New York State

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

Former Premier League star rushed to hospital due to ‘rapid heartbeat’

Aleksandar Mitrovic is being observed by specialists (Picture: Instagram)

Al-Hilal’s Aleksandar Mitrovic missed training due to an abnormal heart rhythm, the Saudi Pro League champions said on Sunday after local media reported the Serbia striker had been taken to hospital.

Mitrovic returned from a hamstring injury that had kept him out since January and scored in a 2-0 win at Al-Fayha on Friday.

‘The medical staff has decided to rest Aleksandar Mitrovic from Sunday’s training, due to feeling fatigue and arrhythmias,’ Al-Hilal said in a statement.

‘He will be observed by specialists, as his case will be monitored constantly.’

Jorge Jesus’s side face Pakhtakor in the second leg of their AFC Champions League Elite last-16 tie on Tuesday after a shock 1-0 loss in Uzbekistan last week.

The Saudi club did not say if Mitrovic would be involved in Tuesday’s match.

Mitrovic marked his return to action following a two-month injury layoff last week by scoring a late goal in Al-Hilal’s 2-0 win at Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Ahli v Al Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - October 5, 2024 Al Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 13 goals this season (Credits: REUTERS)
Fulham FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Aleksandar Mitrovic was a hero to Fulham fans during his time in the Premier League (Picture: Getty)

The Serbian forward, who was injured in a loss against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Cup quarter-finals in January, scored his 13th goal in 14 games in SPL.

Mohamed Kanno opened the scoring early for Jorge Jesus’s side, and Mitrovic sealed Al-Hilal’s win with a close range strike in the 89th minute. VAR confirmed the goal after the check.

‘It has been tough two and half months for me, had some problems with my hamstring, injury… after injury,’ Mitrovic told SSC Sports.

‘I worked really hard to come back… I can help my teammates… happy with the goal.’

Read More »

Struggling Man Utd star Joshsua Zirkzee receives brutal snub from Ronald Koeman

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Arsenal - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - March 9, 2025 Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee reacts REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Joshua Zirkzee has been left out of the Netherlands squad (Credits: REUTERS)

Joshua Zirkzee has been told he has been left out of the Netherlands squad by Ronald Koeman because he simply isn’t good enough.

The 23-year-old has endured a difficult first season at Old Trafford following his summer transfer from Bologna.

United were reportedly ready to cut ties with the striker in January but the forward has worked hard to restore his reputation after he was hauled off in the first half of December’s defeat against Newcastle.

Zirkzee has certainly shown flashes of promise in recent weeks but it still hasn’t been enough to convince Koeman he is worthy of a place in his squad despite a striker shortage.

‘He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment,’ Koeman explained, bluntly.

Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day

Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.

Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.

‘Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong. Yes, in principle form and fitness are always leading, but that is not always possible.

‘We have a lot of central defenders and midfielders, but we are somewhat limited up front.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Conor Molloy/ProSports/Shutterstock (15186324ar) Joshua Zirkzee (11) of Manchester United sees his effort saved by David Raya (22) of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford, Manchester Manchester United v Arsenal, Premier League - 09 Mar 2025
Joshua Zirkzee was one of several Manchester United players to be denied by David Raya (Credits: Conor Molloy/ProSports/Shutterst)

‘But even then, I still think that you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn’t deserve that now, but that could be the case again in another period.’

In fairness to Koeman, Zirkzee did little to suggest he will be missed by the Dutch in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers after another confusing performance against Arsenal on Sunday.

Gabriel and William Saliba had little difficulty in containing United’s main outlet whose display drew ire from United legend Paul Scholes.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Currie/Colorsport/Shutterstock (15183701cs) Football - 2024 / 2025 Premier League - Manchester United vs Arsenal - Old Trafford - Sunday 9th March 2025 Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks dejected Manchester United v Arsenal, Premier League, Football, Old Trafford, Manchester, UK - 09 Mar 2025
Joshua Zirkzee endured a frustrating afternoon against Arsenal(Credits: Paul Currie/Colorsport/Shutterst)

‘Both teams are in desperate need of a striker,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions.

“Zirkzee I thought was a little bit disappointing today. I’m not sure he’s a number nine or a number ten.

“I’m not really sure what Zirkzee brings to the team. Rasmus Hojlund is obviously still having his issues but both teams are crying out for attacking players.”

Read More »