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• Injury forces Militao out of Brazil's World Cup qualifiers

  Eder Militao will miss Brazil's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru due to a thigh injury.

  The defender, who also missed September's fixtures due to a leg injury, first felt some discomfort against Atletico Madrid on September 29.

  Though he has featured for Real Madrid since, he flew out to Sao Paulo to undergo checks on the issue, where the national team confirmed the extent of the injury.

  "[Militao] underwent tests this Sunday... which revealed a minor muscle injury in his left thigh that will prevent him from playing," the CBF said in a statement.

  He is the second Madrid player to pull out of the Brazil squad, with Vinicius Junior also unfit to play after suffering a neck injury.

  Brazil sit fifth in South America's qualification table after eight matches, with 10 points. 

• Ayden Renalls set to make history for Jamaica at WKF World Championships in Venice

  Jamaican karate prodigy Ayden John Andrew Renalls is set to carve his name into history as he prepares to represent Jamaica at the prestigious WKF Cadet, Junior, and U21 World Championships in Venice, Italy. The event, scheduled for October 9-13, 2024, will see Renalls become the second Jamaican karate athlete to compete at this global stage.

  Born on October 8, 2007, Renalls has been dedicated to the sport of karate since the age of six. His journey, inspired by his Jamaican grandparents, has been nothing short of exceptional, blending early talent with years of hard work. Competing in the highly competitive -61kg weight category, the young fighter has been consistently delivering impressive performances both at home and abroad.

  Renalls’ karate journey began with Go Kan Ryu, before transitioning to the Goshukan Karate Academy and the Uechi Ryu Association, where he refined his skills. Over the years, he has built an illustrious resume, highlighted by becoming the 2024 English Karate National Champion and earning the top ranking as the No. 1 EKF Cadet Athlete in the -61kg category.

  Among his many achievements, Renalls captured gold at the UK National Championships in Sheffield in 2017, and two years later, he won silver at the World Cup Event in Milton Keynes. In 2018, he showcased his prowess on the international stage, securing gold at the Swiwakai International Championships in Italy. His competitive spirit remained strong as he won a bronze medal at the Open International Liege in Belgium in 2022 and followed that with a silver medal at the same event in 2023.

  

  While Renalls’ karate career has taken him around the world, his dedication to academics remains equally impressive. He has earned sports scholarships at both Haberdashers' Knights Academy and Sackville Independent School, where he is currently excelling in his studies in Economics, History, and Politics. His ability to balance academic and athletic excellence is a testament to his discipline and commitment, as evidenced by his above-average grades and acceptance into his preferred schools.

  Now, as he prepares to represent Jamaica on one of the sport's biggest stages, Renalls continues to inspire with his passion, drive, and undeniable talent. His journey to Venice marks the latest chapter in what promises to be a storied career, and Jamaica will be eagerly supporting him as he takes on the world.

   

   

   

• Dorival calls for patience over Neymar's Brazil return

  Brazil head coach Dorival Junior called for Neymar to be given as much time as he needs to make a full recovery from a knee injury before returning to the national side. 

  Neymar ruptured his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while on international duty last October in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, missing the Copa America as a result.

  The 32-year-old underwent surgery and returned to training with Al-Hilal in July, but he is yet to make his comeback, with head coach Jorge Jesus saying this week the Brazilian was not ready. 

  Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and is 15 caps shy of breaking Cafu's record for the most outings for the Selecao. 

  But the forward is again missing from the Brazil squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru next month, with Dorival saying he will wait until the right moment to welcome Neymar back into the fold. 

  "We'll wait, we'll be patient, it doesn't matter if he can't come back in October, November or even February," Dorival said. 

  "He needs to be confident, he needs to play and above all he needs to be completely healed from this injury.

  "We are starting to realise how important he is.

  "If he returns in the coming years, we will have one of the greatest players in world football at a remarkable moment in his career and in our national team."

  Dorival recalled Barcelona winger Raphinha and Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli for their upcoming fixtures next month. 

  Real Madrid trio Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Endrick were the other attacking options included for the five-time world champions.

  Brazil have 10 points from eight qualifiers after losing four of their last five matches, leaving them fifth and just one point above Paraguay, who occupy the play-off spot.