Bashir Abdi Withdraws from Rotterdam Marathon Due to Injury, Shifts Focus to World Championships Belgian marathon star and European record holder Bashir Abdi has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming Rotterdam Marathon in April due to a hip injury. The 36-year-old runner, who holds the European record with a time of 2:03:36, set in Rotterdam in 2021, had been targeting another exceptional performance in the Netherlands. In preparation for the event, he even opted to skip the European Championships in his home country of Belgium. However, his plans have now been derailed by injury. Although the injury is not considered serious, Abdi and his team have decided that the Rotterdam race comes too soon for a full recovery. Instead, he will shift his focus to the World Championships in Tokyo this September, where he hopes to be in peak form. The setback is a disappointment for the Olympic silver medalist, but he remains determined to return stronger and compete at the highest level later in the year.

Andre Onana Speaks Out on Cameroon's Travel Woes and Calls for Accountability. Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has broken his silence regarding the chaotic journey the Indomitable Lions endured on their way to South Africa for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Eswatini. Travel Chaos Disrupts Cameroon's Preparation Cameroon’s squad faced major logistical setbacks, arriving late in Johannesburg just a day before the match. To their dismay, their connecting flight to Nelspruit was canceled, forcing the team to take a grueling 300-kilometer bus ride in the middle of the night. They eventually reached their hotel around 4 a.m., severely affecting their preparation for the crucial fixture. Onana Expresses Frustration and Apologizes to New Players Onana voiced his dissatisfaction with the situation, particularly lamenting its impact on newcomers Danny Namaso and Nathan Ngoumou, who had just received their first national team call-ups. In an interview with Allessio's TV, the 27-year-old goalkeeper issued an apology on behalf of the team, acknowledging the difficulties the debutants faced. "I would like to sincerely apologize to Nathan and Danny, who were making their first appearance for the national team. They love their country and displayed incredible patriotism, but what happened in South Africa was simply unacceptable," Onana said. He also emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for better management to prevent such incidents in the future. Cameroon Held to a Frustrating Draw Against Eswatini Despite their best efforts, Cameroon could not overcome their travel setbacks and had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw against Eswatini, a team ranked far below them. The result was a major setback in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Cameroon Bounces Back with Convincing Win Over Libya Determined to recover, the Indomitable Lions delivered an impressive performance in their next fixture, securing a 3-1 victory over Libya at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé. The team took an early lead before Bryan Mbeumo and Vincent Aboubakar extended their advantage in the second half. Libya managed to pull one goal back through Ezoo El Mariamy, but Cameroon maintained control to claim all three points. Onana’s Leadership on the Pitch Onana’s influence was evident not only in goal but also in his guidance of teammates. During the match against Eswatini, he was spotted giving free-kick instructions to Bryan Mbeumo, showcasing his leadership and tactical awareness. However, despite his efforts, Cameroon failed to secure a victory in that game. Looking Ahead With mixed results in their recent qualifiers, Cameroon remains in contention for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Onana’s call for improved planning and organization highlights a critical issue that must be addressed to enhance the team’s chances on the road to qualification. The Indomitable Lions will need to build on their victory against Libya and maintain consistency in the remaining qualifiers. As Onana stated, "We can’t change what happened, but we must take responsibility. Winning is our top priority."

Bukayo Saka Boosts Arsenal Ahead of Champions League Showdown with Real Madrid Arsenal have received a significant boost ahead of their highly anticipated Champions League clash against Real Madrid, with star winger Bukayo Saka hinting at a return from injury. Saka Nearing Comeback The 23-year-old England international has been sidelined for over three months after sustaining a hamstring injury during Arsenal's 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace in December. Following surgery and months of recovery, Saka recently shared a training photo on social media with the caption, "Hello again," signaling his readiness to return to action. His absence has coincided with a dip in Arsenal’s Premier League form, denting their title hopes. However, his return could be a timely boost as the Gunners prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixtures Before the European showdown, Arsenal will return to Premier League action against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on April 1, followed by an away clash against Everton on April 5. The first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid is set for April 9. Manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of the competition: "We have to value that and recognize it’s very difficult to do. Now we want to take the next step. It’s very difficult, but we are capable of doing it," Arteta told Football London. Can Arsenal Still Challenge for the Premier League Title? Arsenal's hopes of catching Liverpool in the title race have faded after recent setbacks. Before the international break, they had closed the gap, but two draws and a defeat left them 12 points behind with nine games remaining. With tough fixtures against Liverpool and Newcastle ahead, Arsenal would need a near-perfect run while hoping for a collapse from the league leaders to stay in contention. How Arsenal Can Overcome Real Madrid Club legend Thierry Henry has urged the team to "start believing" if they want to beat the reigning champions. Arsenal will need to be at their best against a Madrid side with vast experience in European knockout football. Saka's return, alongside a fully prepared squad, could be the key to securing a historic victory.

Top Players Sidelined by Injuries During the International Break The March international break has left several top clubs sweating over injuries to key players. With crucial league matches and the Champions League knockout stages fast approaching, teams like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Arsenal have been hit hard. Here’s a closer look at six high-profile stars who picked up injuries while on international duty and their expected return timelines. 1. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich & Canada) – ACL Injury (Out for Season) A devastating blow for Bayern Munich, Alphonso Davies suffered a severe ACL injury during Canada’s Nations League match against the United States. The rapid left-back, crucial to Bayern’s attacking and defensive play, is now ruled out for the remainder of the season. His absence comes at a critical time, with Bayern set to face Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals. Adding to the controversy, Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, blamed Canada’s coaching staff for pressuring him into playing despite not being fully fit. His injury will also be a concern for Canada ahead of the Copa América this summer. 2. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich & France) – Knee Injury (Weeks Out) Bayern suffered another setback with Upamecano, who sustained a knee injury after playing 120 minutes in France’s Nations League victory over Croatia. The center-back even scored the winning penalty in the shootout but later returned to Bayern with a concerning knee issue. Reports suggest he could be sidelined until the final weeks of the season. Bayern board member Max Eberl lamented the injuries, stating, “Unfortunately, there’s always the risk of players returning from international breaks with injuries – this time we’ve been hit particularly hard.” 3. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest & New Zealand) – Possible Muscle Injury (Return Uncertain) Nottingham Forest’s top scorer, Chris Wood, was forced off during New Zealand’s 3-0 World Cup qualifier win over New Caledonia. The striker, who has been pivotal in Forest’s unlikely push for European qualification, reported pain in his leg but remained hopeful that the injury is not serious. Forest’s medical staff are awaiting scan results, but early reports suggest he might be rested for the FA Cup tie against Brighton before returning for the Premier League run-in. 4. Alisson Becker (Liverpool & Brazil) – Suspected Concussion (Undergoing Protocols) Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson, suffered a head injury during Brazil’s 2-1 win over Colombia following a heavy collision with defender Davinson Sánchez. The Brazilian medical team confirmed a suspected concussion, leading to his withdrawal from the squad for their match against Argentina. Alisson later reassured fans via Instagram, saying he was “fine” but will need to follow concussion protocols before returning to action. His status for the upcoming Merseyside derby remains uncertain, with Arne Slot expected to provide an update next week. 5. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool & Netherlands) – Fitness Issue (Doubt for Derby) Gravenberch did not feature in the Netherlands’ Nations League clashes against Spain after withdrawing from the squad due to an ongoing fitness concern. The injury reportedly stems from the Carabao Cup final, where he sustained a knock. Liverpool will be monitoring his recovery closely, as they prepare for the crucial Merseyside derby and the Champions League quarter-finals. A short rest period may be enough for him to regain full fitness. 6. Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal & Italy) – Knee Discomfort (Short-Term Absence Expected) Arsenal’s Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori suffered a knee issue during Italy’s Nations League match against Germany. The young center-back landed awkwardly, prompting concerns about a recurring knee problem. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti stated, “His knee feels strange, but he can’t answer the question of what he feels.” While the extent of the injury is unclear, early reports suggest Calafiori could be out for a few weeks. With Arsenal in a tight title race and also vying for Champions League glory, Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a speedy recovery. The Gunners might have to rely on academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly as cover if Calafiori’s absence is prolonged. As clubs resume their domestic and European campaigns, the timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse. Bayern Munich is arguably the most affected, losing two defensive stalwarts in Davies and Upamecano. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s concerns over Alisson and Gravenberch add to their growing injury list, and Arsenal will be hoping Calafiori’s setback is only temporary. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, these injuries could have a significant impact on title races, European ambitions, and cup competitions.

African 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Key Insights and Notable Performances After Matchday Six Salah Leads the Goal-Scoring Charts Egyptian captain and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been in scintillating form in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, emerging as the top scorer so far with six goals. The 32-year-old forward kicked off his campaign in style, netting four goals in Egypt’s commanding 6-0 victory over Djibouti on matchday one. He later found the back of the net in crucial away fixtures against **Guinea-Bissau and Ethiopia**, strengthening Egypt’s position as one of the favorites to qualify. Meanwhile, Algerian striker Mohamed Amoura, who plays for Wolfsburg, showcased his scoring prowess with a hat-trick in Algeria’s 5-1 demolition of Mozambique on matchday six. With five goals to his name, Amoura now shares second place in the goal-scoring charts alongside five other players. Upsets and Surprises in Group C Group C, featuring South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, has proven to be one of the most unpredictable sections of the African qualifiers, delivering several stunning results: - Lesotho held Nigeria to a surprising 1-1 draw in Uyo. - Rwanda capitalized on adverse weather conditions, mastering a rain-soaked pitch to **defeat South Africa at home. - Benin staged an impressive comeback to beat Nigeria, further complicating the Super Eagles' qualification hopes. - In another shocking result, Zimbabwe’s Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Tawanda Chirewa scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw against Nigeria, further denting their progress. With four matchdays remaining, Group C remains wide open, with no clear favorite yet to secure automatic qualification. Most Common Scorelines and Rare Big Wins Across the 151 matches played so far in the qualifiers, 1-0 has been the most frequent result, occurring 33 times. The next most common scorelines have been 2-1 and 2-0, with 21 matches each ending in those results. Draws have also been prevalent, with 19 games ending 1-1 and 15 finishing goalless (0-0). Blowout victories have been relatively rare, but there have been a few dominant performances, including: - Ivory Coast's record-breaking 9-0 thrashing of Seychelles, the most one-sided result of the qualifiers so far. - Three matches ending in 5-0 victories and two finishing 6-0 and 5-1 highlighting occasional one-sided encounters. Top Seeds Living Up to Expectations The tournament's top-seeded teams have largely justified their rankings, with five out of ten leading their respective groups: - Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, and Tunisia currently occupy first place in their respective groups. - Cameroon and Senegal, two of Africa’s football powerhouses, are in second place, trailing Cape Verde and DR Congo by a single point. - Mali and Nigeria, however, are struggling. Both teams sit in fourth place, lagging six points behind group leaders Ghana and South Africa, respectively. With four more matchdays to go (two in September and two in October), the qualification race remains highly competitive. Morocco’s Perfect Record Among the 52 teams still in contention, Morocco is the only side to maintain a 100% winning record, having won all five of their matches so far. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists have displayed their dominance with victories over: - Tanzania (twice) – 2-0 - Zambia – 2-1 - Congo Brazzaville – 6-0 - Niger – 2-1 Interestingly, Morocco played two of their "away" matches at home, as Congo Brazzaville and Niger opted to shift their games to Moroccan soil. Niger’s decision was due to the lack of a FIFA-approved stadium, while Congo’s reasons remain unclear. Looking Ahead With the final four rounds of the group stage scheduled for September and October, teams will be making their final push for qualification. While favorites like Morocco and Egypt continue to impress, struggles from teams like Nigeria and unexpected upsets in Group C have added excitement to the qualification campaign. The battle for Africa’s automatic World Cup spots remains intense, promising more drama in the coming months.

Nigerian-Italian Youngster Destiny Onoguekhan Elimoghale Chooses Italy Over Super Eagles Rising football talent Destiny Onoguekhan Elimoghale, a 15-year-old winger born to Nigerian parents in Italy on April 23, 2009, has made it clear that his international future lies with the Italian national team. Currently a standout player in the Juventus Football Academy, Elimoghale has been making waves in youth football, particularly with Italy’s U-17 squad. His impressive speed and attacking prowess were on full display in the ongoing UEFA U-17 European Championship qualifiers, where he played a crucial role in Italy’s recent 2-1 victory over Croatia. Coming off the bench, he scored the decisive goal, underlining his potential as a game-changer. In an interview with Calcio Mercato, Elimoghale expressed his deep connection to the Azzurri and his desire to continue representing Italy at the international level. “For me, the national team is everything. It is something extraordinary because not everyone can wear the blue shirt. My future will, therefore, still be in blue hues, and I can not wait to fight to become a U-17 European Champion,” he stated. His firm commitment to Italy effectively rules out any possibility of playing for Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the future. Inspired by Football Greats Despite frequently being compared to AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, Elimoghale draws inspiration from Brazilian legend Neymar, whom he considers his football idol. Additionally, he admires Juventus first-team star Kenan Yildiz and closely follows his playing style, striving to incorporate similar techniques into his own game. The young prospect also revealed his fascination with the number 11 jersey, a number traditionally associated with flair players. “I have always looked at the great talents that made it to the senior team, and in particular, Kenan Yildiz is the one I try to imitate the most. He always wears the number 11 shirt, which, like the number 10, carries significant weight—especially at Juventus. In black and white, Paul Pogba wore it, and I consider him a player to look up to among Juventus legends.” Future Aspirations Elimoghale remains focused on his development with Italy’s youth setup, determined to carve a successful path in professional football. With his skill set and mindset, he aims to emulate the success of his football idols and make a name for himself on the international stage. For Nigeria, the loss of yet another promising young player to European football underscores the ongoing challenge of retaining dual-nationality stars, particularly those who develop their careers in top-tier European academies. However, for Elimoghale, the future is set—his dream is to shine in Italy’s famous blue jersey.

Tuchel Admits Bellingham Was Fortunate as England Grind Out Win Over Latvia England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that Jude Bellingham was "lucky" to avoid a red card during the Three Lions' 3-0 victory over Latvia in Monday’s World Cup qualifier at Wembley. Despite the comfortable scoreline, England faced difficulties in breaking down their determined opponents, with Tuchel conceding that his side "struggled" to find their rhythm. Bellingham, known for his passionate style of play, found himself in hot water after receiving a yellow card in the first half. Shortly after halftime, he lunged into a reckless challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis, raising concerns that he might be shown a second yellow. Tuchel wasted no time in taking precautions, immediately substituting the Real Madrid star for Phil Foden to prevent a potential dismissal. "A bit lucky," Tuchel admitted post-match. "We took the decision straight away to not take the risk and take him off." At the time of Bellingham’s exit, England were still clinging to a slender 1-0 lead courtesy of Reece James’ stunning first-half free-kick. The hosts struggled to extend their advantage against a Latvia side ranked 136th in the world. However, Harry Kane doubled the lead shortly after Bellingham's removal, easing the tension before Eberechi Eze sealed the win with a late goal. England Yet to Hit Top Gear Under Tuchel Despite back-to-back victories to open his tenure, Tuchel admitted England’s performances have been far from perfect. Following a lackluster 2-0 win over Albania in his debut match on Friday, England again found it difficult to impose themselves against a much weaker opponent. "It was not an easy match," Tuchel reflected. "We saw a lot of good things, created good chances, but needed a free-kick to unlock it. I’m happy with the attitude, energy, and desire, but we will get there." He also pointed out that England’s tempo dropped in the second half, making it harder to break down the Latvian defense. "We slowed the game down too much and made little movement, which makes no sense," he explained. "But the second goal was better as we showed acceleration from one of our midfielders. We encourage everyone to have those late surges forward, but we struggled a bit until the goal. I’m learning about the players and the game, so it’s an interesting process." James and Rogers Shine One of the biggest positives for England was the performance of Chelsea right-back Reece James, who marked his first international start since September 2022 with a superb goal and an assured display. Having played under Tuchel during Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League-winning campaign, the German coach is well aware of James’ quality and was pleased with his impact. "I know Reece and the quality he has is amazing," Tuchel said. "He has every right to be proud and happy with his performance. He looks sharp, and there is no doubt about his quality." Tuchel also highlighted James' versatility, explaining how he can be used to create an extra advantage in midfield when England are in possession. "If you dominate a match like today, he can be a hybrid midfielder to help create overloads. His quality is at the highest level," he added. Additionally, the England boss was impressed with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who made his first start for the national team. The young midfielder has been a standout performer for Villa in their run to the Champions League quarter-finals and showed glimpses of his potential on the international stage. "I’m happy with him. He deserved to start," Tuchel said. "A match where we are so dominant could suit him more playing from the wings. He felt more freedom there, and there was more space. He did well." Looking Ahead England will next be in action in June when they take on Andorra, where Tuchel will hope to see continued improvements in his team’s attacking play and overall cohesion. While the wins have come, the German tactician will know that tougher tests lie ahead, and performances will need to improve if England are to mount a serious challenge at the World Cup.

Son Heung-min Criticizes Poor Pitch Conditions as South Korea Struggles in World Cup Qualifiers South Korea captain Son Heung-min has voiced his frustration over the subpar pitch conditions that he believes have contributed to the team's difficulties in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. His comments came after South Korea was held to a 1-1 draw against Jordan on Tuesday, a result that puts their automatic qualification hopes under threat. This marked the second consecutive home draw for the Taegeuk Warriors, following another disappointing 1-1 result against Oman last week. Despite still leading Group B with 16 points, South Korea faces mounting pressure with a crucial away match against third-placed Iraq on the horizon. Home Advantage Undermined by Poor Playing Surfaces South Korea’s recent qualifiers were relocated away from the capital, Seoul, due to the deteriorating condition of the national stadium’s pitch. However, Son expressed disappointment that the new venues failed to provide the high-quality playing surface expected for international matches. “When we play at home, we should have the best conditions possible, but things haven’t improved at all,” the Tottenham Hotspur star told reporters in Suwon after the game. “I know we can perform better, but when our own pitch becomes a disadvantage, I wonder where our home advantage really is.” Son’s remarks highlight an ongoing issue in South Korean football. Poor pitch conditions have been a frequent concern, affecting both domestic and international games. Last month, former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, now playing for FC Seoul in the K League, publicly criticized the state of the pitches after he tripped on loose turf during a match. Even South Korea’s World Cup qualifier against Iraq in October 2023 had to be moved away from Seoul due to concerns about the playing surface. Son emphasized that such factors, although they may seem minor, can significantly impact results in high-stakes competitions. “I know this may sound like an excuse, but small details in football matter,” he said. “They can make the difference between getting one point or securing three points. I hope this issue gets the attention it deserves.” South Korea’s Qualification Hopes Hang in the Balance Despite the frustrating results, South Korea remains in control of their destiny. Lee Jae-sung put them ahead in the fifth minute against Jordan, but the visitors responded with an equalizer later in the first half. Meanwhile, Iraq suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Palestine, allowing South Korea to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the group. With only two matches remaining in the qualifying round, the Taegeuk Warriors must secure positive results to guarantee direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The top two teams in each group automatically qualify, while third-placed teams enter additional playoff rounds. South Korea’s next challenge is an away fixture against Iraq, followed by a home match against Kuwait to conclude their campaign. Son remains optimistic despite the setbacks. “Even though these results are disappointing, we’re still leading the group, and that’s what matters,” he said. “We want to hold that position until the end.” With tensions rising and qualification on the line, South Korea will need to overcome both their on-field struggles and their off-field challenges to book their place in the World Cup.

Sabalenka and Paolini Secure Semi-Final Spots at Miami Open World number one Aryna Sabalenka powered into the semi-finals of the Miami Open with a commanding 6-2, 7-5 victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen on Tuesday. Despite facing a tough challenge in the second set, the Belarusian star maintained her composure to claim her first-ever semi-final berth in Miami. Sabalenka appeared to be in complete control as she breezed through the opening set, showcasing her signature aggressive play and powerful baseline shots. However, Zheng, the tournament’s ninth seed, regrouped during the set break and came out with renewed intensity. She broke Sabalenka twice early in the second set to establish a 4-2 lead, putting the world number one under serious pressure. At a crucial moment, Sabalenka found herself trailing 0-40 but managed to rally back, holding her serve to level the score at 4-4. She then turned her frustration into motivation, unleashing a series of blistering returns to break Zheng and go 6-5 ahead. With her dominant serve back in full force, Sabalenka held her next service game to seal the win. Reflecting on her victory, Sabalenka acknowledged the tough battle against Zheng. "Honestly, every match against her is difficult. I always have to work really hard to win, and today was no exception," she said. "I'm super happy with the way I managed my emotions and handled the pressure." Sabalenka will now face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the semi-finals, after the sixth seed secured a 6-3, 6-2 win over Poland’s Magda Linette earlier in the day. Paolini, who previously reached the finals at Wimbledon and the French Open last year, became the first Italian woman to reach the last four in Miami. She needed just 77 minutes to dispatch Linette, who had earned her spot in the quarter-finals with an upset win over Coco Gauff. Despite a lengthy delay due to heavy rain, Paolini came out strong and dominated from the outset. She is now aiming for her second WTA 1000 title after her breakthrough triumph in Dubai last year. “I didn’t play badly this season, but I just didn’t get the results I was hoping for,” Paolini said after the match. “I was facing strong opponents and losing close matches, but I kept believing. Maybe I just needed a little more confidence, and I’ve found it here.” The remaining quarter-finals will take place on Wednesday, featuring some exciting matchups. Second-seed Iga Swiatek will take on Alexandra Eala, the teenage wildcard from the Philippines who has already stunned Australian Open champion Madison Keys. Meanwhile, Britain’s Emma Raducanu, enjoying her best tournament run since winning the US Open in 2021, will go up against American fourth-seed Jessica Pegula. With Sabalenka and Paolini securing their spots, the Miami Open is heating up as the battle for the prestigious title continues.

Valencia’s Sporting Director, Miguel Ángel Corona, has expressed his excitement over securing Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar. The 27-year-old forward struggled for regular game time at Real Sociedad, starting only two matches in the first half of the 2024/2025 La Liga season. Seeking more opportunities, he made the move to Valencia on a six-month loan deal, which includes an option for a permanent transfer at the end of the season. Corona conveyed his satisfaction with the signing, highlighting the Nigerian striker’s potential impact on the team. "Welcome, Sadiq, and thank you for your trust. We've been in discussions for weeks, and it's a great pleasure to finally introduce you as a Valencia CF player at the start of the transfer window. We believe he will add a lot to our attack, offering versatility and complementing the players we already have. He is adaptable, having experience playing as a lone striker when needed. We have full confidence in him and know he will make a valuable contribution. We wish him the best of luck, and he is now fully available for the coach. In fact, despite not being scheduled for training today, he still came in for a session—further proof of his dedication and eagerness to be part of our project and wear the Valencia jersey," said former Almería midfielder Miguel Ángel Corona, as shared on the club’s official website. With Valencia struggling in 19th place in La Liga, their Sporting Director confirmed that Sadiq was signed to strengthen the squad and boost their performance. "We have complete faith in our squad. Given the challenges we've faced in the striker position, we've brought in another forward to bolster our attack. We've also acknowledged the need to reinforce the right flank due to recent setbacks. Moving forward, we'll assess any further opportunities to strengthen the team." Sadiq may make his first appearance for Valencia in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday as they face Spanish second-division club Eldense.