Victor Wembanyama ruled out of the season with blood clot in his right shoulder.
San Antonio Spurs star, Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the team announced Thursday. The condition, a type of blood clot, was detected after his return from the NBA All-Star Game and requires blood-thinning treatment, making it unsafe for him to play. The Spurs remain optimistic about his full recovery by the 2025-26 season. Wembanyama, who averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 46 games, last played on February 12 against the Boston Celtics. A former Rookie of the Year and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist, he also earned an All-Star selection this season. His absence means he is ineligible for major awards, including Defensive Player of the Year, where he was a frontrunner. This marks another major setback for the Spurs, following coach Gregg Popovich’s mild stroke earlier in the season. The team will provide further updates as needed.
BREAKING: Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss remainder of the season with a deep vein thrombosis in right shoulder pic.twitter.com/7Fjg5N6eX7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2025
Palmeiras in contact with Barcelona to sign on-loan striker, Vitor Roque.
Barcelona’s Vitor Roque could return to Brazil with Palmeiras if Real Betis agrees to terminate his Loan early. Currently on a temporary deal with Betis, Roque has scored seven goals in 31 appearances this season. According to Marca, the Brazilian forward is eager to move back to his home country before the transfer window closes on February 28. However, Barcelona must first negotiate with Betis, who have the option to extend his loan for another year or buy him permanently for €25 million this summer. Betis manager, Manuel Pellegrini is reluctant to let him go due to limited attacking options. Barcelona, having signed Roque from Athletico Paranaense for €30 million, are unlikely to sell him for less than the agreed fee with Betis. With just eight days remaining, Roque’s future remains uncertain. If no deal is reached, he will stay at Betis, who currently sit eighth in La Liga and remain in the Europa League.
🚨🟢 Palmeiras will make new direct contact with Barcelona and Real Betis to get Vitor Roque to the club with immediate effect.
Permanent transfer proposal on the table, waiting for Betis’ decision are Barça are currently open to selling Tigrinho. pic.twitter.com/t1L0S1Qilg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 20, 2025
Martin Dúbravka signs a one-year contract extension with Newcastle United.
Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Martin Dúbravka has signed a contract extension with Newcastle United, keeping him at St James’ Park until the end of next season. The 36-year-old goalkeeper turned down a January transfer to the Saudi Pro League, despite strong interest from Al-Shabab. Although Newcastle had previously considered Burnley’s James Trafford as a target, Dúbravka has remained a key figure, battling Nick Pope for the number one spot. Pope initially started the season as first choice, but an injury in December allowed Dúbravka to step in. Unlike last season, when Newcastle finished seventh despite his struggles in goal, Dúbravka has been more solid this time, retaining his place even after Pope’s return to fitness. Although his departure seemed imminent in January, talks with manager Eddie Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell convinced him to stay. Despite this, Newcastle may still pursue Trafford in the summer, leaving Dúbravka’s long-term position uncertain.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Martin Dubravka has signed new deal at Newcastle after Saudi bid from Al Shabab rejected by the club in January.
“I'm happy to have extended my time here. I had really positive talk with the gaffer and director, we all agreed that it would be best if I stayed here”. pic.twitter.com/WQXj7FEv2z
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 20, 2025
Dybala’s brace inspires Roma to a Europa League ro16 qualification over Porto.
Roma secured a place in the Europa League last 16 with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Porto, sealing a 4-3 aggregate win. Despite drawing the first leg in Portugal, Roma faced an early setback when Samu Omorodion scored with an overhead kick. However, Paulo Dybala turned the game around before halftime with a brilliant brace. Porto, reduced to ten men after Stephen Eustáquio’s red card, nearly levelled when Samu hit the post. Roma missed several chances to extend their lead, but Niccolò Pisilli’s late strike ensured victory despite Devyne Rensch’s own goal. This win was a bright spot in a tough European week for Italian clubs, with Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus exiting the Champions League. The Giallorossi have now advanced to the last 16 in a major European competition for 11 consecutive seasons, the longest streak among Italian teams since 2014/15, further cementing their consistency on the continental stage.
FT: AS Roma 3-2 Porto. (4-3 AGG)
AS ROMA HAVE REACHED THE ROUND OF 16 OF THE EUROPA LEAGUE! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/YZl1Z1grKd
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 20, 2025
Robin van Persie agrees to become Feyenoord’s new head coach.
Former Arsenal and Manchester United’s striker, Robin van Persie is set to become Feyenoord’s head coach, leaving Heerenveen after just one season in charge. According to Voetbal International, the 41-year-old will take over at the club where he began and ended his playing career, a move Heerenveen felt they could not deny. Van Persie, who scored 46 goals in 122 appearances for Feyenoord, is in the early stages of his coaching career but couldn’t resist the opportunity to manage his boyhood club. He is expected to be appointed alongside experienced assistant René Hake, formerly part of Erik ten Hag’s staff at Manchester United. John de Wolf and Etiënne Reijnen will remain as assistants following the departure of interim coach Pascal Bosschaart. Feyenoord, currently fourth in the Eredivisie, are pushing for European qualification and have reached the Champions League last 16, where they could face Van Persie’s former club, Arsenal, in a high-profile encounter.
🚨🇳🇱 Robin van Persie signs in today as new Feyenoord head coach until June 2027.
Former Erik ten Hag’s assistant Rene Hake will join his staff too. pic.twitter.com/bKxXSNp7l6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 21, 2025