Shohei Ohtani has taken a significant step toward returning to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers by completing a 35-pitch bullpen session following a left knee injury.
The two-way star has not pitched since 3 July while recovering from the issue, but manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about a regular-season return.
Roberts confirmed that reports from Friday’s workout were entirely positive, noting that the Japanese international successfully utilised his entire array of pitches.
Careful progression for two-way star
Barring any unexpected setbacks, the hope is for the 32-year-old to throw one or two more bullpen sessions before advancing his rehabilitation.
He would then require at least two live practice sessions against hitters before being cleared to pitch in a major league game.
Upon his eventual return, Roberts stated the prolific talent would initially be limited to one-inning appearances, which could include serving as an opener.
“I’m pretty confident that if we stay the course, he’ll throw a [bullpen session] in two, three, four, five days, and then if we get out of that, I think we’ll be out of the woods,” Roberts said.
Maintaining dominance at the plate
Despite his pitching absence, the designated hitter has remained highly productive in the batter’s box for the National League contenders.
Following a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, he currently boasts a .290 batting average alongside 27 home runs and 74 runs batted in.
His numbers on the mound are equally impressive this season, having compiled an 8-2 record with a stellar 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts across 85 and two-thirds innings.
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers both scored 29 points as the Indiana Fever defeated a shorthanded Dallas Wings 98-87 in Indianapolis on Friday night.
The third-year guard also registered 10 assists to secure her seventh game this season with at least 25 points and 10 assists.
This remarkable feat extends her own WNBA career record to 13 such games, cementing her status as one of the league’s elite playmakers.
Penetrating the Dallas defence with ease, the former Iowa standout scored or assisted on 51% of Indiana’s total points.
‘Like a maestro’ commanding the floor
Fever head coach Stephanie White was quick to praise her star point guard’s offensive mastery.
“She’s like a maestro, the way that she really runs our offense,” White said.
“I’m in awe watching CC play; sometimes it’s like it’s normal, and it’s not,” added Indiana guard Ty Harris.
Despite the final scoreline, the opening half was a tightly contested, low-scoring affair with the Wings holding a slender 37-35 advantage at the interval.
Future US teammates trade blows
The contest truly ignited in the third quarter when the two former number one overall draft picks exchanged relentless scoring sequences.
Thrilling a sellout crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the dynamic duo combined for 30 points on 11-for-15 shooting during the third period alone.
Both players will soon put their domestic rivalry aside to share a backcourt for the United States senior national team at the FIBA World Cup in Berlin next month.
The standout Dallas guard matched her rival’s offensive output while also contributing six assists and six rebounds for the depleted visitors.
Fever surge late to seal victory
The Fever playmaker was highly complimentary of her soon-to-be international teammate’s fluid performance on the night.
“Paige is a tremendous player,” Clark said. “She takes what the defense gives her, she doesn’t force anything, she’s smooth.”
However, Indiana managed to stifle the Dallas offensive threat in the final 10 minutes, outscoring their opponents 35-21 in the fourth quarter to pull away.
Wings head coach Jose Fernandez labelled his team’s second-half defensive display as “inexcusable” after they conceded 63 points following the break.
Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr was evaluated for a potential concussion following a collision with George Lombard Jr during Friday’s 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees.
The six-time All-Star suffered a blow to the head when the New York rookie’s knee struck him during a chaotic sixth-inning sequence at third base.
His helmet was dislodged by the impact, though he managed to recover and run home to score the tying run.
However, the standout infielder appeared visibly dazed after crossing the plate and was subsequently replaced by Charles McAdoo.
Manager urges caution
Toronto manager John Schneider confirmed the substitution was made on a precautionary basis.
“He has a little bit of a headache. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”
The incident occurred after a sequence of throwing errors by Yankees infielders Ryan McMahon and Luis Garcia Jr allowed the Canadian franchise to capitalise.
Errors cost New York
Garcia failed to cleanly field McMahon’s initial throw to first base, prompting the baserunner to sprint towards third.
As Lombard leapt over the sliding player to retrieve a wild secondary throw, the violent contact took place.
“Obviously, it led to a couple of runs for them and that hurts.”
McMahon said of the defensive breakdown that ultimately cost his side.
The injury scare casts a shadow over an otherwise solid season for the powerful right-handed batter.
He is currently hitting .263 for the campaign, having contributed seven home runs and 46 RBIs to the Toronto cause.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed he will sign a new contract with the Premier League champions, reassuring fans his long-term future remains in north London.
The Spaniard has entered the final year of his current deal but insists an extension will be resolved organically.
Co-chairman Josh Kroenke stated in May that securing the title-winning manager’s future was an utmost priority for the club.
Addressing the media, the former midfielder made it clear that he feels fully settled at Emirates Stadium.
“They don’t have to worry about any of that because I want to be here, I’m extremely happy and I feel very grateful to work with the people I work with,” he said.
“Everybody feels comfortable that the timing of the contract is not going to be an issue because my will certainly is to be here.”
“My feeling from the club is the same one, that’s why everyone is doing things in a very organic way.”
Attacking firepower and transfer business
Beyond his own future, the Gunners boss also addressed concerns regarding his squad’s attacking depth for the upcoming campaign.
Despite lifting the Premier League trophy and reaching the Champions League final last term, the team faced criticism for a perceived lack of offensive fluidity.
The champions relied heavily on their defensive solidity to navigate a gruelling domestic and European schedule.
To bolster their midfield and attack, the club secured the signings of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis this summer.
However, Leandro Trossard has departed for Turkish side Besiktas, leaving the core of last season’s forward line largely unchanged.
The board had reportedly shown interest in high-profile targets such as Vinicius Junior, Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola, though no further attacking additions have materialised.
Faith in the current squad
When questioned on whether his current forward options possess enough quality to defend their domestic crown, the manager remained resolute.
“If they are fit, yes,” he responded emphatically.
The 44-year-old highlighted the remarkable resilience his players demonstrated last season, despite losing key goalscoring threats to injury for extended periods.
“When you look last year at the amount of days, games, months that we missed a lot of our important players, the manner that we sustained to have the season that we had is remarkable,” he added.
He believes the collective effort and conduct of the playing staff deserve significant credit as they prepare to raise their standards once again.
“We’re going to prefer to elevate our level, for sure, expecting that the rest will do the same, because that’s traditionally what happened.”
Argentina defender Cristian Romero has completed a £34.2m transfer to Atletico Madrid, ending a five-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur.
The South American centre-back leaves north London after captaining the side during a tumultuous recent campaign.
His departure follows a challenging domestic season where his injury absences hindered the club as they narrowly avoided top-flight relegation.
The international stalwart also recently suffered heartbreak on the global stage, losing 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey.
Spurs reshape defence under De Zerbi
The combative defender played his final match for Spurs in April, suffering a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
That fixture marked Roberto De Zerbi’s inaugural game at the helm of the north London club.
Tottenham have already moved to rebuild their backline by securing Micky van de Ven to a new long-term contract alongside the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi.
The former Atalanta man will now link up with compatriot Diego Simeone in the Spanish capital.
‘My home and my challenge’
In an emotional social media post, the outgoing captain expressed deep gratitude to the supporters who embraced him.
“Today, I say goodbye to a place that, for five seasons, was much more than a club.”
“It was my home, my challenge and the place where my family and I built such an important part of our lives.”
“I leave with a heart full of memories and enormous pride for everything we lived and achieved together.”
Focusing on happy memories
The 26-year-old acknowledged that his tenure was not entirely flawless but chose to focus on the positive milestones, including lifting a trophy.
“I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.”
“The journey wasn’t perfect, but I don’t want that to define my goodbye. I choose to remember the happy moments, the lessons, the people who stood by me and, above all, the love I received during these five years.”
“Thank you for every hug, every song, every flag, every applause and for always being there. I know I wasn’t perfect, but one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything.”
AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim will face former club Manchester United in a pre-season friendly in Poland on Saturday, seven months after his dismissal from Old Trafford.
The Italian giants appointed the Portuguese manager in June, shortly following his departure from the Premier League side.
Amorim endured a turbulent 14-month spell in Manchester after arriving from Sporting with a stellar reputation.
His successor, Michael Carrick, has overseen a dramatic improvement in results since taking charge in January.
Dressing room frustration and tactical struggles
The 41-year-old initially struggled to implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation in English football.
A damaging 3-1 home defeat by Brighton in January 2025 proved to be a catalyst for growing tensions behind the scenes.
Frustrations reportedly boiled over at half-time during that fixture, resulting in a damaged tactical television in the home dressing room.
The former Sporting boss also publicly labelled his squad as the worst in the club’s 147-year history, a comment he subsequently retracted.
European heartbreak in Bilbao
Domestic struggles left the Red Devils heavily reliant on continental success to secure Champions League qualification.
They successfully navigated their way to the Europa League final, setting up a crucial showpiece event in Bilbao.
However, unexpected selection decisions contributed to a disappointing performance and a devastating defeat on the European stage.
That failure ultimately compounded a miserable campaign, paving the way for his mid-season exit and the eventual appointment of Carrick.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has urged the club’s Ineos ownership to deliver further transfer reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Red Devils started the summer window aggressively by recruiting Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans.
However, transfer activity at Old Trafford has recently stalled, leaving the squad short of desired depth with their domestic campaign beginning next week.
Champions League return demands investment
The former England international guided his team to a third-place finish last season, securing a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2023.
Despite this impending European challenge, a young winger named Tynan Thompson has been the only recent addition to the senior setup.
Speaking to the media during a pre-season tour in Dublin, the 43-year-old made it clear that additional fresh faces are required.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good balance in all when you lay the squad out, but yeah, of course, we would like more,” he said.
“We would like more, we need to keep pushing for more.”
Listen, there’s one or two areas where we’d like to improve, and we feel that there’s the possibility to improve.
Newcastle and Brighton targets remain key
It is widely understood that a left-back and a third central midfielder remain top priorities for the Manchester hierarchy.
Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall has emerged as the primary target for the defensive vacancy, though negotiating a £70m fee has proved difficult following the Magpies’ recent high-profile sales.
The young full-back is reportedly eager to make the switch, placing the pressure squarely on Ineos to fund the lucrative move.
Meanwhile, club staff view Carlos Baleba as a potentially transformative signing for the engine room.
The combative midfielder is believed to be available for a reduced fee of £65m, yet a formal bid has not yet been submitted.
If the Manchester giants are to build upon last year’s domestic success, resolving these two £135m transfer dilemmas must be an urgent priority for the board.
Tottenham Hotspur are working on deals to sign Premier League wingers Cody Gakpo and Savinho as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to bolster his attacking options.
The North London club have already spent a staggering £237m on six new summer signings but remain active in the transfer market.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the two attackers are currently the primary focus for the Lilywhites.
Brazilian winger emerges as top target
Manchester City wide-man Savinho has been identified as a long-term priority after struggling for regular minutes at the Etihad Stadium.
The 22-year-old’s situation has not improved since Enzo Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola in the managerial dugout.
Reports in South America suggest Spurs have already submitted a massive £85m bid for the former Girona forward.
However, committing such a high fee for a player yet to fully establish himself in English football is viewed as a significant financial risk.
Gakpo future in doubt amid Liverpool reshuffle
Alongside the South American prospect, De Zerbi is also exploring an ambitious move for Liverpool forward Gakpo.
The Dutchman has been a regular at Anfield, but his position could be threatened by the Reds’ reported interest in Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.
If a double deal proves impossible, Chelsea’s Pedro Neto has been highlighted as a potential alternative on the flanks.
Any approach for the Portuguese international could be heavily complicated by a substantial asking price from his current employers.
Balogun rumours dismissed
While wingers remain the priority, Romano moved quickly to dismiss speculation linking Spurs with Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.
“I know there have been many reports in the last 24 hours, but Tottenham are not working on a Balogun deal,” stated Romano on his YouTube channel.
Plans to sign a new traditional centre-forward appear to have been temporarily shelved by the club hierarchy.
Previous target Junior Kroupi suffered an injury during pre-season with Bournemouth, meaning a renewed pursuit of the French talent will likely wait until next year.
The immediate focus remains firmly on securing wide reinforcements to join recent high-profile arrivals like £100m club-record signing Sandro Tonali.