logo
Spurs star Maddison ruled out for rest of season - World

Spurs star Maddison ruled out for rest of season - World

Al-Ahram Weekly07-05-2025

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou confirmed James Maddison will miss the rest of the season ahead of Thursday's crucial Europa League semi-final showdown with Bodo/Glimt.
Maddison suffered a knee injury after scoring in last week's 3-1 first-leg win against the Norwegian club.
After undergoing tests on the problem, the England international has discovered he will not feature again this term.
The 28-year-old's absence is another setback in an injury-plagued campaign for the Premier League club.
Postecoglou is already without captain Son Heung-min due to a foot issue, although England striker Dominic Solanke has been declared fit for the second leg in Norway.
"Madders tweaked his knee in the first leg so he is out and will miss the rest of this season," Postecoglou told reporters on Wednesday.
"Yeah, disappointing for him because he's been a big part of this latter part of the season for us, particularly in Europe.
"He misses out but it has always been a constant of this season. Everyone else from the first leg travelled and is ready to go.
"Disappointing for Sonny as well. He has progressed and there's a possibility of him getting some game time at the weekend but he hasn't trained with the team yet."
Tottenham are bidding to win their first European trophy since the 1984 UEFA Cup and their first silverware of any kind in 17 years.
Languishing in 16th place in the Premier League amid talk that Postecoglou faces the sack at the end of the season, Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario said his team have got used to dealing with injuries throughout their turbulent campaign.
"We have to always deal with it to be fair. We will not have Sonny and Madders tomorrow, but it is on us," he said.
"The importance of the entire squad will be crucial."
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Follow us on:
Facebook
Instagram
Whatsapp
Short link:

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON - DR Congo: Hervé Happy's Strategic Approach
TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON - DR Congo: Hervé Happy's Strategic Approach

CAF

time3 hours ago

  • CAF

TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON - DR Congo: Hervé Happy's Strategic Approach

Hervé Happy is the new head coach of the Leopards Women's team He promotes a three-pronged management style: combining authority, a paternal posture, and active listening He has travelled across Africa and Europe to build a balanced squad When Hervé Happy talks about football, he doesn't just string words together — he builds. Word by word, look by look, connection by connection. The new head coach of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's women's national team has a name that sounds like a promise, but in his world, neither luck nor euphoria sets the pace. At 47, Happy understands the weight of responsibility. One call from Kinshasa changed everything: a clear and ambitious proposal — to take charge of the DR Congo women's national team just weeks before the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set for July 5–26 in Morocco. The Cameroonian-born coach didn't hesitate. 'It's an honour, but more importantly, it's a mission,' he says calmly — a contrast to the urgency of the moment. Both a field man and an analyst, he's not venturing into unknown territory. As a technical advisor for the French Football Federation, stationed for several years at the Paris League, he led scouting and youth training programs. His method — built on high standards and knowledge-sharing — earned him the respect of the FFF's technical staff. Across Africa, he has also worked with several federations as a consultant and trainer. This dual African-European experience shapes a rare profile. DR Congo hasn't recruited a flashy name; they've chosen a builder. To assemble a solid team for the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Happy got to work immediately. He analyzed match footage, launched talent scouting in Europe, conducted an initial training camp in Tanzania, and carried out several scouting missions in Lubumbashi. In a tough group — Morocco, Zambia, Senegal — he isn't looking for excuses, but for solutions. What was your first reaction when FECOFA contacted you to lead the women's national team? Hervé Happy: It's always a great pleasure. Leading a national team is an honour. And in women's football, it's a very interesting challenge. You have to build, mentor, and help players progress. That's what motivates me. How would you describe your management style? I'd say it's hybrid. You have to be authoritative when necessary, hands-on when needed, and sometimes take a more paternal approach. I have two grown daughters, so I understand what it means to be both demanding and attentive. It's about balancing those three styles at the right time. Your first impressions during the Tanzania camp? I already knew the group. I'd seen a lot of the players in Europe, watched many of their games. But it's always better to have them in a training camp, to see them live. That's when you see their attitudes, team spirit, and group dynamics. It's very enriching. What did you tell the players at your first meeting? I told them it's a joy to be here, to play football. First and foremost, football should be a pleasure. Yes, there's a competition, but I want them to approach each session with enthusiasm. This first camp, and the next, are for evaluating everyone. We'll then select 21 players and 3 goalkeepers for the WAFCON. DR Congo is in a tough group with Morocco, Zambia, and Senegal. Your thoughts? If a team qualifies for AFCON, it means they're good. I take every opponent very seriously. Morocco will have home advantage, Zambia is always tough to handle, and Senegal is progressing rapidly. We're preparing one match at a time, with discipline. What are the three core values you want to instil in this group? First, discipline — in behaviour, both on and off the field. Second, humility — always. And third, strong character. You need heart to turn situations around. We saw it with the men's CAF Champions League — often it's the drive that makes the difference. What would you say to a young girl playing football in Kinshasa or Goma? I'd tell her to keep playing! But also to join a club. Football should be about enjoyment first. At that age, we're not talking competition. They need to discover the game and play freely. Let them have fun without pressure. Just last night, we passed by a beach and saw kids playing beach soccer. That kind of spontaneous football teaches a lot too.

‘Dubai holds a special place in Magnus Carlsen's career', says father Henrick Carlsen - Middle East Business News and Information
‘Dubai holds a special place in Magnus Carlsen's career', says father Henrick Carlsen - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info

time7 hours ago

  • Mid East Info

‘Dubai holds a special place in Magnus Carlsen's career', says father Henrick Carlsen - Middle East Business News and Information

Henrik Carlsen, father of five-time world chess champion and the newly crowned winner of this year's Norway Chess Magnus Carlsen, has hailed Dubai as a 'very special place' in his son's career for how the emirate has played host to some of the Norwegian star's most significant milestones. 'Dubai has been part of Magnus' chess journey for over 20 years now,' Henrik said during an exclusive interview on the sidelines of this year's Norway Chess that came to a close Friday here with Carlsen taking home his record seventh title after beating India's Arjun Erigaisi in a stunning round 10 win. 'He took his final GM norm there in 2004, won his first double crown in 2014, and played his last World Championship match during World Expo 2020. That kind of continuity is rare.' Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history with the highest peak ELO rating ever, became a grandmaster at the age of 13 – youngest at the time (and the second-youngest GM in history at the time after Sergey Karjakin, who earned the title at 12 years and 7 months) – after obtaining his third GM norm in the sixth edition of the Dubai Open in 2004. Since then, the 34-year-old has dominated the chess world for over two decades now. His father says anything after that early success has been 'a bonus.' 'I used to say that everything after he became a GM was a bonus – and the bonuses just kept coming,' Henrik said. 'He's still winning tournaments, still competing at the highest level even as he's preparing for a new chapter, becoming a father himself.' Dubai: Where Carlsen's game meets its match Dubai has played a pivotal role in Carlsen's illustrious career. In 2014, he clinched the FIDE World Rapid Championship held from 16 to 19 June, and just two days later, secured the World Blitz Championship, becoming the first player to simultaneously hold titles in all three FIDE-rated time controls. He returned in 2021 to successfully defend his World Chess Championship title against Ian Nepomniachtchi during Expo 2020 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. One of the most memorable moments was Game 6, which stretched over nearly eight hours and 136 moves – the longest game in World Chess Championship history. This marathon match not only showcased Carlsen's endurance and strategic depth but also underscored Dubai's significance as a backdrop for monumental achievements in the chess world He returned once again to the emirate for the inaugural Global Chess League in 2023, when he reaffirmed his standing in the sport. Speaking to the media then, Carlsen had made it clear he considered himself the best – a bold reminder that his trademark swagger, accentuated by a ponytail and a calm demeanour, and supreme confidence remain undiminished. While his appearance – with an untamed mop of hair catching the breeze in Stavanger this week – may have evolved since, Henrik insists little has changed in his son's attitude. 'He's still the same cocky young man — and I mean that in the best way,' he said, as the world reeled from the now-viral 'table-banging' moment that followed Carlsen's dramatic loss to reigning world champion D Gukesh in Round 6. The video, capturing Carlsen's rare show of frustration, spread like wildfire across global media, turning into a sensational talking point not just within the chess world but far beyond. 'In our family, arrogance isn't a flaw if you've earned it — and Magnus certainly has.' Though speculation has swirled about a possible relocation to Dubai, Henrik denied any such plans. 'He's spent a lot of time there lately, mostly playing golf, but there are no plans to move,' he said. 'He knows all the golf courses there, but he's staying in Norway.' Still, the city remains deeply connected to his chess legacy. 'Chennai was his first World Championship match, but Dubai remains his last [as of now]. And in between, so many important things happened there,' Henrik said. 'For Magnus, it may well be the most special place in the world.' Carlsen, who first won the title in 2016, clinched his record-extending seventh Norway Chess title in Stavanger, finishing with 16 points – just ahead of American Fabiano Caruana (15.5) and Indian world champion D Gukesh (14.5). GM Anna Muzychuk, who finished runner-up last year, won the women's title ahead of China's GM Lei Tingjie and India's Koneru Humpy. Earlier, 15-year-old Emirati prodigy Rouda Al Serkal, a former world youth champion and the UAE's first Woman Grandmaster, wrapped up her maiden appearance in the tournament's open category with three back-t0-back wins.

Mbappe steers France to win over Germany in Nations League - World
Mbappe steers France to win over Germany in Nations League - World

Al-Ahram Weekly

time17 hours ago

  • Al-Ahram Weekly

Mbappe steers France to win over Germany in Nations League - World

Kylian Mbappe led France to Nations League consolation before Spain and Portugal play the final on Sunday. The Real Madrid star scored one goal and set up the other as France defeated host nation Germany 2-0 in the third-place decider. Aurelien Tchouameni set up club teammate Mbappe to score just before the break after Germany had dominated the first half, and Mbappe set up substitute Michael Olise to seal the result in the 84th after a much-improved second-half performance from the visitors. France coach Didier Deschamps had made his lack of enthusiasm for the game clear the day before, noting his team had little to gain from playing it, and it was apparent which side was more motivated in front of the Stuttgart fans. Germany missed a host of chances then had Deniz Undav's equalizer ruled out for a foul by Niclas Füllkrug in the buildup. France was without injured Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé. Both sides were forced to play for the consolation prize after losing their semifinals. Germany lost 2-1 to Portugal on Wednesday before France lost 5-4 to European champion Spain on Thursday. Spain was playing Portugal later in Munich. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store