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Why is Bukayo Saka not playing in Sporting vs Arsenal at the UEFA Champions League? England forward Bukayo Saka was not named in Arsenal’s matchday squad for its UEFA Champions League 2025-26 quarterfinal first-leg clash against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.Saka had been sidelined since late January when he suffered an injury during warm-up ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League fixture against Leeds United on January 31.Since then, the 24-year-old has missed the EFL Cup semifinal second-leg clash against Chelsea and the FA Cup quarterfinal match against Southampton, both of which Arsenal lost. However, he did start for the Premier League leader in the EFL Cup final against Manchester City which was sandwiched between the aforementioned two fixtures.Saka was also not in England’s squad for two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.“No [whether they have trained], they are having trouble. They are not ready yet. Let’s see, hopefully they’ll be ready for the weekend if everything goes well,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on the eve of the Champions League fixture, confirming Saka and Jurrien Timber’s absence during training.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #Bukayo #Saka #playing #Sporting #Arsenal #UEFA #Champions #League

Why is Bukayo Saka not playing in Sporting vs Arsenal at the UEFA Champions League?

England forward Bukayo Saka was not named in Arsenal’s matchday squad for its UEFA Champions League 2025-26 quarterfinal first-leg clash against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

Saka had been sidelined since late January when he suffered an injury during warm-up ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League fixture against Leeds United on January 31.

Since then, the 24-year-old has missed the EFL Cup semifinal second-leg clash against Chelsea and the FA Cup quarterfinal match against Southampton, both of which Arsenal lost. However, he did start for the Premier League leader in the EFL Cup final against Manchester City which was sandwiched between the aforementioned two fixtures.

Saka was also not in England’s squad for two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

“No [whether they have trained], they are having trouble. They are not ready yet. Let’s see, hopefully they’ll be ready for the weekend if everything goes well,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on the eve of the Champions League fixture, confirming Saka and Jurrien Timber’s absence during training.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Bukayo #Saka #playing #Sporting #Arsenal #UEFA #Champions #League

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England forward Bukayo Saka was not named in Arsenal’s matchday squad for its UEFA Champions League 2025-26 quarterfinal first-leg clash against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

Saka had been sidelined since late January when he suffered an injury during warm-up ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League fixture against Leeds United on January 31.

Since then, the 24-year-old has missed the EFL Cup semifinal second-leg clash against Chelsea and the FA Cup quarterfinal match against Southampton, both of which Arsenal lost. However, he did start for the Premier League leader in the EFL Cup final against Manchester City which was sandwiched between the aforementioned two fixtures.

Saka was also not in England’s squad for two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

“No [whether they have trained], they are having trouble. They are not ready yet. Let’s see, hopefully they’ll be ready for the weekend if everything goes well,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on the eve of the Champions League fixture, confirming Saka and Jurrien Timber’s absence during training.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

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Deadspin | Kraken keep faint playoff hopes alive ahead of clash vs. Wild Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Brad Lambert (93) celebrates a goal against the Seattle Kraken with Nino Niederreiter (62) and Neal Pionk (4) in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images Time is running out on the Seattle Kraken. With six games left and sitting eight points adrift of a playoff spot, the Kraken (32-33-11, 75 points) are looking for a spark. Seattle hopes a solution presents itself on Tuesday night when it visits the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn. “It’s not too late right now,” Seattle coach Lane Lambert said. “The hill is large to climb, but you know, we have to put our best foot forward here. We’ve got a few teams to catch.” The Kraken lost their fifth straight game (0-4-1) with a 6-2 setback to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. Seattle is 5-13-2 since coming back from the Olympic break. The Kraken are in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in the franchise’s five-year history. Captain Jordan Eberle, who leads the team with a mere 25 goals and 53 points, scored in the loss to Winnipeg. Jared McCann added a goal for Seattle, but Philipp Grubauer was pulled after sustaining a lower-body injury just after the midway point of the second period. Grubauer allowed three goals on 18 shots before giving way to Joey Daccord, who yielded two goals on 10 shots. The Kraken were outshot 14-4 in the decisive second period. Trailing 1-0, Winnipeg scored on three straight power-play opportunities spanning the first and second periods. The poor result had to be frustrating for Lambert, who made a litany of changes to his lineup ahead of the game. He pulled McCann off the top line and also split up his top defensive pairing, Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson. “What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again with the same poor result,” Lambert said. “We’ve held on as long as we can here.” Things don’t get any easier for the Kraken, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven road games. They will face a Minnesota team that has clinched a postseason berth for the 12th time in 14 seasons. The Wild (44-21-12, 100 points) sit just two points behind the Dallas Stars for the second seed in the Central Division, behind Colorado. Minnesota has won three straight games, including 5-4 at Detroit on Sunday. Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick, including the game-winning goal on a power play with 1:51 left. Kaprizov’s 43 goals are tied for third-best in the NHL. He has five goals and two assists during a four-game point streak. Matt Boldy, second on the team with 41 goals and 81 points, had a goal and an assist as Minnesota overcame squandering a three-goal lead against the Red Wings. “We have not had that situation for quite a while, where we lose momentum for an extended period like that,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I’m glad it happened, because there are things we can learn from that going forward, and we still found a way to win.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kraken #faint #playoff #hopes #alive #ahead #clash #WildApr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Brad Lambert (93) celebrates a goal against the Seattle Kraken with Nino Niederreiter (62) and Neal Pionk (4) in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

Time is running out on the Seattle Kraken.

With six games left and sitting eight points adrift of a playoff spot, the Kraken (32-33-11, 75 points) are looking for a spark.

Seattle hopes a solution presents itself on Tuesday night when it visits the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn.

“It’s not too late right now,” Seattle coach Lane Lambert said. “The hill is large to climb, but you know, we have to put our best foot forward here. We’ve got a few teams to catch.”

The Kraken lost their fifth straight game (0-4-1) with a 6-2 setback to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.

Seattle is 5-13-2 since coming back from the Olympic break. The Kraken are in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in the franchise’s five-year history.

Captain Jordan Eberle, who leads the team with a mere 25 goals and 53 points, scored in the loss to Winnipeg. Jared McCann added a goal for Seattle, but Philipp Grubauer was pulled after sustaining a lower-body injury just after the midway point of the second period.

Grubauer allowed three goals on 18 shots before giving way to Joey Daccord, who yielded two goals on 10 shots.

The Kraken were outshot 14-4 in the decisive second period. Trailing 1-0, Winnipeg scored on three straight power-play opportunities spanning the first and second periods.


The poor result had to be frustrating for Lambert, who made a litany of changes to his lineup ahead of the game. He pulled McCann off the top line and also split up his top defensive pairing, Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson.

“What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again with the same poor result,” Lambert said. “We’ve held on as long as we can here.”

Things don’t get any easier for the Kraken, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven road games. They will face a Minnesota team that has clinched a postseason berth for the 12th time in 14 seasons.

The Wild (44-21-12, 100 points) sit just two points behind the Dallas Stars for the second seed in the Central Division, behind Colorado.

Minnesota has won three straight games, including 5-4 at Detroit on Sunday. Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick, including the game-winning goal on a power play with 1:51 left.

Kaprizov’s 43 goals are tied for third-best in the NHL. He has five goals and two assists during a four-game point streak.

Matt Boldy, second on the team with 41 goals and 81 points, had a goal and an assist as Minnesota overcame squandering a three-goal lead against the Red Wings.

“We have not had that situation for quite a while, where we lose momentum for an extended period like that,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I’m glad it happened, because there are things we can learn from that going forward, and we still found a way to win.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kraken #faint #playoff #hopes #alive #ahead #clash #Wild">Deadspin | Kraken keep faint playoff hopes alive ahead of clash vs. Wild Apr 6, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Brad Lambert (93) celebrates a goal against the Seattle Kraken with Nino Niederreiter (62) and Neal Pionk (4) in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images Time is running out on the Seattle Kraken. With six games left and sitting eight points adrift of a playoff spot, the Kraken (32-33-11, 75 points) are looking for a spark. Seattle hopes a solution presents itself on Tuesday night when it visits the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn. “It’s not too late right now,” Seattle coach Lane Lambert said. “The hill is large to climb, but you know, we have to put our best foot forward here. We’ve got a few teams to catch.” The Kraken lost their fifth straight game (0-4-1) with a 6-2 setback to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. Seattle is 5-13-2 since coming back from the Olympic break. The Kraken are in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in the franchise’s five-year history. Captain Jordan Eberle, who leads the team with a mere 25 goals and 53 points, scored in the loss to Winnipeg. Jared McCann added a goal for Seattle, but Philipp Grubauer was pulled after sustaining a lower-body injury just after the midway point of the second period. Grubauer allowed three goals on 18 shots before giving way to Joey Daccord, who yielded two goals on 10 shots. The Kraken were outshot 14-4 in the decisive second period. Trailing 1-0, Winnipeg scored on three straight power-play opportunities spanning the first and second periods. The poor result had to be frustrating for Lambert, who made a litany of changes to his lineup ahead of the game. He pulled McCann off the top line and also split up his top defensive pairing, Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson. “What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again with the same poor result,” Lambert said. “We’ve held on as long as we can here.” Things don’t get any easier for the Kraken, who are 1-4-2 in their last seven road games. They will face a Minnesota team that has clinched a postseason berth for the 12th time in 14 seasons. The Wild (44-21-12, 100 points) sit just two points behind the Dallas Stars for the second seed in the Central Division, behind Colorado. Minnesota has won three straight games, including 5-4 at Detroit on Sunday. Kirill Kaprizov had a hat trick, including the game-winning goal on a power play with 1:51 left. Kaprizov’s 43 goals are tied for third-best in the NHL. He has five goals and two assists during a four-game point streak. Matt Boldy, second on the team with 41 goals and 81 points, had a goal and an assist as Minnesota overcame squandering a three-goal lead against the Red Wings. “We have not had that situation for quite a while, where we lose momentum for an extended period like that,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I’m glad it happened, because there are things we can learn from that going forward, and we still found a way to win.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kraken #faint #playoff #hopes #alive #ahead #clash #Wild

Slight discomfort could swiftly turn into severe distress for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). To avert that from happening, it is imperative for Titans to get off the mark against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Having lost its first two games, GT cannot afford to be pegged back by a third successive defeat.

It will comfort GT that skipper and star opener Shubman Gill trained on Tuesday. The 26-year-old missed his side’s previous encounter against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad due to a muscle spasm. Despite his absence, the 2022 champion came ever so close to overhauling RR’s total of 210 for six, amassing 204 for eight to lose by just six runs.

“Gill is superb. He is completely fine. He will be playing,” Titans opener B. Sai Sudharsan said during the pre-match press conference.

GT’s bowlers will need to lift their game in the national capital. Amidst the established names in the attack, it was 23-year-old Ashok Sharma who left an impression in the first two games. He has pure speed in his locker, as evident from a 154kmph thunderbolt in the previous fixture.

DC, meanwhile, must be brimming with confidence after two wins out of two. The uncapped Sameer Rizvi has made his opportunities count at No. 4, retaining his sangfroid in two potentially tricky chases to get the job done for the franchise. The caveat in Capitals’ case is that they began last season with similar ebullience, only to fizzle out in the second half of the competition.

There is light rain forecast on Wednesday. But DC won’t want the weather to play spoilsport given its red-hot form. Neither will GT, for it needs the two points to get going.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#IPL #Gill #set #return #Gujarat #Titans #visits #Delhi #Capitals">DC vs GT, IPL 2026: Gill set to return as Gujarat Titans visits Delhi Capitals Slight discomfort could swiftly turn into severe distress for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). To avert that from happening, it is imperative for Titans to get off the mark against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Having lost its first two games, GT cannot afford to be pegged back by a third successive defeat.It will comfort GT that skipper and star opener Shubman Gill trained on Tuesday. The 26-year-old missed his side’s previous encounter against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad due to a muscle spasm. Despite his absence, the 2022 champion came ever so close to overhauling RR’s total of 210 for six, amassing 204 for eight to lose by just six runs.“Gill is superb. He is completely fine. He will be playing,” Titans opener B. Sai Sudharsan said during the pre-match press conference.GT’s bowlers will need to lift their game in the national capital. Amidst the established names in the attack, it was 23-year-old Ashok Sharma who left an impression in the first two games. He has pure speed in his locker, as evident from a 154kmph thunderbolt in the previous fixture.DC, meanwhile, must be brimming with confidence after two wins out of two. The uncapped Sameer Rizvi has made his opportunities count at No. 4, retaining his sangfroid in two potentially tricky chases to get the job done for the franchise. The caveat in Capitals’ case is that they began last season with similar ebullience, only to fizzle out in the second half of the competition.There is light rain forecast on Wednesday. But DC won’t want the weather to play spoilsport given its red-hot form. Neither will GT, for it needs the two points to get going.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #IPL #Gill #set #return #Gujarat #Titans #visits #Delhi #Capitals

Deadspin | With Mickey Moniak sparkling, Colorado out to rock Astros again Apr 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Mickey Moniak (22) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Mickey Moniak struggled at the start of the 2025 season, hitting .216 through the end of May, but he recovered to hit .270 with a career-high 24 home runs in his first season with the Colorado Rockies. He signed for another year and is off to a better start after beginning the season on the injured list. The former No. 1 overall draft pick has two home runs in four games this year and will look to keep the momentum going when the Rockies face the Houston Astros on Tuesday night in Denver in the second of a three-game series. The Rockies used an eight-run fifth inning to win the opener 9-7 on Monday night. Moniak, who had one hit Monday and is batting .286 so far, made his season debut in Colorado’s home opener against Philadelphia on Friday with one hit but broke out Sunday with two home runs, one into the second deck and the other off the facing of the second level. He hit just five homers through the first two-plus months of 2025 before countering with six in June and September and five in August. “If you look at last year, the first two months weren’t the best,” Moniak said. “Then from June on, I felt I really unlocked something. There are obviously differences in playing at altitude versus sea level. The ball does different things. But from June on, I unlocked something in my swing where I go up to the plate and feel comfortable, feel I can do damage.” Colorado will send left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-1, 2.89 ERA) against Houston right-hander Mike Burrows (1-1, 5.91) in Game 2 of the series. Freeland has been solid in his first two starts but hasn’t gotten run support. He lost 2-1 to the Miami Marlins on March 27, then gave up just one run to the Toronto Blue Jays last Wednesday. He was long gone from the game by the time his teammates took a 2-1 win in 10 innings. Freeland will make his fifth career start against the Astros. He is 0-2 with a 4.44 ERA in the previous four. Burrows’ only outing against the Rockies was on Aug. 23, 2025, in Colorado when he pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He didn’t give up a run in four innings but didn’t factor into the Rockies’ 5-1 win. He struggled in his first outing this season, giving up five runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels and taking the 6-2 loss on March 27. He pitched better in a 6-4 win over Boston on Wednesday, allowing two runs in five innings. Houston bounced back from dropping its first two games of the season to win six of seven but has lost its past two. Carlos Correa, back with the Astros for his first full season after three-plus years in Minnesota, has been a catalyst during the recent surge. He had two hits in a 12-10, 10-inning loss at the Athletics on Sunday and doubled home Houston’s first run and scored the second Monday night. Correa, who went seven straight seasons without a stolen base while battling foot injuries, swiped one Sunday. It was his first straight steal since the 2019 season. “Don’t get used to it,” Correa, 31, said Sunday afternoon. “I just felt good today. Felt young. “There’s going to be some chances out there with some (pitchers) that don’t pay attention to runners, so I feel like the team should take advantage of that. Mostly the young guys.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mickey #Moniak #sparkling #Colorado #rock #AstrosApr 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Mickey Moniak (22) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Mickey Moniak struggled at the start of the 2025 season, hitting .216 through the end of May, but he recovered to hit .270 with a career-high 24 home runs in his first season with the Colorado Rockies.

He signed for another year and is off to a better start after beginning the season on the injured list. The former No. 1 overall draft pick has two home runs in four games this year and will look to keep the momentum going when the Rockies face the Houston Astros on Tuesday night in Denver in the second of a three-game series.

The Rockies used an eight-run fifth inning to win the opener 9-7 on Monday night.

Moniak, who had one hit Monday and is batting .286 so far, made his season debut in Colorado’s home opener against Philadelphia on Friday with one hit but broke out Sunday with two home runs, one into the second deck and the other off the facing of the second level.

He hit just five homers through the first two-plus months of 2025 before countering with six in June and September and five in August.

“If you look at last year, the first two months weren’t the best,” Moniak said. “Then from June on, I felt I really unlocked something. There are obviously differences in playing at altitude versus sea level. The ball does different things. But from June on, I unlocked something in my swing where I go up to the plate and feel comfortable, feel I can do damage.”

Colorado will send left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-1, 2.89 ERA) against Houston right-hander Mike Burrows (1-1, 5.91) in Game 2 of the series.

Freeland has been solid in his first two starts but hasn’t gotten run support. He lost 2-1 to the Miami Marlins on March 27, then gave up just one run to the Toronto Blue Jays last Wednesday. He was long gone from the game by the time his teammates took a 2-1 win in 10 innings.


Freeland will make his fifth career start against the Astros. He is 0-2 with a 4.44 ERA in the previous four.

Burrows’ only outing against the Rockies was on Aug. 23, 2025, in Colorado when he pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He didn’t give up a run in four innings but didn’t factor into the Rockies’ 5-1 win.

He struggled in his first outing this season, giving up five runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels and taking the 6-2 loss on March 27. He pitched better in a 6-4 win over Boston on Wednesday, allowing two runs in five innings.

Houston bounced back from dropping its first two games of the season to win six of seven but has lost its past two. Carlos Correa, back with the Astros for his first full season after three-plus years in Minnesota, has been a catalyst during the recent surge.

He had two hits in a 12-10, 10-inning loss at the Athletics on Sunday and doubled home Houston’s first run and scored the second Monday night. Correa, who went seven straight seasons without a stolen base while battling foot injuries, swiped one Sunday.

It was his first straight steal since the 2019 season.

“Don’t get used to it,” Correa, 31, said Sunday afternoon. “I just felt good today. Felt young.

“There’s going to be some chances out there with some (pitchers) that don’t pay attention to runners, so I feel like the team should take advantage of that. Mostly the young guys.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mickey #Moniak #sparkling #Colorado #rock #Astros">Deadspin | With Mickey Moniak sparkling, Colorado out to rock Astros again Apr 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Mickey Moniak (22) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Mickey Moniak struggled at the start of the 2025 season, hitting .216 through the end of May, but he recovered to hit .270 with a career-high 24 home runs in his first season with the Colorado Rockies. He signed for another year and is off to a better start after beginning the season on the injured list. The former No. 1 overall draft pick has two home runs in four games this year and will look to keep the momentum going when the Rockies face the Houston Astros on Tuesday night in Denver in the second of a three-game series. The Rockies used an eight-run fifth inning to win the opener 9-7 on Monday night. Moniak, who had one hit Monday and is batting .286 so far, made his season debut in Colorado’s home opener against Philadelphia on Friday with one hit but broke out Sunday with two home runs, one into the second deck and the other off the facing of the second level. He hit just five homers through the first two-plus months of 2025 before countering with six in June and September and five in August. “If you look at last year, the first two months weren’t the best,” Moniak said. “Then from June on, I felt I really unlocked something. There are obviously differences in playing at altitude versus sea level. The ball does different things. But from June on, I unlocked something in my swing where I go up to the plate and feel comfortable, feel I can do damage.” Colorado will send left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-1, 2.89 ERA) against Houston right-hander Mike Burrows (1-1, 5.91) in Game 2 of the series. Freeland has been solid in his first two starts but hasn’t gotten run support. He lost 2-1 to the Miami Marlins on March 27, then gave up just one run to the Toronto Blue Jays last Wednesday. He was long gone from the game by the time his teammates took a 2-1 win in 10 innings. Freeland will make his fifth career start against the Astros. He is 0-2 with a 4.44 ERA in the previous four. Burrows’ only outing against the Rockies was on Aug. 23, 2025, in Colorado when he pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He didn’t give up a run in four innings but didn’t factor into the Rockies’ 5-1 win. He struggled in his first outing this season, giving up five runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels and taking the 6-2 loss on March 27. He pitched better in a 6-4 win over Boston on Wednesday, allowing two runs in five innings. Houston bounced back from dropping its first two games of the season to win six of seven but has lost its past two. Carlos Correa, back with the Astros for his first full season after three-plus years in Minnesota, has been a catalyst during the recent surge. He had two hits in a 12-10, 10-inning loss at the Athletics on Sunday and doubled home Houston’s first run and scored the second Monday night. Correa, who went seven straight seasons without a stolen base while battling foot injuries, swiped one Sunday. It was his first straight steal since the 2019 season. “Don’t get used to it,” Correa, 31, said Sunday afternoon. “I just felt good today. Felt young. “There’s going to be some chances out there with some (pitchers) that don’t pay attention to runners, so I feel like the team should take advantage of that. Mostly the young guys.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mickey #Moniak #sparkling #Colorado #rock #Astros

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