FOOTBALL

Odegaard recovery slower than hoped, derby return in doubt

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
November 2025

Norway manager Ståle Solbakken signalled Odegaard remains “some distance away” after an MCL injury on October 4. Initial six-week hopes have faded, raising doubts over a swift club return despite the captain joining Norway in a non-playing, rehab-only capacity during the break. Odegaard continues structured rehab with national-team medics in Oslo then Milan. Arsenal had already adapted without him after earlier shoulder issues. Timelines are now fluid; progression metrics and response to loading will dictate when Arteta can reintroduce him to full training.

PGMOL backs VAR: Van Dijk equaliser rightly ruled out

Virgil van Dijk
November 2025

PGMOL confirmed the offside decision that cancelled Van Dijk’s header versus Manchester City was correct, citing Andy Robertson’s offside position and clear ducking action near the goalkeeper as interfering with play under Law 11. Liverpool had lodged a formal complaint. Webb explained the on-field team judged Robertson’s movement affected the keeper’s ability to attempt a save and VAR upheld it as not “clearly and obviously wrong.” The call remained subjective but within protocol, closing Liverpool’s challenge despite ongoing debate over interference thresholds.

Europe’s elite circle as Hertha prodigy Kennet Eichhorn’s clause comes to light

Kennet Eichhorn (Hertha Berlin)
November 2025

A newly revealed release clause has alerted Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The 16-year-old midfielder broke 2. Bundesliga age records, rapidly moving from a first pro deal to regular starts after pre-season promise translated into senior impact. Injury turbulence around Hertha’s midfield opened a pathway, which Eichhorn seized to start eight of his 10 appearances. With a clause in play next summer, suitors weigh immediate integration versus staged development, while Hertha prepare renewal tactics to protect value amid accelerating interest.

Lewandowski weighs extension doubts as Barcelona delay contract decision

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
November 2025

With his deal up in June 2026, Lewandowski wants to stay but Barcelona have not committed to an extension or defined his role. Despite fewer minutes, he leads the club in La Liga scoring with seven, keeping pressure on decision-makers as planning intensifies. Internal debate pits guaranteed goals and leadership against freeing significant salary to fund a long-term No.9. Saudi offers hold little appeal; family preference is to remain in Barcelona. Outcome hinges on financial structure and sporting vision aligned before the final contract year.

Schlotterbeck stalls Dortmund extension amid Kovac rift, Bayern and Liverpool on alert

Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
November 2025

Schlotterbeck is reluctant to extend beyond 2027, unhappy with Niko Kovac’s pragmatic style after recent setbacks, per German reports. Dortmund have offered a raise and term to 2030, but the centre-back remains unconvinced as Bayern Munich and Liverpool monitor developments. CEO Lars Ricken signalled talks won’t drag on indefinitely, hinting at a winter decision if tensions persist. Dortmund view Schlotterbeck as a defensive pillar; suitors see immediate fit. Outcome likely hinges on either a renewed role under Kovac or a sale pathway.

Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his last, while hinting he could still play on

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr/Portugal)
November 2025

At a Riyadh forum, Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 World Cup will “for sure” be his last, citing age and satisfaction with his career, while joking he could keep going. The 40-year-old is set for a record sixth World Cup appearance next summer. Ronaldo remains prolific for Al-Nassr and continues to lead Portugal in qualifying, targeting more milestones as he chases 1,000 career goals. His announcement clarifies timelines for national-team succession planning and sets up tributes during Portugal’s run-in to the tournament.

RFEF blasts timing of Lamine Yamal procedure, Barca teen withdrawn from Spain squad

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
November 2025

Spain’s FA said it was “surprised and uncomfortable” to learn Barcelona sent Lamine Yamal for an invasive radiofrequency treatment hours before camp, then notified them late at night recommending 7–10 days’ rest. Spain released him from World Cup qualifying duty. Yamal is managing pubalgia and Barcelona prioritized controlled recovery after recurring groin pain since September. RFEF criticized the lack of prior coordination but emphasized player welfare. Spain face Georgia and Turkey and will call a replacement while the teenager rests per medical advice.

Atalanta sack Ivan Jurić, Palladino in advanced talks

Ivan Jurić (Coach)
November 2025

After two wins in 11 and a 3–0 home loss to Sassuolo, Atalanta dismissed Jurić five months into the job. Talks with Palladino are advanced as the club moves to arrest form slide and stabilise an incoherent press and fragile defensive shape. Palladino’s compact mid-block and direct transitions suit a rapid reset. Early tasks: restore rest-defence, redefine roles for ball-winners and carriers, and prioritise points over aesthetics pre-January. Staff alignment and a trimmed rotation will determine the speed of uplift.

Benjamin Šeško skips Slovenia duty after knee scare, United optimistic

Benjamin Šeško (Manchester United)
November 2025

Šeško will not join Slovenia for qualifiers vs Kosovo and Sweden after a knee knock at Spurs. United believe he’s avoided major damage, but Slovenia requested formal medical documentation and evaluation by their staff before accepting his absence. United will rehab locally and reassess after swelling and stability tests settle. Slovenia seek clarity to protect player welfare and plan attacking rotations. Short-term club focus is controlled reloading and confidence restoration following a lean start in front of goal.

Wayne Rooney hails Granit Xhaka as Sunderland’s signing of the season

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
November 2025

Rooney lauded Xhaka’s transformative impact on promoted Sunderland, who sit fourth after 11 matches. Beyond one goal and three assists, Xhaka leads in creation, passing and duels, anchoring a young side that has exceeded early expectations under Régis Le Bris. Xhaka’s metronomic tempo and leadership stabilise transitions and field tilt, freeing Sunderland’s runners. Durability and 90-minute control have underpinned results; maintaining his load, avoiding suspensions, and adding set-piece threat are clear levers to sustain a top-four push.