Champions League Injury Update as Pablo Barrios Ruled Out

Published

2 months ago

April 26, 2026

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Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are preparing to go head-to-head in the Champions League next week, and Fabrizio Romano has shared a major injury update ahead of the game.

The Gunners have a host of injury troubles heading into this one, with Kai Havertz and Eberechi Eze both coming off against Newcastle United last time out.

Atletico also have their own fitness worries, and it’s a crucial couple of weeks for both sides as they look to secure their place in the Champions League final.

Arsenal are also battling to lift the Premier League title at the end of the season, with Manchester City right on their tail after Pep Guardiola’s side beat them last weekend.

Fabrizio Romano: Atletico vs Arsenal Injury Blow

According to Italian journalist Romano, Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios is set to miss both games against Arsenal in the Champions League due to a muscle injury.

Romano claims that Barrios is hoping to be fit enough for the final, if the Spanish outfit can make it past Arsenal.

It could be a major boost for Arsenal heading into the opening leg, but they do have their own injury issues to contend with, especially after the Newcastle game.

Arsenal Injury News

Thankfully for Arsenal fans, Eze confirmed after the game against Newcastle that it was just a precaution to take him off, and it doesn’t appear to be anything too serious.

Manager Mikel Arteta also provided an update on Havertz, suggesting that again, it was nothing too serious.

Riccardo Calafiori missed the game against Newcastle altogether, but Arteta revealed after the match that the Italian defender was close to making the squad so he could return next week.

Hopefully for Arsenal, they could have the aforementioned trio available to face Atletico in the Champions League.

Why England Chose Darts Anthem For World Cup Goal Music

Published

7 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

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An explanation has now emerged for England’s decision to use a darts’ anthem as their goal music at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions confirming their song choice for the rest of the tournament after Harry Kane’s first-half penalty against Croatia on Wednesday night.

That strike set the tone in Dallas, Arlington, Texas, where England delivered a statement 4-2 win – Kane adding a second, before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also got on the scoresheet as Croatia were put to the sword. It was their first victory over a nation ranked inside FIFA’s top 15 at a major tournament since 2002.

And if the football itself wasn’t enough to lift the spirits, the soundtrack to each strike certainly was. ‘Chase the Sun’ by Planet Funk rang out over the stadium speakers and was belted out by 15,000 travelling England fans, turning it into a party atmosphere.

Why England Chose Darts’ Anthem For World Cup Goal Music

The electronic dance anthem is synonymous with darts and a staple of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. Its inclusion at the 2026 World Cup marks a change for England from Qatar, where ‘Freed From Desire’ by Gala was used – another track widely popular with supporters.

According to the BBC, the song was chosen because it is played regularly at major darts events as aforementioned, with the Football Association selecting it as England’s dedicated goal music for the tournament, as FIFA rules allow countries to choose their own soundtracks this summer.

It was quickly embraced by England fans both in Dallas and back home. Sections of the crowd could be heard singing along during parts of the match, even when it wasn’t being played. The decision already appears vindicated, capturing England’s crossover love of football and darts. To add to the timing, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries had just won the World Cup of Darts ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s side’s opener, defeating the Netherlands 10-5 in sets on June 14.

World Cup of Darts 2026 Salaries For Littler, Humphries, Van Gerwen, Van Veen

It was success for England as they defeated Netherlands in the final, meaning Luke Littler and Luke Humphries split a tasty prize pot.

Goal Music Other Countries Have Picked

Scotland players celebrate securing World Cup qualification

Scotland opted for ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by The Proclaimers, which could be heard following John McGinn’s winner in a 1-0 victory over Haiti. Other choices have included AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ by Australia, Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ by France, while co-hosts, the United States, opted for a remixed version of ‘Free Bird’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Fans of Germany and Curacao had the dubious honour of hearing ‘Major Tom‘ by Peter Schilling – a song inspired by David Bowie – seven times during Germany’s thrashing of the debutants. During the first full round of group stage fixtures, 40 of the 48 nations scored at least one goal, meaning all sides have had their dedicated goal song played at least once.

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Liverpool Have £87m Bid to Sign ‘Superstar’ Rejected

Published

29 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

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Liverpool have just submitted a bid worth €100m (£87m) to RB Leipzig to sign top winger target Yan Diomande, although it has been rejected according to Fabrizio Romano.

It has been a busy few weeks for Liverpool since the Premier League season ended with a fifth-placed finish, as club chiefs subsequently decided to dismiss Arne Slot and replace him with outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

Having finished 25 points adrift of champions Arsenal as they looked to defend the Premier League title they won in Slot’s maiden campaign in charge, there is a determination to ensure the 2026-27 season is a more memorable one.

With pressure to perform well in the Premier League alongside the Champions League, the Spanish manager needs a stronger squad to work with, especially given Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all departed this summer.

One of the main focuses has been on bringing in new players in wide positions, with the club already confirming the arrival of Victor Munoz from Osasuna after they activated his £34m release clause.

Now, the Reds are working on a deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Diomande, although they have seen their initial bid rejected by the Bundesliga club.

Romano: Liverpool See Diomande Bid Rejected

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande celebrates a goal

David Ornstein was reporting on Thursday evening that Liverpool had informed Leipzig that they were willing to pay a package worth €100m to sign the exciting 19-year-old, but now Romano has gone one step further.

The Italian journalist claims that the German club have rejected an offer worth that amount from the Reds, as they try and keep hold of their prized asset.

This is a breaking story. More to follow…

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Tottenham Set to Begin Club-to-Club Talks to Sign Sandro Tonali

Published

50 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

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Tottenham look to step up their efforts to land a Premier League midfielder Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to land. Spurs are in the midst of a big recruitment drive as they look to go from bottom half-dwellers to European qualification candidates in the space of just a few months.

De Zerbi is being firmly backed by the Spurs board as they look to live up to their promises of changes to what has been a failing approach despite a recent Europa League title. It has become clear that this squad is in need of an overhaul, and it looks as though De Zerbi will get the opportunity to lead it.

A number of targets have been linked with Spurs as they look to add to the captures of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, and it seems one of the more glamorous names may actually be on the table.

Romano’s Tonali to Tottenham transfer update

Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle United against Manchester United in the Premier League

Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali in recent days, and it seems they have a credible chance of landing the ‘monster’ Italian due to a De Zerbi factor.

“Yeah, I see a lot of excitement on social media on this one from Tottenham fans, of course. I maintain my update, my news,” Fabrizio Romano reported on his YouTube channel. “So, first of all, Tottenham are in conversations with Sandro Tonali’s camp. Second, Sandro Tonali wants to go to Tottenham, and so he’s keen on the move, and I don’t think it’s going to be any problem with the player financially or in terms of contract. Also, because the connection with the De Zerbi is very clear, as I was mentioning in a video yesterday, they are both from Brescia, so the connection is very, very good. And also important to mention on this one about Sandro Tonali, soon Tottenham will reach out to Newcastle to start conversations. Then the price is going to be the point.

“Let’s see, I think this is going to be around €100million (£86.6m), maybe something more than the initial request. And then let’s see the conversation, but De Zerbi is pushing, and so let’s wait for the club-to-club negotiations. But Tottenham are interested.”

Tonali the next Pirlo

Sandro Tonali celebrating scoring against Manchester United

Spurs are looking for a midfielder who can control the ball and the tempo of the game, and according to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, Tonali has those metronomic qualities. He said back in 2024: “When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo, without a doubt – and it’s not just the hair. There’s more to it than that. He’s definitely got those similar qualities in terms of build and style, but I think the thing that sets Sandro apart from anyone else was he could do all of those things technically and tactically, and looked really good, but it’s his athleticism as well, his ability to run.

“We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and think that’s really helped the team. Yes, there are the obvious ones [comparisons] in terms of his technique and his passing and everything else, but I think that’s the thing that sets him apart.”