Arsenal right-backs Jurrien Timber and Ben White are major doubts for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on 30 May due to late-season injuries.

Timber has not featured for the Gunners since 14 March after sustaining a persistent groin problem.

The 24-year-old Dutchman hopes to resume training this week to prove his fitness ahead of the European showpiece.

However, another failed rehabilitation attempt could result in surgery, effectively ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup in North America.

Defensive crisis deepens for Arteta

The north London club’s injury woes compounded on Sunday when White suffered a suspected knee ligament issue against West Ham.

Manager Mikel Arteta is now sweating on the severity of the Englishman’s problem with just two Premier League fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace remaining.

Arsenal’s backline was further depleted during the same match when Italy international Riccardo Calafiori was withdrawn at half-time.

World Cup aspirations hang in the balance

A potential long-term absence for Timber would be a significant blow for the Netherlands national team.

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino is also fighting his own fitness battle after undergoing foot surgery four months ago.

Arteta confirmed both Merino and the former Ajax defender face a strict race against time to feature in Paris and secure their international spots.

Arsenal must quickly patch together a resilient defence to contain a potent French attack, which features highly-rated Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Newcastle United are preparing a summer approach for Paris St-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos as manager Eddie Howe looks to overhaul his squad.

The Magpies have endured a difficult domestic campaign and sit 13th in the league table with just two games remaining.

Their struggles were compounded by a comprehensive 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League last 16.

Howe is expected to oversee a significant rebuild at St James’ Park to re-establish the club among Europe’s elite.

Frustrations in Paris

Ramos is reportedly ready to leave the French capital after falling down the pecking order under head coach Luis Enrique.

The Portuguese attacker finds himself behind a wealth of talent, with players such as Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia currently preferred in attack.

Despite these limited opportunities, the former Benfica frontman has still managed to register 11 goals across all competitions this season.

Newcastle chiefs have identified the striker as a primary target following disappointing returns from recent forward acquisitions.

Long-term admiration

The Tyneside club have tracked the international’s progress for an extended period.

They previously considered securing his signature during his prolific spell in Portugal before he opted to join the Ligue 1 champions.

Speaking to Football Insider, journalist Pete O’Rourke confirmed that Paris St-Germain are open to facilitating a departure.

We do fully expect Newcastle to be in the market for striker reinforcements in the summer transfer window. Pete O’Rourke
If they get any indication that Ramos could be prised away from the Parc de Princes and that he’s interested in a move to the Premier League, I’m sure they’ll be one of the clubs who would be interested.

The ideal physical profile

The prolific marksman has consistently demonstrated his ability to score regularly when provided with consistent minutes.

His excellent hold-up play, aerial dominance and two-footed finishing are viewed as the perfect physical attributes for English football.

A move to Tyneside could offer the forward a crucial new challenge while providing Howe with the clinical edge his team has lacked this term.

Liverpool have initiated formal steps to sign Sporting Lisbon winger Francisco Trincao in a £50m deal as they prepare for the summer departure of Mohamed Salah.

The Reds are actively planning their recruitment strategy following confirmation that their talismanic Egyptian forward will leave Anfield on a free transfer.

Arne Slot’s recruitment team have identified the Portugal international as a primary candidate to rebuild the Merseyside club’s attack.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Portuguese top flight, registering 12 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

Release clause triggers early move

Despite agreeing a new contract with the Lisbon giants earlier this season, the attacker’s deal contains a €60m (£50m) release clause.

The former Barcelona player is understood to be highly receptive to a Premier League switch to take on a fresh challenge.

Anfield officials are moving swiftly to secure his signature ahead of rival European clubs.

Reinforcements in wide areas are an absolute priority for the club’s hierarchy this summer.

Tactical fit for Slot’s system

Alongside Salah, the Merseyside outfit are preparing for the likely exit of Italian forward Federico Chiesa.

The Sporting forward fits the precise tactical profile desired by the Dutch manager for his fluid offensive system.

As a direct but technically gifted winger, he operates comfortably across the frontline and excels in tight pockets of space.

His playing style would allow him to link effectively with other reported high-profile targets, including Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

The club are also monitoring Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande as alternative options to further bolster the squad.

The Milwaukee Bucks are actively inviting trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of next month’s NBA draft as the franchise prepares for a major rebuild.

Team officials anticipate a robust market for the Greek forward.

The asking price remains exceptionally high, with Milwaukee demanding elite young talent or a substantial package of draft picks.

This development follows a tumultuous period where the franchise cornerstone expressed a clear desire to leave the organisation.

A looming draft deadline

Co-owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed a final resolution will be reached before the NBA draft in late June.

Haslam addressed the media during the introductory press conference for new head coach Taylor Jenkins.

“Sometime over the next six or seven weeks we’ll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he’s going to play somewhere else.”

Jimmy Haslam

Fellow co-owner Wes Edens had previously stated the situation would ultimately end in either a lucrative contract extension or a departure.

Dysfunction and missed playoffs

Tensions between the prominent superstar and the front office have been simmering for over a year.

The highly decorated player even indicated a preference to join the New York Knicks last summer, but Milwaukee refused to sanction a move.

That decision led to a fractured relationship and a bitterly disappointing season on the court.

The former Eastern Conference heavyweights finished with a dismal 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

A late-season knee injury further complicated matters, prompting the player to spark a league investigation into his own organisation regarding his medical shutdown.

New era in Milwaukee

General manager Jon Horst is now tasked with navigating one of the most significant transactions in recent league history.

The impending roster overhaul coincides with a massive change in leadership on the sidelines.

Doc Rivers mutually parted ways with the team following their failure to reach the postseason, paving the way for Jenkins to take charge.

Former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will join an exclusive list of players aged 40 or over to feature at a World Cup after being named in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s squad for the 2026 tournament.

The veteran forward is set to become only the second outfield player to appear at the global showpiece after their 40th birthday.

Cameroon legend Roger Milla currently holds that unique distinction, having famously played and scored at the 1994 edition in the United States.

A rare feat in international football

While outfield players of that age are exceptionally rare, six goalkeepers have previously achieved the milestone on the biggest stage.

That esteemed group includes Egypt’s Essam el Hadary, who was 45 at the 2018 tournament, alongside Pat Jennings, Peter Shilton, Dino Zoff, Faryd Mondragon and Ali Boumnijel.

The legendary Bosnian talisman is unlikely to be the only 40-something outfield player in North America this summer.

Luka Modric, 40, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, are both widely expected to feature for Croatia and Portugal respectively.

Leading from the front in qualifying

The nation’s all-time leading appearance maker and scorer was instrumental in securing their qualification for the finals.

Earning his 148th cap, the prolific frontman played in seven of eight Group H qualifying matches before steering his team through the play-offs.

He demonstrated his enduring quality by netting his 73rd international goal during a crucial semi-final victory against Wales.

Early preparations for North America

The European nation has become the first competing country to officially confirm their 26-man roster for the expanded tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Making only their second ever appearance at a World Cup finals, they have been drawn into Group B where they will face Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

Full Bosnia-Herzegovina 2026 World Cup squad

Eighteen-year-old spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman marked her international debut with a match-winning performance as England secured a dramatic one-wicket victory over New Zealand in Durham on Sunday.

The teenager claimed impressive figures of 2-49 during her first One Day International appearance.

She then displayed remarkable composure with the bat, forming a decisive last-wicket stand alongside stand-in captain Charlie Dean to guide her country over the line.

Crucial partnership seals dramatic win

Dean praised the young bowler’s temperament after the tense conclusion to the match.

“She showed nerves of steel to bring us home and it was good to get over the line,” Dean said.

Reflecting on her own performance, the left-arm spinner admitted she felt emotional upon taking her maiden international wicket.

“I’m glad I looked calm out there because I wasn’t, but Deano helped me keep it really simple,” she explained.

Rapid rise leads to global stage

The successful debut continues a whirlwind few months for the highly-rated prospect.

She secured a lucrative £105,000 contract for The Hundred in March before earning a call-up to the national squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Her meteoric ascent comes just two years after she made her initial breakthrough in county cricket.

High praise from coach Edwards

England head coach Charlotte Edwards has monitored the bowler’s development since presenting her with an under-11 cap for Kent.

Edwards previously drafted the talented youngster to the Southern Brave and remains confident in her ability to perform at the highest level.

“I’ve never met a young girl so mature, so ahead of her years, but also really skilful,” Edwards stated.

The upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup begins on 12 June, with the coaching staff clearly viewing their new debutant as a serious contender for a starting position.

Gary Neville has backed defending champions Paris Saint-Germain to defeat Arsenal in this month’s Champions League final and elevate manager Luis Enrique to legendary status.

The French giants are aiming to become only the second team in the modern era to retain the European Cup.

Mikel Arteta’s side stand in their way, though the Premier League club enter the showpiece event as clear underdogs.

The Parisians secured their maiden European title 12 months ago by dismantling Inter Milan 5-0.

They have maintained that electric form during this campaign, eliminating both Liverpool and Bayern Munich to reach another final.

Chasing consecutive European crowns

Enrique now has the opportunity to join an exclusive managerial elite.

Zinedine Zidane remains the only coach to secure successive Champions League trophies over the past 35 years.

Legendary figures such as Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson all failed to achieve the consecutive feat.

Speaking on his podcast, former Manchester United defender Neville insisted the Spanish manager can etch his name into history.

“It feels like the moment for PSG to win it back-to-back and for Luis Enrique to put himself up there with the God-like managers who have done this.”

Arsenal face monumental underdog challenge

The North London club are simultaneously chasing a first domestic league title in 22 years.

However, Neville believes overcoming their French opponents in Europe may be a step too far for the current squad.

“In the Champions League final they need to think about their defensive ability and strength and think how they can over 90 minutes beat a team who are better than them.”
“Because PSG are better than them, you can’t get away from that. PSG are a better team than Arsenal right now and they’ve demonstrated that over the last two seasons.”

Both clubs are pursuing impressive domestic and European doubles this season.

If the PSG boss succeeds, he will emulate the historic back-to-back achievements of Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest and Bob Paisley at Liverpool.

“Winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years is huge but getting the Champions League as well would be incredible.”
“It feels like the right moment for Arsenal to win the Premier League, it doesn’t quite feel like the right moment for them to win the Champions League.”

German official Daniel Siebert has been appointed by Uefa to referee the Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday, 30 May.

The 42-year-old brings significant experience to the showpiece event, having already taken charge of nine matches in Europe’s elite club competition this season.

A familiar face for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s side boast a flawless record under the veteran official during their current continental campaign.

Siebert oversaw the quarter-final first-leg victory against Sporting Lisbon, as well as the crucial semi-final second-leg triumph over Atletico Madrid.

The north London club secured hard-fought 1-0 victories on both of those high-pressure nights.

Remarkably, the German has yet to show a single yellow card to an Arsenal player across those two pivotal fixtures.

Contrasting records and statistics

Paris Saint-Germain have only encountered the official once this term during a goalless draw at Athletic Bilbao in December.

The French champions saw four players booked by the disciplinarian in that tense group-stage encounter.

Statistics show the referee averages 4.44 yellow cards per game in European competition this season, notably higher than his domestic rate of 3.20 in the Bundesliga.

He also brings major international tournament pedigree to Hungary, having previously officiated at both Euro 2024 and Euro 2020.

Arteta demands officiating consistency

The appointment comes shortly after the Arsenal manager publicly praised the bravery of video assistant referees during a recent domestic victory over West Ham.

“When I had to be critical, I have been.”

Arteta told Sky Sports regarding the immense pressure placed upon modern match officials.

“You needed a lot of courage and bravery to stand out and give the opportunity to the referee to have a look at the action.”

A fully German video assistant referee team, led by Bastian Dankert, will support the on-field crew in Budapest.

Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn will serve as assistant referees, while Switzerland’s Sandro Schärer takes up duties as the fourth official.