Umtiti ruled out with injury
Barcelona: FC Barcelona are likely to be without central defender Samuel Umtiti for the rest of the season after the French International began treatment to try and resolve ongoing problems with his left knee. The club issued a brief communique explaining that Umtiti had started "a conservative treatment" on his knee, but didn't indicate how long he will be out, although the Spanish press speculate he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Sneijder considers football comeback
Amsterdam: Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder is considering coming out of retirement to play for his hometown club Utrecht, local media have reported. Sneijder won a national record of 134 caps and was key to the Netherlands' march to the World Cup final in 2010 retired in 2018 after finishing on a low at Al Gharafa in Qatar and hasn't played for two seasons. The return appears to have been evoked by Utrecht fans putting out a video asking him to join their club. "I'll give it a think through, I have already spoken to Jordy (Zuidam, the Utrech boss)," the 36-year-old Sneijder told local television.
J-League restarts after pandemic
Tokyo: Japan's professional football league restarted on Saturday after a four-month break caused by the coronavirus pandemic. All 18 top-flight teams were in action, and the nine games were played without fans. Japan's popular pro baseball league restarted last month, also without fans.
Martinelli signs new long-term deal
London: Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, securing his future with the Premier League club. Martinelli has scored 10 goals in 26 appearances this season since joining from Ituano last summer. "I am very happy that Gabi has signed a new contract with us. He is a very talented young player and he has impressed us with his performances, attitude and work-rate. We are looking forward to getting him back to full fitness and to watching his development at our club," head coach Mikel Arteta was quoted as saying by the official club website.
Football Delhi waives off registration fee
New Delhi: Football Delhi has decided to waive off fees for players registration and clubs/academies accreditation and licensing to lessen the financial burden brought upon them by the Covid-19 pandemic. This was decided during Football Delhi's executive committee meeting held via video conferencing on Friday. This will be in existence till March 31, 2021.
Thiem to donate Adria Tour prize money
Vienna: World number three Dominic Thiem will donate the prize money that he won in Belgrade during the ill-fated Adria Tour, where Novak Djokovic and three other participants tested positive for coronavirus, his father was quoted by Austrian media on Friday. Thiem's father, Wolfgang, who also trains him, however did not say to who Thiem would donate his prize money. Agencies
