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      Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema calls on Fifa and clubs to tackle ‘ridiculous’ ACL injury epidemic in women’s game

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      ARSENAL star Vivianne Miedema has called for clubs and Fifa to put more money and effort into tackling the epidemic of ACL injuries in female players.Earlier this month Austria international Laura Wienroither became the FOURTH Gunners player to suffer the serious knee injury this season – after Miedema, partner Beth Mead and England captain Leah Williamson.
      Vivianne Miedema has called for more to be done to stop the epidemic of ACL injuries in the women’s gameCredit: Getty
      It comes after injuries to three other Arsenal starsCredit: Getty
      Miedema has been out of action since DecemberCredit: Getty
      Miedema, 26, said: “There’s a bigger picture here. It’s not just us four, or just Arsenal.
      “With me and Beth included, more than 20 per cent of last year’s Ballon d’Or nominees are out with ACL injuries right now, which is ridiculous.
      “I’ve seen somewhere that so far this year in the top five leagues in women’s football in Europe, there have been 57 ACLs already. Something has to be done.
      “Fifa, for me, needs to take responsibility in this issue as well. They need to look at the calendar.
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      “We keep adding games left, right and centre, but we don’t have the time and investment that is needed to keep players fit right now.”
      Miedema says clubs, including Arsenal, must put more money into staff and resources so that female players receive the same level of support as their male counterparts.
      The Dutch international, who is yet to start running again after sustaining her injury in December, said: “The biggest change compared to a couple of years ago is that instead of playing 30 games a season, we now play 60. 
      “Our games are increasing but the budget, for example, for the medical team, for travel, for even the tactical team, they are not increasing.
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      “We now have a squad of 24 players on paper. We have two full-time physios. 
      “If you compare that with a men’s team, they would have nine or 10 full-time physios. 
      “We get put under the same stress but we don’t have the same facilities and circumstances around us.
      “That’s definitely something that clubs need to look at right now.”
      Arsenal are conducting their own study into the rash of ACL injuries.
      Female players overall are up to six times more likely to rupture the ligament in a non-contact situation than men.
      The limited research in the field suggests links to the menstrual cycle, with hormone levels at different times of the month affecting the stability of all joints, not just knees.
      But Miedema says the only common factor in the four Arsenal players’ ACL injuries was that they were all having a tough time off the pitch when they got injured.
      The WSL’s 78-goal record scorer said: “There are three main factors: mental health, which I think is the main one, the physical aspect of playing too many games, and then there is the menstrual cycle.
      “That is the triangle that we need to start looking into.
      “We are at risk, instead of being able to enjoy our game.
      “A lot of girls are worried about getting injured.”
      Miedema, Williamson and possibly Mead, three of the best players in the women’s game, will miss this summer’s World Cup.

      Miedema said: “It is a massive blow for us individually but also for the bigger stage.
      “You want your best players to be at the big tournaments.” More

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      Man City ready to sell star after stunning season out on loan with Bundesliga clubs lining up transfer

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      MANCHESTER CITY aim to find a buyer for keeper Zack Steffen in the summer — after his loan spell at Middlesbrough ends.Boro fear they will lose the United States international as City are open to selling him, with German clubs on alert.
      Steffen has spent this season on loan at MiddlesbroughCredit: Alamy
      The goalkeeper joined Man City in 2019Credit: Paul Marriott
      Steffen has lost his place as City No 2 and his best chances of playing may be elsewhere and the timing is right to cash in.
      The 28-year-old played for Fortuna Dusseldorf on loan in the past and could attract Bundesliga interest.
      City want a Prem club for England Under-21 cap James Trafford, who has shone at Bolton on loan.
      Burnley and Sheffield United are keen but he would have to start — and that may not be possible at either of those clubs.
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      Steffen joined Man City from MLS side Columbus Crew in 2019 and has since made 21 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      He was loaned out to Fortuna Dusseldorf during his first season before joining back up with the City squad ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
      However, the goalkeeper fell down the pecking order at the club following the arrival of Stefan Ortega last summer.
      Steffen was loaned out to Middlesbrough in July and since made 45 appearances.
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      In March, he admitted that he did not wish to return to the Etihad at the end of his loan.
      The goalkeeper told The Philadelphia Inquirer: “I don’t think I’ll go back.
      “No, I want to be playing. Although I had a great time at City and I love those guys, and obviously [it’s] an amazing club, I don’t really have any plans to go back.” More

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      Arsenal flop Chuba Akpom could be set for stunning £15m return to Premier League after 29-goal Middlesbrough season

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      MIDDLESBROUGH fear bids for top scorer Chuba Akpom — and will want £15million for the hitman.Akpom’s potential availability comes after Michael Carrick’s side failed in the play-offs.
      Chuba Akpom is a man in demand after a stunning season at BoroCredit: Alamy
      Despite an incredible turnaround since the Manchester United legend took charge in October, Boro’s promotion hopes were ended by Coventry in midweek.
      And now the striker, 27, may go to the Premier League under his own steam.
      After a remarkable season in which he scored 29 times, Boro may get the big money they want for Akpom as several top-flight sides look for a new goalscorer.
      The former Arsenal forward, who failed to make the breakthrough at the Emirates, started the season training with Boro’s Under-21 team.
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      He arrived at the Riverside in 2020 from PAOK.
      However, he was soon shipped out back to the Greek club first by Neil Warnock and then left on the sidelines by Chris Wilder.
      Carrick replaced the axed Wilder in October with Boro sitting 22nd in the table.
      But he soon transformed the Teessiders into promotion contenders.
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      Akpom fired 29 goals in all competitions, including 28 in the Championship, making him the division’s top scorer.
      He also became the first player since Bernie Slaven 33 years ago to score 20 or more league goals in a season for the club. More

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      Arsenal legend Ian Wright brutally taunted by son Shaun who shows him Premier League trophy live on TV

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      ARSENAL’s Premier League title charge officially ended on Saturday following a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.Having topped the league table for 248 days, the Gunners dropped points for the sixth time in 10 games to virtually hand the trophy over to Manchester City.
      Wright-Phillips taunted his dad with the Premier League trophy following Arsenal’s defeatCredit: Instagram @optussport
      Wright was quick to laugh it offCredit: Instagram @optussport
      The Arsenal legend was sat just a few inches from the trophyCredit: Instagram @optussport
      And Shaun Wright-Phillips, the son of Arsenal legend Ian Wright, was quick to rub it in his dad’s face.
      Wright was on punditry duty for Optus Sport during the clash between the Gunners and Nottingham Forest.
      But just before coverage of the match ended, he was surprised by his son, who walked in with the Premier League trophy.
      Former Man City winger Wright-Phillips placed the silverware just a few inches from his dad, who admitted: “It’s not funny!”
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      However, the Arsenal legend didn’t appear annoyed for too long as he went on to talk about how proud he was of Mikel Arteta’s side.
      He said: “My club has given me so much love and fun this season, trying to go for it.
      “But again, we’re coming up against a monster in City and they’ve deserved it with the way they’ve finished the season.”
      Arsenal fans did not seem to share the same view as many were quick to lambast the team following Saturday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.
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      After the match, Arteta admitted that the loss was “painful”.
      He told Sky Sports: “This is football. It is a very sad day, we have been working for 11 months with that aim and have been on top for so many days.
      “We have competed but we didn’t have enough.
      “Now we must heal. It is very painful. I have to find a way to lift the players and we have a tough week ahead of us.”
      And goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale added: “We had a few games where we dropped points through individual mistakes. Those three or four games is where it’s gone wrong.
      “The dust won’t settle until the summer. We are very disappointed how it has happened but we are proud we pushed all the way.
      “One team in six seasons has beaten Manchester City to the title. But it was our own doing, individual errors in games we should have won.”
      Man City will be awarded with the Premier League trophy following their clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
      Pep Guardiola and his team will receive a guard of honour from the Blues prior to kick-off. More

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      Wesley Fofana opens up on Chelsea’s ‘painful’ season and hints at what is to blame with Blues set for bottom-half finish

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      WESLEY FOFANA has lifted the lid on his “painful” first season at Chelsea. The Blues have endured a difficult campaign despite a £600million investment into the squad.
      Wesley Fofana has opened up on his ‘painful’ first season at ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      Fofana suffered a knee injury earlier this seasonCredit: Getty
      Two managerial sackings have accompanied the club’s miserable season, which sees them languishing in the bottom half.
      Fofana, 22, himself has also had a tricky start to life at Stamford Bridge, with a knee injury keeping him out for a large part of the season following his £70million transfer from Leicester.
      Speaking to Sky Sports about his injury issues he said: “When you have a big injury, then you come back and you have a little injury again, it’s difficult for the mentality and the body.
      “But I try to give everything for the team and the club.
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      “Then, after this, you have more experience. You know your body more and that’s good.
      “You know that sometimes, when you want to push, push, push, just listen to your body and stay calm.”
      However, Fofana believes there are a number of factors which attribute to Chelsea’s struggles.
      He explained: “It’s difficult [to explain]. New [owners] coming, new players coming, new coaches.
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      “In the Premier League, every team is strong and you don’t have time. You play in the Champions League as well, so it’s difficult.
      “I don’t know exactly why it’s a bad season but, for sure, it’s the players, it’s the club, it’s everybody.
      “It’s not just the coaches coming and going, it’s not just the [owner], it’s not just the new players. It’s everybody. We are the same team. When it’s bad, everybody is bad.”
      Ahead of their game against Manchester City, he said: “It’s difficult for everybody because you see Chelsea in this position, and for sure everybody is not happy.
      “But it’s football. Some seasons, you are good. Some seasons, you are bad.
      “Everybody is staying focused for next season now, to train more and push more to return to a high level.”
      On the club’s league position he added: “For sure, it’s painful.
      “Chelsea is a big club in England and Europe. You see the points behind Man City, or Arsenal, and it’s difficult, because this club is the rival.”
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      Chelsea sit 42 points behind champions Man City ahead of their clash later today.
      Whats more, City ace Erling Haaland has a goal haul which is EQUAL to the entirety of Chelsea’s team this season. More

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      Tottenham ‘reopen talks with Nagelsmann for manager’s job but German coach demands assurance over key appointment’

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      JULIAN NAGELSMANN is reportedly back in the running to be Tottenham manager but he is demanding assurances over the club’s new sporting director.The German, 35, was the leading contender to become permanent successor to Antonio Conte, who left the club in March.
      Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly back in talks with Tottenham to become managerCredit: Getty
      But Spurs appeared to have decided against making a move for Nagelsmann and insisted that they had NOT met the ex-Bayern Munich boss.
      However, now The Times says that talks have “resumed” but Nagelsmann “wants to know who will replace Fabio Paratici before committing himself” to the Premier League club.
      The Italian has been hit with a worldwide ban by Fifa which led to his enforced resignation from his position as managing director of football at Spurs.
      This fresh update states that Nagelsmann is “understood to have recommended candidates for the job” to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.
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      His agent has previously claimed that his client, who was axed by Bayern Munich in March, snubbed talks with Chelsea to replace Graham Potter as the Blues were in “troubled waters”.
      That was as well as him having concerns over “their transfer policy” and “other issues”. 
      Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche, who worked with Nagelsmann at Leipzig, is one contender to replace Paratici.
      Brentford’s technical director, Lee Dykes, and Roma general manager, Tiago Pinto, are also believed to be in the running for the job.
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      Spurs have been without a permanent boss since Conte departed on March 27, 47 days ago. 
      The Italian’s assistant Cristian Stellini was handed the reins on an interim basis until he himself was sacked following the 6-1 defeat at Newcastle last month and replaced by Ryan Mason until the end of the season.
      Daniel Levy is still searching for Antonio Conte’s replacementCredit: Action Images More

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      Sheikh Jassim ‘considering buying West Ham instead of Man United’ if Qatari’s takeover bid is rejected by Glazers

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      PROSPECTIVE Manchester United buyer Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani is considering buying West Ham if he fails in his bid for the Red Devils, according to reports. Sheikh Jassim has recently lodged a fourth bid to buy Man Utd from the Glazers in its entirety.
      West Ham are being considered for a takeover by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al ThaniCredit: PA
      Sheikh Jassim will reportedly turn to them if he fails to buy Manchester United
      Th Qatari banker is said to not be the preferred bidder for the GlazersCredit: AFP
      However, with rival bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe the Glazers preferred bidder, the Qatari banker may miss out.
      Despite this, he remains determined to buy into the Premier League.
      Spanish outlet El Pais has claimed he has his sights set on West Ham in the event he misses out on Man Utd.
      According to the report, Qatar Investment Bank – headed up by the Sheikh – are now “beginning to assess other entry options in the Premier League.”
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      It adds: “Their first alternative is to buy West Ham, which together with Tottenham, is the club with the most fans [stadium capacity] in London.
      “West Ham guarantees a full house every weekend.”
      Sheikh Jassim’s latest bid for Man Utd is said to be in the region of £5billion for a full purchase.
      It comes after Avram Glazer was pictured leaving a hotel owned by Sheikh Jassim’s father, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.
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      Meanwhile, the offer from Ratcliffe would see Ineos obtain a majority stake in the Old Trafford club rather than full control.
      The Nice owners bid, said to be close to £6bn, would also see owners Joel and Avram Glazer retain a minority stake in the club.
      West Ham are not the first club named as a potential suitor for Sheikh Jassim with reports earlier this week suggesting Tottenham were on his radar as well. More

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      Chelsea ‘could pinch Alexis Mac Allister from under Liverpool’s nose with Mauricio Pochettino a big fan of compatriot’

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      CHELSEA could hijack Liverpool’s attempt to sign Alexis Mac Allister this summer, according to reports.Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is eager to bolster his midfield before the 2023-24 campaign kicks off.
      Liverpool want to sign Mac Allister from BrightonCredit: Getty
      And World Cup winner Mac Allister has emerged as his top target.
      According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have already opened talks with the Brighton midfielder.
      Personal terms are “almost agreed” but the deal is yet to be confirmed.
      However, Romano also reports that Chelsea could swoop in to hijack a potential agreement.
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      Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to become the new permanent manager at Stamford Bridge, is understood to be a huge admirer of Mac Allister.
      Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal have also expressed an interest in signing the Argentina international.
      Brighton reportedly value him at around £70million, but the Seagulls could receive much more should a bidding war take place.
      Liverpool are also keen on the prospect of signing Chelsea star Mason Mount and Wolves ace Matheus Nunes.
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      But Klopp has made it clear that the Reds will look to strengthen in all areas of the pitch, not just the midfield.
      In a press conference on Friday, the 55-year-old said: “We look in all departments apart from goalkeeper at the moment.
      “Yes, if there is a good one (defender) out there, I would not deny it. That’s all. We look at all areas of the pitch, definitely.” More