Neymar tears ACL, BVB wants Sancho return

Neymar calls for help after slumping to the ground in Brazil's 2-0 defeat to Uruguay on Wednesday. (Photo credit: GOAL)

The international break is over, and we can breathe a sigh of relief, but it’s just a short-term respite, with another break coming in November. However, we look at a few talking points ahead of the resumption of league football this season.

Neymar tears ACL in Brazil's defeat.

Neymar Jr.’s future is in doubt after the Brazilian star was stretchered off in Brazil’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay in their World Cup qualifier. Scan results show huge damage to the forward’s ACL and meniscus, and he is expected to undergo surgery on Thursday. He won’t be expected back until at least one year, considering his age and the nature of the injury.

Politics is eating deep into football.

Two separate players have been suspended by their respective football clubs following the crisis involving Gaza and Israel. French club OGC Nice has suspended Youcef Atal, and German side Mainz fired Anwar El-Ghazi for posting statements that show support for the troubled Gaza. We’re hoping players stay away from politics and allow football to stay clean.

When will Ronaldo stop?

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 40 goals this calendar year, and he was unstoppable in the just-concluded international break, taking his tally for Portugal to 128. You wonder when the 38-year-old forward will stop scoring. While Ronaldo isn’t in the running for the Ballon d’Or this year, he is not backing down and will be looking to take part in a record sixth Euro championship.

Laporta was indicted in a bribery scandal.

Barcelona chairman Juan Laporta has been indicted in a bribery scandal, and not too many would be surprised considering speculations that have been flying around for years. Barcelona has survived a series of probes ranging from referee favoritism to transfer complications and club finances. All eyes are on this particular one; it could end up with loads of casualties.

Sancho to return to BVB?

Manchester United seemingly have no use for Jadon Sancho after his social media post, which appeared to counter the stand of the manager on Sancho’s attitude before the defeat at Arsenal. Borussia Dortmund has sent signals to United and would be willing to welcome back their boy if United has no further need for him.