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      Kevin De Bruyne hooked at half-time after hobbling on pitch sparking fitness fears for huge Man City vs Arsenal clash

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE was substituted at half-time against Inter Milan over an injury concern.The Manchester City talisman appeared to be in some discomfort shortly before half-time as he pulled up with a problem.Kevin De Bruyne was hooked at half-time over an injury scareCredit: RexDe Bruyne went down and appeared to clutch his groinCredit: GettyPhysios came on to deal with the problem before clearing De Bruyne to continueCredit: ReutersHe grimaced after sprinting to reach a pass and clutched his groin area.Physios came onto the pitch to chat to De Bruyne but he was cleared to play the final few minutes of the first half.But the Belgian, who was seen hobbling at one point, did not look comfortable as he headed down the tunnel at half-time.He was taken off at the break with Ilkay Gundogan coming on in his place as City searched for an opener against Inter Milan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDe Bruyne, 33, may have been taken off as a precaution but there will now be concerns over whether he will be fit for the crucial clash against Arsenal on Sunday.Pep Guardiola’s side have won four from four in the Premier League this season but face their first big test so far against the Gunners.Speaking after the game, Pep Guardiola was unable to provide any assurances about De Bryne’s fitness.He told TNT Sports: “I didn’t speak with the doctors yet, maybe I will speak later.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal welcome Declan Rice back from suspension for the clash with Man city but will be without captain Martin Odegaard once again.Odegaard picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway which Mikel Arteta admits is “serious”.Kyle Walker moves back in with wife Annie Kilner after fathering second child with exSpeaking ahead of his side’s Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday, he said: “After everything was scanned, the scan showed he has got some damage, especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle so we are going to miss him.“I don’t want to [give a timeline] because I am not a doctor but it is something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months but let’s see.”KdB was seen hobbling at one pointCredit: Reuters More

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      Watch hilarious moment Kate Abdo gets the giggles after Micah Richards’ X-rated slip of the tongue live on CBS Sports

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      KATE ABDO was left in stitches after Micah Richards’ hilarious slip-up when discussing David Beckham’s appearance on the show.Manchester United and England icon Beckham, 49, stunned Richards and Jamie Carragher during CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage on Tuesday night when he crept up behind them and went on to guest as a pundit on the show.Micah Richards sent the CBS Sports studio into fits of laughterPresenter Kate Abdo got the giggles following Richards’ commentThierry Henry shielded his face with a piece of paperEven Peter Schmeichel was gobsmacked while listening from the EtihadThe panel returned to the normal four of Abdo, Thierry Henry, Carragher and Richards for Wednesday’s broadcast.But when they reflected on Beckham’s cameo, Richards sent the studio into rapturous laughter with an unfortunate comment.Beckham brought honey as a gift for Henry, Carragher and Richards – while Man Utd fan Abdo received a special Red Devils 1999 shirt.Speaking about idolising Beckham, Richards said: “I got his sticky stuff as well didn’t I?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAbdo and Carragher burst into hysterics as Henry held up a sheet of paper to shield his face.Richards then justified his comment by saying: “The honey. What is wrong with you lot’s minds? It says on the honey ‘David Beckham Sticky Stuff’.”Abdo could not even lift her head such was the strength of her giggles.She then threw to Peter Schmeichel who was at the Etihad for Manchester City vs Inter Milan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut even he could not contain himself as he turned away from the camera.The iconic Man Utd keeper eventually said: “I can’t be watching this.”Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibeReacting on social media, one fan responded: “What is happening here 😅😅😅😂.”While another added: “Ah no, this show is absolutely mad! I love it 😂😭🤣 ‘What is wrong with you lot’s mind?!?!’ I’m mean TBF to Micah, it is called Sticky Stuff, lol.”A third said: “Whoever assembled this team deserves a raise.”And a fourth replied: “TV gold. Everyday is awesome. Love this group.” More

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      Man City debut ‘Oasis kit’ but unveiling massively backfires as fans call it ‘worst ever’ and compare it to iconic sweet

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S new “Oasis kit” has been slammed by fans with some even comparing it to an iconic sweet.Pep Guardiola’s men hosted Inter Milan in their opening game of the new-look Champions League on Wednesday night.Manchester City debuted their new ‘Oasis’ kit on Wednesday nightCredit: EPAFans were less than impressed with the style of the shirtCredit: RexThe match marked the first time the players have pulled on their fourth kit – which is being sold under the name “Definitely City”.It has been co-designed by Oasis guitarist and songwriter Noel Gallagher – who is a die-hard Man City fan.However, the style of the strip has not gone down well among fans on social media.The colour is inspired by the shade of Oasis’ debut album “Definitely Maybe” – which is celebrating its 30-year anniversary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe main yellow-ish base has been paired with Man City’s usual blue trim.But many will be pleased they are only set to wear the strip in European competition.One reacted: “That City kit may be the worst footy kit I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”Another added: “That Man City kit is awful, I honestly thought they were wearing bibs over their home kit for a minute.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third replied: “Some might say it’s horrible but I’m like, whatever.”While a fourth compared it to the popular sweet Refreshers, responding: “Looks like a Refresher sweet.”Micah Richards wore the shirt on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverageOne fan compared the Man City shirt to the Refreshers sweetHow much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsFormer Man City defender Micah Richards wore the shirt on CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League.And he was one of the few that seemed to be enjoying the design.He said: “Oh my gosh, what a shirt.”Oasis recently announced they were reuniting after 15 years for a huge tour next summer.The colour of the shirt has been inspired by the cover of Oasis’ debut album More

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      Fans say ‘that hits different’ as Kate Abdo gets CBS Sports panel cheering with huge change to show intro

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      KATE Abdo’s rebrand is taking some getting used to – for both CBS viewers and her colleagues.The Champions League presenter announced on Tuesday she was changing her name. Kate Abdo is now Kate Scott – and the CBS panel are here for itCredit: CBS Sports/ParamountThe Champions League presenter used her new name during Wednesday’s introCredit: CBS Sports/ParamountIt brought about a joyous response from her colleaguesCredit: CBS Sports/ParamountAbdo married former boxer Malik Scott in an intimate ceremony earlier this summer.She returned to front CBS’ Champions League coverage alongside regular pundits Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards.Moments into the show, the 43-year-old teased she had signed an “exclusive new contract.”Kate continued: “Yes, with my new husband!”READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Allow me to reintroduce myself. Abdo – it has to go.”She went on to reveal she was taking on Scott’s last name, prompting an “awkward” joke from Carragher. The 43-year-old debuted the change during introductions on Wednesday.The presenter opened the show by saying: “Hello everyone, welcome along to London – I’m Kate Scott.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN-UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHenry, Carragher, and Richards immediately began whooping and cheering, with Kate quipping the show was all about “keeping things fresh.”One fan wrote on X: “I’m so here for this.”Kate Abdo makes HUGE announcement live on CBS Sports for Champions League return as Carragher makes ANOTHER awkward jokeAnother said: “The Kate Scott introduction hits different.”While a third added: “99 problems but man ain’t one. Congratulations Kate Scott.”CBS welcomed David Beckham to the show earlier this week as the new Champions League campaign got underway.Golden Balls proved a huge hit with the panel – and revealed Kate was his pick of the quartet. Scott and Abdo married earlier this summerCredit: Instagram / @kateabdoRichards asked: “Who’s your favourite on this show?”Beckham immediately responded: “The United fan,” as he turned to look at Abdo.Abdo got hitched to Scott in Malibu, California.They were joined by a small group of family and friends, with Henry, Carragher, or Richards not in attendance. “Our wedding was intimate – just the two of us, really,” Scott revealed.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We focused on each other and the commitment we were making.”It was a godly ceremony on the Malibu hills, just how we wanted it.” More

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      Champions League club appear to play in special kit in order to comply with fussy Uefa rule

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      SPORTING LISBON were forced to make a subtle change to their kit for their Champions League opener to comply with Uefa rules.The Portuguese champions played host to Lille on Tuesday night as they returned to Europe’s premier competition after one year away.Sporting Lisbon wore this new kit for their Champions League openerCredit: GettyThis is the club’s usual home strip with three white lines through the shirtCredit: ReutersAnd they kicked things off in style with a comfortable 2-0 win – which included a stunner from defender Zeno Debast.Former Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres also got on the scoresheet for the hosts.It was the first of Sporting’s eight fixtures in the new-look Champions League.The others will come against PSV, Sturm Graz, Manchester City, Arsenal, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig and Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the strip Sporting wear in domestic competitions has been altered for European matches.That is because Uefa rules dictate that if a shirt has three or more colours, one must be “clearly dominant”.Sporting’s shirt contains white, green and black stripes.But in order to ensure one was the focal point of the shirt, one of the white stripes near the bottom of the jersey was changed to black by designers Nike.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis meant the black dominated the shirt, meaning the kit did not break any Uefa regulations.It is expected they will have to do the same for their remaining games when they wear their home strip.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe More

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      Inside Ademola Lookman’s stunning journey from League One breakthrough to Champions League ‘phenomenon’

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN’S twinkle toes are gracing the game’s biggest stages after a career-defining whirlwind of 12 months.The Wandsworth-born winger, 26, single-handedly won Atalanta a first trophy in 61 years with a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final in Dublin back in May.Ademola Lookman won Atalanta a first trophy in 61 years with a hat-trick in the Europa League finalThe Wandsworth-born winger began his career at Charlton and will now play in the Champions LeagueEarlier this year, he helped Nigeria – the birthplace of his parents – reach the African Cup of Nations final, becoming the first Atalanta player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.And having only just returned to the Italian side’s starting XI this term following summer links to Paris Saint-Germain, Lookman appears ready to rip up the continent once more in tonight’s Champions League opener against Arsenal.Lookman has truly transformed himself from a bog-standard English football talent flirting with mediocrity into a global superstar – one that cost Atalanta just £12.6m.After a stunning goal and assist to beat Fiorentina 3-2 last weekend and get his Serie A campaign up and running, the Italian media drooled over the Super Eagles talisman.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGazzetta dello Sport wrote: “The magician is back to being a phenomenon,” and Sky Sport Italia gushed: “His season has resumed the way the last one finished: as the best player on the pitch.”That victory took place in Atalanta’s newly-refurbished Gewiss Stadium – one that took nearly 2000 days and almost £100m to complete – and Il Giornale wrote: “Lookman… turned on the lights in the new house.”This adulation is what makes Lookman’s origin story even more special – owing much of his development to rainy nights at The Valley in south east London during his formative years at Charlton Athletic.Signing from Sunday league club Waterloo in 2014 as a 17-year-old hot-shot, smashing numerous goal scoring records in the academy, Lookman made his first team debut 12 months later.Most read in FootballBy the 2016/17 campaign, he was making waves in League One alongside pal Ezri Konsa – now starring for Aston Villa at Europe’s elite table and England.But it was always Lookman that stood out, despite his 5 foot 8 stature that had some of his teammates suggesting he looked like a school boy compared to his man-sized opponents.PREM RULE CHANGESYet former Charlton defender Adam Chicksen argues: “He played to his strengths and would look to make an impact in everything he did. He wasn’t afraid to take the ball.“He had freakish ability with both feet, the way he would go past players either way.“As a result, teams had to double up on him as their game plan even back then. They were more worried about his attributes than how they would bully him physically.“Ademola thrived on that. He was able to take the pressure on and be the one to open up the game when it mattered. He won games for us.”Defender Chicksen – now 32 with League Two outfit Notts County – did not have long to admire Lookman, who made an £11m switch to Premier League Everton in January 2017.His two-and-a-half years on Merseyside proved to be a career-staller, forcing Lookman to look abroad – first with Red Bull Leipzig in July 2019 and then Atalanta in August 2022 after brief and uninspiring loan spells at Fulham and Leicester.With PSG attempting to lure him to the French capital during this summer’s transfer window, Lookman reportedly asked NOT to play for Atalanta, wanting to train alone in fear of picking up an untimely injury.But Chicksen recalls that Lookman should not be thought of in that light, given the professionalism he showed when the Toffees came knocking on Charlton’s door.Chicksen explained: “It’s a rare thing being able to continue with your progress when you do make the leap to the first team and not allow egos to come into it, and you saw that with him.“He was willing to learn and get better and just stay grounded. He wasn’t just saying: ‘I’m already gone’ and downing tools.“It is that sort of attitude that has seen him develop the way he has and keep his performance levels high through all sorts of adversity.“When I used to have some chats to him, I know he put in the work and he remained patient and focused.“He was a quiet guy. He didn’t need to shout though, because of the impact he could have on the pitch. He knew what he was, and that comes with confidence.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He knew what he was capable of even at that young age. Playing alongside it allows you to see the brilliance of someone, that potential starting to unfold.“He never passed on responsibility and that’s the sign of a great player.” More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 5: Time for gaffers to bet against Erling Haaland

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      THE weekly captaincy debate has been a short one for most Dream Team managers this season.Erling Haaland (£9.1m) has exploded out the blocks with nine goals in his first four outings for a humongous return of 77 points.Opting to double his points with the captain’s armband has been a no-brainer… until now.Haaland has been unstoppable but Arsenal’s defence is tough to breachCredit: GettyGameweek 5 has a dramatically different outlook as Manchester City are due to face Arsenal on Sunday before hosting Watford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.The Norwegian striker is close to fixture-proof but the Gunners’ immense defensive record in recent times has to be respected.Mikel Arteta’s side kept clean sheets against Man City both home and away last season and have conceded the joint-fewest league goals so far in 2024/25.If any team can subdue a rampant Haaland, it’s Arsenal.The prolific poacher would probably tear the Hornets apart given the chance but it seems unlikely he’ll play in the cup barely two days after a top-of-the-table clash, especially with extra European games to negotiate this season.Many gaffers will captain Haaland regardless and in current form perhaps he will get the better of William Saliba (£5.4m) and Gabriel (£5.3m); but it’s seemingly the right time to bet against the game’s top scorer.Let’s evaluate the leading alternatives.Most read in FootballSpurs will start their Europa League campaign next weekCredit: Dream TeamSon Heung-min (£5.2m)Tottenham have struggled to convert their possession and chances into goals across the first four Gameweeks but their skipper remains a strong option for the time being.Ange Postecoglou’s side have the luxury of two home fixtures in Gameweek 5: Brentford and Qarabag.The Bees are actually above Spurs in the table as it stands but the underlying numbers suggest attacking players should enjoy themselves when up against Thomas Frank’s mob.Only West Ham have faced more shots than Brentford in the top flight this term.This match-up coupled with a game against Azerbaijani opposition in the Europa League is a double header ripe with potential and Son is seemingly best placed to take advantage.Pedro Porro (£4.4m), James Maddison (£4.3m) and Dominic Solanke (£4m) could also feast.Of course, all this assumes Spurs will be motivated to up their game after defeat in the North London derby.Man United fans thoroughly enjoyed Gameweek 4Credit: APBruno Fernandes (£5.7m)Manchester United are the only other team with midweek European commitments in Gameweek 5, giving them a juicy double header.The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park at the weekend before welcoming FC Twente to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.Many Dream Team bosses remain unconvinced by Erik ten Hag’s side but TEN unanswered goals in Gameweek 4 (against Southampton and Barnsley) has boosted the viability of their assets considerably.Fernandes is the tried-and-tested selection with a long history of plentiful Dream Team points.The Portugal international started the campaign slowly but a 16-point haul via three assists in Gameweek 4 has reversed some of the damage.Bold gaffers might want to consider either Marcus Rashford (£3.8m) or Alejandro Garnacho (£3.6m) for the armband – both banked 32 points in Gameweek 4!Although be warned, the Argentine winger averages just 35 minutes of playing time per league fixture in 2024/25.A familiar favouriteCredit: RexMohamed Salah (£7.6m)Liverpool have the benefit of two home games in Gameweek 5 but the second of those is a Carabao Cup meeting with West Ham.It remains to be seen how Arne Slot views the match-up with the Hammers but if he’s going to rest his 32-year-old Egyptian superstar in any competition it’ll surely be the secondary domestic cup.Even so, Salah is a captaincy candidate as the Reds will be heavy favourites at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.The Cherries are no mugs but they’ll be up against it at Anfield and the hosts’ No11 is usually the man who cashes in.Salah has six goal involvements to his name already this season and, at the time of writing, only Haaland has registered more shots on target while only surprise package Dwight McNeil (£3.5m) has created more big chances.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWElsewhere, there’s certainly a tempting captain lurking in Chelsea’s squad in Gameweek 5 but it’s difficult to pick him out.The Blues face West Ham at the weekend before an immensely favourable Carabao Cup match-up against League Two’s Barrow.If Cole Palmer (£6.3m) was guaranteed to start in midweek he would be a fantastic skipper for Dream Team bosses but Chelsea have already taken measures to manage the England international’s workload by leaving him out the club’s Conference League squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf a European competition is deemed too low of a priority to risk Palmer then what are the chances of him getting significant minutes against Barrow at Stamford Bridge on a Tuesday night?Remember to confirm your captain (and vice-captain) for Gameweek 5 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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      Why are Arsenal playing in the Champions League on a Thursday?

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      ARSENAL have picked up from where they left off last season after making a superb start to the new campaign.The Gunners will be hoping they can take their recent good form in the Premier League into Europe this week.Arsenal beat North London rivals Tottenham last time outCredit: GettyArsenal bowed out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage last season after losing to German giants Bayern Munich over two-legs.This term, Mikel Arteta will be hoping he can be the man to guide the Gunners to the club’s first-ever European Cup.And Arsenal get their Champions League campaign underway against Atalanta on Thursday – but what’s the reason behind the unusual date for the fixture?Why are Arsenal playing in the Champions League on a Thursday?Arsenal’s Champions League opener away at Atalanta this week is one of six fixtures not taking place on the traditional Tuesday or Wednesday – the two days that the competition usually takes place.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes as part of a Uefa revamp, which has seen the regular 32-team group stage transformed into a 36-side league phase in the Champions League this season.Both the Europa League and the Conference League will also follow the new format.To avoid a heavily congested European calendar, Uefa has revealed that each of their three competitions will have a single exclusive matchweek during which fixtures from the other two tournaments will not be played.This will allow more matches to be highlighted and fans to tune in to competitions they may not have previously watched.Most read in Champions LeagueThe Champions League’s exclusive matchweek is matchweek one, meaning the 18 fixtures will be spread evenly across three nights from Tuesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 19.And Arsenal’s away trip to Europa League champions Atalanta has been selected for the Thursday night, just three days before the Gunners’ heavyweight clash against Manchester City in the Premier League.Aside from matchweek one, the only other Champions League matchweek that differs from the traditional Tuesday-Wednesday format is the final one, where all 18 matches will kick off simultaneously at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.What are Arsenal’s Champions League fixtures?Here are all of Arsenal’s eight fixtures for the brand-new league phase:Thursday, September 19Atalanta vs ArsenalGewiss StadiumKick-off: 8pmTuesday, October 1Arsenal vs Paris Saint-GermainEmirates StadiumKick-off: 8pmTuesday, October 22Arsenal vs Shakhtar DonetskEmirates StadiumKick-off: 8pmWednesday, November 6Inter Milan vs ArsenalSan SiroKick-off: 8pmTuesday, November 26Sporting Lisbon vs ArsenalJose Alvalade StadiumKick-off: 8pmWednesday, December 11Arsenal vs MonacoEmirates StadiumKick-off: 8pmREAD MORE SUN STORIESWednesday, January 22Arsenal vs Dinamo ZagrebEmirates StadiumKick-off: 8pmWednesday, January 29Girona vs ArsenalEstadi MontiliviKick-off: 8pm More