Didier Deschamps confirms Mbappé’s France return after controversial absences.
Kylian Mbappé will be recalled to the France squad for the upcoming March internationals, manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed. The Real Madrid star, 25, missed the last two call-ups, sparking controversy, especially after he was seen partying in Sweden while France played. Reports suggested Mbappé even considered stepping away from international football, though he denied this, reaffirming his commitment to Les Bleus. Mbappé clarified that his September absence was due to fatigue after switching clubs, while an injury kept him out in October. In November, the decision was Deschamps’, though the player remained eager to play. The coach assured that, if fit, Mbappé will be included, highlighting his strong connection to the national team. With 48 goals in 86 appearances, Mbappé is closing in on Thierry Henry’s 51-goal record. Despite a slow start at Real Madrid, he has regained form, scoring 23 goals in 35 matches, including a key strike against Manchester City.
🚨🇫🇷 OFFICIAL: Kylian Mbappé will be back with France squad for the upcoming international games in March.
“He will be part of the squad, yes”, says Didier Deschamps to L’Équipé. pic.twitter.com/CSNeaVoFHX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2025
Enzo Maresca dismisses free agent striker rumours amid Jackson’s injury.
Chelsea faces a major setback with Nicolas Jackson sidelined for 6-8 weeks due to a hamstring injury. With Marc Guiu also recovering, speculation arose that the club might turn to free agents, with names like Diego Costa, Mariano Díaz, and Lucas Pérez linked. However, manager Enzo Maresca dismissed these claims, confirming Chelsea will rely on their current squad. “We’re not planning to sign any free agent striker,” Maresca stated in his pre-match interview. “We will work with the players we have.” Jackson’s absence is significant, but this could open the door for Christopher Nkunku to finally secure consistent game time after struggling for opportunities in West London. Chelsea fans will be hoping Nkunku steps up while Jackson recovers, ensuring the team remains competitive. Supporters also wish Jackson a swift return, as his presence could be crucial in the final stages of the season.
🚨🔵 Enzo Maresca: “We’re NOT planning to sign any free agent striker, we will work with the players we have”.
“We’re also NOT blocking Deivid Washington’s exit on loan, he’s in talks”. pic.twitter.com/reAru6K0tB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2025
Galatasaray faces uphill battle after Heavy 4-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar.
A miraculous comeback is needed for Galatasaray at the Turk Telekom Arena after suffering a 4-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off. The Dutch side capitalized on Galatasaray’s errors, especially after Kaan Ayhan’s second-half red card left the Turkish team with ten men. AZ took the lead early through Sven Mijnans’ free-kick, which drew criticism towards goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Roland Sallai briefly equalized after a move involving Álvaro Morata and Baris Yilmaz, but Troy Parrott’s penalty restored Alkmaar’s advantage before halftime. Reduced to ten men in the second half, Galatasaray struggled, conceding twice more. Jordy Clasie netted after an Ernest Poku assist, and David Wolfe sealed the dominant win. With Alkmaar in a strong position to advance, Okan Buruk’s side faces an immense challenge in Istanbul to overturn the deficit and reach the Round of 16.
FT: AZ 4-1 Galatasaray.
GALTASARAY ALMOST SURELY KNOCKED OUT OF THE EUROPA LEAGUE, RETURN LEG NEXT WEEK! pic.twitter.com/fHxRk2x1MF
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 13, 2025
Antony scores again on his European debut as Real Betis dominate Gent.
Manchester United loanee, Antony marked his European debut for Real Betis with a goal, helping his side secure a 3-0 win over Gent in their UEFA Conference League play-off first leg. The Manchester United loanee opened the scoring with a stunning low-curled strike from the edge of the box. The Brazilian winger also played a key role in Betis’ second goal, linking up with Isco, who set up Cédric Bakambu to finish from close range. Sergi Altimira sealed the victory with a late goal at the back post, giving Manuel Pellegrini’s team a commanding advantage ahead of next week’s return leg in Seville. Antony, who joined United for £81.3m in 2022, has struggled to impress in England, scoring just once in the Premier League since April 2023. Betis are now in contention to face league-phase winners Chelsea in the next round, alongside Gent, Copenhagen, or Heidenheim.
🟢⚪️ Antony scores again for Real Betis, second goal in three games as he was voted as Man of the Match on his first two appearances.
Man United loanee has scores his first European goal for Betis tonight. 🇪🇺🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/uKcNbNLj9P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2025
Lisandro Martínez undergoes successful ACL surgery, to commence rehabilitation.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez has successfully undergone surgery to repair a torn ACL, beginning what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process. The Argentine suffered the injury during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, dealing a significant blow to Ruben Amorim’s defensive plans. According to the Daily Mail, Martínez had the procedure in London on Thursday, with early indications suggesting a successful operation. Recovery timelines typically range from six months to a year, but if his rehabilitation progresses well, he could return for the start of next season. This latest setback adds to Martínez’s injury struggles since joining United from Ajax in 2022. He has missed extensive game time due to metatarsal, foot, knee, and calf issues, spending approximately 280 days sidelined, according to Transfermarkt. At 27, Martínez faces a challenging road back, but United fans will hope for his swift and full recovery.
🔴🇦🇷 Surgery completed today for Lisandro Martínez, as Manchester United staff decided to proceed after ACL injury.
His season is already over and Lisandro will try to be back before the end of the year, 2025 — but precise timing will depend on recovery/rehab progress. pic.twitter.com/kHwsPPNoRR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2025