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- Arsenal confirm squad ahead of crucial fixture against Chelsea this week
- Paraguay’s President Peña urges swift EU implementation of Mercosur trade deal
- US Fighter Jet Defends Itself by Shooting Down Iranian Drone – Latest News
- Teens Prank Turns Deadly: Homeless Man Set Alight While Sleeping Under Bridge
- Marcus Rashford confirms return to Man Utd following Michael Carrick’s message | Football
- OECD Chief Mathias Cormann Urges EU Leaders to Heed Mario Draghi’s Recommendations
- Lewis Hamilton shares the advice he offered Lando Norris ahead of F1 title victory.
- Plane crash in Greater Manchester triggers significant emergency response
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Arsenal confirm squad ahead of crucial fixture against Chelsea this week
8:00 pm
TL:DR – Arsenal confirm squad ahead of crucial fixture against Chelsea this week
- Arsenal’s starting lineup includes Arrizabalaga, Timber, and Rice, among others.
- Chelsea’s starting lineup features Sanchez, Gusto, and Caicedo, amongst others.
- Arsenal’s substitutes for the match consist of Raya, White, and Jesus, among others.
- Chelsea’s substitutes include Sharman-Lowe, Badiashile, and Garnacho, among others.
Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka injury update after missing Arsenal vs Chelsea | Football
Arsenal and Chelsea Lineups Announced for Upcoming Match
Arsenal and Chelsea have confirmed their squad lineups ahead of their anticipated match this weekend. The announcements were made as both teams prepare to face off, highlighting key players and substitutes who may influence the outcome of the game.
Arsenal’s starting eleven includes Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapie, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyokeres. The substitutes for Arsenal are David Raya, Adilson Mosquera, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Mathias Jensen Norgaard, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Filippo Calafiori, and Lewis-Skelly.
Chelsea’s lineup features Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Kian Hato, Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernández, Liam Delap, and João Pedro. Their substitutes include Josh Sharman-Lowe, Michael Acheampong, Benoît Badiashile, Conor Holland, Noni Madueke Palmer, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho, Marc Guiu, and Wanya Mheuka.
The match is expected to be closely contested as both teams vie for crucial points in the ongoing season.
Paraguay’s President Peña urges swift EU implementation of Mercosur trade deal
7:00 pm
TL:DR – Paraguay’s President Peña urges swift EU implementation of Mercosur trade deal
• Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña advocates for immediate implementation of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, stating that delaying it would be a “mistake.”
• The free trade pact was signed last month by the EU and Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
• The agreement’s ratification by the EU is currently frozen due to referral to the Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
• Peña presented the agreement to Paraguay’s Congress last week, urging the EU to implement it temporarily.
• The European Commission can provisionally apply the deal if one or more Mercosur countries ratify it nationally.
Paraguay President tells Euronews ‘Mercosur must be applied without delay’
On Tuesday, 3 October 2023, Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña urged for the immediate implementation of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries, warning that delaying the agreement would be a “mistake” in the context of rising geopolitical tensions. The agreement, signed last month by the EU and Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, currently awaits full ratification by the EU, which has been stalled due to a referral to the Court of Justice in Luxembourg by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
Peña stated, “We already presented the agreement to the Congress of the Paraguayan Nation last week, and we understand that the European Union has the legal tools to implement it temporarily.” He emphasised Paraguay’s desire to be the first country to implement the agreement, as it holds the rotating pro tempore presidency of Mercosur.
European Commission Can Provisionally Apply Agreement
Despite the judicial review, the European Commission possesses the authority to provisionally apply the deal if one or more Mercosur countries complete national ratification, although a decision on this matter has yet to be made. Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the Nordic countries are advocating for this next phase of the agreement.
Peña described the European opposition to the deal as rooted in “ignorance” and an outdated perception of Latin America, asserting, “Our countries have changed tremendously. They have developed. Human capital has grown.” He cautioned that turning down the agreement would constitute a strategic misstep, citing that Europe can no longer depend solely on the United States due to the unpredictable policies of former President Donald Trump.
Potential of the Agreement to Counter China’s Influence
Peña acknowledged Trump for providing the deal with “the final push” after 25 years of negotiations, stating, “He came to challenge what we thought was stable, and that pushed us to leave our comfort zone.” He further pointed out that the EU-Mercosur agreement offers a significant opportunity to counter China’s escalating presence and dominance in the region’s rare earth supplies.
According to Peña, Latin America holds vital resources necessary for technological advancement, claiming, “We have young talent, a predominantly young population, a population (of people who are) already digital natives.” He concluded that the region possesses “everything that Europe and the world need” in terms of natural resources and food production.
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US Fighter Jet Defends Itself by Shooting Down Iranian Drone – Latest News
5:55 pm
TL:DR – US Fighter Jet Defends Itself by Shooting Down Iranian Drone – Latest News
- The US military shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.
- The incident occurred about 500 miles from Iran‘s coast, amid rising tensions following Iran’s crackdown on protests.
- An F-35C fighter jet acted in self-defence, with no US personnel or equipment harmed.
- Concurrently, Iranian forces threatened to seize a US-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
- US Central Command warns against Iranian harassment in international waters.
US fighter jet shoots down Iranian drone ‘in self defence’ | News World
The Iranian drone was approaching the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Gulf (Picture: MC1 Brian M. Wilbur)
The US military shot down an Iranian drone on Tuesday after it ‘aggressively’ approached an American aircraft carrier.
### Iranian Drone Shot Down by US Fighter Jet
A F-35 US fighter jet shot down the Iranian Shahed-139 drone as it was flying towards the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The clash took place approximately 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast, hours before Iranian ships tried to seize a US-flagged merchant vessel, according to U.S. Central Command spokesman. Capt. Tim Hawkins added: ‘USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was transiting the Arabian Sea approximately 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast when an Iranian Shahed-139 drone unnecessarily maneuvered toward the ship.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier was 500 miles from Iran’s southern coast (Picture: AP)
‘The Iranian drone continued to fly toward the ship despite de-escalatory measures taken by U.S. forces operating in international waters. An F-35C fighter jet from Abraham Lincoln shot down the Iranian drone in self-defense and to protect the aircraft carrier and personnel on board.’ No US service members were injured and no US equipment were damaged during the incident. Capt. Hawkins went on to warn: ‘Continued Iranian harassment and threats in international waters and airspace will not be tolerated.’
### Escalating Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
A separate flare-up unfolded a few hours later in the Strait of Hormuz, US officials added. They said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces harassed a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed merchant vessel and threatened to seize it. Capt. Hawkins added that a guided-missile destroyer then escorted the vessel with support from the US airforce.
The hostilities come after rising threats between Iran and the US government after the Iranian regime suppressed a wave of protests in the country.
The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Middle East after tensions rose with Iran in January (Picture: REUTERS)
Donald Trump has previously said a ‘large armada or flotilla’ is heading to Iran as he pressures the Middle Eastern country on nuclear talks. He has said ‘bad things’ would happen if a deal could not be reached. The Lincoln carrier arrived in the Arabian Sea as part of a large US military buildup following Iran’s violent crackdown on protestors last month. The US President repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily if Iran killed protestors. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based advocacy organization for rights in Iran, says more than 6,800 people died in the unrest.
Teens Prank Turns Deadly: Homeless Man Set Alight While Sleeping Under Bridge
4:42 pm
TL:DR – “Teens Prank Turns Deadly: Homeless Man Set Alight While Sleeping Under Bridge”
- Three teenage boys set a homeless man, Karn (51), on fire in Bangkok after dousing him with fuel while he slept under a bridge.
- The incident, recorded as a ‘prank’, caused significant injury and property damage on January 19.
- Karn had previously faced harassment from the boys, who are aged between nine and 15.
- Police have identified the suspects, charging them with arson, and they face potential fines and imprisonment.
- The case highlights growing concerns over youth violence towards the homeless.
Teens ‘set homeless man on fire while he slept under a bridge as a prank’ | News World
A group of three teenage boys doused a homeless man in Bangkok with fuel and set him alight before fleeing the scene.
The boys reportedly doused Karn, 51, as he was sleeping under a bridge in Thailand on January 19.
They then ignited the liquid, triggering a blaze that engulfed the area, injuring Karn and a nearby water pipe and bridge.
CCTV footage showed one boy recording the cruel ‘prank’ on his mobile phone before all three fled the scene on a black-and-red motorcycle.
Police arrived at the scene, where they found Karn seriously injured but alive.
The homeless man, Karn, said he woke up when he felt a cold liquid being splashed on him, allowing him to escape with his life.
He claimed the boys had been harassing him for months by verbally abusing him and throwing rocks and water bottles unprovoked.
Residents said Karn had never caused any trouble in the area and often shared his food with other homeless people.
Karn escaped with minor injuries but is reeling (Picture: Asia Press)
The blaze spread quickly and damaged nearby infrastructure (Picture: Asia Press)
Officers launched an investigation and said they had identified the suspects on January 22, but their identities have not been disclosed as they were minors.
Police Colonel Tosaphol Ampaiphiphatkul, superintendent of Prawet district station, said: ‘The group of suspects were aged between nine and 15. They rode the motorcycle together to escape.
‘After committing the offence, they fled to the Krungthep Kritha 18 road. Investigators identified them and informed their families.
‘We have to handle this case urgently because, if it is left unchecked, it could become a repeat of the incident in Sa Kaeo, where teenagers attacked a homeless man in Aranyaprathet district, causing severe injuries.
‘Regarding the charges against the three youths, they were only charged with ‘arson’ not ‘attempted murder.’
Police said the suspects may also face a property damage case for damaging water pipes, the bridge, and street lamps, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.
The penalty for arson is up to seven months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to £3,294.
Marcus Rashford confirms return to Man Utd following Michael Carrick’s message | Football
4:00 pm
TL:DR – Marcus Rashford confirms return to Man Utd following Michael Carrick’s message | Football
- Marcus Rashford intends to remain at Barcelona instead of returning to Manchester United after his loan spell.
- He has scored nine goals and made nine assists during his time at Barca, leading to interest in a permanent move.
- A £30m clause exists for Barcelona to sign him permanently.
- Rashford’s future is uncertain following the sacking of Ruben Amorim and the appointment of Michael Carrick, who is keen to have him back at United.
- Rashford will explore other options if Barcelona does not sign him permanently.
For more details, see Ruben Amorim’s influence and Michael Carrick’s potential role.
Marcus Rashford makes decision on Man Utd return after Michael Carrick message | Football
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona from Man Utd (Picture: Getty)
Marcus Rashford has ‘no intention’ of returning to Manchester United and will seek a move to another club if Barcelona do not sign him on a permanent transfer.
Rashford is enjoying a productive loan spell at the Nou Camp, scoring nine goals and making nine assists for the Spanish champions.
Ruben Amorim sanctioned Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa last season and was keen for the forward to leave again in the summer.
Rashford is loving life at Barca and ideally wants to sign a permanent deal with the club who are sitting top of La Liga and safely through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
When they signed Rashford on loan, Barcelona agreed a deal which would allow them to sign the United academy graduate permanently for around £30m.
Decision-makers at the Nou Camp have been impressed by Rashford’s impact but will not make a final decision on his future until nearer the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old’s situation has been complicated further by the sacking of Amorim and the appointment of caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
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Michael Carrick would push for Rashford’s return (Picture: Getty)
It was reported last week that Carrick was keen to welcome Rashford back to Old Trafford should he get the manager’s job on a permanent basis.
But the Daily Mirror claim Rashford has already decided his future lies away from United and has informed Barcelona of his desire to stay put.
As a result Rashford will explore other avenues should Barca decide not to keep him rather than return to the club he first joined at the age of eight.
Rashford made over 400 appearances and scored over 100 goals for the Red Devils but looked a shadow of the player he once was towards the end of his spell at the Theatre of Dreams.
His most prolific season at United came under Erik ten Hag when he scored 30 goals in all competitions, although he was also deadly under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Speaking about Rashford’s future at Barcelona, Hansi Flick said last month: ‘Deco and I always speak about our team and what we can do.
Ruben Amorim sanctioned Rashford’s Man Utd exit (Picture: Getty)
‘Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, but we have to manage it. It’s Deco’s job and the club’s job to work on next season so we have to wait.
‘We still have plenty more time, there are many months, many days, many weeks ahead of us, and that’s how it is.’
Rashford’s parent club Manchester United have won three games in a row under caretaker boss Carrick to move back into the Champions League places.
The Red Devils were wildly inconsistent under Amorim, finishing just 15th last season, but have beaten Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham since Carrick took over.
Carrick was not initially believed to be in the frame to replace Amorim on a permanent basis but the impressive run has convinced a number of pundits that the legendary midfielder should get the job.
England boss Thomas Tuchel and Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti have been linked with the Old Trafford position and will be available after this summer’s World Cup.
United face Tottenham this weekend while Rashford’s next assignment for Barcelona is a Copa del Rey quarter-final against Albacete.
OECD Chief Mathias Cormann Urges EU Leaders to Heed Mario Draghi’s Recommendations
3:50 pm
TL:DR – OECD Chief Mathias Cormann Urges EU Leaders to Heed Mario Draghi’s Recommendations
• Mathias Cormann, head of the OECD, spoke at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on 3 February 2026 about EU economic challenges.
• Cormann urged EU leaders to heed Mario Draghi’s recommendations for structural reform in response to tariffs.
• Draghi advocates for the EU to operate as a “true federation,” a view he reiterated on 3 February.
• EU leaders will meet next week in Belgium, with Draghi attending at António Costa’s invitation.
• The OECD highlighted concerns over Chinese trade practices and market distortions affecting the EU.
Europeans ‘would do well listening to Mario Draghi,’ OECD chief says
European leaders should heed the advice of Mario Draghi as they seek solutions to the challenges posed by tariffs on the European Union’s economy, according to Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 3, 2026, Cormann emphasised the urgency of navigating the EU’s structural challenges in an evolving trade landscape.
Cormann pointed out that the EU is a “uniquely successful story,” but must adapt to new global dynamics where international rules are increasingly scrutinised. He remarked that Draghi’s insights, presented in a 2024 report advocating for radical changes in the EU’s functionality, are critical at this juncture.
Draghi recently reiterated his call for the EU to operate as a “true federation,” moving beyond the current framework of individual nation-states.
Mathias Cormann Highlights Draghi’s Leadership
“Mario Draghi is an exceptional leader,” Cormann told Euronews. He encouraged EU leaders to “listen very carefully” to Draghi’s recommendations. Cormann remarked on the pressures facing Europe, stating, “The EU has to position itself in the best possible way in evolving circumstances.”
He also noted that European Union leaders will convene at an informal retreat next week in Belgium, with Draghi invited by European Council President António Costa.
In a previous interview with Euronews, António Costa indicated that he expects the leaders to provide “clear political guidance” regarding the largely unimplemented recommendations of Draghi’s report, which warned that the EU could face “slow agony” without transformative change.
Draghi has advocated for collective initiatives, including joint borrowing among EU member states for significant projects.
Trade Relations Amid Global Tariff Challenges
Cormann also addressed the impact of tariffs, asserting that trade remains a beneficial aspect of global relations despite the challenges posed by the US government’s trade policies. He highlighted that appetite for international cooperation persists, even as tariffs have been introduced.
Additionally, Cormann raised concerns about market distortions attributed to China’s trade practices. He noted that the European Union has urged Beijing to tackle its increasing trade deficit and warned of a potential “second China shock.”
“There are areas where we are concerned about market-distorting practices and excessive levels of state subsidies,” Cormann stated, emphasising the preference for alignment with market-based practices.
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