Jonathan Kuminga
January 2026
Kuminga injured his left ankle and knee on a drive against Dallas and will undergo imaging, adding uncertainty to Golden State’s rotation after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear. Kuminga stayed in briefly after the incident, then exited and did not return; Kerr confirmed an MRI while noting Kuminga had just re-entered the rotation after a month out, prompted by Butler’s injury.
Kawhi Leonard
January 2026
Leonard returned after missing three games and scored 24 points as the Clippers beat the Lakers 112-104. He slotted back in immediately, continuing a high-scoring run and maintaining a season average cited as a career best through 30 games.
Julian Alvarez
January 2026
Arsenal have reportedly made informal enquiries about signing Alvarez, less than a year after a major striker spend, with Berta using Atletico relationships to gauge feasibility. The report frames the move as expensive due to Alvarez’s long contract and huge release clause, with Atletico expected to demand a fee above €100m, while Barcelona interest and financial constraints could shape the race.
Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026
Arbeloa said Vinicius renewal negotiations are not in his control and publicly stated he hopes the forward stays, while refusing to demand signings and pointing to La Fabrica as the solution for gaps. Arbeloa framed the contract situation as between the club and player, and repeatedly shut down questions about board backing by stating he has an “extraordinary squad” and a strong youth pipeline.
Arne Slot
January 2026
Slot said he expects no major January arrivals, with Liverpool only moving if a clear market opportunity appears, despite depth concerns and a Champions League qualification push. Slot referenced a major summer spend and acknowledged the impact of long-term absences, including Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, but said the squad can still compete if fitness stabilises.
Bub Carrington
January 2026
Carrington is set to play his 125th straight regular-season NBA game, the fourth-longest active streak in the league, and a rare mark for a 20-year-old who has not missed a pro game. He attributes the streak to routine, love of playing, and a work ethic shaped by family, including early conditioning drills and relentless training habits. He recently became one of few players to reach 500 rebounds and 500 assists before age 21, while teammates describe his consistency as core to his identity.
Souza
January 2026
Spurs announced the signing of Brazilian left-back Souza, 19, on a long-term contract as Thomas Frank looks to strengthen a thin squad amid poor league form. Souza arrives with first-team experience at Santos and joins as Frank’s second January addition after Conor Gallagher. Both player and coach framed the move as immediate depth plus long-term development.
Lucas Bergvall
January 2026
Bergvall suffered a suspected high ankle sprain and Spurs fear a lengthy absence, adding to an already heavy injury list. Bergvall was forced off after a second-half challenge; Frank said initial signs suggest it “could be a longer one” with medical assessment ongoing. Spurs already have multiple senior absentees, worsening squad depth.
Kai Havertz
January 2026
Arsenal are reportedly concerned about Havertz’s long-term knee condition after a flare-up during his return, raising the prospect of careful workload control for the rest of the season and possibly beyond. Havertz has not started since August 17, returned in limited minutes in cup games, and was unexpectedly unused in a Champions League match as Arsenal balance his recovery after reported ligament damage and renewed discomfort.
Unai Emery
January 2026
Emery and Tielemans clashed as Tielemans was substituted late on, with Emery appearing to shove the midfielder toward the dugout during a tense finale. With added time ongoing, Emery replaced Tielemans with 18-year-old George Hemmings as Villa protected a 1-0 lead secured by a Jadon Sancho goal, prompting an on-field argument that drew attention despite Villa qualifying for the last 16.