James Milner
February 2026
Milner revealed a complication from a routine knee operation led to a serious issue where he could not lift his foot or toes for six months. What was expected to be a short absence became a long layoff due to post-operation complications affecting function in his foot and toes.
Jarrod Bowen
February 2026
West Ham reported a £104.2m loss and warned relegation would be financially severe, with reports suggesting Bowen could be sold if funds need raising. The club cited relegation as its biggest risk, noted an expanded wage bill, and flagged player trading as a possible response; reports link United and Spurs as potential suitors if West Ham go down.
Matthijs de Ligt
February 2026
Carrick confirmed De Ligt’s back problem has been slow to progress, leaving him still out and without a clear comeback timeline. Carrick said the nature of the back issue makes timing hard to pin down, but insisted De Ligt is moving in the right direction and “definitely improving.”
Desmond Bane
February 2026
Desmond Bane has been fined $25,000 for throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands following Orlando’s one-point win. The NBA issued the fine after the postgame incident in the Magic’s 110-109 victory over the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena.
Anthony Edwards
February 2026
Anthony Edwards has been fined $25,000 for throwing the game ball with force into the spectator stands. The NBA issued the fine after the halftime incident during Minnesota’s 124-121 win over Portland at Moda Center.
Cristiano Ronaldo
February 2026
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez claims Ronaldo is no longer preoccupied with reaching 1,000 career goals, despite Ronaldo previously framing it as a major target. Ronaldo continues scoring for Al-Nassr and has restated motivation around trophies and longevity, while Martinez suggests his mindset has shifted as his career enters its final phase.
Jesse Lingard
February 2026
Jesse Lingard is reportedly close to a move to Corinthians on a one-year deal, with an agreement on finances said to be in place. Reports claim negotiations are advanced and would reunite Lingard with Depay, his former Manchester United team-mate, as Lingard looks for a new club after exiting South Korea.
Stuart Pearce
February 2026
Guardiola is being tipped to stay at Manchester City for as long as possible, with Pearce suggesting a future transition into a director of football role rather than a clean exit. Pearce argues replacing Guardiola is a major risk for continuity and style, and says City’s owners should prioritise retention and succession planning inside their wider multi-club structure.
James Harden
February 2026
James Harden missed Cleveland’s game against Milwaukee due to a right thumb fracture, with the Cavaliers also short-handed without Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. X-rays confirmed a non-displaced fracture after the Knicks game; Cleveland listed Harden for treatment and evaluation while managing additional starter absences through injury.
