Arsenal are waiting to discover the extent of an injury to Bukayo Saka after the winger was forced off during their North London Derby victory over Tottenham.

Saka limps off in derby win

Reports in the Mirror suggest the Gunners were left with a late fitness worry despite securing bragging rights over their fierce rivals.

The England international appeared in discomfort before being substituted in the closing stages of the encounter.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping the issue is minor as his side continues their Premier League campaign.

The 24-year-old has been pivotal to the club’s title aspirations this season.

Wilshere involved in fan confrontation

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere had to be separated from angry supporters following Luton Town’s stalemate with Burton Albion.

The Mirror claims the Hatters manager was dragged away after emotions boiled over following the 1-1 draw in the EFL.

Wilshere took charge at Kenilworth Road earlier this season looking to steer the club up the table.

Guardiola makes surprise Italy trip

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wasted no time leaving the country after his side’s victory over Newcastle United.

According to the Sun, the Catalan coach flew immediately to Italy to watch a Serie C fixture.

It remains unclear if the visit was for scouting purposes or personal reasons, given the lower-league status of the match.

City remain in the hunt for silverware on multiple fronts.

Van der Sar reveals Old Trafford discussions

Edwin van der Sar has disclosed that he previously held discussions about a return to Manchester United in an executive capacity.

The Daily Mail reports the former Dutch goalkeeper spoke with former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on two separate rounds of talks.

Van der Sar established a strong reputation as an administrator during his time at Ajax.

Loftus-Cheek hospitalised in Milan

AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been taken to hospital following a serious head injury.

The Sun reports the England World Cup hopeful requires urgent medical attention following the incident.

The former Chelsea man has been a key figure in Serie A since his move to Italy.

In other news

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to take charge of the France national team following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

The 53-year-old is expected to succeed Didier Deschamps, whose contract expires after the tournament in North America.

Such a move would finally end long-standing speculation linking the former Real Madrid boss with a managerial role at Manchester United.

Waiting in the wings

Deschamps has been at the helm of Les Bleus since 2012, guiding the nation to World Cup glory in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022.

However, there has been a growing consensus that his former international team-mate has been waiting for the position to become vacant.

Zidane has been out of management since ending his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021.

During his time in the Spanish capital, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner lifted nine trophies, including three consecutive Champions League titles.

The Premier League language barrier

Despite his hiatus, Zidane has been regularly touted as a potential candidate for the Old Trafford hot seat, most recently before Ruben Amorim’s appointment.

However, the French icon has previously suggested that a move to England was unlikely due to his command of the language.

Speaking to L’Equipe in 2022, he explained why he would hesitate to accept a job in the Premier League.

“Never say never. Especially when you are a coach today. If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty.”
“That’s why I can’t just go anywhere. For other reasons, too. Certain conditions make things more difficult. When someone says to me, ‘Do you want to go to Manchester [United]?’ I understand English but I don’t fully master it.”

While former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit recently suggested Zidane had been taking English lessons, this reported agreement with the French Football Federation appears to confirm his future lies in international football.

Four high-level football matches in Mexico have been postponed after the army killed the leader of a powerful drug cartel near the World Cup host city of Guadalajara.

Two top-flight fixtures were affected, including the men’s Liga MX clash between Queretaro and Juarez FC.

The high-profile women’s league match between Chivas and America was also called off following the security concerns.

Violence erupts in Jalisco

Officials also confirmed the immediate suspension of two games in the country’s second division.

The cancellations follow the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, who was wounded during a military operation in Tapalpa.

The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) died while being flown to Mexico City for treatment.

In the aftermath of the military strike, cartel members set fire to vehicles and established roadblocks across nearly a dozen states.

Security concerns for World Cup venue

The violence occurred roughly a two-hour drive from Guadalajara, which is preparing to act as a host city for the World Cup in June.

Guadalajara is scheduled to stage four matches during the tournament, featuring teams such as Spain, Uruguay, and co-hosts Mexico.

The CJNG is regarded as the most powerful criminal organisation in the country, with operations extending across 21 states.

International and tennis fixtures

Mexico’s national team is currently scheduled to play a friendly against Iceland on Wednesday at the Corregidora stadium in Queretaro.

The Mexican football federation has not yet issued a statement regarding the status of the international fixture.

However, organisers of the Mexican Open in Acapulco confirmed the ATP tennis tournament will proceed as planned on Monday.

A statement released by the venue noted that the tournament’s operation “continues as normal”.

Manchester City could face a significant battle to retain midfielder Rodri as both Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare attempts to tempt the Spaniard back to La Liga.

La Liga giants circle Premier League champion

The 29-year-old has been pivotal to City’s recent dominance, establishing himself as one of the world’s leading midfielders.

However, reports in Germany suggest the Premier League holders will face a fight to keep their anchor man this summer.

Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly keen on securing the signature of the Spain international.

Premier League duo chase Alvarez

Arsenal and Chelsea are pushing hard to bring Julian Alvarez back to England.

The 26-year-old Argentina forward, currently with Atletico Madrid, is the subject of intense interest from the London rivals.

Barcelona are also monitoring the World Cup winner, ensuring a potentially crowded market for his services.

Defensive reinforcements for Liverpool

Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of Roma defender Zeki Celik.

The 29-year-old Turkey international had been linked with a switch to Juventus.

However, Celik’s agent has publicly dismissed the prospect of a move to Turin, clearing the path for the Anfield club.

Spurs keeper attracts Italian interest

Juventus have identified Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario as a primary transfer target.

The Italian giants are looking to bolster their goalkeeping options and view the 29-year-old as an ideal solution.

Spurs may face further pressure, with Inter Milan also ready to compete for the Italy shot-stopper.

European transfer round-up

Arsenal are currently leading Manchester City and Newcastle in the race to sign Sporting defender Ivan Fresneda.

The arrival of the 21-year-old Spaniard at the Emirates could see England defender Ben White leave the club.

Elsewhere, Manchester United and Arsenal have emerged as favourites to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown.

Newcastle have reportedly stated they will only sell German striker Nick Woltemade if the 24-year-old formally demands a transfer.

Meanwhile, Chelsea could allow Trevoh Chalobah to join Aston Villa, provided the Blues can secure a defensive replacement.

Pep Guardiola has described Erling Haaland as “generous” and “incredible” after the striker’s defensive contribution helped Manchester City defeat Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.

While Nico O’Reilly received the official player of the match award, Guardiola singled out his centre-forward as the true standout performer.

Haaland is usually measured by his extraterrestrial goalscoring exploits, but this performance offered something entirely different.

Despite failing to find the net for the eighth time in 11 games, the Norwegian international has arguably never been more involved in City’s general play.

Record touches and defensive grit

The 24-year-old registered 43 touches, marking the highest tally of his Premier League career to date.

His physical battle with Newcastle defender Dan Burn was a focal point throughout the contest at the Etihad.

Aside from his hold-up play, the striker provided the assist for O’Reilly’s second goal with a precise cross.

However, it was his work inside his own penalty area that drew the most acclaim.

Haaland made three clearances, a figure bettered only by Rodri and Marc Guehi among his team-mates.

It was a display of defensive resilience that prompted Guehi to joke about his colleague’s positional future.

“I think he should stay up front, for sure,” said the January signing. “I don’t want him to take my place.”

‘An incredible, generous player’

Guardiola admitted he usually prefers his top scorer to stay further forward, but acknowledged the necessity of his contribution against the Magpies.

“I’m not a big fan to put Erling to defend,” said the City boss. “But he helped us, and I know after, how the people hug him and celebrate him and say they’re grateful for helping us.”
“He’s an incredible, generous player, so today is a performance and I’ll never forget what Erling has done for us.”

This shift in approach comes during a relatively quiet spell in front of goal for the Premier League’s Golden Boot holder.

Yet the former Borussia Dortmund man has stepped up significantly as part of the club’s leadership group.

Having recently committed to a nine-and-a-half year contract, Haaland appears to be evolving into a complete team player rather than just a pure finisher.

Wolves and Sunderland have condemned racist abuse directed at Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle following the latest round of Premier League fixtures.

Both clubs released strong statements on Sunday after their players were targeted by social media users in the wake of weekend defeats.

Wolves forward Arokodare faced discriminatory messages after his side’s loss to Crystal Palace, while Sunderland winger Mundle was targeted following a reverse against Fulham.

‘Zero-tolerance approach’

The Molineux club confirmed they have reported the accounts responsible to both the police and social media platforms.

“Tolu has our full and unwavering support,” a Wolves statement read.

“No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job.”

“We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity.”

The Premier League’s bottom side emphasised they would work with authorities to identify perpetrators.

Arokodare expressed his disbelief at the lack of accountability for online perpetrators.

“It’s still unbelievable to me that we’re playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences,” the Nigerian striker posted on social media.

“These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.”

Sunderland vow strongest possible action

The Black Cats have seen their form dip recently, but the club insisted that on-pitch results offer no justification for hate speech.

“The club is actively working with the relevant authorities and online platforms to identify those responsible, and we will take the strongest possible action available to us,” a Sunderland spokesperson said.

“These individuals do not represent Sunderland AFC, our values, or our community – and they are not welcome on Wearside.”

Wider issue in the Premier League

These incidents occurred just 24 hours after Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana was subjected to similar treatment.

The France international was sent off during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The west London club stated they were “appalled and disgusted” by the messages sent to the centre-back.

Online safety remains a significant concern for the Premier League, with clubs consistently calling for stricter verification measures on social media platforms to prevent anonymous abuse.

Viktor Gyokeres produced his finest performance in an Arsenal shirt as his second-half double inspired a comprehensive 4-1 north London derby victory over Tottenham.

The Sweden international was instrumental at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, delivering a display hailed by pundits as his best since joining the club.

Mikel Arteta’s side remain firmly in the title conversation following a dominant showing against their fiercest rivals.

A complete centre-forward display

While Eberechi Eze also netted twice for the visitors, Gyokeres offered a focal point that dismantled the Spurs defence throughout the contest.

The former Sporting Lisbon forward registered more touches than in any of his previous appearances for the Gunners.

Crucially, that increased involvement translated directly into a match-winning output in the final third.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believe the striker has hit a new level.

“I thought it was his best moment of the season,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“Not just because he scored two in a game against the biggest rivals and had a wonderful celebration over there with the Arsenal fans, but because his general performance from start to finish is what you would expect from him.”

Clinical finishing proves decisive

Gyokeres signaled his intent early on, curling a first-half effort narrowly wide after finding space behind Radu Dragusin.

He made no mistake shortly after the interval, firing from the edge of the box to restore Arsenal’s lead at 2-1.

The 27-year-old revealed that the specific move had been rehearsed repeatedly at the training ground.

“We do that move a few times in training,” said Gyokeres.

The striker noted that he had taken inspiration from Eze’s finishes in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.

Partnership with Eze

Eze, operating in the number 10 role, insisted his own brace would not have been possible without the striker’s selfless work off the ball.

The England midfielder highlighted the space created by his team-mate’s relentless running.

“Vik was doing it all game, you can see his work ethic,” said Eze.

“He helps the team, not just with his goals but the effort he puts in. It gets players like me in the best positions and it helps a lot. He’s got his two goals today which he deserves.”

The victory ensures Arsenal maintain momentum heading into the critical run-in of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Gyokeres now boasts more league goals than any other player in the division since the turn of the year.

AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been taken to hospital for tests after being stretchered off wearing a neck brace during a Serie A defeat by Parma.

The former Chelsea player was involved in a heavy collision with opposing goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi just minutes after entering the field of play.

Loftus-Cheek remained conscious following the incident, though blood was visible on his face and reports in Italy suggest he sustained damage to his teeth.

He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further examination following the match at the Ennio Tardini Stadium.

Double blow for Milan

It proved to be a costly afternoon for the Rossoneri, who also lost defender Matteo Gabbia to a physical issue during the warm-up.

The defeat leaves Paulo Fonseca’s side second in the Serie A table, trailing city rivals Inter Milan in the race for the Scudetto.

No official timeline has yet been given for the Englishman’s recovery, though he is now expected to face a spell on the sidelines.

International resurgence halted

The injury serves as a frustrating setback for the midfielder, who had recently forced his way back into the international picture.

Having moved to Italy in 2023, his consistent form at the San Siro earned a surprise recall to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel earlier this season.

That call-up ended a nearly seven-year absence from the national team setup, dating back to a friendly against the United States in November 2018.

The Lewisham-born player has previously spoken about the mental resilience required to overcome long-term setbacks, specifically regarding an Achilles rupture suffered in 2019.

“When I ruptured my Achilles, I was on such a high [before it happened], so after that I had a hard time mentally,” Loftus-Cheek said in September.

“But I was still young, I still had time to come back, so I wasn’t too low.”