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Man City suffer Haaland injury scare ahead of FA Cup semi-final

Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland could miss Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola has revealed Erling Haaland could miss Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.

Haaland was substituted before the start of extra time in City’s Champions League quarter-final second leg defeat against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Guardiola said after the penalty shoot-out loss that the Norway striker asked to be withdrawn but did not give a reason why.

The City boss has now confirmed Haaland suffered an injury against Real and suggested it was not certain his leading scorer would recover in time for the FA Cup holders’ clash with Chelsea.

“We will see. It was a tough game, a lot of action, high intensity for both sides,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“Erling felt something, a muscular issue. That’s why he told me he could not continue.

“The doctor said he had a little bit of niggles, a little problem, we will see how his evolution is in the next hours.”

While Guardiola sweats on Haaland’s fitness, City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne should be involved against Chelsea after being taken off during extra time against Real due to fatigue.

Given City’s hectic schedule, Guardiola conceded it is understandable that players are tired at this stage of the season.

“It’s normal with the amount of games we are playing this season and the previous seasons and not much recovery, and extra time and high intensity,” he said.

“We put a lot of pressure in our game and that’s why the fatigue is there. They are human beings. They are not a machine. We are used to it.”

The agonising shoot-out defeat by Real ended City’s hopes of winning a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble for a second consecutive season.

But they remain on course to repeat the domestic double and Guardiola is determined to ensure the Premier League leaders bounce back from their European frustration.

“We don’t have another option. I don’t want us to feel sorry for ourselves,” he said.

“In football, you lose games. We performed at our best and we were not able to win. You have to accept it.

“We did everything. We know it, they know it, all the world know it, but it was not enough. When it’s not enough, it’s a bad night. So congratulations (to Real) and, tomorrow, FA Cup.”

 

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BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria

In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.

Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.

 

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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.


Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice

Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.

Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.

According to the manager:

“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”

Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.


Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

And Rice isn’t the only concern.

Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.

Arteta put it bluntly:

“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”

Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”


January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind

Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.

“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”

In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.


Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off

Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”

Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.


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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating in a Portugal jersey

Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.

With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.


Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books

The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:

  • 226 international caps

  • 143 goals for Portugal

  • A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals

Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.


“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes

Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:

“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”

Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.

He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.

Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:

“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”


Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:

“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”

Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.


So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?

If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.

And with CR7, you can never say never.

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