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      Matthijs de Ligt claims sacked Erik ten Hag ‘was ‘unlucky’ and says Man Utd ‘played well in many matches’

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      MATTHIJS DE LIGT claims Erik ten Hag was “unlucky” to be sacked by Manchester United and reckons his side “played well in many matches.”De Ligt, 25, joined United from Bayern Munich in July and quickly established himself as a first-team regular in defence.Matthijs de Ligt reckons Erik ten Hag was ‘unlucky’ to be sacked by Man UtdCredit: GettyDe Ligt also had his say on the fateful West Ham penalty which sealed Ten Hag’s fateCredit: RexThe Dutch centre-back has already clocked up 15 appearances in all competitions.And fans have been impressed with his solid performances at the back.However, De Ligt was unable to prevent his former Ajax manager Ten Hag from slumping to United’s worst-ever Premier League start.The gaffer won just three of his opening nine matches in the new season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile United also drew their first three matches of the Europa League campaign.The turning point for Ten Hag came when United lost 2-1 at West Ham last month.The Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner was quickly given his marching orders, with Ruud van Nistelrooy becoming interim boss ahead of Ruben Amorim’s appointment from Sporting Lisbon.But De Ligt feels Ten Hag was unfortunate to be axed, claiming United actually played quite well in games where results went against them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told De Telegraaf: “Ten Hag bought me to Manchester, the goal was to achieve success together with him.“He has not been very lucky. We played well in many matches but we did not use the chances we got.Manchester United vs Leicester City: Player Ratings (1)“It’s a shame it has to end like this. A dismissal can always be quite hard, we discussed some things.”De Ligt also insisted that West Ham’s fateful winning penalty, which he gave away, should not have stood. He continued: “Normally I am always self-critical and I can get annoyed about things that I do not do well.“But here I could not do anything about it, I could not blame myself for it. The referee committee also called us to say that it was not a penalty.”United are now looking forward to a new era under former Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim.He played a 3-4-3 system in Portugal, and De Ligt could get a starring role in the heart of defence.He added: “Amorim did well at Sporting, hopefully he can also take us to the next level.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Amorim is not my first coach and he will not be my last. I did not only move to Untied for Ten Hag. It is still one of the biggest clubs in the world, I think.“I just have to do my own thing and play well myself. I feel really fit now and things are going well. Hopefully I can continue that.” More

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      MOTD favourite Alex Scott, 40, dazzles as she steps out in 1920s-inspired outfit with snowy-white coat

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      ALEX Scott goes from Football Focus to fluffy flapper in a 1920s-inspired outfit including a snowy-white coat. The former Lioness, 40, in the running to be Match of the Day’s new host, was seen leaving a party at Claridge’s Hotel in London’s Mayfair.Alex Scott stepped out in London in a 1920s-inspired outfit including a snowy-white coatCredit: GoffAlex is in the running to be Match of the Day’s new hostCredit: GoffAlex, who’s hosted Football focus for three years, is now one of the favourites to take over from Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day.Gary Lineker announced earlier this week that he was quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.A BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.read more alex scott“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. “The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces and slashing wage bills.Most read in Football“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with.“BBC execs will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”TV presenters Alex Scott and Jules Breach stun on red carpet for PFA awards night in daring outfits More

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      Steve McClaren reveals sneaky plan to raid Premier League as Jamaica boss prepares for showdown with Mauricio Pochettino

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      STEVE McCLAREN may not have cracked a Jamaican accent — but reckons he can take the Reggae Boyz to their first World Cup since 1998.Clips of the former England boss speaking with a Dutch inflection while manager of Twente in Holland still cause much laughter.Steve McClaren is hoping to take Jamaica to the World CupCredit: Instagram / jff_footballJamaica face Mauricio Pochettino’s USA this weekCredit: GettyAnd as the gift that keeps on giving, more hilarious videos have emerged of the Yorkshireman trying to learn Patwa — the Jamaican language — as well as some local expressions.But when it comes to football, 63-year-old McClaren knows exactly what he is talking about.The former Newcastle and Middlesbrough chief believes Jamaica’s best chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup lies here in ENGLAND.McClaren — branded the “Wally with the Brolly” while Three Lions boss — said: “I don’t want to reveal names but I’ve got a list at home of around 60 players aged 17 upwards who can represent Jamaica.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They’re either playing top level in English academies or in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two.“The talent is definitely there but instead of going into a sweet shop and saying, ‘We want this and this’, we must be patient and, for now, try to utilise that and win games.“We then must highlight what specialists we need in certain positions and identify who we can recruit.“We’re looking to bring in those extra talents, warriors and leaders to make this squad better.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcClaren leads the Reggae Boyz in the early hours of Friday morning in the first leg of a Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Mauricio Pochettino’s USA.The former Manchester United No 2 has brought in forgotten Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden, 29.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowHe has not played a competitive game since May during his loan spell at QPR and is currently training with the Geordies’ Under-23s.And McClaren is also eyeing up former Old Trafford striker Mason Greenwood, 23, who is rebuilding his career at Marseille.His current squad consists of THIRTEEN players who ply their trade over here.The Prem big-hitters are West Ham’s Michail Antonio, 34, and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, 27.Wolves’ 21-year-old rookie Dexter Lembikisa, who is on loan at Swiss side Yverdon Sport, is also in there. Championship stars Amari’i Bell (Luton), Di’shon Bernard (Sheffield Wednesday), Mason Holgate (West Brom), Greg Leigh (Oxford), Ethan Pinnock (Luton), Joel Latibeaudiere (Coventry) and Kasey Palmer (Hull) swell the numbers.Charlton duo Karoy Anderson and Kaheim Dixon, along with ex-Birmingham star Demarai Gray, make up the contingent.Jamaica are second in their World Cup qualifying group with two wins and the next phase of matches is due to start in the summer.For now he faces ex-Spurs, Chelsea and Southampton boss Poch, who he has only faced once in the dugout — guiding Newcastle to a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane in December 2015.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentine will also be relying on British-based talent with the pressure of managing a USA team that qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts with Mexico and Canada.Fulham left-back Antonee  Robinson, 27, who was raised in Liverpool and is a product of Everton’s academy, is expected to be one of the Yanks’ key players. More

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      Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo rock bold outfits in GQ shoot… but Chelsea star admits he usually ‘just wears trackies’

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      COLE PALMER joked he normally “just wears trackies” after dressing to impress for a GQ photoshoot.The Chelsea star, 22, got into some glad rags alongside fellow England star and Manchester lad Kobbie Mainoo.Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo featured in GQ MagazineCredit: Dan Martensen / GQThe pair rocked some bold outfits for the photoshootCredit: Dan Martensen / GQPalmer revealed he is far comfier in his trackiesCredit: GettyThe pair got kitted out in threads from designer fashion giants including Burberry, Dior and Louis Vuitton for the interview in a London studio as they rocked various bold blazers, sweaters and jeans.But after finishing their chats and snaps in the expensive and outlandish outfits, Palmer joked he was far more comfortable in his casual clothes. He said: “I just wear trackies.”Mainoo – himself far more accustomed to high-end menswear brands like Enfants Riches Deprimes, Chrome Hearts and Bottega – was quick to try and give his new pal some credit. READ MORE ON COLE PALMERHe replied: “I’ve seen you in jeans, bro.”Palmer, however, is not afraid to splash the cash.The £130,000-a-week man revealed he did buy himself a platinum and ice-blue Rolex Daytona watch after his first England cap.And then he picked up a £190,000 Lamborghini – a far cry from his Wythenshawe upbringing. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Palmer has not forgotten where he came from, and recently went back to his old youth clubs to donate boots.Palmer recalled: “When you’re growing up, you don’t really have much, do you know what I mean?Cole Palmer stars in video to tackle London homelessness as Chelsea launch Wrap Up Warm campaign“I remember wanting boots off my dad and he wouldn’t get me them, and that. You’re living in council houses. So just to try and give back when you get to this position is nice.”Despite both growing up in Manchester, Palmer and Mainoo did not become pals until Euro 2024.They bonded over playing padel and table tennis in the camp in Germany. It was a tournament that ended with Palmer replacing Mainoo with 20 minutes to go in the final against Spain – and scoring the equalising goal that had every England fan dreaming of what might have been – before both men were called in for drugs testing.I’ve seen you in jeans, bro.Kobbie MainooBut though the goal is etched into the memory of most, the Chelsea forward admitted he does not really recall what happened. Palmer has gone from strength to strength since his £40million transfer from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge – becoming the key cog under Mauricio Pochettino and now Enzo Maresca. He kickstarted this season with seven goals and five assists in his opening nine Premier League games.But despite playing the full 90 minutes of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, he joined eight others in withdrawing from England’s Nations League squad – prompting an angry reaction from skipper Harry Kane.Palmer, though, is desperate for a break – namely the return of the winter break. Asked about the January respite, he said in the GQ Magazine interview: “Yeah. The more breaks the better.”People will start getting injured more.”Mainoo concurred: “It’s a crazy amount of games.”Chelsea ratings vs ArsenalRobert Sanchez – 6Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.Malo Gusto – 6Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.Wesley Fofana – 7Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.Levi Colwill – 6Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.Marc Cucurella – 7Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.Moises Caicedo – 6Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.Romeo Lavia – 6A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.Noni Madueke – 6Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.Cole Palmer – 6Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.Pedro Neto – 7Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy. Nicolas Jackson – 6Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.The Manchester United midfielder and FA Cup winner recently moved out of his family home into his own pad. Palmer’s parents, meanwhile, have got a shining reminder of their son’s achievements during his bit-part role in the Treble-winning season for City before his move to London.The forward kept hold of his PFA Young and Chelsea Player of the Year trophies at his own place and hopes to add to his cabinet – but the City successes are back with mum Marie. Palmer said: “I give them to my mum. “I wanted to restock. Clear them out so I can stock up again.”The feeling you get when you win… you just want it again. “You don’t want to stop and never get that feeling again.”The feeling you get when you win… you just want it again.Cole PalmerIt is a feeling he would have had in the Premier League again last term if he stayed at the Etihad – but whether he would have been involved much remains unlikely, even after Riyad Mahrez’s exit.Instead, he left and it paid off as he earned his own personal breakthrough.Explaining the deadline-day transfer to Chelsea, Palmer said: “I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee’.”Every time the ball went out I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet.” READ MORE SUN STORIES“I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff.”I messaged the group chat and said, ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.”Palmer dressed to impress in front of the camerasCredit: Dan Martensen / GQMainoo is used to wearing designer brandsCredit: Dan Martensen / GQPalmer gave most of his medals and trophies to his parentsCredit: Getty More

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      Serial burglar who forced Raheem Sterling to quit World Cup after robbing his mansion is jailed for 13 years

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      A BURGLAR who broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World Cup has been jailed.Emiliano Krosi, 24, carried out 33 burglaries, including the raid on the England star’s home on December 3, 2022.Emiliano Krosi who carried out 33 burglaries has been jailedCredit: Hyde News & PicturesKrosi broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World CupCredit: GettyHe was part of a gang that used a ladder in the rear garden to climb through Arsenal ace Sterling’s bedroom window and steal ten of his Rolex watches.An estimated £300,000 of designer gear was taken from the footballer’s £7million home in Oxshott, Surrey.Albanian Krosi, who travelled illegally to the UK in the back of a lorry, previously admitted to being involved in 15 of the burglaries. But yesterday at Guilford crown court Judge Catherine Hartley ruled he was involved in the remaining 18 break-ins.read more on footballShe sentenced him to a total of 12 years and ten months in prison.She said: “You are a dishonest and greedy man who willingly and enthusiastically took part in what was a familial, criminal gang.“Your greed and your criminality has resulted in a huge toll of human misery.”His offending took place while on bail after being caught with cocaine and cannabis on a train from London Euston to Coventry.Most read in FootballKrosi, from Southend, Essex, was sentenced to 19 months for possession with intent to supply which will run consecutively to the ­sentence for burglary.Surrey Police continue to hunt for his dad Alfred Isufi, 48, uncle Henri Osman, 44, and 22-year-old cousin ­Gerard Kalaja, who are all believed to have fled the UK.Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homesThey are suspected of being part of the gang which raided houses across the Home Counties from November 2022 to March 2023.Other victims included ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, whose home was targeted days before his then team-mate Sterling’s.PC Katherine Stevens, from Surrey Police, said: “Krosi was extremely methodical and organised in his targeting of homes, with the sole aim to make as much money as possible off the back of other people.”Ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann was also targetedCredit: Getty More

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      Greece hero Nikos Dabizas reveals banter he had with David Beckham after Man Utd legend’s iconic England free-kick

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      GREECE hero Nikos Dabizas revealed a funny conversation he had with England legend David Beckham after his iconic free-kick in 2001.Beckham led the Three Lions to the 2002 World Cup with a stunning last-gasp strike which sealed a 2-2 draw against the Greeks in the 93rd minute.Nikos Dabizas had a funny chat with David Beckham after his iconic free-kick for EnglandCredit: Allsport – GettyDabizas issued a tongue-in-cheek statement to BeckhamCredit: GettyDabizas tackles Emile Heskey in the 2001 qualifierBeckham led England to the 2002 World Cup with his legendary strikeCredit: Bongarts – GettyGreece were 2-1 up at Old Trafford thanks to goals by Angelos Charisteas and Demis Nikolaidis, either side of a Teddy Sheringham equaliser, which were set to condemn Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side to a tricky play-off with Ukraine.But up stepped Becks for a final set-piece, 25 yards out of Antonis Nikopolidis’ goal.He curled an impossible effort that caught the goalkeeper by surprise and sent England straight to the finals in Japan and South Korea.Dabizas, 51, started that match and never forgot the Manchester United legend’s stunner that denied his team their first ever win over the English.Read More on FootballThe Newcastle hero caught up with Beckham soon after in the Premier League for some belated post-match banter.Dabizas told SunSport: “Yes, after the game – if I remember correctly – possibly later in a match against Manchester United. Relatively very soon. I messed with him, [I told him] ‘You got yourselves out of jail’.”And he smiled. “[He laughed] It wasn’t a specific answer. [He’s] An absolutely normal guy.”But Dabizas always knew how special that “unimaginably good” free-kick was for both England and Beckham’s career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the ex-Leicester ace has fond memories of that match in Manchester as it marked the beginning of Greece’s journey to their historic Euro 2004 triumph under Otto Rehhagel.Dabizas added: “I think he had an excellent performance in the game against us in 2001. It was a landmark match for his career and it was the first strong sign we gave as a team with Mr Rehhagel for what was to follow as we were very competitive in the qualifiers.Premier League icon Nikos Dabizas names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece”We convinced ourselves that we can stand in front of very high-level teams because that England national team had a lot of talent. And the team that went to Portugal in 2004 had a lot of talent despite having some issues then in English football.”Especially when they couldn’t capitalise on the characteristics they had as a team. They didn’t do that. They didn’t have the success they were capable of.”Beckham was certainly a footballer who had tremendous appeal in set-pieces. His hits were unimaginably good. One of the best in the world [in terms of] the way he hit the ball and the trajectory the ball took.”I believe it was a very special motion process. If anyone looks how he hit the ball will be able to understand that specialty that we mentioned.”It was the last stages of the match, there was a lot of pressure, we were ahead, we were playing if I remember correctly with three central defenders. That’s when that whole story started with Mr Rehhagel trusting the system of three central defenders more.”But I believe it was unavoidable with that part the game was on, when you have such an elite level footballer being able to get the ball either over the wall or the goalkeeper’s tight corner then I believe the difficulty level is very big.”And it had that result that it had in the last stages of the match. And England qualified with that draw to the World Cup.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGreece finally got their first ever win over England last month at their tenth time of asking after seven losses.Dabizas watched Ivan Jovanovic’s men win 2-1 as a pundit at Wembley and will hope for a repeat tonight in Athens. More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim instantly handed ‘significant’ injury blow with Lisandro Martinez ‘unable to function’

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ has handed new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorin an immediate injury blow.Amorim started work this week and met some of his players at the club’s Carrington training ground.Lisandro Martinez sustained a hip injury against LeicesterCredit: ReutersThe defender is coming back to Manchester for treatmentCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s first game is against IpswichCredit: AFPMartinez, 26, was not among them as he had travelled to South America to represent Argentina against Paraguay and Peru.However, the defender has now been sent straight back to Manchester after national team medics discovered a “significant hip injury”.It is believed he picked up the issue in the 3-0 win over Leicester on Sunday but flew to join the Argentina squad before it was evaluated.Reports in Argentina claim he felt “discomfort” after a coming together with an opponent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALDespite completing 90 minutes, the pain has left him unable to “function normally”.Martinez will now be assessed by United’s doctors.The issue provides a headache for new Red Devils coach Amorim as he prepares for his first against Ipswich on November 24.Amorim is already without injured centre-half Harry Maguire until the end of the month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile Luke Shaw remains out having missed the whole season so far.But he has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro to training this week as he nears full recovery from a metatarsal injury.Ruben Amorim arrives in Manchester ahead of starting role as Man United managerThe centre-back has not played since his £52million move from Lille in the summer.And forgotten man Tyrell Malacia also played in first minutes in SEVENTEEN months for the under-21s on Tuesday night.Amorim was seen pictured at Carrington yesterday, greeting the likes of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer.Man Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want? More

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      Arsenal handed another major injury blow as Ben White undergoes knee surgery and ‘could be ruled out until 2025’

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      ARSENAL have suffered another major injury blow after Ben White underwent knee surgery.The right-back has gone under the knife for minor surgery to fix a joint problem in his knee.Ben White could be miss the rest of this year, having undergone surgeryCredit: GettyThe Press Association reports White, 27, will be ruled out for EIGHT weeks, meaning he will not play again until the New Year.But SunSport understands Arsenal remain hopeful he could still play a part in the festive schedule.White has been playing through the pain barrier this season, but has been limited to 12 appearances.He did play the full 90 minutes in the Gunners’ past two matches against Inter Milan and Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now the decision has been made to have an operation during the international break.Mikel Arteta previously said that White has a “little issue” and “we have to protect him”.But the boss now has a defensive crisis to deal with as Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are already out, with Jurrien Timber only just back from a muscle strain.Further up the pitch, both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both withdrawn from the England squad due to injury concerns.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, Arteta revealed he has been “praying” for an end to Arsenal’s fitness problems after a “nightmare eight weeks”.White will miss several huge games if he remains sidelined until next year.Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race The Gunners face Nottingham Forest, Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and West Ham in the week after the international break.Clashes against Fulham and Manchester United then follow ahead of a busy period around Christmas. Arsenal ratings v ChelseaHere’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:David Raya – 7Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.Ben White – 5Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.William Saliba – 6Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.Jurrien Timber – 6Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.Thomas Partey – 6Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.Declan Rice – 6Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.Martin Odegaard – 7Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.Bukayo Saka – 5Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.Kai Havertz – 6Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head. More