Marseille fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Atalanta in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, a match overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions late on. Several Marseille players, along with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, were left furious after the referee declined to award a potential penalty just moments before Atalanta netted the decisive goal in the dying minutes.

• Controversy clouds Marseille's Champions League defeat

  Marseille welcomed Atalanta to Stade Velodrome on Wednesday evening in a crucial Champions League encounter for both teams. The match eventually ended in a narrow 1-0 win for the Italian outfit, with substitute Lazar Samardzic scoring the lone goal in the 90th minute, just minutes after he was introduced off the bench. 

  However, the game has sparked outrage from several Marseille players, as well as the head coach and sporting director. Just moments prior to the goal, the hosts made strong claims for a handball by Ederson inside the Atalanta area, which were swiftly rejected by the referee. Pressed deep in his own box, the Brazilian midfielder’s touch lifted the ball onto his arm, but the referee opted not to award a penalty. Atalanta immediately broke forward, and Samardzic capitalized on the counterattack to score.

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• Marseille players fuming at refereeing decisions

  After the match, several Marseille players expressed their thoughts on the controversial decision. "At least he should be fair, go and see [the video], go and check. Take the time. It's an important match, it's the Champions League," defender Nayef Aguerd told almost immediately after the match ended. "He doesn't even want to go and see if there's a penalty. I'm proud of the team. We'll continue to work and improve. It's hard to find the words tonight."

  Left-back Ulisses Garcia was left frustrated, too, saying: "A huge feeling of injustice, you see the hand clearly out. We're all sure it's a penalty and then we concede a goal. It's really difficult. We see the penalty that was given in Madrid, there was no penalty, and then here we see a hand clearly out. They don't whistle, we don't understand."

• De Zerbi and Medhi Benatia agitated

  Marseille head coach De Zerbi was shown a yellow card by referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez when he protested the decision to not check a potential handball on Atalanta's Ederson. After the game, he voiced his frustrations and labelled the entire episode "dubious".

  "It's a shame to have lost, they're a strong team," he told after the match. "The first 20 minutes weren't good, not up to our level. We didn't play well, we lost possession too often. After that, we played better, we absolutely didn't deserve to lose.

  "Then there's this somewhat dubious episode… I'm optimistic. We had eight or nine injured players, important players. I must remind you of that. 

  "I'm not a referee, I don't know the rules perfectly. But I have a good memory and I know we lost a match in Madrid for a similar reason. That's all I can think of. I think we've suffered three bizarre defeats. We haven't been lucky. The rules are different in Madrid and Marseille. In Lisbon, we also lose in isolated incidents. At 11 against 11, we never lose. We probably even win. And there's tonight."

  Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia didn't mince his words either. "For my part, yes. It's hard to accept [the result]," the Marseille chief admitted. "They say it's a natural position (Ederson's arm being held away from the body), but I don't think it's natural to have your arm like that. You see [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] preparing to shoot, so his arm completely changes the trajectory of the ball.

  "Everything they tell us at the beginning of the year when they hold meetings… For me, there was everything that should have led to that penalty being awarded. Then we conceded the goal that killed us, so it was obviously a big responsibility. 

  “Also, I didn’t appreciate the arrogant attitude of the referees. After these incidents, we have to focus and do our job to the best of our ability.” 

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• AFP
  

  Marseille face Champions League elimination

  The result leaves Les Phoceens in 25th position on the overall Champions League standings with just three points. While they are in a strong position domestically, sitting in second position just two behind than Paris Saint-Germain, their European campaign is in danger of falling apart if they fail to win their next couple of games. Their next opponents in the competition are Newcastle, Union Saint-Gilloise, Liverpool and Club Brugge.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians goleou o Always Ready-BOL por 4 a 0 pela segunda rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores Feminina. Jogando no no Estádio Metropolitano de Techo, em Bogotá, na Colômbia, o Timão construiu o placar com gols de Jaque, Fernandinha e Millene (três vezes), sendo que as duas últimas marcaram golaços. O resultado praticamente encaminha a vaga alvinegra no mata-mata do torneio.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Com muita superioridade em cima do adversário, o Corinthians pressionou as bolivianas desde o início do primeiro tempo, mas a abertura do placar até demorou a acontecer. Somente aos 17 minutos, quando Fernandinha acertou o ângulo, de esquerda, para marcar um golaço.

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Mas a porteira abriu o Timão marcou duas vezes em seguida com dois gols de Millene. O primeiro foi com um belo corte na zaga e chutando no canto da goleira adversária. O segundo foi ainda mais bonito, com uma bomba do “meio da rua”, no ângulo, sem chances para qualquer defesa.

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O jogo foi para o intervalo com as corintianas administrando o placar. Tanto é que o quarto gol saiu somente aos 23 minutos da segunda etapa. quando Jaque foi derrubada na área e sofreu pênalti. Ela mesma foi para a cobrança e ampliou.

Ainda houve tempo para mais. Depois de grande jogada de Tamires pela esquerda, a bola chegou nos pés de Millene, de novo, que não perdoou e balançou a rede para marcar o quinto gol, o terceiro dela no jogo. Em seguida, Vic Albuquerque sofreu pênalti e Tamires converteu para colocar o sexto tento no placar.

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Com o resultado, o Corinthians vai a seis pontos e lidera o Grupo C da Libertadores, e precisa de apenas um empate diante do Sportivo Limpeño-PAR, em jogo que acontece na quinta-feira (12), às 17h. No mesmo dia e horário, Colo-Colo-CHI e Always Ready-BOL fazem o outro duelo da chave.

Confira outros resultados do dia na Libertadores Feminina:

GRUPO C

Colo-Colo-CHI 4 x 0 Sportivo Limpeño-PAR

GRUPO D

Boca Juniors-ARG 5 x 1 Nacional-URU
América de Cali-COL 2 x 4 Internacional

Tudo sobre

Corinthians

As fears begin to re-emerge that Bruno Fernandes could leave the club, one Manchester United insider has claimed that the Red Devils are already preparing an internal replacement.

Update on Fernandes' Man Utd future

Whilst Saudi Arabia did come calling and there was a brief moment that some believed Fernandes could be on his way out of Old Trafford, his heart ultimately lied at Man United. Their star man stayed put instead of sealing a transfer that could have been worth as much as £100m, but the saga may not be done there.

Fernandes’ reward for staying put has been a new role in Ruben Amorim’s side. Instead of playing in one of the two advanced roles as arguably one of the Premier League’s best creators, the United captain is being asked to play in a deeper role alongside either Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro and his output has taken a major hit as a result.

Goals

0.24

0.29

Assists

0

0.3

Carries into penalty area

0.29

0.42

Take-ons

0.57

0.84

It seems unlikely that Fernandes will repeat last season’s 18 goal involvements without having a direct influence inside the area and if United aren’t getting the best out of their star man, questions will arrive about his future.

According to Football Insider, the Portugal international could be tempted to leave Old Trafford with clubs in the Saudi Pro League once again interested in a £100m deal.

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It was difficult to see how the Red Devils would cope without Fernandes last season. Everything positive went through him. Now that he’s in a deeper role, however, INEOS may believe that it’s worth cashing in on the 31-year-old whilst they still can.

If that does prove to be the case, then one Man United insider believes that Amorim will turn towards an internal replacement.

Insider believes Mainoo could replace Fernandes

According to former Old Trafford scout Mick Brown, Man United are already preparing Kobbie Mainoo to replace Fernandes despite concerns that he could also leave the club amid a lack of game time.

It would certainly make sense. Mainoo is a talented player who should be part of Ruben Amorim’s plans this season and Fernandes’ deeper role may have opened the door for the Carrington graduate.

If the United captain departs, then Mainoo represents the perfect player to step into that new role as the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo carry the creative mantle left behind.

Thomas Frank issued a concerning injury update on Mohammed Kudus ahead of their Manchester United clash this weekend. The Ghanaian playmaker, who joined Spurs from West Ham United in a £55 million ($72.5m) summer move, has become one of the club’s most consistent performers this season. He has scored once and set up five goals across 15 appearances. But just as he seemed to gain momentum, disaster struck again.

Spurs sweating on Kudus fitness

Kudus picked up a knock during training last week, ruling him out of Tuesday’s emphatic 4-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen. Now, his participation against United is also uncertain. 

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Frank cut a cautious figure and said: "Kudus is touch and go for tomorrow, we’ll see."

In Kudus' absence, Brennan Johnson, who started on the right flank in midweek, is expected to retain his spot. The Welshman impressed with his intensity against Copenhagen and should be a handful for United defenders. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTottenham's injury list grows longer

The north London side’s growing injury list continues to stretch the squad thin. Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison all remain long-term absentees, while Yves Bissouma and summer recruit Kota Takai are still awaiting their first minutes of the season. To make matters worse, promising youngster Lucas Bergvall will sit out the United game after suffering a concussion during last weekend’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. 

Frank also offered an update on Dominic Solanke’s slow recovery. The striker has been limited to a total of 59 minutes this season. Solanke’s ankle problems have kept him sidelined since pre-season, and he even underwent a minor surgery on October 1. And while his rehabilitation is progressing, Frank insists the club won’t rush his return.

"I think the international break will be the big decider, because we have two weeks there, to push with the next steps," said Frank.

"It was clear that he was not ready before the international break, it’s more that we look after the international break, that’s what we’re aiming for. I think you always want to get it right, I think it’s important to get it right so he’s out there, can help the team, and we need him back." 

However, he did offer some positive updates as well. 

"The ones that have been out for a small spell, Cuti (Cristian Romero) and Destiny (Udogie), responded well, so fit and available," he said. 

Amicable resolution with Van de Ven and Spence

Frank has also had to manage an internal situation involving defenders Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence. In the aftermath of the disappointing defeat to Chelsea, the Spurs head coach encouraged his players to perform a lap of appreciation for the fans. However, television cameras caught Van de Ven and Spence walking away, apparently ignoring the manager’s request. At the time, Frank refused to publicly criticise the pair, choosing instead to defuse the incident.

"All the players are, of course, frustrated," he had said after the match. "They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform. I understand that. I think it’s difficult to be consistent in good times and bad times, that’s why I went around to the fans as I did, it’s more fun when we win, I can tell you that."

He added, "I understand why you ask the question. But I think that’s one of, how you can say, small issues. We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence doing everything they can. They’ve performed very well so far this season. Everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, I don’t think it’s a big problem."

However, the two players have apologised to the manager to reach an amicable solution.

"Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday and just said they wanted to say sorry for the situation," he informed. "They didn't want it to look bad or any misconception that you can get in this beautiful media world. So there was no disrespect meant at all towards me or the team. They were just frustrated with the performance from us and the booing during the game."

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Getty Images/GOALA pivotal match for Spurs

Tottenham’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea was another frustrating afternoon for the fans, who voiced their displeasure at full-time. Saturday’s showdown against United now carries enormous weight for both sides. A win could reignite Tottenham’s momentum and strengthen their Champions League ambitions. They remain sixth in the Premier League table with 17 points from 10 games and are level with Manchester United but eight behind leaders Arsenal.

Chelsea are now preparing an offer worth over £87m to sign an “elite” new striker in a blockbuster move, it has been revealed.

Blues preparing bid for yet another new striker

The Blues made it three wins on the spin in all competitions on Saturday afternoon, with Pedro Neto particularly catching the eye, being awarded a 9.5 SofaScore match rating after chipping in with a goal and an assist.

Enzo Maresca’s side relied on their defenders to provide the other goals, with Josh Acheampong and Reece James also getting in on the act, and it was a late strike from the captain that wrapped up a 3-0 victory on the road.

Joao Pedro, on the other hand, was unable to have much of an impact on proceedings, and the Brazilian has now gone four Premier League games without a goal, after making an impressive start to the campaign.

Of course, it is still way too early to lose faith in Pedro, but the west Londoners are never shy about spending big in the transfer window, and they have now set their sights on a new striker.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now preparing an offer of more than €100m (£87m) for FC Porto star Samu Omorodion, who has established himself as one of the most promising young strikers in Europe.

There is a feeling that Omorodion would be a perfect fit in the Premier League, and the Blues are now willing to spend big to get a deal done, with the striker potentially in line to become one of their most expensive signings of all-time.

The blockbuster move is being considered for next summer, rather than January, which gives the 21-year-old the remainder of the season to prove he is the right man to lead the line for Maresca’s side.

Chelsea open talks to sign "powerful" £35m forward with 15 goals in 2025

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ByDominic Lund Oct 19, 2025 "Elite" Omorodion has ability to be the main man for Chelsea

The Spaniard enjoyed a very impressive debut campaign in Portugal last season, and the early signs this season show that he could be capable of eclipsing his previous league goal tally, having made a fantastic start.

Season

Liga Portugal appearances

Goals

2024-25

30

19

2025-26

7

5

Scout Ben Mattinson also lauded the Porto star last season, while also suggesting he has the ability to make the step-up to one of Europe’s top leagues.

Chelsea have implemented a policy of signing and developing exciting young players since BlueCo’s arrival, and Omorodion fits the bill in that regard, with the youngster clearly talented enough to lead the line at Stamford Bridge.

Compared to some in the division, Leeds United are yet to be completely ravaged by injuries so far this season. That said, they have suffered from some absences here and there.

Lucas Perri has been out of Daniel Farke’s plans since featuring against Newcastle United through injury, but this setback hasn’t derailed the Whites too much, with Karl Darlow taking over in goal, resulting in a win and a draw being clinched.

Moreover, Jayden Bogle has managed to wriggle free of any injury difficulties – with Farke worrying he might have missed the AFC Bournemouth draw – only for the former Sheffield United man to win seven ground duels versus their Premier League foes.

Leeds are well equipped to deal with injury struggles; therefore, with Daniel James, another injury-prone figure, now taking up room in the Elland Road treatment room.

The latest on Dan James' injury setback

It’s well-known by this point that the Welshman has routinely looked out of his depth in the Premier League, whether that be with Leeds or at other clubs.

Glancing at his numbers in the top-flight, and then comparing them to his Championship statistics, it’s really night and day between the two of them.

Once labelled an “exceptional” talent by ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he has struggled to ever look Premier League-ready.

Indeed, in the EFL’s elite division to date, the 27-year-old attacker has a bumper 29 goals and 25 assists next to his name, notably finding his way into the PFA Team of the Season for 2024/25.

On the contrary, in the league above, it’s just 12 goals and 13 assists to shout about, with his sketchy injury record also a major cause for concern for the number seven when it comes to regular minutes this season.

Worries emerged earlier this week that the winger had suffered an ACL injury and while the full extent of his recently obtained ankle injury is yet to be fully revealed, it is alleged that he could only miss up to six weeks of action, having also sat out a total of ten games last campaign during Leeds’ promotion hunt due to a hamstring issue.

Despite the Welshman sliding down the pecking order somewhat, he will still be fondly remembered for his key role last season as promotion was achieved, despite said setbacks.

Yet, it’s clear now, from Leeds’ summer business, that upgrades have been purchased all over the pitch to help the top-flight newcomers adjust to the testing Premier League, with one signing already looking a better talent than James at the elite level.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The "electric" star who is better than James

Both of Leeds’ early wins in the Premier League this season have been picked up courtesy of a whole host of Farke’s new purchases shining bright.

On the opening day, it was Lukas Nmecha – who joined from Wolfsburg this summer – who stole the headlines when converting a late penalty to hand his new employers a 1-0 win over Everton.

Then, it was the turn of Noah Okafor, who would seal a convincing 3-1 victory on the road against Wolverhampton Wanderers, after leaving AC Milan behind for England late into the hectic transfer window.

Unlike James, who relocated to Elland Road nervously after a stop-start time at the Red Devils, Okafor has arrived in England with his confidence full to the brim.

Indeed, he caused defences in the Austrian Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Swiss Super League all sorts of bother, before another top-flight adventure opened up for him.

Amazingly, playing for the likes of RB Salzburg, Milan, and Basel, Okafor notched up a blistering 81 goal contributions, which blows James’ own lacklustre numbers in the Premier League – another tough top-flight division in Europe – out of the water.

Okafor’s career numbers by position
Position	Games	Goals + Assists
LW	90	20 + 9
CF	79	26 + 16
RW	40	10 + 7
SS	2	0
LM	1	0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Consequently, Leeds might no longer feel a need to persist with James, even with the knowledge that he can bamboozle defences with his pace and skill on his day, when they have a similar winger who is proven at the very top in their fresh number 19.

It’s safe to say that the Swiss is also bamboozling defences in England, evoking memories of a tricky Raphinha when he once plied his trade at Elland Road. Indeed, to rubber-stamp that comparison, Okafor notably made a ridiculous 12 dribbles in the opening 45 minutes of that game with Wolves, the most by any player in the first half of a Premier League game since Boxing Day 2019, when Wilfried Zaha achieved 13 vs West Ham.

James will, no doubt, be given his moment in the Premier League spotlight again when he wriggles free of his latest injury setback.

But, with faces such as the “electric” Okafor already impressing – as he was once labelled by scout Jacek Kulig – Farke won’t feel he has to show blind loyalty to his old guard going forward.

Leeds had the original Gudmundsson & they let him leave for just £1m

Leeds must regret cashing in on this star who was the original Gabriel Gudmundsson at Elland Road.

By
Dan Emery

Oct 2, 2025

Leeds United picked up their third win of the Premier League campaign on Friday night with a much-needed 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke’s side bounced back from their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor last time out thanks to goals from Joe Rodon and Brenden Aaronson early on in the first half.

The Whites owed some of their win to the performance of Rodon at the heart of their defence, as he earned Sky Sports’ official Player of the Match award.

Why Joe Rodon was crucial for Leeds against West Ham

The Wales international produced a solid display at centre-back for the West Yorkshire outfit against the Hammers, without his usual defensive partner in Pascal Struijk next to him.

Rodon, per Sofascore, completed 92% of his attempted passes, showing his composure on the ball, whilst he also completed 100% of his attempted tackles and made nine clearances throughout the game.

On top of his impressive all-around performance at centre-back for the Championship champions, the former Spurs man also scored from Sean Longstaff’s excellent corner.

Rodon was, therefore, crucial to the team’s result with his excellent display. However, it is his centre-back partner, Jaka Bijol, who deserves the applause.

Why Jaka Bijol should be undroppable for Leeds

The £15m summer signing from Udinese made his Premier League bow against West Ham on Friday, having watched on as Struijk played in his position in previous games, and showed why the club splashed so much money on him.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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It was as assured a performance as you could get from a centre-back making his Premier League debut, particularly against an experienced campaigner and former England international centre-forward in Callum Wilson for most of the match.

Wherever Wilson was, Bijol was. His marking of the former Newcastle United marksman, who Transfermarkt notes has scored 89 top-flight goals, was immaculate throughout the night. In fact, there was one brilliant clearance when it looked like the striker was about to get a shot away in the box in the right channel in the second half.

Vs West Ham

Joe Rodon

Jaka Bijol

Pass accuracy

92%

95%

Clearances

9

11

Interceptions

0

2

Tackle success rate

100% (1/1)

100% (2/2)

Ground duels won

2

3

Aerial duels won

2

3

Ball recoveries

4

5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Slovenia international made more clearances, more tackles, more interceptions, and more recoveries than Rodon, whilst he also won more duels on the deck and in the air.

This shows that the former Udinese colossus was even better than the Welshman defensively, as he made more defensive interventions to prevent Lucas Perri from being worked more than he was.

Neither centre-back could do too much to prevent the goal that was scored, by Mateus Fernandes, as the midfield failed to track the Portuguese star’s run into the box between the two defenders, who both had other men to mark.

Overall, though, it was a brilliant performance from Bijol and one that may make supporters wonder why he has been an unused substitute in every match before Friday night, because he already looks undroppable after just one game.

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The 26-year-old star will be hoping that Farke now keeps him in the starting XI moving forward and he can string together a run of performances in the Premier League to form a formidable partnership with Rodon, after they both excelled against the Hammers.

Arsenal staff have been taken aback by summer signing Noni Madueke behind-the-scenes, with a twist now coming to light on the forward’s injury return timeline.

Mikel Arteta is now without star defender William Saliba once again, not to mention winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Delivering a pre-match injury update ahead of the Gunners’ Carabao Cup fourth round clash at home to Brighton on Wednesday evening, Arteta didn’t delve into too much detail on the extent of their problems, but the duo have now joined their injury list.

Saliba and Martinelli are accompanied by Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Madueke, who are all unavailable for selection right now due to various issues.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Jesus has been sidelined since the turn of the year after rupturing his ACL in an FA Cup defeat to Man United, and reports have suggested that the Brazilian may not be back in action until 2026.

Odegaard, meanwhile, is suffering real bad luck with injuries right now.

The Arsenal captain had only just returned from a shoulder problem when he set up Gabriel Magalhaes’ winner away to Newcastle, but it didn’t take long for Odegaard to be sidelined once again.

The £240,000-per-week playmaker picked up a medial collateral ligament injury in the 2-0 win over West Ham just prior to the last international break, and that is expected to keep him out until mid-November.

Luckily for Arteta, the north Londoners could soon welcome Havertz back.

The Germany international has apparently been blowing away Arsenal rehab staff with his recovery and is fighting to be fully match fit ahead of schedule, according to insider HandOfArsenal.

Now, as per GiveMeSport, nearly the exact same can be said of Madueke too.

Arsenal staff taken aback as Noni Madueke nears faster injury return

According to their information, Arsenal staff have been left impressed by Madueke’s attitude during recovery, and the England international winger is now set to return to training earlier than anticipated.

Madueke is said to be making “faster-than-expected” progress in his comeback from a knee injury which has kept him out since Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Man City.

The former PSV Eindhoven star, known for his pace, dribbling, and creativity, has been a bright prospect since joining Arsenal, and his return is expected to inject more flair and unpredictability into their front line.

Madueke’s ability to wreak havoc on defenders in one-on-one situations offers a new dimension, but also takes some pressure off Arsenal’s key forwards, with Arteta pretty light in that area right now.

His form right after joining Arsenal in the summer, despite early protests over his arrival, resulted in Madueke being considered as Andrea Berta’s arguable best signing of the window thus far.

Arsenal’s plan is for the 23-year-old to complete several controlled sessions before resuming full contact training, and he’s apparently used the time to work on other aspects of his game, like strength and conditioning.

His response to the setback has been nothing short of incredible, according to GMS, and Arteta will certainly be impressed behind-closed-doors.

Freddie Freeman just won World Series MVP while dealing with an injured ankle. But apparently, he had an even worse injury he kept hidden.

On Thursday, as the Los Angeles Dodgers basked in the glow of their World Series victory over the New York Yankees on Wednesday, it was revealed their first baseman had been playing with broken cartilage in his ribcage.

On Oct. 3 during a simulated game before the Dodgers would host the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, Freeman felt pain in his side. He tried to ignore it. Then the following happened, according to a story from ESPN's Jeff Passan: