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In the world of football, after undergoing knee surgery, Neymar Jr has been recovering "very well" as per the team doctor of Brazilian football team. The United World Wrestling announced a new format for the continental and world qualifiers events for the Paris Olympics 2024 on Monday, November 13. Indian Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra shared a message for the Indian cricket team ahead of India’s semi-final clash with New Zealand in the ODI World Cup 2023.
We have covered major headlines from last 24 hours from across the globe in our today's sports wrap. Check them out here.
Football
Neymar Jr responding “very well” in recovery after undergoing knee surgery
The Brazilian forward Neymar Jr has responded “very well” in recovery after undergoing knee surgery earlier this month, following an ACL injury which happened during Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying round. The team doctor of Brazil, Rodrigo Lasmar, was quoted as saying about the recovery process of Neymar Jr in a news conference, “He has demonstrated, from the first moment, that he is following what we are proposing.”
Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill withdraw from England squad for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers
Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill have withdrawn from the English squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia on November 17 and 20 respectively, due to shoulder injuries, with reports stating that their replacements won’t be announced. Overall, five players in total have pulled out from the upcoming matches for England, with Cole Palmer, Ezri Konsa, and Rico Lewis already replacing the injured James Maddison, Callum Wilson, and Lewis Dunk.
We are stronger and better prepared for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri
Indian football skipper Sunil Chhetri said that his team is stronger and better than previous tournaments to make it to the next round of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In a conversation with the AIFF, Chhetri said, “I think it is just the morale of the team, or what has happened in the last six to eight months. A lot of boys have taken their places in the team. And that is why we are probably more prepared. Also, the World Cup qualifiers are happening at a time when a lot of us have a decent amount of game time under our belts. All these things matter.”
Saudi Pro League clubs to target Richarlison and Jadon Sancho in January: Reports
Tottenham forward Richarlison and Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho are reportedly the January targets for the Saudi Pro League clubs as per the Telegraph. Moreover, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian football journalist, Juventus have shown their interest to sign Jadon Sancho, but they want him only on a loan deal, while requiring Manchester United to pay a part of his salary.
Barcelona interested in selling Raphinha next summer: Reports
Barcelona is reportedly interested in selling the Brazilian winger Raphinha to a figure close to €70 million to a European club like Chelsea or Arsenal, who could be willing to shell out that kind of money. As per the report from Fichajes, the manager Xavi likes Raphinha in his squad, but the great form showcased by the teenager Lamine Yamal could be the reason for offloading the experienced winger next summer.
Some major results in football are as under:
FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup 2023
Morocco 0-2 Ecuador
Indonesia 1-1 Panama
Spain 1-0 Mali
Uzbekistan 3-0 Canada
Major League Soccer 2023-24
Columbus Crew 4-2 Atlanta United
Wrestling
UWW announces new format for Paris Olympics qualifiers
The United World Wrestling announced a new format for the continental and world qualifiers events for the Paris Olympics 2024 on Monday, November 13. As per the new format, all five qualifiers will have four seeds as well as there won’t be any gold medal bouts in each of the categories. There will be four continental and one world qualifiers that will finalise the Olympic quotas for the next six months.
Shooting
Adapt when the situation demands: Abhinav Bindra to Indian cricket team
Indian Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra shared a message for the Indian cricket team ahead of India’s semi-final clash with New Zealand in the ODI World Cup 2023. “As the boys in blue gear up for the semi-final, here are my two cents on handling pressure - though not that they need any lessons on pressure, given their amazing performances so far. Remember, the present moment is like a perfect shot - it's all you've got. Stay in it. Your routine is your ritual - it's what turns pressure into performance. Stick to it, but don’t be afraid to throw in a googly and adapt when the situation demands.”
Tennis
It’s a dream of every tennis player: Novak Djokovic on being crowned year-end ATP number 1
Tennis number 1 Novak Djokovic finished with ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone on Monday, where he was presented a trophy by the ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi. On receiving the honour he said, “Obviously it’s the crown of the season, finishing the year as No. 1 in the world. I think it’s a dream of every tennis player. It’s one of the most difficult things to do in our sport. Obviously winning Grand Slams and being No. 1 in the world are probably the pinnacles of the sport.”
Badminton
HS Prannoy shares injury updates ahead of Japan Masters 2023
India’s number 1 shuttler HS Prannoy shared an injury update ahead of the Japan Masters Super 500 tournament. Before heading to Japan for the forthcoming tournament, the shuttler said that he is a bit well. Prannoy said, "I am just taking it a little slowly, not rushing up on the injury side. It is pretty better than how it was during the Asian Games. I have started training also." Prannoy withdrew from the Denmark and French Open due to a recent back injury and is all set to return to action from the upcoming tournament.
