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      Why can’t Max Dowman play for Arsenal in the Premier League?

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      MAX DOWMAN is the new talk of town amongst Arsenal fans, following the rapid rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. Discourse around the Arsenal teenager has ramped up in recent weeks as he’s been promoted to first team training and travelled with the senior squad to their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.15-year-old Max Dowman has risen through the Gunners rank in the last yearCredit: GettyThe attacking midfield talent was joined by fellow teen 16-year-old Jack Porter as Mikel Arteta’s squad spent a week in the Middle East due to the week-long gap in their schedule following their elimination from the FA Cup.To help the young pair, plus other young players, adjust to the senior team, Arsenal brought along under-21 manager Mehmet Ali and an Academy Player Care employee.A large number of them had previously trained alongside the senior team.Dowman would’ve been eligible to play in the FA Cup, but Arsenal’s defeat to the hands of Manchester United in the third round will delay any possible debut.READ MORE IN ARSENALAs will a Premier League rule. Why can’t Max Dowman play for Arsenal in the Premier League?A month before his 15th birthday on December 31, Dowman made history in September by being the youngest player to score in the Uefa Youth League at the age of 14 years, 8 months, and 19 days.In December, he also became the youngest player to represent Arsenal at the under-21 level.Dowman is the youngest player to score in the Uefa Youth League everCredit: GettyYet, Dowman cannot participate in the Premier League this season. Most read in FootballNo player below the under-16 age group can be included in a matchday squad, per tournament regulations.To be able to participate in the Prem at any point during this season, a player must have turned 15 before August 31, 2024 – and Dowman did not.Nwaneri is the youngest Premier League debutante ever at 15 years and 181 days and was able to do so because he was 15 before the established Premier League date. More

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      Gary O’Neil wanted in swift return to management just two months after being sacked by Wolves

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      GARY O’NEIL is being eyed for a swift managerial return two months after he was sacked by Wolves.The Premier League side sacked O’Neil in December during the midst of a relegation battle following a horror run of form which had left them in 19th place.Gary O’Neil is being lined up as a target for BlackburnCredit: APIt comes after John Eustace triggered a release clause in his contract to pursue a move to DerbyCredit: PABut the managerial market has had a stunning change of circumstances in recent weeks. Blackburn are hunting for a new boss with the club on the brink of losing John Eustace.Rovers released a damning statement about the situation, which had seen Eustace trigger a shock release clause in his contract in order to talk to Championship rival Derby.And the managerial merry-go-round could see former Bournemouth boss O’Neil handed the reins at promotion-chasing Blackburn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLO’Neil, 41, is the only British manager on the club’s list, according to SunSport’s Alan Nixon.Other names being considered are former Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka, ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal and former Young Boys gaffer Raphael Wicky.O’Neil’s final press conference at Wolves saw him launch a huge defence of his actions, insisting the players shared the blame for the club’s poor performance.He said: “I’m not interested in my own position. I know the work I do every day and I know the situation we are in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I know getting this group to perform the way they did took a lot of work. People can point the finger at me but some of the responsibility has to land on the players.”I’m comfortable with myself as a coach, my standards and what I ask of the group. I also embrace this difficult moment. Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreams”That group downstairs needs me this week to help get them into a place where they are ready to go. I will keep fighting for them and with them until I’m told not to.”It doesn’t mean I don’t think I’m going to get sacked. For every [poor] result which comes the chances of me losing my job heightens. It doesn’t concern me, the situation drives me to want to do better.” More

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      Mikel Arteta’s gamble not to sign new striker was a DISASTROUS decision that leaves Arsenal’s season on edge of collapse

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      HOURS after the January transfer window closed, Mikel Arteta staunchly defended Arsenal’s policy NOT to bring in attacking reinforcements.First, the Gunners boss claimed the decision was NO gamble, despite seeing Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka struck down with long-term injuries and Kai Havertz his only fit centre forward.Mikel Arteta’s reluctance to buy a forward in January has come back to bite himCredit: GettyKai Havertz is the latest attacker to pick up a devastating injuryCredit: GettyPushed on whether Havertz could now play every game for the rest of the season without a rest, Arteta said yes, gushing over the German’s robustness and labelling him a ‘genetic powerhouse’.On the failed recruitment push, the Arsenal gaffer added in his February 4 press conference: “We are disappointed, but we have to move on. Nobody knows whether it is better to have done it or not. We’ll know at the end of the season.”Eight days later, and Arteta already has his answer: It was an unmitigated, disastrous decision – one that sees the rest of their campaign teetering on the edge of collapse. Costly is an understatement.Havertz – that physical specimen of a man who looks after himself properly – tore his hamstring during a training session on the club’s mid-season warm-weather retreat to Dubai this week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is very unlikely we will see Havertz, 25, again in an Arsenal shirt until the 2025/26 season begins.The Middle East has often been a venue to trigger an upturn in form, with a trip there in January 2024 almost spurring Arsenal to the Prem title only to be pipped on the final day by Manchester City.Now, it must be the place of nightmares for Arteta, his charge to catch Prem leaders Liverpool and progress in the Champions League resting at the feet of his THREE remaining fit options: Leandro Trossard, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and disappointing summer loan signing Raheem Sterling.With Gabriel Martinelli also expected to be out for at least a month with a hamstring strain, Arteta must survive for three months with NO recognised centre forward.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMartinelli and Saka will be pushing for a March return, but to throw them straight back in would be a huge risk – yet what choice does Arteta now have? A pit of despair he helped dig.The blame does not solely lay at Arteta’s door – interim sporting director Jason Ayto will be taking some heat for his negotiation struggles in a poor first audition to take over from Edu, the Brazilian shocking Arsenal by resigning from his position back in November. ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nicknameArsenal’s injury crisisGUNNERS stars who are currently injured:Kai Havertz (hamstring)Bukayo Saka (hamstring)Gabriel Jesus (ACL)Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring)Ben White (knee)Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)Regardless, it is now on Arteta to fix. He is known for problem-solving during his five-year tenure in charge of Arsenal, willing to adapt and change styles to fit his needs, as well as being open to some outside-the-box thinking to get through the stickiest of sticky patches.Of the three remaining fit forwards at his disposal, Trossard and Sterling have deputised as a false nine before – meaning Arteta can stick with his usual 4-3-3.Nwaneri could also be tossed into that role having scored three goals in all competitions in 2025, with Arteta previously suggesting it is a position the youngster could end up in later in his career.Arteta said in December: “There is a position I think he can develop into – No9.“He has got the goal in front of him and he looks at the goal and he has a tremendous ability to put the ball in the back of the net.”Arteta will need to rotate that three for the next month at least, having pushed the likes of Saka, Martinelli and now Havertz to limits that have seen their bodies crumble.Left-back Kieran Tierney could be a left-wing introduction if required – the Scot has featured there a few times already this calendar year as a late substitute.There is talk of 6ft2 midfielder Mikel Merino using his physique and stature as a makeshift central figure – a risk that even Arteta would have second thoughts over.And in the academy, striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and winger Ismeal Kabia would be the most likely options.Butler-Oyedeji, 21, made his first team debut as an added-time substitute against Dinamo Zagreb last month, while 19-year-old Kabia made his debut in September against Bolton.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal play seven games before March’s international break, with three of those coming in midweeks. Between them, Trossard, Nwaneri and Sterling have seven Prem goals.This is going to be a bumpy, painful ride for Arteta. More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘Beginning of the end’ – Ex-F1 star convinced Max Verstappen’s Red Bull destined to fail with ongoing Horner feud

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      GERHARD BERGER believes Red Bull are destined to fail if Christian Horner and Helmut Marko continue feuding. The duo have locked horns on numerous occasions throughout the past two seasons, with Horner even reportedly wanting Marko out in 2023. Christian Horner has been under pressure over the last yearRed Bull advisor Helmut Marko has locked horns with Horner over team choicesThe feud could affect Max Verstappen’s bid for a fifth straight titleThis continued into last year with the pair clashing over Red Bull’s driver line up for the upcoming season. Marko, who is a senior adviser at Red Bull and head of the driver development programme, is said to have preferred Liam Lawson while Horner was keen on Franco Colapinto after he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams. Berger, who was the first F1 driver to be sponsored by Red Bull and later co-owned Toro Rosso, said: “It is often the beginning of the end when such topics dominate.”Formula 1 is so complex and so competitive that you can only be successful if everyone in the team puts their shoulders to the wheel, if everyone agrees and communicates well with each other.”READ MORE F1 NEWS”The Red Bull brand always exudes happiness and a cool image. Suddenly everything changed. “Completely atypical for the team, there were no more clear statements.”Marko also stuck the knife in when saying that Max’s dad Jos was a “bigger fan” of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff than Horner last term.The father of Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen publicly called for Horner to leave the team last season after he had been accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHorner was cleared by a Red Bull investigation, but Wolff publicly tried to sign the reigning world champion amid the unrest. Berger has also slammed Red Bull’s handling of Sergio Perez’s exit after the Mexican driver’s chaotic season. Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision Gerhard Berger has a history with Red Bull RacingPerez suffered a disastrous fourth and final season with Red Bull last year as he finished on 152 points to his team-mate Verstappen’s 437, which put a massive dent in Red Bull Constructors’ Championship hopes. When asked about the situation with Perez, Berger added: “You could see that things were no longer working well. “Nobody in this business understood that he was given another contract then. “There could have been reasons like marketing or the contract situation.”But when things did not improve after that, they gave him three more races and then two more, and refused to take a decision. “I couldn’t see a clear line there. In Mateschitz’s time, Red Bull was always known for its clarity.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Two Premier League stadiums to host Kendrick Lamar gigs after his controversial Super Bowl half-time show

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      TWO Premier League stadiums are set to host Kendrick Lamar gigs after the rapper’s controversial Super Bowl half-time show.The American ace was the star act during the break of Sunday’s NFL final.Kendrick Lamar will play two Premier League stadiums after his Super Bowl showCredit: RexThe star sang a controversial song about fellow rapper DrakeCredit: GettyThe game saw the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs.Travic Kelce, the boyfriend of pop star Taylor Swift, and his side had won the last two Super Bowl finals.But the Eagles put in a top performance to take home the sport’s main prize.Despite some of the skills on display though, the main talking point of the event was Lamar’s half-time show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rapper took centre-stage at the 80,000-seater arena in New Orleans before busting out some of his biggest hits.But there was controversy when he belted out diss track Not Like Us.The song takes aim at fellow rapper Drake and includes some infamous lyrics.Now, Lamar is set to bring his show to the shores of the UK.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe is playing four shows with fellow superstar SZA.And the pair are kicking off their tour in Scotland at Glasgow’s Hampden Park on July 8.Kendrick Lamar & SZA UK Grand National tourLamar will first bring his show to Villa Park in BirminghamCredit: ReutersHe then goes to London for a gig at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: GettyTheir travels also take them to Wales and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on July 19.But sandwiched between them is a gig at Aston Villa’s Villa Park on July 10.The show takes place just five days before Black Sabbath’s farewell show at Villa’s home ground.But it’s not the only Premier League stadium set to be visited by Lamar.The final stop on his UK tour takes place on July 22.And that is set to be held in London at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESA month earlier sees the same venue play host to SIX dates from Beyonce.While the likes of 50 Cent, Mary J Blige, Imagine Dragons and Catfish and the Bottlemen are also set for gigs at Spurs’ home this year. More

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      World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis

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      MATS HUMMELS’ girlfriend Nicola Cavanis took social media by storm with a series of bikini posts.Roma star Hummels, 36, and Nicola, 26, went public with their relationship in October when they appeared together at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.Nicola Cavanis took social media by storm with a series of bikini snapsCredit: Instagram / @nicolaNicola recently started dating Roma star Mats HummelsCredit: Instagram / @nicolaNicola’s snap on Instagram attracted thousands of likesCredit: Instagram / @nicolaThe model has amassed a staggering 2million followers on Instagram thanks to a series of glam pics.This time the German posted a compilation clip that showed her trying on a series of different bikinis.It appears like she was trying to send a message of freedom and self-determination citing a song by the German music duo Rosenstolz in the caption.Nicola posted on Instagram: “If I let myself be caught, then it’s only by life, as Rosenstolz would say.”Read More on FootballThe model’s snap attracted over 60,000 likes, one of which was from Hummels, and her fans stormed the comments’ section.One fan posted: “You are beyond perfect, the hottest woman in the world.”Another posted: “Incredible again, Nicola.”A third wrote: “You are from another planet.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “You look beautiful.”And that one gushed: “Wow!”Meet Germany star Mats Hummels’ new model wag Nicola Cavanis, 25, who loves Wimbledon and is banned from getting tattoosHummels enjoyed tremendous success across two stints with Borussia Dortmund where he won two Bundesliga titles and two German Cups.The centre-back also made it to the Champions League final twice with Dortmund.The defender also won three league titles with Bayern Munich and experienced tremendous success on the international stage as he conquered the 2014 World Cup with Germany.The German joined Roma in September and has since amassed a total of one goal in 14 appearances.Scroll down for more from Nicola CavanisNicola and Hummels went public with their relationship in OctoberCredit: GettyModel Nicola is the new girlfriend of HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAThe 26-year-old works for ‘Munich Models Germany’Credit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is 10 years younger than ex-Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund man HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola has attended Wimbledon in the pastCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe has two million followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola often shares stunning photos on her social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is a lover of tennis, ice cream and beerCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLANicola is banned from getting tattoos by her modelling companyCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe also has a legion of followers on TikTokCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLA More

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      How long is Kai Havertz injured for and what games will the Arsenal star miss?

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      KAI HAVERTZ has picked up an injury during a training camp in Dubai – and he is set to face a lengthy period on the sidelines.The 25-year-old is Arsenal’s top scorer this season, with nine goals in all competitions, as the Gunners chase a first Premier League title since 2004.Kai Havertz (right) has suffered an injury while on a training camp in DubaiCredit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesKai Havertz is Arsenal’s top scorer this season with nine goalsCredit: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Newcastle United via Getty ImagesKai Havertz adds to a long list of injuries for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, with star player Bukayo Saka still out of action. Arsenal are six points off Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, and Arne Slot’s men also have a game in hand over the Gunners.How long is Kai Havertz injured for?Kai Havertz is expected to be out for the remainder of the season after he picked up a hamstring injury during a training camp in Dubai.It’s a huge blow to Arsenal’s title hopes, with the German a pivotal cog in the Gunners’ success since his arrival from Chelsea in June 2023.Read more FootballMikel Arteta now only has three fit senior forwards for the upcoming weeks.Raheem Sterling, Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard are expected to make up Arsenal’s forward line for the next few matches due to an injury crisis in the Gunners’ camp.What games will Kai Havertz miss?Kai Havertz will miss all of Arsenal’s remaining fixtures this season. The games he will certainly miss are:Most read in FootballLeicester (A)West Ham (H)Nottingham Forest (A)Champions League RO16 1st LegManchester United (A)Champions League RO16 2nd LegChelsea (H)Fulham (H)Everton (A)Brentford (H)Ipswich (A)Crystal Palace (H)Bournemouth (H)Liverpool (A)Newcastle (H)Southampton (A) More

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      in Motorsport

      Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision

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      IDRIS ELBA has invested in a brand new Formula E team – and has revealed the “deep and personal” reason for the decision.The Hollywood star, 52, is part of a star-studded group to get involved in KIRO CUPRA.Idris Elba is part of a group who have invested in Formula E team Kiro Race CoIdris Elba visited Kiro Race Co HQIdris Elba has revealed the sweet reason for his investmentKiro Race Co are hoping to take the Formula E world by stormCredit: GettyElba believes Formula E combines sport, entertainment and sustainability – something close to his heart.And the sport’s CEO, Jeff Dodds, also believes the new investment group can help grow the sport on a global scale.Announcing the news, a statement read: “Kiro Race Co (“KIRO”), the newest team competing in the FIA Formula E World Championship as CUPRA KIRO, is thrilled to announce expanded ownership with a group of highly strategic investors as the fully-electric motorsport series’ 2024/25 season continues.”Joining lead investors David Kaplan and Bennett Rosenthal, the powerhouse investment group now includes: Golden Globe-winning actor and producer Idris Elba; major league sports team owners Tony Ressler, Larry Berg and Shaun Neff; media deal-makers Navid Mahmoodzagedan, Steve Bornstein and Rick Hess; and strategic advisors Jeffrey Assaf, Caleb Kramer and Michael Woronoff.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”This investment underscores the shared belief in Formula E’s immense potential and growing commercial appeal, following the acquisition of Kiro Race Co by The Forest Road Company, a Los Angeles-based investment firm, in October 2024.”With unparalleled expertise across the business, media, sports, and entertainment sectors, the diverse investor group signifies the start of a compelling new era for KIRO and will be pivotal in the strategic positioning of the team’s long-term growth as a sports franchise.”Elba revealed the team’s vision “resonated with me on a deep, personal level” as he explained his latest investment.The Wire star said: “Formula E is at the perfect intersection by blending sport and global entertainment with sustainability.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m proud to be joining the grid with CUPRA KIRO at this pivotal moment.”The team’s vision for the future, desire to innovate, and commitment to excellence resonate with me on a deep, personal level, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in its journey to the front of the grid.”Idris Elba teams up with Grey Goose for new trackFormula E CEO, Dodds, revealed his excitement and called it a “transformative moment” which could “catalyse growth for the entire championship”.Dodds said: “The arrival of this new investor group marks a transformative moment for Kiro Race Co and serves as a resounding endorsement of its strategic growth plan.”This impressive group brings unparalleled expertise and a diverse, well-rounded perspective that will catalyse growth not just for the team, but for the entire championship.”But this is not Elba’s first foray into motorsport.In 2022, the Luther actor – who also performs as a rapper, singer and DJ – launched the Idris Elba Speed Academy, an initiative launched to nurture future racing talent from communities underrepresented in the world of motorsport.A year later, SunSport revealed ex-Formula One engineer Rob Smedley was also hoping to change the future of motorsport – with a little bit of help from Elba. More