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Deadspin | Lawrence Okolie fails drug test, bout vs. Tony Yoka canceled Aug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men’s heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro – Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France. The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body’s own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss. “(On Monday night), the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.” Okolie, 33, didn’t waste much time posting on social media himself. “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. “I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lawrence #Okolie #fails #drug #test #bout #Tony #Yoka #canceled

Deadspin | Lawrence Okolie fails drug test, bout vs. Tony Yoka canceled
Deadspin | Lawrence Okolie fails drug test, bout vs. Tony Yoka canceled Aug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men’s heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro – Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France. The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body’s own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss. “(On Monday night), the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.” Okolie, 33, didn’t waste much time posting on social media himself. “Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails. “I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lawrence #Okolie #fails #drug #test #bout #Tony #Yoka #canceledAug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men’s heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro – Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images

British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France.

The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body’s own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss.

“(On Monday night), the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”


Okolie, 33, didn’t waste much time posting on social media himself.

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lawrence #Okolie #fails #drug #test #bout #Tony #Yoka #canceled

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Aug 6, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lawrence Okolie (GBR, red) reacts after defeating Igor Pawel Akubowski (POL, blue) in their men’s heavy preliminary bout at Riocentro – Pavilion 6 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-Imagn Images

British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie has failed a drug test, forcing the cancellation of his bout Saturday in Paris against 2016 Olympic champion Tony Yoka of France.

The Times of London reported the substance discovered in his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test was GHRP 2, which is designed to increase the body’s own growth hormone production. It can aid in recovery, increase muscle mass and also assist in fat loss.

“(On Monday night), the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Queensberry that Lawrence Okolie returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday,” fight promoter Queensberry posted on X. “A further update regarding the event will be made in due course.”

Okolie, 33, didn’t waste much time posting on social media himself.

“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” he posted on Instagram, along with a picture of his elbow. “I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.

“I will of course be fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name. I won’t be making any further comment at this time. Thank you for all your support and see you soon.”

–Field Level Media

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FIVB revokes Volleyball Federation of India’s provisional recognition due to non-compliance of requirements <div id="content-body-70890078" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Volleyball Federation of India’s provisional recognition has been “revoked with immediate effect” due to non-compliance of the legal and administrative requirements, FIVB, the world body for volleyball, said on Tuesday.</p><p>“In accordance with Articles 1.5.3 and 1.9.1 of the FIVB General Regulations, the FIVB Board of Administration has determined that the legal and administrative requirements established by the FIVB have not been respected by the interim leadership of the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI). As such, the VFI’s provisional recognition has been revoked with immediate effect,” a FIVB statement read.</p><p>Moreover, to “ensure continuity, stability and proper governance during this transitional period”, the FIVB has given the administrative responsibilities of the VFI to a Steering Committee.</p><p><i>More to follow…</i></p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #FIVB #revokes #Volleyball #Federation #Indias #provisional #recognition #due #noncompliance #requirements

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Deadspin | White Sox, red-hot Munetaka Murakami present challenge for Diamondbacks Apr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) jogs around the bases after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images As Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly settles into the place he feels most at home, Chicago White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami is finding an immediate fit in his South Side neighborhood. The two will meet when Kelly (1-0, 3.38 ERA) faces right-hander Sean Burke (0-2, 4.43) in the first game of a three-game series Tuesday in Phoenix. Murakami has made quite a splash since signing a two-year, million free-agent contract in the offseason following eight years with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League. The rookie first baseman hit three homers a three-game set against the Athletics, including one of Chicago’s four dingers in a 7-4 victory Sunday to give the team just its second series win of the season. Murakami has eight homers, more than any Japanese-born player through his first 22 games, making his deal look like a bargain thus far. “Guy’s got stupid juice,” White Sox right-hander Davis Martin told reporters. Martin was speaking after Murakami’s clinching grand slam in a 9-2 win Friday, a ball that cleared the batter’s eye at Sutter Health Park and was estimated at 431 feet. “I got more than 431,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “I don’t know who is doing that calculation, but that ball was touched right there.” Murakami’s homer Sunday was estimated at 425 feet. “I just love having all the points come up from all the lineup and everybody contributing to the team,” Murakami said. Kelly will make his first home start of the season after snubbing a more lucrative offer from San Diego in his first taste of free agency over the winter. He received a prolonged ovation when he was introduced before the D-Bbacks’ home opener March 30, although he was on the injured list and could not play. “I’ve been here my whole big-league career, and that means something to me,” said Kelly, who signed a two-year, million contract in the offseason. The Padres offered three years for million. “I’m grateful to the organization for having that much faith in me. Not only the guys in the clubhouse that I enjoy being around, but also the team on the field. I felt like it was a very competitive team.” The Diamondbacks have won 10 of 14 and have not lost a series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season. The White Sox had lost 8 of 10 before taking two of three against the A’s. Kelly missed the first three weeks of the season with an intercostal nerve irritation before returning in a 4-3 victory at Baltimore last Tuesday. He gave up two runs and five hits, with three strikeouts and four walks. His takeaway? “That we won. That’s the first and foremost goal,” said Kelly, who pitched five scoreless innings in his one rehab start for Triple-A Reno. “It’s always nice to come back and get that first one out of the way. “The health stuff, I think, is in the rear-view mirror. But there were definitely some butterflies. I think my brain knows I’m going into a big-league game with something that matters. The speed is definitely different for sure.” Kelly is 2-1 in three career starts against the White Sox, the last a 9-3 victory in West Sacramento last season after he had been sent to Texas prior to the trade deadline. Burke beat the D-Backs 7-3 last season, his only appearance against them. He did not allow an earned run in five innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #White #Sox #redhot #Munetaka #Murakami #present #challenge #DiamondbacksApr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) jogs around the bases after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

As Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly settles into the place he feels most at home, Chicago White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami is finding an immediate fit in his South Side neighborhood.

The two will meet when Kelly (1-0, 3.38 ERA) faces right-hander Sean Burke (0-2, 4.43) in the first game of a three-game series Tuesday in Phoenix.

Murakami has made quite a splash since signing a two-year, $34 million free-agent contract in the offseason following eight years with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League.

The rookie first baseman hit three homers a three-game set against the Athletics, including one of Chicago’s four dingers in a 7-4 victory Sunday to give the team just its second series win of the season.

Murakami has eight homers, more than any Japanese-born player through his first 22 games, making his deal look like a bargain thus far.

“Guy’s got stupid juice,” White Sox right-hander Davis Martin told reporters.

Martin was speaking after Murakami’s clinching grand slam in a 9-2 win Friday, a ball that cleared the batter’s eye at Sutter Health Park and was estimated at 431 feet.

“I got more than 431,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “I don’t know who is doing that calculation, but that ball was touched right there.”

Murakami’s homer Sunday was estimated at 425 feet.

“I just love having all the points come up from all the lineup and everybody contributing to the team,” Murakami said.


Kelly will make his first home start of the season after snubbing a more lucrative offer from San Diego in his first taste of free agency over the winter. He received a prolonged ovation when he was introduced before the D-Bbacks’ home opener March 30, although he was on the injured list and could not play.

“I’ve been here my whole big-league career, and that means something to me,” said Kelly, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason. The Padres offered three years for $60 million.

“I’m grateful to the organization for having that much faith in me. Not only the guys in the clubhouse that I enjoy being around, but also the team on the field. I felt like it was a very competitive team.”

The Diamondbacks have won 10 of 14 and have not lost a series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season.

The White Sox had lost 8 of 10 before taking two of three against the A’s.

Kelly missed the first three weeks of the season with an intercostal nerve irritation before returning in a 4-3 victory at Baltimore last Tuesday. He gave up two runs and five hits, with three strikeouts and four walks.

His takeaway?

“That we won. That’s the first and foremost goal,” said Kelly, who pitched five scoreless innings in his one rehab start for Triple-A Reno. “It’s always nice to come back and get that first one out of the way.

“The health stuff, I think, is in the rear-view mirror. But there were definitely some butterflies. I think my brain knows I’m going into a big-league game with something that matters. The speed is definitely different for sure.”

Kelly is 2-1 in three career starts against the White Sox, the last a 9-3 victory in West Sacramento last season after he had been sent to Texas prior to the trade deadline.

Burke beat the D-Backs 7-3 last season, his only appearance against them. He did not allow an earned run in five innings.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #White #Sox #redhot #Munetaka #Murakami #present #challenge #Diamondbacks">Deadspin | White Sox, red-hot Munetaka Murakami present challenge for Diamondbacks Apr 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) jogs around the bases after hitting a two run home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images As Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly settles into the place he feels most at home, Chicago White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami is finding an immediate fit in his South Side neighborhood. The two will meet when Kelly (1-0, 3.38 ERA) faces right-hander Sean Burke (0-2, 4.43) in the first game of a three-game series Tuesday in Phoenix. Murakami has made quite a splash since signing a two-year, million free-agent contract in the offseason following eight years with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League. The rookie first baseman hit three homers a three-game set against the Athletics, including one of Chicago’s four dingers in a 7-4 victory Sunday to give the team just its second series win of the season. Murakami has eight homers, more than any Japanese-born player through his first 22 games, making his deal look like a bargain thus far. “Guy’s got stupid juice,” White Sox right-hander Davis Martin told reporters. Martin was speaking after Murakami’s clinching grand slam in a 9-2 win Friday, a ball that cleared the batter’s eye at Sutter Health Park and was estimated at 431 feet. “I got more than 431,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “I don’t know who is doing that calculation, but that ball was touched right there.” Murakami’s homer Sunday was estimated at 425 feet. “I just love having all the points come up from all the lineup and everybody contributing to the team,” Murakami said. Kelly will make his first home start of the season after snubbing a more lucrative offer from San Diego in his first taste of free agency over the winter. He received a prolonged ovation when he was introduced before the D-Bbacks’ home opener March 30, although he was on the injured list and could not play. “I’ve been here my whole big-league career, and that means something to me,” said Kelly, who signed a two-year, million contract in the offseason. The Padres offered three years for million. “I’m grateful to the organization for having that much faith in me. Not only the guys in the clubhouse that I enjoy being around, but also the team on the field. I felt like it was a very competitive team.” The Diamondbacks have won 10 of 14 and have not lost a series since being swept at the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the season. The White Sox had lost 8 of 10 before taking two of three against the A’s. Kelly missed the first three weeks of the season with an intercostal nerve irritation before returning in a 4-3 victory at Baltimore last Tuesday. He gave up two runs and five hits, with three strikeouts and four walks. His takeaway? “That we won. That’s the first and foremost goal,” said Kelly, who pitched five scoreless innings in his one rehab start for Triple-A Reno. “It’s always nice to come back and get that first one out of the way. “The health stuff, I think, is in the rear-view mirror. But there were definitely some butterflies. I think my brain knows I’m going into a big-league game with something that matters. The speed is definitely different for sure.” Kelly is 2-1 in three career starts against the White Sox, the last a 9-3 victory in West Sacramento last season after he had been sent to Texas prior to the trade deadline. Burke beat the D-Backs 7-3 last season, his only appearance against them. He did not allow an earned run in five innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #White #Sox #redhot #Munetaka #Murakami #present #challenge #Diamondbacks

C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

A trade with the Houston Texans sent the Bills back to 28 from their original selection point of 26, while also gaining pick 141 (Round 5) in the process.

The Bills need to address the elephant in the room, which is a lack of talent along the defensive front seven. Some of that is due to attrition, namely linebacker Matt Milano who’s return is anything but guaranteed.

With a huge run on the wide receiver position, the smart play was for Buffalo to add a heck of a ball player who should make an immediate impact — that being linebacker C.J. Allen.

A physical, three-down ‘backer with coveted intangible traits, Allen has a chance to become a real force out of the gate wearing the green dot with the Bills. Buffalo is undergoing a huge overhaul on defense under first-time defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. While a hybrid system is expected for 2026, the goal remains a shift to a 3-4 base system.

Allen will provide the Bills with set-it-and-forget-it reliability at MIKE. He’s one of the draft’s most technically proficient linebackers, and someone dripping with football instincts.

#Buffalo #Rumblings #selects #C.J #Allen #Buffalo #Bills #20th #annual #Nation #community #mock #draft">Buffalo Rumblings selects C.J. Allen for Buffalo Bills in 20th annual SB Nation community mock draft C.J. Allen, LB, GeorgiaA trade with the Houston Texans sent the Bills back to 28 from their original selection point of 26, while also gaining pick 141 (Round 5) in the process. The Bills need to address the elephant in the room, which is a lack of talent along the defensive front seven. Some of that is due to attrition, namely linebacker Matt Milano who’s return is anything but guaranteed. With a huge run on the wide receiver position, the smart play was for Buffalo to add a heck of a ball player who should make an immediate impact — that being linebacker C.J. Allen. A physical, three-down ‘backer with coveted intangible traits, Allen has a chance to become a real force out of the gate wearing the green dot with the Bills. Buffalo is undergoing a huge overhaul on defense under first-time defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. While a hybrid system is expected for 2026, the goal remains a shift to a 3-4 base system. Allen will provide the Bills with set-it-and-forget-it reliability at MIKE. He’s one of the draft’s most technically proficient linebackers, and someone dripping with football instincts. #Buffalo #Rumblings #selects #C.J #Allen #Buffalo #Bills #20th #annual #Nation #community #mock #draft

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday he was unsure if midfield metronome Vitinha would be fit to play against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals.

The Portuguese central midfielder will miss PSG’s Ligue 1 2025-26 clash against Nantes on Wednesday due to a heel inflammation.

“We’ll take a calm and measured approach to see how the injured players can make a comeback. But I don’t know,” he told reporters when asked if Vitinha would be back in time for next Tuesday’s semifinal first leg at the Parc des Princes.

“We need to manage Vitinha’s minor injury; some players are a bit tired or have a few niggles,” the Spaniard also told PSGTV.

Should the 26-year-old be unavailable, his place at the heart of the PSG midfield could be filled by the returning Fabian Ruiz.

Alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, Ruiz formed the midfield trio that anchored much of PSG’s success last season as it won a maiden Champions League title and lifted the Ligue 1 trophy.

The Spaniard returned for the final 18 minutes of PSG’s 2-1 league loss at home to Lyon last weekend as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.

ALSO READ | Rodri set to miss Burnley trip as Manchester City chases Arsenal in Premier League

Luis Enrique cooled expectations on the 30-year-old, however, as he said Ruiz would need “time to regain fitness” after spending three months on the sidelines.

“Fabian Ruiz needs more matches and minutes to recover,” Luis Enrique insisted, before adding he was nonetheless “happy” with his return against Lyon.

The former Barcelona and Spain coach warned that even as PSG close in on a repeat of its double-winning season this term, he still demands “more” from all his charges.

Exciting Senegalese 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye was not included in the squad for Sunday’s defeat to Lyon, with Luis Enrique explaining, “Every minute you get to play for PSG must be special. I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players.”

Victory in the French capital against Nantes on Wednesday would send PSG three points clear of surprise Ligue 1 title challenger Lens with five matches remaining in the campaign.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#PSG #Luis #Enrique #sweat #Vitinhas #availability #ahead #Champions #League #semis">PSG, Luis Enrique sweat on Vitinha’s availability ahead of Champions League semis Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday he was unsure if midfield metronome Vitinha would be fit to play against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals.The Portuguese central midfielder will miss PSG’s Ligue 1 2025-26 clash against Nantes on Wednesday due to a heel inflammation.“We’ll take a calm and measured approach to see how the injured players can make a comeback. But I don’t know,” he told reporters when asked if Vitinha would be back in time for next Tuesday’s semifinal first leg at the Parc des Princes.“We need to manage Vitinha’s minor injury; some players are a bit tired or have a few niggles,” the Spaniard also told PSGTV.Should the 26-year-old be unavailable, his place at the heart of the PSG midfield could be filled by the returning Fabian Ruiz.Alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, Ruiz formed the midfield trio that anchored much of PSG’s success last season as it won a maiden Champions League title and lifted the Ligue 1 trophy.The Spaniard returned for the final 18 minutes of PSG’s 2-1 league loss at home to Lyon last weekend as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.ALSO READ | Rodri set to miss Burnley trip as Manchester City chases Arsenal in Premier LeagueLuis Enrique cooled expectations on the 30-year-old, however, as he said Ruiz would need “time to regain fitness” after spending three months on the sidelines.“Fabian Ruiz needs more matches and minutes to recover,” Luis Enrique insisted, before adding he was nonetheless “happy” with his return against Lyon.The former Barcelona and Spain coach warned that even as PSG close in on a repeat of its double-winning season this term, he still demands “more” from all his charges.Exciting Senegalese 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye was not included in the squad for Sunday’s defeat to Lyon, with Luis Enrique explaining, “Every minute you get to play for PSG must be special. I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players.”Victory in the French capital against Nantes on Wednesday would send PSG three points clear of surprise Ligue 1 title challenger Lens with five matches remaining in the campaign.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #PSG #Luis #Enrique #sweat #Vitinhas #availability #ahead #Champions #League #semis

Rodri set to miss Burnley trip as Manchester City chases Arsenal in Premier League

Luis Enrique cooled expectations on the 30-year-old, however, as he said Ruiz would need “time to regain fitness” after spending three months on the sidelines.

“Fabian Ruiz needs more matches and minutes to recover,” Luis Enrique insisted, before adding he was nonetheless “happy” with his return against Lyon.

The former Barcelona and Spain coach warned that even as PSG close in on a repeat of its double-winning season this term, he still demands “more” from all his charges.

Exciting Senegalese 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye was not included in the squad for Sunday’s defeat to Lyon, with Luis Enrique explaining, “Every minute you get to play for PSG must be special. I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players.”

Victory in the French capital against Nantes on Wednesday would send PSG three points clear of surprise Ligue 1 title challenger Lens with five matches remaining in the campaign.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#PSG #Luis #Enrique #sweat #Vitinhas #availability #ahead #Champions #League #semis">PSG, Luis Enrique sweat on Vitinha’s availability ahead of Champions League semis

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday he was unsure if midfield metronome Vitinha would be fit to play against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals.

The Portuguese central midfielder will miss PSG’s Ligue 1 2025-26 clash against Nantes on Wednesday due to a heel inflammation.

“We’ll take a calm and measured approach to see how the injured players can make a comeback. But I don’t know,” he told reporters when asked if Vitinha would be back in time for next Tuesday’s semifinal first leg at the Parc des Princes.

“We need to manage Vitinha’s minor injury; some players are a bit tired or have a few niggles,” the Spaniard also told PSGTV.

Should the 26-year-old be unavailable, his place at the heart of the PSG midfield could be filled by the returning Fabian Ruiz.

Alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, Ruiz formed the midfield trio that anchored much of PSG’s success last season as it won a maiden Champions League title and lifted the Ligue 1 trophy.

The Spaniard returned for the final 18 minutes of PSG’s 2-1 league loss at home to Lyon last weekend as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.

ALSO READ | Rodri set to miss Burnley trip as Manchester City chases Arsenal in Premier League

Luis Enrique cooled expectations on the 30-year-old, however, as he said Ruiz would need “time to regain fitness” after spending three months on the sidelines.

“Fabian Ruiz needs more matches and minutes to recover,” Luis Enrique insisted, before adding he was nonetheless “happy” with his return against Lyon.

The former Barcelona and Spain coach warned that even as PSG close in on a repeat of its double-winning season this term, he still demands “more” from all his charges.

Exciting Senegalese 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye was not included in the squad for Sunday’s defeat to Lyon, with Luis Enrique explaining, “Every minute you get to play for PSG must be special. I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players.”

Victory in the French capital against Nantes on Wednesday would send PSG three points clear of surprise Ligue 1 title challenger Lens with five matches remaining in the campaign.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#PSG #Luis #Enrique #sweat #Vitinhas #availability #ahead #Champions #League #semis

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