More stories

  • in

    Bukayo Saka posts picture from hospital bed after Arsenal star undergoes surgery and faces months on sidelines

    BUKAYO SAKA has given fans a health update after undergoing surgery.Mikel Arteta confirmed the Arsenal star would be heading to hospital after he was hit with a hamstring injury during their 5-1 win at Crystal Palace before Christmas.Bukayo Saka has posted a health update following surgeryCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The Arsenal star was hit by a hamstring injury before ChristmasCredit: RexSaka was seen on crutches following the gameCredit: The SunSaka, 23, limped off the pitch at Selhurst Park with fears he could be out for a prolonged period of time.And those fears came true when Arteta confirmed his star man would need surgery and would be out until at least March.He said: “Yes Bukayo had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.”I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSaka has now undergone his operation and provided anxious Gooners with an update on his health by releasing a picture on Instagram.The stricken winger shared a photo to his page showing him in a hospital bed with his right thumb up.He captioned the post: “The majority see obstacles, but few see the opportunities. “Recovery has begun and I’m coming back stronger! Thank you all for your messages #Godsplan.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn a bid to alleviate the problem caused by Saka’s absence, Arsenal deployed Gabriel Martinelli on the right wing in their 1-0 win over Ipswich.On the game and the Brazilian’s new role, Arteta said: “[It was] Very different we will evolve that. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace”In the second half I liked it more. It will take a bit of time.”Arsenal face back to back away trips to Brentford on New Year’s Day and Brighton the following Saturday.The Gunners then host Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg before taking on Manchester United at the Emirates in the FA Cup third round.Arsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining. More

  • in

    Bukayo Saka undergoes surgery and set for MONTHS out as Mikel Arteta gives update on Arsenal star’s injury

    ARSENAL star Bukayo Saka is set for MONTHS out after undergoing surgery.Saka, 23, was forced off just 23 minutes into the Gunners’ 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury last week.Arsenal star Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury last weekCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta confimed Saka may be out for more than two monthsCredit: RexMatches Bukayo Saka is set to missHere are the matches Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is set to miss after his hamstring injury:Brentford (A) – Jan 1Brighton (A) – Jan 4Newcastle (H) Carabao Cup – Jan 7Man Utd (H) FA Cup – Jan 12Tottenham (H) – Jan 15Aston Villa (H) – Jan 18Dinamo Zagreb (H) Champions League – Jan 22Wolves (A) – Jan 25Girona (A) Champions League – Jan 29Man City (H) – Feb 2Newcastle (A) Carabao Cup – Feb 5Leicester (A) – Feb 15West Ham (H) – Feb 22Nottingham Forest (A) – Feb 25And manager Mikel Arteta issued a bleak update regarding his star winger’s fitness as he confirmed he underwent a procedure. The Arsenal boss confirmed the England international may be out for more than two months.Arteta said: “I prefer to leave it to the doctor or himself. “But yes Bukayo had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks.Read More on Arsenal“I said many weeks, so I think it will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.“It will depend on how the scar tissue starts to heal, the first week or so, the mobility of that. Let’s see, it’s very difficult to say.“We have to rely on the team, that is our strength, we are a team of players who can score 20-30 goals together.”Saka has been a focal point for Arsenal this season as he dominated opponents down the right flank.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe forward has amassed a total of nine goals and 13 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.And Saka’s injury poses as a blow to the North Londoners’ Premier League title hopes after climbing to second place behind leaders Liverpool, who are six points ahead with a game in hand.Arsenal player ratings: Havertz shines in different role but Jesus can’t keep up hot streak against IpswichThat could force Arteta’s hand ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.Many have claimed that Arsenal have been in need of attacking reinforcement since the summer as they lack a natural centre-forward.That has led to links with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres, Lille’s Jonathan David, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.Most recent reports have claimed the Premier League giants could also move for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.Kai Havertz, who scored the winner against Ipswich on Friday during Saka’s absence, has been carrying the burden up front for most of the season.Arteta appears open to tackle the winter market as he said that “preparation is done” and Arsenal are ready to spend in January “if something happens .”The Spanish tactician said when asked if the club planned to do business this coming month: “Yes, the preparation is done. We are ready if something happens. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Obviously we didn’t predict the situation with Bukayo and Raheem [Sterling] at the same time. We predicted more if something has happened, for example, in the defensive line. But the job is done. “Then, okay, if something has to happen we will be open. But the main focus is now how we should strive to distil the potential that there is in this squad.”Arsenal ratings vs IpswichBy Katherine WalshARSENAL leapfrogged Chelsea back into second in the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Ipswich.Kai Havertz’s close-range finish midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the title-chasing Gunners and relegation-threatened Tractor Boys. Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Arsenal players at the Emirates Stadium…David Raya – 5Cut a lonely figure and must have been cold standing on his goal-line for most of the first half as his team-mates enjoyed 84 per cent possession.Had his first touch on 31 minutes but was called upon more in the second half as Ipswich grew into the game.Jurrien Timber – 6Got the fans on their feet with a glorious run through the middle of the park inside 19 minutes, but his limp long range shot was easily kept out by Muric.Clearly had a licence to roam, cutting in from full-back and driving up the pitch.William Saliba – 7Joined Gabriel in the highest line set-up of the season. The pair of them were at the edge of Muric’s box for most of the first half.The Frenchman was solid in dealing with a boisterous Liam Delap.Gabriel – 8Great game for the Brazilian to ease back into 90 minutes after starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday.Caused his usual nuisance in the opposition area from corners but missed a sitter from a Rice set-piece in the 64th minute.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Getting more and more impressive each week. The way he moves with that low centre of gravity makes him so hard to dispossess.But a poor clearance saw Ipswich enjoy a first spell of possession before the hour mark.The 18-year-old was poked and prodded by Ipswich striker Delap and Kalvin Phillips at times but dealt with it well.Declan Rice – 7Rice was pushed into a defensive No6 role but didn’t have to stay there long.Energetic as always and added another level of attack he got his foot on the ball and won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.Kai Havertz – 8Officially back in midfield in Saka’s absence after having played most of the season up top.But the German was in the perfect elusive centre-forward’s position to tap home with a breakthrough opener inside 23 minutes.Rotated and exchanged the No9 role – perhaps Arteta has found a new partnership that may see them through this spell without Saka.Martin Odegaard – 6Rare off evening for the Arsenal captain but nothing too drastic. Uncharacteristic air ball inside six minutes and wasn’t as sharp in his passing.Perhaps missing the chemistry he has with Saka and lost the ball cheaply at times.Gabriel Martinelli – 6All eyes were on the winger as he filled in for Saka on the right-hand side.The Brazilian perhaps lacks the directness of the Gunners’ starboy, but he saw plenty of the ball and linked up well with Jesus.Whipped the first ball in for Havertz’s goal which came out to Trossard who provided the assist.Leandro Trossard – 7Started on the left and kept the ball alive to steal a yard on Ben Johnson and provide Havertz with a wicked cross and his 12th goal of the season.Troubled Ipswich’s Johnson with his direct running and tireless work rate throughout.Gabriel Jesus – 5Jesus clearly had the bit between his teeth at the moment after last week’s goal rush.Couldn’t quite hold his run well enough when breaking through after 34 minutes for his offside goal. Perhaps over eager at that moment.Looked disappointed when he was subbed off with 20 minutes remaining. More

  • in

    Man City ace Phil Foden’s kids take a spin in custom-built mini Mercedes G-Wagons

    FOOTIE ace Phil Foden’s children take a spin in custom-built mini Mercedes G-Wagons.The electric Christmas gifts are modelled on the Man City star’s own £200,000 car.Phil Foden’s children take a spin in custom-built mini Mercedes G-WagonsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEAfYB_iIqc/?hl=enElectric Christmas gifts are modelled on the Man City star’s own £200,000 G-WagonCredit: BackGridPhil’s son Ronnie unwrapping his pricey Christmas presentCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEAfYB_iIqc/?hl=en£11million-a-year Man City star Phil had no problem paying for the giftsCredit: ReutersHe posted a clip of Ronnie, five, and True, three, zipping round his Cheshire mansion’s garden.The £11million-a-year star had no problem paying at least £800 each for the gifts.Phil, 24, also has a baby with partner Rebecca Cooke.It comes after Phil moved a chef into the grounds of his home as he attempts to cook up a storm in the Premier League over the coming months.READ MORE ON PHIL FODENThe Manchester City and England striker has recently moved away from his Stockport roots and into a country pile.And Foden, 24, has taken a full-time chef with him who will live in the gatekeeper’s cottage on the Cheshire Estate.A source revealed: “Phil wants to be on top of his nutrition and the chef has a lovely space to prepare all his meals.“It’s the ultimate luxury and because he’s away a lot with the team, having his own chef means he can just focus on his football and young family.”Most read in FootballFoden’s mum Claire recently told Talk Eat Laugh: “The shocking thing is I hear him ordering salmon a lot now and he never used to eat that!”He used to have low iron levels, but that’s all up to scratch now.”Phil Foden’s fed-up neighbours have declared war on the England ace for destroying their neighbourhood and turning it into Skid Row More

  • in

    Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee ‘splits from long-term model girlfriend’ just months after Old Trafford transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly split from his model girlfriend. Zirkzee joined from Bologna in the summer for £36.5million but he has endured a tough start to life in Manchester.Celina Kerr is Joshua Zirkzee’s ex-girlfriendCredit: Instagram @ celinajadakerrCelina is a model and influencerCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerrShe is believed to have started dating Zirkzee during his time at Bayern MunichCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerrShe has over 100,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerrCelina regularly shows off her lavish lifeCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerrThe forward has only four goals from his 25 appearances this season.And according to GSM, things off the pitch are not much better after he split with his long-time girlfriend Celina Jada Kerr. The report claims the pair were “long-time sweethearts” having met when Zirkzee was at Bayern Munich – whom he joined aged 16.Celina is a model and influencer from Germany who graduated in Berlin with a degree in Media and Communication Management. READ MORE ON WAGSThey kept their personal lives and relationship private on social media but were once seen embracing on a video shoot for JD Sports.During the shoot, the couple wore unisex JD Sports tracksuits, which Celina shared on Instagram.But questions began to surface about their relationship when she was not seen around the forward in Manchester following his transfer.The report adds that Zirkzee and Celina have now unfollowed each other on social media.Most read in FootballCelina – who has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram – has also deleted pictures of herself with Zirkzee.Zirkzee was substituted after 54 minutes during United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.The 23-year-old – who has started oly ten times for United – is part of Ruben Amorim’s squad that play Wolves at Molineux on Boxing Day. Zirkzee has struggled at Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyCelina has unfollowed the footballer on InstagramCredit: Instagram @celinajadakerr More

  • in

    Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele wows as she goes braless in daring dress leaving fans speechless

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE’S wife Michele wowed as she went braless in a festive dress to leave fans speechless.The Belgian posted a series of pictures with Manchester City star De Bruyne including one with their three children. Kevin De Bruyne’s wife Michele wowed as she went braless in a dressCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleShe posted a series of pictures of the pairCredit: Instagram @lacroixmicheleShe also uploaded a solo photo wearing a maroon dress – as fans rushed to her comment section. One said: “OH SO CUTE.”Another added: “Beautiful couple.”A third gushed: “Gorgeous.”READ MORE ON WAGSOne simply commented: “Beautiful.”Michele reportedly started dating De Bruyne in 2014 when he was playing for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.She regularly posts selfies and photos of her family, and has racked up over 620,000 followers on Instagram.De Bruyne admitted that he may not have joined City if his girlfriend had not been pregnant at the time. Most read in FootballMichele gave birth to Mason Milian in 2016.De Bruyne showed his romantic side in December 2016 when he proposed to the blonde stunner beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again They tied the knot in 2017 with a lavish wedding ceremony in Italy.A year later, their second boy Rome was born on October 31.They welcomed their third son, Suri, on September 5, 2020.The couple began dating in 2014They have three kids togetherCredit: RexMichelle is a big hit on InstagramCredit: Instagram @lacroixmichele More

  • in

    Glam model Laura Celia Valk bluntly shuts down talk of relationship with Jude Bellingham in three-word statement

    MODEL Laura Celia Valk rubbished rumours suggesting she is in a relationship with Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.Bellingham, 21, has shone bright ever since joining Real from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 following a staggering £115million deal.Laura Celia Valk was linked with a relationship with Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: Instagram @ lauraceliavLaura, though, dismissed all those rumours with a blunt statementCredit: Instagram @ lauraceliavLaura was asked about the Bellingham rumours on InstagramCredit: InstagramLaura is a popular model on social mediaCredit: InstagramBellingham’s personal life has been largely out of the public eyeCredit: RexThe star midfielder has gone on to register a whopping 30 goals and 19 assists in 64 appearances with Los Blancos, with whom he’s already won LaLiga and the Champions League.As the England international’s image continues to grow so do rumours about his personal life.Recent speculation suggested that Bellingham is romantically involved with glam model Laura, 25.However, the internet personality, who shares a series of glam pics across her social media channels, dismissed all the talk during a Q&A with fans.Read Moe on FootballOne of her 567,000 followers asked her on Instagram: “Do you have a boyfriend?”And Laura issued the following blunt response: “No, I don’t.”Details of Bellingham’s private life have remained largely out of the public eye.The ex-Birmingham star spends a lot of his down time with family and mum, Denise, who supports him in Spain.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham had a slow start this season with Real after a dominant run last term.That was after the reigning Spanish champions signed Kylian Mbappe and manager Carlo Ancelotti struggled to find some chemistry between his star players.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in styleHowever, the versatile midfielder has recently turned things around with six goals and three assists in his last seven league matches.Laura has a huge Instagram followingCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavShe regularly shares glamorous snapsCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavLaura’s posts receive thousands of likesCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavShe often posts from exotic locationsCredit: Instagram / @lauraceliavLaura has over half a million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Michael Schumacher to be a GRANDDAD for the first time as daughter Gina announces she’s pregnant 3 months after wedding

    STRICKEN F1 star Michael Schumacher is to become a grandfather for the first time.The motorsport icon’s daughter Gina, 27, has announced she is pregnant – three months after she married.Michael Schumacher pictured in 2001Credit: GettyGina and Iain Bethke pictured in 2017Credit: GettyShe shared the news with her 335,000 Instagram followers, saying: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl”.Gina accompanied the message with a picture of a foal standing next to pink balloons.It comes after horse enthusiast Gina tied the knot with Ian Bethke at the family villa in Majorca in September.Schumacher is understood to spend a lot of his time at the £27million villa on the sun-soaked Spanish island his wife Corinna bought in 2017.More on Michael SchumacherThere was speculation at the time that her seven-time F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but no proof.F1 legend Schumacher, 55, has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.The private wedding saw staff told to hand over their mobile phones before entering the villa so no photos would be taken inside.Guests were also instructed to leave their mobile phones at the door and no media outlets were allowed to attend.Most read in MotorsportThe ceremony at the Port d’Andratx villa lasted around half an hour and was followed by a banquet and party.And the day before the wedding, around 100 guests were invited to a ‘White Party’.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateSecurity measures were ramped up in and outside the exclusive Mhares Sea Club in Puigderrós.Horse enthusiasts Gina and Iain went official with their relationship nearly seven years ago.The reports about the wedding in January did not specify whether Michael would attend.He turned 55 in January just days after the tenth anniversary of his tragic ski accident on December 29.But German outlet Bild claimed in September it was “very likely” Schumacher was present at the ceremony.Guests are said to have included Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne.Schumacher’s close friend, fellow F1 ace Johnny Herbert, rubbished reports Schumacher attended.Michael carrying Gina as a toddlerCredit: RexThe Grand Prix winning Brit said he expects Michael’s life to always remain behind closed doors with even major events like a family wedding not being worth the media frenzy it could create.Speaking to FlashscoreUSA, Herbert said: “It will always be a closed shop.”The most recent rumour was he attended his daughter’s wedding.”Unfortunately, from what I understand that was all A1 fake news and no truth in it.”Since 2013, Schumacher’s wife Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.This includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Schumacher is said to have regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer at Ferrari.As well as his manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after the accident.The third member of the circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe pair reportedly still watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted in the past that the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.Ex-Ferrari ace and Michael’s teammate Felipe Massa – regarded as “Michael’s younger brother” – has also been allowed to see his old pal occasionally. More

  • in

    Jose Mourinho confirms he has undergone minor surgery but won’t miss a single Fenerbahce training session

    JOSE MOURINHO has confirmed he has undergone “minor surgery” but will not miss a single training session.It had been reported the 61-year-old had to undergo surgery outside of Turkey due to a health problem.Jose Mourinho has confirmed he has undergone minor surgeryHowever, he insisted he will not be missing a training session with FenerbahceCredit: GettyHowever, the Fenerbahce boss has insisted the procedure is nothing to worry about.The Portuguese tactician took to his Instagram page to post an update on his health.In a short video message, he said: “Merry Christmas. And thank you so much for so many messages.”He added a caption to the post saying: “Wishing everyone a happy holiday season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”May this time be full of love and happiness for you and your families.”For those of you who have shown concern, I can confirm reports of my surgery have been greatly exaggerated, it’s just a quick and minor procedure. “I will resume training on the first day back from the holidays, as always. “I’ve never missed a session in 25 years, and I don’t intend to start now. JM.”Most read in FootballHe was in the dugout for Fenerbahce’s 1-1 draw with Eyupspor in the league on Friday.The Turkish giants are now not back in action until January 5, when they host Hatayspor.Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager Mourinho’s side currently sit eight points behind league leaders Galatasaray, who remain unbeaten this season.He has previously managed Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma before arriving in Turkey. More