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DeutschInside Australia's baseball team: A complete roster and more about 2026 World Baseball Classic team
The Australians are setting their sights high after qualifying for the quarterfinals for the first time in their history during the 2023 WBC.
El consejo de Figo a Mbappé que no gustará al Real Madrid
Middle East conflict impacts Iraq preparation for World Cup play-off
The conflict in the Middle East is impacting Iraq's preparation for an upcoming World Cup play-off in Mexico as embassies and air spaces are closed in the region.
Iraq's FA said on Instagram on Wednesday that coach Graham Arnold is stranded in the United Arab Emirates.
The delegation also appears to have trouble obtaining visas for the March 31 match in Monterrey, Mexico, where Iraq face the winner of a tie between Bolivia and Suriname for a place at the June 11-July 19 finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Iraq are bidding to play at the World Cup for a second time, the first being in 1986.
“Because of airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. In addition, several embassies remain closed at the present time, preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas to Mexico,” the statement said.
Mexico has no embassy in Iraq but its foreign ministry said that its embassy in the UAE is dealing with the matter and has asked the Iraq FA to submit all names to speed up procedures. It said that visas could also be obtained at its embassies in Europe.
The Iraq statement said they are "in constant communication" with FIFA and that the world governing body as well as the Asian Confederation AFC "are fully aware of every development regarding our team's situation."
“I’ve said to the physios” – Cole Palmer shares major fitness update
Cole Palmer has revealed he’s feeling the best he’s felt in “four of five months” following Chelsea’s win against Aston Villa.
The Blues ran out emphatic 4-1 winners at Villa Park, to move above Liverpool and back into fifth place as the race for Champions League football continues.
Chelsea responded brilliantly to going a goal down in the opening minutes with Joao Pedro scoring a hat-trick, and Palmer also getting on the scoresheet.
Cole Palmer shares fitness update
Palmer has struggled with a groin injury this season, which caused him to miss virtually the entire first half of the campaign.
Since returning in December he’s had some good moments, but things haven’t appeared quite right, and he didn’t have a good performance against Arsenal.
Palmer was back on the scoresheet against Villa. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
However, speaking before the big win, Palmer provided a fitness update, and revealed this is the best he’s felt in months.
“I still feel a bit away from being [the best Cole Palmer],” he said as quoted on X.com.
“I’ve said to the physios this week that this is the best I have felt in four or five months.
“I can do everything on the pitch now so it is just about finding my rhythm.”
Palmer has previously stated he’s yet to play a game fully fit this season, but put in an encouraging performance at Villa Park.
The England international now has five goals and an assist in his last league five games, and Chelsea will be hoping that form continues.
Joao Pedro delivers once again
Whilst Palmer is continuing to work on getting back to his best, Pedro has continued to go from strength to strength under Liam Rosenior.
The 24-year-old has now scored 14 league goals this season, and has eight in his last eight Premier League matches.
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“I’ve said to the physios” – Cole Palmer shares major fitness update
Pedro will likely be on the bench against Wrexham in the FA Cup on Saturday, but the Blues will need him at his brilliant best against PSG next week.
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