#squad-depth

#squad-depth

The Dutch midfielder is undergoing tests to confirm the nature and the extent of the injury, but according to sources close to the situation, it could be a muscle tear, which could keep him out for four weeks. If the initial diagnosis is confirmed, De Jong could miss up to seven matches across all competitions.

"It's not really about letting up, it's about maintaining what the team is conveying, despite losing to Betis the other day," Simeone said. "We had a very good first half, and we need to continue in the same vein, whoever plays. "We've been saying it for years, and I can confirm it now that we have two more Champions League games ahead of us: we need everyone, and everyone means everyone."

Ronan O'Gara was pitch-side on Thursday night in Paris, so he got a close-up view of France's mauling of Ireland. When he read Andy Farrell's quotes about his team lacking "fight" and "intent", he could empathise with the Ireland coach because he's been trying to regenerate his La Rochelle team for two seasons.

Arsenal are facing a significant injury blow with Mikel Merino set for a sustained spell' on the sidelines as per BBC. The 29-year-old Spain international was a notable absentee from the Gunners' dominant 4-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, with fears now mounting that a serious foot injury could derail his impressive season. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the former Real Sociedad star is set to consult specialists after complaining of persistent pain.

"We need to strengthen the squad, that's what we're trying to do. Whether we have anyone in for Sunday, I don't know," O'Neill told reporters. "We are making strenuous efforts to improve the team. I think that we can do something. I know days are pressing; that's very, very obvious. I'm hopeful."

On the surface it was business at usual at this year's Six Nations launch in a chilly Edinburgh. Had the city's most famous literary sleuth poked his nose into the venue at the top of the Royal Mile, Inspector Rebus would have clocked the usual suspects: head coaches trying not to divulge any secrets, captains quietly studying their opposite numbers and content creators seeking to jazz up their tournament previews.

I think that's always very positive, for the players as well, because that means they have to raise their standards in training, Arteta said. The next day you don't know how many minutes because the moment we want to change the game we're going to have options. In the last few years that's something we haven't had for different reasons. And it's something that, once we have it, we have to make sure that we're using it in the right way to be a better team.

Liverpool lost just nine games last season. Two of those losses came after they were crowned Premier League champions. By November 26, a mere 15 weeks into the current campaign, they'd surpassed last season's total with ten defeats. Since the 1-4 loss to PSV that miserable November night, the Reds are unbeaten, winning six and drawing five. But one of the Reds' primary goals for 2025/2026 is already kaput.

But despite United's recent loss of form, winning just once in their last seven games in all competitions, Carrick will be expected to work with the players at his disposal. Sources have said that United are aware of the need to bolster their midfield options, but with none of their leading targets available this month -- United are interested in Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba -- the club will not make short-term signings to plug the gaps.

Arsenal are reportedly not prepared to sell defender Ben White in this January's transfer window despite reported interest from Everton. The Gunners are seemingly keen to keep hold of White, according to football.london, with Everton's interest also not yet confirmed anyway. White has been a key player for Arsenal down the years, though he's no longer the automatic first choice for Mikel Arteta's side.

At Barcelona, few roles are as unforgiving as being the alternative to Lamine Yamal, and a certain Roony Bardghji lives that reality every day. The right wing is not just another position in Hansi Flick's system, it is the stage of one of world football's brightest young stars. Yamal wants the ball, wants the minutes, and almost always stays on the pitch unless injury or extreme caution intervenes. As a result, opportunities for Bardghji are rare, brief, and often loaded with pressure.

The return of Dani Olmo could not have come at a better time for Barcelona. After a difficult month on the sidelines, the former RB Leipzig man marked his comeback in style by scoring against Espanyol last weekend. That goal did more than just help the team on the night, it reintroduced Olmo into the conversation ahead of the Spanish Super Cup.

No, we haven't trained yet, so today's going to be the first training session with the players who started against Villa. We will know more this afternoon. On Declan Rice's fitness Not yet, and we have another session today, so let's see how he comes in today and how that's feeling, but [the Villa] game was too early for him.