Riyan Parag was caught on camera vaping duting an IPL 2026 match.© X/Twitter

An early concern quickly turned into cautious optimism as Mo Salah’s injury situation has now been clarified by the club, offering us a timely boost heading into the final stretch of the season.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

The Egyptian’s withdrawal against Crystal Palace sparked immediate fears, especially given his impending departure this summer, but Liverpool have now provided a clear and reassuring update.

Advertisement

Liverpool confirm Salah injury and return timeline

Via Liverpoolfc.co.uk, the club moved to address speculation surrounding our No.11’s condition following the Anfield win.

The official statement reads: “Liverpool FC can confirm Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season.”

That confirmation alone will come as a major relief, particularly with key fixtures still to come and the forward’s farewell looming large.

The update continued: “The No.11 was substituted during the second half of last Saturday’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield.”

Importantly, the issue has been diagnosed as far less severe than some early reports suggested, with the club adding: “The issue that caused his withdrawal has now been confirmed as a minor muscle injury.”

Advertisement

Perfect timing for Liverpool and Salah

There had been outside claims suggesting a longer absence, with some reports even hinting at a potential four-week lay-off, but this official update firmly puts those fears to bed.

The 33-year-old attacker is now expected to feature again before the campaign concludes, with the statement confirming: “It is, however, anticipated Salah will return to action ahead of 2025-26’s conclusion and his departure from the Reds this summer.”

That timeline gives us a real opportunity to see Salah contribute in the final games, including what could be an emotional send-off at Anfield after nine remarkable years.

Advertisement

Virgil van Dijk had already hinted at the forward’s determination to recover quickly, noting earlier this week that the Egyptian is “a quick healer,” and that belief now appears justified.

From our perspective, this is exactly the kind of news we needed, because losing such an influential figure at this stage would have been a huge blow both tactically and emotionally, whereas now we can look forward to seeing one of the club’s greatest-ever players back on the pitch before he says goodbye.

Following the dramatic match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich (5-4) in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, PSG issued a statement regarding Achraf Hakimi’s injury. The Moroccan international finished the match in considerable pain, sustaining a thigh injury, and will therefore be unavailable for the second leg.

In basketball, Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs have reached the second round of the play-offs. “I’m always hungry for even more exciting matches,” said the Frenchman, who scored 17 points.

In tennis, Arthur Fils got his own back on Jiri Lehecka by defeating the Czech player in the quarter-finals of the Madrid tournament, and is now set to face Jannik Sinner for a place in the final.

One of the first major decisions for some rookies after the NFL Draft is what jersey number they wish to wear to kick off their careers.

Sometimes, those numbers work against the rookies, whether it’s players already owning their desired digits or a retired number getting in the way.

Las Vegas Raiders first overall pick Fernando Mendoza had a slight hiccup for his No. 15 heading into the draft. But the man known for the number by the franchise gave his blessing to the quarterback of the future.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, poses with Raiders general manager John Spytek and head coach Klint Kubiak at a news conference in Henderson, Nev., on April 24, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

“He deserves my blessing,” ex-Raiders quarterback and coach Tom Flores said about Mendoza donning No. 15 next season, according to the team’s official website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

The Raiders never formally retired Flores’ number, but he wanted to make sure to let Mendoza know how much he wants him to wear the number Mendoza starred in for the Hoosiers.

THE MOST INTRIGUING TEAMS AND PLAYERS OF THE 2026 NFL DRAFT’S FIRST ROUND

“He’s perfect,” Flores said of the Heisman Trophy winner. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch.”

Flores rocked No. 15 for the Raiders from 1960-66, throwing for over 11,000 yards and 92 touchdowns during that span. He also starred for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs during his playing days.

Tom Flores, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021, poses with his bust during the induction ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2021. (Ron Schwane-Pool/Getty Images)

After retiring, Flores went into coaching with his old Raiders squad and ended up leading them to two Super Bowl victories. Then, in 2021, Flores was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Mendoza was asked about Flores’ blessing to wear No. 15.

“It speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization,” Mendoza said.

“I can’t thank [Flores] enough. I’m so blessed.”

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, attends a news conference at the Raiders Headquarters in Henderson, Nev., on April 24, 2026. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Mendoza enters his NFL career with high expectations, not just being the No. 1 overall pick, but playing for a proud franchise that is hoping to get back to its Super Bowl-winning ways.

Mendoza will join the rest of the Raiders’ rookie class at minicamp Friday.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Yashasvi Jaiswal in action during IPL 2026© AFP

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is on the verge of signing a new contract at Old Trafford after months of speculation

After agreeing Harry Maguire’s new contract earlier this month, the next big deal to complete was Kobbie Mainoo’s. The Manchester United midfielder has suffered his toughest season to date, even if it will end on a positive note.

Mainoo started the campaign completely out of Ruben Amorim’s plans. In what now looks like a foolish move, the former head coach chose to drop Bruno Fernandes into a deeper position alongside Casemiro to play Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. This left no room for Mainoo, who was forced to bide his time.

Amorim insisted he was a fan of the midfielder, but his actions told a different story. Credit should be given to Mainoo who managed to keep his head down during this tough period. He was not helped by his brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames’ t-shirt stunt against Bournemouth, but eventually, continuing to work hard without reward, paid dividends.

Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter

Amorim’s departure at the start of January opened the door for Mainoo, and the midfielder needed no second introduction. The return to 4-2-3-1 allowed Bruno Fernandes to step back into attacking midfield and bring Mainoo back into the pivot alongside Casemiro. Remarkably, the 21-year-old had not missed a beat.

He has since secured his spot in the United first team as the Reds moved to within touching distance of the Champions League. It is understood negotiations are close to being concluded with a five-year contract set to be signed.

The deal will be accompanied by a significant pay rise to reflect his status in the first team squad. Once the contract is signed, it will complete a brilliant turnaround for Mainoo as he went from the brink of being cut adrift to a guaranteed first-team player for years to come.

But as well as that, Mainoo’s new deal also lessens the impact of a major transfer blow. It is no secret this summer will be a big one for the Reds’ midfield.

Casemiro will leave, Manuel Ugarte will probably follow suit and United will need to add at least one, even two, midfielders to their squad. One of the names at the top of the Reds’ list is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

The former Newcastle midfielder has been a revelation for Forest this season and after their difficult campaign, it seems likely he will leave the City Ground. However, a spanner was thrown into the works when Manchester City confirmed Bernardo Silva would be leaving.

Since then, City have become favourites for Anderson, leaving United to re-evaluate their summer targets. But Mainoo’s new deal means Anderson’s arrival is not as pivotal as it might have been.

The two players do very similar jobs in midfield and were Anderson to join, United would still need to sign a Casemiro replacement. They need an anchor in the midfield who can break up play, kickstart attacks and do his fair share of defensive work.

If Anderson becomes off limits, United can then focus their efforts directly on defensive midfielders. That search will not be easy and the Reds will have to broaden their search beyond the Premier League.

But whoever they sign will be partnering Mainoo for the considerable future. That, at least, helps United.

Former India cricketer Vinod Kambli is still recovering from health ailments. There were serious concerns over his health a few days ago when a friend revealed that Kambli has a “clot in his brain,” which has started to affect his memory. However, the retired cricketer’s wife, Andrea Hewitt, has labelled the claims as lies, saying someone is spreading misinformation about his health. “By God’s grace, Vinod is fine. I don’t know who is spreading false information about his health,” Kambli’s wife, Andrea Hewitt, told India Today.

Kambli attended the Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match in Mumbai on Wednesday. Videos showed that he still needed support to walk.

Vinod Kambli came to support his friend Sachin Tendulkar‘s team Mumbai Indians despite he is struggling with health issues. The passion for cricket in him is so adorable pic.twitter.com/s7IMzYYyzH

Advertisement

— TEJASH (@Tejashyyyyy) April 29, 2026

Vinod Kambli came to Wankhede Stadium today to watch the Mumbai Indians match. There was a time when he was considered an even better batsman than Sachin Tendulkar, but some bad habits ruined his career. Seeing him like this today doesn’t feel good, but it was nice to see that he… pic.twitter.com/AJOMh1FTX3

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) April 29, 2026

It was Kambli’s friend and former first-class umpire, Marcus Couto, who claimed that the former cricketer is battling a serious health crisis.

“Ever since he was hospitalised in Thane about 18 months ago, Kambli has had a clot in his brain. His memory is not good. He remembers things and then forgets them. That’s all due to that clot in his brain,” Couto told The Times of India.

“Kambli has given up drinking, but he tends to smoke at times. Smoking is completely forbidden for him because it puts him at risk of a brain stroke, as per Dr Aadil Chagla (a famous neurosurgeon), who has been monitoring Kambli’s treatment,” he added.

“He (Kambli) seemed to be in decent health. He and his family were in good spirits. Kambli now uses a stick to walk around. His son, Cristiano, wants to become a cricketer. I requested Jatin Paranjape to enrol him at his cricket academy, and he immediately agreed. Of course, Jatin won’t charge Kambli’s son anything,” he said.

It has also been reported that a support system has been put in place for Kambli by close friends, with members of the cricketing fraternity also pitching in to help the former left-handed opening batter financially and emotionally. A WhatsApp group, led by Marcus Couto, has served as a platform to bring Kambli’s well-wishers together and raise funds for his care. Even Sachin Tendulkar, one of Kambli’s oldest friends, is also a part of the group.

Featured Video Of The Day

IPL 2026 News | Shami’s Sensation Leads Lucknow to First Win of Season

Arsenal were frustrated by penalty drama as their Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid ended in a contentious 1-1 draw.

Liverpool expect Mohamed Salah to return to action before he leaves the club in the summer following an injury setback.

Former England defender Millie Bright announced her retirement, while Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport amid reports he has been handed a four-year ban.

Arsenal draw at Atletico after penalty controversy

Arsenal’s bid to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years hangs in the balance following a controversial draw against Atletico Madrid in Spain.

Viktor Gyokeres fired the Gunners into the lead with a 44th-minute penalty after he was fouled by David Hancko.

However, Julian Alvarez equalised from the spot in the 56th minute after Ben White was penalised for handball following a VAR review.

Arsenal were awarded a second penalty when Eberechi Eze was sent tumbling by Hancko’s outstretched right leg but referee Danny Makkelie sparked debate by overturning his initial decision after a trip to the pitchside monitor.

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool career not over yet

Liverpool are confident Mohamed Salah will be available to play again before the end of the season.

The Egypt forward suffered a hamstring injury during last weekend’s 3-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield.

With only four games remaining this term, it was feared the 33-year-old may not feature again before he leaves the club in the summer.

However, following further tests, Liverpool confirmed Salah had suffered only a “minor muscle injury” and should be able to be involved ahead of the campaign finishing with a home game against Brentford on May 24.

Former England defender Millie Bright announces her retirement

Chelsea captain Millie Bright revealed she had been “playing injured for the last six years” as she announced her immediate retirement from football.

The 32-year-old helped England win the European Championship on home soil in 2022 before captaining her country to the World Cup final the following year.

She made 314 appearances and lifted 20 trophies during her time with Chelsea, having joined from Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2015.

“Representing Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but I’m now ready to say goodbye to playing football,” said Bright, who won 88 England caps.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk appeals to CAS

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) amid reports he has been handed a four-year ban for a breach of anti-doping rules.

Mudryk was charged by the Football Association in June last year, having been provisionally suspended since December 2024.

A statement from CAS, which did not mention what sanction the 25-year-old Ukrainian was appealing against, read: “CAS confirms it has received an appeal by Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA.

“The parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing is yet to be scheduled.”

What’s on today?

Nottingham Forest host Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Crystal Palace take on Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in Poland at the same stage of the Conference League.