Kylian Mbappé to be out for three weeks after sustaining a thigh injury.
Real Madrid has confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will be sidelined for three weeks due to a thigh injury. The star forward was substituted in the 80th minute of Madrid’s 3-2 La Liga victory over Alavés after feeling discomfort in his left leg, despite having earlier scored to put his team 2-0 up. Coach Carlo Ancelotti initially described the injury as a “knock,” explaining that Mbappé requested to be substituted as a precaution. However, tests conducted by the club’s medical team revealed an injury to the femoral biceps in his left leg. As a result, Mbappé will miss key fixtures, including the Madrid Derby, a Champions League clash against Lille, and a LaLiga match with Villarreal, along with France’s upcoming international break. His absence is a blow for Madrid as they face a critical period.
🚨 BREAKING: Kylian Mbappé will be out for THREE WEEKS. @MarioCortegana pic.twitter.com/2bwPL3xaSw
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 25, 2024
Zinédine Zidane’s eldest son, Enzo retires from football at age 29.
Enzo Zidane, the eldest son of football legend Zinédine Zidane, has retired from football at the age of 29. Born in Bordeaux, Enzo trained at Real Madrid’s academy, where his father once starred, and played for the youth team from 2004 to 2014. He made a single first-team appearance in 2016, scoring in a Copa del Rey match against Cultural Leonesa. Enzo later joined Alavés in 2017 but moved to Lausanne Sport in Switzerland after his contract with Alavés was terminated. His career saw brief spells in Spain’s Segunda Division and Portugal’s top flight, before joining Ligue 2 side Rodez in 2021-22, where he made 15 appearances. His final stint was with Fuenlabrada in Spain’s third tier, scoring once in 28 appearances. According to reports, he is retiring from football to focus on his private life and investment. Despite early promises, Enzo never reached his father’s heights and represented both Spain and France at youth level.
🚨⚠️ Zinedine Zidane’s son Enzo has retired from football at the age of 29, reports @diarioas.
He last played for Fuenlabrada in the 3rd tier of Spanish football and he wants to focus on private stuff, including his investments. pic.twitter.com/iUgHYputYQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 24, 2024
Wojciech Szczęsny comes out of retirement to sign a 1-year deal with Barcelona.
FC Barcelona has reportedly reached an agreement with Wojciech Szczęsny, bringing the 34-year-old goalkeeper out of retirement. Szczęsny, who recently retired to spend more time with his family, will now join Barça following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season-ending injury. The former Juventus and Arsenal goalkeeper is set to sign a one-year contract with the La Liga giants on Monday, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Szczęsny will compete with Iñaki Peña for the starting goalkeeper position for the remainder of the 2024-25 season while Ter Stegen recovers. Although the Polish shot-stopper may need some time to regain full match fitness, his experience will be invaluable as Barcelona seeks to maintain their strong form in both domestic and European competitions.
🚨🔵🔴 Wojciech Szczesny to Barcelona, here we go! Deal in place for Polish goalkeeper to join as free agent.
Szczesny will come out of Retirement to sign for Barça and replace ter Stegen on one year contract.
↪️🇵🇱 Medical tests will take place in Spain in the next days. pic.twitter.com/FClO42e6Qg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 25, 2024
Erik ten Hag’s side fail to beat Twente in their Europa League opener.
Manchester United’s Europa League campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford. Despite being favourites to win the competition, the Red Devils struggled to secure victory in their opening league-phase match. Twente threatened early when Sam Lammers narrowly missed after a Diogo Dalot mistake, but United soon dominated, with Marcus Rashford posing a constant threat on the left. Christian Eriksen put United ahead 10 minutes before halftime, scoring his third goal in as many games with a strike from the edge of the box. However, Twente responded in the second half after Eriksen gave the ball away, allowing Lammers to equalise by beating Andre Onana. United pressed for a winner, with Joshua Zirkzee, Bruno Fernandes, and Alejandro Garnacho all coming close, but couldn’t break through. This marks the fourth consecutive European tournament where United has failed to win their opener.
🔴 It’s a draw for Man United vs Twente at Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/4BB5nxfyNh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 25, 2024
Barcelona go four points clear on the La Liga table after their win over Getafe.
Robert Lewandowski netted his seventh goal of the season as Barcelona edged past Getafe 1-0 to go four points clear at the top of La Liga. Getafe started brightly, with Iñaki Peña – standing in for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen – being the busier goalkeeper early on. However, Lewandowski capitalised on a mistake by Getafe keeper David Soria in the 19th minute to give Barça the lead somewhat against the run of play. Barcelona remained in control and nearly doubled their advantage when Lamine Yamal’s curling shot was superbly saved by Soria. Yamal also hit the crossbar, and captain Raphinha missed a late opportunity to secure the win. However, Barça survived a late scare as Borja Mayoral squandered a golden chance for Getafe in stoppage time. The victory maintains Barcelona’s perfect start, with 21 points from seven matches.
🔥 FULL TIME!!!!!!! 🔥#BarçaGetafe pic.twitter.com/d5TdiNbHPh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 25, 2024