Cao Ba was clearly not in this category, so Zidane's real competitor was Mbappe.
As for Mbappe, who played in Ligue 1, the overall level and quality of the league were certainly incomparable to La Liga. Even under such circumstances, Zidane's Real Madrid's performance and form this season were no less than Paris Saint-Germain, which had always held a dominant position in Ligue 1.
With the right timing, location, and people, one couldn't help but think that if Zidane could overcome Arsenal in the Champions League and win the title, he would undoubtedly be the recipient of this year's Ballon d'Or.
Everything depended on the outcome of the Champions League. Regardless of who the final winner was, as long as it was one of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, or Arsenal, it meant that these three players would win this year's Ballon d'Or.
As for Messi and Henry, who were teammates with Arsenal, their competition was internal and unrelated to others.
Some might have already started to consider that Zidane's serious injury might have eased some pressure in the selection for this year's Ballon d'Or, reducing the number of competitors.
This was indeed true. If Zidane, such a huge star, were to be sidelined, then the competition would only be between Mbappe's Paris Saint-Germain, Haaland's Manchester City, and Cao Ba Ming's Arsenal.
The remaining fifteen minutes of the match on the field quickly passed. In the last two minutes, Cao Ba Ming scored a world-class long-range shot, changing the score once again. However, it could no longer have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
Finally, the match ended with a score of 5:0. For Arsenal, it was another routine, big win.
The players on the field began to leave the pitch and return to the locker room.
In the locker room, the news quickly spread. The discussion about this news overshadowed the players' moods after the just-concluded match.
For Southampton, this was clearly a good thing. Although they had gradually become desensitized to the score on the field, even completely indifferent, the pain and disappointment of the defeat until the very last moment would still ignite.
After all, as long as one was alive, one could not completely give up hope, and failure always brought inevitable heartache.
Looking at Zidane's pathetic appearance, one instantly felt that their own strength was nothing.
And he was a grandmaster of the football world. Everyone couldn't help but feel regretful, wondering why heaven had to strike him.
This was truly incomprehensible.
If there was a destiny, why was it arranged this way? Was God a malicious being who enjoyed tormenting humans?
It was unknown. The first thing Cao Ba Ming thought of when he saw the news was Henry, who was beside him.
Henry was different from him. They were national teammates and had even been teammates before. Their bond was much deeper than with others, and much closer than with fans.
He looked over with concern. As expected, Henry was staring intently at his phone screen. The news was not that long, and at this moment, he still couldn't tear his gaze away.
For Henry, Zidane was not only a grandmaster and a superstar, but also one of his closest friends.
His personality was generous and magnanimous, and he had given him crucial help at important moments. He was irreplaceable by anyone. Now, his good brother might face two years of being bedridden. His mood at this moment must be very sad. 138 Reading Network
Cao Ba Ming walked towards Henry, and the other teammates immediately realized this and came forward to offer comfort.
It turned out that Henry was currently using his phone to send emails to Zidane and those around him, inquiring about specific details.
He had already formed a thought: with such a major incident, he absolutely had to be by Zidane's side. He wanted to visit him personally.
He would undoubtedly miss team training, and in this manner.
If he were to ask for leave, the team's management would likely not refuse. After all, with such a significant event, they were human and had emotions, so they would sympathize with his situation.
Moreover, he was Henry, possessing certain privileges that others in the team did not have, so taking leave would naturally be much easier.
A few minutes later, he walked directly out of the locker room to arrange his leave.
He couldn't wait a minute longer. He had already booked a private jet flight, and everything was ready. In a few hours, he would arrive in Spain and appear at the door of the hospital mentioned in the email.
After Henry left, Arsenal lost another key player. He might stay there for a few more days and miss the next match.
However, the match scheduled for the following week was against a formidable opponent. The next opponent would be Chelsea, with the beast Drogba, an upgraded version of Chelsea. They were currently ranked third in the league standings.
This position might be temporary, as Chelsea had a grueling schedule in the upcoming matches, facing Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham consecutively.
Now, the entire team had a new problem to consider: if Henry was not on the field, who would be the one to deliver the final blow?
Beasts like Drogba, if not defended by Cao Ba Ming in the backline, would be impossible for anyone else to stop. This was something that not only Arsenal's management knew, but any ordinary person could figure out.
In this world, perhaps only Cao Ba Ming could withstand Drogba's terrifying physique.
...
Two days later, on the training ground.
Arteta walked over slowly, his gaze sweeping across the field.
The players on the field were engaged in simple warm-up drills and basic skill training, including passing, ball control, and dribbling.
The morning sun was very gentle, not at all dazzling, but it brought a warmth that could be felt on the body.
As Cao Ba Ming walked to the sideline, preparing to drink some water and rest, he saw Arteta.