Antonio Valencia was a Manchester United stalwart during his decade at Old Trafford
Antonio Valencia says he would drop everything to return to Manchester United and link up once more with former teammate Michael Carrick. The Ecuadorian was a familiar presence at Old Trafford throughout his decade at the club between 2009 and 2019.
Valencia, who retired in 2021 after amassing almost 500 career appearances, is currently working alongside some of football’s most prominent pundits at the World Cup. He has joined Telemundo Deportes, the Spanish-language broadcaster operating under the NBC Sports Group umbrella.
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While he appreciates the chance to share his expertise as part of the channel’s punditry panel for the tournament, there is one role he wouldn’t think twice about – joining forces with Carrick, with whom he shared a dressing room for nine years in Manchester.
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“I sent him a message wishing him success,” Valencia told Hajper. “Carrick is someone I respect and care about a lot. I wished him success as a coach, and I think it has gone well for him.
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“Things have worked out, and it makes me happy that he is going into another season on the bench.”
When quizzed on whether he would consider joining Carrick in Manchester, the 40-year-old added: “Yes, I would go back. Manchester United is a club that gave me so much.
“My family was very happy there. I would work for Manchester United in any role, out of passion. It is a club I love a lot. I think everything they are doing is going well.”
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“But if they called me, I would go running.”
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Should he secure his dream position at Old Trafford, Valencia would enjoy the support of numerous United fans, considering his standing as a club legend.
The former Reds skipper featured 339 times and netted 25 goals in a United shirt, amassing a collection of silverware throughout his tenure. This comprised two Premier League titles, several domestic cups and a Europa League trophy.
This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Bilas discusses his participation in this year’s American Century Championship, which will take place July 10-12 at Edgewood Tahoe and air on NBC and Peacock. He recalled his unexpected NFL tryout offer after his college basketball career.
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“The people are amazing, not just the competitors, and being a fan boy, seeing all these people that you’ve admired for all these years,” said Bilas, “but being around the American Century Investments people, whether it’s the American Century folks or their clients, the events they have are amazing.”
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Bilas will be alongside Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and many other celebrities in this year’s tournament. The former Duke college basketball standout nearly considered a career in the NFL as a tight end after an unexpected invitation.
“Yeah, I never played any football growing up. I played baseball and basketball, and played a little bit of baseball in high school, in addition to basketball. “Still, back then in the 1980s, the NFL was using some players who had competed in different sports,” said Bilas. “There were several basketball players who played many, and ended up in the league that way.” Renaldo Nehemiah, the hurdler, played wide receiver for the (San Francisco) 49ers. It’s not terribly unusual, but after my senior basketball season ended, I got a call from Bobby Beathard of the Washington Redskins, who invited me to training camp. I thought about it for about 20 minutes, then decided I’d get killed if I went there, so I gave up and played professional basketball for a little while. Still, I definitely toyed with the idea for about 20 minutes before I decided those guys would kill me and wised up a little. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in traction.”
The annual tournament awards $750,000 in prize money, much of which the celebrity players donate to local and national charities. Over the years, over $8 million has been donated to non-profit causes. Network television exposure on NBC/Peacock and a first-place prize of $150,000 make the celebrity tournament one of the most prestigious in golf.
TNT Tropang 5G’s Chris McCullough during Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –PBA IMAGES
Just like the way they did a couple of nights back, Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough are expected to come out with their A-Games on Wednesday with the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title on the line and no tomorrow left for the loser.
And who among the locals will step up or disappear for either Barangay Ginebra or TNT will be the biggest question begging for an answer going into Game 7 of what has been a very unpredictable series at Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
For Ginebra, coach Tim Cone believes the offensive struggles of RJ Abarrientos and former MVP Scottie Thompson are something they need to shake off in the most important battle of the conference set at 7:30 p.m.
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“You’re not going to see that very often,” Cone said after Abarrientos and Thompson combined for only nine points on 2-of-18 shooting in Game 6 when the Gin Kings fell short in their first crack at the crown last Sunday.
TNT Tropang 5G’s Chris McCullough is guarded closely by Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee during Game 5 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–How Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough perform in Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals may play a deciding role in which among Barangay Ginebra or TNT end up taking home the title.
Brownlee and McCullough are expected to carry the load for their respective teams in Wednesday’s decider at Mall of Asia Arena, especially after the two almost turned Game 6 into a one-on-one battle.
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TNT forced a winner-take-all on Sunday after McCullough dropped a PBA career-high 53 points while Brownlee wound up with 52, two short of his output during Ginebra’s overtime victory in Game 5.
“I still feel like I have a lot left,” Brownlee said when asked about the fatigue factor, especially after carrying much of the load for Ginebra amid the lack of local support.
“This series is not over, and I’m still very confident. I got a lot left in the tank.”
TNT opted not to field in Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who are both dealing with injuries, in Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. Their status is still up in the air for Game 7.–PBA IMAGES
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MANILA, Philippines—TNT key cogs Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser are both game-time decisions ahead of Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Both Oftana (calf) and Ganuelas-Rosser (ankle) sat out Sunday’s Game 6, which saw the Tropang 5G pull off a gritty win over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings to force a title decider.
“Our PTs (physical therapists) are working double time on them,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “Calvin has a calf strain, so that’s very hard. Brandon I think, has a better chance because it’s an inversion ankle sprain. So that’s really a point of concern for us.”
Ailing, Oftana didn’t plan to miss Game 6, but he just couldn’t go against the team’s orders.
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One of the new features in WoW Midnight is the Void Incursions in Naigtal and Val. These are new mini zones that are available on a weekly basis, and allow players to challenge themselves, as well as pick up incredible new loot. There’s so much to do in the Midnight expansion, and this is one of the features added in the 12.0.7 update.
This zone is more challenging than the normal Void Assaults, and features a brand new difficulty for the Retail version of WoW, and that’s Heroic World Tier. If you’re looking to farm new gear, fight powerful foes, and explore the world (of Warcraft), here’s what you need to know about Void Incursions.
How to begin Void Incursions in WoW Midnight (how to get to Naigtal and Val)
If you want to kick off Void Incursions, you’ll find it right next to where you begin the Omnium Folio in WoW Midnight, so I recommend at least unlocking that first. Head to the coordinates via TomTom (/way #2393 47.6 51.0), and speak to Riftblade Maella, and complete the quest The Time to Strike by speaking to her.
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You can start the Void Incursions with Riftblade Maella. She’s the key NPC for this game mode (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)
You will also need to complete a pair of quests, Veterans of the Great Dark and Stalkers of the Stars. These are easy quests, and will unlock a portal that will let you transport yourself to the zones later.
Stalkers of the Stars: Speak to the NPCs, ride over the black smoky objects on the ground in the boxed off area.
Veterans of the Great Dark: Speak to the NPCs, interact with the Lightveil Tether and walk as far as you can.
After these, complete To the Voidstorm and Beyond!, via the portal to the Voidstorm in Silvermoon City. This will get you closer to Void Incursions in WoW. Next is Through the Mana Rift, which opens the portal.
From here on, you can head to whichever zone is available for the week at this location, or in Silvermoon City with Riftblade Maella. If you need the Voidstorm coordinates, it’s (/way #2405 51.7 71.0). Once inside, and after completing the introductory quests, you can use the Lightforged Beacon to return to Silvermoon or the Voidstorm.
What to do in Naigtal and Val Void Invasions in WoW Midnight
Each week, either Naigtal or Val will be available in WoW Midnight for Void Incursions. At launch, you’ll have access to two difficulties, each with a minimum Item Level you should have before considering them:
You have a few entry points to get into the Void Incursion maps, but at first, you use the Voidstorm (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)
The Heroic version has enemies with more health, more damage, and additional affixes that you’ll have to deal with. Of course, the Heroic version also has much better rewards (more Field Accolades, 4/6 Warbound Champion gear, Heroic items from World Boss). It’s up to you which version you take part in. Upon arriving for the first time, you’ll also have a few quests to complete to get you acquainted to the zone, so take the time to do these as well.
While you’re in the Void Incursion, you receive Field Accolades for defeating Rares, popping open treasures, events, and World Quests. There are also Weekly Quests to complete, that reward you with valuable caches, so if you’re looking for something else to do, you can find it here.
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If you’re doing content in the Heroic version, there’s also a four-week quest, Knocking Off the Top, which requires you to defeat a Heroic Void Invasion World Boss each week, and loot the Void Commander’s Emblems. Your reward will be a Myth-track cloak, belt or bracers. However, if you don’t do it each week, you can pick up the boss item from the Weekly Quest too, so you don’t fall behind.
There are a few Vendors you can take advantage of, though some require you to complete achievements to make specific purchases (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)
There are also Umbral Base Camps, where you can find an NPC to sell you mounts, pets, and a wealth of other items. Kifaan sells the mounts/pets/cosmetics/miscellaneous, Fieldsmith Ventem sells Void-themed weapon transmogs and purple/black recolors of gear, Zuronar sells Lightforged weapons and decorations.
All known World Bosses and Rares in Naigtal and Val in WoW
There are quite a few Rares to hunt in both Naigtal and Val on the WoW Void Incursion maps, as well as a World Boss for each zone. However, we only have access to Naigtal, so that’s the only map we can provide at this time.
We’ll update next week with Val, once it opens up, so you will have everything you need. If you have tracking addons like RareScanner, that helps as well. Below you’ll also find all the coordinates necessary. The World Boss will be circled on the image.
Here’s the map of Naigtal and its Rares/World Boss (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)
The New York Yankees released the latest details of a fresh setback that delayed Giancarlo Stanton’s return to the lineup. The slugger underwent tests on Saturday following a strain to calf on the previous day while running bases.
According to manager Aaron Boone, on Tuesday, Stanton, who has been sidelined since April 24, “reinjured” himself. The Yankees will take a cautious approach to his rehab this week.
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Fans on social media expressed their frustration with the former MVP. They called out the veteran for his regular Injured List stints that have curtailed his career in the Bronx.
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“Dude is made of porcelain,” a fan said.
Dude is made of porcelain.
“This guy needs to be put in bubble wrap till Sept,” a fan wrote.
This guy needs to be put in bubble wrap till Sept
“Honestly if he ever comes back they should limit him to only jogging around the bases. He’ll get thrown out a lot, but maybe he will mash enough home runs to be worth it,” a fan opined.
Honestly if he ever comes back they should limit him to only jogging around the bases. He’ll get thrown out a lot, but maybe he will mash enough home runs to be worth it.
“Retire! It’s a 40 man spot. Missing big chunks of every season isn’t worth the benefit,” a fan commented.
Retire! It’s a 40 man spot. Missing big chunks of every season isn’t worth the benefit
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“This guy can not be on the roster next year. This is beyond the point of laughable. Love Big G, always wanted him to hit 500 HR as a Yankee but I don’t want to wait 12 more years for him to do it,” a fan posted.
This guy can not be on the roster next year. This is beyond the point of laughable. Love Big G, always wanted him to hit 500 HR as a Yankee but I don’t want to wait 12 more years for him to do it.
“Just release him already or send him to the Twins,” a fan added.
Just release him already or send him to the twins.
Stanton, still signed to the 13-year, $325 million contract with the Miami Marlins, has managed just 764 games, amounting to 84.9 games per season for the Yankees in nine years. He has hit 189 home runs during that spell for the club but never truly unlocked his real potential that was on display in his early years with the Marlins.
Giancarlo Stanton’s return timeline in jeopardy after latest setback
According to Stanton himself, he had hoped to get back into the lineup for the Yankees 12-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. But that is likely to be postponed for a prolonged period. Another report by SNY said that the pain level for Stanton was bad as it was at the beginning of the injury.
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Giancarlo Stanton said he was planning on returning to the lineup as soon as tomorrow before his latest setback. Now it’s unclear when he’ll be back in uniform.
Stanton was off to a decent start this season. In 24 games played, the 36-year-old had three home runs and 14 RBIs before his injury.
Fortunately for the Yankees, despite injuries to major figures like Stanton and Aaron Judge, the club is still in first place of the AL East with a 44-27 record.
Jul 23, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie (93) walks to the practice field for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings hired a new general manager, Nolan Teasley, earlier this month, and it didn’t take long for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s replacement to tweak the roster. Teasley onboarded a new tight and defensive tackle, with about six weeks to go before the start of training camp.
NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper wrote Tuesday, “The Vikings did some roster shuffling on Tuesday. They announced that they have signed tight end Marshall Lang and defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie.”
“The two players are joining the team at the end of the offseason program and will have more work to look forward to at this summer’s training camp. The Vikings waived offensive tackle Caleb Etienne and defensive lineman Monkell Goodwine in corresponding moves.”
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Here’s what to know about those additions.
Vikings Add More Size to Both Sides of the Ball
Seattle Seahawks tight end Marshall Lang is brought down by Green Bay Packers linebacker Kristian Welch during second-half preseason action at Lambeau Field. The play occurred on Aug. 23, 2025, in Green Bay as Lang continued his push for a roster spot while showcasing his versatility and toughness against an NFC opponent in exhibition competition. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
Marshall Lang (TE)
Lang is a big tight end who will firmly fit on the roster bubble. He spent five seasons at Northwestern, gradually increasing his involvement after a quiet freshman year. From 2022 to 2024, he developed into a reliable receiving option, concluding his college career with 48 catches, 491 yards, and 4 touchdowns. While these statistics aren’t utterly spectacular, they were sufficient to attract NFL interest. He was also a teammate of new Vikings offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan at Northwestern.
His physical attributes are also a plus. Lang stands 6’4″, weighs approximately 250 pounds, and possesses solid athletic test results. His size is adequate for a backup tight end role. Following the 2025 NFL Draft, Seattle initially signed him, then cut him in August, re-signed him, and cut him again. New England also cycled him through their practice squad, eventually signing him to a futures deal before releasing him in April 2026.
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His career path thus far has been typical for an undrafted tight end: bouncing between practice squads and aspiring to some long-term staying power, without securing a permanent NFL roster spot. The Vikings are likely evaluating him as a low-risk option, considering his size and blocking potential. That’s what June free-agent signings are for.
Lang has never taken an NFL snap in the regular season.
Jahvaree Ritzie (DT)
Ritzie, a developmental defensive lineman, brings enough collegiate production to add a bit of intrigue to the Vikings’ summer roster.
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He played four seasons at North Carolina, appearing in 51 games and evolving from a rotational player into a significant contributor on the front seven. His senior season was particularly impressive: 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, an interception, 2 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.
New England Patriots defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie pursues New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito during third-quarter preseason action at MetLife Stadium. The defensive lineman applied pressure on Aug. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford as he continued competing for opportunities along New England’s defensive front during the final stages of preseason evaluation. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
Undrafted in 2025, Ritzie initially signed with the Patriots, landed on their practice squad, and was released in early September. Pittsburgh later signed him to a futures contract in January but waived him in May.
Ritzie obviously isn’t a can’t-miss superstar. His journey reflects the typical NFL grind for players on the roster bubble: possessing good size and some college highlights, experiencing short tours with teams, and continuously searching for the right fit. For Minnesota, his appeal is apparent. Ritzie offers power and sufficient pass-rush production to warrant a closer look. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores can always utilize another big player capable of disrupting opposing offenses. Flores did the same thing in recent months by signing Isaiahh Loudermilk, Eric Johnson, Smith Vilbert.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted on Ritize before the 2025 NFL Draft, “Ritzie put together solid production in his first season as a full-time starter. He plays with adequate early hands and good base width to take on blocks but sets shallow anchors against add-on blockers that prevent him from effectively defending his turf.”
“Ritzie isn’t quick enough or explosive enough for me to project disruption from him in either phase. He might be fighting for a back-end roster spot in camp.”
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Like Lang, Ritzie does not have regular season experience.
The Updated TE Room
The Vikings have a full house at tight end, which is why Lang must stand off the page at training camp and in the preseason to have a shot at the active roster. Here’s the pecking order in mid-June:
T.J. Hockenson
Josh Oliver
Ben Yurosek
Gavin Bartholomew
Bryson Nesbit
Marshall Lang
Lang will basically have to outperform Yurosek or Bartholomew in the coming months, a task most wouldn’t consider insurmountable. Minnesota, too, could keep four tight ends on the 53-man roster, strengthening Lang’s case for the first regular season action of his young career.
Northwestern Wildcats tight end Marshall Lang celebrates after scoring a touchdown during third-quarter action against Duke at Wallace Wade Stadium. The moment unfolded on Sep. 18, 2021, in Durham as Lang helped provide an offensive spark for Northwestern and added one of the early scoring highlights of his collegiate career. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
The former Seahawk could be a prime candidate for the practice squad.
The DTs
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Minnesota has been on a heater in adding new interior defensive linemen since April. The club cut ties with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in March, but that was just the beginning. Here’s the group at the moment:
Jalen Redmond
Caleb Banks
Domonique Orange
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Isaiahh Loudermilk
Eric Johnson
Smith Vilbert
Taki Taimani
Elijah Williams
Jahvaree Ritzie
Ritize faces an extremely long shot to make the active roster, mainly because Redmond, Banks, Orange, Rodriguez, and Ingram-Dawkins seem uncuttable. However, like Lang, a practice squad assignment is within reach.
Lang will turn 25 in October, and Ritzie celebrated his 23rd birthday in January.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Kang Sohwi and South Korea in action during the AVC Women’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Kang Sohwi and South Korea are determined to continue rebuilding their winning culture after losing their spot in the Volleyball Nations League.
Kang led the South Korean’s perfect title run in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup in Candon City over the weekend.
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The Korean captain emerged as the tournament Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter, dropping 14 points to sweep Chinese Taipei, 25-19, 25-19, 25-22, on Sunday night.
Kang said one of the team’s biggest motivations was losing its place in the VNL last year.
“While we were in the VNL, we were losing very many games. Our confidence were really low that I felt that the value and the value of the wins in the AVC every time we won, we tried our best to take the ranking points and I’m really happy that we were able to achieve this goal in this competition,” said Kang through an interpreter.
“There were very hard moments, but with all the national team members here, I’m really happy that we were able to have this very meaningful and valuable result today,” she added.
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After a perfect campaign, the Koreans hope to continue earning ranking points and building chemistry ahead of the Asian Games in September.
“Every time we won in each game, our teammates had this fire in their eyes that we’re able to do it. And I was able to catch their expression showing confidence. I hope we’ll bring this good energy into the Asian Games; probably, we’ll have a good result then,” said Kang.
Kang also expressed her gratitude to the Filipino fans in Candon, who supported South Korea throughout the tournament.
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“They were very passionate, and in the championship match, there were many fans rooting for South Korea. We really had a happy time playing volleyball here,” she said.
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Neymar has returned to limited training as he bids to return to fitness in time to feature for Brazil at what could be his last World Cup.
The superstar forward has been out of acting nursing a calf problem sustained while playing for Santos in May, and underwent tests on Monday to determine the progress of his recovery.
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He is not expected to play in Brazil‘s second Group C outing against Haiti on Friday, with the Selecao desperately needing an injection of attacking spark after putting in an underwhelming display in their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.
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Elsewhere, Lamine Yamal has stepped up his return to full fitness after making his return to action in Spain‘s goalless draw with Cape Verde off the bench – will he start their next match against Saudi Arabia?
See below for a full list of key injuries at this year’s World Cup.
Neymar sustained a grade two calf injury just three weeks out from the tournament.
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The 34-year-old missed the opening match against Morocco and underwent tests on Monday to determine the progress of his recovery.
He has only just returned to partial training with Brazil and is not expected to feature against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia.
Neymar missed Brazil’s opener due to a calf injury (Getty)
The 18-year-old star injured his left hamstring and had been out since 22 April, but he has now made his return to action after coming off the bench in Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde.
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Spain boss Luis de la Fuente insisted he was in “perfect condition” with Yamal no doubt eager to start for the European champions against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
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Fellow Spain winger Nico Williams also returned off the bench against Cape Verde, as did Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino who had been sidelined for much of the year so far.
Lamine Yamal in action for Spain against Cape Verde (Getty)
The co-hosts’ star player shone in the first-half of USA’s 4-1 win against Paraguay in Los Angeles but was withdrawn by Mauricio Pochettino at half-time due to a calf problem. However, the knock is not thought to be too serious.
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“He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” Pochettino said. “We didn’t want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk, but we hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one.”
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Pulisic later told reporters: “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.”
The United States next face Australia in San Francisco on Friday, with Pulisic currently in individual training. A team spokesman described Pulisic as “day to day” after his second straight day on his own.
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Christian Pulisic was withdrawn at half-time in USA’s opening win against Paraguay (Getty)
Canada’s captain and star player had to sit out their 1-1 draw against Bosnia on Friday in Toronto and there are doubts whether he will be fit for their next match against Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday.
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Bayern Munich‘s Davies sustained a hamstring injury in May and the team remained tight-lipped about his recovery during Tuesday’s training session.
“Mentally, it was very draining, suffering these injuries,” Davies told reporters ahead of Canada’s opener. “I was going into a hole where I was doubting myself, but I had that time off (during the injuries) and I thought about why I’m doing this, and how important this is to me.”
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Alphonso Davies missed Canada’s opener (Reuters)
Saka did not start England’s friendly win against Costa Rica but did put lingering concern surrounding his fitness to one side as he came on in the closing stages.
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The Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles problem. He said he is having to take a “gamble” on his fitness but is still “ready to go” ahead of England’s opener against Croatia.
Thomas Tuchel will have to decide whether he is fit enough to start the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia on Wednesday.
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“He was available and made himself available in the end of the season, and did this brilliantly, but he was managed in-between matches and that continues a little bit at the very moment, so we’re building him up,” Tuchel said last week.
Bukayo Saka allayed injury fears after featuring for England against Costa Rica (Getty)
Manchester City defender Dias will miss Portugal’s opener against DR Congo in a hefty blow for Roberto Martinez’s side.
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He has been dealing with an injury in training in recent days and Martinez confirmed that Portugal “won’t take any risks” against the African nation, with Dias still “not fully fit”.
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Ruben Dias will miss Portugal’s opener against DR Congo (Getty)
England have been dealt their first real injury blow of the campaign after Newcastle defender Livramento was ruled out for the tournament with a calf injury.
Chalobah will not be available in England’s opener against Croatia.
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England’s Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the World Cup through injury (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)
Another confirmed absentee, Tottenham forward Kudus will miss the World Cup because of a quadricep injury.
The 25-year-old has not featured since January, in a blow to Ghana – who are in England’s group.
Mohammed Kudus has been ruled out of the World Cup (Getty)
Liverpool defensive midfielder Endo injured his foot in February and has been ruled out of the World Cup – and the 33-year-old has immediately retired from international duty.
“Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever,” he said. “From here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans.”
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Wataru Endo has not played for Liverpool since February (Getty)
The Arsenal defender had been out since March due to a groin problem, but came on in the second half of the Champions League final against PSG.
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However, the Dutch FA believe Timber had “not recovered sufficiently” to take part in the tournament in a “medically responsible manner.”
As such, Timber has left the Dutch squad and been ruled out of the World Cup.
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Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the World Cup (Getty)
The 18-year-old was expected to be one of the young stars of this tournament but suffered a torn thigh muscle in training, ruling him out of the World Cup.
Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the World Cup (Getty)
It was heartbreak for Scotland’s creative midfielder Gilmour, as he suffered an injury in their warm-up victory against Curacao.
The 24-year-old Napoli player picked up a knee injury in the 4-1 win, with teammate Scott McTominay saying he was “absolutely devastated” by the news.
Gilmour was, however, in camp to support his teammates ahead of their opening win against Haiti on Saturday.
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Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury in Scotland’s warm-up game against Curacao (PA)
France beat Senegal in their opening World Cup match (3-1). With a brace, captain Kylian Mbappé is now the all-time leading goalscorer for France, with 58 goals.
In their first World Cup match since 1998, Norway comfortably beat Iraq (4-1). Lionel Messi secured victory for Argentina against Algeria (3-0) with a hat-trick. Neymar has resumed training with Brazil. In tennis, the Berlin tournament is trialling a three-court layout.
Jun 16, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Cal Raleigh, making his return from his first career stint on the injured list, hit a tiebreaking, two-run single in the seventh inning as the Seattle Mariners defeated the visiting Baltimore Orioles 3-1 Tuesday night.
Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert (5-4) allowed one run on two hits over seven innings with one walk and a season-high 10 strikeouts to get the victory.
Seattle closer Andres Munoz allowed a one-out, infield single by Adley Rutschman in the ninth before striking out Pete Alonso and getting Samuel Basallo to ground out to short. It was Munoz’s 11th save of the season.
Orioles starter Brandon Young (5-2) lost for the first time in eight starts since April 30. The right-hander was charged with three runs on four hits in six-plus innings, with four walks and two strikeouts.
The Orioles’ Taylor Ward hit the game’s first pitch high off the wall in left field for a double. Ward moved to third on a groundout by Rutschman and, after a walk to Alonso, scored on Basallo’s two-out single to right.
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Gilbert retired the next 16 batters he faced before hitting Alonso with a pitch leading off the seventh. After Basallo fouled out to third, Gilbert struck out Leody Taveras and Colton Cowser to get out of the inning.
The Mariners tied it in the third as Miles Mastrobuoni and J.P. Crawford drew one-out walks. After Raleigh lined out to third, Julio Rodriguez singled to left to make it 1-1.
Young allowed only one other hit — a two-out single by Crawford in the fifth — until Victor Robles led off the seventh with an infield single on a hard-hit ball that deflected off third baseman Blaze Alexander. Rookie Colt Emerson then lined a single to left, ending Young’s night.
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The Orioles brought in lefty Grant Wolfram and Mastrobuoni put down a sacrifice bunt to advance both runners. Crawford walked to load the bases for Raleigh, who lined an 0-1 pitch into left-center field to score a pair and make it 3-1. Raleigh was activated before the game after being on the 10-day IL since May 14 with a strained right oblique.
The Mariners were without left fielder Randy Arozarena, who was placed on the IL (left hamstring strain) shortly before the game, along with first baseman Josh Naylor (right wrist discomfort) and outfielder Luke Raley (lower back tightness).
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