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    Alex Greenwood has ‘successful’ surgery following knee injury on Champions League duty with Manchester City

    ALEX GREENWOOD has undergone an operation on a knee injury she suffered during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat of St Polten.However the 96-capped England defender is set for lengthy spell out of action after having her medial collateral ligament (MCL) repaired.Man City say their medical team will work closely with Greenwood who sustained a knee injury this monthCredit: ReutersThe Man City skipper was stretchered off during the first half of her team’s defeat of Austrian side St Polten in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: ReutersMan City finished second in their Champions League group after falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on December 18Credit: AFPGreenwood sustained her injury in the first half of her side’s 2-0 home win against their Austrian opponents in Europe on December 12.  The Man City captain appeared to be in discomfort after going to ground following a collision with St Polten forward Melanie Brunnthaler.She was later stretchered off in the 32nd minute. There were initial worries the defender, who has made nine WSL appearances so far this term, had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.Read More Football Stories However this morning her club confirmed she damaged her MCL – which is the tissue connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.While this usually involves a shorter period in recovery than an ACL injury it remains to be seen whether Greenwood will be fit ahead of England’s next set of international fixtures. In February Sarina Wiegman’s side are due to face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League as part of their build-up to next summer’s European Championship. And supporters will hope that Greenwood, who was part of the England squad that won the Women’s Euros two years ago, will be fit before the 2025 tournament in Switzerland. Most read in FootballMan City’s update follows their WSL team falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on Wednesday. Goals from Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati and Barca captain Alexia Puttellas resulted in the Catalan giants finishing top of Group D with City in second spot. The Cityzens’ second place finish means they could potentially face Arsenal, Chelsea or Lyon in the competition’s quarter-finals next year. The team, who are currently second in the WSL and six points off leaders, Chelsea will find out who their opponents will be after the draw on February 7. City are contending with a swathe of injuries with forwards Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema currently sidelined. Vivianne Miedema hopes to be “fully recharged” and ready to make her Man City return in the new yearCredit: GettyAnd forward Chloe Kelly, who has faced a battle for minutes this term, was absent from the squad that faced Barcelona. City chief Gareth Taylor said this was due to “on-going symptoms” concerning concussion she sustained whilst on England duty in November. The Euros-winning Lioness star, whose current City contract runs until next summer, has started once in six top-flight appearances so far this season.  More

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    Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealed

    FANS were transfixed by a lip-smacking thriller – before wondering if Carlo Ancelotti had lip-swelling filler.Viewers were open-mouthed with astonishment over the Real Madrid manager’s swollen bottom lip in a press conference following a 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano.Viewers were entranced by Carlo Ancelotti’s lips when he faced the mediaCredit: X @marcaJude Bellingham had earlier netted as Real Madrid drew 3-3Credit: AFPAncelotti saw his Real team fail to move top of LaLigaCredit: GettyMany fans were convinced the legendary ex-Chelsea chief must have had botox treatment or an operationOne posted: “What’s wrong with your lip? Have you had surgery?”Another claimed: “I’ve been giggling about Ancelotti’s lip filler since I woke up”  A third wrote: “Can someone explain to me what Ancelotti has done to his lips?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe unexpected debate about Ancelotti’s facial features came after Jude Bellingham netted for a sixth LaLiga match in a row.The last player to do that was Karim Benzema, also for Real, eight years ago.But the draw means Ancelotti’s men remain a point behind neighbours Atletico Madrid and leaders Barcelona.So one fan felt able to ask: “Why did Ancelotti get lip filler. This is not a serious club.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpanish outlet mundodeportivo say his large lips were due to an allergy.But it didn’t save the former Bayern Munich and Everton boss from less than generous jibes.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in stylePlenty of fans on social media made up their own mind over the cause of the apparent swelling.One wrote: “Ancelotti has punctured his lips or is it just me.”Another said: “Ancelotti has been more concerned about his lips than about today’s game.”That was particularly unkind as Real recovered from trailing 2-0 to lead 3-2 through Federico Valverde, Bellingham and Rodrygo.But Isi Palazon rescued a valuable point for second-bottom Vallecano.So for Ancelotti it wasn’t a case of all’s swell that ends swell. More

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    Michail Antonio could be out of action for A YEAR in best case scenario after horror car crash ‘shattered’ his legs

    WEST Ham’s Michail Antonio could be out of action for a year in the best case scenario after a car crash “shattered” his legs. The footballer, 34, was airlifted to a London hospital for surgery on a broken leg after the horror unfolded in Epping, Essex on Saturday.Shocking pictures revealed the aftermath of the crashCredit: UKNIPMichail’s best case scenario is a year of rehabilitationCredit: PAShocking images showed his £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees after leaving the road at 12.50pm.His first words after the crash were “where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in” in the moments following the horror, The Sun revealed. Michail was cut free by fire crews nearly an hour later, as his ex-wife Debbie rushed from Manchester to be by his bedside.It is now understood the dad-of-four’s best case scenario will be a one year recovery time. He will most likely not be able to play for the rest of this season, as reported by the Guardian.However, it has not been confirmed whether his injuries will force him to retire from the game.A West Ham spokesman issued an update on Sunday which read: “West Ham United can confirm Michail Antonio has undergone surgery on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon.”Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.Most read in Football“Everyone at the club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since yesterday’s news, as well as extending a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and first responders who attended to Michail in the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery. “The club will provide further updates when appropriate.”The club on Saturday confirmed the footballer was in a “stable condition” while “conscious and communicating”.West Ham star Michail Antonio injured in horror crash in Ferrari as club reveals he’s ‘stable’ in hospitalA source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”Meanwhile, onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car.One said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved. It looked like it had spun out of control.“I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”A motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene. An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car.”On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm.”The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”Witnesses told how the stricken West Ham ace was in a highly confused state.The driver’s side was ripped apart and the impact is believed to have sent Michail flying across to the passenger seat.Samuel Woods, 34, was driving home after walking his dog in Epping Forest when he saw what he thought was a dumped car by the roadside.He pulled over and rushed to help when he saw a man inside who looked “in big trouble”.Samuel, a carer from Regent’s Park, told The Sun: “I said to him ‘hello’ to see if anyone was alive.“I heard sirens and told him that help was on its way.“He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’“The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrol.”Samuel, who does not follow football and did not recognise the star, went on: “I looked at him and thought, ‘He’s in big trouble’.“I just said, ‘You’ve had an ­accident’. He didn’t reply. He was looking around trying to make sense of what I just said. He was sitting in the passenger side.”Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.The forward joined the club from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017. Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on August 23, 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once.He is the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer, with 68 goals.The West Ham start crashed in Epping, Essex at around 12.50pm on SaturdayCredit: UKNIPWest Ham issued a health update on SundayCredit: XMichail is the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer, with 68 goalsCredit: Reuters More

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    Misfits Boxing star Salt Papi was fighting BLIND before £6,000 eye surgery and opens up on THREE STONE transformation

    MISFITS BOXING star Salt Papi was fighting BLIND until a £6,000 surgery – having also dramatically transformed his body. The TikToker got lasik eye surgery in 2023 and ditched his trademark rimless glasses after at last getting his vision fixed. Salt Papi admits to fighting blindCredit: PABut he got £6,000 eye surgeryThe social media star now fights without glassesAnd the Filipino – real name Nathaniel Bustamante – no longer has to rely on just fighting instincts when facing opponents. Salt Papi told SunSport in Doha: “I could only see a statue. I couldn’t see their facial expressions. Just a statue, I had to hit whatever I can hit.”I kind’ve got used to it. But it’s much better now, I can see my opponent’s facial expressions. If they’re tired, if they’re scared.” Salt Papi is 5-2 as a boxer and had even professional world champions signing his praises. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd his natural talent was so remarkable rumours swirled that he had a secret amateur record back home in the Philippines. But Salt Papi said: “I never had an amateur background. I only started boxing two-and-a-half years ago.”Andy Warski, my first fight on Misfits, that was my second fight only.” Salt Papi has lost a stunning THREE STONE from chubby 15st 7lb beginner to ripped 12st 1lb middleweight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the secret? “Training and eating less!” he says with a cheeky grin.How YouTube star AnEsonGib went from ‘obese’ 17 STONE gamer to ‘seven-figure’ boxing paydays after body transformationSalt Papi now returns on Thursday in Qatar against YouTuber King Kenny. It will be his second fight since losing to American Slim Albaher, who fights AnEsonGib in the Middle East main-event. And Salt Papi said: “I feel like King Kenny is one of the best, up there with Slim, Gib. I can’t underestimate this guy. I have to beat this guy. “If I beat him, I don’t care who I fight next but I want to fight Slim. If Gib decides to take a break, I’d still fight Slim even if he’s the winner or loser.” Salt Papi has lost a stunning three stoneHe is now ripped at middleweight More

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    Skin doctor sues Ronaldo over ace’s £40k ‘unpaid’ bill

    FOOTIE superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 bill.Dr Roshan Ravindran — known as Dr Rosh — claims the former Man United star, 39, owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022.Dr Roshan Ravindran claims Ronaldo owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022Credit: GettyThe former cardiologist’s specialisms include botox and fillers, skin care and eyebrow lifting.He names Ronaldo — famous for his “siuuu” goal celebration — in a formal court form. He does not mention the player’s partner Georgina Rodríguez, 30, but the claim says he did work for Ronaldo “and members of his family and entourage” at his Cheshire clinic.When approached for comment, Dr Rosh, who also runs KLNIK branches in Manchester and London, said: “There is an ongoing legal matter and, as a professional, I do not discuss my patients.”Read More on SportA source said: “Dr Rosh is highly respected and is the silent expert behind figures including top politicians, royalty, sports stars and Hollywood icons.“When it comes to procedures like botox and fillers, Dr Rosh is undeniably the number one choice.“His clientele value absolute discretion as well as world-class treatments.”Ace Ronaldo — now playing in Saudi Arabia on £173million a year — was approached for comment.Most read in FootballCristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 billCredit: EPACristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor More

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    If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here – now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life

    COLBY BISHOP has revealed he is lucky to be alive after marking his incredible comeback from heart surgery with a goal.The Portsmouth striker scored 21 goals last season as the club won the League One title and were promoted to the Championship.Colby Bishop returned from heart surgery with a goalCredit: RexHe admits he is lucky to be alive after a heart scan picked up a problemCredit: RexHis wife Annabel posted an emotional message on social mediaCredit: Instagram @annabelcbishopBishop underwent a routine heart scan in the summer and it identified an irregularity that required immediate surgery.With his wife Annabel heavily pregnant at the time, the 28-year-old feared his football career was over.The open heart operation was successful, but he has been unable to play this season until making his emotional return on Saturday.Bishop came off the bench in Pompey’s 3-1 win over Preston in the 78th minute and he was on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe goal left him “overcome” and “a little bit teary on the pitch”.He told Portsmouth News: “For me, scoring on Saturday has probably got a little more to it than when we won the title.”Three months ago I didn’t know whether this was going to happen again, I didn’t know if I was going to play again. I’m very grateful to be here.”I originally had a heart scan in 2014 at Notts County. I don’t know how, but I’ve missed it since. Most read in Football”I am very lucky, I don’t see it as a detriment, I see it as being very lucky that someone found that.‘If I was a painter or a builder or a dentist, I might not have had that heart scan and something could happen to me.Portsmouth star Colby Bishop to undergo heart surgery”My wife and my first child were at Fratton Park on Saturday, football is everything, but sometimes you have to sit back and think there’s a lot more to life. “It’s just great to know that I’m now OK and I’m going to be OK for my family.”Bishop called up on former Rangers and Brighton defender Connor Goldson and England rugby star Nick Isiekwe for advice as both have continued their sporting careers following heart problems.His wife Annabel has also stood by him every step of the way and she posted an emotional message on social media after her husband’s comeback.She wrote: “Hearing the words your husband needs heart surgery is something you never ever want to hear, especially not at 39 weeks pregnant. “The scariest times were ahead of us, and we had no choice but to schedule surgery for when our baby was just 12-days-old. “Despite the perfect photos posted online, my postpartum reality was actually in a hotel next door to the hospital whilst Colby was in intensive care. “The road to recovery has been hard, incomparable to other football injuries. “But Colby’s strength and dedication has been unbelievable. “Everyone close to him knows just how much he has put into this, to be back three months later. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Watching him step back onto the pitch, whilst holding my baby in my arms was all I ever wished for. “The goal yesterday was more than just a goal, it was everything for our family.”Bishop revealed he was emotional on the pitch during his comebackCredit: Rex More

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    Portsmouth star Colby Bishop scores just minutes into comeback following open heart surgery

    COLBY BISHOP was given a hero’s welcome at Portsmouth as he scored just minutes into his return after major surgery.Bishop, 28, was diagnosed with a heart problem in June before undergoing open heart surgery in August.Colby Bishop was given a ‘special’ welcome back by Portsmouth as he scored in a 3-1 win over PrestonCredit: RexBishop came off the bench to score a penalty in his first match since undergoing open heart surgeryCredit: RexAfter months on the sideline as he recovered, the forward was finally able to make his return in Portsmouth’s Championship clash with Preston on Saturday.Bishop was a shock inclusion on the bench for John Mousinho’s side.He was able to get his first minutes of the season when he was brought on in the 78th minute for Kusini Yengi with Pompey 2-1 ahead.And when Portsmouth won a penalty in the 89th minute, Bishop was then able to mark his emotional comeback with a goal as he netted the home side’s third goal of the afternoon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe penalty sealed a 3-1 win that lifted Portsmouth off the bottom of the table.Bishop paid tribute to the fans after the game for their warm welcome, declaring that they made him feel “so special”.He told The News: “I am so grateful to the fans, they make you feel so special.”I have thought about these moments for the whole 3-4 months, getting that reception. I’m hoping there are quite a few videos, because I would like to watch it back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Even when I was scoring in the warm-up, they were standing up singing.”I have a very special connection with the fans here and through the whole three months when people have seen me, they’ve been so nice to me.Watch jubilant Portsmouth’s captain’s speech get interrupted by very rude act as fans hail ‘simply incredible’ moment”They’ve not once asked ‘When are you back?’ or anything like that. “It has always been ‘Are you okay? Is your family okay?’. That shows how much the people of Portsmouth care.”I know football is obviously the main thing, but they also care about you. I have a special connection with them and again I am grateful for that.”Bishop signed for the South Coast club from Accrington in 2022.He scored 24 goals in his debut season before adding another 21 to his tally in his second year.On the reaction the fans gave him as they applauded him on to the pitch, Bishop added: “It gave me shivers down my back, it was loud, very loud.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I had asked my partner to video it, I cannot wait to watch it. “It’s one of those you would like to look back on in the future.” More

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    Arsenal star Zinchenko reveals he nearly lost his leg and was rushed into emergency surgery after ‘cage fight’

    OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO came close to having his leg AMPUTATED as a teenager due to frostbite.The Arsenal full-back, 27, made his name at Manchester City from 2016 to 2022, winning four Prem titles, four Carabao Cups and one FA Cup.Oleksandr Zinchenko almost lost his leg due to frostbiteCredit: GettyHe has also gone on to captain Ukraine at major tournaments and recently helped the Gunners become top-flight title challengers once more under Mikel Arteta.But at the age of 17, his entire life could have changed thanks to a dry ice incident that left the defender with a gangrenous foot and moments away from amputation.It came about following a call from German club Hoffenheim to attend a trial, having been frozen out of the Shakhtar Donetsk academy and trying to reignite his career while taking part in the Russian street leagues.He explained: “The day before I was due to fly [to Germany], FC Meteor, one of the non-league clubs I played for, called me. They had a big game and wanted me to fill in.READ MORE ON SPORT“These leagues were a bit rogue, sometimes more like a cage fight. Some opponent did a crazy tackle on me and caught my right ankle. It swelled up like a balloon.“There was no way I could play the next day in Germany. Just walking was causing me pain. I was in no state to do a trial. But I couldn’t cancel and lose this life-changing opportunity.“We decided I would go anyway and ask them to let me train a couple of days later, by which time the swelling would have hopefully gone down.“I was on the plane with Lufthansa and I remember thinking: ‘Let’s not waste time to get the swelling down. Let’s use the flight.’ So, I asked the stewardess for some ice for my ankle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“She didn’t understand me at first because my English wasn’t great and I didn’t speak any German. But she came over with what looked like ice in a plastic package.“I wrapped it up, put it on my ankle and went to sleep. Problem solved. An hour or so later, I woke up and expected to see a bag full of melted water. But there was none.Mystery as Kai Havertz denied chance to make Arsenal history but Mikel Arteta has no idea why it happened“Then I looked at my ankle. All the skin had turned white. I put my sock back onand, within around 20 minutes, as it warmed up, it started to blister.“When we arrived in Frankfurt, an associate of my agent was waiting. ‘I have a little problem,’ I told him. I think I gave him the shock of his life when I showed him my ankle.“We drove to the Hoffenheim academy, taken immediately to a physio, who pulled down my sock and turned nearly as white as the skin on my ankle when he saw it.“His reaction told me this was bad. ‘We’re taking you to hospital, right now.’ I was rushed into an operating theatre and surgery commenced immediately.“They were removing gangrenous tissue. If that had spread, it could have affected the whole foot, requiring it all to be removed. The reason? I had frostbite.“It turned out that when the air stewardess gave me ice, it was dry ice, which is three times colder than normal ice, exposing my bare ankle to Arctic-like temperatures.“The German doctor looked at me gravely. ‘You are fortunate. You came at the right time. Any later, and you might have lost your leg.’“Only then did I realise quite how close my dreams had come to ending and my life changing utterly.”After his near-death experience and a spell in the Russian Premier League, Zinchenko spent six seasons at City before joining Arsenal in the summer of 2022 for £35m.However, Zinchenko has also revealed he could have played for the North Londoners much sooner with Arsene Wenger keeping tabs on his situation back in 2014 following a Youth Champions League clash between Arsenal and Shakhtar.Zinchenko said: “I got a call from an agent who said: ‘Alex, I have a very good connection with Arsene Wenger. He called me after your game. He really wants to see you in the club.“I was speechless; my jaw was on the floor. When I gathered my thoughts after a few seconds, I said: ‘This is probably a joke. Someone is having a laugh here.’“For one reason or another, it never happened. I had sort of forgotten about this whole thing until Wenger came to the Emirates in December 2022 to watch us beat West Ham 3-1.“I shook his hand. I had never met him in person before… ‘Mister, eight years ago, I played for Shakhtar Donetsk in a Youth League game against Arsenal…’ I said, cautiously.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He interrupted me. ‘Yes, it was at Boreham Wood. Arsenal won 3-1. And after 20 minutes, I pointed at you and said: “I need this guy.”‘ It was all true. Incredible.“I sometimes imagine what would have happened if I had joined the first team as a 17-year-old.”Oleksandr Zinchenko joined Manchester City back in 2016Credit: AFP or licensors More