'Not a good feeling': How players prepared for an unusual stretch of three games in 11 days

The Independent relies on reader support to cover important stories from reproductive rights to climate change. Donations help fund investigative journalism, like the documentary 'The A Word', and ensure reporters can cover crucial moments in US history. UFC 312 features title fights with Dricus Du Plessis facing Sean Strickland and Zhang Weili defending her belt against Tatiana Suarez in Australia. The event will air live on TNT Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the...

The winter transfer window closes today with updates on deadline day from the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and Bundesliga. Major done deals include Milan signing Giménez from Feyenoord for €35m, West Ham loaning Ferguson from Brighton, and Morata moving to Galatasaray from Milan. Stay tuned for live updates on ESPN's transfer window coverage. Full Article

West Ham have signed striker Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton until the end of the season, with Brighton receiving a significant loan fee and West Ham covering his wages. There is no option for West Ham to sign Ferguson permanently. Ferguson reunited with Graham Potter, his former coach at Brighton, and made his debut appearance for West Ham after returning from injury. Additionally, Brighton signed Nurnberg striker Stefanos Tzimas for £20m, with Tzimas remaining...

A trial is underway in Spain where former football federation boss Luis Rubiales faces assault and coercion charges for allegedly kissing World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The incident, which occurred after Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup final in 2023, sparked outrage and led to widespread protests. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales, along with damages and a ban from working as a...

Eric Woodyard, ESPN Detroit Lions reporter and author, covers Claressa Shields' historic victory in capturing the undisputed heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Danielle Perkins, despite fighting with a shoulder injury. Shields became the first boxer in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed champion status in three different weight classes and holds the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles. The Flint native showcased her skills and resilience in the ring, securing the win...

Your support enables The Independent to cover stories on reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, with a commitment to factual reporting. Donations help fund on-the-ground reporters who provide unbiased coverage across the political spectrum, without paywalls. In sports news, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta may pursue a striker like Ollie Watkins, while Aston Villa secures Marcus Rashford on loan. Other transfer deadline moves include Brighton's Evan Ferguson to West Ham, Manchester City's signings, and potential deals...