Philippa Kaur

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    Arsenal suffer double injury blow just seven days before Real Madrid clash as Gabriel and Timber forced off vs Fulham

    ARSENAL star Gabriel was forced off just 16 minutes into his side’s Premier League clash with Fulham – before Jurrien Timber later limped off too.The Brazilian went down in his own box appearing to clutch his hamstring.Gabriel felt discomfort in his right legCredit: GettyThe Brazilian went down requiring treatmentCredit: GettyGabriel, 27, looked gutted as he went offCredit: ReutersArsenal bizarrely played on for around two minutes, not kicking the ball out despite protestations from their manager to do so.When the ball did finally go out of play, Gabriel received treatment from medical staff.He subsequently shook his head as he was replaced by team-mate Jakub Kiwior.Gabriel’s injury comes just seven days before the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final first leg tussle with Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe centre-back has been a near ever-present for Arsenal this season.He has started 28 of their 30 Premier League matches, only missing two in December due to a knee injury.The commanding defender has also been selected in nine of the Gunners’ 10 Champions League games this term, including both legs of their last 16 triumph over PSV Eindhoven.Reporting on the injury on Sky Sports News, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood said of Gabriel: “He won’t be the first player to have popped a hamstring trying to chase Adama Traore.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesGabriel was in clear distress as he was treated on the pitchThe Arsenal stalwart looked gutted as he trudged offTimber had to come off with around 15 minutes to goCredit: PA”That’s what happened in the middle of the pitch and it looked like he just ripped it. That is his season over.”If that’s a bad hamstring that is him finished. He’s walking off but he’s shaking his head, he doesn’t look good.”‘Embarrassing our manager is taking that…’ – Eagle-eyed Chelsea fans fuming after spotting Maresca’s gesture to TimberWhile Mikel Arteta claimed he didn’t know the extent of the injury after the game.The Arsenal boss said: “He felt something in his hamstring. We don’t know [how bad].”Arsenal endured another injury scare shortly after Gabriel went off.In a coming together with Raul Jimenez, Jurrien Timber appeared to come out worse for wear.Following treatment, however, the Dutchman was able to continue.Timber had gone down early in the first half too, but played on until his second knock.Arteta revealed that both Timber and Gabriel will be assessed tomorrow, but cast doubt over their inclusion in upcoming clashed with Everton and Real Madrid.He said: “We don’t know how they are going to be. We will be assessing them tomorrow.”Mikel Merino had given the Gunners the lead before half-time to raise spirits.However, in another worrying development for Gunners fans and Arteta, Timber limped off with around 15 minutes to go.Read More on The SunDespite the injury worries, Bukayo Saka returned after 101 days out and scored after just seven minutes to double Arsenal’s lead.Muniz scored late on but it was too late to salvage a point.Saka scored on his return to actionCredit: Reuters More

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    Thomas Tuchel’s first England away game moved to entirely new country over stadium issue

    ENGLAND head coach Thomas Tuchel’s first away game will be held in Barcelona rather than Andorra, UEFA has confirmed.The new boss opened his reign with a pair of Wembley wins against Albania and Latvia as World Cup qualification got underway in March.Thomas Tuchel’s first away game in charge of England will take place in Barcelona instead of AndorraCredit: RexRCD Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium will play host to the fixtureCredit: GettyEngland return to action in June away to Andorra, where the Euro 2024 runners-up last visited in a World Cup qualifier in October 2021.The Andorran FA has yet to announce the venue but UEFA confirmed Tuchel’s side will play the June 7 fixture in Spain rather than in the principality, as SunSport revealed last month.The European governing body confirmed the RCDE Stadium, which is LaLiga side Espanyol’s home ground, is to host the Group K fixture.Andorra were hoping England would open their new stadium in the town of Encamp but it is not going to be ready.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEspanyol’s RCDE Stadium can hold 40,000 fans, which means many more England fans would be able to travel.Especially given that England’s last trip to take on Andorra saw them play at the Estadi Nacional in the capital, Andorra la Vella – a ground which only holds 3,000.England played Andorra in Barcelona in both 2007 and 2008, with both games at the Olympic Stadium.It’s understood that Villa Park has been lined up for the reverse fixture against Andorra on September 6.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEngland will be away from Wembley for six months as they also play a home fixture at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground when Senegal come for a friendly on June 10.England will return to Villa Park for the first time since 2005 – a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands.Roy Keane delivers verdict on Thomas Tuchel after two games with England and claims he’s been handed ‘easy start’While they haven’t staged a game at the City Ground since 1941 – a wartime friendly against neighbours Wales.And you would have to go even further back to 1909 to trace the last competitive England game played at Forest’s ground. More

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    Man Utd legend Roy Keane rules out Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard when naming toughest ever opponent

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane has revealed the toughest opponent he ever played against during his glittering career.Keane, 53, came up against some of the greatest players of the modern era.Manchester United legend Roy Keane revealed his toughest ever opponentCredit: X/itvfootballKeane had some unforgettable classhes with Arsenal legend Patrick VieiraCredit: GettyKeane also collided with Liverpool icon Steven GerrardCredit: GettyBut Zinedine Zidane stands out as Keane’s hardest ever opponentCredit: GettyThe iconic midfielder’s intense clashes with Arsenal hero Patrick Vieira are the stuff of legend.The Republic of Ireland great also got to face Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard when he was coming up in the Premier League.But the popular pundit ultimately went for Ballon d’Or winner Zinedine Zidane.Keane told ITV: “I’d probably say… Not gonna say Vieira, not Gerrard…Read More on Man Utd”Truthfully, Zidane would probably be the toughest opponent. Big, strong boy.”Technically brilliant, very aggressive, scored on the big occassions.”So Zidane would have been the toughest I’ve played against.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordKeane and Zidane, 52, collided in the middle of the park five times in the Champions League when the former played for Man Utd and the latter competed for Juventus as well as Real Madrid.Most read in FootballThe Irishman won two of those encounters, including the 3-2 win at Juve in 1999 during United’s Treble run in what was one of his greatest individual performances.Roy Keane shakes head and gives brutal side-eye at Ian Wright’s antics live on ITV during FA Cup coverageZidane emerged victorious from another two with a score of 1-0 with the Bianconeri away in 1996 and 3-1 with Real at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2003. More

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    Man Utd fans fume as Nottingham Forest ‘take the p***’ out of Andre Onana with savage description in matchday programme

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S official matchday programme pulled no punches when discussing Manchester United.Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flyers welcome the Red Devils to the City Ground this evening.Nottingham Forest’s matchday programme featured a ‘Ones to Watch’ sectionForest’s programme wasn’t too complimentary about Andre OnanaForest go into the match sitting a staggering ten places above Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League table.And their media team haven’t been afraid to stick the boot in pre-game.Forest’s matchday programme, as is customary for most teams, included a “Ones to Watch” section for their visitors.Including a player from each position, the feature spotlighted Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd fans couldn’t help but notice the brutal entry for the Man Utd goalkeeper, which included the excerpt: “Onana is capable of both the sublime and ridiculous between the posts and he can possess erratic tendencies at times.”Seeing the comment, one fan fumed on X: “Taking the p*** that. If only United put ‘Elanga couldn’t hack the pressure at United but is thriving at his new tiny club’ in their programme.”While a second wrote: “Rivals clocked that they can just shoot at the goal post and they are gonna score.”A third added: “They violating man I need a masterclass from u now Onana.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOnana has not always had it easy at Man UtdCredit: GettyThe feature also included a backhanded compliment for De Ligt.It read: “United’s recruitment has been questionable at best in recent years butthe addition of De Ligt has proved to be a very decent signing based on form this season.”Bruno Fernandes responds to Roy Keane’s scathing criticism of Man Utd captain live on Sky Sports Their section on the Man Utd captain then began: “Love him or hate him, there is no denying the talent that Fernandes bring to the pitch whenever he features for Manchester United.”Fernandes is very much the United captain and even when others around him have crumbled this season, he’s the figure who has stood tall and continued to lead by example at Old Trafford.”The Hojlund section did not include anything outrageous.Although it did point out that the Dane ended his “long goal drought” in the match against Leicester prior to the international break.”As it happened, Hojlund was named as a substitute by boss Amorim.But Onana, De Ligt and Fernandes were all in the starting XI.Rasmus Hojlund was named on the bench at the City GroundCredit: Getty More

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    Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd live stream: How to watch huge Premier League clash TONIGHT

    MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Nottingham to take on Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest TONIGHTRuben Amorim’s side have endured a mixed season, currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table.Ryan Yates scored the winning penalty for Nottingham Forest against BrightonCredit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live NewsNottingham Forest will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at WembleyCredit: GettyManchester United are looking to end a poor season stronglyCredit: GettyOne of Manchester United’s key players Bruno Fernandes is attracting interest from other clubs in EuropeCredit: GettyUnited’s remaining hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season rest on the Europa League.However, the side will want to build up a big head of steam in the Premier League, as they look to end a poor season strongly.Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, have enjoyed a wonderful season, just 12 months after they survived relegation by six points.Nuno Espirito Santo has Forest five points clear of Chelsea in fourth, and four points behind Arsenal, with the side picking up a huge Champions League boost with a 1-0 win over Man City.Read more FootballOnly five points separate Chelsea in fifth and Bournemouth in 10th, so Forest will know the paramount importance of remaining a safe distance ahead of the rest.Forest have already had a huge boost upon returning from the international break, qualifying for the FA Cup semi-final after beating Brighton on penalties. How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd and is there a live stream?Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd will be shown LIVE on TNT Sports in the UK.The game will also be available for stream on Discovery+.Action from The City Ground will kick-off at 8pm GMT.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog. More

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    National League South star scores goal from inside OWN penalty area to complete stunning hat-trick

    A STAR in the National League South scored a spectacular goal from inside his own penalty area to complete a magnificent hat-trick.Luke Coulson took centre stage for Weston-Super-Mare in their 4-2 win at Hornchurch on Saturday.Luke Coulson completed a stunning hat-trick with a goal from his own penalty areaCredit: X/ HornchurchFCThe strike saw Weston-Super-Mare beat Hornchurch 4-2Credit: X/ HornchurchFCCoulson had already scored twice for his side when the dramatic moment occurred at the end of the game.Hornchurch threw everybody in the penalty area – including their own goalie – to attack a last-gasp corner.However, it meant their end of the pitch was entirely empty.And unfortunately for them, Hornchuch’s set-piece did not land near any of their own players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, it fell straight into the lap of Coulson.And with just seconds remaining on the clock, he blasted the ball out of his side’s box towards the other end of the pitch.But remarkably, the ball kept on moving towards Hornchurch’s goal.Despite Coulson being around 90 yards away, his kick had enough power to keep the ball trickling towards an empty opposition net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHornchuch players sprinted after it in desperation.But it was too little, too late as the ball slowly crossed the line in brilliant fashion.Unbelievable reverse scorpion kick goal sees ‘Puskas Award wrapped up already’ The goal sparked wild celebrations among Weston players and their travelling fans.It sealed a 4-2 result for the club while also seeing Coulson complete a treble.And supporters were quick to react online, with one saying: “Submit it to Fifa for the Puskas.”Another declared: “Distance is insane, empty net or not.”One noted: “Keeper’s had a howler.”Another added: “Tap-in merchant!” More

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    Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly’s secret weapon saw him compared to rugby icon Jonah Lomu by academy coach

    MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY is emerging as one of the top talents in English football, but his secret weapon would have made him a top rugby player too.Lewis-Skelly, 18, has gone from unknown by the majority to a regular Arsenal starter and England’s youngest-ever debutant scorer in the space of one season.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s use of the rugby hand-off has helped him excel this seasonCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly had drawn comparisons to rugby icon Jonah LomuCredit: Getty Images – GettyThere’s no doubt that there’s a plethora of skills in his arsenal, but it’s one in particular that has earned him comparisons to rugby legend Jonah Lomu.That’s his ability to replicate rugby’s hand-off, a skill mastered by Lomu during his career.The comparisons are so much so that, as first reported by The Telegraph, an academy coach once said: “It’s like Jonah Lomu, isn’t it?”, while Lewis-Skelly stormed through midfield in a youth match between Arsenal and Chelsea a few years back.Lewis-Skelly’s ability to outstretch his arm and hold off his opponent has become one of the best parts of his game, making him almost impossible to tackle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s been evident in so many of his games, none more so than when he held away Albania player Jasir Asania to gain an extra yard and poke home his debut for goal for England during the international break.Even Mikel Arteta has discussed his “natural” ability to hold players away from him on a regular basis.The Arsenal boss said: “He has always been very comfortable running past players and holding people away from him and very far from the ball. It is a natural thing.”While team-mate Declan Rice thinks that Lewis-Skelly’s game is more similar to a star much closer to home.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly used his secret weapon throughout his England debutCredit: RexTeam-mate Declan Rice has compared Lewis-Skelly to a former Premier League starCredit: GettyRice reckons he plays like ex-Spurs midfielder Mousa DembeleCredit: PA:Empics SportJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRice thinks that the Hale End graduate’s ability to use his body is just like that of former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele.He explained: “He has got that Mousa Dembele trait where he uses his body to get away from stuff.Emotional moment Myles Lewis-Skelly’s family spotted going wild in Wembley crowd“Sometimes it is risky but to show that at 18, the personality and character, honestly it’s unbelievable.”Of course, Lewis-Skelly is not Dembele and he’s certainly not going to be picking up the ball and running with it like Lomu any time soon.But they’re flattering comparisons for a player who has already notched 14 Premier League appearances, six Champions League games and two England caps this season.While he’s not the only one at Arsenal that is catching the eye either.Best mate and team mate Ethan Nwaneri has already scored eight senior goals for the Gunners this season and has himself drawn comparisons to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.Both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are likely to be called upon even more as Arteta tries to balance his squad with important Premier League clashes and a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on the horizon.But the burden on Nwaneri’s shoulders will be lifted somewhat after Arteta revealed that Bukayo Saka is back from his hamstring injury and “ready to go”.Ethan Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly have both enjoyed breakout seasons for ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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    Jurgen Klopp ‘could poach Premier League manager, 50, as RB Leipzig look to replace sacked Marco Rose’

    JURGEN KLOPP could be set to hire his first manager at RB Leipzig in his new role at Red Bull.Klopp, 57, began his job as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull on New Year’s Day, just six months after rolling credits on his glittering nine-year stint as Liverpool manager.Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp could be set to hire his first manager at RB LeipzigCredit: GettyGlobal Head of Soccer at Red Bull Klopp is targeting Crystal Palace boss Oliver GlasnerCredit: RexAnd the legendary German tactician could go back to the Premier League to find a new manager for Leipzig, who now have Zsolt Low in charge on an interim capacity after Marco Rose’s dismissal on Sunday.According to Sky Sports, the Bundesliga giants are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner ahead of the summer transfer window.However, it seems like Glasner, 50, wasn’t the first choice and Leipzig turned their attention on him after Sebastian Hoeness extended his stay as Stuttgart manager.The same source claims there has already been contact between the German outfit and the Austrian tactician’s camp.Read More on FootballHowever, if the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt boss wishes to leave Palace then the Prem outfit will require a transfer fee.That is because the Europa League winner’s contract doesn’t run out until 2026.Nevertheless, there is said to still be an “exit option” for Glasner this summer.And Klopp may have a lot of help from Leipzig’s managing director of sport Marcel Schafer, who knows the Eagles’ boss very well from their time working together at Wolfsburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGlasner turned Palace’s fortunes around upon his arrival in February last year.The Leipzig target took them from Premier League relegation strugglers to a strong side that took points off the big hitters.Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talks about his new role at Red Bull Glasner counts a total of 24 wins and 13 losses in 49 matches with the Prem side.They also face Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final at the end of the month after a brilliant 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. More