Why is Wesley Fofana not playing for Chelsea vs. Arsenal?

Chelsea will face Arsenal in a crucial match on Sunday, March 1 without key defender Wesley Fofana.

The French center back will be serving a one-game suspension after he was sent off in last weekend's 1-1 draw against Burnley.

Already carrying a yellow card, Fofana lunged in for a dangerous tackle on Burnley midfielder James Ward-Prowse in the 71st minute at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old was shown a second yellow card, reducing Chelsea to 10 men.

That red card would prove costly, as Burnley grabbed a late equalizer through Zian Flemming to earn an unlikely 1-1 draw.

In the aftermath of his sending-off, Fofana revealed that he had been racially abused on social media.

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"It was obviously a tough day for Wes, firstly what happened in the game and then the fall-out, the racist abuse he got online. Wes is a tough guy, a good guy," Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said at his pre-game press conference.

Last weekend's draw left Chelsea in fifth place as it travels to north London for a match against league-leading Arsenal.

Fofana has made 26 total appearances this season under Rosenior and Enzo Maresca.

With Fofana out, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo will be the favorites to start at the Emirates Stadium.

Jorrel Hato, Mamadou Sarr, Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile are also options for Rosenior.

West Ham United's Valentin Castellanos shoots against Chelsea.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> James Milner celebrates Brighton's win against Brentford.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal in a 2-0 win over Manchester City at Old Trafford on Jan. 17.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Manchester City's Rayan Cherki celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Nottingham Forest on Dec. 27.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Newcastle on Dec. 26.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch celebrates scoring his team's second goal in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield on Nov. 1. The victory ended a four-game losing streak in Premier League games for the defending champions.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri (right) and Burnley's Florentino Luis battle for possession of the ball at Turf Moor. Arsenal won the Nov. 1 match, 2-0, to stay six points above Manchester City atop the Premier League table.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Erling Haaland of Manchester City competes for a header whilst under pressure from Sepp van den Berg and Kristoffer Ajer of Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025. Man City won the match, 1-0.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Best Premier League action, scenes and drama from 2025-26 season

West Ham United's Valentin Castellanos shoots against Chelsea.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Why is Wesley Fofana not playing for Chelsea vs. Arsenal?

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March 01, 2026

Why is Wesley Fofana not playing for Chelsea vs. Arsenal?

Chelsea will face Arsenal in a crucial match on Sunday, March 1 without key defender Wesley Fofana. The French...

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A total lunar eclipse is coming. What to know about the 'blood moon'

In the early morning hours of March 3, a totallunar eclipsewill pass over the United States.

The "blood moon" eclipse will cause the moon to exhibit a reddish hue, according toNASA. It will be visible in parts of the world beginning in the evening and going into the early morning, NASA said.

Here's everything to know about the phenomenon as it approaches.

See stunning images of the 2025 'Blood Moon' and total lunar eclipse

What is a total lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, creating a shadow across the lunar surface, which turns the moon's color reddish-orange. Our planet blocks most of the sun's light from reaching the moon, but the Earth's movement during the eclipse will cause the natural satellite to develop a color.

The moon typically exhibits a grey color because light that reaches the lunar surface is often filtered through Earth's atmosphere.

It's only possible to observe an eclipse during a full moon phase, according to NASA. An eclipse can be observed from anywhere with a direct view of the natural satellite.

Where will the eclipse be visible?

The eclipse will be visible in eastern Asia and Australia in the evening and throughout the night in the Pacific. In the early morning, it will be visible in North and Central America, in addition to far western South America, NASA has said.

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In central Asia and much of South America, the eclipse will only be partially visible. There will be no visibility in Africa or Europe.

What time will the eclipse be visible?

Stargazers can observe the eclipse on March 3 from 4 a.m. EST to around 7 a.m. EST, while a partial eclipse will continue until roughly 9 a.m. EST.

Anyone seeking more information on how to view the eclipse, stars and planets can visit NASA'sWhat's Up guide. Binoculars or a telescope are recommended for enhanced views, as is watching the eclipse from a dark environment away from bright lights.

What else is visible during an eclipse?

More:How to view the 2026 'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse

An eclipse can also make stars and constellations more visible. During the upcoming eclipse, the moon will be in the constellation Leo under the lion's hind paws, according toNASA.

Venus and Saturn will also appear closer to each other in the night sky on March 8.

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Total lunar eclipse is days away. What to know about the 'blood moon'

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March 01, 2026

A total lunar eclipse is coming. What to know about the 'blood moon'

In the early morning hours of March 3, a totallunar eclipsewill pass over the United States. The "blood m...

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Afghanistan says it thwarted a Pakistani airstrike attempt on Bagram Air Base

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan said Sunday it had thwarted attempted airstrikes on Bagram Air Base, the former U.S. military base north of Kabul, whilecross-border fightingbetween Pakistan and Afghanistan stretched into a fourth day.

APTOPIX Pakistan Afghanistan

The fighting has been the most severe between the neighbors for years, with Pakistan declaring it is in"open war"with Afghanistan. The conflict has alarmed the international community, particularly as the area is one where other militant groups, including al-Qaida andthe Islamic State group, still have a presence and have been trying to resurface.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan's Taliban government of harboring militant groups that stage attacks against it and also of allying with its archrival India.Border clashes in Octoberkilled dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants until aQatari-mediated ceasefireended the intense fighting. But several rounds of peace talks in Turkey in November failed to produce a lasting agreement, and the two sides have occasionally traded fire since then.

On Sunday, the police headquarters of Parwan province, where Bagram is located, said in a statement that several Pakistani military jets had entered Afghan airspace "and attempted to bomb Bagram Air Base" at around 5 a.m. The statement said Afghan forces responded with "anti-aircraft and missile defense systems" and had managed to thwart the attack.

There was no immediate response to the claim from Pakistan.

Bagram was the United States' largest military base in Afghanistan. It was taken over by the Taliban as they swept across the country and took control in the wake of thechaotic U.S. withdrawalfrom the country in 2021. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trumpsuggested he wanted to reestablisha U.S. presence at the base.

The current fighting began when Afghanistan launcheda broad cross-border attackThursday night, saying it was in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday.

Pakistan had said its airstrike had targeted the outlawed Pakistani Taliban,or TTP. Afghanistan had said only civilians were killed.

The TTP militant group, which is separate but closely allied with Afghanistan's ruling Taliban, operates inside Pakistan, where it has been blamed for hundreds of deaths in bombings and other attacks over the years. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan's Taliban government of providing a safe haven within Afghanistan for the TTP, an accusation Afghanistan denies.

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After Thursday's Afghan attack,Pakistani Defense MinisterKhawaja Mohammad Asif declared that "our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us."

In the ongoing fighting,each side claims to have killed hundredsof the other side's forces — and each side puts its own casualties at drastically lower numbers.

Afghan officials said fighting had continued overnight and into Sunday in the border areas.

The police command spokesman for Nangarhar province, Said Tayyeb Hammad, said anti-aircraft missiles were used from the provincial capital of Jalalabad and surrounding areas on Pakistani fighter jets flying overhead Sunday morning.

Defense Ministry spokesman Enayatulah Khowarazmi said Afghan forces had launched counterattacks with snipers across the border from Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost and Kandahar provinces overnight. He claimed two Pakistani drones had been shot down and dozens of Pakistani soldiers had been killed.

Deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said Pakistani drone attacks hit civilian homes in Nangarhar province late Saturday night, killing a woman and a child, while a mortar killed another civilian when it hit a home in Paktia province.

There was no immediate response to the claims from Pakistani officials.

Becatoros contributed from Athens, Greece.

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March 01, 2026

Afghanistan says it thwarted a Pakistani airstrike attempt on Bagram Air Base

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghanistan said Sunday it had thwarted attempted airstrikes on Bagram Air Base, the former U.S...

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US wins the Sydney leg of Sail GP, showing its class in light winds

SYDNEY (AP) — The United States showed its mastery of light conditions by winning the Sydney leg of the SailGP series Sunday, beating Britain and Spain in a three boat final.

Australia SailGP

Racing took place in winds of between 8 and 15 knots (9 to 17 mph) and the United States looked in its element, clearly beating Britain for its first win of the season.

Driver Taylor Canfield positioned the United States at the top end of the starting line in the final and, while Britain crossed slightly ahead, the USA was faster and had a better angle. Britain was just ahead at the first mark but the United States again had better speed and took a lead which it didn't concede for the rest of the race.

Britain split away on the second leg, looking for better wind. But the tactic didn't work and the United States positioned itself well to cement its advantage.

First win in two seasons

While the United States achieved a best speed of the day of around 41 knots, it only managed to stay on its foils for 22 percent of the finals. The win was its first in two seasons, since Cadiz in season four.

SailGP features 13 identical 50 foot catamarans which rise out of the water on foils and can attain high speeds. In the previous event of the series in Auckland, New Zealand strong winds saw boats achieve speeds of around 100kmh (60mph).

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Only 11 boats were able to contest the Sydney event. France and New Zealand are still undergoing repairs after colliding in Auckland ina crashwhich sent a crewperson from both teams to hospital. New Zealand sailor Louis Sinclair suffered compund fractures to both legs and French strategist Manon Audinet suffered chest injuries.

Britain won the first of three fleet races Sunday. The United States won the second race and Denmark won the third.

TheBritish team won the first eventof the sixth SailGP season in Perth, Australia and Australia's Flying Roos won the Auckland event.

After three events, Britain leads the overall standings with 29 points from Australia with 25 and the USA with 20.

AP sports:https://apnews.com/sports

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March 01, 2026

US wins the Sydney leg of Sail GP, showing its class in light winds

SYDNEY (AP) — The United States showed its mastery of light conditions by winning the Sydney leg of the SailGP series Sun...

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Zimbabwe wins toss and opts to bat against South Africa in Super 8 matchup at T20 World Cup

DELHI, India (AP) — Sikandar Raza won the toss and Zimbabwe opted to bat against South Africa in their final Super 8 game at the 2026T20 World Cupon Sunday.

South Africa and Zimbabwe T20 WCup Cricket

South Africa has already qualified for the semifinals from Group 1, while Zimbabwe has been knocked out after two successive losses.

Co-host and defending champion India will battle against the West Indies later on Sunday in Kolkata for the second semifinal spot from this group.

England and New Zealand have qualified for the semifinals from Group 2. Pakistan and co-hosts Sri Lanka were knocked out.

Zimbabwe has made one change to its line-up with wrist spinner Graeme Cremer coming back into the side for medium pacer Richard Ngarava.

South Africa, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, has opted to test its bench strength ahead of the semifinal and made three changes.

Pacers Kewna Maphaka and Anrich Nortje, along with all-rounder George Linde, get a game. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj along with pacers Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada have been rested.

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The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi should aid batters and a high-scoring game could be in the offing.

Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani

South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

AP cricket:https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

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March 01, 2026

Zimbabwe wins toss and opts to bat against South Africa in Super 8 matchup at T20 World Cup

DELHI, India (AP) — Sikandar Raza won the toss and Zimbabwe opted to bat against South Africa in their final Super 8 game...

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Australian Hannah Green wins HSBC Women’s World Championship by a stroke

SINGAPORE (AP) — Australian Hannah Green has won the HSBC Women's World Championship for a second time, holding off a fast-finishing American Auston Kim to claim a one-stroke victory on Sunday.

Singapore LPGA Golf

Green, the2019 Women's PGA Championship winner, closed with a 69, after an erratic back-nine with three birdies and three bogeys nearly opened the door for Kim.

Green tapped in for bogey at the last and a 14-under four-round total of 274 at the par-72 SentosaGolfClub and give her another title in Singapore after also winning here in 2024.

Kim had the equal-best round of the day with a 67 on the back off six birdies and an eagle, but bogeys at the second and especially at the par-3 15th ended her charge at 13-under 275, and one shot behind a faltering Green.

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Minjee Lee, who had been co-leader with Green coming into Sunday's final round, mixed three birdies with three bogeys for a frustrating even final round 72 and was tied for third with Angel Yin (71) and Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (68) of France at 11-under 277.

Top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul, who wonlast week's tournamentin her native Thailand, shot 73 Sunday and was 2-under 287 and tied for 31st. She was one shot behind defending championLydia Ko, who had a 72.

The 72-player, no-cut tournament was the second of three stops on the LPGA's early year Asian swing, with the final one next week at Hainan Island, China.

AP golf:https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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March 01, 2026

Australian Hannah Green wins HSBC Women’s World Championship by a stroke

SINGAPORE (AP) — Australian Hannah Green has won the HSBC Women's World Championship for a second time, holding off a...

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