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      Six-time Champions League winner warned he has just 50 PER CENT chance of recovering from horror injury

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      REAL MADRID legend Dani Carvajal has just a 50 PER CENT chance of recovering from his serious knee injury, according to a top doctor.The Spaniard, 32, won his sixth Champions League last season and also triumphed at the Euros.Dani Carvajal may never return to his top levelCredit: AFPHe was left in tears on the floor after rupturing his cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament and popliteal tendonCredit: RexSix-time Champions League winner Carvajal faces at least 12 months on the sidelineCredit: EPABut his season was ended during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday after he ruptured his cruciate ligament, external collateral ligament and popliteal tendon.Doctor Pablo Gelber, founder and president of the European Knee Society’s Lateral Knee Injuries Committee, has now given his take on Carvajal’s injury – which left the defender in tears.He confirmed it will take a minimum of 12 months to recover and also shockingly revealed the right-back only has between a 50 and 60 per cent chance of getting back to his optimum level.Speaking to Marca, Dr Gelber said: “Of all the factors for returning to sport, the time since surgery is perhaps the least important. It is a necessary factor, but by no means sufficient. In this case, I would not speak of less than 12 months of recovery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And another issue is the return to the same sporting level, which, speaking in cold numbers, is not more than 50 or 60 per cent.”A negative factor is that footballers tend to have varus legs, as we technically call it. It basically refers to having bowed legs, as Rivaldo, for example, had in a very pronounced way.”This fact is a negative factor for the successful recovery of these injuries, because it puts the ligaments that are being reconstructed under a lot of stress, potentially stretching them to levels that make the surgery fail.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.”In normal people, we often correct this deviation of the leg to avoid this potential failure, especially in cases that have been going on for some time since the injury.Most read in Football”But in a professional footballer, this correction of the shape of the legs is totally contraindicated, because it would mean the end of a footballer’s career.Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ “On the other hand, the mental state in such serious injuries is of vital importance, because frustration, fears and negative thoughts can undermine optimal recovery.”Real Madrid made the classy decision to extend Carvajal’s contract until 2026 following the injury that is set to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.He has been with Los Blancos since 2002 when he was 10 years old and competed across all of their youth teams.After a year playing at Bayer Leverkusen, the defender joined Real’s senior team in 2013 and went on to win all major honours, including four LaLiga titles and six Champions Leagues.He also won Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer, defeating England in the final. More

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      Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

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      RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More

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      Forgotten former Premier League goalkeeper saves three penalties from three different players in same game

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      HIS three Premier League spells are difficult to recall.But his THREE penalty saves from three different players in the same LaLiga match will never be forgotten.Alex Berenguer was first to be foiled by Paulo GazzanigaCredit: X / PremSportsTVGazzaniga then kept out a poor penalty from Inaki WilliamsCredit: X / PremSportsTVEx-Prem stopper Gazzaniga promptly guessed correctly for a third time to block Ander Herrera, following a re-take of Williams’ kickCredit: X / PremSportsTVPaulo Gazzaniga was something of a triple flop in the Prem.But his treble stop for Girona in a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao was a feat any goalkeeper can only dream of.Incredibly, the home side went on to sneak their win with a 99th-minute SPOT-KICK of their own – straight after Athletic defender Aitor Paredes saw red for two quickfire bookings.Gazzaniga, 32, won a single cap with Argentina six years ago.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut after launching his career with Gillingham, he failed to break through in five years with Southampton.His spells at Tottenham from 2017-2021 and Fulham in the following two years largely went the same way.And after a season on loan with Girona, he moved to Spain permanently in June 2023.Gazzaniga was solid enough last term – but surely nothing will match his spectacular achievement against Athletic.Most read in FootballFans were bowled over by the display of GazzanigaCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe dived full length low to his left to keep out Alex Berenguer’s sidefooted penalty on 28 minutes.Yaser Asprilla fired Girona in front but Oihan Sancet pounced from close range to level for Athletic before the break.I didn’t like Sir Alex Ferguson – but what legendary Man Utd boss did after I quit football will never leave meGazzaniga then produced two more spot-kick blocks just before the hour mark.First he foiled a mediocre effort slotted to his right by Inaki Williams.And although the penalty had to be retaken as Gazzaniga’s feet were off the line, he promptly conjured an almost identical save from ex-Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera.So three times in all he guessed correctly to complete a rarely-seen trio of penalty blocks.Athletic were seething six minutes into added time when VAR ruled Paredes pulled Czech midfielder Ladislav Krejci back inside the box.Paredes went off for two yellows in a minute, for the foul and dissent.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in went the penalty from Girona skipper Cristhian Stuani – showing Athletic how to do it as he tucked the ball confidently into the bottom right corner.But once the THIRTEEN extra minutes had finished it was Gazzaniga, not Stuani, who dominated the plaudits. More

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      Real Madrid trigger Dani Carvajal contract clause in classy move after defender carried off in tears and out for season

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      REAL MADRID have extended Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026 after his shocking injury that is expected to sideline him for the rest of the season.Carvajal, 32, suffered a horrific clash with Villarreal ace Yeremy Pino during Saturday’s 2-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu that caused his leg to bend unnaturally. Real Madrid have extended Dani Carvajal’s contract until 2026Credit: RexCarvajal’s leg was bent backwards in the challengeThe Real Madrid star screams in agonyCarvajal suffered a horrific injury against Villarreal and was stretchered off in tearsCredit: EPAHe was then seen in tears before being stretchered offReal ace Carvajal is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyCarvajal’s selfie from inside the ambulanceThe right-back was in such agony that he was immediately stretchered off in tears before boarding an ambulance to undergo tests at a nearby hospital.The defender posted a selfie from inside the ambulance.He later wrote on Instagram: “Serious cruciate ligament injury confirmed, I’ll have to go through surgery and be off the pitch for a few months.”Already looking forward to starting recovery and coming back like a beast. Thank you so much for your messages, I feel very loved.”Read More on FootballReal confirmed the Spain international sustained a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, a rupture of the external collateral ligament and a rupture of the popliteus tendon in his right leg.The full-back is now set to undergo surgery with initial reports in Spain claiming he will be sidelined for the rest of the campaign.In a statement, Real Madrid said: “Following tests carried out on Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, the player has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured external collateral ligament and a ruptured popliteus tendon in his right leg. He will undergo surgery in the coming days.”The club, though, rallied behind Carvajal at this difficult time with a classy move as they extended his deal, which was running out in June.Most read in FootballThe Spaniard has been with Los Blancos since 2002 when he was 10 years old and competed across all of their youth teams.After a year playing at Bayer Leverkusen, the defender joined Real’s senior team in 2013 and went on to win all major honours, including a staggering six Champions League trophies.Carvajal’s wife Daphne paid tribute to her husband and thanked the club for their support.She posted on Instagram: “It still feels like a bad dream. “To see how you were so sad and going through so much pain… and you tried to make me smile. I love and admire you immensely.”Your path back to where you are the happiest starts today. Stronger. Because you always give your all. You still have a lot to win, my life.Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal involved in furious spat with Barcelona boss Xavi during heated Copa del Rey El Clasico”Thank you for so many messages. And to our Real Madrid family, we felt so loved yesterday, I have no words.”This comes amid rumours suggesting Real are looking to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract runs out in June.However, Carvajal’s new deal may have poured cold water on the speculation involving the star right-back. More

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      Former Stoke flop and two-time Champions League winner makes shock transfer to 10th club of his career

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      STOKE flop and two-time Champions League winner Jese Rodriguez has signed for his 10th club to add to his nomadic career.Rodriguez, 31, has been a free agent since January after being released by Brazilian club Coritiba FC.Former Stoke flop Jese Rodriguez has signed for the 10th club of his careerCredit: AFP – GettyJese Rodriguez has signed for Malaysian champions Johor Southern TigersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorThe two-time champions league winner was teased by the club on social mediaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorHe was shrouded as a silhouette ahead of an eye-popping backgroundCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorHe was later revealed in the club’s red and blue kitCredit: X formerly Twitter / @OfficialJohorThe Spanish forward has previously starred for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.He has also turned out for Real Betis, Sporting Lisbon, Sampdoria and Las Palmas among others.However, his latest club has taken him to all the way to Asia, after being announced as a new signing for Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim, otherwise known as JDT or Southern Tigers.Taking to social media, the club unveiled Rodriguez with a dramatic video.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 45-second clip featured a clip of the ace scoring for Real Madrid before transitioning into teasing him wearing the club’s kit.It showed him showing off the blue and red strip before revealing he would wear shirt number 33.Rodriguez was also seen in a black shirt and tie, before ending with him staring down the lens of the camera as it zoomed in on him.JDT are the reigning champions of the Malaysia Super League and sit top of the table this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThey play at the 40,000 capacity stadium, Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, in the south of the country.They are the 10th club of his career.Transfer fees could be SCRAPPED forever after Lassana Diarra wins landmark court case against FifaEnglish football fans will best remember Rodriguez from his time on loan at Stoke.While in England he managed just one goal and one assist in 13 games. His accolades include winning the Champions League twice with Real Madrid, the Club World Cup, La Liga, Uefa Super Cup and French League Cup and Super Cup.He has made five appearances for the Spanish national team, scoring twice.During his time unemployed, Rodriguez celebrated his wedding anniversary with stunning wife Aurah Ruiz, who got married in 2022.Taking to Instagram in one post where he shared a picture of their wedding day, he said: “Happy anniversary my baby!READ MORE SUN STORIES”Thank you for giving me happiness and most of all the meaning of knowing and feeling true love.”I love you very much and do not doubt that we will continue to enjoy all this that we have formed so beautifully for the rest of our lives.”Rodriguez played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid ‘open transfer talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold’ with Liverpool star’s contract expiring in the summer

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      REAL MADRID have made contact with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s representatives over a blockbuster free transfer, according to reports.Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract is set to expire at the end of the season.Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with Real MadridCredit: RexThe England full-back, 25, has not ruled out penning a new deal to extend his stay at Anfield.But Real Madrid chiefs are eager to lure him to Spain.According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the LaLiga giants have contacted Alexander-Arnold’s representatives on several occasions.Their report adds that Real bosses feel that Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham could work to their advantage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe duo have developed a close bond while playing for England together.Alexander-Arnold has played 318 times for boyhood club Liverpool since debuting in 2016.Prior to this season, he had experienced his entire club career under Jurgen Klopp.He has started every Premier League and Champions League game so far under Klopp’s successor Arne Slot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut in five of the eight contests, he has been substituted.Last month, Alexander-Arnold was quizzed regarding his future.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Bold £84m Bid for NantesHe said: “Look, I have been at the club 20 years now.”I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either.”I have always said I want to captain the club – that is an aim and a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands. I want to be a Liverpool player this season is what I will say.”The most important thing is always trophies if I am honest. This season we are looking really good.”Alexander-Arnold has so far won a Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup with the Reds.While he has also earned 31 England caps.The right-back isn’t the only Liverpool key man set to be out of contract next summer.Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s deals are also set to expire in June 2025.Slot, 46, was this morning asked about the contract statuses of his three key men.He said: “Contracts? I was hoping you didn’t use that word.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the same boring answer as always and I could really understand if you ask me this every two weeks but every other day.”People think I am boring with the same answer. Try asking after the international break.”Arne Slot was tight-lipped when asked about Alexander-Arnold’s contract situationCredit: Reuters More

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      Kylian Mbappe OUT of France squad after Real Madrid nightmare but five Premier League stars called up

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has been left out of Didier Deschamps’ France squad.The Real Madrid forward, 25, will not be available for Les Bleus’ matches against Israel and Belgium later this month.Kylian Mbappe was in action from the bench as Real Madrid lost 1-0 to LilleCredit: GettyMbappe suffered an injury scare during his club’s 3-2 win over Deportivo Alaves last month.He was substituted after feeling an issue in his hamstring, and following subsequent tests was expected to be missing for three weeks.The former Paris Saint-Germain star has recovered earlier than expected from his injury, and was deemed fit enough to make a 33 minute cameo from the bench against Lille last night in the Champions League.He was unable to turn the tide, however, with Real Madrid falling to a 1-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 side, who boast Mbappe’s younger brother Ethan among their ranks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite Kylian having returned to fitness, Deschamps has opted against calling him up.Mbappe has played 10 times for Real Madrid since quitting PSG for the Spanish capital in the summer.He has so far scored seven goals for his new team, and had bagged in his last four appearances prior to getting injured.Mbappe’s Real Madrid team-mates Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga will join up with France following their club’s clash with Villarreal this Saturday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Ferland Mendy has been left out.Despite Mbappe’s absence, Deschamps will have plenty of attacking quality to call upon.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawIn-form PSG winger Bradley Barcola will be involved, as will his club team-mates Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani.Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is also in the squad, as is Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.There is a recall for Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, who has played just 29 minutes for his country since being ruled out of the 2022 World Cup on the eve of the tournament.In addition to Nkunku, Premier League stars William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Digne and Wesley Fofana have all been called up.France’s squad is jam-packed with quality More

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      Spanish media turns on Jude Bellingham as England star slammed for ‘declining’ after Kylian Mbappe transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has “declined” following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid, according to a Spanish media outlet.The 21-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Real Madrid, winning both the Champions League and LaLiga.Jude Bellingham has ‘declined’ this season, according to the Spanish mediaCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid in a free transfer this summerCredit: GettyHe managed 36 goal involvements in 42 appearances for Los Blancos, making him one of the club’s most influential players.But Spanish outlet AS claims Bellingham has suffered a “decline” this term.The midfielder has managed just two assists in seven games since the start of the campaign.He is yet to score.Read More in FootballLast season, he scored six goals and assisted two in his first seven matches.With former Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe having joined Real Madrid in a huge free transfer this summer, Bellingham’s role in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has changed.The England star now plays in a slightly deeper position, meaning his attacking impact is limited.But AS suggests it has negatively affected his game.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBellingham’s average stats comparedA recent article from the popular Spanish publication read: “In Bellingham’s case, the decline is much more palpable: he has only two assists, without goals, in seven games played.”Last season, after seven games, he had scored six goals. These figures should not be compared coldly, because his role now, since the arrival of Mbappe, is very different, but the Englishman is still looking for his best version as a midfielder.”Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England starReal Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Lille on Wednesday.New signing Mbappe started the match on the bench and was introduced in the second half.However, he failed to make an impact.At full-time, manager Ancelotti said: “It was complicated, it was not our best game and we have to clean our heads.”It seemed that we were improving, but we took a step back with this match.”Lille have been better than us. We could use a stroke of attention and a little criticism.” More