SPORTS BRIEFS

Kylian Mbappe would not feature in France’s Nations League match against Italy as he is not fully fit, coach Zinedine Zidane said on Wednesday, ahead of the match yesterday. Mbappe missed France’s last three matches after injuring his left knee while scoring the winner in their Nations League clash with Turkey on Sept. 25. L’Equipe reported that Mbappe was troubled by a hamstring problem and had missed Wednesday’s training session with the national team. “He will be out tomorrow. He felt a slight pain and, as usual, we won’t take any risks. Losing players is regrettable, but it’s part of the game. I hope it’s nothing serious and that we’ll have him back on Sunday,” Zidane was quoted as saying by L’Equipe. France would again face Turkey on Sunday.

Photo: AFP

FORMULA ONE

Hamilton speaks out

Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton on Wednesday said that Israel must allow aid trucks into Gaza, a day after he visited the Rafah border crossing in Egypt. Hamilton, a seven times world champion, arrived in El Arish on Tuesday, where he was briefed on how aid is prepared and coordinated before it is sent into Gaza, as he toured the Rafah crossing and the Egyptian Red Crescent’s aid warehouses. “The past three years of Israel’s genocide in Gaza is appalling. It’s an injustice for people to be denied their freedom, their safety and their dignity. No human being should be treated as though their life matters less,” the Ferrari driver wrote on Instagram. Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide and says its military campaign in Gaza targets Hamas militants.

SOCCER

Tuchel reaffirms loyalty

Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday said he has no intention of leaving the England job before the European Championship in 2028 regardless of any offers that come in from major clubs. Tuchel, who replaced Gareth Southgate last year, was initially contracted for 18 months until this year’s World Cup in North America, but signed an extension in February keeping him in charge of England until Euro 2028 on home soil. “No release clause. And there’s no intention. I signed the contract — I want to stay until the Euros. I want to do the Euros. We have unfinished business,” Tuchel said. The German’s comments come amid reports that US national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United. Carrick’s future is in doubt due to a poor run of form that has left the club in the relegation zone.

BASKETBALL

Curry out with stomach pain

Golden State star Stephen Curry left Wednesday night’s game against Houston in the first quarter with right abdominal soreness and did not return. Curry made a 3-pointer — his only basket of the game — with about seven minutes left in the first quarter and put his hand on his right side and winced as he backpedaled after the shot. He appeared to be in pain and was walking gingerly and holding his right side as he exited the court. “He said he tweaked something in his abdominal area and said he’s never done it before,” Kerr said. Kerr was asked what his level of concern about Curry’s condition was. “I mean, concern is high, but I have no idea the extent of the injury,” he said.