Onyeka Okongwu
January 2026
Okongwu suffered a dental fracture after being elbowed in the mouth and will miss at least the next game, despite returning briefly to take a foul shot. Brown was assessed a flagrant foul and said it was accidental; Snyder confirmed Okongwu took a heavy shot and will need dental work, with the Hawks managing him day to day.
Aaron Gordon
January 2026
Gordon has a right hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in four to six weeks, removing a key starter from Denver’s rotation. The injury occurred in the win over Milwaukee; he is averaging 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists this season, with Denver sitting third in the West.
Crystal Palace
January 2026
Palace’s planned £50m move for Strand Larsen is reportedly close to collapsing, despite an agreed framework, with Palace signalling they could pull out. Wolves are not under pressure to sell and cite the striker’s attitude and focus; Strand Larsen’s output has dropped this season amid Wolves being bottom, which is part of the risk profile for Palace’s spend.
Jurgen Klopp
January 2026
Klopp will return to the Anfield dugout for a Liverpool vs Dortmund legends charity match, serving as Dalglish’s assistant; Gerrard will captain Liverpool. The game is staged during the international break with proceeds supporting LFC Foundation and Forever Reds activities; Klopp is also an honorary ambassador for the foundation.
Lucas Paqueta
January 2026
Paqueta said he needed Flamengo after sealing a £36m move back to Brazil, ending a long-running saga and fulfilling his aim to return ahead of the World Cup year. He described repeated contact from Flamengo, said the club supported him during the period of accusations and investigation, and explained he did not want to force an exit while West Ham were backing him and respecting his family.
Roberto De Zerbi
January 2026
De Zerbi is under major pressure after Marseille failed to reach the Champions League playoffs, losing heavily and missing out when Benfica grabbed the last qualifying spot on goal difference. Marseille were thrashed 3-0 by Brugge and had conceded six goals across two UCL games; De Zerbi apologised and called it a “very bad day,” while Benatia aimed his anger at the players, saying the performance should have consequences and describing it as shameful.
Stephen Curry
January 2026
Curry moved into sole possession of 19th all-time in scoring by passing Paul Pierce, finishing with 27 points in a 140-124 win. He did it with a first-quarter stepback three, continuing a strong January and adding to late-career scoring milestones, with a path to climb further if he stays healthy.
Kevin Durant
January 2026
Durant moved to 10th all-time with 2,291 made 3-pointers, passing Vince Carter. He hit the record-breaking three in the first quarter and finished with 24 points as Houston lost 111-99, with Paul George next on the list ahead.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Maguire said Carrick remains the sharpest passer at the club and is hands-on in sessions, reinforcing the impact of the new coaching setup at Carrington. Maguire described Carrick stepping into drills for demonstrations and “banging it through the lines,” using minimal touches to set the standard while the squad repeats the work at volume.
Steven Gerrard
January 2026
Gerrard criticised Slot for suggesting Liverpool’s early Champions League exit to PSG helped them win the league, saying it undermines fans who invested emotionally and financially in Europe. Gerrard argued Liverpool were already 15 points clear when eliminated, so framing the exit as beneficial feels dismissive to supporters who felt the European elimination was a genuine failure.
