MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Bad news for Real Madrid, as the club loses Aurélien Tchouaméni to injury. The French midfielder underwent medical tests that revealed “a strain to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg.”

There is no official timetable for his recovery, but the Spanish press suggests he will be sidelined for at least three weeks, with a potential return after the international break. The hope is to have him back for the Champions League away match in Athens against Olympiacos on November 26.

There was some relief, however, regarding Federico Valverde, who left the match against Liverpool with a knock: tests ruled out any injury, though Xabi Alonso may still choose to rest him for the upcoming game against Rayo Vallecano.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Returns, withdrawals, and exclusions characterize the list of players called up by France’s head coach Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine and Azerbaijan, scheduled for November 13 and 16 respectively.

Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki make their return, while injured players Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé are out. Marcus and Khéphren Thuram have not been included.

There are three “Italian-based” players on the list: Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Roma midfielder Manu Koné, and Milan forward Christopher Nkunku.

Also returning to the squad are former Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani, now with Tottenham, and 2018 World Cup champion N’Golo Kanté, midfielder for Al-Ittihad.

Here is the full list:

Goalkeepers: Lucas Chevalier (PSG), Mike Maignan (Milan), Brice Samba (Rennes).

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), N’Golo Kanté (Al Ittihad), Manu Koné (Roma), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG).

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (Milan).

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BERLIN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has named a 25-man squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg (away on November 14) and Slovakia (in Leipzig on November 17).

Leroy Sané and former AC Milan player Malick Thiaw are back, while 19-year-old Cologne talent Said El Mala is a new addition. “Let’s hope he shows us what he’s capable of,” Nagelsmann said.

The full list is as follows: Goalkeepers: Noah Atubolu (Freiburg), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Finn Dahmen (Augsburg), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart); defenders: Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Ridle Baku (RB Leipzig), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle); midfielders: Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Said El Mala (Cologne), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray); forwards: Jonathan Burkardt (Eintracht Frankfurt), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle), Kevin Schade (Brentford).

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A group of 62 people remains in grave danger after their dinghy began deflating in Malta’s search and rescue zone, with no intervention from Maltese authorities despite repeated alarms. Alarm Phone reported receiving a first call from a relative on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, the vessel reportedly drifted south, near Libyan waters.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – An estimated 270,635 Maltese residents travelled abroad between July and September, marking a 7.9 percent rise over the same period in 2024, with Italy once again drawing the largest share of passengers.

The latest figures from the National Statistics Office, based on the ongoing Tourstat survey, confirm that Italy accounted for 38.7 percent of all outbound trips. EU destinations captured 76.4 percent of all trips. The United Kingdom remained the most popular non-EU choice at 9.5 percent.

Holiday travel dominated the season, making up 71.5 percent of all trips. Visits to friends and relatives reached 17.9 percent, business and professional travel stood at 5.9 percent, and the rest included health and religious journeys.

Air travel remained the preferred mode of transport for 87.5 percent of outbound tourists. Low-cost carriers handled 53.6 percent of all travellers, equal to 61.5 percent of those who flew. Sea travel accounted for the remaining 12.5 percent.

The gender split showed a narrow male majority at 50.5 percent. The 25 to 44 age group formed the largest segment at 43.4 percent, followed by travellers aged 45 to 64 at 30.5 percent. Those under 25 reached 16.7 percent, while 9.2 percent were 65 or older.

Outbound tourists spent 2,093,884 nights abroad, a rise of 16.7 percent as the average stay increased from 7.2 to 7.7 nights. Total spending reached €304.3 million, with an average expenditure of €1,125 per traveller.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ISTANBUL (TURKEY) (ITALPRESS) – A 3-4 month dream. That’s what Galatasaray wants to give their fans. According to FotoMac, the Turkish club has reportedly set its sights on bringing Lionel Messi to Istanbul, taking advantage of the Major League Soccer schedule and, therefore, the forced break for Inter Miami, the club that owns the former Barcelona and PSG player.

The league season ends in early December and resumes in March, and in a season that will lead to the World Cup, such a long break could pose a problem even for a star like the captain of the World Cup-winning Argentina team. Arab clubs have reportedly already made moves, but so has Galatasaray, ready to pay 100% of Messi’s salary during the loan period.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) (ITALPRESS) – Marcelo Gallardo will lead River Plate until December 31, 2026. The Buenos Aires club’s president, Stefano Di Carlo, and the coach announced the contract renewal at a particularly challenging time for the Millonarios, who have suffered five defeats in 14 league matches.

“This decision has two aspects: first, keeping the promise made to the members: we have always said that River’s football project has a name, and that name is Marcelo Gallardo. Second, it reflects my belief, and that of those who work with me, that processes and projects must be supported, especially in difficult times. I have deep confidence in his work ethic; we are in great harmony, and we are convinced that Marcelo is the best choice,” said president Di Carlo.

“It’s a difficult time, let’s not hide the truth,” Gallardo commented. “We’re ready to redouble our efforts, we’re determined, we want to get through this, and we’re confident. I thank the fans who continue to give us their unconditional support.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Victoria, Gozo, looks set to become the European Capital of Culture in 2031, alongside a yet-to-be-named city in Spain, after being shortlisted by an independent selection panel.

The announcement, made by panel member Suvi Innilä following a two-day pre-selection meeting at the Valletta Design Cluster, was met with mixed reactions — cheers from half the room and silence from the rest.

Victoria’s bid triumphed over Vittoriosa (Birgu), which failed to make it through. The panel, appointed by the European Commission and national authorities, reviewed proposals from both Maltese cities before choosing Victoria.

It marks the second time a Maltese city could hold the prestigious title, following Valletta’s turn in 2018.

Victoria will now refine its proposal ahead of a final decision expected in September 2026. The panel will assess its plans for culture-led regeneration, community engagement, and sustainable development.

The European Capital of Culture title, launched in 1985, celebrates Europe’s cultural diversity while driving economic and social growth through the arts.

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici congratulated Victoria on X, calling the selection a reflection of the city’s “strong cultural vision, creative ambition, and sustainable development through the arts.”

“There is still a long, hard way to go,” he said, “but I am confident that Victoria and all Gozo will rise to the occasion.”

– photo Pexels.com –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Nine members of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are nearing the completion of a six-month deployment with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The AFM announced that the personnel have been serving as part of the multinational Irish-Polish Battalion (IRISHPOLBATT), contributing to ongoing peacekeeping and stability efforts in the region. The mission underscores Malta’s continued commitment to promoting global peace and security.

During their deployment, the Maltese team worked alongside international counterparts, gaining valuable operational experience and strengthening Malta’s presence within the UN peacekeeping framework. As the mission draws to a close, the AFM expressed pride in its members’ professionalism and dedication. The nine service members are expected to return home soon, marking the end of another chapter in Malta’s longstanding contribution to international peacekeeping efforts.

– photo AFM –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Achraf Hakimi’s injury is less serious than expected, but Morocco, which will host the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21, risks being without its star player.

Having left the Parc des Princes last night on crutches after the bad tackle on Luis Diaz – who was sent off – in PSG-Bayern, the Moroccan full-back underwent tests this morning and, Marca reports, has reportedly suffered a ruptured syndesmosis with a slight tear to the deltoid ligament. Surgery will not be necessary, but the diagnosis is expected to force him to a sideline of approximately two months, putting his presence in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Atlas Lions at serious risk.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews