Last Updated on July 10, 2026
England defender Marc Guehi is racing to prove his fitness for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, while Morocco lose Ismael Saibari for their clash with France. Off the pitch, goalkeeper Alexander Nubel and Salih Ozcan both head to Besiktas.
Guehi Faces Fitness Test Before Norway Quarter-Final
England centre-back Marc Guehi is a doubt for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway after picking up a hamstring problem in the win over Mexico, according to the BBC. The defender will be assessed in training on Friday to determine whether he can face the Norwegians.
Guehi has featured in every one of England’s matches at the tournament and started the last four, making him a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s defence. The BBC reports that if he is unable to train with the squad on Friday, he will be highly unlikely to be available for the tie. Norway arrive at the quarter-final stage in strong form, having thrashed Sweden 3-1 in their final warm-up before the tournament.
There is a further concern in the England camp, with Declan Rice sidelined over the past two days by a stomach bug. The BBC writes that England have introduced measures to stop the illness spreading through the squad. On a more positive note for Tuchel, the manager’s first choice at right-back appears set to be fit after training with the team.
Morocco Lose Saibari for France Clash
Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari is not fit enough to feature in tonight’s World Cup quarter-final against France, coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed at his press conference. Saibari limped off injured during the 3-0 win over Canada and has not recovered in time. "He is not ready for it, I hope it is not the end of the tournament for him," Ouahbi said.
The loss is significant. Saibari scored in every group-stage match for Morocco and converted the decisive penalty in the last-16 win over the Netherlands. It was also confirmed during the tournament that he is joining Bayern Munich from PSV in a 55 million euro deal.
Ouahbi insisted there would be no surprises in his approach against France. "It comes down to putting pressure on the French when we have the ball, but that is not just on the flanks. We must be patient with the ball and look for where we can break through," the coach said. France head into this quarter-final having already been stunned by Ivory Coast during their World Cup warm-up campaign.
Nubel Ends Bayern Frustration With Besiktas Move
Goalkeeper Alexander Nubel is leaving Bayern Munich to join Besiktas Istanbul, bringing an end to a spell defined by communication problems and misunderstandings at the German club. Once touted as the eventual heir to Manuel Neuer, Nubel instead spent much of his time out on loan.
The move draws a line under a relationship that never delivered on its early promise, with the German keeper now seeking regular first-team football in Turkey.
Ozcan Also Heads to Besiktas After Dortmund Exit
Nubel will not be the only new German arrival at Besiktas. Turkey international Salih Ozcan has signed for the Istanbul club following his departure from Borussia Dortmund, moving to his parents’ homeland for the first time in his career.
Schreuder Named Eredivisie Coach of the Season
NEC coach Dick Schreuder has won the Rinus Michels Award for the best Eredivisie manager of the past season, receiving the honour from Guus Hiddink at the National Football Coaches Congress. The 54-year-old led NEC to a historic third place in his first season in Nijmegen, the club’s highest-ever finish, securing European football and a Champions League third qualifying round spot.
Schreuder beat two-time winner Peter Bosz of PSV and former Telstar coach Anthony Correia to the award. NEC also reached the KNVB Cup final, where they were beaten 5-1 by AZ.
Briefly From the Rest
Derry City lost 3-2 to CSKA Sofia at the Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski in the Europa League first qualifying round, with boss Tiernan Lynch "disappointed with goals conceded" but insisting it is "all to play for" ahead of the second leg.
Celtic are being linked with a move for Scotland striker Andrew Bowie of Hearts, as the club scans the market alongside interest in forwards in Italy and Egypt.
Former Romania international Gabriel Muresan has died aged 44 after drowning in a lake near his home, the Romanian football federation confirmed. The midfielder won nine caps and three domestic titles with Cluj, playing in three Champions League group stages against sides including Chelsea, Manchester United and Roma.
At Borussia Dortmund, the club want Jobe Bellingham to establish himself in central midfield after an improving debut season, with support alongside him identified as key to that development.
Ofte stillede spørgsmål
Will Marc Guehi play against Norway?
It is uncertain. Guehi picked up a hamstring problem against Mexico and will be tested in training on Friday. The BBC reports that if he cannot train with the squad, he will be highly unlikely to face Norway on Saturday.
Why is Ismael Saibari missing Morocco v France?
Saibari suffered an injury during Morocco’s 3-0 win over Canada and has not recovered in time. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed he is not ready and expressed hope it is not the end of Saibari’s tournament.
Where is Alexander Nubel going after Bayern Munich?
Nubel is joining Besiktas Istanbul, ending a Bayern spell marked by communication problems and repeated loan moves.
Which clubs have signed players for Besiktas?
Besiktas have signed goalkeeper Alexander Nubel from Bayern Munich and Turkey international Salih Ozcan following his departure from Borussia Dortmund.
Who won the Rinus Michels Award for best Eredivisie coach?
NEC’s Dick Schreuder won it after leading the club to a historic third place in the Eredivisie and a KNVB Cup final in his first season in Nijmegen.