What’s happened this week and what’s on this weekend in sport.
This week’s news in brief
Monday 15 – Thursday 18 December
Chelsea’s injury concerns continued to mount this week as the 44% spike in injuries following the Club World Cup continues to impact Enzo Maresca’s squad depth. Cole Palmer remains the focal point of careful management, with the England international still not operating at full capacity despite returning to action. Palmer acknowledged he’s “still dealing with an injury” and emphasized the importance of not doing “too much too soon” as the Blues navigate a congested festive fixture list. Levi Colwill’s ACL injury sustained before the season began could sideline the defender for the entire campaign, while Romeo Lavia faces an extended absence with a thigh problem that has no definitive return window. The injury crisis comes at a critical time as Chelsea prepare for Saturday’s crucial trip to Newcastle.
AFC Wimbledon head into Friday night’s clash at Northampton sitting 10th in League One despite mixed recent form. The Dons held Mansfield to a goalless draw at Plough Lane last weekend but have thrived away from home this season, with victories at Doncaster, Blackpool and Plymouth plus an entertaining 3-3 draw at Huddersfield. However, striker Matthew Stevens remains a doubt, placing additional pressure on Marcus Browne and Danilo Orsi to provide the firepower. Manager Johnnie Jackson’s side have now gone four of their last five fixtures on the road as they look to build momentum heading into the Christmas period.
Fulham face a month-long stretch without three key starters after Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze departed for AFCON duty following Saturday’s 3-2 win over Burnley. The Nigerian trio could miss up to seven matches if the Super Eagles reach the final, with the tournament running from December 21 to January 18. Marco Silva acknowledged the severity of the situation: “We are talking about three starting XI players. We know Alex is a key player in any position he plays. The importance of Calvin, and what Chukwueze has been doing in recent games.” Fulham are the most heavily impacted Premier League club after Sunderland, losing players with over 3,000 combined minutes this season. Chukwueze has hit form at precisely the wrong time with two goals and two assists in his last four games, while Iwobi’s versatility and Bassey’s defensive solidity will leave significant gaps in Silva’s squad.
The women’s game enters its winter break this weekend, with both the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship pausing until mid-January. The break runs from December 16 through January 18, meaning Chelsea Women and Fulham Women supporters will have to wait until the new year to see their teams back in action. The hiatus provides crucial recovery time for players ahead of the second half of the season, with Chelsea Women looking to maintain their push for European qualification and Fulham Women aiming to build on their strong Championship campaign.
COMING UP THIS WEEK
Friday, 19 December:
- Northampton Town vs AFC Wimbledon – League One, 7:45pm (Sixfields Stadium)
Saturday, 20 December:
- Newcastle United vs Chelsea – Premier League, 12:30pm (St James’ Park, TNT Sports)
- Harlequins Women vs Bristol Bears – PWR, 3:05pm (Twickenham Stoop)
Monday, 22 December:
- Fulham vs Nottingham Forest – Premier League, 8pm (Craven Cottage, Sky Sports)
Note: Chelsea Women and Fulham Women are on winter break until January 18, 2026.
LEAGUE TABLES
As of Thursday, 18 December 2025
Premier League (After Matchweek 16)
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 16 | 11 | +20 | 36 |
| 2 | Man City | 16 | 11 | +22 | 34 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 16 | 10 | +8 | 33 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 16 | 8 | +12 | 28 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 16 | 7 | +5 | 26 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 14 | Fulham | 16 | 6 | -3 | 20 |
League One (After Matchweek 20)
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff City | 19 | 13 | +16 | 41 |
| 2 | Bradford City | 19 | 10 | +10 | 37 |
| 3 | Lincoln City | 20 | 10 | +7 | 35 |
| 4 | Bolton | 19 | 9 | +10 | 34 |
| 5 | Stevenage | 18 | 10 | +9 | 34 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 10 | AFC Wimbledon | 19 | 8 | -3 | 27 |
Premiership Women’s Rugby (After Round 7)
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saracens Women | 7 | 6 | +186 | 30 |
| 2 | Gloucester-Hartpury | 6 | 6 | +106 | 30 |
| 3 | Chiefs | 7 | 3 | +24 | 22 |
| 4 | Loughborough Lightning | 6 | 3 | +26 | 18 |
| 5 | Harlequins Women | 6 | 3 | -8 | 18 |
WHAT TO WATCH
Chelsea face a stern test at St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime as they look to bounce back from recent struggles while managing mounting injuries. The Blues’ squad depth will be tested against an in-form Newcastle side, with Cole Palmer’s fitness crucial to their attacking threat. Meanwhile, AFC Wimbledon aim to continue their impressive away form at Northampton on Friday night, and Harlequins Women host Bristol Bears in what promises to be a physical PWR encounter before the season breaks for Christmas. Fulham’s Monday night fixture at Craven Cottage against Nottingham Forest rounds out the weekend, giving Marco Silva’s side a chance to climb the table before the festive fixtures begin in earnest.
