Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that captain Martin Odegaard could be missing until after the November international break due to the Norwegian’s latest injury setback.
Odegaard set an unwanted record by becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts when he came off with a knee injury against West Ham on October 3.
The 26-year-old had previously struggled with a recurring shoulder problem this season.
READ ALSO: Liverpool Seek Mojo Against Man Utd, Postecoglou Hunts First Win
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 22, 2025. West Ham won the match 1-0. (Photo by Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP)
“It will be weeks. No definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. Very unlucky, what’s happening with him and his injuries this season,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Fulham on Saturday.
“It could be (after the next international break), but we’ll have to see how he progresses, how the knee’s healing, how he manages after the next steps in his rehab, so too early to give an answer,” he added.
Despite Odegaard’s disrupted start to the season and other injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, William Saliba and Noni Madueke, Arsenal have stormed to the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners lead title rivals Liverpool by one point after seven games as they seek to go one better after finishing third for three consecutive seasons.
Viktor Gyokeres was signed to end Arsenal’s need for a prolific striker.
The Swede, though, has so far scored just three times in 10 appearances and has not netted in his last eight matches for club and country.
Arteta backed the 27-year-old to come good and claimed to have been pleased with Gyokeres’ all-round performances so far.
Arsenal’s Swedish striker #14 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring the team’s fifth goal from the penalty spot with Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 23, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)
“He brings so much to the team and watching the games back, I’m very pleased with what he’s given to the team,” added Arteta.
“I told him before the first meeting, ‘the nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn’t score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, you have to go somewhere else because the pressure, the expectation is going to be there.’
“If you put the number nine shirt on for Arsenal, you have to be able to say: ‘six games I don’t score, am I different player? Do I act in a different way?’
Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has called up 21 players including skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okoronkwo, for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic.
Nigeria’s team is made up of 21 players made up of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards.
Ajibade was the Player of the Tournament at the 2024 WAFCON where she led Nigeria to a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star will be joined by Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto.
Aphoto combination of Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie receiving their individual awards at the WAFCON 2024 in Morocco on July 26, 2025.
Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year for two years running) is also on the list. Others include regulars like defender Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Veteran Mexico-based defender Osinachi Ohale, and midfielder Christy Ucheibe are also part of the squad.
READ ALSO: Yamal Set To Return As Wounded Barca Start Clasico Countdown
Nigeria’s midfielder #13 Deborah Abiodun and Morocco’s forward #18 Sanaa Mssoudy vie for the ball during the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final football match between Morocco and Nigeria at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
The game between the West African countries is the final qualifying fixture for the 2026 WAFCON to be hosted by Morocco.
The first leg is scheduled for the Stade Kegue, Lome, Togo on Saturday, 25 October while the return fixture will be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
That tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals to be hosted by Brazil.
Nigeria’s players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final football match against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
Nigeria are the defending champions of the WAFCON, beating hosts Morocco to land the record-extending title.
Full List of Players for Super Falcons Vs Benin Republic WAFCON Qualifier
Liverpool will be desperate to recapture their spark against bitter rivals Manchester United this weekend but Ruben Amorim’s men will harbour hopes of pinching a rare win at Anfield.
The champions have lost just one of their past 14 Premier League meetings against United but have suffered three straight defeats in all competitions, with Arsenal now top of the pile.
Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou survived the international break but remains under intense pressure after failing to record a win in his first seven matches.
AFP Sport looks at three key talking points ahead of the weekend action:
Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot speaks with the officials after the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park in south London on September 27, 2025. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)
When Liverpool started this season with five straight Premier League wins, it appeared they were on track for a record 21st English top-flight title — which would take them one clear of United.
But problems they had papered over with a flurry of late goals finally caught up with them in defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, either side of a Champions League loss at Galatasary.
Liverpool, one point behind leaders Arsenal, trolled United on social media this week, reminding them of the 7-0 drubbing they dished out in March 2023.
Mohamed Salah scored twice that day and has an eye-catching record against United, netting in 10 of the past 11 matches between the clubs in all competitions.
But the Egypt forward will go into the fixture searching for form while new signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are struggling to make an impact. Arne Slot’s men are also shaky at the back.
United, without a win at Anfield since 2016, have come away with creditable draws from their past two visits.
Ruben Amorim’s men, wallowing in mid-table, will not scare Liverpool but they will likely have chances to exploit chinks in the home side’s armour.
READ ALSO: Yamal Set To Return As Wounded Barca Start Clasico Countdown
Postecoglou still winless
Nottingham Forest’s Australian manager Ange Postecoglou reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 13, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)
Ange Postecoglou does not appear to be over-concerned about his position at Nottingham Forest despite a winless start to his reign at the City Ground.
The club, just one place above the relegation zone, host Chelsea in the early kick-off on Saturday.
It is a rapid fall from grace for Forest, who finished seventh last season under the now-departed Nuno Espirito Santo to secure European football.
But it continues a troubling pattern for Postecoglou, who endured a nightmare league campaign last season with Tottenham, which cost him his job despite Europa League glory.
The Australian said he relished a challenge after his team’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on October 5, just days after home fans at the City Ground called for his sacking.
“I’ve fought for things my whole life, so it’s just another fight that I love to be in the middle of,” said the 60-year-old.
Time will tell whether the international break will help Postecoglou or has merely delayed the inevitable, with former Burnley and Everton manager Sean Dyche reportedly in the frame to replace him.
Bournemouth’s Ghanaian striker #24 Antoine Semenyo (2R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Everton and Bournemouth at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England on February 8, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Antoine Semenyo is arguably the most in-form player in the Premier League, the main man in a Bournemouth team who are flying high.
The London-born Ghana winger has scored six times and provided three assists in the league for Andoni Iraola’s side, who are fourth in the table after their best start to a Premier League campaign.
Semenyo has been involved in nearly 82 percent of his team’s goals — by far the highest proportion for any player in the league.
“He is incredible,” said teammate Justin Kluivert. “He shows it every game now. He is just world-class.”
Iraola’s Bournemouth are riding high despite selling around £200-million ($269-million) worth of talent in the summer transfer window.
Now they a tough challenge against a Crystal Palace team determined to prove a point after the end of their 19-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
Premier League Fixtures This Weekend
Saturday (1400 GMT unless stated)
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea (1130), Brighton v Newcastle, Burnley v Leeds, Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, Manchester City v Everton, Sunderland v Wolves, Fulham v Arsenal (1630)
Sunday
Tottenham v Aston Villa (1300), Liverpool v Manchester United (1530)
Cole Palmer has been ruled out of action for six more weeks, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday.
The England midfielder has not played since Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on September 20 — when he came off midway through the first half.
Maresca initially said he hoped Palmer, 23, would be back after this month’s international break.
“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. So, yes, this is the update,” he said.
The Italian said he was confident that the forward would not require surgery.
Chelsea’s Italian head coach Enzo Maresca shouts instructions to the players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London on September 27, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)
READ ALSO: Yamal Set To Return As Wounded Barca Start Clasico Countdown
“We try just to protect Cole as much as we can and the most important thing is that when he comes back he’s fully recovered,” he added.
Maresca, whose team face Nottingham Forest on Saturday, said replacing “one of the best players in the Premier League” was difficult.
“For sure, we need to find a different solution, we need to find different skills, because we don’t have another player like Cole,” he said. “Because Cole is unique.”
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has confirmed that the second phase of the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League will take place in Lagos from November 26 to December 6, 2025.
According to a statement signed by the HFN General Secretary, Monica Otumala, on Friday, the top-tier league—proudly sponsored by Ardova PLC—will be staged at two venues: the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute of Sports, Surulere, and the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba.
Teams are expected to arrive in Lagos on Tuesday, November 25, with a crucial Technical Meeting scheduled for the same day. Matches will kick off on Wednesday, November 26, and run through to Saturday, December 6, when the season’s champions will be crowned. Teams will depart on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Otumala urged all participating clubs to begin preparations early and ensure completion of all documentary registrations ahead of the competition.
READ ALSO: Yamal Set To Return As Wounded Barca Start Clasico Countdown
“The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) is pleased to inform you that the 2nd phase of the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League will take place from November 25 to December 7, 2025, in Lagos State,” she said.
“Participating teams must make all necessary arrangements to plan their arrival and departure within the stated period, and all documentary registrations of players must be completed on or before November 10, 2025,” Otumala added.
The Safety Shooters and Safety Babes, both owned by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), currently lead the men’s and women’s divisions respectively after the first phase of the league, which was held in Benin City, Edo State, in July.
In the men’s category, Safety Shooters sit atop the table with 28 points and a +97 goal difference, narrowly ahead of COAS Shooters, who also have 28 points but a lesser +50 goal difference. Rima Strikers of Sokoto occupy third place with 25 points, while defending champions Tojemarine Handball Club follow in fourth with 24 points.
Hansi Flick’s side were hammered 4-1 by Sevilla before the international break and must regroup before facing Real Madrid on October 26.
Midfielder Pedri Gonzalez said Barca’s performance in Seville was the team’s worst under Flick, and since then Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have suffered injuries to deepen their plight.
However Yamal and Fermin Lopez returned to training this week and are expected to be fit to face Girona, while Raphinha is also nearing a return.
READ ALSO: Chelsea’s Maresca Banned For Forest Match After Wild Celebration
Barcelona’s Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal warms up prior the UEFA Champions League league phase day 2 football match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, on October 1, 2025. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP)
Teenage star Yamal missed the thrashing by Sevilla and then Spain’s World Cup qualifiers with the recurrence of a groin problem, but should feature against Girona in a derby clash.
Yamal’s expected return is a welcome boost for Barca ahead of a busy period, with a Champions League match against Olympiacos following on Tuesday ahead of the Clasico.
Joan Garcia, Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are longer-term absentees and Flick’s options remain thin, without much room for rotation.
The coach was careful not to further reduce the morale of his players after their collapse at Sevilla.
“It’s one match and we lost it, and we have to keep going on,” said the coach, praising his team’s second half display after an especially poor first period.
It was Barcelona’s first defeat of the season, leaving them two points behind leaders Real Madrid, but not their first bad performance.
Barca drew 1-1 at Rayo Vallecano in August, after which Flick blasted the team and suggested they had got too big for their boots after winning a domestic treble last season.
“Ego kills success,” warned the German coach, hoping to refocus his players’ minds.
Barcelona’s Polish forward #09 Robert Lewandowski celebrates with Barcelona’s Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal (L) scoring his team’s second goal during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on September 28, 2025. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP)
It seemed to work as even without teenage star Yamal, they secured several wins, but then after he got hurt again against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, came their heavy defeat at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
Barca started last season superbly but then collapsed in November and December, allowing Atletico Madrid to overtake them at the top of the table.
Flick will be keen for his team to avoid a similar backslide this season, and hosting Girona, 18th in a derby, is a good opportunity for his team to get back to winning ways.
The game will take place at the Olympic stadium on the city’s Montjuic hill, with Barca’s rebuilt Camp Nou home not yet ready to open amid a series of delays.
“I’m really looking forward to going back to Camp Nou, with all our fans,” said midfielder Frenkie de Jong, after renewing his contract until 2029 on Wednesday.
“I don’t know the date, but we can’t wait.”
Real Madrid face Getafe on Sunday, hoping in-form striker Kylian Mbappe has recovered from an ankle problem.
Villarreal, third, host Real Betis while Atletico Madrid welcome Osasuna.
Player to watch: Luis Milla
Getafe midfielder Milla has been his team’s key weapon this season, providing five assists — no player in the top flight has more. The Madrid minnows host rivals Los Blancos in a derby clash and if they are to take anything from the game Milla will likely have to play an important role.
Key stats
4 – Liga matches Barca have conceded first in
7 – matches unbeaten for Atletico Madrid
28 – yellow cards for Sevilla, the most in the top flight
Fixtures
Friday (all times GMT)
Oviedo v Espanyol (1900)
Saturday
Sevilla v Mallorca (1200), Barcelona v Girona (1415), Villarreal v Real Betis (1630), Atletico Madrid v Osasuna (1900)
Sunday
Elche v Athletic Bilbao (1200), Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad (1415), Levante v Rayo Vallecano (1630), Getafe v Real Madrid (1900)
