TRIPLE H CONFIRMS WWE STAR WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER SUMMERSLAM INJURY

 

Photo Credit: WWE

Triple H confirms Brie Bella was taken to the hospital after her match at WWE SummerSlam Night One.

Brie Bella teamed up with her sister Nikki Bella and Paige in a six-woman tag team match against Fatal Influence’s Jacy Jayne, Lainey Reid, and Fallon Henley at the event. During the contest, it appeared that she sustained a shoulder injury, possibly while Jayne performed a cannonball on Bella against the steel steps.

However, she continued the match, which ended with Jacy Jayne pinning Paige. The Bella Twins then turned heel on Paige after the bout and gave her a beatdown. WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H addressed Brie Bella’s injury during the post-show press conference, revealing that she was taken to the hospital to get scans. There’s no official diagnosis yet, and he hopes it’s not as serious as initially feared.

“She’s injured. I don’t have an update yet. She was here. Got some treatment here. She has been taken to the hospital to get some scans done. So I don’t have a clean answer on it yet. I know a hurt shoulder seems pretty bad, but I don’t have that answer yet.” Triple H said.

“Hopefully we will soon, and hopefully it won’t be as bad as we thought it was. But that’s the nature of the game, and we’ll pivot accordingly. It’s unfortunate. I hate it. It’s part of our business, and I think tonight that was the only serious thing that came out of this,” Triple H concluded.

.- KEBIN ANTONY, H/T WrestleZone

CARLOS ALCARAZ INJURY UPDATE

 

CONOR MCGREGOR ANNOUNCES SURGERY AFTER UFC 329 INJURY

"The Notorious" Wrote On Social Media About The Injury And His Plans For The Future

Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor announced he’ll undergo surgery following a knee injury sustained during the main event of UFC 329.

McGregor ended a five-year hiatus when he returned to the Octagon at T-Mobile Arena on July 11. But his main event fight with former featherweight and BMF champion Max Holloway lasted just 69 seconds when a knee injury sustained in the bout’s opening seconds proved too much to overcome and referee Mike Beltran was forced to wave off the contest.

Immediately following the bout, McGregor shared an update to his followers on social media.

“My head gasket is gone. Destroyed,” he wrote on X.

“I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”

McGregor continued and directly addressed suggestions online that he was carrying an injury into the bout.

“I was so sharp and so ready for this fight, I cannot believe what has happened,” he wrote.

“The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place. The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow.”

McGregor then defiantly declared that he will fight back from his latest injury setback to return to the Octagon again.

“I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return.”

Speaking to reporters backstage at the UFC 329 post-fight press conference, UFC President and CEO Dana White offered his thoughts on McGregor’s situation.

“Listen, everybody who knows anything about the fight business – and it’s been a big topic of discussion leading up to this fight – five years off, in this sport, is rough,” he said.

“Who knew what Conor was capable of as far as cardio, or whatever else, after a five-year layoff. And, well, there you go.

“We’re assuming [he sustained a] blown ACL. I’m no doctor, but that’s what I figured when I saw it, and the doctors think the same thing, too.”

Conor McGregor is consoled by Bruce Buffer after suffering a loss against Max Holloway in a welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

White said he wasn’t sure what the future held for McGregor, but he didn’t have to wait long for “The Notorious” to make clear his plans as the Irishman posted an update to his Instagram on Monday.

“Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again,” he wrote on X.

- SIMON HEAD, ON X: @SIMONHEADSPORT

'WHAT YOU DON'T SEE...' - DOCTOR BREAKS DOWN FULL EXTENT OF CONOR MCGREGOR'S INJURY AGAINST MAX HOLLOWAY

 McGregor's UFC return ended with a knee injury after just 69 seconds.

A doctor has explained the diagnostic details that might have been missed amid speculation over the extent of Conor McGregor's knee injury in his comeback fight in Las Vegas.

McGregor 'blew out' his knee right at the beginning of his welterweight main event against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on Saturday.

The Irishman appeared to injure himself while attempting his first high kick of the fight, which was subsequently awarded to Holloway by technical knockout after just 69 seconds.

McGregor now faces a spell on the sidelines after a five-year hiatus. Holloway promised that McGregor vs Holloway 3 will appear on a future card, acknowledging the unsatisfying manner of the conclusion.

The injured fighter will undergo scans to confirm the extent of his injury, which commentators immediately identified as a potential rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

If that proves to be the case, the 37-year-old can expect to be out of action for several months.

Dr Brian Stutterer is the expert behind a YouTube channel through which he assesses the medical stories that occur in the world of sport and he has been analysing the footage of the abortive UFC 329 bout.

"The commentators were talking about it looked like [McGregor] blew out his knee," said Sutterer in a six-minute video that forensically examines the moments leading up to Holloway's TKO victory.

"I will admit, yes, this position looks like the classic position that you will see with an ACL tear in terms of the rotation of how the foot is externally rotated, the idea that we see a little bit of the knee going inward, the trunk is leaning over his injured side.

Nevertheless, Stutterer offered some reason for doubt about the specific nature of the injury, which UFC head honcho indicated could be an ACL tear, but Stutterer has pointed out can be hastily evaluated even by the UFC's own medical staff at ringside. Only a scan will confirm the reality.

"But what you don't see on this injury is the classic pivot shift that you will sometimes see with an ACL tear," he added.

"Now that doesn't mean that this is not an ACL tear, but you at least don't see that stereotypic kind of pathognomonic shift forward of the tibia and then pop backwards like we would if you could confirm 100% that this was an ACL."

Will McGregor pursue another comeback?

While Holloway said after the fight that the appetite is there to go again after one win each in two McGregor vs Holloway fights, 13 years apart, there has to be some doubt over the 37-year-old's desire to get himself back into the kind of shape that would be required to actually win it.

Saturday's brief appearance was McGregor's first in the octagon since 2021 and marked a third consecutive defeat after back-to-back losses against Dustin Poirier.

McGregor's third consecutive loss dropped him to a 22-7 career record. He hasn't won two in a row since the end of 2016, when he won the UFC lightweight championship by beating Eddie Alvarez.

He lost the belt to Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission two years later.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

- Chris Nee

JORDAN HENDERSON'S DAD REVEALS GRIM DETAILS OF ENGLAND STAR'S INJURY AFTER FREAK ACCIDENT AT WORLD CUP

Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm after slipping off an advertising board (Getty)

Jordan Henderson’s dad has revealed that the England midfielder’s arm is ‘completely smashed’ following his freak accident after the 3-2 win over Mexico at the World Cup.

England sealed their place in the World Cup quarter-final with a thrilling victory at Azteca Stadium as Jude Bellingham struck twice while Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot.

However, England’s win was overshadowed by Henderson’s injury, which he suffered during the team’s celebrations in the immediate aftermath of the game.

After celebrating with England’s travelling supporters, Henderson slipped while jumping over an advertising board and suffered a broken radius after he landed awkwardly.

The former Liverpool captain, who now plays for Brentford, left the pitch on a stretcher and was given oxygen, while he will now miss the remainder of England’s World Cup campaign as he requires surgery.

Henderson’s father, Brian Henderson, insists the midfielder will remain with England’s squad for the remainder of the tournament, despite being unable to play.

Jordan Henderson left the pitch on a stretcher after England’s 3-2 win against Mexico (PA Wire)

At first I just thought he’d fallen, I thought he’d maybe scraped his wrist,’ Brian told the Daily Mail.

‘I had no idea it was that serious until they were interviewing Harry Kane and a trolley came past with Jordan on it. I could see him on there with oxygen and things.

‘Straight away, I messaged his PA, who was over there, to try and find out what had happened. I was up all night waiting to hear the news. It’s just a waiting game now.

Jordan Henderson with his father Brian Henderson after Liverpool’s win in the Champions League final in 2019 (Shutterstock)

‘It’s his left forearm, he’s just completely smashed it. He’s going to have a cast on and then it depends on what the experts say.

‘He won’t be leaving his teammates. He’ll be there until it’s finished.’

In his first message to fans since the injury, Henderson praised England’s ‘incredible’ display and thanked supporters for their messages.

‘A night to remember that’s for sure!’ Henderson wrote.

‘What an incredible performance against all the different challenges. So proud to be a part of this special team.

‘Thanks for all the support, another big one Saturday.’

Meanwhile, England defender Marc Guehi says Henderson is now in ‘a better place’ after his accident.

‘Hendo’s good,’ Guehi said on England’s Lion’s Den programme on Tuesday.

‘He’s in a better place than he was yesterday.

‘It was obviously scary for him and his family and for everyone else, but we’re just glad that he’s on the road to a speedy recovery.’

- Chris Davie

TANZANIA'S PRESIDENT HON. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN VISITS YOUNG AFRICANS STAR PAĈOME ZOUZOUA AT AGA KHAN HOSPITAL

President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has paid a visit to Young Africans SC forward Paĉome Zouzoua, who is receiving treatment at Aga Khan Hospital.

Paĉome sustained a terrible injury at the last match of the NBC Premier League season in Dar es Salaam.

HAILEY BAPTISE SUFFERERS HORRIFIC FALL AND BURSTS INTO TEAT AS PARAMEDICS COME TO HELP | ROLAND-GARROS 2026

 

MAJOR INJURY UPDATES THAT COULD SHAKEUP THE NBA PLAYOFFS

 

BREAKING: HUGO EKITIKE HAS SUFFERED A RAPTURED ACHILLES TENDON

Hugo Ekitike has suffered a long-term injury and will miss the rest of Liverpool FC's season and this summer's World Cup

We wish Hugo all the best in his recovery

LIVERPOOL'S EKITIKE RULED OUT OF WORLD CUP WITH FRANCE

Didier Deschamps has confirmed the news after the 23-year-old suffered a serious injury against PSG.

PSG and Liverpool players comfort Hugo Ekitike after his injury in their Champions League clash. Alamy Stock Photo

LIVERPOOL AND FRANCE forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious injury in his club’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, his national team coach Didier Deschamps said Wednesday.

The 23-year-old crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles tendon during the first half of Liverpool’s 2-0 quarter-final second-leg defeat to European champions PSG on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, the severity of (Ekitike’s) injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup,” Deschamps said in a statement released by the French football federation.

“This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team.

“I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff.”

Ekitike has scored 17 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for Liverpool since arriving at Anfield for a fee of £79 million ($105.5 million) last summer.

Since winning his first France cap in a World Cup qualifier in September last year, Ekitike has been a regular in Les Bleus’ set-up, scoring two goals and providing one assist in his eight caps.

– AFP 

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ SHUTS DOWN 'WRONG KNEE' INJURY CONTROVERSY AT REAL MADRID, SAY'S 'I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SITUATION'

France's forward Kylian Mbappe signs autographs upon arriving at the hotel in Boston on March 24, 2026. (AFP)

Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday shut down claims that Real Madrid examined the wrong knee following the injury he sustained late last year.

The controversy stemmed from a report on French broadcaster RMC Sport’s talk show After Foot, which claimed that the club had initially scanned Mbappe’s right knee instead of his left after the December injury. The report was widely picked up by global media outlets.

Mbappe, however, dismissed the claim outright.

“The report that said that they (examined) the wrong knee is false,” he said at a press conference ahead of France’s international friendly against Brazil.

While rejecting the claim, the French star admitted that a lack of communication may have contributed to the speculation.

“I am maybe responsible indirectly for this situation, because when you don’t communicate on what’s happening, it opens doors to others’ interpretations.”

Mbappe had earlier stated in December that he had sprained his left knee. He continued playing through January before being sidelined for three-and-a-half weeks, returning only recently and featuring as a substitute in his last two matches for Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old also emphasised that there has been no confusion internally.

“I have very clear communication” with Real Madrid, he said.

Currently in Boston, Mbappe is part of the France squad set to face Brazil in an international friendly in Foxborough on Thursday, before taking on Colombia in Landover on Sunday.

Speaking earlier this week in Paris, Mbappe admitted the injury phase had taken a mental toll.

“There was a lot of frustration, a lot of anger, and then also some anxiety at one point,” he said. “I had reached a stage where I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I didn’t go through that period in the best way. I wasn’t the happiest player in the world. But I’m happy now because it’s truly behind me. It’s all gone.”

France head coach Didier Deschamps has yet to confirm whether Mbappe will start in the upcoming fixtures.

- Aratrick Mondal

GALATASARAY READY TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AFTER HORROR NOA LANG INJURY VS. LIVERPOOL

Galatasaray will reportedly take legal action against UEFA after Dutch forward Noa Lang suffered a freak thumb injury from a collision with an advertising hoarding at Anfield

Noa Lang was forced off against Liverpool after suffering a serious injury to his thumb(Image: Getty Images)

Galatasaray reportedly intends to seek compensation from UEFA after Noa Lang suffered a freak injury from a collision with an advertising hoarding at Anfield during their Champions League defeat to Liverpool.

The Reds booked their place in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday after beating Galatasaray 4-0 (4-1 on aggregate) at Anfield, setting up a rematch with Paris Saint-Germain, who knocked Liverpool out of the competition in the Round of 16 last year.

During the clash at Anfield, Lang suffered a gruesome injury for which he underwent surgery after he collided with an advertising board. The Dutch forward was in agony, holding his bloody thumb before being taken off the pitch on a stretcher. He was also seen being given oxygen as he left the pitch.

"In the second half of the same match, our player Noa Lang, who suffered an injury, sustained a serious cut to his right thumb, and it is planned for him to undergo surgery in Liverpool in the coming hours with the participation of our medical team," read a statement from the Turkish club, who now reportedly look set to take legal action against UEFA for the injury.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray's general secretary, Eray Yazgan, told HTSpor: "We made a complaint to UEFA representatives after the match. They also made their investigations. UEFA will evaluate the issue.

Noa Lang receives medical attention during Galatasaray's Champions League defeat to Liverpool(Image: (Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images))

"We are in talks with lawyers. We will file a lawsuit for compensation to UEFA. We will ask for our victimization in terms of salary to be eliminated."

Following the game, Liverpool and UEFA officials were spotted investigating the advertising hoarding where the incident occurred.

Liverpool officials inspect the fence against which Galatasaray's Dutch forward Noa Lang sustained an injury(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

While Lang was in serious discomfort following the injury, he later posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself on a hospital bed with two nurses while still in his Galatasaray kit, smiling.

He captioned the post, "s--- happens."

He also confirmed that he has had surgery on his injured hand, with the procedure going successfully. "Surgery went well! Thanks for all the messages," he added.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Ally McCoist, who was covering Liverpool and Galatasaray's game, admitted he could tell the 26-year-old had suffered a shocking injury simply by looking at the reaction of the photographer who was next to Lang when it happened.

"He said: "I could tell there was a significant problem because one of the girls behind there, I'm not sure if she's a photographer but you could see her face, the way she reacted."

- Oscar Maung-Haley

NBA FANS REACT TO GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS STEPH CURRY ANNOUNCEMENT

 

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 04: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after defeating the Houston Rockets 103-89 in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 04, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

On Monday night, the Golden State Warriors will play the LA Clippers on their home floor in San Francisco.

The Warriors have been without their best player since the end of January, as two-time MVP Steph Curry continues to deal with an injury.

Golden State Warriors Make Steph Curry Announcement

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to fouling out during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on January 05, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

On Sunday, the Warriors announced an update on Curry.

Yahoo Sports wrote: “Steph Curry will be sidelined at least more 10 days after being re-evaluated for lingering knee issues, the Warriors announced. Curry last played on Jan. 30 and has missed the last 10 games with patella-femoral syndrome/bone bruising in his right knee.”

Before the injury, the four-time NBA Champion had been averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range in 39 games.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he had an assist to Gary Payton II against the Miami Heat at Chase Center on January 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Here’s what people were saying about the news:

@DrNiravPandya: “This is not surprising given the tricky nature of patellofemoral syndrome (with bone bruising as reported by the team). Unlike other conditions, the recovery is not linear. As it largely stems from overuse, pushing too quickly can lead to a flare up and more time missed.”

@Gene_February: “Speedy recovery to the Greatest player of our Generation”

@WarriorsAdamo: “They know he isn’t coming back, just shut him down for the season. They can afford the ticket sales dropping”

@Luigi__457: “Geez man Warriors are cooked.”

@diptimahapatra: “Steph go on a long vacation with Ayesha. This team is beyond saving and I would hate to see Steph get a catastrophic injury trying to salvage this season.”

@CuffsTheLegend: “Warriors should shut Steph Curry down for the rest of the season. This season is cooked anyway for Golden State. Let Steph get healthy and keep developing your young players.”

HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 30, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The Warriors have had an up-and-down season that currently has them as the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 31-29 record in 60 games.

They are 19-12 in the 31 games they have hosted at the Chase Center.

Curry was the seventh pick in the 2009 NBA Draft out of Davidson.

He has spent all 17 years of his career with Golden State.

In that span, Curry and the Warriors have made the NBA Finals six times (and won four titles).

- Ben Stinar

ARSENAL'S LONG LIST OF INJURIES

 

BARCELONA'S GERALD PIQUÉ COULD HAVE DIED DUE TO HEAD COLLISIONS ACCORDING TO NEUROSURGEON

Gerard Piqué has taken on thousands of aerial challenges in his career, but one incident stands out to Andreu Gabarrós, head of neurosurgery at Hospital de Bellvitge. Reflecting on a match in which the defender briefly lost consciousness, Gabarrós recalled thinking, “If he gets another impact, he could die.” That moment, he says, illustrates how dangerous head trauma in football can be.

Gabarrós noted that Piqué was initially on the verge of returning to the pitch before medical staff intervened. Their decision, he believes, was crucial. A second blow before full recovery can trigger what specialists call second-impact syndrome, a rapid and severe brain swelling that can be fatal without immediate intervention. Cases in American football exposed the phenomenon years ago, and the same mechanism can apply in any contact sport.

The neurosurgeon emphasized that a concussion should sideline a player for at least a couple of weeks, regardless of how mild the symptoms may seem. Dizziness, headache, nausea, instability, or simply a sense that “something isn’t right” should prompt immediate evaluation. While athletes often push to continue, he stressed that medical teams must override them when necessary.

Beyond dramatic incidents like the one involving Piqué, football continues to grapple with the potential cumulative effects of repeated heading. Each impact moves the brain within the skull, and although cerebrospinal fluid provides a degree of protection, it is not always enough to prevent minor injuries. Gabarrós explained that repetitive heading can amount to microtrauma. Some studies have detected proteins in players’ blood that act as markers of mild brain injury after controlled heading drills. While he said there is still no conclusive structured evidence linking football to widespread chronic neurological decline, there are clinical parallels to conditions seen in boxing, where repeated blows are far more frequent and intense.

Even so, chronic traumatic encephalopathy remains an area in need of more research. According to Gabarrós, only a very small share of players appear to develop long-term cognitive issues, suggesting that personal factors may play a significant role. He cautioned that current science cannot justify claims such as “don’t play football because you’ll get dementia,” especially given how rare these outcomes appear to be.

The tragic death of young goalkeeper Raúl Ramírez, who suffered a fatal acute brain injury after a single accidental collision, underscores the difference between sudden severe trauma and long-term, low-grade damage. Gabarrós explained that an acute event can involve hematomas, brain swelling, or contusions that require intensive care, surgery, and in some cases cannot be reversed. Such incidents, while uncommon, are inherent to any contact sport.

Protocols in Spain vary by club, and Gabarrós believes national guidelines from La Liga or the federation would help standardize prevention. Trainers and players, he said, should be better informed about the risks, since symptoms can be subtle and easy to ignore. Given that most incidents occur during training sessions, oversight cannot be limited to match days.

- Luis Mazariegos

RICARDO CALAFIORI INJURY STATEMENT ISSUED AS ARSENAL STAR IMMEDIATELY LEAVES ITALY CAMP

Riccardo Calafiori has returned to Arsenal(FIGC via Getty Images)

Arsenal have been handed a fresh injury concern, as left-back Riccardo Calafiori has returned to north London from international duty with Italy prematurely

Arsenal have been handed another injury setback, with Riccardo Calafiori forced to cut short his international duty and return to north London early. Reports from Italy confirmed the defender departed the Italy camp on Saturday, missing his nation's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway on Sunday evening.

He will now return to London, where he will be assessed by Arsenal doctors. Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso had said: "He tried to be available but he can't force now," regarding Calafiori's situation.

It's believed Arsenal medical staff have been notified of Calafiori's return to the capital, with the club not anticipating any serious complications, reports Football London.

This development comes after the 23-year-old reportedly 'disregarded' Arsenal's wishes for him to remain in London during the international window, according to Italian reports.

The full back has proved integral to Mikel Arteta's league-leading squad this season, featuring from the start in all 11 of the Gunners' Premier League matches so far.

With Arsenal already managing multiple injury concerns whilst maintaining their four-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, the club will understandably be keen to prevent any additional problems ahead of a demanding fixture list.

Italian reports on Wednesday hinted that Calafiori had been training solo, before he was completely absent from the match against Moldova the next evening.

Although it's believed he has a hip injury, it's not thought to be too serious.

La Repubblica also reported that Arsenal would have preferred Calafiori to skip international duty to recover from his hip injury, so as not to worsen the problem.

Riccardo Calafiori has been instrumental for Arsenal this season(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
However

However, the report also claimed that Gattuso and delegation chief, Gianluigi Buffon, encouraged players to prioritise the national team in their quest for qualification for next summer's World Cup in North America.

This comes as Arsenal are hoping to welcome back several first-team players when they return to Premier League action on Sunday, November 23 to face arch-rivals Tottenham.

Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz have made significant strides in their recovery from respective knee injuries. While it was suggested that both could have featured during Arsenal U21s' clash with Cardiff City on Tuesday night, neither man was present for the 3-1 Football League Trophy defeat.

In other news, Norway boss Stale Solbakken believes Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is still "some distance away" from his own return. Gabriel Jesus is also set to make a comeback ahead of the new year, following ACL surgery in late January.

Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli are also on the mend from hamstring and groin injuries they picked up before the international break.

- Aaron Morris and Jack Staplehurst 

MAVERICK VIÑALES MAKING HIS RETURN AFTER INJURY

Maverick Viñales is ready to make his return to action at the Valencia GP 🏁 after his shoulder injury 

MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPION MARC MARQUEZ CONFIRMS HE WILL MISS REMAINDER OF 2025 SEASON

2025 MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez has confirmed he will sit out the remainder of the season after further tests on his shoulder injury.

Marquez and Ducati were advised against an early return by doctors following further tests on his right shoulder injury in Madrid.

The decision means the reigning World Champion will miss the final three rounds of the season, as well as the post-season Valencia test.

“Analysing the entire situation, we believe that the most appropriate, clever and consistent course of action is to respect the biological timing of the injury, even if that means I will no longer be able to race this season or attend the testing session,” Marquez said via Instagram.

“We know that a difficult winter awaits us, with a lot of work, to recover my muscles to 100% and be ready for 2026. 

“This must not overshadow or make us forget the great goal we achieved this year: becoming world champions again, and soon we will all celebrate it together. 

“Thank you to all the fans for kind messages, to Ducati and all the sponsors for their support and understanding.”

Marquez suffered ligament damage and a right shoulder fracture after a first-lap crash with Marco Bezzecchi at Mandalika. 

The World Champion elected to have surgery after the injury was “not showing sufficient signs of stabilisation after a week of being immobilised,” according to his video.

“Since we learned about the injury diagnosis, we knew the chances of having Marc in Valencia for the grand prix and the test were very low,” said Dall’Igna.

“It’s a shame because it’s very important for us to have him on track, but we know perfectly that the priority is to recover and return 100% fit for the next season.

“We fully support the decision and are convinced that not taking further risks is the best choice for everyone. We wish him a speedy recovery and we hope to see him back with us soon”.

- Eden Hannigan

JANNIK SINNER RETIRES AGAINST TALLON GRIEKSPOOR

 

BARCELONA OFFER NEW JOAN GARCIA UPDATE AFTER GOALKEEPER UNDERGOES SURGERY

Getty Images

Barcelona have confirmed that Joan Garcia has undergone successful knee surgery and will miss the next 4-6 weeks in a fresh update on their injured goalkeeper.

The stopper picked up the injury in the win over Real Oviedo and went under the knife on Saturday morning in Barcelona.

Here’s the club’s official statement:

“Joan García underwent surgery this Saturday on a torn medial meniscus in his left knee. Dr Joan Carles Monllau performed an arthroscopy at the Hospital de Barcelona, and it has been confirmed that his recovery time will be between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on how he progresses.”

Barcelona will hope that Garcia’s recovery is as swift as anticipated and that he will be back in action soon for Hansi Flick’s side.

Wojciech Szczęsny will take over as No.1 in the meantime, while Diego Kochen is reportedly set to return from Under-20 duty with the United States to serve as the veteran’s back-up.

- Gill Clark