Harry Wilson has handed Wales a major boost by declaring himself fit for their crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina later this month.
The Fulham midfielder missed his club’s previous two matches after sustaining an ankle injury against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the 28-year-old has now resumed full training ahead of a potential Premier League return against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
“I’m good. I had a bit of a knock after the Spurs game, which took a week or so to go, but I’m back training now, so I’m hoping I’ll be good to go for Sunday and definitely good to go for the Wales games,” Wilson told BBC Sport Wales.
Crucial role in international setup
Craig Bellamy’s side will host Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cardiff on Thursday, 26 March.
A victory would see the Dragons face either Italy or Northern Ireland five days later for a guaranteed place at this summer’s World Cup.
The dynamic playmaker has been instrumental for his country recently, netting a hat-trick during a 7-1 thrashing of North Macedonia last November.
He has scored 12 of his 17 career international goals across the past three years.
Transfer speculation surrounds expiring contract
The Welsh international has also enjoyed a sparkling domestic campaign, registering nine goals and six assists for the Cottagers.
His current deal in London expires at the end of the season, meaning he could depart on a free transfer this summer.
Both Aston Villa and Everton have shown strong interest, with the Toffees having a formal bid rejected in February.
“It happens when players are in good form or their contract is coming to an end. I think that’s natural talk but I don’t try and listen to that,” he added.
“I don’t want any distractions. My job is to play football.”
“The contracts and transfer talk comes with that, but I try and leave that to my agent, especially with big games coming up. That’s all I want to be focused on.”
British heavyweight Moses Itauma is poised to challenge for a world title in 2026 if he can defeat American contender Jermaine Franklin in Manchester this March.
The 21-year-old has surged through the professional ranks and is heavily backed by promoter Frank Warren for championship glory this year.
Despite having only 13 professional bouts to his name, the explosive prospect is already ranked number one by both the WBA and WBO.
Tough test awaits in Manchester
Before looking ahead to world honours, the rising star must negotiate a scheduled clash with Franklin at the Co-op Live Arena on 28 March.
The seasoned American represents a significant step up in durability, having never been stopped in his professional career.
Franklin heads into the contest carrying momentum following a victory over Olympic bronze medallist Ivan Dychko last September.
“It’s a tough fight,” Warren said.
“[Franklin’s] only lost two fights, a debatable, according to some people, loss to Dillian Whyte and that was four years ago.”
Rapid rise up the heavyweight rankings
The undefeated Briton has built a formidable reputation for his devastating power and rapid finishes.
His two appearances in 2025 lasted a combined total of less than three rounds.
That devastating run included dismantling former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in under two minutes last August.
“It’s very important to see how he comes through, what he looks like,” added his promoter.
Championship aspirations within reach
A dominant display against a durable opponent like Franklin would make a mandatory title challenge almost inevitable.
The heavy-handed southpaw is also ranked number three by the WBC, placing him in prime position across all major governing bodies.
“Me, if he comes through this fight and he comes through how I hope he’ll come through then I think he’ll be there ready to go,” Warren concluded.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today to face two additional counts of rape following authorisation by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The new charges against the player relate to allegations made by a fourth complainant who contacted the Metropolitan Police in August 2025.
These non-recent offences are alleged to have taken place in 2020, predating the incidents cited in his previous legal proceedings.
Total allegations reach eight
Following these latest developments, the Ghana international now faces a total of eight charges involving four different women.
The comprehensive charge sheet comprises seven counts of rape alongside one count of sexual assault.
In July 2025, the former Premier League star was originally charged with six offences relating to three women.
Those initial allegations were said to have occurred during a period between 2021 and 2022.
Denials and bail conditions
Through his legal representatives, the midfielder has consistently denied all allegations.
His defence team maintains that he has fully cooperated with police throughout the multi-year investigation.
The player currently remains on conditional bail, which permits him to continue his professional football career in Spain.
Upcoming trial scheduled
These bail terms also allow him to represent his national team, provided he notifies authorities of his travel arrangements and strictly avoids any contact with the complainants.
While today’s hearing specifically addresses the newest allegations, a broader legal process is already well underway.
A full trial concerning the original six counts is firmly scheduled to commence at Southwark Crown Court on 2 November 2026.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews sustained a leg injury following a controversial knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas during Thursday’s 6-4 victory.
The U.S. Olympic captain was forced to leave the ice in the second period after colliding heavily with the bruising Czech defender.
Gudas was immediately handed a major penalty and a game misconduct for the dangerous challenge.
Calls for suspension
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was visibly frustrated by the incident and suggested further disciplinary action is required.
“Dirty play. League’s going to obviously look at it and see what the suspension will be or whatever happens.”
Toronto winger Matthew Knies also referenced the opposition blueliner’s track record for crossing the line.
“He’s done a few of those before in his career.”
The Anaheim defenceman recently ended Canadian captain Sidney Crosby’s Olympic campaign with a similarly aggressive hit during the quarter-finals.
Pre-match comments raise eyebrows
Prior to the morning skate, the Ducks veteran had publicly stated his intention to severely restrict space for Toronto’s talisman.
“We go to be on top of him. We got to make sure that he doesn’t get space in the middle of the ice… make his night’s not enjoyable.”
Despite these comments, Anaheim head coach Joel Quenneville staunchly defended his player’s actions.
“There’s no premeditation. Reflexes did it.”
Crucial blow for Toronto
Losing their prolific centre would be a significant setback for the Canadian franchise as the regular season progresses.
The star forward had just snapped a 12-game goal drought with a clinical power-play strike earlier in the same period.
He now boasts an impressive tally of 27 goals and 26 assists across 60 appearances this campaign.
Toronto medical staff will urgently assess the severity of the knee issue over the coming days.
Alexander Zverev has become only the fifth player in history to reach the semi-finals of all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments after defeating Arthur Fils at Indian Wells.
The German fourth seed claimed a confident 6-2 6-3 victory over the Frenchman to advance to the last four of the California-based event for the very first time.
By completing his set of Masters semi-final appearances, he joins a highly exclusive club featuring only Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
“It’s very special to be one of five players in history to ever do it,” Zverev said.
“For sure, yeah, it’s something that I’m very proud of.”
Sinner awaits in daunting semi-final clash
Despite claiming titles at five of the nine prestigious Masters events, the world number four has never managed to secure a Grand Slam crown.
He will now face a difficult task to reach the Indian Wells final, needing to break a five-match losing streak against Jannik Sinner.
The reigning Wimbledon champion sealed his own spot in the semi-finals with a rapid 66-minute 6-1 6-2 victory over American Learner Tien.
The Italian is bidding for his first title of the 2026 season following recent exits at the Australian Open and Qatar Open.
Sabalenka survives tough Mboko test
In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka kept her hopes of a maiden Indian Wells title alive by holding off Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko.
The Belarusian edged a tight opening set before securing a hard-fought 7-6 (7-0) 6-4 victory over the resilient 19-year-old.
“A future star, a future Grand Slam champion, no doubt about that,” Sabalenka said of her opponent.
“It’s incredible to see these young girls these days, how brave they are. They go out there, they go after their shots, they’re aggressive, they’re fighting.”
The two-time Indian Wells runner-up will next face 14th seed Linda Noskova for a place in the final.
The Czech player ended Australian qualifier Talia Gibson’s remarkable run with a battling 6-2 4-6 6-2 win.
Atlanta Falcons defender James Pearce Jr has been charged with three felonies by Miami-Dade prosecutors following an alleged vehicular altercation with WNBA player Rickea Jackson and a subsequent police chase on 7 February.
The 22-year-old faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence.
A fourth initial arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking has been reduced to a misdemeanour by the Florida State Attorney.
Police pursuit and arrest
Court documents allege the edge rusher followed his ex-girlfriend’s car before repeatedly using his own vehicle to collide with hers.
The Los Angeles Sparks forward was attempting to reach the Doral police station in Florida when the alleged ramming occurred.
After being confronted by law enforcement, the American footballer allegedly initiated a vehicle pursuit before crashing at a nearby intersection.
He is accused of fleeing the crash scene on foot and subsequently resisting officers with violence before being subdued.
The defender spent a night in a county correctional centre before paying a $20,500 bond for his release on 8 February.
Protective injunction granted
Jackson filed a petition for a protective order in Miami-Dade County the day after the player’s release.
The basketball star wrote in her court filing that she feared for her life without immediate judicial intervention.
“James will kill me.”
She alleged the NFL player had verbally and physically abused her on multiple occasions.
The filing claims he threatened to harm her and stated he would place a bag over her head.
A temporary protection order was granted, mandating the Falcons player remains at least 500 feet from her home and workplace.
A permanent injunction hearing has been scheduled by the court for 21 April.
NFL and ongoing investigations
Police records reveal officers responded to a minimum of seven other emergency calls involving the couple between November and the day of the arrest.
Attorneys representing both athletes have not yet responded to media requests for comment.
An NFL spokesperson confirmed the league is actively reviewing the situation.
“We continue to monitor all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.”
The Atlanta Falcons organisation has formally declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings to provide competition for J.J. McCarthy.
The agreement was officially announced by the franchise on Thursday following his release from Arizona.
Minnesota will pay just $1.3m of the massive $36.8m guaranteed salary remaining from his previous long-term agreement.
The Cardinals originally agreed to part ways with the dynamic playmaker on 3 March, though the transaction only became official on Wednesday.
Seeking quarterback competition
The arrival of the former first-overall pick creates an intriguing quarterback dynamic in Minneapolis.
He joins a demanding environment that features highly-touted prospect McCarthy, whom the franchise selected 10th overall in the NFL draft.
Vikings management had identified the experienced signal-caller as a primary target weeks before he officially reached the open market.
Missing out on Smith
Minnesota had actively sought a veteran presence to challenge their young starter ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The franchise had previously expressed strong interest in acquiring seasoned campaigner Geno Smith.
However, the Las Vegas Raiders traded Smith to the New York Jets before the Vikings could mount a concrete challenge for his signature.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semi-finals at Indian Wells after overcoming a stern challenge from Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to win 7-6 (7-0) 6-4.
The Belarusian star was forced to dig deep during a highly competitive first set against the 19-year-old sensation.
Her young opponent produced powerful baseline shots to push the top seed into a tie-break before the momentum definitively shifted.
Sabalenka finds extra gear in tie-break
Elevating her performance under pressure, the two-time Australian Open champion secured the crucial tie-break without dropping a single point.
It marked the first time in her illustrious professional career that she has won a tie-break to love.
An early break in the second set put the top-ranked player in complete control of the hard-court quarter-final.
Despite a determined fightback across the net, she served out the match without facing a single break of serve.
‘Future Grand Slam champion’
A victory for the rising Canadian star would have secured a historic milestone as her fifth top-10 win of the calendar year.
Following the hard-fought victory, the tournament favourite offered glowing praise for the teenager’s fearless approach.
“She is definitely a future Grand Slam champion.”
“It’s incredible to see how brave these young girls are these days. They go out there and go after their shots. They’re aggressive and they fight. It’s incredible to see.”
“I’m happy with the win, even though a couple of things weren’t really working well today. I still managed to win though. I don’t think she broke me.”
Zverev cruises past Fils
In the men’s draw, Alexander Zverev safely secured his spot in the semi-finals with a comfortable straight-sets victory over Arthur Fils.
The German world-class competitor dictated play from the baseline to dispatch the Frenchman 6-2 6-3.