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When asked before Arsenal’s win over Everton how the upcoming international break might affect his squad, Mikel Arteta stressed the club’s “good communication” with national team coaches and promised to make “the right decisions” after assessing each player’s condition. That cautious optimism was quickly shattered. Following the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, a cascade of withdrawals began. William Saliba pulled out of France’s squad with a left‑ankle injury, and Jurriën Timber missed the Netherlands call‑up due to a lingering groin problem. Within 24 hours, Gabriel Magalhães (Brazil) and Leandro Trossard (Belgium) also withdrew, while Eberechi Eze was forced out of England duty because of a calf strain that kept him out of the cup final. Captain Martin Ødegaard, still recovering from a previous ankle‑ligament injury sustained on international duty, did not feature in the final and subsequently withdrew from Norway’s squad. Arsenal’s injury list continued to grow on Friday when Noni Maduke (England) and Piero Hincapié (Ecuador) limped out of their respective friendlies. Both are doubtful for the FA Cup clash with Southampton at St Mary’s, though the club hopes they may return sooner. Mid‑week, Martín Zubimendi became the eleventh Arsenal player to pull out of an international roster, citing pain in his left knee. The Spain midfielder has logged more Premier League minutes than any Arsenal player this season, edging out Declan Rice and Jurriën Timber. Despite the setbacks, Viktor Gyökeres showed full commitment to Sweden, scoring a hat‑trick in the play‑off against Ukraine and later netting the decisive goal against Poland. By contrast, Riccardo Calafiori returns to London after Italy’s 120‑minute defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a match that highlighted Italy’s ongoing World Cup qualification woes. Arteta’s dilemma mirrors the challenges faced by Sir Alex Ferguson in the early 2000s, when the Manchester United legend famously limited his players’ international minutes. The modern Arsenal squad, arguably one of the deepest in Premier League history, now faces a delicate balancing act: preserving player fitness while competing on three fronts – the league, the FA Cup, and the Champions League quarter‑final against Sporting Lisbon next week in Portugal. With the club already having contested over 50 matches this season and potentially adding another 15 if they reach both cup finals, the psychological impact of another major‑trophy loss could be significant. Arteta will need his remaining fit players to step up and deliver, or risk seeing the season’s ambitions slip away.

Blanche McIntyre reimagines Noël Coward’s classic Private Lives at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre with a daring in‑the‑round set that spins the audience into the couple’s turbulent romance.The production opens in a sleek, monochrome French resort designed by Dick Bird. As ex‑spouses Amanda (played with acid poise by Jill Halfpenny) and Elyot (delivered with dry detachment by Steve John Shepherd) collide on their respective honeymoons, the stage begins to rotate, creating a queasy, carnival‑like atmosphere that mirrors their escalating desire and spite.Both characters quickly abandon their new partners—Victor, a self‑satisfied ordinary portrayed by Daniel Millar, and the hysterically grating Sibyl, embodied by Shazia Nicholls—and flee to Paris. In Amanda’s cluttered flat, surrounded by half‑eaten meals and booze, the rekindled romance begins to sour, exposing the uglier layers of their destructive bond.The chemistry between Halfpenny and Shepherd shines as they deliver Coward’s razor‑sharp bon mots with effortless flair. Yet, in the second act, the performance feels slightly restrained; moments of lust and violence are hinted at rather than fully unleashed, leaving the climactic confrontation somewhat blunted despite the frantic spinning set.Supporting roles add texture: Millar’s Victor exudes contented self‑importance, while Nicholls hints at a hidden cunning beneath Sibyl’s hysterics. Sara Lessore’s turn as the Parisian maid Louise underscores the privileged caprices of the main characters.Overall, the production presents Amanda and Elyot’s relationship as a capricious game between sophisticated players rather than a dangerously irresistible passion, a nuance amplified by the theatrical whirl that never quite loses control.The show runs at the Royal Exchange until 2 May, offering theatre‑goers a uniquely dizzy experience of Coward’s wit and venom.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earned a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense intercontinental playoff final against Jamaica ended 1‑0 in extra time.The match‑winner came from former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe, who now plays for Burnley in the English Premier League. He headed the ball home from a corner in the 100th minute, and after a brief VAR check for a possible handball, the goal was confirmed.Tuanzebe reflected on the moment, saying, “We made it very difficult for ourselves, perhaps the occasion got the better of us. To score the winning goal for your country… this is what every player dreams of.” He added, “I am so proud of what I could do for the country, I’m so proud of the country, and now it is time to celebrate.”The DRC dominated the fast‑flowing encounter despite the scarcity of clear‑cut chances, and the victory ensures that ten African teams will line up for the 2026 tournament – the highest representation ever.Having previously defeated Nigeria in the CAF playoff, the DRC entered the intercontinental stage directly into the final due to their higher ranking. Jamaica reached this stage by beating New Caledonia.This will be only the second World Cup appearance for the DRC, the first being in 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire. Jamaica’s sole previous appearance came in 1998 in France.In the upcoming group stage, the DRC will join Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, opening the tournament against Portugal.The final intercontinental slot remains undecided, with a clash between Iraq and Bolivia scheduled for later on Tuesday.

Chelsea Football Club has reported a staggering £262.4m pre-tax loss for the 2024-25 season, shattering the previous English football record held by Manchester City. The substantial loss is primarily attributed to increased operating costs compared to the previous season. The club's financial report reveals a significant downturn from the £128.4m profit recorded in the 2023-24 season, which was largely bolstered by the sale of Chelsea's women's team for nearly £200m. In contrast, Chelsea's latest financial statements reflect a challenging period for the club. According to a UEFA report, Chelsea's losses for the 2024-25 season were even higher, estimated at €407m (£355m). However, club sources indicate that these figures are influenced by differing reporting requirements in European football. In addition to the financial loss, Chelsea disclosed that they had spent £65.1m on agents' fees, the highest in the Premier League, with Aston Villa being the next biggest spenders at £38.4m. The total spend on agents' fees across English top-flight clubs rose by 13% to £460.3m. Despite the record loss, Chelsea assured compliance with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), which permit maximum losses of £105m over three years, with certain expenditures like infrastructure and youth development being 'added back.' Chelsea reported revenue of £490.9m, the second-highest on record for the club, including earnings from their participation in the Club World Cup. The club is forecasting revenue of over £700m for the 2025-26 season. Sources close to Chelsea express confidence in their financial structuring and anticipate compliance with all regulatory requirements, including UEFA's football earnings rule, following a €20m fine for previous breaches.

Manchester United Women saw their Women's Champions League campaign end in the quarter‑finals after Bayern Munich scored two late goals to win 5‑3 on aggregate.The English side led for the first 70 minutes, thanks to Melvine Malard’s opener. However, Bayern’s relentless pressure produced a Glódís Viggósdóttir header and a Linda Dallmann half‑volley, sealing a comeback that left United stunned.United’s manager Marc Skinner lamented the impact of injuries, noting that eight first‑team players were unavailable. “If we had those players, I honestly think we could have gone through tonight,” he said, emphasizing the need for a squad with greater experience and depth.Skinner’s remarks came on the same day the Football Association disclosed that six WSL clubs spent more on agent fees than United in the year to February 2026, while United’s wage bill was reported to be only half that of Arsenal. The manager added, “We need to design the squad with that depth of experience in order to reach that stage… we’ll learn what investment is really needed.”Despite a spirited first half—United dominated possession, created several chances and kept the aggregate level at 3‑3—fatigue set in. Skinner observed, “Bayern rested seven players at the weekend, and it showed in the second half. Freshness was the key difference.”The defeat means United must finish in the top three of the Women’s Super League to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Currently fourth, they face challenging away fixtures against Tottenham and Chelsea, making their qualification hopes uncertain.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has cast doubt on Phil Foden's place in the World Cup squad, citing concerns over his recent form. Foden, a key player for Manchester City, struggled to make an impact in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.Tuchel gave Foden opportunities in the starting lineup during the international window but was left unimpressed. In the 1-1 draw against Uruguay and 1-0 defeat by Japan, Foden failed to make a significant impact.The manager faces tough decisions on which players to take to the World Cup, with Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze also vying for spots. Foden's recent struggles, including limited playing time for Manchester City, have raised questions about his readiness for the tournament.“Phil tried everything,” Tuchel said. “He was excellent in camp but struggled to show it on the pitch. He didn’t have a lot of minutes for City recently.”Tuchel emphasized that while he can take a struggling player to the World Cup, it's not a guarantee that Foden will be part of the squad. Foden's uncertain future with the national team adds to the challenges Tuchel faces in selecting his final squad.

Manchester United's financial accounts have revealed that their wage bill for the last season was significantly lower than that of their Women's Super League rivals, Arsenal. The £5.88m total wage bill, including social security and pensions costs, was far closer to that of fifth-placed Brighton, whose total was £5m.In contrast, Arsenal, the only other club among the WSL's big four to have published their accounts, paid their players and staff £9.9m and their wage bill, including social security and pensions costs, reached £11.3m. This disparity in spending highlights the challenges faced by Manchester United as they prepare for a crucial Champions League quarter-final match against Bayern Munich.Despite the lower wage bill, Manchester United recorded a profit before tax of £510,000 and total revenue rose by 16% to £10.74m, thanks largely to a big increase in what the accounts labelled “services recharged to other group undertakings”. The club's matchday revenue fell sharply, from £1.87m in 2023-24 to £1.22m, while broadcasting revenue and commercial revenue also dropped.Manchester United's manager, Marc Skinner, will be looking to overcome a 3-2 deficit against Bayern Munich, a team that has been in impressive form. Skinner emphasized that if his team were to progress to the semi-finals, it would rank as highly as their FA Cup triumph at Wembley in 2024.

For theatre enthusiasts, April brings a range of exciting productions and performances. Patrick Stewart is set to read all 154 of Shakespeare's sonnets on Audible, a project that began as a pandemic hobby where he recited one sonnet each day on social media. This comprehensive collection, which includes his personal commentaries, will be available from April 7 and lasts almost four hours. In another notable production, Complicité presents 'I Don't Do Innocents', a radio play by Anne Carson directed by Simon McBurney, featuring a cast that includes Emma Corrin and Carson herself reading the stage directions. On the BBC, Sam Ryder gives a sneak preview of his Jesus Christ Superstar, which is set to appear at the London Palladium this summer, as part of the musical-theatre jamboree on iPlayer. Hosted by Jason Manford in Manchester, the event also features Victoria Hamilton-Barritt singing from Paddington: The Musical. Additionally, James Ijames' historical satire 'The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington' is set to run from April 9 to May 3. This play, which explores the life of the inaugural first lady of the US, could pair interestingly with 'Oh, Mary!' in the West End. The BBC is also celebrating the 120th anniversary of Henrik Ibsen's death with a comprehensive iPlayer season featuring various adaptations of his works, including two renditions of 'Hedda Gabler' and 'The Master Builder'. Other highlights include Rosie Sheehy's performance in 'King John' on Marquee TV and 'End' at the National Theatre, part of a trilogy by David Eldridge, which makes a compelling double bill with Stephen Poliakoff's 'Close My Eyes'. Finally, 'Back to the Future: The Musical' is set to embark on a UK tour after its run in London, with an Amazon Prime documentary offering a 'making of' insight into the show.

England's women's football team has made a surprise call-up for 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson for their World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Iceland in April. Parkinson, who plays for Portuguese side Valadares Gaia, has previously featured in the Lionesses pathway but will now join Sarina Wiegman's senior squad for the first time. The Singapore-born player was chosen due to midfield injuries to Ella Toone and Grace Clinton, with Wiegman describing Parkinson as a 'very dynamic midfielder who likes to go forward … aggressive, technical.' Parkinson was part of the under-23 squad for fixtures against Norway and the United States last year and will now take on a significant step up to the senior level. Wiegman noted that while it's a big leap, Parkinson gets the chance to show her capabilities at the senior level. The 23-player squad also sees the return of Arsenal forward Beth Mead after missing the last set of internationals with a hairline shin fracture. Manchester City's captain Alex Greenwood is back in the squad after sitting out recent games due to injury. The Lionesses face Spain at Wembley on April 14, before taking on Iceland in Reykjavik four days later. This match against Spain will be the first between the nations since the Euro 2025 final, where England became back-to-back European champions under Wiegman's management.