Chris Richards, Crystal Palace, USMNT
21 May 2026

Chris Richards is expected to be fit for the World Cup despite suffering two torn ankle ligaments with Crystal Palace. His return for the Conference League final remains uncertain, but sources insist his tournament place is not in doubt.

Richards twisted his ankle against Brentford and will miss Palace’s final Premier League match against Arsenal. Oliver Glasner said swelling must reduce first, with the defender racing to be ready for the Rayo Vallecano final.

Antony, Real Betis, Brazil, Manchester United
21 May 2026

Antony ruled out surgery on a chronic groin injury after being left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad. The Real Betis winger said he feels good and will continue conservative treatment instead of facing a long layoff.

Real Betis dismissed claims that Antony would need three to four months of rehabilitation. His omission from Brazil’s squad gives him time to manage the osteitis pubis issue after a productive season in Spain and avoid rushing treatment.

Djed Spence, Tottenham, Liam Delap
19 May 2026

Djed Spence is expected to play in a protective mask after suffering a broken jaw during Tottenham’s Premier League defeat to Chelsea. The injury came from an elbow by Liam Delap in a physical flashpoint.

Spence shared footage of the incident online but is determined to remain available for Tottenham’s final game against Everton. His availability matters because Roberto De Zerbi’s side are dealing with several injuries during a relegation battle.

Neymar, Brazil, Santos, Carlo Ancelotti
21 May 2026

Neymar is unlikely to feature in Brazil’s final World Cup warm-up matches as concerns grow over a calf problem. The Santos forward will be assessed when the squad gathers at Granja Comary on 27 May.

Santos have described the issue as mild, but Brazil’s internal information suggests the injury may require more caution. Carlo Ancelotti plans to apply the same medical standards to Neymar as every other player before deciding his role.

Mikel Merino, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta
21 May 2026

Mikel Merino returned to light Arsenal training after three months out with a fractured foot, giving Mikel Arteta a timely option before the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain and the final league match against Crystal Palace.

Merino worked away from the main group before a planned return to full contact training. Arteta said the process was being carefully managed, with Arsenal hoping the midfielder can handle the intensity of the European final.

Chris Richards, Crystal Palace, United States
21 May 2026

Chris Richards is expected to be fit for the World Cup despite suffering two torn ankle ligaments with Crystal Palace. His return for the Conference League final remains uncertain, but sources insist his tournament place is not in doubt.

Richards twisted his ankle against Brentford and will miss Palace’s final Premier League match against Arsenal. Oliver Glasner said swelling must reduce first, with the defender racing to be ready for the Rayo Vallecano final.

Nick Woltemade, Newcastle United, Eddie Howe
20 May 2026

Newcastle United have no plans to sell Nick Woltemade despite a difficult first season after his club-record move from Stuttgart. The club believe the forward can improve sharply after adapting to Premier League demands.

Eddie Howe has recently adjusted Newcastle’s attack, giving Woltemade a better platform to contribute alongside Will Osula. Club officials are expected to keep faith rather than cut losses after one inconsistent campaign.

Achraf Hakimi, PSG, Luis Enrique
Ahead of 30 May 2026

Achraf Hakimi is expected to be ready for PSG’s Champions League final against Arsenal after recovering from injury. The full-back also praised Luis Enrique for changing the club’s mentality and building stronger unity.

PSG received a major boost when Enrique confirmed Hakimi was ready for the final. The defender said the manager had created a family atmosphere, helping the squad stay connected before their biggest match of the season.

Claire Emslie, Scotland, Melissa Andreatta
20 May 2026

Claire Emslie was recalled by Scotland for the Women’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Israel, five months after giving birth. The Angel City forward returned to club action on 10 May before receiving another international call-up.

Melissa Andreatta also recalled Christy Grimshaw and added Kenzie Weir, while Charlotte Newsham, Maria McAneny and Mia McAulay dropped out of the squad. Scotland will play both Israel qualifiers behind closed doors in Hungary in June.

JJ Gabriel, Manchester United, Michael Carrick
19 May 2026

JJ Gabriel hinted he could join Manchester United’s senior pre-season plans after ending a standout academy campaign. The 15-year-old thanked the club after winning the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

Gabriel scored heavily for United’s Under-18s and ended his social media post with a pre-season message. Michael Carrick has praised his talent but stressed patience, with age rules previously blocking senior matchday involvement.