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    Emma Hayes ‘gutted’ for Sam Kerr following Chelsea star’s knee ligament injury with striker to undergo operation

    EMMA HAYES admits to feeling “gutted” for Sam Kerr after revealing the Chelsea ace is undergoing surgery today following her season-ending knee injury .The Blues striker, 30, ruptured an anterior ligament during her club’s winter training camp in Morocco.
    Sam Kerr will miss the rest of this season after sustaining an ACL injury during Chelsea’s winter training camp earlier this monthCredit: PA
    Emma Hayes says the Kerr’s team-mates and the club will be there to support her with her rehabilitation and recoveryCredit: Getty
    Hayes, whose side will face West Ham in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, says the Australia ace suffered the injury whilst practicing her shooting.
    The Chelsea gaffer told Sky Sports: “I’m gutted for her. I’m gutted for the team.
    “These things happen in football, she knows that.
    “I think the important thing is we’re here to support her. The recovery and the rehab begins today.
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    “She did it doing a football action she does every day, turning and shooting. It’s something very simple and innocuous.”
    Since her January 2020 Blues debut Kerr has been a key players for the WSL leaders helping them win three WSL titles, three FA Cups and two Conti Cup trophies.
    This season the striker, who has been serving as a stand-in skipper for crocked club captain Millie Bright, notched up four goals in eight top-flight games
    And she scored five times in four Champions League matches.
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    While Hayes admits Kerr’s presence on the pitch will be missed, she insists the focus needs to be on players who are fit with Chelsea chasing a seventh WSL crown and Champions League glory.
    Chelsea’s fourth round Women’s FA Cup clash with West Ham could see Nathalie Bjorn make her debut for the club after signing from EvertonCredit: Getty
    The Blues gaffer, who will leave the club at the end of this season to become USA Women’s head coach, added: “I know Sam would expect me to say nothing less than our focus has got to be on the players that are fit.
    “We have a quality squad and it’s a good challenge for me as a coach to find those solutions. I trust in the squad that we have.
    “We’ve added to that as well. I think the focus and the attention has to go on the players that are here.” More

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    Sweden ace Nathalie Bjorn aims to ‘win as much as possible’ with Chelsea after switch from Everton

    NATHALIE BJORN hopes to help Chelsea maintain their trophy-winning ways after sealing a transfer from WSL rivals Everton.The Sweden international, 26, was announced as the WSL leaders’ newest player on Wednesday after two-and-a-half years with the Toffees.
    Chelsea reportedly beat off competition from Real Madrid to sign Nathalie BjornCredit: Getty
    The former Everton centre-back has joined the club who are chasing a seventh WSL titleCredit: Getty
    The league leaders, who face West Ham in the Women’s FA Cup on fourth round on Sunday, are reported to have met Everton’s release clause for the player earlier this week.
    It is thought they paid a six-figure sum for the versatile, central defender who can also play in midfield.
    The move saw the club beat off competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
    The LaLiga Women’s side are thought to have been keen on signing Bjorn who had made 44 WSL appearances for her former club.

    Of her Chelsea switch, the ex-Toffees ace said: “It feels amazing to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe I can’t wait to get started to play the big games.
    “This league is a really, really good league. I would say it’s the best league we have in the world right now.
    “I want to help the team as much possible, I want to win as much as possible.”
    Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Nathalie is a very experienced, versatile player that we have been tracking for a long time.
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    “She is a leader, has good pace, is good on the ball, and knows our league very well.
    “We are really pleased to get the deal over the line and look forward to seeing her make a good impact in the squad now and over the upcoming years.”
    Bjorn’s arrival sees Emma Hayes’ side strengthen their defensive ranks following injuries to skipper Millie Bright and defender Aniek Nouwen.
    The duo were both sidelined last November and December with Bright being treated for a knee concern and Nouwen rupturing a knee ligament while on national duty with the Netherlands.
    And the six-time WSL champions were dealt another injury blow this month with stand-in captain and star striker Sam Kerr crocked.
    The Australia skipper sustained an anterior cruciate ligament whilst away on a winter training camp in Morocco with her club pals.
    Bjorn, who joined former club Everton in 2021 from Swedish giants Rosengard, made 44 top-flight appearances for the Toffees.
    Bjorn’s Chelsea move will see her play alongside Sweden international team-mates Zecira Musovic and Johanna Rytting KanerydCredit: Reuters
    And she helped them finish sixth last season.
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    The centre-back, who began her career in 2012 at Vaksala SK, was part of the Sweden side that finished third in the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last August.
    She also helped her national side to a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics women’s football tournament in Japan. More

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    Derby Women’s clash ABANDONED after defender Megan Tinsley suffers horror injury and medics rush to help

    A Women’s National League game was abandoned this afternoon following a “nasty injury” to full-back Megan Tinsley.The match between Derby County and Liverpool Feds was paused with just a few minutes left to play following the incident.
    Derby’s match against Liverpool Feds was abandoned following a serious injury to Megan TinsleyCredit: Rex

    It was later confirmed that it had been abandoned entirely.
    A tweet from Derby County read: “We can now confirm the match has been abandoned. We wish Megan a speedy recovery.”
    Liverpool Feds also sent well wishes to Tinsley with a tweet reading: “The game has been abandoned. All our thoughts are with the @DCFCWomen player and we wish her a speedy recovery.”
    Derby later confirmed that the full-back had dislocated her ankle.
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    A statement read: “As an update we can confirm that Megan Tinsley dislocated her ankle in the closing minutes of the game. She is now on her way to the hospital for treatment and in good spirits.
    “Thank you for your messages and joining us in wishing her a speedy recovery.”
    Derby were leading 2-1 before the match was suspended.
    Chantelle Thompson opened the scoring for Feds in the seventh minute.
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    However, the Rams bounced back with two late goals in two minutes from Charlotte Steggles and Eleanor Ashton.
    Derby currently sit sixth in the Women’s National League North Division, two points behind Liverpool Feds.
    Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to wish Tinsley well following her injury.
    One person wrote: “Best wishes to Megan, I hope she makes a full recovery.”
    Another said: “Sending all my love and wishing Meg a speedy recovery!”
    A third commented: “Our very best wishes for Megan to recover quickly and fully from this injury. Such rotten luck.”
    Tinsley celebrated her 26th birthday on Wednesday.
    Last January she opened up about how a heart condition put her playing career on pause.
    Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, the full-back bravely revealed that she had surgery to fix a hole in her heart as a child.
    She said: “I went to the doctor about it because you are hearing about all the footballers who have collapsed on the pitch.
    “With different sports people having trouble with their heart, and because I had that surgery, I was thinking ‘am I a bit of a higher risk? Could the worst happen?’
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    “It got to a point where my heart was beating really, really fast, I was getting a few chest pains.
    “The fact I could feel my heartbeat through my ears wasn’t the best thing. That’s when you put health before anything else.” More

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    Chelsea blow as Sam Kerr suffers devastating injury during warm weather training camp and faces months on sidelines

    CHELSEA striker Sam Kerr suffered a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament during the club’s training camp in Morocco this week.An official club statement read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm striker Sam Kerr has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during our warm weather training camp in Morocco.
    Sam Kerr has suffered a ruptured ACLCredit: Alamy
    “Sam will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days and then begin her rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.
    “The Australia international signed for the Blues in 2019 and has gone on to score 99 goals in 128 matches.
    “She has played a pivotal role in four Women’s Super League title wins, three FA Cup triumphs, two Women’s League cup victories, and the Women’s Community Shield in 2020.
    “Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Sam the very best for her recovery.”
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    Kerr is now set to miss the remainder of the season and could spend at least nine months on the sidelines.
    Chelsea returned to training this week following the Women’s Super League winter break.
    The Blues return to competitive action against West Ham next week in the FA Cup fourth round.
    Kerr’s injury is a huge blow to the reigning WSL champions.
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    Chelsea currently sit top of the table, three points above Manchester City.
    They are also the only English team still in the Champions League this season.
    Kerr’s current Chelsea contract expires in June, meaning she could leave on a free transfer.
    The Blues have already confirmed the departure of manager Emma Hayes, who will become manager of the United States Women’s National Team when she leaves West London at the end of the season. More

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    Alisha Lehmann parties night away with lookalike sister as they bring in 2024 together

    ALISHA LEHMANN kicked off the New Year by partying the night away with her lookalike sister.The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed ‘the world’s sexiest footballer’, currently stars in the WSL for Aston Villa.
    Alisha Lehmann kicked off 2024 in style with her loved onesCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
    Her lookalike sister Shona shared several clips of them partying on New Year’s EveCredit: Instagram
    The pair danced the night away at a nightclubCredit: Instagram
    Alisha and Shona welcomed in 2024 in styleCredit: Instagram
    Several weeks ago she was involved in a nasty collision while on international duty for Switzerland that left her with a bloody nose.
    And that was after Alisha had been dubbed a “class act” for making the day of a fan in a wheelchair while on Villa duty.
    But last night she was able to forget all about footy to welcome in 2024 alongside her sibling Shona and some friends.
    The striker’s sister posted a clip on Instagram of the pair dancing alongside other revellers at what appeared to be a club.
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    That was accompanied with a tag for the hotshot along with a love heart emoji and the message: “Happy new year ILY.”
    She then shared another clip posted by a friend of her posing on the dancefloor while enoying a drink.
    Shona has attracted almost 83,000 followers on Instagram – but she still has some way to go to match Alisha’s huge 16 million following.
    Alisha recently found herself being trolled after she was criticised for wearing make-up during her country’s 7-1 defeat to Spain during the last international break.
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    TV presenter Vicki Blomme was one of those who jumped to her defence, comparing Lehmann wearing make-up on the pitch to Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham caring about their hair.
    She said on the Soccer Sisters podcast: “Yes, she plays with her sexuality, but they have done it many times.
    “Look at Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. I think make-up and personal grooming are seen differently than if a boy does his hair.
    “A lot of people think it’s vanity, but it’s also feeling. The feeling of feeling confident and strong, there’s something to that. I think it’s good that we’re different and that we look however we want.
    “You take some of the attention away from football, but that’s how it happened also with Beckham. There is nothing wrong with playing football with make-up, we have to stop blaming them.”
    Lehmann, who has seven goals in 48 appearances for Switzerland, moved to England to sign for West Ham in 2018. 
    She spent three years there, albeit with a loan spell at Everton in 2021, before joining Villa.
    Lehmann has gone on to score seven times in 49 matches for the club since her arrival two years ago.
    The equally gorgeous Shona is amassing a large following of her ownCredit: Instagram
    Shona Lehmann is the sister of WSL star AlishaCredit: Instagram
    Shona Lehmann is also an Instagram fan favouriteCredit: Instagram

    Alisha has released a 2024 calendar for £150Credit: Instagram
    The star is not shy when it comes to her social media postsCredit: Instagram
    The Swiss star has amassed a huge following on InstagramCredit: EPA More

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    Man Utd legend Roy Keane aims brutal three-word dig at Joey Barton leaving Gary Neville and Ian Wright in stitches

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane took aim at disgraced ex-midfielder Joey Barton with a hilarious dig that left Ian Wright and Gary Neville in hysterics.Barton, 41, who lost his job as manager of Bristol Rovers in October, recently launched a bizarre attack on women’s football and female broadcasters in the sport.
    Roy Keane and Ian Wright were asked who had spent longer in their jobs – Emma Hayes at Chelsea Women or David Moyes at EvertonCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
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    Manchester United legend Keane joked Joey Barton might know the answerCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
    Keane’s response left Wright in stitchesCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
    Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher also enjoyed the jokey remarkCredit: YouTube @The Overlap
    Barton has been slammed for his comments about women’s football and female broadcastersCredit: Alamy
    The former Manchester City and Newcastle player has received widespread criticism for his comments.
    And Red Devils icon Keane, 52, continued the mockery of Barton during a Stick to Football quiz on The Overlap YouTube channel.
    Keane and Arsenal legend Wright, 60, took on fellow Premier League stalwarts Neville and Carragher in an episode hosted by comedian Paddy McGuinness.
    One question posed to Keane and Wright asked who had spent longer in their jobs – Emma Hayes at Chelsea Women or David Moyes at Everton.
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    As the pair pondered their answer, Neville suggested they use their phone-a-friend option.
    To which Keane hilariously replied: “I might call Joey Barton.”
    He then added a superb three-word follow-up: “Joey would know.”
    The remark left Wright, Neville and Carragher in fits of laughter.
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    And those on social media were loving Keane’s brutal put-down.
    One said: “That Joey Barton comment from Keane on the overlap quiz was exceptional to be fair 😂.”
    Another replied: “Yes Keane! Get innnn!”
    While a third responded: “You tell that mouthy, talentless no nothing, Keano 👍👏.”
    Wright ended up calling Chelsea boss Hayes, 47, who confirmed she will be entering her 12th year as Blues boss in 2024, before she leaves to take over the USA national team in the summer.
    Keane and Wright went with Hayes as their answer and it was correct – with Moyes having left Everton in 2013 after 11 years at the helm. More

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    How Lionesses hero Mary Earps can cash in on Sports Personality of the Year win with huge Instagram earnings

    MARY EARPS looks set to profit of her ever-increasing popularity after winning the Sports Personality of the Year award.The Lionesses hero pipped the likes of Stuart Broad and Rory McIlroy to the gong and more victories are coming for her.
    Mary Earps won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awardCredit: PA
    The goalkeeper wowed in an incredible dress at the ceremonyCredit: Alamy
    Earps has 47 England caps and won the Euros in 2022Credit: Getty
    A study by CasinoAlpha.com claims that Earps can now cash-in on her fame via social media.
    The goalkeeper has 748,000 followers on Instagram and the count skyrocketed by 12,091 overnight after the SPOTY ceremony.
    And she already has 1.1million fans on TikTok.
    Number crunchers predict that she could now earn £4,800 per sponsored Instagram post.
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    From the six SPOTY nominees, McIlroy has the most influence and can profit £13,500 should he make a sponsored upload.
    Broad can take home £5,200, Katerina Johnson-Thompson around £2,200, Frankie Detorri a healthy £1,800 and Alfie Hewett is looking at £231.
    Earps can continue to profit off her sensational couple of years on the pitch with plenty of sponsorship deals.
    The 30-year-old is likely to follow in the footsteps commercially of other female footballers like Alex Scott, Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly.
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    Mary Earps won the Golden Glove at the World CupCredit: PA
    She recently received an honorary degree from Loughborough UniversityCredit: PA
    Brands are in such demand for them that they have a “rock star” level appeal, claims one agent.
    PR expert Sean O’Meara, of Essential Content, said: “Mary could earn millions. Her potential is huge.
    “Winning Sports Personality of the Year opens up all sorts of opportunities and could make Mary a household name.
    “Brand and sponsorship deals will increase, presenting jobs are possible and no doubt reality TV shows will start sniffing around.
    “It’s a giant opportunity. The whole Nike replica shirt furore boosted Mary’s popularity as the lovable underdog that everyone can root for.
    “Now she’s been introduced to a more mainstream audience with this award, people who aren’t necessarily football fans.
    “Being the second Lioness to win Sports Personality is good for the whole Lioness brand. 
    “They are a really strong, healthy brand with lots of authenticity and scandal-free.”
    It is looking good for Earps, who has had a promise from Nike that they will not repeat the kit saga.
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    The Manchester United goalie was unhappy that fans could not buy her England shirt because the kit suppliers did not manufacture them.
    Nike eventually overturned their decision and and Earps No1 jerseys flew off the shelves.
    Earps is set to become a household nameCredit: PA More

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    Mary Earps receives ‘never again’ promise from Nike as England Lioness makes history with SPOTY award

    MARY EARPS claims she has a commitment from Nike to never repeat their replica jersey farce.The England and Manchester United stopper believes other giant sportswear companies will now flood the market with women’s football tops.
    Mary Earps won the Sports Personality of the Year award on Tuesday nightCredit: PA
    Nike eventually put Earps shirts on sale after furious backlash from fansCredit: Getty
    In July, Earps voiced her anger that fans could not buy a Lionesses keeper shirt because the FA’s kit suppliers were not prepared to manufacture and then sell them.
    Nike reversed that decision after Earps helped Sarina Wiegman’s side to the World Cup final, saving a penalty in the final defeat to Spain in Sydney.
    Twice since it has gone on sale and sold out quickly on both occasions.
    Earps, 30, said: “I am just happy that it was sold. It was more about the principle.
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    “It’s been a long, work-in-progress and the public have got behind me.
    “Now it’s a conversation of, ‘OK, how many?’ And that’s a very different conversation to what it was before.”
    Earps was speaking after winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award on Tuesday in Salford.
    It is the second year in a row a female footballer has won SPOTY after striker Beth Mead got it in late 2022.
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    Earps won the Golden Glove at the World Cup in the summerCredit: Reuters
    Asked if brands like Umbro and Adidas may now start selling women’s shirts, Earps replied: “I would like to think so.
    “I’ve had a commitment from Nike it will never happen again. Hopefully other sports brands will follow suit.
    “The messaging being sent out was really damaging. Now you don’t have that. People can be whatever they want to be. Representation and visibility is so important.” More