Destiny Udogie
January 2026
Udogie’s car was broken into and damaged after he returned from Spurs duty, adding to a season marked by off-field incidents and instability. Thieves smashed a window of his Range Rover, with the report noting an earlier case where an agent allegedly threatened him with a firearm; the suspect was arrested and bailed while enquiries continued, and Tottenham staff supported the player.
Darius Garland
January 2026
Garland will miss at least a week after imaging confirmed a Grade 1 sprain of his right great toe, with reevaluation planned in seven to 10 days. Garland was hurt in a win at Philadelphia and already has a history of toe issues, including offseason surgery on the left great toe; Cleveland said treatment is ongoing as he continues a season with multiple injury interruptions.
Deandre Ayton
January 2026
Ayton posted 25 points on 10-for-10 shooting with 13 rebounds to power a 110-93 Lakers win, joining a small group of Lakers to hit 10 shots without a miss with 10-plus rebounds. With Toronto undersized, the Lakers repeatedly fed Ayton on lobs and close finishes, keeping all attempts inside eight feet; Redick emphasised rewarding bigs who screen and roll, while Doncic said Ayton’s focus on both ends raises the team’s ceiling heading into a long road trip.
Kevin Durant
January 2026
Durant scored 18 points to move past Nowitzki into sixth on the NBA all-time scoring list, now sitting just behind Michael Jordan. Durant entered needing 17 points, reached the mark, and sealed the milestone with late free throws in a 119-110 win, then credited Nowitzki as a personal idol and rival from earlier in his career.
Quinten Timber
January 2026
Timber publicly attacked van Persie for not protecting him, after being benched and criticised for training attitude, suggesting the relationship has broken down and his departure is imminent. Van Persie justified dropping Timber by questioning his work and intent; Timber responded post-match saying the coach repeatedly fails to shield players and challenged him to say criticisms directly, with the outburst overshadowing a derby decided by a last-second Kitolano winner.
Jurgen Klopp
January 2026
Klopp dismissed links to the Real Madrid vacancy, saying Alonso’s exit did not trigger any desire to coach again and he is settled in his global advisory role. Klopp described the role as advisory with decision power, focused on listening, stabilising situations, and supporting club leaders across the Red Bull network; Leipzig staff cited his influence in recruitment, including helping persuade Bakayoko to join.
Pape Matar Sarr
January 2026
Sarr was taken to hospital after becoming unwell and missed the match and celebrations, with two teammates also requiring medical attention around the game. Sarr felt ill at half-time after warming up, was later taken for treatment and did not return to the bench; reports said Sarr and Diatta stayed under observation while Niang improved enough to rejoin the squad after checks at Mohammed VI Hospital in Rabat.
Sadio Mane
January 2026
Mane explained why he persuaded Senegal players and staff to return to the pitch after they began walking off in protest over a disputed penalty decision. A penalty for Morocco sparked walkout attempts led by Thiaw, but Mane stayed, spoke with officials, and called teammates back; Diaz then missed the spot kick, and both Mane and Thiaw later said emotions ran high but football must be respected.
Jeremy Jacquet Rennes
January 2026
Chelsea reportedly agreed personal terms with 20-year-old centre-back Jacquet and moved into pole position, though Rennes are holding out for a club-record fee. Chelsea accelerated talks after Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca, with Rennes seeking around £56 million while Chelsea’s reported bid is lower; despite the gap, the expectation is a deal before the window closes as Chelsea aim to reinforce central defence.
