SPORTS

The idea of the World Cup "coming home" has decidedly shaky historical roots.

2018 FIFA World Cup does not have to be a big waste of time and resources in the workplace.

Harry Kane will miss at least four weeks of action after suffering an ankle ligament injury, Tottenham have confirmed.

Chelsea star N'Golo Kante is in contention for games against Crystal Palace and Barcelona despite fainting at Cobham last week.

Marc Pugh is expected to miss Bournemouth's Premier League meeting with Tottenham on Sunday, while Jordon Ibe and Ryan Fraser will both be monitored.

Jose Mourinho is calling Samuel Umtiti on a regular basis to convince the Frenchman to snub Barcelona's attempts to renew his contract and instead join Manchester United.

Undefeated Ireland boast a five-point lead over England in the Six Nations standings and could win the title this weekend in advance of a St Patrick's Day trip to Twickenham.

Matchroom chief says the heavyweight pair will duel in 2018 – if Joshua beats Joseph Parker in Cardiff on 31 March.

Andres Iniesta and eight more first-team players underwent anti-doping tests on Thursday with Barcelona continuing their preparations for the trip to Malaga.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha could potentially feature against Chelsea this weekend after taking part in a "modified" training session on Thursday.

Gremio president Romildo Bozan has confirmed that Arthur's transfer to Barcelona "is reaching the final phase".

The club's Financial and strategy director Pancho Schroder says Neymar's move to Paris Saint-Germain proves anything is possible.

Allardyce penned an 18-month contract at Goodison Park in November and is hopeful of holding onto his job beyond the end of this season.

The New Zealander says he will offer Joshua an immediate rematch should he beat the Briton in Cardiff on 31 March.

Barcelona have confirmed that an adductor strain sustained by Denis Suarez during Wednesday's Catalan Super Cup will keep the Spanish midfielder sidelined for between 15-20 days.

Baines was an unused substitute during Everton's 2-1 defeat by Burnley, while Funes Mori featured in an Under-23's game on Monday.

Hector Bellerin, Nacho Monreal and Alexandre Lacazette are all ruled out injured for Arsenal's clash against Milan.

Anthony Joshua will spar with his last opponent Carlos Takam as he prepares for his heavyweight unification battle with Joseph Parker.

Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala score in the second half as Juve win 4-3 on aggregate after an exciting second leg at Wembley.

The middleweight unification bout is worth too much to boxing for a failed doping test to derail it.

Arthur's proposed move from Gremio to Barcelona could be set for a major twist amid delays in the negotiations between the clubs.

Defending champion Roger Federer needs to reach the semi-finals of the upcoming BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in order to retain his spot atop of the ATP rankings.

Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn knows he must "give the fans what they want" and expects a fight between Wilder and Joshua to take place before the end of the year.

Barcelona starlet Joel Lopez could leave La Masia to move to an English side amid interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp's side are expected to sign a replacement for the departed Philippe Coutinho in the summer and were heavily linked with a move for France international Lemar.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson played down any injury concerns ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Former Barcelona star Deco has backed Arthur to be a success at the Nou Camp if he finally completes his proposed move from Gremio to the La Liga giants.

Brazilian midfielder Ramires, currently playing in China for Jiangsu Suning, says it would be "spectacular" to pull on the Chelsea shirt again before he retires.

Juan Martin del Potro and Kevin Anderson lead the threat for the Swiss' crown at the BNP Paribas Masters.