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      Forgotten Arsenal stars return in behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR… but Arteta’s side are humiliated 4-0

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      ARSENAL gave two first team players some much-needed minutes in a behind-closed-doors 4-0 friendly defeat to QPR today.The Gunners are making the most of the break to give those who are not on international duty a chance to get up to full speed ahead of the season run-in and title charge.Thomas Partey is working back to full fitness ahead of the season run-inCredit: GettyTakehiro Tomiyasu is also on the comeback trail after suffering calf issuesCredit: GettySunSport understands that Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu were involved. Partey got 60 minutes under his belt while Tomiyasu played for 45 minutes.But, Jurrien Timber did NOT feature as he continues his rehab from ACL surgery.The game took place at one of QPR’s training pitches, and mainly featured a lot of Arsenal U21s with a chance to impress Mikel Arteta.Arsenal had not played since their penalty shoot-out victory over Porto on March 12 to reach the Champions League quarter finals, and next up face Manchester City on March 31.READ MORE ON ARSENALPartey made his official comeback off the bench on March 4 against Sheffield United having been out for five months following thigh surgery in October.Before that, the Ghanaian had been on the pitch for just 30 minutes since August.Partey also played the final few minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford on March 9 as he is eased back into regular football.Boss Arteta will hope Partey can play a big role with just 10 league games left as they sit atop the Premier League, as well as a Champions League quarter final next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTomiyasu has also had his injury woes this season, struggling with a calf problem that means the Japanese international is yet to play for Arsenal this calendar year.But after signing a new two-year deal – with the option of another 12 months – this week, Tomiyasu got game time against QPR.Will Pugh and Tom Barclay discuss Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes ahead of ‘biggest game in 20 years’ against Man CityThe return of Tomiyasu will give Arteta plenty of options at the back, and can rotate the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior if required.However, Dutch full-back Timber – who got injured on the Prem opening day against Nottingham Forest in August – is not yet ready to take part in a match situation just yet.Timber has been involved in full training with the senior side for the past few weeks and is building his way back to featuring at some point next month.However, Arteta will not take any risks on a player he sees as crucial to his set-up, and internally the club are very excited by what Timber can bring to the side next season when fully fit. More

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      Wales star Joe Rodon shows off horror eye injury… but is ready to KO Leeds team-mate and reach Euros

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      JOE RODON will be sporting a black eye in Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off bid tomorrow – but the defender hopes to deliver a KO to club team-mate Glen Kamara.The Leeds centre-back, 26, picked up his shiner after clashing heads with Junior Firpo during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.Joe Rodon is coming into the game with a nasty eye injuryCredit: AlamyThe Leeds loanee showed off his shiner in the press conferenceCredit: AlamyAfter the Whites went top of the Championship, Rodon wasted little time in starting the mind games with Finland’s Kamara by giving him the silent treatment.Rodon, who plays with Wales pals Ethan Ampadu, Connor Roberts and Dan James at Elland Road, said: “I didn’t speak to Glen after Sunday’s game on purpose.”I told him beforehand, “I don’t want to speak to you after the game’. It’s just the way I am. I’m sure we will catch up after the game on Thursday.”There’s been a bit of banter because we all play for the same club team.”Read More on FootballRodon claims Leeds boss Daniel Farke will support Kamara because the midfielder is outnumbered by four to one in the semi-final showdown at the Cardiff City Stadium.The on-loan Spurs star added: “The boss has been teaming up with Glen. It’s been quite funny. “There’s four Welshmen versus one from Finland so the numbers are unfair for him. I hope we have the bragging rights when we go back.”Rodon played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup but feels in the form of his life with Wales needing two wins to qualify for the Germany finals this summer.Most read in Euro 2024Victory over Finland would set up a final against either Poland or Estonia in Cardiff next Tuesday.And Wales boss Robert Page reckons the former Swansea ace, who will win his 43rd cap, is now a real defender after getting the bruises to prove it.Joe Rodon says he hopes he can help the team with his defence and ball skillsRodon laughed and said: “The manager said to me on Monday morning that I look like a proper centre-half now! I’ll take that.”It was a physical game but I got it from Junior. It was from a corner, I headed the ball and the back of him too. It’s not an ideal situation.”I’m just delighted I didn’t reopen it on Sunday. All I can do is put vaseline on it. Hopefully it heals up quickly for Thursday.”I’ve had a few this season, unfortunately. It’s worse than it looks. Rodon has played at a Euros and World Cup but is desperate for Wales to qualify for Germany this summerCredit: GettyWales bid to reach a major tournament for the first time without star man Gareth Bale, who retired from football last yearCredit: Getty”The one I got at Millwall away was a nasty one. It’s part of the game and it’s what I love doing. At least we came away from the game with a clean sheet.”Wales, with Ampadu and James set to both win their 50th caps, are bidding to qualify for the first time without key men Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, who retired following Qatar.Rodon added: “We’ve lost superstars with Gaz and Joe. It was always going to be difficult for us in transition for the group. I can’t speak highly enough of Gaz and Joe. “They are icons of Welsh football and the game and it’s going to have an impact on any team. If you know Gaz as well, any room he walks into everyone knows he’s there.”The players coming up to 50 caps have been around quite a bit now and have that experience in tournaments. It’s not new to us. It’s looking good.”Rodon played alongside Bale for club and country and joked he is happy Wales’ record caps holder and goalscorer with 111 and 41, no longer bullies him.Two years ago, the pair had a bizarre argument over whether aliens exist during a Tottenham Youtube video.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe quipped: “It’s quite nice he doesn’t bully me anymore! He does get on to me when I don’t speak to him. I’m sure Gaz is always watching. You all know how much he loves Wales. “I’m sure he will be watching the game. Gaz has done so much for me. I do miss him a lot. I’ll be in touch with him otherwise I’ll be in trouble!” More

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      Birmingham bring back former manager in desperate bid to avoid relegation after Tony Mowbray was forced to step away

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      GARY ROWETT is set to return to Birmingham as interim manager until the end of the season.The 50-year-old previously spent two years in charge at St Andrew’s between 2014 and 2016.Gary Rowett is set to return to Birmingham as interim managerCredit: PA:Empics SportThe Blues are winless since Tony Mowbray stepped away for medical treatment in FebruaryCredit: RexHe will take over from Mark Venus, who has been at the helm since Tony Mowbray stepped away to undergo medical treatment in February.The club confirmed Mowbray’s absence would be for six to eight weeks.Rowett is now set to take charge for the rest of the campaign in a bid to beat the drop.According to talkSPORT, his return is imminent and his first game back will be the Good Friday trip to QPR on March 29.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBirmingham have not won any of their six matches since Mowbray stepped away, picking up just a single point under Venus.Their poor run of results leaves the Blues 21st in the Championship and only above the drop zone on goal difference.Rowett will have eight matches to avoid relegation to the third tier for the first time since 1994.The former Millwall boss has been out of management since leaving The Den in October.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe previously spent two years as Birmingham boss, guiding the club to back-to-back 10th place finishes in the Championship.However, he was sacked in December 2016 with the Blues seventh in the table.Fans say ‘you can’t help but love Tony Mowbray’ as he hails Birmingham’s ‘Champions League’ BUFFETRowett has also had spells in charge of Derby and Stoke since leaving Birmingham over seven years ago. More

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      Championship play-off final ‘to be moved to JUNE if Coventry qualify for it and beat Man Utd in the FA Cup’

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      THE Championship play-off final will be pushed back to JUNE if Coventry City pull off a huge FA Cup upset, it’s been claimed.The Sky Blues are still in with a good shout of qualifying for the richest match in football.Coventry City could still qualify for the Championship play-off finalCredit: GETTYThe Sky Blues could play in the FA Cup final if they beat Manchester United in the semisCredit: GETTYThe EFL will push back the Championship play-off final by a week if Coventry qualify for both finalsCredit: PAMark Robins’ troops are four points behind sixth-placed Norwich City, although they have a game in hand on The Canaries.The play-off final is slated to take place at Wembley Stadium on May 26 – but the match will be postponed if Coventry shock the world and reach the FA Cup final.Coventry are set to face Premier League giants Manchester United in the semi-final of the tournament on April 20.The final of the FA Cup is set to take place on May 25 – the day before the Championship play-off final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd, according to The Daily Mail, the EFL will push the richest match in football back seven days to June 2 if both scenarios play out.Wembley staff will be in for a busy 48 hours if Coventry reach both finals as the Champions League final is set to take place on June 1.Coventry shocked Premier League side Wolves in a quarter-final thriller on Saturday, scoring twice deep into added time to win it.Now boss Robins will have an added incentive to reach the FA Cup final as he used to play for the Red Devils.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCoventry manager Mark Robins used to play for Manchester UnitedCredit: RexHe said of United’s own stunning late win over Liverpool: “I watched it and I thought the whole weekend was outstanding.”The games were all entertaining and there were lots of goals.Wolves 2 Coventry 3, Coventry fans go wild in the stands over win that will take them to Wembley“I thought ours set the tone and it was just incredible. “The feeling everyone was left with is that it’s one of those games that you’ll never forget. It was brilliant.”He added: “Sunday’s game was an open game and Man United were brave.”They had to make changes and put midfield players and forwards at full-back and went for it, and that paid off for them.”And Amad Diallo’s goal topped it off for them.”In the end, United did enough to win it, but I think our game set the tone for all the others.” More

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      Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes prepared for Coventry FA Cup clash thanks to secret interest in Championship club

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      MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes has a surprise interest in the Championship.The Red Devils booked their place in the FA Cup semi-final yesterday with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool in extra-time.Bruno Fernandes has an unlikely interest in the ChampionshipCredit: MUTVThe United skipper says the team are determined to lift the FA Cup this seasonCredit: GettyAmad Diallo scored the winner in the 122nd minute to spark wild celebrations at Old Trafford.After the game, Ian Wright did the draw as Man Utd got Coventry, with some fans convinced it was rigged due to the “unprofessional” format.Fernandes was thrilled to get the Championship side and he admitted to having an unexpected interest in the second tier.He told MUTV: “It is a tough game. I see some some of their games because my chef at home is a Sunderland fan.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I get to see some Championship games sometimes with him at home.”They have good players on the ball. They are really difficult to play against physically. We saw it against Wolves.”Coventry beat Gary O’Neil’s men 3-2 as they found the back of the net twice in stoppage time.Sky Blues boss Mark Robins, who celebrated in a ball boy’s face after the winner, is a former Man Utd player. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe scored two famous FA Cup goals for the club en route to Sir Alex Ferguson lifting his first trophy in 1990.Glory supposedly prevented the Scot being sacked and with similar pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag, the competition could save another United boss.Heartwarming moment Bruno Fernandes carries young Man Utd mascot who was crying in tunnel before huge Liverpool clashOn aims for the rest of the season, Fernandes said: “Our goal is getting into the top four and trying to win the FA Cup.”We’ve got to do everything we can to get the two goals that we have.”The FA Cup is a big trophy for this club, for this country. We want to get into the final.”We know it’s going to be tough, there are good teams into the semi-final, but we’ve got to do everything we can [to win it].” More

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      On-loan Championship star Isaak Davies attracting transfer interest in Europe after being wanted by Premier League clubs

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      ISAAK DAVIES is attracting interest from across Europe with clubs in France, Germany and Belgium all keen to sign him.The Welsh forward, 22, is on a season-long loan at Belgian side Kortrijk from Cardiff and has scored eight goals in 20 Jupiler Pro League starts.Davies has been in great form for KortrijkCredit: RexDavies’ impressive displays on the continent have alerted Euro suitors with Monaco, Freiburg and Genk all leading the chase for his signature.Davies is under contract with the Bluebirds until the summer of 2025 but his rise is likely to see the attacker move on this summer.Kortrijk are second bottom in the table but Davies’ winner on Saturday at second-placed Anderlecht inflicted their first home defeat of the season.Davies was a youth team product of Cardiff and previously was the subject of a £2.5million bid from Burnley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile highly-rated Davies, who joined the Championship club at the age of seven, had also caught the eye of Brentford and Southampton.Uncapped Davies has not been included in Robert Page’s Wales squad for the Euro 2024 play-off semi-final with Finland in Cardiff on Thursday.But the versatile forward has represented Wales at all levels between U17s and U21s and if he continues to keep up his form in Europe then Page will have to take notice.Cardiff could do with Davies’ goals and assists currently, with the side sitting 11th in the Championship.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are currently eight points off a play-off spot, with the season at risk of petering out into nothing.Adding to the misery is the fact they lost the South Wales derby this weekend 2-0 to Swansea City.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024In more positive news, Aaron Ramsey returned for the Blue Birds this weekend after appearing from the bench.His fitness will be of huge importance for Wales as they look to qualify for the Euros. More

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      Everton line up Sunderland wonderkid Oli Bainbridge, 18, as Sean Dyche prepares for summer transfer window

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      EVERTON are keeping an eye on Sunderland’s left-back Oli Bainbridge.The powerful 18-year-old prospect is tipped to get into the Black Cats side before the end of the season.Oli Bainbridge could be set to move from Sunderland to Everton in the summerCredit: AlamyBainbridge signed a deal with Sunderland last summer.The contract, penned in June, keeps the youngster tied down to the club until 2025.Sunderland also have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.Academy manager Robin Nicholls was over the moon after confirming Bainbridge’s new deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told the club website: “It is great news that Ollie has committed his future to the club for the next few seasons.”He is someone who has displayed strong performance and potential throughout last season and is always looking to develop himself as a player.”This contract is a reflection of the hard work that he and his family have put in for several years now.”Bainbridge was included in Sunderland’s squad for the first time on Saturday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was an unused substitute in their goalless draw with QPR at the Stadium of Light.The result ended a run of six straight defeats for Sunderland – who have not won since a 3-1 victory over Plymouth on February 10.Fans have incredible theory that sacked Sunderland boss Michael Beale of set up Twitter burner account to defend recordThey have dropped from play-off contention to mid-table obscurity in the Championship, 13 points adrift of the top six. More

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      Blackburn owners make sale decision with unpopular Venky’s only ready to leave club on one condition

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      OWNERS Venky’s say they are not looking to sell Blackburn — despite problems getting cash out of India.The family from Pune have had recent inquiries but would only consider a buyer if Rovers got promoted to the Premier League.Venky’s will not sell unless Blackburn are promoted to the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Empics SportVenky’s took over Blackburn in 2010, five months after the club finished 10th in the top flight.Two years later, they were relegated down to the Championship.They spent five seasons in the second tier, before dropping down to League One.Rovers earned promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they have failed to secure a play-off place in the five seasons that have followed.Three mid-table campaigns were followed by eighth and seventh-place finishes over the last two years – missing out on the play-offs last season by virtue of goal difference.But this year they are well off the pace, embroiled in a relegation battle.Under new boss John Eustace, who replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson in February, Blackburn sit 17th in the Championship, three points above the drop zone.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are on a nine-game winless run, drawing their last three.On Saturday, they played out a goalless draw with Middlesbrough.Reading fans are angry as owner sells training ground to EFL rivals Wycombe And they now head into a hugely tricky set of fixtures against Ipswich, Sunderland and Southampton. More