Football gossip: Rodri, Stones, Silva, Cucurella, Casemiro, Alisson, Rashford, Toure - BBC Sport

• Japan's hopes for the 2026 World Cup have suffered a significant blow following an injury to star player Kaoru Mitoma. • Mitoma is considered one of Japan's most impactful players, having recently scored the winning goal in a victory against England in March.

• The EuroLeague is approaching a critical deadline to finalize the official team lineup for the 2026–27 season. • The league is currently evaluating which clubs will participate, making the selection process a primary focus for stakeholders and teams.

• The Sporting News is tracking critical injuries to star players, including Lamine Yamal, who may be at risk of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup. • The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11 and will conclude with the final on July 19.

• National teams are beginning to announce their official squads for the 2026 World Cup, with Bosnia & Herzegovina and Scotland already releasing their lists. • Notable inclusions include 40-year-old Edin Dzeko for Bosnia & Herzegovina, while Sweden's squad under Graham Potter features several Premier League stars.

• Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres has secured Sweden's qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America after scoring a hat-trick against Ukraine and a late winner against Poland. • Gyökeres has now recorded 19 goals in 32 international appearances, cementing his role as a key offensive threat for his national team.

• The Premier League is approaching "Championship Sunday," the final day of the season, where the top three positions and the bottom two relegation spots have already been determined. • Despite the settled top and bottom of the table, several matches remain critical for mid-table positioning and historic symbolic milestones.

• Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul has officially confirmed its commitment to continue competing in the EuroLeague. • The decision was announced via an official club statement, clarifying the team's future status within the prestigious European competition.

• Germany has announced its World Cup squad, highlighted by the surprise return of 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from retirement. • The roster includes key players such as Joshua Kimmich and Florian Wirtz, while Kai Havertz has been selected and Serge Gnabry and Chris Fuhrich have been left out.

• Arsenal are reportedly targeting a move for Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi following the player's role in helping the club secure a Premier League title win. • In other football news, Mikel Arteta is expected to become one of the Premier League's highest-paid managers after agreeing to a lucrative new contract.

• Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius criticized the current state of modern basketball and the instability of coaching roles. • Speaking ahead of the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four, Jasikevicius highlighted the immense pressure and the frequency of coaching changes on the sidelines.

• Norway has qualified for its fourth FIFA World Cup, entering the 2026 tournament as a formidable contender rather than an underdog. • The team secured its spot by topping their UEFA qualifying group with a perfect record, a feat shared only by England.

• Scotland has qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America, marking the nation's first appearance at the tournament in 28 years. • Manager Steve Clarke secured an automatic group stage spot after a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark last November, which allowed Scotland to leapfrog them in the standings.