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• Mikel Arteta confirms Eze return amid mixed Arsenal injury news

  Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Eberechi Eze is available for Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth, though several key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard remain doubts after missing recent training.

  ​Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Eberechi Eze is back ahead of schedule for the weekend fixture against Bournemouth.

  The midfielder, sidelined since last month, significantly impressed the medical staff with his recovery drive.

  “The will that he’s shown from day one to get back as quick as possible… it’s just great to watch,” Arteta said, confirming his availability for the Cherries clash.

  ​However, concerns remain for Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Martin Odegaard after they missed Thursday’s training session alongside Riccardo Calafiori.

  While Arteta noted there were “changes since yesterday” regarding player availability, he offered a positive update on Mikel Merino’s post-surgery progress.

  Regarding Merino’s potential early return, the boss noted, “If there is a person who can do it, I’m sure that’s going to be Mikel.”

• Arne Slot confident he will remain Liverpool manager amidst pressure and Alonso links

  Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains confident in his position at Anfield despite a disappointing 2-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and intensifying rumors linking free agent Xabi Alonso to the role.

  ​Arne Slot has reportedly dismissed claims that his tenure at Liverpool is nearing an end, insisting he expects to lead the club into the 2026/27 season.

  Despite the Reds sitting fifth in the Premier League and facing a European exit, sources close to the Dutchman maintain that owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) will wait until a full summer assessment before deciding his fate.

  Slot remains focused on a planned squad rebuild, believing he is the “right man to lead Liverpool forward” through their current transition.

  ​The pressure on Slot is compounded by the availability of club legend Xabi Alonso, who is currently without a team following his departure from Real Madrid.

  While Alonso’s shadow looms large, Liverpool are simultaneously active in the transfer market, reportedly tracking RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba and Bayer Leverkusen’s 19-year-old striker Christian Kofane.

  For now, the club’s leadership appears committed to their strategy, even as Slot faces “growing noise from sections of the fanbase calling for an immediate change.”

• Köln boss Thomas Kessler addresses Said El Mala transfer amid Chelsea interest

  1. FC Köln managing director Thomas Kessler has denied receiving any serious transfer offers for teenage star Said El Mala, despite reports linking the forward with a €35 million move to Brighton.

  ​Thomas Kessler has clarified that 1. FC Köln have yet to receive a formal offer worth considering for 19-year-old Said El Mala.

  Despite rumors of interest from Brighton and Chelsea, Kessler insists the player remains committed to the club’s relegation battle.

  “As of now, we have not received an offer from another club that we would need to consider seriously,” Kessler told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

  ​The club also dismissed reports of a €50 million price tag, emphasizing that El Mala’s contract runs until 2030.

  Kessler noted that the youngster is not pushing for an exit and has the full support of his family to stay in Germany.

  “The initiative lies with 1. FC Köln – Said is still under contract with us until 2030,” the managing director reiterated.

• The 40-year-old and the ‘best keeper in the world’ who stole the show from $950m worth of talent

  Bayern Munich and Arsenal secured first-leg victories in the Champions League quarter-finals, but it was the goalkeepers who dominated the headlines. Manuel Neuer, at 40, delivered a stellar performance for Bayern in their 2-1 win against Real Madrid, making crucial saves that earned him praise as the MVP. Meanwhile, David Raya’s heroics for Arsenal in their 1-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon led Kai Havertz to declare him the ‘best keeper in the world’ over the last two seasons.

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• Arsenal warned Sporting CP capable of beating ‘anyone in Europe’ ahead of Champions League clash

  Arsenal have been cautioned that a resilient Sporting CP side, fresh from a stunning five-goal European comeback, possesses the quality and tactical spirit necessary to upset the Premier League leaders’ treble ambitions.

  ​Arsenal face a formidable challenge in their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP.

  The Portuguese side reached the last eight following a remarkable 5-3 aggregate recovery against Bodo/Glimt.

  Despite the Gunners’ status as favorites, former Sporting defender Virgilio believes an upset is possible if they outwork Mikel Arteta’s men. He insisted, “Sporting has the quality and conditions to beat any of these teams.”

  ​The tie carries historical weight, as Sporting previously eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League.

  While the Gunners remain undefeated in Europe this season, club legend Carlos Xavier noted the difficulty for both sides.

  He described the matchup as a “very complicated and difficult task,” emphasizing that Sporting has “nothing to lose” after already claiming the scalps of European giants like Paris Saint-Germain this term.