Topic
Player Absences
9 articles
Articles tagged “Player Absences”

Following their painful defeat in the first leg, Liverpool face PSG in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, hoping for a much-needed comeback. As a result, fans are keeping a close eye on Mohamed Salah’s status, as his offensive contributions could prove vital. Despite the defeat in the first leg, Liverpool will be aiming for a long-awaited comeback against PSG in the 2025–26 Champions League quarterfinal second leg. Unlike the previous match, they will need to impose a dominant attacking display to overturn the two-goal deficit. Because of this, fans are closely monitoring Mohamed Salah’s status for today’s game, as his experience and attacking quality could prove decisive for the Reds. Arne Slot has decided to bench again Mohamed Salah for the Reds today. While the veteran is in top form to make a difference against PSG, the head coach has decided to bet for a different set-up. Without his goal-scoring ability and explosive pace needed, Liverpool are expecting to counting on Hugo Ekitike‘s scoring prowess. Without the Egyptian, the Reds could rely on Hugo Ekitike, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz in attack. With this setup, they could look to exploit PSG by targeting the large spaces in behind their defense. With this being the only competition they still aspire to win, Liverpool arrive fully motivated, opting for a high-risk approach—they have little to lose, but a lot to gain. Paris Saint-Germain come in as clear favorites to secure their place in the Champions League semifinals. Not only did they dominate offensively, but they also disrupted any progression from the Reds through an intense high press. In addition, coach Luis Enrique keeps his entire roster intact, which could allow him to stick to a very similar game plan, aiming to maintain control throughout the match. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool Liverpool lineup vs PSG Liverpool face PSG with several players out of the squad. Coach Arne Slot will be without Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, and Curtis Jones. Despite this, the Reds are banking on a comeback, counting on Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai to lead the offense, while Van Dijk and Gravenberch will be tasked with providing overall stability to the team. The Reds will lineup as follows: Giorgi Mamardashvili; Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz; Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak. PSG lineup vs Liverpool Unlike the Reds, PSG arrive with few absences in their squad, with only Fabian Ruiz and Quentin Ndjantou out. As a result, coach Luis Enrique has most of his roster available, so he could stick to a similar approach: An attacking approach with high pressure. To that end, the presence of Desiré Doué will be key, as will Vitinha and João Neves, who effectively stifle Liverpool’s offense. The French side will play as follows: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves; Desiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Buy official xOG merch now! Subscribe to Patreon for as little as $6/month to get bonus episodes and the main feed ad-free! Some major contributors will be absent from the Orlando Pride's 2026 roster, and not too many players have come in to replace them. So how does Seb Hines keep the team performing at top-4 levels? Abigail Segel of Defector and The IX chats with the guys about the changing vibes of the group, and the quality that still remains in their ranks. Like & subscribe to our YouTube page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series! Follow us on TikTok and Instagram Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at [email protected] Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stu Holden and David Mosse react to the USMNT November roster reveal in this live episode of State of the Union. The pair discuss what to expect from the USA’s two upcoming matches with a roster that does not include Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie or Chris Richards among others. While some of the biggest stars are missing, Gio Reyna makes a surprise return to the roster and Stu and Mosse debate whether this is Gio’s last chance with the USMNT. Finally, manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his desire to move back to the Premier League at some point, should this concern USA fans as the team gears up for next summer’s World Cup? Intro - (0:00)Pulisic, McKennie, Musah and others OUT (:)Matt Turner done with USMNT? (:)Gio Reyna is BACK (:)Pochettino misses EPL? (:) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy Conrad and Tony Meola dive into the stunning list of names composing the USMNT's roster for September’s friendlies against South Korea and Japan (04:06). Mauricio Pochettino welcomes Christian Pulisic back, but leaves several established names out including Weston McKennie. Would the best XI of call-ups beat the best XI of absences (21:56)? And with the World Cup looming, should Poch know his strongest team already, and what should his priorities be ahead of 2026 (28:24)? Plus, Haji Wright’s scoring streak at Coventry (46:09) and Johnny Cardoso’s rise at Atletico Madrid despite missing the squad (51:26). Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X: @JimmyConrad, @CharlieDavies9, @TMeola1 Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest in sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos for betting on soccer. For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can also watch Call It What You Want on the CBS Sports Golazo Network for free on connected TVs and mobile devices through the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and on CBSSports.com as well as Paramount+. Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, EFL, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, Brasileiro, Argentine Primera División, AFC Champion League by subscribing to Paramount+ Sign up to the Golazo newsletter, your ultimate guide to the Beautiful Game as our experts take you beyond the pitch and around the globe with news that matters. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lisa Carlin, Christine Cupo, and Lori Lindsey take a look at the state of England coming off a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands during Match Day 2 EURO 2025. Then, the group discuss the big names players missing from the tournament and the amount of impact it's had on their respective country's performance. And finally, with the Copa América Femenina tournament kicking off this Friday, the group spotlight the eleven NWSL players taking part. Watch USWNT and NWSL games on P+" with a link to https://www.paramountplus.com/home/ Attacking Third is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Attacking Third team on Twitter: @AttackingThird, @LisaCarlin32, @SandHerrera_, @Darian_Jenks, and @CCupo. Visit the Attacking Third YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/attackingthird You can listen to Attacking Third on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The USMNT’s Gold Cup roster is here, and it’s stirring plenty of debate. Notable absences include stars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Jedi Robinson. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Pulisic will rest, while Musah withdrew for personal reasons. Josh Sargent? Simply left out due to tactical preference. The spotlight this summer turns to fresh faces, with five players—Alex Freeman, Damion Downs, Sebastian Berhalter, Quinn Sullivan, and Matt Freese—set to make their senior debuts. While familiar names like Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun anchor the team, breakout potential lies in players like Diego Luna, Brian White, and Sebastian Berhalter, who could become national team regulars with strong showings. The big question: does this roster still scream “Gold Cup Title or Bust”? Off the field, the timing matters. This summer was supposed to build momentum—think trophy lifts and confetti—heading into the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup on home soil. Instead, we’re left wondering who will lead this group. Tim Ream? Tyler Adams? With upcoming games vs. Türkiye and Switzerland before the group stage kicks off, it’s time for new heroes to emerge. Instant Reaction: No Pulisic, Musah, Robinson (4:02) Players that will step up (21:37) Back to front roster breakdown (24:46) Alexi’s projected starting XI (40:30) Stu joined 25 Words or Less gameshow (50:18) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson headline the USMNT absences for June’s friendlies, but they’re not the only ones. Tony Meola and Benny Feilhaber break down Pochettino’s pre-Gold Cup squad (03:27) and what missing the Milan and Fulham stars means for the team (16:36). The guys also react to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal draw and chat with Chicago Fire keeper Chris Brady about his USMNT ambitions and working with Gregg Berhalter (29:43). Plus, a closer look at other big omissions like Josh Sargent and Joe Scally (43:53). Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X: @JimmyConrad, @CharlieDavies9, @TMeola1 Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest in sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos for betting on soccer. For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can also watch Call It What You Want on the CBS Sports Golazo Network for free on connected TVs and mobile devices through the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and on CBSSports.com as well as Paramount+. Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, EFL, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, Brasileiro, Argentine Primera División, AFC Champion League by subscribing to Paramount+ Sign up to the Golazo newsletter, your ultimate guide to the Beautiful Game as our experts take you beyond the pitch and around the globe with news that matters. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sandra Herrera and Lisa Roman preview one of the biggest US friendlies this year, the USWNT vs England. First, Sandra and Lisa run through the latest in the Sally Q. Yates Investigation results and what the individual NWSL clubs' statements have read. They discuss with Mallory Pugh and Alex Morgan missing, who will start in the front line. Plus, without Taylor Kornieck, Vlatko adding in Jaelin Howell. Full preview, picks and prediction. Watch USWNT, NWSL and WSL games on P+" with a link to https://www.paramountplus.com/home/ 'Attacking Third' is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Castbox and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Attacking Third team on Twitter: @AttackingThird, @SandHerrera_, @LRoman32 Visit the Attacking Third YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/attackingthird You can listen to Attacking Third on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast." For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Alexi and Mosse kick off the podcast by looking at why Landon Donovan got a statue for LA Galaxy before the legendary Cobi Jones (07:20). Then the guys recap all of the MLS news from this past week including an El traffic recap (18:30). Later, we turn to World Cup Qualifying and answer how the USMNT can adjust without Pulisic, Reyna, or Brooks (26:25). The guys then recap all of the Champions League action and follow the different storylines from Europe’s top leagues (45:30). Alexi answers fan questions about who was snubbed on the latest USMNT roster, Ted Lasso’s new deal with the Premier League, and why MLS next kids can’t play school ball in #AskAlexi (1:01:50). Finally, Alexi ends the show with details on all the moving parts surrounding the potential change to have the World Cup every two years (1:16:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices