The FIA will introduce further changes to wet-weather engine software from the United States Grand Prix after completing a review into the "software bug" that further delayed the start of last week's rain-hit race in Malaysia.
… %!s()
Several cars slowed or briefly stopped on the rain-hit laps to the grid last Sunday due to what the governing body after the race described as an "unprecedented combination" related to both the slow speed the cars were travelling in the wet and the sector configuration of the Sepang lap.
The start procedure was abandoned and the Grand Prix eventually started 48 minutes later after a software update was issued by the FIA to all teams and power-unit manufacturers.
Singapore GP: Sprint weekend schedule and how to watch
F1 2026 Calendar | F1 2026 Standings | F1 Gossip Column
Download the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱
Having promised an investigation into what happened, the FIA delivered its findings and next steps on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.
"The review concluded that some cars running on low engine RPM in certain circuit sectors where a 250kW power reduction was applied experienced a loss of power beyond the original intent and that could not be recovered in those sectors," read the statement.
"As a result, the configuration established for the Sepang event will be reinstated for the Singapore Grand Prix should similar weather conditions be expected. Additionally, a further update to the wet weather software will be released for the United States Grand Prix on October 25.
"The review also recommended that measures would be implemented for testing of the software, recognising that opportunities for testing are limited, to make it robust as possible.
"The FIA , together with the teams and Power Unit Manufacturers (PUMs), will continue to strengthen Power Unit software testing and verification capabilities, enhancing the overall validation process through independent assessment and collaborative feedback, including input from the supplier of the standardised Electronics Control Unit (ECU)."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit
The governing body also dismissed suggestions that there had not been testing of the wet-weather software before the issues at Sepang.
"The FIA would like to address comments suggesting that the software had not been tested prior to its deployment," the statement added.
"Before implementation, teams and Power Unit manufacturers conducted simulation exercises to validate the software package, which was subsequently tested in full-scale running during Free Practice 1 sessions at both the Belgian Grand Prix and the Dutch Grand Prix."
The governing body also detailed the timings for how the issues in Sepang were resolved, confirming its technical team had identified the cause of the issue and released software update configurations to teams and power-unit providers within five minutes of the race-start suspension.
Sky Sports F1's live Singapore GP Sprint weekend schedule
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Look back at some of the most dramatic moments that have taken place at the Singapore Grand Prix
Friday October 9 9am: Singapore GP Practice (session starts at 9.30am)* 11.30am: Team Bosses' Press Conference 1pm: Singapore GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 1.30pm)*
Saturday October 10 9am: Singapore GP Sprint build-up* 10am: Singapore GP SPRINT* 1pm: Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying build-up 2pm: SINGAPORE GP QUALIFYING* 4pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook
Sunday October 11 11.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore GP build-up 1pm: THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 3pm: Chequered Flag: Singapore GP reaction 4pm: Ted's Notebook
England have claimed bronze medals at two of the previous three World Cups on home soil.
The 2027 World Cup is in Australia next summer, with England out to go one better than their silver medal in South Africa in 2023 and win the competition for the first time.
Image:
Defending World Cup champions Australia will host the 2027 edition next summer
'We can inspire next generation of players and fans'
On the 2031 tournament, Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, said: "As a proud Northerner, I am absolutely thrilled to see the world's biggest netball event coming to Manchester.
"This is a city with an incredible sporting heritage and a real passion for bringing people together through sport.
"To have the best netball players in the world coming to Manchester is a hugely exciting prospect, and I know the city will give them the welcome they deserve.
"This is a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase our sport on the biggest stage, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans."
World Netball president Dame Liz Nicholl DBE added: "England last hosted our pinnacle event in 2019, for which the legacy still lives on globally through Net2019 legacy projects in Zambia and Argentina, as well as in Great Britain where 160,000 women were inspired to start playing or play more netball because of the event.
Image:
Co-op Live was the venue for the 2026 Netball Super League Grand Final as Manchester Thunder beat London Pulse
"After reviewing their strong bid, I am confident England Netball will host another thrilling international event, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in 2031 and beyond."
England netball chief executive Fran Connolly said: "[This World Cup] gives us a powerful platform to grow the visibility, profile and impact of women's sport and netball across the UK.
"Having witnessed the spectacle of Netball Super League Grand Final at Co-op Live earlier this summer, we know Manchester is the perfect stage on which to take our sport to another level.
"The energy, atmosphere and ambition we saw in the arena demonstrated what is possible when women's sport is given the platform and investment it deserves.
"Hosting the World Cup in Manchester will allow us to showcase the very best of our sport to a global audience, inspire more people to pick up a netball, and create a lasting legacy for players, fans and communities." %!s()
Can Gyokeres step up and save his stalling Arsenal career?
Arsenal vs Leeds - Saturday, 12.30pm kick-off
For the first five Premier League games of the season, Mikel Arteta named the same Arsenal front four in every single one. But now he's set to be forced into changes.
… %!s()
Hamstring injuries to Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis mean the centre-forward and left-wing positions are likely to change over the next few weeks, at the very least.
Arsenal's squad strength allows Eberechi Eze to come in as a left-wing option. It's not a bad option. But how will Viktor Gyokeres fare as he prepares to replace Havertz?
It's been a frustrating start to the season for the Swedish forward, who has yet to score in his five appearances in all competitions so far this term. He's started only two, and he's managed just one shot in his 192 minutes so far.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Paul Merson heaps praise on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after he penned a new, long-term contract with the club.
'Ruthless' Mikel Arteta enters step five of Arsenal project
How does Mikel Arteta turn champions into serial winners?
ARSENAL PODCAST: Listen to an Arteta new contract special!
Right now, Gyokeres is increasingly becoming the player who just doesn't quite fit at Arsenal. The start of the season has not only proved that Havertz is the clear first-choice No 9, but the German is better suited to Arteta's Arsenal system.
But there are signs Gyokeres could get his opportunity at the right time. First, he has a strong record against Leeds, scoring three goals in the two Premier League games against the Whites last season.
He also had a promising international break, scoring in every Sweden match during the lengthy camp. It mirrors a similar situation Gyokeres had in March of this year.
With question marks over his goalscoring form at Arsenal, Gyokeres went away with Sweden and fired them to the World Cup with four goals in two games. That in turn sparked a run of five goals in eight matches for Arsenal - with those goals helping the Gunners to the Premier League title.
Gyokeres' Arsenal career is currently stalling, can he kick it into gear? Sam Blitz
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
Bees to strengthen European dream or Villa's rebuild to continue?
Aston Villa vs Brentford - Saturday, 3pm kick-off
Aston Villa ended on a high by beating Tottenham before the international break, but a familiar and in-form foe now stands in their way.
Brentford beat Unai Emery's side three times last season. Twice in the league with two narrow 1-0 victories, and they also knocked them out of the Carabao Cup with a penalty shoot-out win.
The Bees have gone from strength to strength since and sit in fourth place with nine points from their opening five games thanks to their unbeaten start in the top flight.
An impressive 3-0 win against Chelsea marked their last outing and it will be a big ask for Villa to build on the victory at Spurs with a win here.
The rebuild at Villa Park - both in the squad and within the stadium itself due to the renovation of the North Stand - is taking shape. But Villa are not the polished product they once were.
Brentford will be full of confidence and victory on the road will be viewed as another building block towards their dream of European football.
For Villa, it could be another step in the right direction for their new era, or a stark reminder that a rebuild of this magnitude will require patience of the highest degree to recapture their usual consistency. Patrick Rowe
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
Palmer back in spotlight as Chelsea seek response
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports' Peter Smith and James Savundra discuss Chelsea's defensive problems under Xabi Alonso after their shaky start to the Premier League season.
Chelsea vs Bournemouth - Saturday, 3pm kick-off
Cole Palmer had looked to be returning to his best. There were six goal involvements in seven games before the international break. "That's why we nominated him," said a rather disgruntled Thomas Tuchel when he was quizzed about Palmer pulling out of the England squad.
The England boss - who has been able to play Palmer just three times during his time in charge - said Chelsea informed him the forward "plays with discomfort and pain". Pointedly, Tuchel added: "He misses too many opportunities" to impress for England.
Captivate
This content is provided by Captivate, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only.
How Xabi Alonso could solve Chelsea's familiar problems
Xabi Alonso will need Palmer back available and ready to make an impact this Saturday at Stamford Bridge, though. Top-scorer Joao Pedro is set to be out again and Chelsea are badly in need of a response to the 3-0 loss at Brentford last time out, which knocked an encouraging start to the season off course.
Palmer's pal and Chelsea team-mate Morgan Rogers had a productive time away with the national team - capping that spell with a wonderful assist for Harry Kane on Tuesday night. It would be timely for Palmer to deliver a special moment of his own to get Chelsea back on track and shake off those negative headlines with a reminder of his quality. Peter Smith
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
Ipswich to stake survival claim or Fulham to dust off cobwebs?
Ipswich vs Fulham - Saturday, 3pm kick-off
Must-win? Six-pointer? Is it too early for this type of talk? Undoubtedly - but there are reasons to suggest otherwise.
Fulham sit 19th in the table with just two points from their opening five games. Ipswich know how difficult it is to keep their place in the Premier League.
Alvaro Arbeloa's side face all three newly promoted teams in their next three games and a win to kickstart that run would alleviate some of the early pressure they are finding themselves in.
Meanwhile, Ipswich will know Manchester City are on the horizon after this fixture and three points could take them into the top half of the table to build on their solid return to the top flight so far.
The game will not be decisive come May, but they could look back on this fixture as the game Fulham dusted off the cobwebs or where Ipswich staked their survival claim. Patrick Rowe
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
Can Brighton pick up where they left off?
Sunderland vs Brighton - Saturday, 3pm kick-off
No club likes an international break, but Brighton might have been particularly peeved at the timing. Five games in, they sit in third and are the Premier League's top scorers (16).
Brighton have lost just once in all competitions, and even that was a narrow 4-3 victory against Chelsea - something they would be confident of winning if they played again now.
And two and a half weeks ago, they swept aside champions Arsenal with a convincing 3-0 win at the Amex - but will the Seagulls' wings have been clipped by the extended break?
Casual fans might hope not - Brighton have been a delight to watch so far this season - but Sunderland will certainly hope they can take advantage of some post-break rustiness.
The Black Cats have arguably not amassed the points they deserve based on performances so far. Despite losing 5-3 to Man City before the international break, a few minor swings either way could well have seen Sunderland come away with the points that day.
But Brighton will come to the Stadium of Light full of confidence, hoping the momentum remains with them. Charlotte Marsh
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
'Lads, it's Tottenham'… but it's not that simple
Manchester United vs Tottenham - Saturday, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports
On paper, the famous words are staring Manchester United fans in the face: "Lads, it's Tottenham."
Bottom of the table, winless after five games and already looking short of confidence… what could possibly go wrong?
Well, quite a lot.
Spurs have endured a miserable start under Roberto De Zerbi, but United arrive with their own problems. Just two wins from seven games in all competitions has piled the pressure on Michael Carrick, while three consecutive Premier League games without victory mean another slip-up will only turn up the heat.
Captivate
This content is provided by Captivate, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only.
'Void of leaders' - The problems for bottom-side Spurs after winless start
History does favour United: they have won 40 of the 68 Premier League meetings, while Spurs have lost 25 times at Old Trafford.
But with both managers desperate for a result, this is less "Lads, it's Tottenham" and more "Lads, it's time to deliver."
Given it's at Old Trafford and the fact Spurs could match United's points tally with a win a defeat would feel marginally more disastrous for Carrick's side. William Bitibiri
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
Will Palace give old boss Glasner late gift on Selhurst Park return?
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest - Sunday, 2pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
Oliver Glasner left Selhurst Park a hero at the end of May when his side lifted the Conference League trophy, their first ever European silverware, in his final game in charge.
He returns barely four months later hoping his old side will be in generous mood as he looks to build some consistency following what has been an odd set of results in his first five league games in charge of Nottingham Forest.
Draws with Liverpool and Spurs were decent results and it looked like things had begun to settle with victory at Aston Villa, but the scoreline from, and the nature of, the 1-0 reverse at home to previously winless Coventry last time out will have stung.
Palace themselves are still adjusting to the post-Glasner era under Pierre Sage, and defeat at home to Ipswich last time out was particularly dispiriting.
They will be as aware as anyone of underestimating their old boss, who won only one of his first seven games in charge of the Eagles before winning six of his next seven and never looking back. His former employers will just have to hope this isn't the weekend that things click this time around. Ron Walker
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
Can the Toffees tame the Tigers?
Hull City vs Everton - Sunday, 2pm, live on Sky Sports
The international break may have come following Hull's first Premier League defeat of the season, but that sentence alone is enough for fans to be overjoyed. Up until matchday five they had earned their place inside the top four with a remarkable start.
They return to action in eighth, which is still a major overachievement even at this stage. One place above them, is Everton.
The Toffees have been quietly going about their business and remain unbeaten. Given the question marks over their squad following the summer transfer window, it's yet another mightily impressive start spearheaded by David Moyes.
It makes for an intriguing return to league action for both sides, who will no doubt be riding a wave of positivity. The visitors though have a chance to teach the hosts a real lesson.
Last season, Everton were the seventh-best team in the Premier League on away turf. This term, they have picked up points on their travels to Bournemouth and Tottenham. If there's one thing they know how to do, it is keep home fans quiet.
That will be easier said than done at the MKM Stadium given the buoyant atmosphere one would expect. However, if Everton can produce a trademark on-the-road performance, it could be a sobering experience for Hull and a dose of reality that there is still a long way to go before you can celebrate anything. Callum Bishop
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
Can Liverpool produce statement win to kick-start Iraola reign?
Liverpool vs Man City - Sunday, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
Anfield would be red hot any time Man City came to visit, but after recent events, expect a particularly volatile atmosphere on Sunday for a clash that could act as a springboard for Andoni Irola's Liverpool reign.
While the Basque is still unbeaten and could become only the third permanent Liverpool manager to avoid defeat in each of his first six top-flight matches in charge of the club this weekend, he has enjoyed a favourable run of fixtures to begin his tenure.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam and Vinny O'Connor are joined by Liverpool author and podcaster Dan Morgan to discuss Andoni Iraola's start to life at Liverpool as he attempts to implement a style of play he had great success with at Bournemouth.
That all changes now though, with the Reds face a tough-looking trip to Brentford, before hosting in-form Brighton & Hove Albion and champions Arsenal following the City encounter, an exacting league run that will tell us much more about how well Iraola's ideas are taking hold.
The Liverpool head coach does have injury worries to key personnel to contend with, but if he can overcome those to produce a statement win in front of the watching world on Super Sunday, then players and fans will really start to believe in the new man. Rich Morgan
Monterosa
This content is provided by Monterosa, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Monterosa cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Monterosa cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Monterosa cookies for this session only.
How will City's perfect start be affected by Premier League verdict?
Anfield is famous for its atmosphere, but the mood awaiting Manchester City on Sunday will be unique. What a venue for City's first game since an independent commission judged they broke Premier League rules between 2009 and 2018. Seismic.
City are appealing, of course, but the Liverpool crowd will deliver their own verdict and expect it to be vociferous. On the pitch, for what that is worth, Enzo Maresca's City side are defending a perfect record of five wins from five and are currently top of the table.
Andoni Iraola is also unbeaten since taking over at Liverpool but with three draws from their opening five games, this feels like the first big test of his reign - and his team's own title credentials. Whatever happens, all eyes will be on an Anfield clash to remember. Adam Bate
First PL win in 25 years secured… now Coventry aim for home victory
Coventry vs Newcastle - Monday, 8pm, live on Sky Sports
The international break arguably came at the worst possible time for Coventry. Frank Lampard's side earned a vital 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, their first top-flight win in 25 years. However, a three-week break denied Coventry of the chance to build momentum following a poor start to the season.
Home matches have been miserable so far this campaign. They've lost all three in all competitions, with an aggregate score of 9-1, including two goalless defeats in the league.
Only five teams in Premier League history have lost each of their opening three home matches of a campaign without scoring, a record they'll be desperate not to join.
Newcastle's the name that arguably excites Lampard the most when checking the fixture list. The former midfielder won 16 times against this weekend's opposition as a player, and only Crystal Palace have been defeated more times (5) than Newcastle (3) with Lampard in the opposition dugout.
Coventry, however, have not had much success against Newcastle. The hosts have lost seven out of their last eight encounters, including five in a row.
But with Newcastle's last away league game ending in a thumping loss to Leeds, and Coventry tasting a Premier League win for the first time since 2001, could Monday bring their first home top-flight win in 25 years? Luca Adewale%!s()
Liverpool conceded two goals in each of their first two games of the season. Not only have they not conceded two in a game since, they have only conceded two in total in the last five matches. It is no coincidence that Ronald Araujo has come in for these games.
… %!s()
It is understandable that the arrival of a 27-year-old defender on loan from Barcelona has not brought the same buzz as the £123m man Bradley Barcola. Nor does Araujo engender the same excitement about his potential that has greeted Jeremy Jacquet.
But there are signs already that his acquisition late in the summer transfer window could prove significant for Liverpool. Araujo is helping to solve a problem position. A centre-back by preference, the Uruguayan has brought balance in the right-back role.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ronald Araujo says he had no doubts about joining the club from Barcelona on loan
Transfer Centre LIVE! | Liverpool news & transfers🔴
Liverpool fixtures & scores | FREE Liverpool highlights▶️
Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱
Jeremie Frimpong left Liverpool too open in those first two games of the season. He was removed after Nottingham Forest took the lead midway through the second half at Anfield and has not been seen in Andoni Iraola's Premier League starting line-up since.
Araujo does not merely mirror the work of Milos Kerkez on the opposite flank. He gives Liverpool the option of building in a three and has the instincts to sweep across. His presence makes Iraola's team less vulnerable to the switch of play and from set pieces.
Datawrapper
This content is provided by Datawrapper, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Datawrapper cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Datawrapper cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Datawrapper cookies for this session only.
Indeed, Araujo has won 15 aerial duels since the Ipswich game - more than twice as many as any other Liverpool player during that time. Look at his defensive action areas so far this season and it is clear that he is contributing inside his own penalty box.
Within the club, he has impressed with the speed of his adjustment. Speak to those close to him and they suggest that Araujo has been struck by the step up in standards even compared to Barcelona but that he is relishing it, invigorated by the opportunity.
Image:
Ronald Araujo's aerial ability has been important to Liverpool from right-back
That should be no surprise because this is a player who always thought about the game and been willing to embrace the challenge. Diego Scotti was a senior colleague when Araujo broke through as a teenager at Boston River and has stayed in touch ever since.
"From the first day, he caught my attention," Scotti tells Sky Sports. "I was struck by his personality, his dedication, and the intensity with which he trained. I saw him taking the game very seriously. He was a youngster very interested in learning and in listening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the match between Bournemouth and Liverpool
"Every day, I saw him train with a lot of dedication, which is important in this profession. That was the first thing that surprised me about him. And, as well as his talent, more than anything else, I was surprised by his physical characteristics at such an early age.
"He soon joined the team and it was as if he had been competing for many teams in the top division. Obviously, there were errors. His positioning, when to play and when not to. But they were errors that he quickly corrected. Technically, he improved day by day."
Scotti anticipated his rise. "I had no doubt that he was destined for elite football. He was playing for Uruguay at 20." But going to Barcelona accelerated that development. "At Barcelona, he polished everything. His technique, his control, his passing."
He adds: "When you can combine that with a strong aerial game, his physical qualities, his personality and his attitude… Something that I always liked about him was that he was humble. He would listen to what older players told him. He was always receptive.
"Even now, he is always willing to collaborate. I am personally in charge of the Footballers' Union in Uruguay. He is very attentive to what is going on in our country. He does not forget where he came from. I think that is remarkable. He is a good teammate."
Image:
Ronald Araujo's defensive action areas for Liverpool this season
As well as helping Liverpool to tighten up defensively, Araujo has shown that he can make an impact at the other end of the pitch too. Most notably, there was his clever flick that opened up the chance for Dominik Szoboszlai to level it up against Atletico Madrid.
That was an outlier but Araujo has shown himself to be capable in that supporting role. Certainly, he gives Liverpool more defensively than they lose offensively. "Sometimes, because he is a centre-back, we underrate his offensive side," said Iraola that evening.
"He gave a great assist for Dominik Szoboszlai, he made a couple of very good surges from his position. I am very happy with him. He has come with a willingness to show he belongs to this level and I hope we can keep him there because he is in a lovely place."
Sunday 11th October 4:00pm
Kick off 4:30pm
Scotti is in no doubt that he belongs. In fact, he suggests there is more to come. Tactically, he can handle the offensive and defensive phases," he explains. "And, regarding his position, I have even seen him play as a central midfielder and do it well."
He adds: "He can adapt to all these positions, which obviously gives him an advantage when it comes to integrating into the squad. The coach can count on him." The signs are that Iraola already does. Not Liverpool's biggest summer signing. But maybe the most important. %!s()
Thirty-three people have been killed in a Russian glide bomb attack on two civilian buses in the frontline city of Kramatorsk, rescue officials say.
Another 18 people were wounded, said Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin, accusing Russia of targeting buses carrying passengers to kill as many civilians as possible.
… %!s()
Images posted by local prosecutors showed the burning metal shell of the bus along with debris and some of the victims on the road.
Kramatorsk and neighbouring Slovyansk are part of a so-called fortress belt that Russia is trying to seize as part of Vladimir Putin's claim to the entire Ukrainian industrial region of Donbas.
Moscow is yet to comment on the latest attack. It follows a dramatic surge in Russian attacks across the country and a heavy increase in civilian casualties.
According to the UN, Ukraine saw more civilians killed by August this year than were killed in all of 2025.
In one single attack that destroyed a five-storey block of flats in Pryluky east of Kyiv early on Wednesday, 22 people were killed, including five children. Three of the children were only one year old.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, meeting Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday, said the attack in Pryluky showed Russian President Vladimir Putin's "evil intent and evil strategy".
He announced "more sanctions on Russia, on the war machine of Putin, on the shadow fleet, on the oil companies, on the crypto, on the financing of the war" and told Zelensky the UK would stand with Ukraine "as long as it takes for you to prevail in this conflict".
After the deadly attack on Kramatorsk, Donetsk regional head Filashkin appealed to anyone who was still in the eastern front line region to move to safer parts of Ukraine.
Given the sharp deterioration of security in the two neighbouring cities, he said all public transport had been ordered to stop. The safety of civilians was paramount, and "we have no right to risk the lives of passengers and drivers", he said.
Moscow has often cited the "liberation" and "protection" of the predominantly Russian-speaking Donbas as justification for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is made up of two regions - Luhansk and Donetsk - and with most of Luhansk under Russian control, the Kremlin is also aiming to capture remaining 20% of Donetsk territory still held by Ukraine.
For much of the war Kramatorsk acted as a logistics and supply hub for the Ukrainian military, however it has now come under almost daily Russian attack as its military moves closer to the east of the city.
Glide bombs in particular have been launched at Slovyansk and Kramatorsk. The bombs are fitted with winglets so they glide towards their target rather than simply fall. In late August as many as nine glide bombs were fired at Kramatorsk in one day.
Kramatorsk City Council described the strike as a "horrific crime committed by the Russian army against the civilian population".
"Once again, the Russians have struck a location where there are absolutely no military targets," it said.
Russia is also launching constant air raids on the capital Kyiv, with sirens ringing throughout the day.
Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko said attacks on Thursday had killed three people, with 14 others injured. Two of the eight injured are in a critical condition.
The attacks are forcing schoolchildren out of classes into shelters, shuttering businesses, and disrupting public transport.
Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly on its energy grid, are causing power outages already and are even affecting the water supply. Local water authorities in the capital warned on Thursday that pressure was dropping across the city's right bank due to power cuts.
Zelensky offered his condolences to families and loved ones affected by the latest attack and said Ukraine's partners needed to provide "concrete action through new defence packages for the protection of Ukraine".
Ahead of the Pryluky attack, the Ukrainian leader had warned this week of warned of intelligence suggesting plans for a major Russian onslaught, and in Kyiv families responded by heading to metro stations for shelter.
Such warnings are for now one of the only defences Ukrainians have.
Interceptor missiles are in short supply around the world, so Ukraine has little chance to stop incoming Russian ballistics.
Both Russia and Ukraine have intensified long-range strikes on each other in recent months, with Russian attacks targeting Ukrainian data centres and logistics warehouses. %!s()
