Sport
Mikel Arteta Says David Raya Might Not Be Ready for Sunday’s Man City Match
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that goalkeeper David Raya might not be available for Sunday’s highly anticipated Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Raya was absent during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League, with Arteta opting for experienced shot-stopper Neto in his place.
The 34-year-old, who joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, made his debut but had a shaky start. He was caught off guard in the 28th minute when Arnaut Danjuma capitalized on a mistake to put Girona ahead
Despite the early setback, Arsenal responded well. Jorginho leveled the score from the penalty spot in the 38th minute, while teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri sealed the win with a stunning goal, showcasing why he’s one of the club’s most exciting young talents.
Arteta remained tight-lipped about the details of Raya’s injury but confirmed that the Spanish goalkeeper was unable to play. “He certainly could not play, and he’s injured, and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves,” he told reporters after the match.
When asked if Neto could step up as a long-term replacement, Arteta expressed confidence in the veteran keeper.
“Yes, that’s why he’s here, to do that job, and he’s done it for 20-odd years in his career, he said. I’m very happy, first of all, that he played.
It’s been seven, eight months since his last competitive game, and it’s not easy, so I’m very happy that he played and we won again.”
Saudi club Al-Hilal has given Victor Osimhen a deadline this Friday to decide on their transfer offer. The Blue Waves are ready to activate the €75 million release clause in Osimhen’s contract, while also offering the Nigerian striker a lucrative deal worth €30 million per season.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs reports that Al-Hilal remains hopeful Osimhen will say yes. This isn’t their first try to sign him—Al-Hilal first showed interest back in January 2023. Last summer, Osimhen agreed to join another Saudi team, Al-Ahli, but Napoli pushed for a higher fee, delaying the move.
France head coach Didier Deschamps has thrown his full support behind Ousmane Dembélé as a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Speaking ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with Spain—a team featuring another strong candidate, Lamine Yamal—Deschamps praised Dembélé’s incredible season.
Just days ago, Dembélé helped Paris Saint-Germain lift the Champions League trophy and was crowned Player of the Season. The win capped off a historic campaign for PSG, who also clinched the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France to complete a remarkable Treble.
Deschamps said, “The Nations League and even the Club World Cup could still shape opinions, but if I had to pick right now, it’s Ousmane—no doubt. Ask the Spanish, they’ll likely back their own, but for me, with the season he’s had, Ousmane deserves it.”
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has backed midfielder Vitinha to win the Ballon d’Or after a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain. Vitinha played a key role in PSG’s incredible treble-winning campaign, helping them secure the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Speaking after Portugal’s 2-1 win over Germany in the UEFA Nations League, Martinez praised the midfielder’s impact. “Vitinha has been vital to PSG’s success this season,” he said. “He’s been at the heart of everything they’ve achieved. He deserves the Ballon d’Or.” Despite Martinez’s strong support for Vitinha, many see his PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele as the current frontrunner for the award.
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