Kai Havertz ruled out for the season after suffering a hamstring injury.
Arsenal’s injury troubles continue, with reports confirming Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season due to a torn hamstring sustained during the club’s training camp in Dubai. The 25-year-old striker, who has been a key figure for the Gunners this season with 15 goals and five assists, now faces a race to be fit for the 2025-26 campaign. It remains unclear if he will require surgery. His absence is a huge setback for Arsenal’s title ambitions, especially with Gabriel Jesus also sidelined. Despite efforts to sign a striker in January—including a failed bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins—the club opted to wait until summer for reinforcements. With limited attacking options, Arsenal will now have to rely on Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and youngster Ethan Nwaneri. Seven points behind Liverpool, the return of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli is crucial if Arsenal hope to compete on multiple fronts.
🚨⚠️ Kai Havertz, set to miss the rest of season through hamstring injury — @David_Ornstein reports.
One more blow for Arsenal as Havertz suffered a torn hamstring during training camp in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/qspynNihAG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 12, 2025
Madrid and Barca draw Sociedad and Atlético respectively in Copa del Rey semis.
The Copa del Rey semi-final draw has produced two exciting matchups, with Barcelona facing Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid taking on Real Sociedad. Both ties will be played over two legs, with the first fixtures scheduled for late February and the decisive return legs set for early April. Barcelona’s clash with Atlético adds further intensity to an already heated rivalry, as they will also meet in La Liga on March 16. Their last encounter saw Atlético edge a 2-1 victory in December, courtesy of a late Alexander Sørloth goal. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will travel to San Sebastián for the first leg against Real Sociedad before hosting the return match at the Bernabéu. This is the first time since 2014 that Spain’s top three clubs—Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético—have all reached the semi-finals, alongside Real Sociedad. With just two points separating them in La Liga, the battle for domestic dominance is heating up.
🚨🏆 Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Real Madrid 🆚 Real Sociedad.
Atlético Madrid 🆚 Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/MM26mQh9RB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 12, 2025
Nicolas Jackson ruled out with a hamstring injury until April.
Chelsea faces a striker shortage after reports confirmed Nicolas Jackson will be sidelined until April with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old underwent a scan on Wednesday, revealing significant damage sustained during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over West Ham, where he was forced off after 52 minutes. Jackson’s absence leaves coach Enzo Maresca without a recognised centre-forward, as Marc Guiu is also injured. The Senegalese striker has been a key player this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in the Premier League—only Cole Palmer has contributed more for Chelsea. He will miss crucial fixtures against Brighton, Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester, and Arsenal. Chelsea currently sits fourth in the league as they prepare to face Brighton, who recently knocked them out of the FA Cup. With no natural striker available, Maresca must find solutions to keep Chelsea’s top-four hopes alive in the coming weeks.
🚨🔵 Bad news for Chelsea as Nicolas Jackson will be out with an injury until end of March/beginning of April, as @TeleFootball reports.
Jackson won’t be available for the next games, pic.twitter.com/fWl03OsdyJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 12, 2025
Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser earns Everton a dramatic draw against Liverpool.
Everton captain James Tarkowski struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Everton took an early lead when Beto capitalized on a quick Jarrad Branthwaite free-kick, slipping behind Ibrahima Konaté to slot past Alisson. However, Liverpool responded swiftly, with Alexis Mac Allister heading in from Mohamed Salah’s cross. After the break, Everton’s penalty appeal for a Konaté handball was waved away, while Liverpool was also denied a spot-kick when Dominik Szoboszlai went down. Branthwaite thought he had restored Everton’s lead, only for his goal to be ruled offside. Liverpool edged ahead through Salah after Tarkowski’s sliced clearance, but Everton refused to surrender. In the 98th minute, Tarkowski’s thunderous half-volley salvaged a point, surviving a tense VAR check. The match ended in chaos, with four red cards shown following a heated clash involving players and staff.
2-2 Everton.
THEY HAVE EQUALIZED IN THE 98TH MINUTE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOODISON PARK EXPLODES IN THE FINAL DERBY AT THIS STADIUM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/XNLJqMljSn
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 12, 2025
Olise and Kane star as Bayern edges Celtic with a 2-1 win in the CL playoff.
Bayern Munich secured a crucial 2-1 win over Celtic in their Champions League last-16 play-off on Wednesday, gaining the upper hand ahead of the return leg. Michael Olise opened the scoring just before half-time with a powerful near-post strike, breaking Celtic’s resilience. Four minutes into the second half, Harry Kane doubled Bayern’s lead, volleying home unmarked at the back post. Celtic refused to back down, with Daizen Maeda pulling one back in the 79th minute. The Scottish side piled on late pressure, but Bayern held firm, with Manuel Neuer making key saves to deny an equaliser. The defeat ended Celtic’s 32-match unbeaten home run, stretching back to December 2023. Meanwhile, Bayern’s direct qualification hopes had already been dashed following a 3-0 loss to Feyenoord. The Dutch side continued their strong form, upsetting AC Milan 1-0 thanks to an early Igor Paixão goal, proving their threat in Europe.
Who’s been your Man of the Match? 🔴✨ pic.twitter.com/JClcMNH7ga
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 12, 2025