Mane Declared Fit for Cup of Nations Quarter-Final

Senegal’s Sadio Mane, in action against Cape Verde, during their African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam. (AP)
Senegal’s Sadio Mane, in action against Cape Verde, during their African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam. (AP)
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Mane Declared Fit for Cup of Nations Quarter-Final

Senegal’s Sadio Mane, in action against Cape Verde, during their African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam. (AP)
Senegal’s Sadio Mane, in action against Cape Verde, during their African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 match against Cape Verde at Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam. (AP)

Sadio Mane has been declared fit for Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Equatorial Guinea in Yaounde on Sunday, his country's football federation said, days after suffering a head knock that saw him taken to hospital.

After scoring the opening goal, the Liverpool star clashed heads with the opposing goalkeeper as Senegal beat the Cape Verde Islands in Tuesday's last-16 clash in Bafoussam and was forced to leave the field, looking groggy and with swelling on the side of his face.

He underwent examinations that showed no trace of concussion, said Senegal's doctor Abdourahmane Fédior.

"All the symptoms he had on the pitch are gone. His condition requires fairly close monitoring. Everything is normal on the X-ray," the doctor said in a statement released by the Senegalese federation.

Mane, The reigning African Footballer of the Year, posted a picture of himself on social media with the caption "recovering".

He is a major part of Senegal's hopes of winning their first continental championship in Cameroon. They were among the pre-tournament favorites but although they have reached the last eight, they have so far looked far from convincing.



Arsenal Sign Brentford Captain Norgaard to Strengthen Midfield

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brentford v Fulham - GTech Community Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Brentford's Christian Norgaard during a lap of appreciation after the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
Soccer Football - Premier League - Brentford v Fulham - GTech Community Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Brentford's Christian Norgaard during a lap of appreciation after the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
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Arsenal Sign Brentford Captain Norgaard to Strengthen Midfield

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brentford v Fulham - GTech Community Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Brentford's Christian Norgaard during a lap of appreciation after the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
Soccer Football - Premier League - Brentford v Fulham - GTech Community Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Brentford's Christian Norgaard during a lap of appreciation after the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

Arsenal have signed Christian Norgaard from Brentford, the two Premier League clubs said on Thursday as the North London club continues to strengthen the midfield following close-season departures.

Financial details were not disclosed but British media reports said Arsenal paid an initial fee of 10 million pounds ($13.60 million) to sign the 31-year-old Denmark international on a two-year deal with an option for a third year, Reuters reported.

"He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said in a statement.

"He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance. Christian will bring a lot to the group both on and off the pitch."

Norgaard is Arsenal's third recruit in the close season after they signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea and defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal have effectively replaced Jorginho and Thomas Partey after the two midfielders' contracts ran out at the end of June.

Norgaard, who spent six years at Brentford and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2021, was also the club's captain in the last two seasons.

An ever-reliable central midfielder in the Brentford squad, Norgaard has made 122 Premier League appearances in four seasons.

He will be a welcome addition to Arsenal as they compete on multiple fronts and said the opportunity to play in the Champions League was too good to resist.

"Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It's a childhood dream and something I didn't think would be possible. So it's something I'm really, really happy about," he said.

The Dane has made more interceptions than any other player since his Premier League debut in 2021.

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign on August 17 when they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.