UConn guard Solo Ball has suffered a foot injury and is a major doubt for Monday’s NCAA tournament championship game against the Michigan Wolverines.

The 6-foot-4 junior is currently wearing a protective walking boot and will miss Sunday’s practice session.

Head coach Dan Hurley revealed that his third-leading scorer has sustained a foot sprain, casting a shadow over preparations for the final.

I couldn’t tell. We’ll know more as we get later in the day.

Dan Hurley

Easter scheduling complicates medical scans

Hurley noted that arranging a comprehensive MRI scan on Easter Sunday has proven difficult, leaving the exact severity of the issue unclear.

The technical staff have not disclosed exactly when the crucial playmaker sustained the damage during Saturday’s Final Four triumph over Illinois.

The dynamic guard had just broken out of a recent slump to register 13 points against the Illini, shooting an impressive three-of-seven from beyond the arc.

Huskies prepare contingency plans for Wolverines clash

He has been a constant presence in the starting lineup this season, averaging 12.9 points and 3.1 rebounds across 38 appearances.

Losing such a pivotal figure would be a significant blow for the Huskies, who enter Monday’s showpiece event as clear underdogs against Michigan.

Should the injured star fail to recover in time, senior guard Malachi Smith and junior wing Jayden Ross are expected to shoulder increased responsibilities.

World champion Tadej Pogacar claimed a record-equalling third Tour of Flanders victory by dropping rival Mathieu van der Poel with a blistering solo attack.

The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider crossed the line 33 seconds ahead of the Dutchman to continue his flawless start to the 2026 season.

The decisive moment arrived on the brutal cobbled gradients of the Paterberg, where the Slovenian finally broke his great rival’s resistance.

Battle on the cobbled climbs

The two pre-race favourites had forged clear of a world-class peloton and arrived together at the base of the final ascent of the Oude Kwaremont with 18 kilometres remaining.

Mirroring his race-winning move from last year, the four-time Tour de France winner launched a ferocious acceleration.

Van der Poel initially clung on, limiting the gap to a handful of seconds over the summit of the iconic hill.

However, the relentless pace proved too much for the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider on the subsequent Paterberg climb, which features punishing gradients exceeding 20 per cent.

Monumental history awaits

Sitting up to punch the air in triumph, the 27-year-old celebrated adding another prestigious title to his rapidly expanding palmares.

Belgian debutant Remco Evenepoel secured third place for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, finishing just ahead of compatriot Wout van Aert.

Affectionately known as De Ronde, the grueling 278km Flemish route featured 16 short but demanding climbs and several treacherous cobblestone sections.

Having already triumphed at Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche earlier this spring, the unstoppable Slovenian has won all three races he has contested this year.

He now looks ahead to next weekend’s Paris-Roubaix, which remains the only cycling Monument missing from his extraordinary trophy cabinet.

The NBA has launched an investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks after Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly disputed the franchise’s claim that he is medically unfit to play.

The two-time league Most Valuable Player insists he is completely healthy and available for selection.

However, his team maintains that the 29-year-old is still recovering from a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise.

This unprecedented clash has prompted league officials to intervene under their strict Player Participation Policy.

Growing friction over fitness

The Greek forward has not featured since landing awkwardly following a dunk against the Indiana Pacers on 15 March.

He was subsequently ruled out of Sunday’s fixture against the Memphis Grizzlies, marking his 11th consecutive absence.

That latest omission means the former NBA champion has missed a career-high 42 games this season.

An NBA spokesperson confirmed that certain facts regarding the superstar’s recovery process remain heavily disputed.

“The investigation has found that the Bucks scheduled Giannis to work out last week in three-on-three scrimmages as part of his return-to-play process, but he declined to participate.”

The league statement added that officials are continuing to monitor the escalating situation closely.

‘A slap in my face’

The eight-time All-Star has recently been participating in pre-game warm-ups without any visible physical limitations.

Speaking prior to a heavy defeat against the Boston Celtics on Friday, the franchise cornerstone expressed immense frustration with his employers.

“I’m healthy. I hate it when people force me to do things against my nature. I’m a player. I get paid to play.”
“You know who you’re dealing with. So, for somebody to come and tell me to not play or to not compete, it’s like a slap in my face.”

Extension talks loom large

This public war of words arrives at a particularly turbulent time for the struggling Eastern Conference outfit.

Milwaukee were officially eliminated from post-season contention in late March, ending an impressive streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances.

Speculation is now mounting over the future of the generational talent who delivered their first championship in 50 years back in 2021.

The highly coveted forward becomes eligible to sign a lucrative four-year contract extension worth up to $275m (£217m) this October.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has firmly dismissed speculation linking forward Julian Alvarez with a transfer to Arsenal or Barcelona.

The Argentine international has been the subject of intense media scrutiny regarding a potential departure from the Spanish capital.

Premier League title contenders Arsenal and La Liga rivals Barcelona had recently emerged as potential suitors for the striker.

“You are crossing the line a little with Alvarez.”

“He’s an Atletico Madrid player and has a long contract with the club.”

Enrique Cerezo, Atletico Madrid President

Arsenal seek attacking reinforcements

Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled for consistency in front of goal during recent domestic fixtures.

The Gunners were eliminated from the FA Cup following a quarter-final defeat by Southampton, laying bare their need for final-third additions.

The former Manchester City forward represents an attractive option, having already scored 17 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions this season.

Champions League priorities take precedence

Speculation over the World Cup winner’s future intensified after he remained an unused substitute during Atletico’s recent La Liga defeat against Barcelona.

However, manager Diego Simeone appears to be resting his prolific frontman for their upcoming Champions League quarter-final first leg at Camp Nou.

The Madrid club currently sit 19 points behind league leaders Barcelona, making European success their undisputed priority for the remainder of the campaign.

Should both sides progress from their respective European ties, Arsenal and Atletico could meet in the Champions League semi-finals.

Inter Milan are preparing a summer move to sign Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as a long-term replacement for Yann Sommer.

The Serie A giants have reportedly placed the 29-year-old at the top of their transfer wishlist following a difficult domestic campaign for the North London club.

Spurs are currently enduring a torrid run of form, sitting 17th in the Premier League and hovering just one point above the relegation zone.

Having failed to win any of their last 13 league matches, the English side are believed to value their primary shot-stopper at an accessible €15m to €20m.

De Zerbi faces injury dilemma

The former Empoli player recently underwent hernia surgery ahead of the international break.

It remains highly uncertain whether the Italian international will recover in time for Roberto De Zerbi’s first match as Tottenham manager against Sunderland next Sunday.

If the regular starting keeper remains sidelined, Antonin Kinsky could be called upon to return to the starting lineup.

Kinsky previously endured a difficult evening during last month’s heavy 5-2 Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid.

Vuskovic hints at London return

Meanwhile, highly rated Croatian prospect Luka Vuskovic has suggested he will return to his parent club next season.

The 19-year-old defender has enjoyed a stellar loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Hamburg, scoring five goals in 25 top-flight appearances to aid their survival bid.

Despite reported interest from European heavyweights Liverpool and Bayern Munich, the teenager remains firmly tied to Tottenham until the summer of 2030.

The incoming De Zerbi is also exploring further squad reinforcements, with preliminary talks already underway to secure an unnamed South American signing.

Former referees’ chief Keith Hackett says Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli should have been sent off for pushing match official Sam Barrott during Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Southampton.

The Brazilian international received only a yellow card after shoving the referee in an attempt to take a quick free-kick at St Mary’s Stadium.

The controversial incident occurred as Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a shock 2-1 loss on the south coast.

Hackett criticises lenient officiating

Hackett, a former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, believes the leniency shown towards the winger could set a dangerous precedent.

The retired FIFA referee insists that dismissing the 23-year-old was the only correct course of action under the laws of the game.

“When Arsenal’s Martinelli pushed match referee Sam Barrott in a rather aggressive manner, there was no other outcome than Barrott showing a red card,” Hackett told Football Insider.
“In failing to do so, I was disappointed.”
“Sam Barrott is a top class official, but on this occasion, he’s let his colleagues down at all levels of the game.”

Arsenal suffer another cup exit

The north London outfit have endured a difficult period, having recently lost the League Cup final to Manchester City prior to the international break.

Saturday’s defeat completely ends their hopes of lifting domestic cup silverware this campaign.

Goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles secured a memorable victory for the Saints, rendering Viktor Gyokeres’ equaliser a mere consolation.

Southampton are now heading to Wembley, extending their impressive unbeaten run to 15 matches across all competitions.

Meanwhile, the out-of-form Gunners attacker is approaching a full month without finding the back of the net.

Mohamed Salah has decided to leave Liverpool this summer due to a fractured relationship with manager Arne Slot, according to his former international team-mate Mohamed Aboutrika.

The 33-year-old forward recently announced his intention to depart Anfield during the international break.

Speculation surrounding his exit has intensified following Liverpool’s heavy 4-0 defeat by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Rift with management forces exit

It initially appeared the Egyptian was choosing to end his nine-year stay on Merseyside entirely on his own terms.

However, former Egypt international Aboutrika has revealed that friction with the current head coach is the primary catalyst for the move.

“One of the reasons behind Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool is the presence of Arne Slot, because we’ve seen issues in the recent period. You, Slot, pushed the man away.”

Mohamed Aboutrika

A breakdown in trust

Tensions between the prolific goalscorer and the Dutchman became highly public late last year.

The former Roma winger openly accused his manager of throwing him under the bus after being dropped for three consecutive matches in December.

With the relationship seemingly broken beyond repair, Saudi Pro League clubs are expected to heavily pursue the attacker’s signature.

“Salah wants to work with peace of mind and enjoy the next phase of his career. Salah doesn’t need any validation from Slot or anyone else.”

Mohamed Aboutrika

Anfield legacy secured

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his departure, the legendary forward leaves behind an astonishing legacy.

He has amassed a remarkable 255 goals and 119 assists in 436 appearances across all competitions.

His historic tenure includes capturing the Champions League, two Premier League titles, and a record four Player of the Season awards.

Liverpool are preparing an ambitious £60m summer bid for Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Malik Tillman as they seek to replace the departing Mohamed Salah.

The Anfield club have identified the United States international as a versatile addition to their forward line for next season.

The 23-year-old only joined the Champions League side from PSV Eindhoven last summer but has quickly established himself in Germany.

He has scored eight goals in 35 appearances across all competitions during an impressive debut campaign.

Preparing for life after Salah

The Merseyside team are bracing for a period of significant transition following Salah’s decision to end his nine-year association with the club.

Despite having another year remaining on his contract, the Egyptian forward will walk away from his reported £400,000-a-week deal at the end of the season.

The prolific winger is currently attracting heavy interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Consequently, Liverpool are expected to be highly active in the upcoming market to secure at least one high-profile attacking replacement.

Revisiting a familiar market

A move for the American playmaker would see the Reds return to a club they successfully raided during the previous transfer window.

Bayer Leverkusen sold both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool last summer and are anticipating further bids for their remaining stars.

The former PSV standout could operate in multiple roles across the final third to help fill the creative void at Anfield.

His tactical flexibility allows him to impact matches from several different areas of the pitch:

International pedigree

Beyond his club exploits, the versatile attacker is expected to play a starring role for his country on home soil at the upcoming World Cup.

He recently featured in every minute of the Gold Cup under national team manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The lightning-fast forward registered three goals and two assists across six international matches during the summer tournament.

Elsewhere in the market, Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Leverkusen’s 19-year-old prospect Christian Kofane as Premier League interest in the German club continues to mount.