Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Bangladesh Beat UAE by 34 Runs, Book Semi-Final Date With India
Bangladesh Women held their nerve to beat United Arab Emirates Women by 34 runs in Dubai, sealing a spot in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals where they will face India. Sent in to bat after UAE won the toss, Bangladesh lost both openers cheaply before Sharmin Akhter (38 off 31) and Nigar Sultana (23) rebuilt the innings. Suraksha Kotte picked up 3/11 for UAE, but Bangladesh still posted a competitive 103/7 . UAE's chase never found rhythm. Marufa Akter struck early to remove captain Esha Oza, and Rabeya Khan (3/14) and Nahida Akter (2/18) kept picking up wickets through the middle overs. Heena Hotchandani's 18 was the best of a struggling batting effort as UAE were restricted to 69/9 , falling well short of the target. The result confirms Bangladesh as the second semi-finalist from Group B, joining group toppers Sri Lanka. Bangladesh will now take on India Women in Semi-Final 1 on September 10, while Sri Lanka face Pakistan in Semi-Final 2 the following day.
Al-Nassr Suffer First Defeat of Season, Fall Three Points Behind Al-Hilal
Al-Nassr suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 2-1 to rivals Al-Ittihad in Jeddah, a result that ended their four-match winning start under new head coach Ange Postecoglou and left them three points behind leaders Al-Hilal. George Ilenikhena struck twice inside the opening 22 minutes for Al-Ittihad, heading home from close range after just four minutes before doubling the lead. Angelo Gabriel halved the deficit before half-time following build-up play involving Cristiano Ronaldo, who played the full 90 minutes but could not find a way through. Al-Nassr laid siege to the Al-Ittihad box throughout the second half, but goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic produced a string of important saves to preserve the win. "It's frustrating to lose," Postecoglou said afterward. "We didn't start well, especially in the first 15 minutes, and in the second half we saw our true capabilities... What I saw, after 15 minutes, was one team creating the chances, and that was us." Tensions boiled over in the aftermath when forward Joao Felix refused to speak to reporters, telling cameras while walking to the team bus: "I won't speak to you, if I do, I'll expose this league." The result leaves Al-Nassr second on 12 points from five matches, with Al-Hilal now the league's only unbeaten side on a perfect run. Al-Nassr return to action on Wednesday against Abha as they look to respond quickly and keep pace at the top.
De Zerbi's Cautious Substitution Policy Draws Scrutiny After Forest Draw
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi revealed a pre-planned, cautious approach to managing player minutes during Saturday's goalless draw with Nottingham Forest, substituting both Savio and Destiny Udogie around the hour mark as part of an injury-prevention strategy. "Before the game the plan was Savio and Udogie, around 60 minutes. It was dangerous to play them more," De Zerbi explained. Both players were carefully managed following recent fitness issues, with Savio returning from muscle fatigue and Udogie working back to full match sharpness after starting for the first time this season. De Zerbi was notably candid about his frustration with the plan, telling reporters: "In the second half, I'm sorry because the medical team pushed to change Savio and Destiny Udogie after 60 minutes... it's not so easy to come from the bench and adapt immediately." The comments drew scrutiny from pundits, with Sky Sports' Paul Merson calling De Zerbi's willingness to publicly attribute the substitutions to his medical staff "worrying" for Spurs supporters. "You say that in the dressing room; don't come out and say it. You need to keep that in-house," Merson said, also noting De Zerbi's criticism of his forwards' decision-making in the final third. The draw secured a first point of the season for Tottenham, who remain without a Premier League goal through three matches, following back-to-back opening defeats to Brentford and Newcastle. De Zerbi praised the contributions of Rodrigo Bentancur, Sandro Tonali and Micky van de Ven in registering the club's first clean sheet of the campaign, but stressed the side must "keep more calm" in the final third to convert possession into goals.
Mourinho Dismisses Champions League Pressure Talk Ahead of Inter Clash
Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions he carries added pressure to finally deliver a Champions League trophy during his second spell at Real Madrid , speaking ahead of Tuesday's opening fixture against Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Champions League remains the only major trophy that eluded Mourinho during his first stint in charge between 2010 and 2013. "No, it is two different spells," he said when asked if he felt indebted to the club. "When I left in 2013, we won what we won and lost what we lost, and we gave it our all. And that was that. What I need to do now has nothing to do with the past." He pointed to the club's transformation since then, noting Real Madrid weren't even reaching the quarterfinals back in 2010, compared to six Champions League triumphs since. "We want to win every match, every competition," Mourinho added, "but you have to work to accomplish stability." Mourinho's session was followed by a far tenser round of questioning for Kylian Mbappe , who was repeatedly pressed on his relationship with Vinicius Junior and the mood inside the dressing room. "Do you have the feeling that something wasn't right last year? No, it's the same as last year. It's true we have a different coach, but it's the same," Mbappe said, pushing back on suggestions of a shift in atmosphere. The comments come with Real Madrid looking to bounce back from Friday's 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, their first loss of the season, as they open a Champions League campaign that will determine whether Mourinho can finally add Europe's biggest prize to his second spell in the Spanish capital.
India and Pakistan Advance from Group A as Women's Asia Cup 2026 Semi-Finalists Take Shape
India Women and Pakistan Women have advanced to the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals from Group A, with the group stage now complete after Pakistan's 72-run win over Hong Kong, China sealed the second spot. India finished top of the group unbeaten, winning all three of their matches — over Thailand, Hong Kong and Pakistan — to finish with 6 points and a commanding +5.471 net run rate, headlined by Smriti Mandhana's record-breaking 124 against Hong Kong. Pakistan take the second semi-final spot despite a shock defeat to India, bouncing back with big wins over Thailand and Hong Kong to finish on 4 points and +0.927 NRR. Nashra Sandhu's career-best 6/7 in the final group match was pivotal in seeing off Hong Kong's challenge. Thailand Women and Hong Kong, China Women are eliminated after finishing third and fourth respectively, with one win and no wins from three games. Pakistan will now face Group B toppers Sri Lanka Women in Semi-Final 2, while India await their Group B opponents, to be decided when Bangladesh take on UAE.
Nashra Sandhu's Career-Best 6/7 Sinks Hong Kong as Pakistan Seal Semi-Final Spot
Nashra Sandhu produced career-best figures of 6 for 7 — the best bowling figures ever by a Pakistan bowler in T20Is — as Pakistan Women thumped Hong Kong, China Women by 72 runs in Dubai to book their spot in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals. Sent in to bat after winning the toss, Pakistan built a competitive total on the back of a fine 47 from Shawaal Zulfiqar and 26 from Ayesha Zafar. Captain Fatima Sana finished unbeaten on 24 to power Pakistan to 143/8 , despite Joyleen Kaur picking up 4/19 for Hong Kong. Hong Kong's chase fell apart almost immediately, losing both openers for just a run inside the first over. Kary Chan fought a lone battle at No. 4, top-scoring with 30, but found little support as Nashra Sandhu ran through the middle and lower order, taking six of the last seven wickets to fall. Hong Kong were bowled out for just 71 in 19 overs , ending their campaign without a win. Sandhu was named Player of the Match. Pakistan now progress to face Sri Lanka Women in Semi-Final 2, while India Women await their opponents from Group B, to be decided when Bangladesh face UAE.
Manchester United Face Anxious Wait on Marcus Rashford After Everton Withdrawal
Manchester United face an anxious wait over Marcus Rashford's fitness ahead of their Champions League opener, after the forward was withdrawn with 20 minutes remaining during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Everton. Rashford had been one of United's brightest performers, getting the better of stand-in right-back Merlin Rohl for large parts of the game, before being replaced by Patrick Dorgu with United leading 2-1. There was no obvious external sign of injury, but head coach Michael Carrick confirmed afterward that the change was fitness-related. "He felt a little bit of something so we had to change him," Carrick said, though he declined to specify the exact nature of the issue, adding: "Just had an issue, so nothing major." Rashford has been ever-present for United since returning from his loan spell at Barcelona, starting the last two matches and featuring in all three so far this season. His potential absence would be keenly felt given United have no like-for-like replacement on the left wing, with left-back Dorgu deployed as his substitute in an emergency measure. The uncertainty comes at an awkward time, with United hosting Sabah in their Champions League opener on Thursday before a Manchester derby against Pep Guardiola's City the following Sunday, leaving little time to assess or manage Rashford's recovery.
Endrick, Tchouameni and Pitarch Return to Real Madrid Training Ahead of Inter Clash
Real Madrid received a timely fitness boost with Endrick , Aurelien Tchouameni and Thiago Pitarch all returning to full group training on Sunday, giving Jose Mourinho fresh options ahead of Tuesday's Champions League opener against Inter Milan. The trio had missed more than a month of pre-season work through injury, with Pitarch recovering from a torn medial collateral ligament and Endrick nursing a muscular problem, meaning a starting role for either against Inter remains unlikely. Their return is especially significant given Madrid's threadbare midfield options, with Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva all suspended for the match. Newly signed teenager Sergio Martinez has also been training with the first team and could be handed an opportunity to fill the gap. Endrick, who has yet to make an appearance this season, could be in line for his first involvement under Mourinho if selected, representing a potential competitive debut for the head coach. The timing is notable given Real Madrid's recent 1-0 defeat to Real Betis, their first loss of the season, adding extra motivation to bounce back strongly on the European stage. Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Raul Asencio all continued their individual rehabilitation programmes separately and remain unavailable.
Champions League League Phase Kicks Off: Liverpool Host Atletico, Arsenal Face Napoli
The 2026/27 Champions League league phase kicks off Tuesday, with Aston Villa opening their campaign away at Club Brugge and Manchester City travelling to Porto, before English clubs take centre stage on matchday one's second night. Tuesday's schedule also features a heavyweight clash as Real Madrid host Inter , alongside AEK Athens vs LASK, Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal and Lille vs Real Betis. On Wednesday, Liverpool begin their title defence at home to Atletico Madrid , while Arsenal travel to Napoli looking to build on their perfect domestic start. Barcelona host Feyenoord and PSG face Slovan Bratislava the same night, with Manchester United's campaign following on Thursday against Azerbaijani side Sabah. Under the expanded 36-team league phase format, each club plays eight different opponents across two matches from each of four seeding pots, with the top eight automatically advancing to the round of 16 and the next 16 entering a knockout play-off round. The league phase runs across eight matchdays through to January 27, 2027, with holders PSG drawn to visit both Manchester City and Aston Villa later in the campaign. Arsenal's continued perfect domestic form and Chelsea's defensive struggles add extra intrigue to the opening round, with all five English clubs looking to start their European campaigns on the front foot.
Arteta Backs Arsenal to Surpass Title-Winning Level as Chelsea's Defensive Woes Deepen
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal can reach an even higher level than last season's title-winning campaign, after his side came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a statement victory that also exposed a growing defensive crisis at Stamford Bridge. "I think it was an exceptional performance. I enjoyed every minute of it from the beginning to the end, and the beginning was tough," Arteta said after goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard overturned Morgan Rogers' early opener. "It's an indication for us of how capable we are to perform at an even higher level than last season, and it depends on how we maintain and sustain that desire." The win took Arsenal to nine points from three matches, level with Manchester City, though it also marked the first goal conceded by Arteta's side this season. For Chelsea , the defeat deepened an alarming defensive slide. The Blues have now conceded seven goals in three league matches and have gone 19 consecutive Premier League games without a clean sheet , their longest such run since a 31-match sequence in the old First Division between 1960 and 1961. Rogers' early strike also made Chelsea the first team in Premier League history to score inside the first five minutes of their opening three matches of a season, but the goals continue to leak at the other end under new head coach Xabi Alonso, despite an eventful summer that saw the club make 11 signings worth £349 million.
Richarlison's Options Narrow to Saudi Arabia After Trabzonspor Move Collapses
Richarlison's transfer options have narrowed significantly after his proposed move to Trabzonspor collapsed before the Turkish deadline, with Saudi Arabia now emerging as the most viable remaining destination for the Tottenham forward. The Brazilian had agreed personal terms with Trabzonspor and received encouragement from the club's new signings Mohamed Salah and Fabinho, but the move fell through because the club "did not have room for another foreign player" under squad registration rules after their other summer business. With the transfer windows in England, Scotland, Belgium, the Netherlands and MLS all now closed, Richarlison's realistic options have shrunk considerably. Saudi Arabia stands out as the clearest path forward, with the Pro League window remaining open until October 12. Portugal remains a possibility too, with Primeira Liga clubs able to sign players until September 15, while a return to his native Brazil or a move to Mexico both stay open until September 11. Tottenham are actively working with Richarlison's camp to find a resolution, having already formally excluded him from their Premier League squad. Since his £60m move from Everton in 2022, Richarlison has managed just 32 goals and 15 assists in 134 appearances for Spurs, with the club eager to move him on with a year left on his contract.
Ishan Kishan Smashes Double Century, Fifth Batter Ever to Do So in Duleep Trophy Final
Ishan Kishan smashed a stunning double century on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy final, reaching 200 off 270 balls to become just the fifth batter in Duleep Trophy final history to achieve the feat, and the first East Zone wicketkeeper-batter to do so. Kishan, who had ended Day 1 unbeaten on 111, continued his charge into the second day, first crossing his previous best Duleep Trophy score of 112, then bringing up the milestone with a boundary off Devdutt Padikkal. It marks the third double century of his career, following a 273 against Delhi in the 2016 Ranji Trophy and a 210 against Bangladesh in a 2022 ODI. Along the way, he shared a 202-run stand with fellow centurion Kumar Kushagra , who fell for 101, before continuing to build with Anukul Roy as East Zone surged past 550 runs. Only Arun Lal (twice, in 1986-87) and Saba Karim (unbeaten, 1995-96) had previously scored double centuries for East Zone in a Duleep Trophy final, making Kishan just the third player in the zone's history and the fifth overall across the tournament's history to reach the landmark in a final. The knock puts East Zone in a commanding position, with South Zone facing a daunting task to stay competitive as the captain continues to bat freely against an increasingly tired bowling attack.
Lamine Yamal Scores Twice as Barcelona Thrash Valencia 5-0, Gabriel Jesus Debuts
Barcelona extended their perfect start to the La Liga season, thrashing Valencia 5-0 at Mestalla with Lamine Yamal scoring twice, moving three points clear at the top of the table on 12 points from four matches. Fermin Lopez opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Yamal doubled the lead six minutes later. Raphinha, deployed again as Barcelona's central striker, added a third early in the second half, tapping in from close range, before Pedri made it four with a clinical finish set up by Dani Olmo. Yamal completed his brace late on, latching onto another Olmo through-ball to round off the rout, taking his tally to four goals in his last two matches following his double against Rayo Vallecano. "I think we played a fantastic game," said head coach Hansi Flick . "We controlled the game, we were dominant. This is what I want to see from the team." Midfielder Rodri made his first start since joining from Manchester City, while new signing Gabriel Jesus made his long-awaited Barcelona debut, coming on as a substitute in the closing stages just days after completing his move from Arsenal, and went close to marking the occasion with a goal of his own. Defender Eric Garcia was forced off early in the first half after a collision with Rodri left him needing treatment, but the disruption did little to slow Barcelona's dominant display as they outscored their opponents 17-2 across their opening four league matches.
Bharat Arun Backs Mohammed Shami for India Comeback After 100th First-Class Match
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has publicly backed Mohammed Shami for a potential India recall, speaking as the pacer reached his 100th first-class appearance in the Duleep Trophy final between East Zone and South Zone in Chennai. "It is actually befitting for Shami. 100 first-class matches with what he loves most, the red ball," Arun said. "He loves bowling. It doesn't matter whether it is in the nets or in the middle of a game. You give him the red ball, or any ball for that matter, he would mark his run-up and start bowling." Shami has continued to produce strong numbers on the domestic circuit despite his absence from the national side, taking 37 wickets in seven matches for Bengal in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy at an average of 16.72, along with 15 wickets in seven Vijay Hazare Trophy games. He also picked up five wickets across the Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone, showing he can still bowl long, effective spells. The 36-year-old has not played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final, where he finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with nine scalps, having earlier taken 23 wickets in seven matches before an ankle injury and subsequent surgery ruled him out for nearly a year. His continued domestic form and Arun's endorsement will fuel speculation over a possible international return.
Ishan Kishan's Century Headlines Milestone-Filled Day 1 of Duleep Trophy Final
Ishan Kishan struck an unbeaten 111 to guide East Zone to a commanding 385 for 4 on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone in Chennai, a milestone day that also saw Karnataka's Shreyas Gopal reach his 100th first-class appearance. Winning the toss and batting first, East Zone were given a solid platform by Abhimanyu Easwaran (72) and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (44), before Shikhar Mohan added a composed 85. Captain Kishan then took control in the final session, reaching his tenth first-class century off just 122 balls, striking 14 fours and two sixes, while also passing 4,000 career first-class runs during the innings. He finished the day unbeaten on 111 off 135 balls, sharing an unbroken 144-run stand with Kumar Kushagra (63 not out). The occasion doubled as a landmark for South Zone's Shreyas Gopal , who took the field for his 100th first-class match alongside East Zone's Mohammed Shami, who reached the same milestone in the same fixture. "It's pretty surreal to play a 100th first-class game, and the Duleep Trophy final makes it even more special," Gopal said, reflecting on a career that began in 2013. Chama Milind was South Zone's most successful bowler with 2 for 56, but found little else to trouble a dominant East Zone batting effort.
Maitland-Niles Scores Stunning Debut Goal as Everton Draw 2-2 With Man United
Everton snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with deadline-day signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles curling home a stunning 96th-minute equaliser on his debut to extend the Toffees' unbeaten start to the season. United led twice through Bryan Mbeumo and substitute Benjamin Sesko , with Tyrique George's first Everton goal cancelling out the opener before Maitland-Niles, summoned off the bench just 45 minutes before the transfer deadline, curled a 25-yard effort into the top corner deep into stoppage time. "A brilliant goal," said manager David Moyes , whose side had used three different right-backs during the match after James Garner went off with cramp. It was the first goal on Premier League debut for an Everton player since Richarlison in 2018. The result came despite Everton's chaotic deadline day, which saw a proposed £40m move for Folarin Balogun collapse and left Thierno Barry as the club's only recognised senior striker. United defender Harry Maguire suffered a facial injury early in the match after a collision, needing treatment for a bloodied nose, but played on through the remainder of the game with no confirmed absence yet announced. The draw marks the second successive week Everton have salvaged a stoppage-time equaliser, following James Tarkowski's late leveller at Bournemouth, as Moyes' side continue to punch above their weight despite a turbulent summer transfer window.
Arsenal Fight Back to Beat Chelsea 2-1, Join Man City Top of the Table
Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates, surviving an early scare to move level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League on nine points from three matches. Chelsea stunned the home crowd inside 77 seconds when Morgan Rogers volleyed the visitors ahead, but Arsenal responded emphatically. Kai Havertz equalised against his former club in the 25th minute, and Pedro Neto hit the post for Chelsea right before the break as the sides went in level at 1-1. Five minutes into the second half, Havertz's clever dummy set up Martin Odegaard to sweep home the winner. Chelsea pushed hard for an equaliser late on, with Reece James heading over and substitute Estevao denied by a superb save from David Raya in the 89th minute. Arsenal held on through four minutes of stoppage time to seal the win. The result extends Arsenal's perfect start to the season, with five goals scored and just one conceded through three matches, while handing Chelsea their first dropped points of the campaign, leaving them on six points. It also extends Arsenal's all-time head-to-head advantage over Chelsea to 87 wins to 66 in a rivalry dating back to 1907.
Dunkley's Century Seals England's 3-0 Sweep as Ireland's Arlene Kelly Bows Out
England Women completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep of Ireland , thrashing them by 114 runs at Worcester behind a superb century from Sophia Dunkley , in a match that also marked the international retirement of Ireland stalwart Arlene Kelly . Dunkley made 119 off 100 balls, her second ODI century, surviving an early review for lbw before dominating a 110-run stand with Jodi Grewcock (35) as England posted 291. A late collapse saw the last six wickets fall for just 31 runs, but the total was always going to be competitive. Ireland were bowled out for 177 in 44.2 overs, with Amy Hunter top-scoring on 39 and Mady Villiers and Lauren Filer taking three wickets apiece for England. The result completed a comprehensive series sweep for Charlie Dean's side to close out England's international summer, with their next fixtures not until the Champions Trophy in February. The match doubled as a farewell for Arlene Kelly , who announced her retirement from international cricket after the game. The New Zealand-born all-rounder leaves with 110 caps and 135 wickets for Ireland, the third-highest tally in the country's history behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany, since making her debut in June 2022. "It's been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years," Kelly said, adding she would return to New Zealand to be closer to family. She was named Cricket Ireland's Women's International Player of the Year in 2023 and captained the side when required in 2025.
South Africa Beat Zimbabwe by 48 Runs to Win Namibia T20I Tri-Series
South Africa completed a dominant tri-series campaign, beating Zimbabwe by 48 runs in the final at the Namibia Cricket Ground to lift the T20I Tri-Series trophy, their third win over Zimbabwe in eight days. Batting first after being sent in, South Africa posted 205 for 5 behind a blistering 24-ball fifty from opener Jordan Hermann , who finished with 53 off 29 balls in an 84-run opening stand with Connor Esterhuizen (32). Dewald Brevis (32) and Rubin Hermann (27) kept the tempo up in the middle overs to push South Africa past 200, despite the side missing Lhuan-dre Pretorius through a groin niggle. Zimbabwe's chase fell apart early, slipping to 61 for 7 before Brad Evans produced a defiant unbeaten 56 in a 52-run ninth-wicket stand with Kundai Matigimu that briefly threatened to make a match of it. But captain Bjorn Fortuin (3/24) and Duan Jansen (3/38) shared six wickets to bowl Zimbabwe out for 157 in 18 overs. Jansen finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 11 dismissals. The tri-series served as a warm-up event for co-hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, with South Africa now moving on to a three-match bilateral ODI series against hosts Namibia, with Fortuin continuing as captain.
Harshitha Samarawickrama's 48* Seals Sri Lanka's 4-Wicket Win Over Bangladesh, Books Semi-Final Spot
Sri Lanka Women pulled off a nervy 4-wicket win over Bangladesh Women in Dubai, sealing an unbeaten group stage and a place in the Women's Asia Cup 2026 semi-finals alongside India. Sent in to bowl after winning the toss, Sri Lanka were given a real fight by Bangladesh, who posted 114/8 thanks to a fine 34 from Sobhana Mostary and a quickfire 26 from Dilara Akter. Chamudi Praboda , just 17, was the standout with the ball, claiming 3/21 as Sri Lanka's spinners pegged Bangladesh back after a promising middle-overs phase. The chase swung wildly. Sri Lanka slumped to 44/5 inside 10 overs as Marufa Akter ran through the top order, leaving the defending champions staring at an upset. Harshitha Samarawickrama then produced the innings of her career, combining with Nilakshika Silva in a 38-run stand before finishing unbeaten on 48 off 37 , striking two sixes in the death overs — including one off Nahida Akter in the penultimate over — to guide Sri Lanka home with 4 balls to spare at 115/6 . Samarawickrama was named Player of the Match. Both India and Sri Lanka now go into the semi-finals unbeaten, having topped their respective groups with three wins from three.
Gabriel Jesus in Line for Barcelona Debut Against Valencia
Gabriel Jesus could make his Barcelona debut against Valencia at Mestalla, with head coach Hansi Flick confirming the Brazilian is in contention for second-half minutes despite not yet being at full fitness following his deadline-day move from Arsenal. "I really liked what I saw from Gabriel during training. He's ready to play a few minutes; we'll see in the second half how the match is going," Flick said in his pre-match press conference. Jesus trained fully with the squad for the first time on Friday, having managed only a partial session on Thursday, and has been handed the number 9 shirt at his new club. The timing brings an unusual selection headache for Flick, with Jesus' return coinciding with midfielder Gavi also being available again after injury, leaving the German coach with 24 fit players for a squad that can only register 23 under La Liga rules. Reports in Spain suggest full-back Alejandro Balde could be the player left out to accommodate both returning names, alongside new goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic also included in the squad for the first time. Barcelona go into the match aiming for a fourth win from four to open their La Liga title defence, with Jesus expected to provide competition for Raphinha in attack after a €10 million move from Arsenal that was reportedly agreed within 24 hours following nine months of on-off interest.
Mohammed Shami to Play 100th First-Class Match in Duleep Trophy Final
Mohammed Shami is set to make his 100th first-class appearance for East Zone in Sunday's Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, becoming just the sixth Indian bowler to reach the milestone. The 36-year-old pacer arrives at the landmark with 382 wickets from 99 matches and career-best figures of 8/90, having played a key role in East Zone's run to the final with five wickets across two innings in the semi-final win over defending champions Central Zone. The Cricket Association of Bengal felicitated Shami ahead of the occasion, presenting him with a signed "No. 100 Bengal" jersey and a silver plaque from CAB president Sourav Ganguly, who called it "a fitting reward for the veteran pacer's remarkable longevity." "Completing 100 First-Class matches is a very special and proud moment for me," Shami wrote on Instagram. "This journey has been filled with hard work, challenges, learning and unforgettable memories." Shami last played for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final, where he finished as the tournament's leading wicket-taker with nine scalps, and remains outside the national setup while continuing to play domestic cricket in pursuit of another international recall. The final runs from September 6 to 10, with East Zone captained by Ishan Kishan and featuring vice-captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among a squad hoping to add the Duleep Trophy to Shami's landmark occasion.
Coventry Complete Signing of Yann Gboho From Toulouse Days After Deadline
Coventry City have completed the signing of winger Yann Gboho from Toulouse, three days after the transfer window officially closed, thanks to a little-known FIFA documentation rule. The deal, reportedly worth around £10.3 million , was agreed with Toulouse and submitted to the Premier League before Tuesday's 11pm deadline, but final confirmation was delayed while FIFA verified the paperwork was in order. With ratification now complete, the move is subject only to UK visa approval, and Gboho was registered in time to feature in Coventry's trip to Manchester City. Gboho, the cousin of PSG and France forward Desire Doue , made 83 appearances for Toulouse in Ligue 1, scoring 19 goals and adding 12 assists over two and a half seasons. Born in Ivory Coast and a former France youth international, he began his career at Rennes before spells at Vitesse Arnhem and Cercle Brugge preceded his move to Toulouse. The winger becomes newly promoted Coventry's 12th and final summer signing, completing their 25-man Premier League squad after a summer outlay exceeding £100 million, following a proposed move to MLS side Kansas City that fell through.
Liverpool Sporting Director Richard Hughes Departs, Successor Search Begins
Liverpool have confirmed the departure of sporting director Richard Hughes after just two years in the role, with the Scot expected to take up a similar position at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. "The process of appointing a successor is under way and the outcome will be confirmed in due course," the club said in a statement, with the search being led by Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon . Hughes departs having overseen roughly £670 million in transfer spending across five windows, including British record fees for Alexander Isak and Enzo Fernandez, plus the summer's marquee arrival of Bradley Barcola for £123m. Hughes had informed the club of his desire to leave earlier this year but agreed to stay through the transfer window, given his close working relationship with head coach Andoni Iraola , whom he had first brought in at Bournemouth before reuniting with him at Anfield. He was also the executive who appointed Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's successor, with Slot winning the Premier League in his debut season before being dismissed following a difficult title defence. His exit follows the recent departure of longtime friend Michael Edwards as FSG's CEO of Football, continuing a period of upheaval in Liverpool's boardroom. In the interim, the club says other senior football operations figures, including FSG technical director Julian Ward and assistant sporting director David Woodfine, will maintain the department's strategy.