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      Bukayo Saka shows off scar from operation as Arsenal star joins team-mates at mid-season Dubai training camp

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      BUKAYO SAKA stepped up his recovery from a hamstring injury last week as he targets a return to action.The Arsenal winger suffered a torn hamstring in December and was forced to undergo surgery just after Christmas.Bukayo Saka has stepped up his recovery in DubaiCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star shared some pictures of himself in trainingIn one of the photos, the scar from his hamstring surgery was visibleWhile he is yet to return to full training, Saka has been stepping up his recovery in recent days as he edges closer to a comeback.In a series of photos shared on his Instagram on Monday morning, the 23-year-old could be seen completing some strength and conditioning exercises in Dubai.The scar from his recent hamstring operation was also visible on his right leg in one of the photos.Arsenal fans could not contain their excitement at the prospect of Saka nearing a return.Read More in FootballOne person took to the comments to write: “It will be like a new January signing…”Another said: “This picture made me happy.”A third joked: “Defenders are shaking.”While another commented: “Starboy is back!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSaka is expected to return in early March and could be available for the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 clash.Ben White is also understood to be nearing a return. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal PalaceThe defender has been unavailable since November but could make his comeback when Arsenal face Leicester City on Saturday.Mikel Arteta suffered another injury blow last week when Gabriel Martinelli limped off with a hamstring issue against Newcastle.Martinelli is expected to be absent for six weeks.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

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      Sky Sports presenter leaving after 43 years on TV as he gives ‘final goodbye’ in emotional statement

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      LEGENDARY Sky Sports presenter Nick Powell is rolling credits on a glittering 43-year broadcasting career.Powell, 65, spent 29 years with Sky and will be retiring later this week on his 66th birthday.Sky Sports presenter Nick Powell is retiring after a glittering 43-year broadcasting careerPowell puts his mic down after 29 years with SkyCredit: GettyThe popular broadcaster has covered some of the greatest sporting events, such as England’s Ashes triumph in 2005, London 2012 and Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win in 2013.The journalist issued a long farewell message on Sky Sports’ website where he also looked back at unforgettable interviews with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammad Ali and Princess Anne.Powell wrote: “And there you have my job in a nutshell: holiday irrelevant; knowledge, authority and quick reactions essential.”I have built all that up over 43 years of live broadcasting, good and bad.Read More on Sport”The good – being there for England men’s first Ashes win in 20 years at The Oval in 2005, Super Saturday at the 2012 London Olympics and Andy Murray’s 2013 Wimbledon triumph.”The bad – the Bradford fire, the Hillsborough disaster and the premature loss of sportspeople like Gary Speed.”And the surreal – interviewing Archbishop Desmond Tutu and covering a Bruce Springsteen concert on the same afternoon for Yorkshire Television, or explaining The Hundred to viewers of Sky Germany. In German.”Powell looks back at his career very fondly without regretting even the hardest times that saw him working under difficult circumstances.Most read in FootballBut there were also some very pleasant experiences along the way, such as when he covered Liverpool’s first ever Premier League triumph in 2020.Powell wrote: “And now it’s a final goodbye.Premier League giants give update on £300m, 60,000-plus-capacity stadium expansion with area turned into building site”Favourite moment? So many, but as a born and bred Liverpool fan, it’s hard to beat being on air for their first league title in 30 years.”As it turned out, between the final whistle going on Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea, which meant Liverpool could not be caught, and the start of a special programme fronted by David Jones to mark Liverpool’s triumph, I had precisely 12 seconds.”But that’s live television for you.” More

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      Mad moment Premier League manager stuns his own players with ’10 out of 10 dive’ off top board

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST manager Nuno Espirito Santo left his players in awe as he showed off an unexpected talent.Nuno, 51, joined his team in the pool at their training facility in Wilford Lane.Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo joined his players in the club’s poolCredit: TwitterAnd Nuno went on to become viral in front of the Forest camerasCredit: TwitterNuno put together an excellent dive in front of his playersCredit: TwitterNuno left his players and fans in absolute awe with his stuntCredit: TwitterAnd the Portuguese tactician left his stars open-mouthed as he launched himself from the top deck of the diving board.The ex-Wolves boss jumped from the highest board available and dropped expertly head first in front of his stunned squad.Forest TV recorded Nuno’s stunt and shared it on social media, leaving fans in amazement.Some of them even used that incredible scene as an opportunity to throw shade at rival managers, such as Liverpool’s Arne Slot, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou.Read More on FootballOne Forest supporter tweeted: “Nuno’s legendary status grows further.”Another commented: “Omg. Wow.”A third wrote: “Pep would be stood at the side talking about the best way to get in the water is to just go down the steps.”This fan said: “Big Ange & Arne would be doing laps round the lazy river.”Most read in FootballAnd that one exclaimed: “Nuno doing 10/10 dives off the top board.”Forest have been enjoying a stunning campaign after two turbulent seasons back in the Premier League that saw them just avoiding relegation back to the Championship.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralThe Tricky Trees are the Premier League’s surprise package as they sit third in the table with three points separating them from second-placed Arsenal.High fliers Liverpool are nine points ahead with a game in hand. More

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      Destiny Udogie hands Tottenham much-needed injury boost with defender in line to return for Man Utd clash

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has some good injury news at long last with Destiny Udogie finally back available.Left-back Udogie, 22, has been sidelined since damaging his hamstring in the 2-2 home draw against Wolves on December 29.Tottenham ace Destiny Udogie is available to feature against Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has finally received some good newsCredit: GettyHe was one of ELEVEN players missing for Tottenham due to injury in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup.But SunSport understands the Italian is available at long last to Postecoglou and in line to feature against Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League.Spurs have sorely missed Udogie in the last six weeks where they have been without the majority of their first-choice defence.Centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have been out since December 8 with respective quad and hamstring injuries.Read More on FootballVan de Ven, though, played 45 minutes in last month’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the Europa League.While No1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been out since fracturing his ankle in the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City at the Etihad on November 23.In addition to that quartet, Radu Dragusin, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Timo Werner and Dominic Solanke were also missing against Villa.While inexperienced striker Dane Scarlett, 20, was cup-tied having already featured in the FA Cup for Oxford during a loan spell earlier this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPostecoglou launched an impassioned defence of his injury-decimated squad after the game.The Tottenham boss said it was unfair to criticise them when they have been so depleted for the last two-and-a-half months.Under-fire Tottenham boss Postecoglou finally breaks silence on EFL boss’ injury jibe with brutal 10-word responseUdogie joined Spurs from Hellas Verona in 2022 and has since amassed a total of two goals and four assists in 53 appearances. More

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      Former Chelsea star and Match of the Day pundit returning to UK after quitting football to become PREACHER in Canada

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      FORMER Chelsea star Gavin Peacock is returning to the UK after leaving to become a PREACHER in Canada. Peacock spent three years at Chelsea after signing in 1993 from Newcastle.Gavin Peacock is returning to the UK after leaving to become a preacher in CanadaCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The TimesHe also played for Bournemouth and QPR before his move to Stamford Bridge and later Charlton after leaving the Blues. He retired in 2001 and later moved into punditry with the BBC, working on Match of the Day and Football Focus. It was after Euro 2008 – where he worked as a pundit – that Peacock moved to Canada to become a preacher.But according to The Express, the ex-forward is plotting a return home to spend a year as pastor at Bethersden Baptist Church in Kent.READ MORE IN football Peacock has been a Christian since his teens and has taken part in a number of ventures to discuss links between religion and football.Explaining his decision to move to Canada, he said: “[The TV work] was all going very well. “So when I gave everything up, it did surprise a number of people. It’s been the hardest few years of my life – but coming away from the UK has given me some anonymity. “Here in Canada, they consider me a preacher, not a footballer or pundit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS “In 2006, my wife got an illness and was in hospital for a couple of weeks.”That recalibrated my thinking and I thought about going into church leadership, and eventually gave up my media career. “Being a pastor really is calling to me. I’ve played at Wembley in an FA Cup final but feel a stronger sense of responsibility when I’m giving a service to 30 people.”Peacock spent three years with ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdPeacock, middle, also worked as a commentatorCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson interrupted Coronation Street to ask me to join Man Utd – but I’d already decided to join Arsenal

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      ARSENAL icon Alan Smith has revealed that he was personally asked by Sir Alex Ferguson to join Manchester United before moving to north London.Smith, 62, joined the Gunners from Leicester City in 1987 and went on to score 113 goals in 340 appearances.Alan Smith has revealed Sir Ale Ferguson attempted to persuade him to join Man Utd before he signed for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe legendary United manager called him while he was watching Coronation Street with his mumCredit: GettySmith scored 113 goals for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe famously scored in the historic First Division title-deciding match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Anfield in 1989 which saw George Graham’s side end their 18-year wait to be crowned champions.However, things could have been very different had the striker accepted an offer from Man Utd.Speaking to ex-team-mate David Seaman on the Seaman Says podcast with Betway, Smith revealed that he received a phone call from Ferguson regarding a move to Old Trafford.He said: “I spoke to Alex Ferguson. I was getting a bit of interest.Read More in Football”One January evening, I was living with my mum and dad still and we were watching Coronation Street, I’ll always remember it.”The phone goes in the hall and my mum picks it up and she says, ‘Alan, it’s Alex Ferguson on the phone for you.’ I thought she misheard the name.”Alex had only been at United for about a year and they were struggling. So it’s not like it was ‘the Sir Alex’ calling but he was obviously a big name, he’s the Man United manager.”I went into the hall and spoke to him. He said he wanted me to wait until the summer when I would have been a free agent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I said, ‘Mr Ferguson, I’m sorry but I’ve made up my mind, I want to join Arsenal.'”Arsenal wanted to sign me on deadline day, I had already spoke to them in a roundabout way. ‘Love this for him’ – Arsenal fans go wild as Aaron Ramsey, 34, goads Stoke supporters 15 years after injury horror”It was a short conversation, I put the phone down and thought, ‘have I done the right thing there, saying no to the Manchester United manager?'”But they went four of five years really without winning anything and Alex was close to getting the sack.”After an eight-year spell with Arsenal, Smith decided to hang up his boots in 1995.He is now a co-commentator and pundit for Sky Sports. More

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      Jadon Sancho in major one-word Man Utd dig on Marcus Rashford’s Instagram post despite still being Red Devils’ player

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      JADON SANCHO aimed a dig at Manchester United in response to Marcus Rashford making his Aston Villa debut.The forward came on in the 66th minute of Villa’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Tottenham.Jadon Sancho aimed a dig at Mancheater UnitedCredit: AlamyHe wrote ‘freedom’ after Marcus Rashford made his Aston Villa debutCredit: AFPRashford thanked fans for their warm welcome before Sancho’s commentsAfter the match Rashford shared some pics from his day at Villa Park and thanked fans for their welcome, saying: “Thank you for the warm welcome. Great team performance 🙌🏾”The Instagram post drew plenty of attention with more than 500,000 likes and countless comments, including from Rashford’s former team-mate Sancho.The winger, who is on loan at Chelsea from United, wrote: “Freedom 🙏🏼🙌🏼”Sancho finally departed Old Trafford last summer after almost 12 months exiled from the first-team following a bust-up with former United boss Erik ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe only joined Chelsea on loan but his comment seems to show he has cut ties with the Red Devils as the deal that took him to Stamford Bridge includes an option to buy.Rashford is also out on loan but Villa have a £40m option they could exercise to make his stay permanent.The England international fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim and was accused of poor performance levels in training.Rashford said he just wants to concentrate on playing football again in a statement released following the switch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe wrote: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.”I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision.Aston Villa boss Unai Emery opens up on how Marcus Rashford has trained after shock loan transfer from Man Utd “I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the managers’ ambitions.”I just want to play football and am excited to get started.”I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.” More

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      Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 1: Emery leaves Postecoglou on brink of the sack with Spurs’ second cup exit in four days

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      THE misery just continues for Ange Postecoglou. Although the moment his team conceded after 58 seconds with his keeper producing a howler, the beleaguered Aussie must have known it was going to be another rotten day.Aston Villa dumped Spurs out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win at homeCredit: AlamyAnge Postecoglou is on the brink after losing another key cup gameCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford made his debut off the bench as he helped Villa secure victoryCredit: RexSpurs have been knocked out of two cups in four daysCredit: RexHis spell as Tottenham manager is now turning into a proper nightmare.Three days after Spurs were annihilated by Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final, Postecoglou’s team were beaten fair and square by Villa and the situation is becoming toxic to a point where a change is inevitable.Jacob Ramsey’s first minute goal was followed by the second by the outstanding Morgan Rodgers’ in the 64th minute. Tottenham’s new striker Mathys Tel, who did not have a kick all game, set up a nervous couple of minutes with a lovely finish in injury time but anything other than a home win would have been a robbery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the home fans celebrated the second goal, Marcus Rashford arrived as a substitute for his debut along with fellow new boy Marco Asensio.Rashford’s first action was to accidentally elbow Kevin Danso in the head with the Spurs defender needing treatment.Yet for the on-loan Manchester United forward, he is only just getting his feet under the table at his new club although how much longer Postecoglou remains at Spurs is the big question.Aston Villa’s fans sang ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMeanwhile, Tottenham’s increasingly angry supporters sang for chairman Daniel Levy to leave their club. In fact, they chanted it nine times during the game.Although they were a bit better in the second half, this was still poor from Spurs. Postecoglou should survive for next Sunday’s home match against Manchester United and then an away trip to Ipswich.Under-fire Tottenham boss Postecoglou finally breaks silence on EFL boss’ injury jibe with brutal 10-word responseAgain, you had to have sympathy for Spurs as they were without an entire team. In total, 11 players were out plus the cup-tied Dane Scarlett. They have been forced to put out the type of team Liverpool decided to do at Plymouth – but every week.The only blow for Villa was the first half loss of Ezri Konsa, their only available centre-back, went off with an injury and he was replaced by Lamare Bogarde, the nephew of Winston Bogarde who famously flopped at Chelsea.Yet Villa’s defence were hardly given a tough test. And Tottenham’s manager will have hoped his team would, at the very least, remain solid at the back while finding their feet in the game.Ramsey opened the scoring after less than a minuteCredit: GettySpurs was torn apart in the opening momentsCredit: AFPInstead, they were put on their backsides in under a minute.Rogers had too much space when receiving a pass from Youri Tielemans. He navigated his way past Lucas Bergvall – a bit too easily for the Tottenham manager’s liking you would image – and threaded a pass through to Ramsey with Spurs right-back Pedro Porro having gone walkabout.Ramsey took the ball into the area with his first touch and while his shot was not particularly good, it still squeezed through keeper Kinsky. What an utter disaster for Spurs.Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would have expected that the club’s fans, at some stage during the evening, would be chanting for him to leave the club. Jacob Ramsey doubled Villa’s lead in the second halfCredit: GettyThe game looked out of reach after the second strikeCredit: ReutersBut even he would have thought this would occur a bit later than only the second minute.Spurs struggled to get the ball out of their half and they kept handing Villa chances on a plate.New Villa arrival Donyell Malen blazed his shot into the North Stand while visiting keeper Kinsky, in fairness, did push away a decent shot from Leon BaileyAs Tottenham’s fans sang: “‘we’re f****g s**”, Tielemans had a free run on goal before his strike bobbled wide while Ramsey also dragged a shot beyond the far post.Rashford looked sharp coming off the benchCredit: PAMarco Asensio also impressed on his debutCredit: PAIn their only meaningful attack of the first half, Spurs should have scored but Son Heung-Min struck his effort at Emiliano Martinez after an outstanding first-time pass from Mikey Moore.In fact, the finishing from both teams was pretty rubbish. Bailey shot straight at Kinsky, Ramsey hit the post with the follow-up while Malen hammered an effort into the side netting in first half stoppage time.Spurs did improve after half-time although they could not be any worse. Son was denied by a decent block from Bogarde, which is something we did not see from his uncle all those years ago, although he only played 12 times in four years in England before leaving in 2004.Mathys Tel pulled one back at the deathCredit: AFPIt was too little, too late for SpursCredit: ReutersRamsey should have made it 2-0 but Kinsky struck out his right arm to save.Yet with Rashford and Asensio waiting to enter the field of play, Villa got the second when Porro scuffed a clearance from Malen’s cross and Rodgers had an easy finish.Spurs defender Danso had a terrific chance to pull a goal back but he somehow missed the target from close range.Rashford had a chance at the end but Archie Gray took the ball off his foot. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd then Mathys Tel delivered a cracking finish in stoppage time to put away Kulusevski’s cross.Yet for Spurs, it was far too little, too late.The pressure is now on for Big AngeCredit: GettyUnai Emery will be dreaming of FA Cup gloryCredit: Getty More