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      Arsenal could be forced to rip up January transfer plans and shelve Mykhailo Mudryk move after Gabriel Jesus injury

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      ARSENAL could have to postpone their planned January transfer swoop for Mykhailo Mudryk after news Gabriel Jesus could be sidelined long-term.The Gunners have been dealt a huge blow to their title hopes with the star facing months out after surgery on his knee.
      Arsenal may have to postpone their transfer pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk next monthCredit: Getty
      The Gunners have been rocked by the news Gabriel Jesus will be sidelined long-termCredit: Instagram
      They have confirmed that their star striker, signed from Manchester City for £45million in the summer, had gone under the knife after returning from the World Cup.
      Arsenal are currently unclear on how long Jesus’ recovery will take, but the striker could be facing months out.
      Jesus, 25, has five Premier League goals so far this season and has been key to them going into the break five points clear at the top of the table.
      The former Manchester City man suffered the injury in Brazil’s final group stage game against Cameroon, his first start at Qatar 2022 having come off the bench against Serbia and Switzerland.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      In a statement, the North Londoners said: “Gabriel Jesus has successfully undergone surgery to his right knee after suffering an injury during the Brazil v Cameroon World Cup group stage match on Friday.
      “Gabby will now begin his rehabilitation programme. Everyone at the club is supporting Gabby and will be working hard to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
      The injury could force Mikel Arteta to go back into the transfer market to sign another striker to continue challenging Manchester City for the title.
      Arsenal spent £120million in the summer but only have one other out-and-out striker in the squad, Eddie Nketiah.
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      The former England Under-21 international is yet to start a Prem game this season and has no goals in 12 league appearances from the bench.
      Arsenal are keen on signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mudryk, 21, but may have to rethink their plans as the Ukrainian is not a centre forward.
      Brazil boss Tite was accused of the Arsenal man knowing there was a concern over his knee but firmly denied those claims, calling them “evil lies”.
      Tite said: “I don’t like hearing lies out there, evil lies.
      “At no time do we play for victory at the risk of a player’s peril. The liar who’s out there – because that’s the name isn’t it, the haters, right?
      “We are responsible, we are personally responsible, we are ethical and it would never have happened. I didn’t want this to happen, it’s a shame, we are very sorry for Gabriel.”
      Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, still in Qatar with England, quickly got in touch with his teammate after hearing of the injury.
      Saka said: “He’s a very, very, very important player for us.
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      “It’s not good to hear the news, obviously I’ve messaged him. It was definitely not good news when I heard that.”
      After a training camp in Dubai and friendlies against Lyon, AC Milan and Juventus, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Boxing Day against West Ham. More

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      World’s worst football lookalikes cashing in on their famous ‘doppelgangers’… can YOU guess who they are?

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      THE weird world of celebrity lookalikes can be a surprisingly lucrative business.But unfortunately, some of these supposed spitting images of famous footballers aren’t exactly the full ticket.
      Mbappe lookalike Reece Ford
      With the World Cup in Qatar well underway, The Sun Online had some fun putting together a list of some of the worst football doppelgangers.
      From a Cristiano Ronaldo ‘lookalike’ who is more Cristia-no, to a Harry Kane impersonator who Kane-not be serious, can you tell who these are supposed to be?
      Bewar Abdullah thinks he resembles a world-famous footballerCredit: Glen Minikin – The Sun
      SIU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING
      Bewar Abdullah is a 28-year-old from Birmingham.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      He is also often mistaken for Portugal and former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
      So striking is the apparent resemblance that he often gets booked out for children’s parties, and has racked up 1.3million followers on Instagram.
      He also claims his resemblance has made him a hit with the ladies, and that he often gets asked to do Ronaldo’s trademark “Siuuuu” celebration in pubs during Portugal games.
      Bewar claims he is often mistaken for the Portuguese starCredit: Getty
      A sweet shop worker has reportedly been mistaken for one of football’s biggest starsCredit: Central European News
      MESSI-ING AROUND
      Alejandro Pereira Negreiros was working in a sweet shop in Sao Paulo in Brazil when he went viral in 2017.
      A number of Twitter users claimed the 21-year-old was the spitting image of a legendary player from Brazil’s arch-rivals Argentina.
      Yes, apparently, Alejandro is a doppelganger for Lionel Messi.
      The bemused shopworker soon became a local celebrity after a colleague shared his photo online, even though by his own admission he knew little about his more famous twin.
      Messi is often regarded as one of if not the greatest footballers of all timeCredit: Getty
      Danny McLaughlin has been compared to a top England starCredit: harrykanelookalike/Instagram
      KANE YOU BELIEVE IT
      Danny McLaughlin from Epping in Essex was only born a stone’s throw from his famous “lookalike”.
      The council worker claims he is often mistaken for Walthamstow-born Three Lions and Tottenham legend Harry Kane.
      He told one publication the similarity was first noticed when he was outside a nightclub after Kane had scored against north London rivals Arsenal.
      “I didn’t think anything of it, it was only when friends said it to me and then all of a sudden we were getting into nightclubs for free or queue jumping which was something special,” he said.
      Danny also says a number of women slide into his DMs but, unfortunately for them, he was, as of 2021, happily taken.
      Harry Kane is closing in on Rooney’s record as England’s all-time leading goalscorerCredit: Getty
      A Gareth Southgate ‘lookalike’Credit: PA
      DOPPEL-GARETH
      Last year, among the excitement as England progressed to the final of the postponed Euro 2020 final, one lookalike was milking it for all he could.
      The unnamed man was compared by many in the crowd to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
      He even donned Southgate’s infamous lucky waistcoat from the 2018 World Cup as he was mobbed by fans.
      Dozens of boozed-up supporters ran up to take their pictures with the lookalike under the famous Wembley arches.
      Can Gareth Southgate finally bring it home?Credit: Rex
      Liam Wilson has been mistaken for another Three Lions starCredit: SWNS
      THE GREAL DEAL
      Liam Wilson from Norwich is another lookalike who has been mistaken for an England star.
      He claims to get preferential treatment at restaurants and have kids come up to him for selfies because of his resemblance to Jack Grealish.
      Liam said he often plays along with people who earnestly mistake him for the Manchester City and England midfielder.
      However, he admits his girlfriend finds the constant requests for pictures “cringey”.
      England and Manchester City star Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
      Eigon Oliveira has been mistaken for a famous Brazil star while in QatarCredit: Reuters
      CLEAR AS NEY
      Eigon Oliveira caused a Puma shop to close in Doha after he was mistaken for Brazilian star Neymar.
      He even donned a Brazilian training uniform along with similar sunglasses, a hat and beard.
      Eigon now has over one million followers on Instagram thanks the likeness, and now wants to make being Neymar’s lookalike a full-time job.
      He previously worked as a waiter on Brazil, where he said customers often remarked on his resemblance to the PSG player.
      Brazil and PSG star NeymarCredit: Getty
      Reece Ford, the Love Island bombshell from Coventry, and footballer’s body doubleCredit: Instagram
      LOOK-KYL-LIKE
      Love Island star Reece Ford isn’t just famous for reality TV, he also has a remarkable secret.
      The Coventry-born Brit revealed earlier this year he was a stunt double for France’s supremely-talented forward Kylian Mbappe.
      Read More on The Sun
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      On his Instagram page, the 23-year-old shared an image of himself with the France and PSG striker.
      He also posted a number of polaroid images of himself in various football poses as part of an ad for Nike. More

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      Jesse Lingard and Dean Henderson relax on holiday in Athens during Premier League’s World Cup break

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST stars Jesse Lingard and Dean Henderson are enjoying a relaxing break in Athens during the World Cup.Both players have featured for England in recent years but were not selected in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar.
      Jessie Lingard and Dean Henderson enjoyed a holiday in Athens, GreeceCredit: Instagram / @jesselingard
      The pair play with each other at Nottingham Forest having left Man UtdCredit: Instagram / @jesselingard
      The pair visited the Athens Acropolis
      But the pair were keen to enjoy a bit of sunshine so flew out to Greek capital Athens for a short holiday.
      Lingard and Henderson visited the famous Acropolis – an ancient citadel located in the city.
      They are staying at the plush Four Seasons hotel and Lingard shared a video of the stunning location on his Instagram page.
      The pair also joked around with one another about which currency is used in Greece.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Lingard and Henderson’s friendship dates back to when they played together at Manchester United.
      Henderson is still under contract at Old Trafford and is on loan at Forest until the end of the season.
      Lingard left United for the City Ground in the summer after signing a one-year deal believed to be worth £150,000-a-week.
      Several other stars not at the World Cup have also jetted away on holiday, with another former Red Devil Paul Pogba visiting Miami.
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      Jarrod Bowen enjoyed a holiday to Disneyland alongside his partner Danni Dyer and her son Santiago.
      And Liverpool star Roberto Firmino flew out to the Maldives with model and wife Larissa Pereira after missing out on the Brazil squad. More

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      Morocco vs Portugal bonus: Get money back as CASH if you lose, plus 125-1 tips, preview and prediction – 18+ T&Cs

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      PADDY POWER are offering punters up to £20 back as cash if their bet on Morocco vs Portugal loses.New customers who sign up and stake £20 on the World Cup quarter final showdown at Al Thumama Stadium will get their money straight back if they’re not successful!
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      Portugal were the final side to book their place in the final eight – but they were impressive in doing so.
      That was despite talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo both being left out of the starting XI against Switzerland in the 6-1 win.
      Goncalo Ramos might be the new star in town after his hat trick. How much of a headache does Fernando Santos have now in picking his line-up? Particularly with Ronaldo having NEVER scored in a World Cup knockout game in his career!
      Morocco were dogged and defended exceptionally well to keep Spain out in the last 16 before winning on penalties.
      It may not be the prettiest to watch — in fact it couldn’t be further away — but it’s been effective so far in seeing them top a group that had Belgium and Croatia in it and go unbeaten to now.
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      The bookies sense the end of their journey is approaching this Saturday and are 5/2 with Paddy Power to progress to the semis.
      Portugal are warm favourites at 2/7, with Morocco set to face a much more dynamic and ruthless attack than the Spanish put up.
      And if the Portuguese get an early goal, it could force their opponents out and there could quite easily be another goalfest.
      That’s why we’re backing a Portugal win with Over 3.5 Goals in the game at 9/2 with Paddy Power.
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      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using Cards or Apple Pay will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Paddy’s Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org More

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      Van Dijk tells Holland to create plan to beat Messi who ‘chills in a corner of the pitch’ while out of possession

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK says that Holland have to conjure up a plan to stop Lionel Messi from “chilling” on Friday.The Dutch are preparing to face Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final in two days’ time.
      Virgil van Dijk says the Dutch must plan to stop Lionel Messi ‘chilling’Credit: Alamy
      The Argentina legend already has three goals at the World Cup for his nationCredit: Rex
      The Liverpool star will come face-to-face with the legendary forward as the two nations battle it out for a semi-final place.
      Messi, 35, has already scored three goals at the tournament and is looking to finally get his hands on the World Cup – the one prize that has eluded him in his epic career.
      Van Dijk spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of the showdown about the threat of the Paris Saint-Germain attacker.
      And he knows full well that Messi is capable of looking like he is doing very little before bursting into lift and drifting into spaces to punish the opposition.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS

      The 31-year-old defender said: “The difficult thing about him is when we are attacking, he is chilling somewhere in a corner or something.
      “You have to be so very sharp in terms of defensive organisation.
      “They always looked for him to try to make it difficult for us on the counter.”
      Van Dijk added: “It is an honour to play against him.
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      “It is not me against him, or the Netherlands against him, but the Netherlands against Argentina.
      “No one can do it on his own, we will have to come up with a good plan.”
      Van Dijk and Messi have come up against each other previously, the most-notable being in the 2019 Champions League semi-final.
      Messi scored twice to put Barcelona into a 3-0 first-leg lead but Liverpool famously came back to win the second-leg 4-0. More

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      England vs France – bonus offer: Get a completely free bet builder for World Cup quarter final clash with Paddy Power

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      ENGLAND are in World Cup quarter final action this weekend when they face holders France.And Paddy Power are marking the occasion by offering selected customers a completely free bet builder to spend on the final eight showdown, which could reach a whopping £25!
      Paddy Power: Get a completely free bet builder for England vs FranceCredit: GETTY
      Claim free Bet Builder for England vs France
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      Claim free Bet Builder for England vs France*

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      Paddy Power are offering selected customers a completely free bet builder to spend on England vs France.
      Maximum free bet varies from £1 – £25 per customer.
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      Claim your free bet via the promotions page. Customers must claim the free bet first from the promotion page to then use it in their betslip when placing a bet.
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      Bet £20 and get it back as CASH if it loses**

      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      FOOTBALL OFFERS
      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *Select customers only. If you cannot claim the free bet, you are not eligible for current promotion. Max free bet varies from £1 – £25 per customer. Applies to pre match Bet Builder bets on England v Senegal game only. 4 or more leg bet builders will qualify. Claim free bet via promo page after 12pm 1st December. Must have previously deposited with a debit card, Apple Pay, Paysafe or Playcard to avail of the offer. T&Cs apply.
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      What is Werewolf? Card game that England have been playing at the World Cup 2022

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      ENGLAND have been making the nation proud at the winter World Cup in Qatar – and a card game has been the secret to their success.The Three Lions were one of the few sides this tournament to go unbeaten in the group stages.
      Marcus Rashford’s free-kick inspired England to a final group game win against WalesCredit: Rex
      England humiliated Senegal in their last-16 World Cup clashCredit: Getty
      And Gareth Southgate’s men didn’t disappoint in the last-16 match either having convincingly thumped AFCON champions Senegal 3-0.
      But England are set to face their toughest test on Saturday when they take on holders France in the quarter-finals.
      However, captain Harry Kane has revealed that a card game titled Werewolf has had a positive impact on the camp.

      What is Werewolf and how do you play it?
      England spend a majority of their evenings at the team’s hotel beach front in Souq Al-Wakra playing Werewolf.
      It is a card game which requires strategic thinking to come out on top and the objective of the game is to identify and kill the werewolves amongst the villagers.
      Werewolf takes place over a series of game rounds and each round has two phases – day and night.
      During the day, the village discusses who they think is guilty and during the night, players can use special powers while the werewolves make their kill.
      Players start by shuffling and dealing out the game cards, making sure to include two werewolves, a Doctor, and a Seer card.
      There are also wild cards that can be played such as the Drunk, the Witch, and the Alpha Werewolf.
      It starts off in the night phase where the moderator has the werewolves choose a victim, the Doctor is allowed to save one person, and the Seer gets to make a guess on the person they suspect of being a werewolf.
      When the night round concludes, the day round starts and the players discuss their characters before taking a vote on who they believe is a werewolf.
      That player is then killed and the night round begins again. The game continues until either the werewolves or the villagers win.
      What has been said about Werewolf?
      Harry Kane admitted that it is a good way to build the team chemistry and a large group of the squad get involved.
      Harry Kane revealed that Werewolf is good for team bondingCredit: Getty
      Kane, 29, said: “There about 16 or 17 of us that play Wolf and it is a great way to kill some time. It also helps with team bonding.
      And Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips also revealed it’s a game you can enjoy by just watching.
      Phillips said: “It’s definitely one you can watch as it’s quite funny and even if I’m not around there, when they get somebody out. You can hear them cheering by the pool.”
      When is England vs France?

      England vs France takes place on Saturday, December 10.
      The match kicks off at 7pm UK time and Al-Bayt Stadium plays host.
      It will be shown LIVE on ITV 1 in but the entire action can also be live-streamed on ITV X, the mobile app which is available for download. More

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      Liverpool ‘held secret transfer meeting with Sofyan Amrabat before Morocco star flew out to World Cup’

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      LIVERPOOL held a secret meeting with Moroccan star Sofyan Amrabat ahead of the World Cup over a potential transfer, according to reports.The 26-year-old midfielder currently plays for Fiorentina in Serie A and has had a host of clubs monitoring him for months.
      Moroccan World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat’s representatives ‘had a meeting with Jurgen Klopp’Credit: Getty
      Tottenham were keen last summer but failed to agree a fee with the Italian side.
      They are still believed to hold an interest in the ace – but now Liverpool look to be leading the chase.
      That is according to Foot Mercato, who are claiming that Jurgen Klopp wants to strengthen in the middle of the park in the January window.
      And they state that led to the Reds boss actually meeting with Amrabat’s entourage prior to his heroics for his country in Qatar.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      They state the meeting was “positive” and that they have “planned to see each other again after the 2022 World Cup”.
      But the Anfield giants are not the only ones hoping to snap him up from Fiorentina.
      Inter Milan want to keep him in Italy and are monitoring his situation “carefully”.
      Fiorentina still have the option to extend Amrabat’s contract by a further year and keep his transfer value high.
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      However, the player is said to have “dreamed” about playing in the Premier League and Liverpool’s interest could prove too hard to resist.
      The star’s focus is currently on helping his country to create more history at the World Cup.
      He played the full 120 minutes with the help of pain-killing injections before Morocco shocked Spain by dumping them out of the tournament on penalties on Tuesday night.
      Now he and his team-mates are preparing for their quarter final with Portugal on Sunday. More