MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says he is happy with the current squad and won’t look for back-up for Karim Benzema in January.
The Ballon d’Or-winning striker, who turns 35 in December, has suffered from thigh injuries this season and missed most of the club’s matches in September.
“We are not thinking about the winter window, we are not interested in it,” Ancelotti told a news conference on Saturday, ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Girona on Sunday.
“This is the squad which will continue until the end of the season and it will not change.”
The coach said Benzema will not face Girona despite training on Friday, while Rodrygo was a doubt after feeling unwell overnight but was included in the squad, unlike his strike partner.
Benzema missed the win over Sevilla last weekend and the Champions League loss at RB Leipzig with muscular fatigue in his quadriceps, but had been expected to return to face Girona.
“After training he did not feel comfortable, he did a test, there’s no problem but we have to take into account how he feels,” said Ancelotti.
“There are clinical tests, that say there’s no problem, but after that there’s how the player feels, and he says he’s not 100 percent.”
Benzema is set to lead France into the 2022 World Cup in November, providing his injury issues clear up.
Luka Modric, Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos and Mariano returned to the league leaders’ squad list for the game after various injury problems.
Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season across all competitions against Leipzig on Tuesday, but had already qualified for the Champions League last 16.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticized the team after the game, saying they went out “asleep” against the Bundesliga side.
“What Thibaut said was not ferocious, it was fair,” said Ancelotti.
“Now we don’t have to think too much about what happened in Leipzig, it’s over, we saw it, and now we will correct it.”
Second-placed Barcelona can pull level on points with Real Madrid at the top of the table if they win at Valencia on Saturday.
Ancelotti happy with Madrid squad despite Benzema injury issues
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Ancelotti happy with Madrid squad despite Benzema injury issues
- The Ballon d'Or-winning striker, who turns 35 in December, has suffered from thigh injuries this season
- The coach said Benzema will not face Girona despite training on Friday
DP World ILT20 season 3 to begin Jan. 11 next year
Dubai: The third season of the DP World International League T20 will begin on Jan. 11 next year, organizers have announced.
The 34-match tournament will run for a month with the final to be played on Feb. 9.
The season three window announcement follows the hugely successful second season, which concluded with the MI Emirates lifting the iconic DP World ILT20 trophy in front of a capacity crowd at the Dubai International Stadium in the final on Feb. 17 this year.
The broadcast numbers for season two received a major boost with a total of 348 million unique viewers from around the world via the linear and online platforms of tournament broadcast rights holder Zee Network, and its broadcast syndication partners in different territories.
Season two also saw a major increase in crowds across the three tournament venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. There was a phenomenal increase in crowd numbers across the three sites, with a cumulative increase of almost 300 percent in comparison to the first season of the tournament.
Season three will once again provide spectators at the three stadiums and fans from around the world — using the Zee Network and partner platforms — enthralling cricket action with a lineup of world-class T20 talent and exciting entertainment offerings for fans from all age groups.
DP World ILT20 CEO David White said: “We are delighted to confirm the window for DP World International League T20 season three. The window has been finalized after discussions with our stakeholders. We have begun our preparations for season three with an aim of making the league even bigger and better.
“Season two was a massive success in terms of all relevant metrics and helped further strengthen the league’s reputation, making it one of the most sought after T20 leagues for players, fans and broadcasters from around the world. Having considered all aspects, the January-February window for season three has turned out to be the most suitable.
“The DP World ILT20 is also proving to be a successful platform for the development of the UAE players as seen in their recent outstanding performance in the ACC Premier Cup in Oman, which helped them qualify for the prestigious Asia Cup (2025, T20 format) for the first time in eight years. Most of the players who excelled in Oman had gained invaluable experience and exposure in season two.
“The cricket fans in the UAE and those who travel to our wonderful destinations Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from across the globe will have a lot to look forward to in season three. We have a series of exciting announcements lined up as our six world-class franchises and their coaching staff put their heads together for retention of players while eying new local and international talent for season three signings.”
Championship leader Wehrlein eyes first home win as Formula E returns to Berlin
- The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit for rounds 9 and 10
- Berlin holds historic significance as the only city to host a race in every Formula E season to date
DUBAI: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Berlin’s iconic Tempelhof Airport street circuit this weekend, May 11-12.
As season 10 reaches the midway point, round 9 and 10 will be the third double-header of the season and are set to intensify the battle for the title.
With a decade of racing history, all eyes are on the 22 drivers to recreate the excitement of the past 18 races in the German capital, a highlight of which was a remarkable 362 overtakes in last season’s event.
Notable contenders include ABT Cupra’s Lucas di Grassi — eager to take his maiden win of the season in front of his team’s home crowd — and Antonio Felix da Costa, two of only three double winners in Berlin.
Jaguar TCS Racing are aiming to replicate their memorable 1-2 finish from season 9 while Maserati MSG Racing’s Maximilian Gunther has high hopes for his home race.
TAG Heuer Porsche seek to consolidate their lead with Pascal Wehrlein in the Drivers’ Championship standings on what is home territory for both driver and team.
Berlin holds the distinction of being the only city to have hosted a race in every Formula E season — a total of 18 races. With Tempelhofer Feld as the host venue for all but one season, the track presents a familiar yet demanding challenge and, with an updated layout, the opportunities are wide open.
The second season of the GEN3 era has already yielded fierce competition, with the first eight rounds crowning seven different race winners. No fewer than 11 drivers have celebrated on the podium and, currently, seven different teams are represented in the top 10 of the drivers’ standings.
As the championship gears up for the second half of the year, the current drivers’ standings are as follows: Pascal Wehrlein of TAG Heuer Porsche leads the pack — the only driver with two wins under his belt so far this season; he is closely followed by Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy, who boasts a win and four podiums, leaving him only seven points shy of the lead.
Currently in third is 2023 World Champion Jake Dennis, of Andretti Formula E. He is followed by round 6 winner Oliver Rowland of Nissan Formula E and Mitch Evans, Cassidy’s teammate at Jaguar TCS Racing, in fourth and fifth respectively.
Maximilian Günther of Maserati MSG Racing and DS Penske’s Jean-Eric Vergne are currently sixth and seventh, with Sam Bird of NEOM McLaren Formula E in eighth. Stoffel Vandoorne, after a season-best performance in Monaco, sits in ninth in the other DS Penske machine, while TAG Heuer Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa rounds out the top ten.
Al-Hilal has to delay title celebrations as Al-Nassr beats Al-Okhdood
- Marcelo Brozovic’s 91st minute winner means the leaders can wrap a 19th Saudi Pro League championship against Al-Hazem on Saturday
RIYADH: A stoppage-time goal by Marcelo Brozovic secured a 3-2 win for Al-Nassr against gallant Al-Okhdood on Thursday night at Prince Hathloul Stadium, which means a delay for Al-Hilal’s crowning as Saudi Pro League champions.
Al-Nassr had led 2-0 at half time before the home team mounted a spirited second-half comeback to square the match, a result which would have handed the title to leaders Al-Hilal with four matches left.
The win raised the Yellows’ points tally to 77 points, nine behind their Riyadh rivals. Al-Hilal can wrap up a record-extending 19th championship on Saturday night with a win or draw against Al-Hazem in Riyadh.
Al-Nassr took the lead through Brozovic after only seven minutes and a comfortable win was on the cards when Cristiano Ronaldo made it 2-0 only eight minutes later.
However, goals by Hassan Al-Habib on the hour mark and Saviour Goodwin 10 minutes later looked to have earned the 15th-placed team a vital point in their battle against relegation.
In the unlikely event they fail to win against Al-Hazem, Al-Hilal will have another chance on May 17 against Al-Nassr in the Riyadh Derby at Al-Awwal Park Stadium.
Time running out for Arsenal as Man City hunt Premier League glory
- Arsenal, boasting a superior goal difference, need City to stumble but the signs are not promising
- Newcastle and Chelsea are both making a late-season charge for a European place, helped by Manchester United’s slump
LONDON: Arsenal have barely put a foot wrong in the Premier League in 2024 but, as the title race approaches the finish line, they desperately need a favor from Fulham, who host relentless Manchester City this weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who travel to Manchester United, are one point clear at the top of the table with two matches to play but Pep Guardiola’s men, crucially, have a game in hand.
Nottingham Forest will take a huge step toward safety if they beat in-form Chelsea, who are battling Newcastle and Manchester United for a European spot.
Here’s a look at three talking points ahead of the action.
When the 2023/24 fixture list came out, Sunday’s trip to Manchester United would have seemed a tricky task for Arsenal, but it is not looking that way now.
The Gunners, chasing their first Premier League title for 20 years, are likely to have been dislodged from the top of the table by the time they kick off at Old Trafford on Sunday.
That is because second placed City, in the hunt for a historic fourth straight Premier League title, are in action at Fulham the previous day.
City are unbeaten against the London side in 21 games in all competitions.
Arsenal will be confident they can beat a sputtering United team, who appear increasingly likely to miss out on European football next season after their embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday.
City’s game in hand is next week at Tottenham, where they have never even scored a goal in the league, but Spurs’ form has deserted them and Erling Haaland is back to his marauding best.
Arsenal, boasting a superior goal difference, need City to stumble but the signs are not promising.
Newcastle and Chelsea are both making a late-season charge for a European place, helped by Manchester United’s slump.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are in pole position to take either a Europa League or UEFA Conference League spot, depending on results in the last few rounds of the Premier League and in the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United.
They could even finish in fifth spot if Tottenham implode further.
Sixth-placed Newcastle, who host Brighton on Saturday, have won five of their past seven league games.
Free-scoring Chelsea were well off the pace just weeks ago, but a run of one defeat in their past 12 league games has given them hope of salvaging a troubled season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men travel to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest knowing a win will keep alive their hopes of a European spot.
Nottingham Forest learned this week that an appeal against their four-point penalty for breaching Premier League financial rules had been unsuccessful, but they are still close to securing top-flight safety.
If Forest better Luton’s result against West Ham they will be on the brink of securing a third straight year in the top-flight.
It has been a rollercoaster season for Forest, who were charged with improper conduct by the Football Association earlier this month after the club criticized VAR Stuart Attwell on social media following their defeat to Everton.
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said he had “already moved on” after the failed appeal over their points deduction.
They are favorites to avoid the drop but if results go against them this weekend, they could yet face a shootout for survival with Burnley on the final weekend.
Fixtures
Saturday (1400 GMT unless stated)
Fulham vs. Man City (1130), Bournemouth vs. Brentford, Everton vs. Sheff Utd, Newcastle vs. Brighton, Tottenham vs. Burnley, West Ham vs. Luton, Wolves vs. Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea (1630)
Sunday
Manchester United vs. Arsenal (1530)
Monday
Aston Villa vs. Liverpool (1900)
McIlroy on PGA subcommittee set for direct PIF merger talks
- A framework agreement released last June has not been finalized, the board needing to approve such a move
- McIlroy said that while he is not returning to the tour policy board, he was brought into the subcommittee to provide knowledge and perspective
WASHINGTON: Rory McIlroy revealed details on Thursday about a new PGA Tour subcommittee created to conduct direct talks with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) about finalizing a merger deal.
Players Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and McIlroy will be on a seven-person PGA Tour Policy Board transaction subcommittee created to sit across the table from the financial backers of LIV Golf and hammer out terms to unite the tours.
A framework agreement released last June has not been finalized, the board needing to approve such a move, and talks have stretched well beyond the initial deadline of last December.
“There’s a window of opportunity here,” McIlroy said. “I think that window closes ever so slightly every day that passes by, so I would say time is of the essence, absolutely.”
Others on the subcommittee would include PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Fenway Sports Group boss John Henry, who led an investment group of US sports team owners that created a $1.5 billion for-profit entity PGA Tour Enterprises.
McIlroy said that while he is not returning to the tour policy board, he was brought into the subcommittee to provide knowledge and perspective.
“A different perspective, maybe more of an international perspective,” he said. “My insight is more the position of where the global game is and where it could go.”
McIlroy also has relationships on both sides of the table, including with PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
“I feel like I’ve got good relationships on both sides there and hopefully I can bring something to the table, try to provide some insight and value and see if we can get this thing done,” McIlroy said.
Woods, a 15-time major winner, was among those said to disagree with McIlroy about the future direction of the sport. McIlroy said that there is no strain on their relationship even though they don’t totally agree on a path forward.
“Friends can have disagreements or not see eye to eye on things. I think that’s fine,” McIlroy said. “We had a really good talk last Friday for 45 minutes just about a lot of different things. No, there’s no strain there.
“I think we might see the future of golf a little bit differently, but I don’t think that should place any strain on a relationship or on a friendship.”
McIlroy said the subcommittee has already had meetings to plan the way forward in negotiations.
“I’ve already had calls with that group. I had a really good hour and a half Zoom with those guys on Sunday. We went through a 150 page doc about the future product model and everything,” McIlroy said.
“Yeah, I’m not on the board, but I’m in some way involved in that transaction committee. I don’t have a vote so I don’t have, I guess, a meaningful say in what happens in the future, but I feel like I can be helpful on that committee, and that was sort of a compromise for not getting a board seat.”
McIlroy said the big issue about him returning to the board in place of Webb Simpson, who was leaving but now is staying, was regarding improper process, not his viewpoints.
When noting PGA-LIV potential deal stumbling points on Wednesday, McIlroy cited American players possibly not wanting to have greater worldwide travel for tournaments compared to mostly US-based events now and what punishment might be required for those who jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV while others declined them and stayed loyal to the established circuit.
