Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker could return from a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace this Saturday, easing an emerging selection crisis for manager Arne Slot.
The Brazilian international has missed six matches after breaking down in training before a Champions League tie with Galatasaray.
His potential availability arrives at a crucial moment for the Anfield club following a turbulent week.
Mamardashvili sidelined for weeks
The Reds suffered a significant blow last weekend during their Merseyside derby victory over Everton.
Deputy stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili had to be stretchered off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Georgian international is now facing an extended spell in the treatment room.
“No, Giorgi will definitely not be available tomorrow and not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot told reporters on Friday.
Woodman ready if required
With their second-choice option unavailable, third-string keeper Freddie Woodman finished the match against their local rivals.
The English shot-stopper remains on standby to face the Eagles if the primary number one is deemed unready.
“Alli is close to returning to play, let’s see if tomorrow comes too early,” Slot explained regarding his star goalkeeper.
“That leaves Freddie as an option who is definitely fit.”
Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium has been temporarily transformed into a clay tennis court for the Madrid Open, hosting a meeting between England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
The famous football arena has swapped its pristine green grass for the characteristic red dust of the ATP Tour.
This unique conversion coincides with the prestigious Masters 1000 tournament currently taking place in the Spanish capital.
A meeting of sporting royalty
The temporary installation provided the perfect backdrop for a high-profile sporting crossover.
England international Bellingham took the opportunity to meet the 22-time Grand Slam champion at his home stadium.
The 20-year-old footballer has enjoyed a sensational debut season in Spain, quickly becoming a fan favourite at the spectacular venue.
Meanwhile, the veteran tennis star is widely revered as the undisputed King of Clay and is notably a passionate supporter of the La Liga giants.
Engineering a multi-purpose arena
Real Madrid recently completed a massive renovation project on their historic ground.
This state-of-the-art redevelopment included a retractable pitch system designed specifically to host alternative events without damaging the football playing surface.
The engineering marvel allows the club to seamlessly transition between elite football matches and other major international exhibitions.
Bringing a genuine clay court into the stadium highlights the impressive, multi-functional capabilities of the modernised infrastructure.
More than 120 rights organisations have issued a collective travel advisory urging fans, players and journalists to exercise caution when visiting the United States for this summer’s World Cup.
The sweeping warning is driven by concerns over what the coalition describes as a violent and abusive immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.
“The Trump administration’s rising authoritarianism and increasing violence pose serious risks to all,” the message states.
Targeted travel bans and screening risks
Minority groups are viewed by campaigners as particularly vulnerable to serious harm under the prevailing domestic policies.
The coalition has cautioned international visitors about the potential for denial of entry, racial profiling, and extensive social media screening.
Nationals from four participating countries – Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast – are already subject to strict governmental travel bans.
Travellers are being advised to remove sensitive information from their mobile devices and maintain constant communication with family members abroad.
Fifa’s relationship with the White House
Campaigners, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have heavily criticised football’s global governing body for failing to provide concrete safety guarantees.
Particular scrutiny has fallen on Gianni Infantino due to his increasingly close relationship with the American president.
The Swiss administrator notably awarded the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize to the Republican leader last December.
In response to the growing backlash, the international federation insisted it remains dedicated to protecting fundamental freedoms across all tournament operations.
“Fifa is committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights,” a spokesperson stated.
Immigration enforcement at the tournament
The United States is co-hosting the expanded global showpiece alongside North American neighbours Canada and Mexico.
An overwhelming majority of the fixtures, 78 of the 104 scheduled matches, will be played on American soil.
Domestic immigration enforcement has recently seen significant budget increases and a rapidly expanded operational scope.
Federal authorities have confirmed that controversial border agents will be actively involved in security operations during the major sporting event.
Championship high-flyers Southampton will attempt to derail Manchester City’s domestic treble ambitions when the two sides meet in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side arrive in the capital seeking to add the prestigious knockout trophy to their recent Carabao Cup success and ongoing Premier League title charge.
The reigning English champions recently moved to the summit of the top flight following a battling midweek victory over Burnley.
However, they face a formidable challenge against the country’s most in-form outfit.
Guardiola’s unexpected treble pursuit
The Citizens appeared to be struggling earlier this campaign, sitting eight points adrift of Arsenal in November.
Their Spanish tactician has since discovered a winning formula that has propelled the club back into relentless contention.
A third domestic sweep under his tenure would further cement an already historic legacy at the Etihad Stadium.
This potential achievement carries extra weight amid growing speculation that the current season could be his last in Manchester.
Eckert sparks south coast revival
Standing in their way is a rejuvenated Saints squad led by 33-year-old manager Tonda Eckert.
The young German coach masterminded a stunning transformation after stepping up from the academy to replace Will Still.
Since his November appointment, the former Premier League regulars have climbed out of relegation danger and into the Championship play-off spots.
The promotion hopefuls remain unbeaten in 20 matches across all competitions, a remarkable streak stretching back to mid-January.
Echoes of 1976 glory
Saturday’s clash holds deep sentimental value for the St Mary’s faithful.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bobby Stokes scoring the famous Wembley winner that secured the club’s only major trophy.
Overcoming the current Premier League leaders would etch Eckert’s name firmly into south coast folklore.
Having already eliminated Arsenal in the quarter-finals, the second-tier challengers have proven they possess the pedigree for a major giant-killing.
Nikola Jokic suffered the worst shooting night of his playoff career as the Denver Nuggets lost 113-96 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, falling 2-1 behind in their postseason series.
The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player missed 19 of his 26 attempts from the floor in Minneapolis on Thursday evening.
His offensive struggles saw the visiting team fail to reach the 100-point mark for the first time since January.
This dramatic collapse allowed the hosts to run away with a comfortable victory and pile the pressure on the defending champions.
Gobert marshals stifling home defence
A key factor in silencing the Serbian superstar was the imposing presence of French centre Rudy Gobert.
“They’re big, tall, long. They’re really good defensive players,” Jokic admitted following the heavy defeat.
The Denver outfit had seemingly controlled the series through its opening five quarters before a sudden momentum shift late in Game 2.
A blistering 11-0 run by the Timberwolves during that second encounter completely altered the complexion of the matchup.
Historically poor offensive display
The visitors managed a mere 11 points in a disastrous opening quarter, converting just three of their 21 field goal attempts.
It marked the lowest-scoring quarter of the entire season for a roster that finished the regular campaign with the second-highest offensive rating in NBA history.
The home side quickly established a double-digit advantage and stretched their lead to 27 points at one stage.
“I’ve never seen him shoot what he shot today,” guard Jamal Murray said. “That’s an outlier type of game.”
Supporting cast falters under pressure
The usually reliable 29-year-old centre also registered four turnovers compared to just three assists, marking a statistical anomaly for the brilliant playmaker.
His primary offensive partner was equally subdued, with the Canadian guard making only five of his 17 shots on a frustrating night.
Nuggets coach David Adelman believes the team’s lacklustre screen-setting heavily contributed to their inability to create open looks.
Crucial adjustments required
“He had a tough night,” Adelman said of his star player.
“This guy’s played a million playoff games. There’s nights that are poor. He’ll bounce back.”
The Colorado franchise must now regroup rapidly as they fight to keep their postseason aspirations alive.
Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White has just one month to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad after a sensational surge in goalscoring form.
A stunning hat-trick against Burnley on Sunday served as a timely reminder of his top-level credentials.
The 26-year-old was omitted from the 35-man national squad for recent friendlies against Japan and Uruguay.
However, the City Ground favourite is currently one of the Premier League’s most in-form players, registering eight goals in his past 13 appearances.
Competition for the number 10 role
National team manager Tuchel must submit his final tournament selection by Saturday, 30 May.
The Three Lions will subsequently begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June.
Gibbs-White faces intense competition from established attacking midfielders such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer.
Despite this fierce rivalry, the Forest attacker is currently the second-highest English scorer in the top flight with 12 goals, trailing only Brighton’s Danny Welbeck.
Tactical adjustments and underlying numbers
Only Foden and Bellingham have created more chances per 90 minutes than the former Under-17 World Cup winner.
However, his underlying statistics reveal potential areas of concern for the England coaching staff.
The midfielder averages just 3.5 touches in the opposition penalty area per match and ranks poorly for ball recoveries.
These figures may be heavily influenced by Forest’s broader domestic struggles, with the squad having adapted to four different managers this term.
International pedigree
Gibbs-White is highly regarded within the national set-up following his triumph at the Under-21 European Championship three years ago.
He has earned six senior caps to date but played just 89 minutes in total across those appearances.
His last international outing came during a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wales last October.
With the final squad deadline rapidly approaching, a late run for a seat on the plane to North America remains a distinct possibility.
RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes both scored career playoff highs of 33 points as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-104 to halve their first-round series deficit.
Cleveland still lead the best-of-seven tie 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Toronto.
The Canadian franchise produced their best performance of the postseason, pulling away from a halftime tie with a dominant 43-23 fourth quarter.
Record-breaking rookie aids historic duo
Toronto-born Barrett and his fellow forward Barnes became just the third Raptors pairing to each register 30 points in a single playoff game.
They join legendary franchise duos Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry, as well as Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, in achieving the prestigious feat.
“A night like tonight was good to build some confidence and just show that we’re here,” Barrett said.
“When we play like how we did today, everybody together, everybody’s playing hard, locked in on the game plan, we can make some noise.”
The hosts were heavily bolstered by a sensational shooting display, hitting 61% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Off the bench, Collin Murray-Boyles set a team rookie record with 22 points, while Jamison Battle sunk four three-pointers in his series debut.
Defensive discipline stifles Cavaliers stars
At the other end of the court, Toronto completely nullified Cleveland’s formidable attacking trio.
Donovan Mitchell was restricted to just 15 points, whilst James Harden managed 18 points alongside eight costly turnovers.
Evan Mobley was similarly contained, finishing with 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic praised his team’s defensive structure, singling out Barnes for his relentless defensive shifts against both Harden and Mitchell.
“He did everything for us tonight,” Rajakovic noted.
The 23-year-old All-Star also contributed 11 assists and five rebounds in a magnificent all-around display.
“Those guys are really talented scorers. You just got to try to be physical, show bodies and try to play super hard,” Barnes explained.
Former undisputed champion Lennox Lewis has hailed Oleksandr Usyk as a worthy successor to his heavyweight legacy following the Ukrainian’s era-defining victories.
The British boxing icon remains one of the sport’s most revered figures after walking away at the absolute pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
Lewis believes the current unified king has well and truly earned his place among the all-time greats of the ring.
“Oleksandr Usyk is a great champion, a great person, he trains hard.”
Lewis told Sky Sports.
“He’s done it all. He’s sacrificed. He’s got a great family and he deserves his flowers.”
Cementing a historic boxing legacy
The formidable southpaw became the first undisputed heavyweight ruler since Lewis when he initially defeated Tyson Fury in 2024.
Since that historic night, the undefeated gold medallist has cemented his dominance with a second consecutive victory over the “Gypsy King”.
This unparalleled modern resume also includes back-to-back triumphs against former unified titlist Anthony Joshua and explosive knockout artist Daniel Dubois.
The veteran titleholder is now preparing for an unconventional WBC title defence against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.
The eternal struggle of retirement
As the reigning champion approaches the twilight of his career, his predecessor warned of the psychological challenges that accompany stepping away from the sport.
The temptation to return frequently plagues legendary fighters, with domestic rival Fury famously retiring and unretiring on multiple occasions.
Even a fiercely disciplined professional like Lewis found it incredibly difficult to resist the lure of a lucrative boxing comeback.
“Many times I felt like jumping back in the ring. But focus, discipline kept me out.”
Lewis explained.
“Let me tell you it was hard. I wanted to retire and say I’m not coming back and it was hard to stay out of the ring.”
Walking away on top
A high-profile broadcasting role with HBO kept the London-born hall-of-famer dangerously close to the heavyweight action.
However, the personal conviction that he had nothing left to prove ultimately secured his permanent exit from active competition.
His final professional appearance was a violent stoppage victory over future dominant force Vitali Klitschko.
“My trainer Emanuel [Steward] said ‘listen, you can beat the present and the future with this fight’ and I said, ‘Well, I’ll take it.'”
Lewis recalled.
The legendary prizefighter ultimately achieved his lifelong ambition of emulating Muhammad Ali by capturing every available accolade on his path to immortality.