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    Carson Jones dead at 38: Boxing champion who fought Kell Brook dies after surgery on oesophagus that ‘drove him insane’

    BOXER Carson Jones has passed away aged 38 as tributes poured in.Jones is well remembered for twice fighting and losing to Kell Brook during his 63-bout career. Carson Jones has passed away aged 38 as tributes poured inCredit: RexThe American – whose last fight was in 2023 – recently fell ill after complications during oesophagus surgery.And he has since sadly died – with former opponent Caleb Truax confirming the news.He posted a picture of them together and wrote: “Rest in paradise to my man. Boxing lost a good one, too early.” Jones had told his social media followers in January that he was struggling with gastrointestinal problems. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt affects the digestive tract, which is the passageway that food and liquids travel through from the mouth to the anus.At one point, Jones posted: “I finally have surgery on my esophagus on Monday. I cannot wait. This s*** is driving me insane.”I’ve had a max of three bites of food per day for the last few weeks, with a loss of 35 pounds. Some days, there is no food or drink at all.”Truax had previously posted: “Boxing community, we need some prayers for former world title challenger Carson Jones.Most read in Boxing”He had complications during a surgical procedure, and my friend can use all the good vibes he can get.” Jones lost to ex-welterweight world champion Brook on points in 2012 and then by stoppage in their rematch a year later. He also faced the likes of Antonio Margarito, Ted Cheeseman and Callum Walsh. Jones’ final fight came in October 2023 against James Warren at light-heavyweight – winning in two rounds. British boxing referee Mark Lyson posted: “Very sad to hear the news about the passing of Carson Jones at just 38. RIP Champ.”Manager Sam Jones said: “Such sad news about Carson Jones.” Kell Brook twice beat Jones, pictured here in their first 2012 fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunTed Cheeseman also fought JonesCredit: Rex Features More

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    Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehab after devastating injury KO’d season

    INJURED Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez warmed hearts after sharing snaps from his mum’s visit.Martinez is in post-surgery rehab after tearing his ACL in the closing stages of Man Utd’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on February 2.Lisandro Martinez posted adorable snaps showing him hugging his mumMartinez is out for the season after tearing his ACL last monthSilvina helped her son with his rehab exercisesThe pair laughed as she urged Martinez to lift his leg higherThe Argentine is out for the rest of the season and is being supported by mum Silvina and his pregnant girlfriend.In his latest update after surgery, Martinez shared pictures from his mum’s visit to his Manchester home.The defender shared snaps of the pair hugging on his doorstep and a hilarious video of her helping him with exercises.His heartwarming Instagram post was captioned: “Thank you for hugging my heart and making me smile. 😁💖 I love you Ma!”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHis mum appeared to keeping his spirits up as she urged him to lift his injured right leg higher in the air.Martinez was wearing his Man Utd training kit and the clip showed him watching his team-mates lose 1-0 to Spurs last Sunday.The centre-back was laying on a rehab bed in his living room and his knee was covered in supportive tape.And fans praised the adorable moment, with one writing: “There’s nothing like a mother’s love and motivation.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “This is so adorable.”A third added: “You’ve got this warrior.”Man Utd ratings: Casemiro disappearing into irrelevance as Real Madrid legend saved again by Bruno Fernandes One more wrote: “Even football players need their mothers.”The 27-year-old was stretchered off at Old Trafford against Palace after injuring his knee.The World Cup winner tussled for the ball with Eagles star Ismaila Sarr late on.But he appeared to get his leg stuck in the turf and was in serious pain.United have not won in the Premier League since his injury, losing to Spurs and drawing 2-2 with Everton this weekend.Martinez underwent surgery this month and gave up an emotional update on social media.He wrote on Instagram last week: “Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.”Thanking his club and the Argentine national team, he added: “I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited , @afaseleccion , my family, friends, team-mates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement.Martinez showed he had the support of long-term partner MuriMartinez showed he had the support of childhood sweetheart Muri Lopez Benitez and their much-anticipated first child.The couple went public with 26-year-old Muri’s pregnancy last October.Martinez and Muri posted a photo of them holding their baby scan, with the defender writing in a message alongside their snap: “We are so happy that you came into our lives. Thank you for choosing us.”They later revealed they were expecting a daughter and have decided to name her Aurora.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince his £56.7million move from Ajax, the defender has had two operations on his foot and damaged the medical ligament in his right knee, although that injury didn’t require surgery.The Red Devils are hoping Martinez will be back to fitness for the start of next season.Martinez has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonThe defender left the field in tears on a stretcher at the start of the month More

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    ‘Stormy days’ – Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez shares emotional update from hospital bed after op on horror knee injury

    LISANDRO Martinez has revealed he is on the road to recovery thanks to the love of his stunning girlfriend and their unborn daughter in a moving post-op update from his hospital bed.The Manchester United star opened up on the emotional rollercoaster he experienced following the season-ending knee injury against Crystal Palace earlier this month after undergoing surgery.Lisandro Martinez posted an update from the hospital following knee surgeryCredit: instagram @lisandromartinezzzMartinez showed he had the support of long-term partner MuriCredit: instagram @lisandromartinezzzHe admitted to initial feelings of “sadness and helplessness” after tearing his cruciate ligaments and said he would put his heart and soul into his rehabilitation process after the “perfect” operation.In his first update after surgery, he gave the thumbs-up as he admitted: “Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.”Thanking his club and the Argentine national team, he added: “I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited , @afaseleccion , my family, friends, team-mates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement.“The surgery went perfectly!! Now it’s time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans responded by offering him more support.One wrote: “We’ll see you back soon.”Another added: “You’ve got this warrior.”The 27-year-old showed he had the support of childhood sweetheart Muri Lopez Benitez and their much-anticipated first child.Most read in FootballThe couple went public with 26-year-old Muri’s pregnancy last October.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMartinez and Muri posted a photo of them holding their baby scan, with the defender writing in a message alongside their snap: “We are so happy that you came into our lives. Thank you for choosing us.”They later revealed they were expecting a daughter they have decided to name Aurora.‘He’s perfect for Man Utd’ – Neville begs Amorim to re-sign flop strikerOvernight the footballer posted an adorable photo on his Instagram showing his girlfriend lying on his chest with her eyes closed as he embraced her in his hospital bed with his surgical gown still on.The brunette had written on the snap which she also posted online: “Getting better with lots of love” followed by a heart emoji.Martinez responded by referencing their unborn daughter and adding: “I love you both lots.”They met in their early teens in their home city of Gualeguay, and Muri has been at his side during his meteoric rise from Newell’s Old Boys to Ajax and his subsequent July 2022 move to Manchester.Muri was in Qatar to watch Martinez and his team-mates secure World Cup glory against France in December 2022.She’s known for her love of carnivals and often shows her glam side on social media.She showed off her baby belly a fortnight ago in a selfie photo with Martinez who had their French bulldog called Polo sat on his lap.Since his £56.7million move from Ajax the defender has had two operations on his foot and damaged the medical ligament in his right knee, although that injury didn’t require surgery.Man Utd are hoping Martinez will be back to fitness for the start of next season.This week the club have been plunged into crisis after FOUR stars were injured in training ahead of their clash at Tottenham to take them to 11 first-team stars in the treatment room.Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer represent a triple blow to the Red Devils’ centre midfield options, while Amad Diallo was also announced to have suffered a potentially season-ending injury.Amad posted a heartfelt message on social media following the news of his injury.The Ivorian said: “Extremely disappointed to be writing this message in such a crucial time of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Unfortunately, I will be out for some time with an injury. I will come back stronger than ever!! Time to support the boys from the outside. Still loads to play for.”This crisis has prompted manager Ruben Amorim to turn to the club’s Carrington Academy to bolster the ranks, with five youngsters – Sekou Kone, Harry Amass, Jack Moorhouse, Elyh Harrison and Chido Obi – being called up to travel to London with the senior squad. More

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    Team GB legend and former Strictly star Roger Black undergoes open heart surgery on condition he’s had for 47 YEARS

    FORMER Olympian Roger Black has undergone open heart surgery on a condition he has lived with for 47 years.The Team GB legend is a two-time 4x400m relay world champion and he won two silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games.Roger Black has undergone open heart surgeryCredit: InstagramThe Team GB icon won two silver medals at the Olympics in 1996Credit: Times Newspapers LtdBlack, 58, battled a congenital heart condition throughout his glittering career.But the athlete underwent surgery last month after his health took a turn for the worse.Black said on Instagram: “Three weeks ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic root.”My ‘incompetent’ bicuspid aortic valve was discovered when I was 11-years-old and for the last 47 years I have been looked after by the cardiac team at Southampton General Hospital.READ MORE SPORT NEWS”At my annual check-up last summer it was clear that things had deteriorated despite me having no obvious symptoms.’It was a shock but deep down I knew this day would come even though I never allowed my heart disease to define me and prevent me from pursuing my athletic career.”Thank you to Mr Tsang and all the medical team in Southampton who cared for me during what was a tough time in hospital. I am forever grateful.”Most of all thank you to my wife Jules who was there when I woke up in intensive care 11 hours after surgery and has cared for me every day in recovery.Most read in Athletics”Each day has been about small steps – yesterday was a big milestone as we walked to the top of St Martha’s Hill… our special place.”After retiring from athletics, Black worked as a pundit for the BBC as well as appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he partnered pro Camilla Dallerup.The former runner also reached the Masterchef final in 2006, losing to rugby hero Matt Dawson.Black is a father of three, having twin boys George and Max with wife Julia Burgess.He also has a daughter Isabelle from his previous marriage to Elsa Devassoigne.When Black was diagnosed with congenital heart disease aged 11, he was initially banned from playing sport.He eventually got back into playing rugby before switching to athletics aged 18.Black’s health has worsened in recent years and he no longer exercises intensely due to his condition.Roger Black with his wife JuliaCredit: instagram More

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    ‘Body said enough is enough’ – Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’

    MANUEL AKANJI will have surgery on a groin injury on Saturday and faces a fight to return before the end of the season.Manchester City’s Swiss defender limped out of the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday and has been assessed this week.Manuel Akanji’s season is all but over after he suffered groin injury against Real MadridCredit: PAThe Swiss defender will go under the knife this weekendCredit: REXAnd medics have decided he will go under the knife – which could see him sidelined for up to 10 weeks.That means he will miss a large chunk of the games remaining and may not be back until early May.Boss Pep Guardiola has had to deal with injuries to most of his defenders this season and believes the extra workload has caught up with Akanji.He said: “He’ll have surgery on his adductor on Saturday and it will be eight to 10 weeks.READ MORE FOOTI NEWS“We wish the best recovery for Manu because of the effort he has done for us this season.”It’s been unbelievable.“Him and Nathan Ake have played in difficult conditions to help the team in an emergency due to lack of players in those positions.“In the end, the body said enough is enough.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJack Grealish is unlikely to face Newcastle on SaturdayCredit: REXGuardiola said the news was better on England midfielder Jack Grealish – who was also subbed in the defeat to Madrid.He is unlikely to face Newcastle on Saturday but is not expecting another long absence for his £100 million signing.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid He said: “With Jack, it’s not as bad as Manu has done but I don’t think he will be ready for Saturday.”We will assess it in the next hours.” More

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    Kai Havertz injury update as Arsenal release statement on crocked star following devastating hamstring tear

    ARSENAL have released a statement with an update on the injury of Kai Havertz.The German forward has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring tear.Kai Havert will have to undergo surgery on his injuryCredit: GettyHavertz’s injury happened during the club’s warm-weather training camp in DubaiCredit: GettyHavertz, 25, picked up the injury during the club’s training camp in Dubai and will need to undergo surgery.Arsenal confirmed in a statement that this was the case.It was also revealed that the former Chelsea star will have a recovery programme that will run into the pre-season training for the 2025/26 campaign.It read: “We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.”Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.”Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”The long-term injury to Havertz has damaged Arsenal’s title hopes and shone a light on the lack of depth available to Mikel Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club were hotly tipped to sign a new striker in the January transfer window with links to the likes of Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko.However, the North London outfit did not make a move in the market to bolster their attack. Worrying Kai Havertz footage emerges after Arsenal star ruled out for entire season with devastating torn hamstringIt has been speculated that midfielder Mikel Merino could be tried as a makeshift forward.While academy players Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Ismeal Kabia and Khayon Edwards may enter Arteta’s thinking.Arsenal headed to Dubai for their annual warm-weather training trip last Thursday.Crocked stars Ben White and Bukayo Saka were able to join their team-mates on the training camp, as they both step up their respective injury recoveries. More

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    Former Barcelona star shows off withered leg as he shows how much muscle he lost after devastating ACL injury

    FORMER Barcelona prodigy Riqui Puig has revealed pictures of his withered leg after suffering a devastating ACL injury.Puig, who now plays for LA Galaxy, lost a significant amount of muscle in his right leg after undergoing reconstructive surgery last month.Riqui Puig has shown off his withered right legThe 25-year-old tore his ACL in NovemberPuig came through the ranks with Barcelona’s La Masia set upPuig joined LA in 2022Puig suffered a nasty ACL injury during LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win over Seattle Sonders FC in the Western Conference final in November.But he played over 30 minutes with a torn ACL and even provided the game-winning assist for Dejan Joveljic’s 85th minute goal.Scans after the trophy celebrations showed a rupture and surgery was performed in a Barcelona hospital a month later.The 25-year-old has shared an update on the rehab process of his knee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPictures show the midfielder has lost a ton of muscle on his right leg as he works with specialists.Puig grabbed 37 goal contributions in 36 matches played across all competitions for the LA Galaxy during the 2024 campaign.He left Barcelona for America as a free agent in 2022 after falling out of favour with former manager Xavi’s plans.His exit was a shock for fans after Barca’s legends indicated he was a special talent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBack in 2018, one report read: “Lionel Messi quickly realised that after Riqui started going to some training sessions with the first team last season.”He wanted him at his side and, of course, the kid was happy to have his idol in front of him and on top of that, that he gave him the ball.Ex-Everton and Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu works out in gym after horror injury “He was not the only one who was astonished.”Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta – a player whom he has many resemblances towards – were also captivated by his football.”Despite his promising talent as a teenager, Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp and left in 2022.Gavi and Pedri are two of the highest-rated young central midfielders in Europe and have continued to prosper.Meanwhile, Puig is one of the best players in the MLS and is a two-time All-Star.Puig found himself way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp More

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    Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to jet off on HOLIDAY to help his recovery from hamstring surgery

    BUKAYO SAKA is spending his rehab from hamstring surgery like any elite professional would.Aside from recovering at home, the Arsenal star has remained a regular face at their London Colney training base after going under the knife just before Christmas Day – even supporting his teammates up close at home games.Bukayo Saka underwent hamstring surgery after a trip to Crystal Palace last monthCredit: GettySaka has been making the effort to support the team during his rehab phaseCredit: GettyHobbling on crutches, Saka was spotted pitch side at the Emirates watching his pals warm up ahead of the North London Derby in mid-week – and is expected to do the same ahead of today’s [SAT] clash with Aston Villa.Arteta admires the commitment, but the Gunners boss has urged Saka to instead use this time to jet off on HOLIDAY, telling the England winger: You need it!After facing Villa, Arsenal have another home game against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday before trips to Wolves and then Girona between January 25 and 29 – a four-day period that could be perfect for Saka to get some much-needed rest in the sunshine.Asked if Saka should take a holiday somewhere nice, Arteta said: “Yeah, he needs to. He is obligated to go! With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or on his own.read more arsenal”But he needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehab because it is the perfect stage. I think it will make him really better.“He has been [around the squad] every single day. There is a moment, especially when we are going to be away for a few days, that he needs to do that. That is very important for him as well.“We need to look after our players.”Ever-present Saka started in all but three of Arsenal’s Prem games last season, as well as starting for England in every game of their Euros journey to the final in Germany last summer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis term, he has so far started 16 Prem games, as well as five of their six Champions League league phase matches.On what Saka should send his manager as a thank you for granting some time off, Arteta laughed: “A nice picture – or a present!”What Arteta really wants is one of his best players fit and firing sooner rather than later.Saka is targeting an early March return – perhaps in time for Prem outings against Manchester United on March 8 and Chelsea on March 15.Up until he hobbled off during a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21, Saka had been instrumental in Arsenal’s attack this term with five goals and 10 assists in the league.Since then, the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling have tried to replicate Saka on the right wing with little success.Jesus could now be crocked for the rest of 2025 with a ruptured ACL suffered in the FA Cup third round defeat to Man United, Nwaneri is recovering from a hamstring strain, Sterling looks shot of confidence or form while Martinelli and Trossard are naturally left-sided players.Why Arsenal were MYLES better than SpursAnd since Saka’s injury, Arsenal have dropped two points to Brighton in the Prem, been knocked out of the FA Cup and face an uphill task to reach the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in their semi-final first leg.It is why Arteta is hoping to land a new forward during this January window, but there will still be huge pressure on the shoulders of Saka to make an instant impact on his long-awaited return.Whether Arsenal will still be in the title race by then is another matter, despite recently closing the gap on Liverpool to four points, with Arne Slot’s Red still having a game in hand.On Saka’s time away from the team, Arteta continued: “The main part is the psychological part of how they feel emotionally. Because being a long time without doing what you love is not easy.“Your routine changes completely. You are much more isolated because you’re not going to work. That takes a little while to handle and to settle.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So, it’s a moment that if he can have a break as well and enjoy the parts of his life, great.“To be closer to the family, great. To learn about the game, certain aspects that he can still improve and develop.” More