FOOTBALL

Robertson dedicates Scotland’s World Cup return to late friend Diogo Jota

Scotland, Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park ahead of the 2026 tournament

Scotland clinched a first World Cup spot since 1998 with a wild 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden, then an emotional Andy Robertson dedicated qualification to late Liverpool team mate Diogo Jota as he described the night as possibly his last World Cup chance.
Robertson revealed he spent the day in tears thinking about Jota and the World Cup dream, praised Steve Clarke’s stirring team talk and Scotland’s never say die mentality, as late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sparked euphoric celebrations at Hampden.

Arsenal rethink salary cap stance as Premier League vote support fades

Arsenal
In the build up to this week’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting and planned salary cap vote

Arsenal have shifted from strong backing of a Premier League salary cap to a more cautious stance after the exit of executive Tim Lewis, leaving the proposal short of firm support just as clubs prepare to vote on anchoring wage bills.
The plan would tie maximum wage spending to five times the revenue of the bottom club, which critics say could weaken English giants in Europe and face legal challenges from players and clubs, putting Friday’s shareholders’ vote and the whole project in doubt.

Arsenal braced for Gabriel layoff as injury crisis deepens title push

Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
November 2025

Arsenal fear Gabriel Magalhaes could miss up to two months after he left Brazil’s friendly against Senegal with a right thigh issue, a potential absence that would rule him out until mid January and remove a defensive cornerstone from a team chasing domestic and European trophies. Further scans will determine whether the layoff is closer to one month or two, but Gabriel now joins a crowded Arsenal injury list that already included Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus, even as Arteta’s squad has still climbed to the Premier League summit.

Foden warned his England World Cup place is most at risk in Bellingham battle

Phil Foden (England)
November 2025

Phil Foden has been warned he is the attacking midfielder most vulnerable to missing England’s World Cup squad, with Jude Bellingham backed to travel after returning to the team and impressing, even as his visible frustration at being substituted in Albania drew fresh scrutiny. Tuchel has hesitated to start Foden, Bellingham and Harry Kane together, fearing three central playmakers crowd the same spaces. Foden has provided flashes and an assist for Eberechi Eze but has mostly come from the bench, raising questions over how long he will tolerate a rotation role.

Lammens enjoys perfect Belgium debut as Liechtenstein are destroyed 7-0

Senne Lammens (Belgium)
November 2025

Senne Lammens marked his Belgium debut with a clean sheet in a 7-0 demolition of Liechtenstein that sealed World Cup qualification, watching mostly from distance as his team produced a ruthless attacking display that turned early dominance into a complete second half avalanche. Hans Vanaken’s early header from a Youri Tielemans cross settled nerves before Alexis Saelemaekers and Jeremy Doku stretched the lead before half time, then goals from Brandon Mechele, Saelemaekers again and a Charles De Ketelaere brace finished the job while Lammens faced just one real save.

Arsenal urged to slim Gyokeres down after sluggish start and muscle scare

Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)
November 2025

Viktor Gyokeres has been told he looks too heavy after a delayed 63.5 million pound move from Sporting CP, with questions over whether he arrived at Arsenal in ideal condition as early outings, including a flat debut in Hong Kong versus Tottenham, highlighted rhythm and sharpness issues. After finally settling and scoring in a 2-0 win at Burnley, the striker signalled discomfort and was withdrawn at half time, prompting Arteta to admit concern over an unusual muscular problem for such an explosive player while medical staff carry out tests to understand the extent of the setback.

Pocognoli urges patience as Pogba inches toward Monaco return

Paul Pogba (Monaco)
November 2025

Paul Pogba edges closer to his long-awaited Monaco debut after returning to full training following an ankle sprain, but coach Sebastien Pocognoli is deliberately keeping expectations low as the midfielder continues a difficult comeback from an 18-month doping ban and two years without competitive football. Pocognoli says he will judge Pogba on current performances and refuses to promise dates, focusing instead on building fitness, confidence and leadership for Monaco’s young squad. Club chiefs stress patience, believing his experience and personality can shape the dressing room before he returns to minutes.

Ancelotti lays down six-month challenge to Neymar for World Cup spot

Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil)
November 2025

Carlo Ancelotti has made clear that Neymar still has a path to the 2026 World Cup but warned he will not gamble on reputation alone, stressing that the forward’s selection depends entirely on proving form and fitness after an injury-hit spell back at Santos. Neymar has not played for Brazil since tearing knee ligaments against Uruguay in 2023, later terminating his Al-Hilal deal before rejoining Santos. Ancelotti says the playmaker has six months of football to show consistent quality and physical condition before he finalises his World Cup squad.

Xhaka emergence at Sunderland puts Juventus on alert for January move

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
November 2025

Granit Xhaka has surprisingly been linked with a January move to Juventus only six months after signing a long-term deal at Sunderland, with reports in Italy claiming the experienced midfielder is back in fashion as the Bianconeri search for quick midfield reinforcements. Xhaka has played every minute of Sunderland’s impressive Premier League return, captaining Regis Le Bris’ side into fourth place with one goal and three assists. Tuttosport say his entourage will listen to Champions League offers, although Sunderland insist their on-field leader is not for sale.

Sancho holds talks with Turkish giants as Old Trafford exit nears

Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
November 2025

Jadon Sancho’s troubled Manchester United career has taken another twist as he and his representatives reportedly opened talks in Istanbul with Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Galatasaray, exploring a permanent escape from Old Trafford after another disappointing loan spell that has yielded limited minutes at Aston Villa. Frozen out by Ruben Amorim and banished by Erik ten Hag, the winger has taken loans at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and now Villa. He is ready to accept a big pay cut to around seven or eight million pounds to restart his career.