, including the final two Champions League group games against Benfica and Atalanta.
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Laporta Defends Olmo Registration Amidst Criticism
Barcelona president Joan Laporta fiercely defended his handling of Dani Olmo's registration issue and lashed out at those attacking the club, calling it a coordinated attempt to destabilize them.
Olmo and Pau Victor missed two matches after La Liga and the RFEF refused to grant them licenses. Laporta stated that Barcelona had followed the rules and blamed the delay on La Liga’s unexpected request for additional documentation regarding the sale of VIP seats.
He emphasized that despite these challenges, the club's determination never wavered, leading to their success in winning the Spanish Super Cup.
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FA Cup Fourth Round Draw: Leicester to Visit Old Trafford
Manchester United will take on Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round, with former United star Ruud van Nistelrooy returning to Old Trafford as Leicester’s manager.
Liverpool faces a trip to Plymouth, Chelsea meets Brighton, and Aston Villa hosts Tottenham in a marquee matchup. Manchester City awaits the result of Leyton Orient vs. Derby.
Complete Fixtures:
Manchester United v Leicester
Leeds v Millwall/Dagenham
Brighton v Chelsea
Plymouth v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Tottenham
Everton v Bournemouth
Southampton/Swansea v Burnley
Blackburn v Wolves
Mansfield/Wigan v Fulham
Exeter v Nottingham Forest
Coventry v Ipswich
Birmingham v Newcastle
Stoke v Cardiff
Doncaster v Crystal Palace
Preston/Charlton v Wycombe
Leyton Orient/Derby v Manchester City
Matches will take place from February 7–10.
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Barcelona Beat Madrid 5-2 in Super Cup Classic
Barcelona claimed a dominant 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, lifting the trophy under Hansi Flick's management.
Kylian Mbappé gave Madrid an early lead, but Barcelona roared back with Lamine Yamal’s equalizer and further goals from Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha (two), and Alejandro Balde.
Wojciech Szczesny’s red card reduced Barcelona to 10 men, allowing Madrid's Rodrygo to score from a free-kick, but it was too late to challenge Barcelona’s dominance.
This win extends Barcelona’s record to 15 Spanish Super Cup titles, highlighting their supremacy in Clasico clashes this season.
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🌝 Yamal Left Match for Toilet Break – Gundogan Shares Unusual Story
Ilkay Gundogan recalled an unusual incident involving Lamine Yamal during Barcelona's match against Porto last season. Speaking on The Ranveer Show, Gundogan shared that the teenage star left the field mid-match to use the toilet.
"We were leading 1-0, and everything was going well. Around the 60th minute, the game changed dramatically, and it felt like Porto had an extra player," Gundogan said.
The confusion deepened when Gundogan discovered the reason: "Lamine left to use the bathroom, and we were playing with 10 men! The technical staff hesitated to replace him, waiting for his return."
Frustrated, Gundogan urged the staff to make a substitution, but after waiting too long, they were forced to replace Yamal.
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Guardiola Talks FA Cup and Salford’s Ambitious Owners
Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup match against Salford City, a club backed by Manchester United’s Class of 92. Salford has made impressive progress through the ranks, thanks to the guidance of footballing legends like Gary Neville, David Beckham, and Ryan Giggs.
Guardiola praised the former players for making wise decisions and backing their ambitions, knowing that their expertise could help elevate Salford in the English Football League.
On a personal note, Guardiola shared his connection to Salford, where he has lived for the past eight years. City have struggled with injuries, but recent victories against Leicester and West Ham signal a positive shift, with key players like Ederson and Oscar Bobb returning to training. However, Rodri, Stones, and Dias are still out.
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Barcelona Reach Spanish Super Cup Final
Barcelona triumphed over Athletic Club to secure a spot in the Spanish Super Cup final, with goals from Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Gavi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing off a pass from Alejandro Balde. Yamal doubled the lead in the second half with a composed finish past Unai Simon.
Athletic Club's Inaki Williams had a goal ruled out for offside in the final minute. Barcelona will now face the winner of the Real Madrid vs Mallorca match in Sunday’s final.
Barcelona also received provisional permission from the Spanish sports council (CSD) to register new signings Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, although they were not eligible to play in this semi-final.
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⚡️ Deschamps' Departure and Zidane's Likely Successor
Didier Deschamps has announced he will step down as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup. Despite his success, many believe the right time to leave was after Euro 2024, with key players retiring and the squad undergoing changes. His decision to leave before the World Cup has raised concerns about team morale.
Zinedine Zidane is the frontrunner to replace Deschamps. With his deep connection to the French team and his bond with Mbappé, Zidane is seen as the ideal candidate. Thierry Henry, while a future prospect, is not the immediate choice.
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Neymar Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last
Neymar has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament, expressing confidence that Brazil will qualify for the finals in North America. Speaking in an interview with CNN, the 32-year-old attacker admitted that this would be his "last shot" at the World Cup and pledged to give his all to secure a place in the squad.
“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it,” Neymar said. Although he hasn’t played for Brazil in over a year, Neymar remains optimistic about the team's chances in qualifying, with Brazil currently in fifth place in the South American group, five points clear of seventh.
Neymar also hinted at a potential reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at U.S. club Inter Miami, saying, “Playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible.”
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Dani Olmo and Pau Victor Cleared to Play for Barcelona by Spanish Sports Council
Dani Olmo and Pau Victor have been granted permission to play for Barcelona after the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) approved a temporary measure on Wednesday.
The financially struggling club was unable to register the two players before the deadline at the end of last year. Olmo and Victor, who were given temporary licenses when they joined in the summer, are now eligible to feature for the Catalan side.
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🚩Ancelotti Calls Vinicius Red Card Ban Unfair
Carlo Ancelotti has criticized Vinicius Junior’s two-match ban following his red card in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Valencia. The Brazilian winger was sent off for pushing Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the neck. Ancelotti described the suspension as “unfair” and pointed out the insults Vinicius endured during the match, highlighting the ongoing racial abuse the player faces.
“Both he and I hear what happens in the stadiums... the ban is not right,” Ancelotti said. Vinicius will miss upcoming La Liga games against Las Palmas and Real Valladolid but can play in the Spanish Super Cup.
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Magpies Dominate Arsenal to Take 2-0 Advantage in Carabao Cup Semi-Final
Newcastle United secured a crucial 2-0 win at Arsenal in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final, thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. The Magpies, chasing their first major trophy since 1969, will take their lead into the second leg on February 5.
Isak’s stunning opener and Gordon’s follow-up sealed the victory, while Arsenal’s lack of clinical finishing left them with an uphill battle. Martinelli struck the post, and Havertz failed to capitalize on a golden chance as Newcastle’s resolute defense held firm.
The Magpies are now just 90 minutes away from a potential final showdown against Liverpool or Tottenham.
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⚡️ Errol Musk Reveals Elon Musk’s Interest in Liverpool FC
Elon Musk is eyeing the possibility of acquiring Liverpool FC, according to his father, Errol Musk. In an interview with Times Radio, Errol shared that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has shown interest but stopped short of confirming any negotiations.
Errol highlighted the Musk family’s generational ties to Liverpool, where Elon’s grandmother was born and raised before moving to South Africa. Musk himself has often acknowledged her influence on his upbringing, citing her resilience during challenging times.
If Musk pursues the acquisition, it would mark a significant expansion into sports ownership for the billionaire.
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Financial Troubles Lead to Guangzhou FC’s Expulsion from Chinese Leagues
Guangzhou FC, a club that once dominated Chinese football, has been expelled from China’s professional leagues due to insurmountable debt.
The eight-time CSL champions and two-time Asian Champions League winners were relegated in 2022 after their parent company, Evergrande, faced financial ruin. Despite efforts to recover, the club’s debts proved too great to overcome, leading to their exclusion for 2025.
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Napoli Move Top of Serie A with 3-0 Victory Over Fiorentina
Napoli capitalized on the absence of their Serie A rivals to top the league table with a convincing 3-0 win over Fiorentina.
David Neres opened the scoring with a brilliant individual effort, Romelu Lukaku added a penalty, and Scott McTominay sealed the win with a composed finish. The victory marks Napoli’s fourth consecutive league win, propelling them ahead of Atalanta, who have a game in hand.
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Guardiola: City Are Regaining Form
Pep Guardiola praised his team for three consecutive victories but emphasized the importance of their upcoming match against Brentford.
City comfortably defeated Leicester, West Ham, and Salford, but Guardiola noted that the true challenges lie ahead. He described Brentford as a strong team with an excellent home record.
The manager also declined to comment on rumors about the transfer of Abdukodir Khusanov or the future of Kyle Walker, who hasn’t played since December.
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Ronaldo to Extend Al Nassr Contract, Remain Football's Top Earner
Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to extend his contract with Al Nassr, keeping him as the world's highest-paid footballer with a €200 million deal. This includes €3.8 million per week and €60 million from image rights.
Ronaldo has netted 75 goals in 84 games for Al Nassr, and his new contract will take him closer to his 1,000 career goals target. The deal, set to run until June 2026, will coincide with the 2026 World Cup, which could be his last.
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Super Eagles’ New Coach Eric Chelle to Be Unveiled Monday
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will unveil Eric Chelle as the new Super Eagles coach on Monday at 11 a.m. at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
Chelle, a Franco-Malian coach, was announced as the Head Coach last week, and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has called for nationwide support despite skepticism about the appointment. Gusau assured that the NFF would provide all necessary resources to help Chelle succeed.
Chelle’s immediate task will be leading the Super Eagles B squad in the African Nations Championship next month. Later, he will focus on improving Nigeria’s position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle’s coaching experience includes leading Mali to the 2023 AFCON quarter-finals and managing clubs such as FC Martigues and MC Oran. As a player, he earned five caps for Mali.
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Manchester United Edge Arsenal in FA Cup Penalty Drama
Manchester United defeated Arsenal 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates.
United played an hour with 10 men but held firm, thanks to Altay Bayindir, who saved Kai Havertz’s decisive penalty in the shootout. Earlier in the game, Bayindir also stopped Martin Odegaard’s spot-kick, ensuring the holders advanced to the fourth round.
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Djokovic Claims He Was 'Poisoned' Before Australian Open Deportation
Novak Djokovic has revealed that he believes he was "poisoned" with lead and mercury while being held in a Melbourne detention hotel in 2022, just before his deportation on the eve of the Australian Open. The Serbian tennis star, whose visa was cancelled over his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19, said the food provided in the hotel led to high levels of heavy metals in his blood. Djokovic did not provide direct evidence linking the food to the poisoning but stood by his claims.
Despite the controversy surrounding his treatment in Australia, Djokovic insists he holds no grudge against the Australian people and expressed gratitude for his visa reinstatement. He also noted that many Australians apologized to him for the government's actions. Djokovic returned to Melbourne a year later and clinched the Australian Open title.
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❗️ Premier League Clubs Targeting Key Players
Manchester United and Liverpool are both eyeing Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, with the 23-year-old forward attracting interest from top clubs. If Napoli allows him to leave this month, both English giants could make their move. (L'Equipe, Athletic)
Meanwhile, West Ham are showing interest in Marcus Rashford and could pursue a loan move for the Manchester United forward. Arsenal and Serie A's AC Milan are also monitoring his situation. (Talksport, Gianluca Di Marzio)
Manchester City are focused on signing Vitor Reis, a promising Brazilian defender, from Palmeiras. (Athletic)
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Amorim Wants to Keep Mainoo at Man Utd, but No Guarantees on Future
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has expressed his desire to keep 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo at the club but refrained from offering any guarantees about the midfielder's future.
Mainoo, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, is currently in a contract stand-off with United, who are focused on extending the deals of Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo. Although Mainoo's contract still has two-and-a-half years remaining, the club faces financial constraints, and selling homegrown players could offer greater flexibility for future signings under the Premier League's financial rules.
"We always want to keep the best players," said Amorim, "but we know the position the club is in. We will see." While there are concerns from United officials about the potential backlash from fans if Mainoo is sold, Amorim emphasized his satisfaction with the player's progress, saying, "I’m really happy with Kobbie. He is improving."
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Oscar Bobb Back in Training After Five-Month Injury Layoff
Oscar Bobb of Manchester City is back in training after recovering from a fractured leg that kept him out for five months. The Norwegian midfielder, who was injured in training ahead of the Premier League season, has not played since featuring in the Community Shield in August.
Although Bobb won’t be available for Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Salford City, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that he is back on the training pitch, with his bone injury fully healed.
"It's good news he's back," Guardiola said. "It’s not a muscle injury, it was a bone, and it’s already fixed."
Guardiola also updated on other injuries, revealing that Ruben Dias is improving but not yet fit, while John Stones remains unavailable. Ederson, who has been out since mid-December, is now fully recovered.
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West Ham Appoint Graham Potter as New Manager Following Lopetegui’s Departure
West Ham United have appointed Graham Potter as their new manager after Julen Lopetegui’s exit earlier this week. The 49-year-old former Brighton and Chelsea boss has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club. Potter inherits a team currently 14th in the Premier League, with just six league wins this season, and seven points clear of the relegation zone.
"I’m excited to be here. I believe this is the right fit for me and for the club," Potter said, highlighting his positive conversations with West Ham’s leadership. "We share the same values, focused on hard work and high energy to build a foundation for success."
Potter’s managerial career spans successful spells at Brighton, where he guided the team to a ninth-place finish in 2022, and a stint at Chelsea that ended in April 2023. He will now focus on guiding West Ham through the FA Cup and Premier League challenges ahead.
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West Ham Part Ways with Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter Set to Take Over
West Ham have parted ways with manager Julen Lopetegui after just 22 games in charge. The Spaniard’s tenure saw the club sit 14th in the Premier League, with six wins in 20 matches. A 4-1 loss to Manchester City last Saturday was the final straw for the board.
In a statement, West Ham thanked Lopetegui and his staff for their efforts but noted the team’s performance had not met the club’s ambitions. Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is expected to replace Lopetegui.
West Ham, who spent heavily during the summer, will now look to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming FA Cup tie against Aston Villa.
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Arteta Blames Carabao Cup Ball for Arsenal's Missed Chances Against Newcastle
Mikel Arteta has suggested that the Carabao Cup match ball played a part in Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Newcastle. The Gunners missed numerous chances, with 20 shots going off target, and Arteta believes the ball’s unique characteristics contributed to their struggles.
“The ball flies differently, and the grip is not the same as the Premier League ball,” Arteta said after the game. Despite Arsenal's dominance in possession, they couldn’t make the most of their opportunities. The first leg defeat means Arsenal now have a tough task ahead of the second leg in February.
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France's Didier Deschamps to Step Down After 2026
France’s head coach Didier Deschamps will vacate his position after the 2026 World Cup, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Deschamps, who guided Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018, is among a rare few who have won the tournament as both a player and a manager.
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❗️ Salah Fires Back at Carragher Amid Contract Speculation
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has hit out at Jamie Carragher, labeling the club legend “obsessed” during a social media spat over his future.
Salah’s contract with the Reds is set to expire in six months, and he is now free to negotiate with foreign clubs. The exchange comes amid intense speculation about whether the star winger will remain at Anfield.
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Tottenham Extend Son Heung-min’s Contract Until 2026
Tottenham Hotspur have activated a clause to extend Son Heung-min’s contract until 2026. The 32-year-old captain, who joined Spurs in 2015, has made 431 appearances and scored 169 goals, placing him fourth on the club's all-time scoring list. Despite Spurs’ struggles this season, Son has scored seven goals across all competitions.
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Man City Dominate West Ham, Chelsea Stumble Against Palace
Manchester City continued their resurgence with a 4-1 victory over West Ham, led by Erling Haaland’s brace and contributions from Savinho and Phil Foden.
Meanwhile, Chelsea dropped points in a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, with Jadon Sancho setting up Cole Palmer’s opener before Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized late. City look revitalized, while Chelsea's title hopes are fading.
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