Dumfries Faces Extended Layoff, Threatening Inter’s Key Fixtures Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries could be sidelined longer than initially anticipated, presenting a significant concern for coach Simone Inzaghi as the team enters a crucial stretch of the season. With important fixtures in both domestic and European competitions coming up, Dumfries' extended absence would be a major blow to Inter's depth and tactical options. The Dutch international was unavailable for the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Milan on Wednesday, alongside other key players, including Lautaro Martínez, Federico Dimarco, and Marko Arnautović. While Dimarco and Arnautović were listed on the bench, they were unable to play due to injuries, as confirmed by Inzaghi. Recovery Timeline Extended Dumfries had initially been expected to return in time for Inter's Champions League quarterfinal clash against Bayern Munich on April 8. However, recent reports indicate that his recovery from a hamstring injury might take longer than expected. According to sources at FcInter1908, the 28-year-old could be out for an additional three to four weeks. This extended absence would see him miss the entire two-legged Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern, as well as the pivotal Serie A match against Bologna on Easter Sunday and the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Milan. Inzaghi Faces Depth Challenges If Dumfries' absence extends as expected, Inzaghi will face a significant challenge in terms of squad depth. Matteo Darmian is the only natural replacement for Dumfries in the right-wingback role, but Darmian has only just returned from injury himself and may not be fully match-fit. Dumfries has been one of Inter’s standout performers this season, contributing six goals and two assists in 25 Serie A appearances. His dynamic runs and attacking contributions down the right flank have made him a key asset in Inter's tactical setup, and his absence will be felt across multiple competitions. Impact on Inter's Season Losing Dumfries at such a critical time could hinder Inter's hopes of securing silverware this season. Inzaghi will have to adapt his lineup and tactics in the coming weeks, relying on a mix of players to fill the void left by the Dutch defender. As the team faces high-stakes matches in both the Champions League and Serie A, the next few weeks will be pivotal for Inter’s ambitions on all fronts.

Leonard’s 28-Point Performance Leads Clippers to 114-98 Win Over Pelicans INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kawhi Leonard delivered a dominant performance, scoring 28 points as the Los Angeles Clippers secured a commanding 114-98 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. James Harden also played a key role, contributing 21 points and 10 assists, as the Clippers continued their strong run of form at Crypto.com Arena. Clippers Extend Winning Streak with Balanced Attack Los Angeles saw multiple players step up in the win. Ivica Zubac registered a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanović added 16 points. The Clippers, who have won four of their last five games and 12 of their last 15, maintained their momentum at home following a successful 3-1 road trip. New Orleans, on the other hand, struggled offensively and has now lost seven of its last 10 games. Despite a solid effort from José Alvarado, who tallied 17 points and 10 assists, and Bruce Bowen’s 16-point contribution, the Pelicans were unable to keep pace with the Clippers. Yves Missi provided some presence on the boards, pulling down 12 rebounds, but it was not enough to prevent another tough loss. Clippers Take Control Early and Never Look Back Los Angeles set the tone from the opening half, carrying a 59-47 lead into the break, largely thanks to Leonard’s 18 first-half points. The Clippers maintained their advantage throughout the second half, outscoring the Pelicans by four more points over the final two quarters. Bogdanović stepped up after halftime, adding 12 second-half points to help seal the win. Key Moments and Stats - Game-Changing Play: The Clippers took control early, claiming a 12-10 lead on a layup by Harden with 4:49 remaining in the first quarter. From that point on, they never trailed. - Three-Point Disparity: A major factor in the game was Los Angeles’ dominance from beyond the arc. The Clippers outscored the Pelicans by 27 points from three-point range, draining 13 triples compared to New Orleans' dismal 4-for-22 shooting from deep. - Pelicans’ Struggles Continue: New Orleans continues to face difficulties after shutting down stars Zion Williamson (back) and CJ McCollum (right foot) for the rest of the season. Their absence has been evident as the team struggles down the stretch. - Clippers’ Home Court Advantage:The victory reaffirmed Los Angeles’ strong form at home, where they have been particularly dominant, only dropping one game on their recent road trip to Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland. Looking Ahead With this win, the Clippers further strengthen their position in the Western Conference standings as they continue their push for a high playoff seed. Meanwhile, the Pelicans must regroup as they navigate the remainder of the season without key players.

Grealish Dedicates Goal to Late Brother as Man City Defeats Leicester 2-0 Jack Grealish paid an emotional tribute to his late brother after scoring in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Wednesday. The England international, making his first Premier League start since December, ended his 16-month goal drought in the competition as City comfortably secured three points at the Etihad Stadium. A Goal with Deep Personal Meaning Grealish’s strike came on a particularly poignant day—the 25th anniversary of the passing of his younger brother, Keelan, who tragically died at just nine months old. After the match, he expressed how much the moment meant to him and his family. “This day is always hard for the family, but I was happy to score,” Grealish told City’s official website. “My mum and dad were here, and for me to score and help the team win made it even more special.” City’s Quick Start and Grealish’s Impact Despite struggling for consistent playing time this season due to the impressive form of Jeremy Doku and Savinho, Grealish made the most of his opportunity. All three wingers started against Leicester and combined brilliantly for the opening goal. Just two minutes into the match, Grealish found the net, setting the tone for City's dominant display. The goal marked his long-awaited return to the Premier League scoresheet, reinforcing his determination to fight for his place in Pep Guardiola’s side. Guardiola Praises Grealish’s Character City manager Pep Guardiola spoke highly of Grealish’s attitude and the significance of the moment. “Jack is an incredible human being—he’s generous and thoughtful,” Guardiola said. “I didn’t know about the anniversary, but I can’t imagine how tough it must have been for him. To score in front of his mum, dad, sister, and family is special. He played well, and I’m happy for him.” City Tightens Grip on Fourth Place as Leicester Struggles Continue Omar Marmoush doubled City's lead in the 29th minute, effectively sealing the win. The reigning champions then controlled the remainder of the match, comfortably seeing off a struggling Leicester side that remains 12 points adrift from safety. With this victory, City climbed back into fourth place in the Premier League standings, keeping their hopes alive in the title race. Meanwhile, Leicester’s fight for survival continues to look bleak as they edge closer to relegation.

Osimhen’s Brace Propels Galatasaray Into Turkish Cup Semifinals with Hard-Fought Win Over Fenerbahçe Victor Osimhen delivered a match-winning performance on Wednesday night, scoring both goals as Galatasaray edged past their arch-rivals Fenerbahçe in a thrilling 2-1 victory in the Turkish Cup quarterfinals. The highly anticipated clash at Istanbul’s Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium lived up to expectations, with both teams displaying intensity and quality in a fiercely contested encounter. Galatasaray’s Early Dominance The match began at a high tempo, with both sides eager to seize control. Galatasaray wasted no time in making their intentions clear, and it took just 10 minutes for them to find the breakthrough. Turkey international Barış Yılmaz played a precise pass to Osimhen, who timed his run perfectly before clinically finishing past the Fenerbahçe goalkeeper, sending the away fans into celebration. Building on their early advantage, Galatasaray continued to press forward, exploiting gaps in Fenerbahçe’s defense. Their persistence paid off in the 27th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a defensive error in the box. Osimhen stepped up to take the spot-kick and made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to double his side’s lead. His composed finish reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in European football. Fenerbahçe’s Response and Second-Half Battle Despite trailing by two goals, Fenerbahçe refused to back down. They found a lifeline just before halftime when Polish midfielder Sebastian Szymański capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from Galatasaray, slotting home a well-placed shot to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Buoyed by the goal, Fenerbahçe came out strongly in the second half, pushing hard for an equalizer. Their attacking trio tested Galatasaray’s backline with a series of dangerous moves, but the visitors’ defense, marshaled by their experienced center-backs, remained resolute. Galatasaray, meanwhile, adopted a more defensive approach in the latter stages of the match, relying on counterattacks to exploit Fenerbahçe’s aggressive forward play. Osimhen, always a threat in transition, continued to trouble the home side’s defense with his pace and movement. Late Drama and Osimhen’s Substitution As the match neared its conclusion, tensions flared, with players from both sides engaging in physical battles. In the 85th minute, Osimhen was shown a yellow card for a foul, his aggressive pressing momentarily getting the better of him. Moments later, manager Okan Buruk decided to substitute the Nigerian forward, bringing on Spanish striker Álvaro Morata to see out the game. Fenerbahçe threw everything forward in the dying minutes, but Galatasaray’s disciplined defense stood firm, denying their rivals any clear-cut chances. After five minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew the final whistle, confirming Galatasaray’s victory and their place in the Turkish Cup semifinals. Osimhen’s Stellar Season and Galatasaray’s Road Ahead Osimhen’s performance in this crucial fixture further cemented his status as one of the most influential players in Turkish football. The 26-year-old has now amassed an impressive 27 goals and five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this season, playing a key role in Galatasaray’s domestic and European campaigns. Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian Bright Osayi-Samuel was an unused substitute for Fenerbahçe, watching from the sidelines as his team fell short in their comeback attempt. With this victory, Galatasaray moves a step closer to Turkish Cup glory, keeping alive their hopes of securing a domestic double. As they prepare for the semifinals, their confidence will be bolstered by the outstanding form of Osimhen, whose goal-scoring instincts continue to drive the team forward.

Rüdiger's Late Header Sends Real Madrid to Copa del Rey Final in Thrilling 4-4 Draw Real Madrid secured a place in the Copa del Rey final after a dramatic 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad in extra time on Tuesday, sealing a 5-4 aggregate victory. The match was a pulsating affair, filled with momentum swings and breathtaking goals, culminating in Antonio Rüdiger's decisive header in the 115th minute. A High-Scoring Battle with Twists and Turns Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Real Sociedad started with urgency and took the lead through Ander Barrenetxea, leveling the tie on aggregate. However, Madrid quickly responded, with Brazilian prodigy Endrick showcasing his composure by chipping the ball past the goalkeeper to restore parity. The match continued to deliver high-intensity moments as both teams found the net in an end-to-end contest. Real Sociedad fought valiantly, refusing to bow out quietly, while Madrid's attacking firepower ensured the scoreline remained level deep into extra time. With the game seemingly headed for a penalty shootout, Rüdiger rose to the occasion in the 115th minute, powering in a decisive header to put Madrid ahead on aggregate and effectively seal their spot in the final. Madrid Awaits Barcelona or Atlético Madrid in the Final With this dramatic victory, Real Madrid advances to the Copa del Rey final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. The result also keeps Madrid on course for silverware in multiple competitions this season, adding to their ambitions in La Liga and the Champions League. For Real Sociedad, despite a spirited performance, the journey ends in heartbreak as they bow out of the tournament in a memorable, yet agonizing, fashion.

Inter and Milan Play Out 1-1 Draw in Italian Cup Semifinal First Leg Inter Milan’s hopes of securing a historic treble remain intact, while AC Milan’s aspirations of securing European football also stay alive after the city rivals played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Italian Cup semifinal at the San Siro on Wednesday. The match saw Milan take the lead early in the second half when forward Tammy Abraham found the net less than two minutes after the restart. Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi attempted to challenge Youssouf Fofana at the edge of the box, but the ball deflected into Abraham’s path. The English striker capitalized with a precise angled shot into the bottom left corner, reaffirming his reputation as a clutch performer in crucial matches. However, Inter responded in the 67th minute through former Milan midfielder Hakan Çalhanoglu. The Turkish international unleashed a powerful 20-yard strike that slipped past goalkeeper Mike Maignan, securing the equalizer and keeping Inter’s cup ambitions alive. The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg, scheduled for April 23-24. Inter Chasing Treble, Milan Fighting for Europe Inter Milan is aiming to replicate the historic treble it last achieved in 2010 under José Mourinho. The Nerazzurri currently lead Serie A with a three-point advantage over second-placed Napoli and will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday. Meanwhile, AC Milan has struggled for consistency in recent weeks, managing just two wins in its last six Serie A matches. The Rossoneri have slipped to ninth place in the league standings, making the Italian Cup a crucial opportunity to secure a Europa League spot, which is granted to the tournament winner. The stage is now set for a high-stakes second leg, where both teams will battle for a place in the final and, for Milan, a potential European lifeline.

Arsenal Prioritize Gyokeres Over Osimhen in Striker Hunt Arsenal have shifted their focus away from Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and are now prioritizing a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for the past two years, following his impressive performances for Napoli. However, despite persistent speculation, a deal has never materialized, with Arsenal yet to table a concrete offer for the Nigerian forward. Arsenal’s Striker Dilemma The Gunners have struggled with goal-scoring consistency this season due to the lack of a prolific No.9. As a result, bolstering their attack has become a top priority for the summer transfer window. Aside from Osimhen, Arsenal have been linked with other high-profile strikers, including Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), Alexander Isak (Newcastle United), and Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP). - Isak has been in excellent form, registering 23 goals and 5 assists in 33 appearances this season. - Gyokeres has been even more prolific, recording 42 goals and 11 assists in 42 matches across all competitions. Now, Arsenal appear to have made their final decision. According to The Athletic’s transfer expert, David Ornstein, Gyokeres is the club’s preferred target over Osimhen or Isak, and the Gunners will push to secure his signature this summer. Why Arsenal Prefer Gyokeres Over Osimhen One key factor influencing Arsenal’s decision is the involvement of their new Sporting Director, Andrea Berta. Reports indicate that Berta is a huge admirer of Gyokeres and is playing a significant role in steering the club towards signing the Swedish forward. While Osimhen has already proven himself at the highest level in Serie A and the Champions League, Arsenal see Gyokeres as a more cost-effective option. The Sporting CP striker possesses a similar playing style to Osimhen but has yet to feature in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Additionally, Gyokeres comes at a relatively lower price, with Sporting CP demanding around €75 million for his transfer—considerably less than Osimhen, who has a €130 million release clause in his Napoli contract. Osimhen’s Other Options Despite Arsenal opting out of the race, Osimhen is not short of suitors. He has continued to impress this season, and several top European clubs remain keen on securing his services. - Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all monitoring his situation and could make a move for him in the summer. - Galatasaray, where Osimhen has enjoyed a loan spell, are also interested in keeping him, though financing a permanent deal could prove difficult. While Arsenal may be out of the equation, Osimhen is almost certain to secure a big transfer this summer, with multiple clubs ready to compete for his signature.

Martínez Strikes Twice as West Ham Stun Chelsea with Late Equalizer West Ham became only the third team to take points off Chelsea in the Women’s Super League (WSL) this season, as Shekiera Martínez scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to seal a 2-2 draw at Kingsmeadow. Chelsea looked set for their 17th league win after a dominant opening 21 minutes, with Maika Hamano and Aggie Beever-Jones firing them into a 2-0 lead. However, West Ham fought back, with Martínez pulling one back just before halftime before delivering a late header in stoppage time to secure a valuable point for the visitors. The result lifts West Ham to seventh place, while Chelsea’s lead at the top of the WSL is cut to six points. Despite the setback, Sonia Bompastor’s side remains unbeaten and in control of the title race. Bompastor Reflects on Tough Schedule Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor acknowledged the demanding run of fixtures, saying: "Eight games in 28 days, with lots of travel and four intense matches against Manchester City—it’s been exhausting. We have the squad depth and quality to do better, but we conceded too many chances today. Still, we’re six points ahead at the top, and every team would want to be in our position." Chelsea’s Early Dominance Chelsea started strongly, registering five shots within the first 10 minutes. They took the lead when Ashley Lawrence nodded a cross into the path of Hamano, who finished with a superb volley. Beever-Jones added a second minutes later, combining well with Sjoeke Nüsken and Catarina Macario before scoring with the outside of her boot. The hosts could have extended their advantage, with Macario, Erin Cuthbert—who hit the bar—and Nüsken all going close. West Ham’s Fightback Just before halftime, Martínez smashed home from inside the box after a clever pass from Riko Ueki, giving West Ham hope. The visitors grew in confidence after the break, forcing Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton into several key saves. Then, in stoppage time, Martínez rose highest to head back across goal and secure a well-earned point for West Ham. While Chelsea will be frustrated by their missed chances, West Ham’s resilience ensured a result that could shake up the WSL title race. West Ham’s Resurgence Continues as Martínez Double Stuns Chelsea For 21 minutes at Kingsmeadow, Chelsea appeared to be cruising to another routine victory. The Blues raced into a 2-0 lead, showcasing their squad depth as Maika Hamano and Aggie Beever-Jones, two of seven changes from their midweek Champions League win over Manchester City, found the net. As halftime approached, Chelsea dominated possession (73%) and had 16 shots to West Ham’s four. Even when Shekiera Martínez pulled one back in the 42nd minute, it still seemed like a matter of when, not if, Chelsea would seal the win. However, the hosts failed to capitalize on their chances, allowing West Ham to grow into the game in the second half. By the time Martínez netted a stoppage-time equalizer, a 2-2 draw felt like a fair result. While Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor may be frustrated by her side’s wastefulness in front of goal, the result is unlikely to shake up the WSL title race, with the Blues still comfortably ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United. West Ham’s Mid-Season Revival For West Ham, however, this marks a significant upturn in form. Manager Rehanne Skinner punched the air in celebration at the final whistle, reflecting the progress her side has made since the winter break. - Since January, West Ham have earned 11 points from a possible 24, with three wins and two draws in eight matches. - They are now unbeaten in their last three league games. - In mid-December, they sat 10th, just three points above the relegation zone—now, they have climbed to seventh place with a 10-point cushion over 12th-placed Crystal Palace. Skinner Praises Team’s Growing Confidence Speaking to Sky Sports, Skinner expressed her delight at her team’s resilience: "I'm so proud of the character and mentality we showed today. The confidence in the squad has grown massively, and now we’re getting late goals to earn points. We brought in a lot of new players in September, and it took time to gel. But now, we’re seeing belief and results." With their recent form, West Ham are proving they can compete with the WSL’s top sides, making their climb up the table one to watch.

Premier League Clubs in Tug-of-War for Jonathan David as Spurs Eye Return for Former Player The race to sign Lille’s prolific striker Jonathan David** is heating up, with six Premier League clubs—Newcastle United, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Chelsea, and Liverpool—all vying for the 25-year-old Canadian international. Meanwhile, four English clubs are in pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, and Tottenham are weighing up the possibility of bringing a familiar face back to North London. Jonathan David: A Hot Commodity in the Premier League David has long been on the radar of top European clubs, thanks to his consistent goal-scoring exploits in Ligue 1. The Lille forward has registered double-digit goals in each of his last four seasons, cementing his reputation as one of Europe's most reliable finishers. His pace, sharp movement, and ability to play both as a central striker and in a supporting role make him a highly versatile attacking option. Newcastle United are the latest club to express interest, joining an already star-studded list of suitors that includes Manchester United, Tottenham, West Ham, Chelsea, and Liverpool. - Manchester United are in dire need of a clinical forward to complement Rasmus Højlund, as their goal-scoring struggles have been a major concern this season. - Chelsea have been actively seeking a reliable number nine to solve their long-standing striker issues, and David could be the ideal solution. - Liverpool are eyeing attacking reinforcements amid uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future. - Tottenham are still looking for a long-term replacement for Harry Kane, and David’s ability to play in a fluid attacking system could appeal to Ange Postecoglou. - West Ham, under David Moyes, are keen to add more firepower to their frontline, particularly if they lose Michail Antonio or Jarrod Bowen. - Newcastle, with their ambition to build a Champions League-caliber squad, see David as an ideal addition to boost their attacking options alongside Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. With so many clubs chasing him, a bidding war could ensue, driving his price well beyond the initial valuation of £40-50 million. English Clubs Battle for Hugo Ekitike While the battle for Jonathan David intensifies, four English clubs are also chasing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitik. The 21-year-old French forward, who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain, remains a promising talent despite a challenging spell in Germany. His combination of pace, skill, and physical presence has attracted interest from Premier League sides looking for young attacking reinforcements. Tottenham Weigh Up a Return for a Familiar Face Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are considering bringing back a former player, though details remain unclear. This could hint at a possible return for Harry Kane in the future, though more realistic targets might include Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton) or Marcus Edwards (Sporting CP)—both of whom came through Spurs' academy before making names for themselves elsewhere. What’s Next? With the summer transfer window fast approaching, expect these transfer sagas to develop further. Jonathan David’s situation, in particular, could dominate the headlines, with Premier League giants battling it out for one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.

Striker Swap? Newcastle Eye Núñez as Liverpool Step Up Isak Interest The summer transfer window is still months away, but the battle lines are already being drawn as Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Liverpool both set their sights on each other’s key strikers. Newcastle and Forest in the Race for Darwin Núñez Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez appears to be edging closer to a Liverpool exit, with both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest reportedly keen on securing his signature. The 25-year-old has endured a mixed spell at Anfield since his high-profile £85m move from Benfica in 2022. Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency in front of goal and questions over his suitability to Liverpool’s tactical system under Jürgen Klopp have fueled speculation about his future. Newcastle, in particular, see Núñez as a potential focal point for their attack, given their ambitions of breaking into the Premier League elite. With their Saudi-backed ownership providing financial firepower, they could test Liverpool’s resolve with a significant bid. Nottingham Forest’s interest, while surprising, suggests the club is looking to make a statement in the market, though they would face a significant challenge in competing financially with Newcastle. Liverpool's Interest in Alexander Isak Gathers Momentum While Newcastle are targeting Liverpool’s striker, the Merseyside club is making moves of its own—reportedly intensifying its pursuit of Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s 25-year-old Swedish forward. Isak has been a standout performer for Eddie Howe’s side since his £63m move from Real Sociedad in 2022, impressing with his clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to lead the line effectively. His technical ability and composure in front of goal have made him a highly sought-after asset, and Liverpool see him as an ideal candidate to spearhead their next phase of attacking evolution. With Mohamed Salah’s long-term future uncertain and Darwin Núñez potentially leaving, Liverpool are looking for a more consistent and efficient striker to complement their attacking play. Isak’s ability to operate both as a central striker and in wider roles fits well into the Reds' flexible attacking system. However, prising Isak away from St. James’ Park will not be easy. Newcastle view him as central to their long-term project and will likely demand a substantial fee—possibly exceeding the £100m mark—to even consider parting ways with their star striker. What This Means for the Summer Transfer Window If these moves materialize, they could trigger a domino effect in the transfer market. Liverpool’s willingness to let Núñez leave suggests they are preparing for a reshuffle in attack, potentially prioritizing a more clinical finisher like Isak. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s interest in Núñez could indicate that they are open to offers for Isak—provided they secure a suitable replacement. With both clubs aiming to strengthen their squads for a push toward the top four, these negotiations could shape the landscape of the Premier League’s summer dealings. Expect big-money bids, tense negotiations, and potentially one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer.