FBL-SIN-ENG-ITA-ARSENAL-AC MILAN
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a promising update regarding the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori ahead of the new Premier League season. Speaking after his side’s narrow 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong, the Spanish manager expressed confidence that the trio will be ready to feature when the Gunners kick off their campaign against Manchester United on August 17.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal fell to defeat at the Kai Tak Stadium courtesy of an outrageous long-range effort from Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. Although technically labelled a friendly, the match was played in a competitive spirit, with both sides keen to assert themselves ahead of the new campaign. However, Arsenal’s preparations were hampered by the absence of key personnel, particularly in defence.
Arsenal FC v Fulham FC - Premier League
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Gabriel and Timber have yet to feature in any of Arsenal’s three pre-season fixtures during their Asian tour, having both been in recovery following injuries sustained last season. The Brazilian made a tentative return by playing 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford, marking his first action since undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this year. However, a minor issue in training has kept him sidelined since.
Timber, meanwhile, has been out since undergoing ankle surgery in May. Despite travelling with the squad, the Dutch international was not risked during the tour, and he has been gradually reintegrated into full training. Calafiori, by comparison, was forced off the pitch during the team’s 3-2 win over Newcastle in Singapore. However, the Italian has resumed training and appears to be making good progress in his recovery.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
When asked about the likelihood of Gabriel, Timber, and Calafiori being available for the season opener, Arteta was upbeat: "If they evolve like they've been involved in the last few days, so Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori and Timber, the three of them will be available."
DID YOU KNOW?
While the news surrounding the defensive trio is encouraging, Arteta may have another injury concern on his hands. Leandro Trossard, who came off the bench in the second half against Spurs, had to be substituted just 15 minutes after coming on. Arteta shed light on the situation, explaining: "He felt a little tweak. I think he tried to turn, and he was pushed, and he felt something muscular, so we'll have to assess him."
Arsenal FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal’s pre-season schedule is far from over. The Gunners are slated to play Villarreal next Wednesday as they continue their preparations for the new season. That match will be followed by their appearance in the Emirates Cup on August 9, where they will take on Spanish side Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
