Category Uncategorized

Real Madrid’s preparations for their Champions League showdown with Liverpool have been dealt a blow after teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono has been ruled out indefinitely with pubalgia. The 18-year-old Argentine has been a key rotational player under Xabi Alonso, but his absence comes at a crucial point in Madrid’s campaign, forcing tactical adjustments ahead of their high-stakes European clash this Tuesday.

Real Madrid confirm Mastantuono’s injury

Madrid have officially confirmed that Mastantuono has been diagnosed with pubalgia, commonly known as a sports hernia. In a brief statement, the club said: “Following tests carried out today on our player Franco Mastantuono by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with pubalgia. His recovery will be monitored.”

No recovery timeline was provided, meaning the 18-year-old is sidelined indefinitely. Mastantuono did not train with the squad ahead of the trip to Anfield, working instead inside Valdebebas Sports City under the supervision of the medical team.

The injury is untimely for both the player and Madrid manager Alonso, who has relied on the Argentine teenager as part of his attacking rotations this season. Mastantuono has featured in 12 matches across all competitions, scoring once and assisting once, but has recently found himself in and out of the lineup due to the return of key players like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAtheltic Bilbao, Barcelona and now Real Madrid – all hit with pubalgia scare

Pubalgia, also known as sports hernia, is a complex and often stubborn injury affecting the groin and lower abdominal area. It typically develops in athletes involved in high-intensity sports that demand rapid changes in direction, explosive sprints, and repetitive twisting.

Unlike a standard muscle strain, pubalgia involves inflammation and imbalance where the abdominal and adductor muscles meet near the pelvis, making recovery unpredictable. It can take weeks or even months for players to regain full fitness, and recurrence is common if rehabilitation isn’t handled carefully.

Across Europe, several young stars are battling the same issue. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer are all facing similar injuries this season. In Williams’ case, the condition limited him to just 530 minutes of football this season and has also ruled him out of Bilbao's upcoming Champions League clash against Newcastle United. Each player’s treatment involves rest, physiotherapy, and strength conditioning, while surgery remains a last resort.

For Mastantuono, Madrid’s medical staff are taking a cautious approach, prioritising long-term fitness over short-term availability.

What adjustments will Alonso make in Mastantuono's absence?

With Mastantuono ruled out, head coach Alonso must reconfigure his options ahead of the Champions League clash against Liverpool. The teenager’s ability to drift between midfield and the right flank provided tactical flexibility that will now need to be compensated for.

Rodrygo is the most natural replacement on the right, offering experience, pace, and a proven record in Europe’s biggest games. Alternatively, Alonso could deploy Arda Guler, another young attacker capable of cutting inside to create central overloads.

Eduardo Camavinga’s versatility also provides tactical depth; the Frenchman could operate in an advanced midfield role if Alonso seeks to maintain pressing intensity and defensive stability. Meanwhile, the absence of defenders Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba who are all recovering from injuries means Los Blancos' overall shape may have to adapt to ensure balance between defense and attack.

Madrid trained at Valdebebas before flying to England, with Alonso opting against a session at Anfield. The manager will address the media upon arrival in Liverpool.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportMadrid face setback in defining season

For Mastantuono, this injury halts what was shaping into a breakthrough campaign. Since joining from River Plate this summer, he has impressed with his technical skill, vision, and maturity beyond his years as he quickly earned the trust of both fans and coaching staff.

However, pubalgia is notoriously difficult to manage for developing players, especially those adjusting to the physical demands of elite European football. His long-term recovery will depend on how well his body responds to conservative treatment and strengthening programs. Teams have tried to numb down it's effect with players opting for a few games out and then joining full-session, but the issue tends to be chronic in nature and thus limited time off isn't the best solution as have been in the case of Yamal, who faced constant issue yet kept playing and is still managing it, Palmer was given six-weeks off after not able to overcome it in a short-period.

For Los Blancos, the focus now turns to depth and adaptability. Alonso’s squad still boasts elite talent in midfield and attack, but the Argentine’s absence adds another layer of complexity to an already injury-hit roster.

With the pressure on Ruben Amorim refusing to go away even after victory over Sunderland, Paul Scholes has now named the manager he believes should come in as a replacement at Manchester United.

Amorim still under pressure at Man Utd

Whilst some reports have reiterated that Amorim will be given a full season at Old Trafford, defeat against Sunderland would have no doubt tested the limit of that stance.

For now, the former Sporting Club boss remains in a job after goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko secured a long-awaited comfortable victory for the Red Devils, but the pressure is still on.

Speaking after what was a much-needed win, the United boss told reporters: “That is the kind of game where when we’re not playing well we’re defending well. We had our moments, we were focussed and competitive.

“Not the perfect performance. Senne [Lammens] did really well. We were a competitive and adult team today. We need to win these games with a clean sheet. Good for us.

“We need to understand that we need everyone to be ready to play. It’s a long season, we have a lot of problems, anything can happen. The important thing is that the teammates helped Lammens a lot to have a very good performance.”

Man Utd's "unstoppable" £420k-p/w duo can help Sesko reach Haaland levels

Benjamin Sesko has begun to impress in a Man Utd shirt, although can Ruben Amorim help him to hit the heights of Erling Haaland?

2 ByRobbie Walls Oct 7, 2025

With the pressure still on Amorim to turn things around for good, reports have emerged regarding a number of candidates that INEOS could turn to in the coming months.

Former England boss Gareth Southgate, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Fulham’s Marco Silva have all been among those in the headlines, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be needed.

A move for Glasner would be particularly impressive, given that the Austrian has just led Palace to a 19-game unbeaten run and taken them into European football. Alas, if it was down to Scholes, he’d go out and pick a different Premier League manager.

Scholes "definitely" wants Eddie Howe at Man Utd

Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes revealed that he “definitely” wants to see Eddie Howe at Man United. The Newcastle United boss stands out as the top name to replace Amorim, in his opinion, even if the move would be incredibly difficult to pull off from a side in the Magpies’ position.

The Old Trafford legend said, when asked who he’d like to see: “Eddie Howe, Eddie Howe. I’m not sure about his mate [assistant manager Jason Tindall], but definitely him.”

Although unlikely, if there is a chance for United to chase Howe’s signature, then they should go all in. He is one of the most reputable managers in the Premier League and has taken Newcastle from relegation contenders to Champions League qualifiers. It’s the exact type of transformation that the Red Devils so desperately need.

Games

19

Wins

7

Losses

3

Draws

9

Having lost seven times in 19 games against sides led by Howe, Man United have seen what he’s capable of first-hand and, more importantly, know just how adaptable he is on a tactical front. If the chance comes their way, the Newcastle boss should sit top of their list of Amorim replacements.

Leeds United are already looking ahead to the January transfer window and could seek to target an international star who will currently be available for free in 2026.

Leeds trying to move on after transfer frustration

Daniel Farke has acknowledged that the Whites could’ve done more in the window as they look to stay in the Premier League, albeit the German coach will have to play with the cards he has at his disposal for the time being after a heartbreaking late defeat at Fulham on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a bizarre Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.

Like any newly-promoted side, home form and being able to withstand barrages while on the road from elite outfits will be key to their chances of survival. Either way, the former Norwich City boss has admitted he will need to cope with the ‘reality’ of their situation.

He stated via The Independent on their transfer dealings: “I’ve got a few principles with how I work and this is crucial for me. One principle is I like openness and transparency. I like to name it how I see it.

“The second principle is once a transfer window is closed and I can’t influence things anymore, you won’t hear one bad word or comment from me in any way. I’m pretty fortunate to be allowed to work in the business. My job is to adapt to the reality and work with what I’ve got.”

Failed late Leeds moves for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, among others, have left the Whites a little light for Farke’s liking, but that is the way of the window, and he isn’t the only top-flight manager in that situation.

Ultimately, time is the greatest healer and January isn’t a million miles away, which could see movement emerge regarding another star who was heavily pursued during the summer.

Leeds United plan move to sign Fulham's Harry Wilson

According to Football Insider, Leeds are planning a renewed move to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson in January after missing out on the Wales international in the final hours of the summer window.

Encouragingly, the £55,000 per week earner is out of contract in 2026 and the Whites are keeping a close eye on his situation, while the Cottagers may be willing to sell him should he fail to agree an extention over the next few months.

Leeds are brewing a homegrown Wilson in “very talented” 18-year-old star

Leeds United are brewing their very own Harry Wilson in this 18-year-old sensation.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 13, 2025

Labelled “outstanding” by Michael Beale, Wilson, who shares the Unique Sports Group agency with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, per Transfermarkt, scored six times in 27 appearances last term and has featured in all of Fulham’s matches so far in 2025/26, though is yet to get off the mark.

Clearly, Farke has had to deal with frustration at Elland Road in his mission to land key targets, but the chance to achieve retribution in pursuit of a player who could potentially arrive on a cut-price agreement or for free next year may sweeten his set of circumstances.

An “incredible” star turned down a late move to Aston Villa after they expressed a willingness to fork out £43m, it has been revealed.

Villa in need of fresh injection of quality

Emery has undoubtedly done a fantastic job at Villa, turning around the club’s fortunes by leading them to the Champions League and the Europa League, but the manager clearly needs a fresh injection of quality in his squad.

It has been a slow start to the season for the Villans, losing two and drawing one of their opening three Premier League games, during which time they failed to score a single goal, which meant it was a busy deadline day for Emery.

Perhaps in light of his side’s attacking issues in the first three matches, the Spaniard opted to bring in two new attackers, with winger Jadon Sancho arriving on loan from Manchester United, alongside Liverpool attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott.

However, one position in which Aston Villa were unable to strengthen was between the sticks, and in the end they didn’t need to, with Emiliano Martinez remaining at the club.

It has since been widely reported that Martinez was actively seeking a deadline day move to Manchester United, phoning international teammate Lisandro Martinez to advocate for him, but the Red Devils ended up signing Senne Lammens instead.

With the Argentinian seeking a departure, Villa were looking to bring in a replacement, and a report from Record (via Sport Witness) has revealed they agreed to shell out €50m (£43m) for FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Aston Villa struck gold on "machine" who's worth more than Elliott & Sancho

Aston Villa have certainly hit gold on this unbelievable star, who is worth more than both new recruits Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 2, 2025

Costa was being targeted as a replacement for Martinez, but Emery’s side were unable to get a deal over the line, with the Portuguese shot-stopper rejecting a move to Villa Park in the final days of the window.

"Incredible" Costa could have been ideal Martinez replacement

Ultimately, Emery didn’t need to bring in an immediate replacement for Martinez, with a move to United failing to transpire, but it remains to be seen whether the Argentina international has a long-term future at the club.

The 33-year-old was clearly agitating for a move on deadline day, and in some ways it is disappointing that a deal didn’t go through, given that there is little point keeping a wantaway player on the books.

Not only that, but missing out on the Porto goalkeeper is a blow for Emery, given that the 25-year-old has put in some top-quality performances during his time with his boyhood club.

Having also amassed 36 caps for national side Portugal, and been described as “incredible” by compatriot Diogo Dalot, Costa could’ve been an ideal long-term replacement for Martinez, but Aston Villa will now have to wait until January at the earliest to pursue a deal.

Sanju Samson will take back captaincy of Rajasthan Royals after being cleared to keep wicket

Shashank Kishore04-Apr-20251:44

Boucher: Punjab middle order might be the strongest in IPL 2025

Big picture: PBKS put the chaos behindA year ago, Punjab Kings (PBKS) had hit a few lows with confusion around the real Shashank Singh, Shikhar Dhawan’s dismal form, and them finishing ninth with just five wins to miss out on a playoffs spot for the 10th year in a row.There’s a sense of calm around the group now. Led by Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, they have started IPL 2025 with two away wins and hope to set right their home record.PBKS won just one out of their five games in Mullanpur in IPL 2024. But this is a different team, with the kind of depth that makes them everyone’s envy. Only their top order is doing so well that it has made that depth almost decorative. Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen are all very useful with the bat but they have hardly been needed.Rajasthan Royals (RR), though, are grappling with several issues, starting from Yashasvi Jaiswal’s underwhelming start to concerns about their batting depth. They have tried to circumvent this issue by being flexible with their line-up, which is why their win over CSK, courtesy a Nitish Rana special last week to round off the Guwahati leg, would have come as a soothing balm.Both sides have had the propensity to produce thrillers while playing each other. Can they produce another?Form guidePunjab Kings: WWL (Last three matches, most recent first)
Rajasthan Royals: WLL
Sanju Samson will take back captaincy of Rajasthan Royals•Associated Press

New LoyaltiesYuzvendra Chahal is up against his former franchise, with whom he achieved considerable success. He took 27 wickets for RR in IPL 2022 and earned the purple cap and a place in the final for his team. RR let him go and PBKS snapped him up for INR 18 crore, making him the most expensive spinner in the tournament’s history.Team news and likely XIISanju Samson is set to take over the RR captaincy from Riyan Parag after being cleared by the Centre of Excellence to keep wicket following a finger injury. Samson had played the first three matches as an Impact Player.Rajasthan Royals (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 3 Nitish Rana, 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Wanindu Hasaranga, 7 Shimron Hetmyer, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Tushar Deshpande, 11 Sandeep Sharma, 12 Shubham DubeyPBKS have used two different impact subs in the two games so far. How they juggle with their options is anybody’s guess.Punjab Kings (probable): 1 Prabhsimran Singh, 2 Priyansh Arya, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Shashank Singh, 7 Suryansh Shedge, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Lockie Ferguson, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal, 12 Vijaykumar Vyshak/Nehal WadheraBig QuestionShould Shimron Hetmyer be batting as low as he has been in the first two matches? Against KKR, Hetmyer came in at No. 8, even below their impact sub, Shubham Dubey. Against CSK, Hetmyer came in at No. 7, behind Wanindu Hasaranga. RR are seemingly focused on his entry point as against his batting number, but the question remains. Are they maximising his potential?In the spotlightPrabhsimran Singh has been playing IPL since 2019. He has got through two mega auction cycles with the same franchise. But for all that time, he only has five half-centuries, including the his 34-ball 69 from earlier this week. This is Prabhsimran’s opportunity to show he can add consistency to his potential.Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been anywhere near his best in the 32 deliveries he has faced so far in IPL 2025. Between his previous game and now, his switching from Mumbai to Goa in domestic cricket has been dissected threadbare. If he can find form, Jaiswal will help deflect attention away from the off-field rumblings.2:58

Boucher: Jaiswal almost seems to be missing Buttler

Pitch and conditionsPBKS were left confused about what home advantage really means, having to navigate through slow surfaces in Mullanpur in IPL 2024. The bigger boundary dimensions at the ground usually bring spinners into play and explain why in five games last year, 180 was breached just twice while batting first.Key Stats Samson is one win away from being the most successful RR captain outright. He is currently tied on 31 with Shane Warne. Sandeep Sharma has a favourable match-up against Shreyas Iyer, whom he has dismissed three times in nine T20 innings while conceding 47 runs at a strike rate of just 84. Samson has been out five times in 11 T20 innings to Chahal. Will that force PBKS to go out of the box and throw him the ball during the powerplay? Teams scoring 170 or more while batting first have defended their score successfully eight times out of nine in all T20s in MullanpurQuotes”Rolls-Royce just stayed in third gear for most of the day. Didn’t have to go any harder than that. Just steers the ship home.”
PBKS coach Ricky Ponting on Shreyas Iyer’s 52* off 30 after their second win against LSG”It was just two games, but it felt very long. Happy.”
Riyan Parag after securing his first win as RR’s stand-in captain