FOOTBALL

Saliba Injury Worries Arsenal

William Saliba, France and Arsenal
Tuesday during France v Spain

William Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain after his long-running back issue flared up badly. The Arsenal defender went down without contact before being replaced by Maxence Lacroix.

Reports say Saliba had already been managing the problem for months and may need further assessment before the new season. His exit compounds Arsenal’s concern after a demanding campaign that included 50 club appearances last season.

Spain Beat France to Reach Final

Spain, France and Pedro Porro
Tuesday in Dallas

Spain reached the World Cup final with a 2-0 win over France, ending Les Bleus’ bid for a third straight final. Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot before Pedro Porro finished a sharp team move early in the second half.

France lost William Saliba to injury and struggled to trouble Spain’s press, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele kept quiet. Spain will face England or Argentina in New Jersey, while France drop into the third-place play-off.

Chelsea Agree Malard Deal

Chelsea, Manchester United and Melvine Malard
Tuesday

Chelsea have agreed a deal worth about £850,000 to sign Manchester United forward Melvine Malard. The France international is set for a medical before completing the move, which would reunite her with former Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor.

United offered Malard a new contract but accepted a fee after she made clear she wanted to leave. The move strengthens Chelsea’s attack after Sam Kerr’s Gotham switch and gives United funds to reinvest this summer.

Leeds Agree Muharemovic Fee

Leeds United, Sassuolo and Tarik Muharemovic
Tuesday

Leeds United have agreed a £34.1m fee with Sassuolo for Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The centre-back has not yet agreed personal terms or completed a medical, with other Premier League clubs still showing interest.

Leeds want Muharemovic as a direct replacement for Pascal Struijk, who joined Brighton in June. Juventus are reportedly due half the fee because of a clause from last summer’s sale to Sassuolo, as Daniel Farke reshapes his defence.

Bundesliga Lands US TV Deal

Bundesliga, Versant, USA Network and Fandango
Tuesday

The Bundesliga has agreed a US television deal worth around $100m over five years with USA Network and Fandango. More than 300 matches will air across the two platforms, replacing ESPN as the league’s American broadcast partner.

The deal gives USA at least 30 games and puts other fixtures on Fandango’s ad-supported platform. The reduced annual value compared with ESPN’s previous package shows a tougher US rights market for non-NFL and non-NBA properties.

Elfath Gets England-Argentina Semi

Ismail Elfath, England and Argentina
Tuesday before the World Cup semi-final

FIFA has appointed American referee Ismail Elfath to take charge of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta. Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins will be assistant referees, with Maurizio Mariani named fourth official.

Elfath has already handled three matches at this tournament, including Norway’s win over Brazil. FIFA regulations also ruled English and Argentine officials out of the final because of nationality and political conflict-of-interest rules.

Mbappe Cleared for Spain Semi

Kylian Mbappe, Didier Deschamps and France
Tuesday before France face Spain

Didier Deschamps says Kylian Mbappe is fit for France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain despite concerns over an ankle issue. Mbappe trained separately for part of Monday’s session, but France insist there has been no setback.

Mbappe was substituted during France’s quarter-final win over Morocco after describing the problem as minor. Deschamps said the modified training workload was part of recovery planning, keeping France’s captain available for a decisive semi-final.

Asllani Set for London City Extension

London City Lionesses and Kosovare Asllani
Tuesday

London City Lionesses captain Kosovare Asllani is set to sign a one-year contract extension despite a serious knee injury. The Sweden international suffered a complex multi-ligament injury, including an ACL rupture, and faces a long recovery.

BBC Sport says London City are offering the extension to support Asllani even though she may not play again for the club. The 36-year-old hopes to regain fitness before next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Extra Security Set for England-Argentina

Atlanta Police, England and Argentina
Tuesday before Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final

Authorities say extra security will be in place for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta. Police cited increased visitor numbers and historical tensions between the two countries before the first World Cup meeting since 2002.

Atlanta Police said additional personnel and resources are being deployed around venues, entertainment districts and busy areas. Argentine war veterans also urged fans to separate football passion from politics linked to the Falklands dispute.

Arsenal Sign Germany Forward Baum

Arsenal, RB Leipzig and Lisa Baum
Tuesday

Arsenal have signed Germany forward Lisa Baum from RB Leipzig on a permanent deal. The 19-year-old scored six goals in 26 appearances last season and is understood to have signed a three-year contract with an extension option.

Baum becomes Arsenal’s fifth summer signing and will wear the number 19 shirt. The Gunners beat interest from major European clubs after targeting a young wide forward with pace, creativity and senior Bundesliga experience.