Chelsea lose Palmer for another six weeks

Cole Palmer has been ruled out of action for six more weeks with a groin problem, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday.

McKenzie presses SAFA for answers over World Cup qualification blunder

South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has demanded a full report from the South African Football Association (SAFA) after an administrative error led to FIFA docking Bafana Bafana three World Cup qualifying points.

Old rivals Bayern and Dortmund in-form for ‘Klassiker’ clash

League leaders Bayern Munich host second-placed Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, with both sides unbeaten after opening the season in top form.

Slot demands better from Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said “results don’t lie” after a three-game losing streak as he called for defensive improvements ahead of Manchester United’s visit to Anfield on Sunday.

Cape Verde erupts in celebration after first WC qualification

A carnival-like atmosphere erupted in the streets of Cape Verde’s capital Praia recently after the tiny archipelago nation qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

Liverpool’s lasting advantage, Postecoglou under pressure, Semenyo’s spark

Liverpool will be desperate to recapture their spark against bitter rivals Manchester United this weekend but Ruben Amorim’s men will harbour hopes of pinching a rare win at Anfield.

Barcelona count on Yamal comeback for Girona showdown

Injury-hit Barcelona expect to have Lamine Yamal back fit to face Girona in La Liga on Saturday, in a welcome boost as the Catalans aim to bounce back from a damaging defeat with the Clasico in their sights.

Dier set to miss Spurs reunion after hamstring injury

Monaco defender Eric Dier, who injured his right hamstring during training on Thursday, is likely to miss next week’s reunion with former club Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, according to sources close to the club.

Leverkusen went in ‘wrong direction’ under Ten Hag

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said on Thursday that it was clear from early on that the club were going in the “wrong direction” under former coach Erik Ten Hag.

Pickford signs new Everton contract

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has signed a new four-year contract at Everton, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.