Tuesday 28 April 2026 23:01, UK

There was a moment in mid-2025 when it felt like Nigeria had discovered its next defensive leader in Benjamin Fredrick, Soccernet.ng reports.

In just a few short months, Fredrick went from a promising youngster to a regular starter for both club and country, showing a level of calmness that many defenders take years to develop.

Now, after months on the sidelines, the 20-year-old is finally back to full fitness. His parent club Brentford are preparing to welcome him into full training next week, which will signal the end of a difficult spell that began with a knee injury in November 2025.

Before that setback, Fredrick’s rise had been rapid. On loan at FCV Dender EH, he quickly became a key part of the team’s defence. Despite the club’s struggles in the Belgian top flight, he played 14 league matches, starting 10 of them and clocking over 860 minutes. His pace, strength in duels and ability to pass the ball out from the back drew praise across Belgium.

But it was on the international stage where his reputation truly grew. Under coach Eric Chelle, Fredrick started six consecutive matches for the Super Eagles and played every minute. In that run, he displaced captain William Troost-Ekong from the starting line-up, no small achievement for a player still early in his career.

One standout performance came in a 4-1 World Cup qualifying win over Gabon, where he kept close tabs on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, matching the experienced forward stride for stride. Alongside Calvin Bassey, he began to form a promising central defensive partnership built on athleticism and composure.

That momentum was cruelly halted when he suffered a knee injury in training on 21 November 2025. The timing could hardly have been worse, ruling him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nigeria went on to finish third, but many were left wondering how far they might have gone with Fredrick in the side.

Benjamin Fredrick: A summer of big decisions

With his recovery now complete, attention turns to what comes next and it could be a defining summer for Fredrick’s career.

The first option is to stay at Brentford and fight for a place in the first team. The Premier League club plan to include him in their pre-season programme, where he will be assessed closely. Breaking into the starting line-up will not be easy, but even minutes in cup competitions or as squad depth would represent a significant step forward.

A second, and perhaps safer, route would be another loan move. A return to Dender remains on the table, given how well he settled there before his injury. However, Dender appears destined for relegation from the Belgian Pro League and Fredrick may be heading to another club in the first division. Regular football in a competitive European league could help him rebuild rhythm and confidence, especially after months out of action.

There is also the possibility of a permanent move elsewhere. Interest in Fredrick had already begun to grow before his injury, with clubs across Europe monitoring his progress. Teams known for developing young defenders could see him as a long-term investment, offering a clearer pathway to first-team football.

Fredrick’s return is equally important for the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s defence showed moments of vulnerability during the AFCON campaign, with the team conceding goals against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. Fredrick’s pace and composure could be crucial as the team prepares for upcoming international fixtures, including the Unity Cup in London where he first made his mark.

At just 20, time is firmly on his side. But after a breakout year interrupted by injury, this summer feels like a crossroads. Whether he stays in England, returns to Belgium, or takes a bold step elsewhere, the next decision could shape not only his club future, but also his role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence for years to come.

Atletico Madrid’s Champions League semi-final first leg with Arsenal has been described as being similar to a first date by Koke as he looks to end his team’s wait for the trophy.

Diego Simeone’s side welcome Arsenal to the Metropolitano on Wednesday as both teams look to take a huge step towards the showpiece match in Budapdest on May 30.

It’s a competition that Koke is yet to win across his 17-year career with Atleti, though the Spaniard did start in the two finals his team reached in 2013-14 and 2015-16.

However, Atleti were beaten on both occasions by Real Madrid, while the Colchoneros also lost the 1973-74 final when Bayern Munich emerged 4-0 victors in Brussels.

But even for Koke, who is Atleti’s record appearance maker in the competition (116), the nerves of a semi-final in UEFA’s flagship competition still remain, and the 34-year-old revealed it was no different ahead of taking on the Premier League leaders.

“As the day gets closer, I get nervous and my stomach churns. It’s kind of like your first date with a girl you’ve just met,” Koke told reporters.

“But once you get to the game and start warming up, it all goes away. I feel the same excitement and anticipation as I would for a final.

“Then I stay calm to play the game, it’s only football, and I try to remain composed.”

Focused on Arsenal pic.twitter.com/r9eU0R7FKp

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 28, 2026

Koke has won nine major honours with Atleti, including two LaLiga titles, two Europa League crowns and the Copa del Rey back in 2012-13.

But when asked whether this was his last shot at achieving Champions League glory, Koke remained optimistic should his team not be successful this time around.

“I don’t feel that way. I feel like I’m enjoying it immensely; you don’t play in a semi-final every year,” Koke added.

“Against Barcelona, we said it would be the seventh time Atlético has made it this far. This is my fourth.

“I don’t know if there will be another one, but I’m going to enjoy it just like all the previous ones.”

Atletico and Arsenal will meet for just the fourth time in European competition, with half of those coming in this season’s Champions League (2/4).

The Gunners won 4-0 in a league phase meeting last October, which remains Atletico’s joint-heaviest defeat in the competition (lost by four on five occasions).

And another player who may have one final shot at winning the Champions League with Atletico is Antoine Griezmann, who departs for Orlando City SC at the end of the season.

Griezmann has been directly involved in 24.2% of Atletico’s goals in the Champions League (56/231 – 40 goals, 16 assists) across his two stints with the club.

That is the highest percentage by any player for a team that has scored 100+ goals in the competition, just ahead of former team-mate Lionel Messi for Barcelona (24.1%).

“If he could say goodbye with the Champions League, it would be incredible for everyone, but we’re just as motivated by the hope of winning the Champions League,” Koke said about whether winning the competition would be the perfect farewell gift for the Frenchman.

“Regardless of the fact that Antoine won’t be here next year, we’re playing to achieve the ultimate prize, and the ultimate prize is the Champions League.”

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown from the foot of the Serie A standings on Friday night, Pisa will welcome Lecce to Tuscany.

Pisa

Starting with the hosts, while Pisa might still be mathematically clinging to their Serie A status ahead of Friday’s showdown, Oscar Hiljemark’s side are already planning for life back in Italy’s second-tier. Sat rock-bottom of the table and 11 points adrift of safety with just four Serie A appearances remaining, the Nerazzurri look set to have their relegation officially confirmed this weekend. Last seen putting in another toothless display as they slumped to a 1-0 loss away at Parma, the Tuscany-based outfit have lost all of their previous five consecutive appearances by an aggregate score of 12-1. Likewise, along with heading into March’s international break with a woeful 5-0 drumming at the hands of Como, Friday’s hosts have also registered just a single strike since back on March 15th.

Pisa Team News

Missing out away at Parma last weekend with a reported muscle injury, Pisa are once again sweating over the fitness of January recruit and Nigerian youngster Rafiu Durosinmi. Swiss starlet Daniel Denoon remains on the sidelines with a long-term ankle issue and won’t feature here.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench last week, former Juventus ace Juan Cuadrado could be handed a chance from the start on Friday night. Completing a January loan switch from Aston Villa, Samuel Iling Junior could make a first Serie A appearance since March 22nd.

Lecce

As for the visitors, dragging themselves over the finishing line last season as they remarkably clung to their Serie A status, Lecce have found themselves in an almost identical position this time around. Travelling to Tuscany on Friday night holding just a one-point buffer over the drop zone, Eusebio Di Francesco’s side will be bracing themselves for what could be a season-defining showdown here. However, despite being last seen snatching a 0-0 stalemate away at Verona, the Wolves have registered just a pair of points from any of their previous six Serie A appearances. Much like Friday’s opponents, Lecce have shown their own worrying attacking issues. In fact, Di Francesco’s side have notched just a single strike in over 550 minutes of top-flight action.

Lecce Team News

Not featuring since suffering a knee injury away at Inter Milan back on February 21st, Lecce will once again be without former Estrela defender Kialonda Gasper here. Albanian starlet Medon Berisha is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025/25 campaign with a thigh issue.

Missing out away at Verona last weekend after serving a one-match domestic suspension, 21-year-old Tiago Gabriel could be handed an immediate full recall. Despite still waiting to open his Lecce account, Napoli loanee Walid Cheddira will be hoping to lead the line on Friday night.

Pisa vs Lecce Key Factors to Consider

• When Pisa and Lecce met for their reverse Serie A showdown back on December 12th, Friday’s guests clinched a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Via del mare.
• Pisa have lost their previous five consecutive appearances by an aggregate score of 12-1.
• Lecce have registered just two points from any of their last six straight Serie A outings.
• The Wolves have notched just a single strike in over 550 minutes of top-flight action.
• None of the last seven meetings between Pisa and Lecce have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

In what looks set to be a season-defining showdown from the foot of the Serie A table, it is no surprise that many are expecting a cagey affair from Tuscany. Along with Pisa notching just a sole strike during their five-match losing rut, Lecce have remarkably recorded just a single Serie A goal in over 550 minutes of top-flight action. It should also be noted, none of the last seven straight battles between Friday’s opponents have finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Eder Militao will miss the 2026 World Cup after Real Madrid confirmed he underwent surgery on his hamstring.

The defender was forced off during Los Blancos’ 2-1 win over Alaves on April 21, suffering from a recurrence of the same injury he picked up in December against Celta Vigo.

Militao was out for four months following his injury in December, with his hopes of representing Brazil at the World Cup this summer now over.

The 28-year-old has struggled with injuries this season, featuring in just 16 LaLiga games and starting 14 of those.

Across the last three seasons, he has played in just 38 top-flight games for Los Blancos, having picked up two serious knee injuries in that time.

“Our player Eder Militao has successfully undergone surgery today for the rupture of the proximal tendon of the biceps femoris in his left leg,” a club statement read.

Militão medical report.

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) April 28, 2026

“The operation was performed by Dr. Lasse Lempainen under the supervision of Real Madrid’s Medical Services. Militao will begin his recovery work in the coming days.”

Militao previously featured for Brazil at the World Cup in 2022, when Tite’s side were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia.

The centre-back made four appearances at the tournament, but will be unable to help Carlo Ancelotti’s side this time around.

Michael Owen believes Rasmus Hojlund deserves another chance at Manchester United.

Since joining United ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, Hojlund has scored 26 goals in 95 games for the Red Devils, with 14 of those coming in 62 Premier League matches.

He netted six times in the Europa League last term, when United reached the final before losing to Tottenham, but the Danish striker was replaced by Benjamin Sesko in the summer.

The 23-year-old joined Napoli on a season-long loan deal last summer and has enjoyed a better spell under Antonio Conte in Italy.

His 14 goals across all competitions this term are the most of any Napoli player, while he has also directly contributed to the most goals (18).

RASMUS HOJLUND WITH THE SECOND! #NapoliCremonese 2-0 pic.twitter.com/BTBicMDuTt

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) April 24, 2026

United, meanwhile, have turned their fortunes around since Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach.

Since Carrick’s first game on January 17, the Red Devils have won more Premier League points than any other side (29 – P13 W9 D2 L2).

Owen, who won the Premier League title with United in 2011, believes Hojlund could do a better job at the club, now that they have found their creative spark.

“I don’t care who you play up front, it’s very hard to judge when the team aren’t functioning,” Owen told Premier League Productions.

“Strikers are the end of the chain, if the chain is broken, it’s pointless in many ways. I would love to see Hojlund and see what he can do now.

“He played in a Manchester United team that was broken and didn’t have any links and played poorly. Who’s to say he’s not really good? He’s doing really well in Italy now.

“I just wonder how much wastage there has been for many years. Everyone says the purchases have been poor and that might be the case but sometimes they might not get a fair crack of the whip because they don’t get the service.”

United beat Brentford 2-1 on Monday to put themselves on the brink of Champions League qualification.

The Sky Sports mobile app will keep you up to date with the latest news from your favourite sports – here’s how to receive the alerts you want.

Choose from streaming the live action on your mobile or tablet, receiving breaking news straight to your device or being notified when highlights from your favourite sports are available to watch so you don’t miss a moment while out and about.

And this season, you can also watch vertical clips of the best Premier League action in the Sky Sports app!

Here’s how….

• Download the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more
• Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW
• Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp
• Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from this season

For the best app and vertical video experience, make sure you have the latest version downloaded onto your phone or tablet.

Once you have updated to the latest version of the app and signed in, you can enjoy all the latest available features for the new Premier League season including vertical video highlights and filter Sky Sports’ notifications to suit your needs…

Q: I want to be notified when a big sports news story breaks, but I don’t want to sign up to receive individual sports alerts. Can I do that?

A: Yes! On the app home page, tap on the ‘Profile’ icon in the bottom-right hand corner and then tap notifications. On the next page, simply tap on ‘Breaking News’ and we’ll send you a notification when a big story emerges. This way, you’ll be notified when a top story arrives – but you won’t receive daily individual sports alerts.

Q: I’m a football fan, but I’m keen to know when a big sports story breaks. I want to get all the latest football news, but would like to know who has won the latest Formula 1 Grand Prix or the result of a big Box Office event, for example. Is that possible?

A: It is! If you’re keen on getting dedicated news alerts from an individual sport but want to know when a big sports story breaks, make sure you tap on the sport you love along with ‘Breaking News’. This way, you’ll be notified of a big story without having to subscribe to another sport.

Q: I want to receive the latest football, tennis, rugby league, darts, golf and boxing news. Can I subscribe to more than one sport?

A: Of course! Tap on the sports you love and we’ll send you a notification when a story comes in. Click on as many sports as you’d like, and we’ll keep you updated. You can choose from Football, F1, Cricket, Boxing, Golf, Tennis, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Darts, NFL, Boxing, Horse Racing and Netball.

Q: I want to be notified when there’s a big event on Sky Sports coming up or about to start. Can I get notifications reminding me when coverage of a Grand Prix on Sky Sports F1 is under way, or who’s playing on Super Sunday on Sky Sports Premier League?

A: Simply select ‘Live on Sky’ to receive alerts on the best live action on our dedicated channels.

Q: What if I change my mind and want to stop receiving alerts?

A: You can toggle sports, ‘Breaking News’ and ‘Live on Sky’ on and off as you see fit, then you’ll only receive the alerts you want us to send you.

Remember, for the best app and vertical video experience, make sure you download the latest version onto your phone or tablet.

Every Arsenal and Man City match live on Sky for title run-in

Don’t miss a moment of the title run-in with every one of Arsenal and Man City’s games now confirmed to be shown live on Sky Sports.

With the race for the Premier League trophy on a knife edge and still in both sides’ hands, Sky Sports will bring you every kick of the title race as the season reaches its climax in the final month of a thrilling campaign.

For the full fixture list click here.

Diego Simeone confirmed Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez ahead of the two teams’ Champions League semi-final clash.

Atleti welcome Mikel Arteta’s side to the Metropolitano on Wednesday in the first leg of their final-four encounter, with both eyeing a spot in next month’s showpiece in Budapest.

The Colchoneros and Arsenal will meet for just the fourth time in European competition, with half of those coming in this season’s Champions League (2/4).

Arsenal won 4-0 in a league phase meeting last October, which remains Atleti’s joint-heaviest defeat in the competition (lost by four on five occasions).

But ahead of their latest match-up, the talk before kick-off surrounded the future of Alvarez, who is reportedly touted by some of Europe’s top clubs for a move this summer.

The Argentine’s nine goals this season are already the most by an Atleti player in a single European Cup/Champions League campaign.

He also leads all players in the 2025-26 edition for total high-intensity pressures (853), as well as the most per 90 (70 – min. 500 minutes played).

Alvarez has registered 65 goal contributions (48 goals, 17 assists) in 104 appearances in competitions since joining Atleti from Manchester City in August 2024, and he is well known to Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, who oversaw his move to Spain from the Etihad Stadium.

“I’m not inside Julian Alvarez’s head,” Simeone told reporters when asked about reports linking him with the Gunners.

“I understand it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It’s normal because he’s very good.”

Atleti are looking to reach a fourth European final and their first since 2015-16, when they were beaten 5-3 on penalties by Real Madrid following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Two of those successes were led by Simeone, though both ended in defeat to rivals Madrid, having also lost the showpiece match two years earlier 4-1 after extra-time.

Arsenal and Atleti are the two teams that have played the most matches in the history of the European Cup/Champions League without ever winning the trophy: 223 and 190 respectively.

The Champions League marks Atleti’s last shot at silverware, having fallen out of the LaLiga title race as well as losing the Copa del Rey final earlier this month to Real Sociedad.

Simeone’s side could endure a fifth trophyless campaign in 2025-26, though the Atleti boss was in no mood to look back on past failures in the Champions League.

“There’s no pressure, there’s a sense of responsibility, and there’s a special sense of anticipation,” Simeone added.

“At the end of the ​day, it’s a football match and the players are the ones who decide the outcome. We have to ​prepare well.

“We want to play the game we’ve envisaged and take the match to a stage where we can ‌cause Arsenal ⁠problems.”

Asked whether the competition owed Atleti something after three final defeats, Simeone said: “We’re all human. If you ask us, everyone has a different opinion.

“But a competition doesn’t owe anyone anything. Things have to be earned and achieved. You have to work hard, go out and get them and hope Lady Luck is on your side.”

Simeone will be hoping that home advantage will work in his team’s favour ahead of the second leg at Emirates Stadium on May 5.

When playing at either the Vicente Calderon or the Metropolitano, Atleti have never lost at home to an English side in a Champions League knockout stage match (P6 W3 D3).

All six of those were against different teams (Chelsea, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City & Tottenham).