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    Wales will invite David Brooks to join World Cup squad in Qatar despite heartbreaking injury following cancer all-clear

    DAVID BROOKS will be invited to join Wales at the World Cup.But the Bournemouth star will not be named in Robert Page’s final 26-man squad on Wednesday.
    David Brooks suffered a hamstring injury during his comeback after recovering from cancerCredit: Getty
    Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last October but revealed in May his cancer was clear.
    The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his recovery, yet Cherries interim boss Gary O’Neil revealed he could return to Premier League action next month.
    And Wales boss Page, who will announce his squad in his hometown of Tylorstown in the Rhondda valley, views Brooks as a key part of his plans beyond Qatar into the Euro 2024 qualifiers starting in March.
    Page said: “I am going to try and get Brooksy to travel. Not in the 26 because of his injury.
    READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
    “He’s a big part of moving forward from March. I want to keep him in the group.
    “I am not sure if he is committed to coming yet. But I want him to be a part of it.”
    Brooks’ last of his 21 Wales caps came at Euro 2020 last summer when he was a sub in the 4-0 hammering by Denmark.
    But the ex-Sheffield United star had a bright start to his international career after he was named Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2019 – and his super form saw him linked to a move to Tottenham.
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    He made nine appearances last season with his final outing the goalless draw at Peterborough in the Championship last September.
    Wales’ medical staff were key in identifying the problem when Brooks complained of fatigue on international duty a month later.
    But, after cancer treatment and bouncing back from the injury setback, Brooks is aiming to move closer to Bournemouth’s first team squad.
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    After the World Cup, Wales have been drawn against Croatia, Armenia, Turkey and Latvia in Euro 2024 qualification.
    The Dragons open their campaign with a trip to Croatia on March 25, followed by their first home game three days later against Latvia in Cardiff as they plot their way to the finals in Germany. More

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    Hertha Berlin’s Jean-Paul Boetius diagnosed with testicular tumour two months after team-mate Marco Richter

    HERTHA BERLIN star Jean-Paul Boetius has been ruled out for the foreseeable future – after doctors found he has a testicular tumour.It comes just two months after team-mate Marco Richter fought a testicular cancer scare.
    Boetius has been diagnosed with a testicular tumorCredit: AP
    Holland winger Boetius had only joined the German club from Bundesliga rivals Mainz during the summer.
    But the 28-year-old is set to miss the majority of the season after undergoing life-saving surgery..
    Hertha announced: “Jean-Paul Boetius has been diagnosed with a testicular tumour following the results of a urological test.
    “He will be out for the foreseeable future.
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    “The club will provide further information on Boetius’ recovery in due course.  Until then we ask that everyone respects Jean-Paul’s privacy during his recovery.”
    Hertha sporting director Fredi Bobic added: “As tough as it is to hear at first, we are full of hope that Jean-Paul will be able to recover and return to us as soon as possible.
    “He will receive our full support until he returns.  The Hertha family are by his side, and wish him all the best.”
    Rotterdam-born Boetius previously had two spells with hometown club Feyenoord, winning the Dutch FA Cup in 2018.
    Most read in Football
    He also played for Basel, winning the Swiss Super League title in 2016, and Belgian club Genk.
    His cousin is now-retired midfielder Urby Emanuelson, 36, who has had spells with Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday.
    Boetius won 33 caps for Holland at various age levels, including one senior appearance in 2014.
    And midfield pal Richter bravely opened up about his own battles recently – revealing HE froze his sperm to ensure he can have kids in the future.
    Richter, 24, received the devastating cancer diagnosis in July, but the tumour was identified early enough that it could be removed by surgery, with the player not needing chemotherapy.
    Borussia Dortmund star Sebastien Haller also had a testicular tumour removed this summer.
    What is testicular cancer?
    What is testicular cancer? Testicular cancer is caused when cells reproduce uncontrollably within the male reproductive organs, the testes. The fairly uncommon cancer, which mainly affects men under 45, is relatively painless – making it difficult to diagnose .In the UK, 2,200 men are diagnosed each year and just 70 men die. However, cases have doubled since the mid 70s.
    What are the symptoms of testicular cancer? The most common sign is a lump or swelling on one of your testicles – which is normally about the size of a pea. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that not all testicular lumps are cancerous. According to the NHS only four per cent of scrotal lumps are cancerous, but you should still always get your GP to take a look. Here are the signs to look out for:

    A lump or swelling in the testicle
    A heavy scrotum
    A dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles and scrotum
    A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
    A difference in the texture or increase in firmness of the testicle
    A difference between one testicle and the other

    How do you check your testicles?It’s important to know what feels normal for you – so it’s important to check often so you can notice changes. It’s a good idea to have a hot shower before checking them, then gently roll your testicle between your thumb and finger. Then repeat for the other testicle. Repeat this every week so you get a feel for their shape and size. More

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    David Brooks suffers injury setback in bid to play for Wales at World Cup as Davies pulls out of Nations League matches

    DAVID BROOKS has suffered an injury setback in his courageous bid to play at the World Cup.The Wales star, 25, made a comeback from cancer treatment by playing for Bournemouth’s Under-21s last month.
    Wales will give David Brooks as much time as possible to recover and prove his fitness in time for the World CupCredit: Getty
    Tottenham defender Ben Davies faces missing two internationals through injuryCredit: Getty
    But the midfielder, who revealed he was cancer-free in May after being diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma, tweaked a hamstring on his return against Brentford B.
    Wales will play a waiting game to see if Brooks recovers but his hopes of making the Qatar squad are fading.
    Wales boss Robert Page said: “We have to be sympathetic with him and give him as much opportunity to fully recover and be a part of the World Cup squad.
    “We are in constant contact. Let’s wait and see what happens between now and then.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “There’s a lot of minutes to be played and a lot of games to play.”
    Cherries’ interim boss Gary O’Neil confirmed: “David suffered a slight setback in the development squad game.
    “He had some pain in his hamstring.
    “It’s not unusual for any player who has been off the grass long-term.
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    “I’m not surprised it’s happened but I’m disappointed for him.”
    Wales are also reeling from Ben Davies picking up a knee injury.
    The Tottenham defender, 29, is believed to have sustained a hairline fracture to the bone just underneath his knee.
    It saw him miss Spurs’ 6-2 home win over Leicester on Saturday and rules him out of Wales’ Nations League clashes with Belgium and Poland next week.
    Boss Antonio Conte revealed Davies played with the problem during Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat against Sporting Lisbon.
    The Italian told Sky Sports: “He had an injury in his knee in the game against Sporting Lisbon and he played with this injury.
    “(It’s) not a serious injury, I think after the international break because with the national team he is not available.
    “But I think after the international break he will be available for us.”
    Davies now faces a race to be fit in time for the North London derby at Arsenal on October 1. More

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    I donated sperm before losing testicle to cancer so I can have kids – my diagnosis left me in tears, says footballer

    HERTHA BSC midfielder Marco Richter has bravely opened up about his testicular cancer diagnosis – revealing his froze his sperm to ensure he can have kids in the future.Richter, 24, received the devastating diagnosis in July, but the tumour was identified early enough that it could be removed by surgery, with the player not needing chemotherapy.
    Marco Richter was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July and froze his sperm to ensure he can still have kids in the futureCredit: Getty
    He returned to training at the beginning of August and has since opened up about his ordeal.
    When speaking to German outlet Spiegel about his initial diagnosis, he said: “I could hardly speak and started crying.
    “One associates so many things with such a message. A tumour, cancer.”
    Richter also bravely admitted that one of his biggest concerns was his family and the possibility of not having children in future.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    So, after being encouraged to do so by doctors, he decided to donate to a sperm bank.
    At the time he was also unsure if he would be able to play football again.
    But, the midfielder is now back in action with a positive mindset.
    He added: “I only have one testicle. So what? Everything works.”
    Most read in Bundesliga
    And Richter now wants to educate others on the symptoms and effects of testicular tumours: “Get checked regularly and don’t play tough.
    “The early visit to the doctor was my great luck!”
    The Hertha BSC star is one of three Bundesliga players to have been diagnosed with a testicular tumour this year.
    Timo Baumgartl, who is on loan at Hertha Union from PSV, was forced out of action in April with the devastating diagnosis, but he returned to light training last month.
    And Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with a tumour in July shortly after joining the German giants.
    Two weeks ago, the 28-year-old revealed the early stages of treatment have not been easy.
    When collecting his Eredivisie top scorer award for the 2021-22 season, he said: “The first two or three days during the hospital (visit) and two or three days after, it’s not the best moment.”
    However, despite the struggle, Haller is keen to take the positives and has thanked his family, friends and team-mates for their support.
    Haller was also diagnosed with a tumour in JulyCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea ace Berger reveals recurrence of thyroid cancer with WSL player set for more treatment

    ANN-KATRIN BERGER will be receiving treatment this week after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer for a second time.The Chelsea goalkeeper, 31, shared details of the recurrence in a written statement published on her Twitter page.
    Ann-Katrin Berger is set to receive treatment after revealing a recurrence of thyroid cancerCredit: Getty
    It comes almost five years after the player was initially diagnosed with the condition in November 2017, during her spell at Birmingham City.
    The WSL ace went on to make a full recovery and was named in the PFA’s Team of the Year in 2018, before sealing a January 2019 move to the Blues.
    In her statement, Berger said: “I’ve said before that as a sportsperson, you have to fight every day to be the best you can be and that’s something I will continue to do.
    “I hope by sharing my journey I can help others that find themselves in a similar situation.
    “I am working closely with my club doctor and specialist in London, and my treatment will start this week.
    Read More Sports Stories
    “I remain positive that my treatment will be as effective as last time, and I’m looking forward to returning to the pitch and seeing you all at Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge.”
    In a message of support on their website, Chelsea wrote: “Everyone at Chelsea is behind her during this difficult time.
    “The club will provide any support we can to help her make a speedy recovery.
    “We look forward to seeing her back between the posts for the Blues as soon as possible.”
    Most read in Football
    Berger has been a solid presence in goal for the Blues over the past three years.
    The Kingsmeadow ace helped the club win eight major trophies – including three league crowns following her 2019 arrival.
    And she won the WSL’s Golden Glove award in May 2021 after keeping 12 clean sheets in the 2020-21 season.
    Berger also helped her team to a league title and FA Cup double last term. More

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    MK Dons coach Lewis Price diagnosed with testicular cancer and set for indefinite amount of time off as club pay tribute

    MK DONS goalkeeping coach Lewis Price has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.The 38-year-old former shot-stopper, who played for the likes of Ipswich, Crystal Palace and Rotherham, is set to take an indefinite time away from the League One club while he receives treatment.
    Keeper coach Price was on the bench for MK Dons’ game at the weekendCredit: KIPAX
    He spent the final four years of his playing career at RotherhamCredit: Getty
    A statement from MK Dons read: “MK Dons can confirm Goalkeeper Coach Lewis Price is currently battling testicular cancer.
    “Lewis, 38, will soon undergo a course of treatment, which will keep him away from the Football Club for a period of time.
    “Get well soon, Pricey. We are all with you!”
    It was accompanied by a message from manager Liam Manning, sporting director Liam Sweeting and performance director Simon Crampton.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    They said: “The full support of everybody at the Football Club is with Lewis and his family and we will do everything we can to help them through this challenging time.”Lewis will have all the time he needs to recover and work his way back to a stage of full health, and we, as a Club, will do everything we can to help with that.
    “I know the MK Dons family will be right behind Lewis throughout his recovery but we ask that during this time, everyone respects his and his family’s privacy.”
    MK Dons supporters poured in with their tributes to Price as they wished him all the best with his treatment.
    Most read in EFL
    And a host of Premier League and fellow EFL clubs were also quick to send in their messages of support on social media.
    Bournemouth said: “We’re so sorry to hear this news. The thoughts of everyone at #afcb are with Lewis and we wish him a speedy recovery ❤️.”
    Derby added: “Everyone at #DCFC is wishing you all the very best in your recovery, Lewis 🖤.”
    Burton said: “Best wishes from everyone at Burton Albion, Lewis. 💛🖤”
    While Championship outfit West Brom added: “All of us at Albion are with you, Lewis. 💙”
    Price is set for an indefinite time away from footballCredit: Getty More

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    I became a teacher after my career as a Championship star ended to fund my son’s cancer treatment

    LITTLE Rio Spurr breaks into a beaming grin and happily announces he is having pancakes with syrup on for breakfast.Once they have been demolished, he’s off to the settee for a spot of Fireman Sam on the iPad - the theme tune to which he belts out at the top of his voice.
    Rio Spurr, son of ex-footballer Tommy, is currently battling a form of kidney cancerCredit: The Sun
    Rio Spurr is undergoing treatment to combat the illnessCredit: The Sun
    Dad Tommy, a former defender with Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn among others, and mum Chloe look on proudly from the kitchen.
    It’s a scene being replayed in hundreds of homes all over the country.
    Only this isn’t your run-of-the-mill home — and Rio is far from your run-of-the-mill toddler.
    For the songs and the smiles disguise the fact this is his first day back home in Brockhall, near Blackburn, after his latest stay in the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
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    The cute-as-a-kitten three-year-old has just undergone another course of chemotherapy, there is radiotherapy further down the line - and no guarantee of success.
    What began as tummy ache in April was actually Wilms’ tumour, a form of kidney cancer in children — and more besides.
    He also had two tumours on his lungs and even if chemo and radiotherapy work, there is a strong likelihood the cancer will return. And by then there will be no more NHS avenues left.
    In such cases the survival rate is around ten per cent and the only real option would be to seek pioneering treatment overseas.
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    Purse strings are stretched as Chloe and Tommy, who also played for Doncaster and Preston, have given up work to be with Rio and his 18-month-old brother Rudy at home and hospital.
    They have been living on savings as Tommy’s career-ending injury was bizarrely ruled to be “wear and tear”, meaning there was no PFA payout.
    And now, faced with having to find funds if — as they sadly expect — they must desperately try to seek a cure, they are at their wit’s end.
    Tommy had qualified as a teacher, but “working shifts” so one was with Rio in hospital and the other with Rudy meant that — plus Chloe’s job as a beauty therapist — had to go.
    His old clubs have helped and next month a 120-mile bike ride from Hillsborough to Deepdale, via Doncaster and Ewood Park, takes place — but more is needed. Much more.
    He explained: “Rio’s chemotherapy means we didn’t have a choice. He could be in four days at a time and with how it makes him feel, we could be back in hospital at the drop of a hat.
    Rio’s dad Tommy has taken up teaching to pay for the treatmentCredit: The Sun
    Rio’s health battles have been a nightmare for his familyCredit: The Sun
    “His immune system is virtually non-existent. As soon as he has a temperature, it’s a 48-hour stay in hospital and we have Rudy to think about too, who is just as important.
    “It has been a nightmare. We’re exhausting savings and it’s due to the help and kindness people have shown that we’ve been able to keep going.”
    Chloe added: “If Rio is cured at the end of this course of treatment in March — and there’s no guarantee — the high risk features and tumours on his lungs make it more likely to return.
    “If it does, his chances of survival are minuscule and he’ll have already had everything he can on the NHS.
    “So if we’re in that position we want to be able to give him every possible chance of maybe going abroad.
    “If that means having to sell the house, of course we’d do anything.
    “But we’re trying to keep life as normal as possible and to make sure one of them has a parent there at all times.”
    He’s a very bright little boy and asks a lot of questions. We told him he was going for a little operation — obviously it wasn’t, he was having a kidney removed.Tommy Spurr on son Rio
    For now, though, Tommy and Chloe will lap up the next two weeks with him back home as he regains strength before another dose of chemo.
    Yet the risk of infection means there can be no visits to the likes of play centres or swimming pools, both of which Rio loves.
    Not even a bath, as the ever present Hickman line — a narrow tube allowing the chemo to go directly into the bloodstream — cannot be submerged.
    Keeping life normal is a battle in itself, yet both Tommy and Chloe are making a damned good fist of it.
    Tommy said: “He’s a very bright little boy and asks a lot of questions. We told him he was going for a little operation — obviously it wasn’t, he was having a kidney removed.
    “But on the way down to the anaesthetist he’s singing the theme to Fireman Sam at the top of his voice, walking down in his gown.
    “And when he came home after eight days in, there were a couple of nights when there was lots of singing and laughing. We just didn’t want it to end.
    “We have to cherish those times more than we used to because they don’t happen very often.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}NAME GAME .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}We named our son a strong, manly name but family laughed in our face at it
    And all the while his mum and dad are telling the heartbreaking story, Rio — headphones on, across the other side of the room — sings away loudly and happily.
    As Chloe said: “Everyone at hospital is totally charmed by him. He walks down the corridor shouting, ‘Here I am, hiya’. He just loves life,  he loves everything.”
    The Spurr family are trying to keep life as normal as possible for their sonCredit: The Sun
    His dad Tommy and mum Chloe have to think about their other son Rudy as well as RioCredit: The Sun More

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    Former Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme wins debut MMA fight after retiring from football following cancer battle

    WOLVES legend Carl Ikeme was victorious on his debut in the Raw Grappling Championship.The former goalkeeper was forced to retire from football in 2018 aged just 32 after a year-long battle with cancer.
    Wolves legend Carl Ikeme won his debut Raw Grappling Championship fightCredit: RAW Grappling Championship/Youtube
    The 36-year-old defeat fellow Brit Fuad AhmedCredit: RAW Grappling Championship/Youtube
    Ikeme played over 200 games for Wolves before retiring in 2018 after a year-long fight with cancerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    But now four years later the 36-year-old is back in sporting competition – though something very different from the Beautiful Game.
    Ikeme fought fellow Brit Fuad Ahmed in the first Raw Grappling World Championship at the IndigoO2 Arena in London.
    The action was streamed on the promotion’s YouTube page.
    The sport is loosely based around Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Ikeme utilising his skills on ground fighting and submissions.
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    The ex-keeper won the bout 4-0.
    Ikeme made 274 domestic career appearances in all competitions, with over 200 of them coming for Wolves, the club he joined in 2000 aged just 14.
    The stopper went on to win two promotions, and ten international caps for Nigeria.
    Of the decision to retire from football, Ikeme said at the time: “Speaking to the doctor, he said I should retire, just because the treatment and the toll it’s taken on my body.
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    “I can’t really risk trying to come back, I just want to be here for my children and family and friends.
    “It’s difficult when you look back at the things you’ve gone through in your football career but in the grand scheme of things with your life in danger, it’s the minimum price to pay to have a life with my family.”
    Ikeme is now registered with the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s Federation and fights in the super heavy category. More