Sports
Jude Bellingham Suffers Calf Injury Ahead of Nations League Matches
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has sustained a calf injury during training, just over two weeks before England’s Nations League campaign begins. The 21-year-old was unable to complete a club session on Friday, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming international fixtures.
Reports from Spain suggest that Bellingham could be sidelined until late September, potentially ruling him out of England’s first two Nations League matches under interim manager Lee Carsley. The Three Lions are scheduled to face the Republic of Ireland on 7 September and Finland on 10 September.
Real Madrid confirmed that Bellingham underwent medical tests on Friday to assess the injury to his right calf, stating that his “progress will be monitored.”
Bellingham expressed his frustration on social media, saying, “Nothing I hate more than missing games but trying to see the positive side and maybe my body is telling me it needs a bit more rest after a busy year. I’m very frustrated but I’ll be supporting the lads like a fan until I can re-join them again in my best and strongest form.”
This injury comes at a crucial time for Bellingham, who had an impressive debut season at Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals in 42 appearances and helping the team secure a La Liga and Champions League double. He also played in last weekend’s 1-1 La Liga draw against Mallorca and the Super Cup victory over Atalanta earlier this month.
England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley, is set to name his squad for the Nations League fixtures on 29 August. Carsley, who took over following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after Euro 2024, will be assisted by former England players Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott, as well as the Football Association’s head of coaching, Tim Dittmer.
Sports
Fernandes Reaffirms Commitment to United as Captain Looks Beyond January Turmoil
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is not seeking a move away from Old Trafford during the January transfer window, despite recent upheaval at the club and widespread speculation about his future.
Reports in recent days had suggested the Portugal international was reassessing his position following the dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim, a decision that triggered significant change behind the scenes at United. Fernandes’ meeting with one of Amorim’s coaches, Carlos Fernandes, shortly after the sacking further fuelled concerns among supporters that the 31-year-old might be considering an exit.
However, sources with a clear understanding of the situation have indicated that Fernandes remains committed to Manchester United and has no intention of forcing a move this month. While the club has experienced instability, including Darren Fletcher’s brief two-game spell as interim manager before Michael Carrick was appointed caretaker for the remainder of the season, Fernandes is said to be focused on helping the team through the transition.
It has long been Fernandes’ plan to reassess his future in the summer rather than during the current campaign. By that point, he will be entering the final year of his contract, a natural moment for both player and club to take stock and consider their long-term direction in a more settled environment.
Last summer, Fernandes turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, underlining his desire to continue competing at the highest level. Although interest from the Saudi Pro League remains strong, any potential move away from United would likely see him prioritise staying in European football.
The former Sporting midfielder has spoken candidly about feeling “hurt” by learning that United had been open to selling him, particularly as he believed head coach Amorim wanted him to remain at the club. Fernandes suggested that senior officials lacked the courage to discuss the situation with him directly, adding a personal dimension to the speculation surrounding his future.
Nevertheless, those close to the player stress that Fernandes’ immediate focus is on his responsibilities as captain and on guiding United through a challenging period.
Sports
Eto’o handed ban for misconduct at Afcon
Former Cameroon captain and African football icon Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after a Confederation of African Football (Caf) disciplinary panel found him guilty of misconduct.
In a statement, Caf said Eto’o, who is now president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), breached its principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and hosts Morocco. The match, played in Rabat, ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Indomitable Lions.
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making an angry gesture in reaction to several officiating decisions during the encounter. Caf president Patrice Motsepe, who was present in the stadium, is understood to have witnessed Eto’o’s visible frustration from the stands.
Earlier this week, Caf announced it had opened an investigation into what it described as “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during the tournament’s quarter-final matches. Eto’o’s case was part of that broader review, which the governing body said was aimed at upholding discipline and respect at its flagship competitions.
Fecafoot has strongly rejected Caf’s ruling, however, arguing that the disciplinary process “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial”. In a statement released on Wednesday, the federation expressed full support for its president and indicated that Eto’o is expected to appeal against the sanction, a move that could lead to a fresh examination of the case.
Despite the setback, Fecafoot officials have framed the situation as an opportunity to clarify procedures and reinforce good governance within African football. They stressed that Eto’o remains committed to his role and to the long-term development of the game in Cameroon.
Since taking office in 2021, Eto’o’s tenure as Fecafoot president has been marked by both ambition and controversy. While his legendary status as one of Africa’s greatest-ever players initially raised high expectations, his leadership period has also attracted criticism, including allegations of improper conduct, management challenges and claims of serious irregularities within the federation.
Sports
Mane’s Decisive Strike Sends Senegal into Another AFCON Final as Egypt Exit
Sadio Mané delivered a moment of brilliance to propel Senegal into the Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring the decisive goal that ended Egypt’s campaign and once again denied Mohamed Salah his long-awaited AFCON title.
The Liverpool forward struck at a crucial moment in a tense semi-final encounter, underlining his importance to the Teranga Lions and confirming their place in the final for the third time in the last four editions of the tournament. Senegal, the reigning champions, showed composure, tactical discipline and experience to edge past a resilient Egyptian side that had hoped this year would finally bring continental glory to Salah.
Despite Egypt’s spirited performance and flashes of quality from their captain, Senegal’s organised approach and clinical finishing proved decisive. Mané’s winner sparked celebrations among Senegal’s players and supporters, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s most consistent and dominant national teams in recent years.
For Egypt, the defeat marked another painful chapter in their AFCON journey under Salah’s leadership. While the Pharaohs once again fell short of lifting the trophy, their run to the semi-finals highlighted renewed competitiveness and offered encouragement for the future as they continue rebuilding with a blend of experience and emerging talent.
Senegal will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will face either Nigeria or Morocco, both of whom remain strong contenders. With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, the champions will be aiming to successfully defend their title and further cement their place at the summit of African football.
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