Is it Raphinha versus Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, or can Dembele achieve it?

By Damerex -
Image
In a year devoid of a significant international tournament, triumphing in the Champions League is undoubtedly crucial for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, that ought to conclude the discussion about Real Madrid.  Here are the top 10 contenders for the award, based on the bookmakers' odds…  Favorites to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or   10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia [Paris Saint-Germain] Outstanding since his January transfer from Napoli, aiding the French team in effortlessly securing another league championship while more significantly remaining focused on achieving that coveted Champions League trophy.  9. Kylian Mbappé [Real Madrid] "Personal awards matter as well, such as the Ballon d’Or." I understand what I need to do to achieve victory, many asks both on and off the field. "When I take all the necessary steps to achieve victory, I will achieve it," says the Frenchman.  And if he fails to accomplish all that he must – which he definitely has not – then he will...
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Why William Saliba did not play for Arsenal against Aston Villa

By Damerex -

William Saliba's absence from Arsenal's Premier League match against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium had supporters anxious about the star center-back's whereabouts.

Due to a one-match suspension he received for his red card during the team's 2-0 loss to Bournemouth in October of last year, Saliba has only missed one game this season.

The Frenchman was a surprise exclusion when the lineups were revealed, but it was believed that he would start with Gabriel for the visit of Villa, who are still improving under the leadership of former Arsenal manager Unai Emery. 

"He felt something before the match, something muscular," Mikel Arteta, the manager, attested. He was unable to workout [on Friday], but I don't think that's excessive. We need to evaluate the situation because he wasn't feeling well enough to play.

There will undoubtedly be worries about Saliba ahead of a crucial run of games given Arteta's scant information. Liverpool scored a late goal at Brentford earlier on Saturday to clinch a decisive 2-0 victory, and Arsenal is trying to catch up to them in the Premier League title race. They also have Champions League matches against Girona and Dinamo Zagreb coming up.

In the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final matchup with Newcastle, the Gunners must also overcome a 2-0 deficit. Arteta's injury woes are made worse by Saliba joining many other first-team regulars on the sidelines. 

Saliba's defensive teammates Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are also absent, and England winger Bukayo Saka will be out for at least a few more weeks due to a ruptured hamstring. 

After tearing his ACL in the recent FA Cup third-round loss to Manchester United, Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the season.

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