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      Huge Bukayo Saka injury boost for Arsenal and England – and star could even play against Chelsea on Sunday

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      ARSENAL are cautiously optimistic that Bukayo Saka did not suffer serious injury on Sunday and could even be available for Sunday’s crunch game at Chelsea.The England winger injured his left ankle during the 5-0 home win against Nottingham Forest and limped off just 27 minutes into the game.
      Bukayo Saka was in obvious pain after the clash against Nottingham ForestCredit: Alamy
      The winger went off in the first half at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      He had been struggling since slipping down the slope behind the Clock End goal and colliding with an advertising hoarding in the tenth minute.
      And a couple of hefty challenges from Forest full-back Renan Lodi left Saka unable to continue before going straight down the tunnel for treatment.
      Arsenal’s medical team are still monitoring the injury but were encouraged by the fact that Saka was able to play on for 15 minutes after the initial collision before coming off as a precaution.
      And the fact that he was able to leave the Emirates without the need of crutches or a protective boot suggested the injury was not too serious.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      And though he is almost certainly not going to be involved in Thursday’s final Europa League group game against FC Zurich, he could be involved at Chelsea at the weekend.
      That is good news for manager Mikel Arteta, as well as England boss Gareth Southgate just two weeks before his squad flies to Qatar for the World Cup.
      Saka has been involved in all 17 of Arsenal’s games this season and has been a key player in helping his team open up a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League and Europa League qualification.
      But Arsenal still need to beat Zurich at the Emirates to guarantee finishing first place in their Europa League and avoid February’s round of 32.
      Most read in Football
      Granit Xhaka will also miss Thursday’s game after receiving his third yellow card of the tournament during last week’s 2-0 defeat by PSV Eindhoven.
      But Mo Elneny could be in line for an unexpected return to action after recovering quicker than expected from the hamstring injury which was feared would keep him out of action until after the World Cup.
      Saka’s likely absence on Thursday could open the door for Reiss Nelson to boost his Arsenal claims after coming on as a first-half sub against Forest and scoring twice in his team’s biggest win of the year.
      The 22-year-old winger had only managed one previous Premier League goal for the Gunners more than five years ago.
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      He was close to leaving the club on a permanent basis in the summer after spending two seasons out on loan at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord and has spent most of this season sitting on the bench waiting for his opportunity.
      He admitted: “When I was told to warm-up I was thinking ‘OK, I’m just going warm-up and then be told to sit back down.’
      “But I kept getting up and sitting down like a yo-yo and then the boss said ‘Reiss, you’re going on’ and I was like ‘wow’.
      “I knew this was my moment and that I had to seize the opportunity and I was so happy that I could get on and help the team.
      ‘LIKE PLAYING FIFA’
      “Scoring those two goals felt a bit like playing FIFA. With the first goal, I was going to take it first time but I rolled it to my left before I hit it and I was gutted when the keeper saved it.
      “But my eyes lit up when it came back to me and it went bang into the top corner.
      “The second one I was just busting a gut to get into the box and I just placed it into the corner.
      “My only other Premier League goal came behind closed doors against Liverpool and I’ve been waiting so patiently for this moment. 
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      “There have been times when I felt as though it wasn’t going to come but I always believed in myself and now I’m really just overwhelmed by the occasion.
      “These goals have given me all the confidence in the world and now I have to keep going as hard as I can if I get another opportunity to help the team.”
      Reiss Nelson came off the bench to score two and set up another in the 5-0 thrashingCredit: Getty More

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      Who are the ITV pundits for the World Cup 2022?

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      THE pundits have been announced for ITV’s coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The tournament, which takes place in Qatar, will see some of the best players in world football compete against each other for glory.
      Qatar will host the 2022 World CupCredit: Rex
      Gareth Southgate’s England side will have to get past the likes of France, Brazil, Spain and Germany in their bid to go one step further than last year’s Euro’s.
      And ITV have confirmed a stellar line-up which includes some big names.
      Read More on World Cup
      Who are the ITV pundits?
      Mark Pougatch will be the lead anchor for ITV’s coverage.
      He will be joined by former Arsenal striker and Match of the Day pundit, Ian Wright.
      Ian Wright will be a part of ITV’s 2022 World Cup coverageCredit: Alamy
      Ex-Manchester United player Roy Keane will also be involved. The Irishman famously left his country’s side ahead of the 2002 World Cup following a disagreement with manager Mick McCarthy.
      He will be alongside Gary Neville who should provide some entertainment following a number of amusing moments as a pundit on Sky Sports.
      Most read in Football
      Graeme Souness is also part of the team. The former Liverpool midfielder’s honest analysis of players such as Paul Pogba has made him a regular face on TV.
      Ex-Premier League forward Hal Robson-Kanu should provide some interesting insight. The Welshman scored an iconic goal against Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter final, taking Wales to the semi-final of the tournament.
      Laura Woods, Seema Jaswal, Joe Cole, Karen Carney, Eniola Aluko, Nigel de Jong and Nadia Nadim will all also feature as part of ITV’s coverage. More

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      Wales considering changing team NAME after the World Cup

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      WALES will consider changing the football team name after the World Cup.The country’s teams currently use the English word with Uefa and Fifa.
      Wales may change their official football team name to the Welsh versionCredit: Getty
      However, they are in talks with the European federations to switch the team name to Cymru.
      Cymru – the Welsh name for Wales – is already used by the Welsh FA in its internal and external communications and by staff at the governing body’s headquarters in the Vale of Glamorgan.
      The FAW plans to speak to various stakeholders in Welsh football about the merit of changing the country’s name in international competition.
      FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said ahead of Wales’ first World Cup since 1958: “The team should always be called Cymru, that’s what we call it here.
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      “Our view at the moment is that domestically we’re clearly called Cymru. That’s what we call our national teams.
      “If you look at our website, how we talk about ourselves, we are very much Cymru.
      “Internationally we feel we have a bit more work to do yet. So we are going to this World Cup as Wales.
      “But I think 2023 will be a year when we have a good discussion with all the different stakeholders – whether that Governments, our own boards, councils and decision-making bodies, staff, clubs and players.
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      “We’re a very open democratic organisation and we don’t just unilaterally decide today to do something like that.
      “I would say it’s the direction of travel, but there’s no firm decisions on it. It’s more almost by osmosis that we’re heading towards it.”
      The issue of a possible name change for Wales was brought into sharp focus earlier this month when Robert Page’s side were drawn in the same Euro 2024 qualifying group as Turkey.
      The Turks now compete on the international stage as Turkiye after the Ankara government asked for the country to be known globally by its Turkish name and not the anglicised version.
      Mooney said: “We spoke to the Turkish at the Euro 2024 draw about it.
      “We’ve also had unofficial discussions with Uefa over coffees at different events.
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      “We’ve asked what their direction of travel is, for example is there a movement towards people using their indigenous language?
      “What I do know is there’s a renaissance of the Welsh language and a sense of great pride in what we do with the culture and the heritage.”
      Changing its name to Cymru would end Wales’ status as being the last alphabetically of Uefa’s 55 national association members at different draws and meetings.
      Meanwhile, Dafydd Iwan’s Yma o Hyd has been confirmed as Wales’ official World Cup song for Qatar.
      The folk singer, 79, has been a smash hit among Dragons players, management and fans with his Welsh-speaking anthem track which means ‘We’re Still Here’.
      Emotional Iwan belted out his rousing track with tears in his eyes in Cardiff before the play-off semi-final against Austria in March – and was back on the pitch to lead match-winner Gareth Bale and his team-mates in celebratory song after beating Ukraine.

      The Wales squad will not star in a music video like they did with the Manic Street Preachers before Euro 2016 but the footage of Iwan joined by Bale and Aaron Ramsey post-match in Cardiff back in June will figure.
      Iwan said of the remastered version of his song which will be released on November 7: “Yma o Hyd has become a national slogan and now the song which gave meaning to it is the official anthem of the Cymru National Team for the World Cup.
      “It’s an impossible dream come true and the incredible sound of The Red Wall on this track is exciting and inspiring to hear.
      “This version of Yma o Hyd forever documents a marvellous moment in Welsh history, with all those wonderful voices helping Cymru reach the World Cup with their passion.
      “No other nation will have anything like this to inspire their team on the grandest stage of them all. So c’mon Cymru, let us tell the world that we are here.”
      Following the Ukraine win thanks to Bale’s free-kick, Iwan reached the No1 in the iTunes chart after beating Kate Bush’s Running Up the Hill single to top spot.
      Read More on The Sun
      Iwan, whose song was originally recorded in 1981 and released in 1983, tells the story of how Welsh language and culture has survived more than 2,000 years against all the odds.
      Wales kick-off their Group B campaign against USA on November 21 before facing Iran and arch-rivals England.
      Dafydd Iwan’s Yma o Hyd will be Wales’ official World Cup songCredit: Getty
      Cymru is the Welsh word for WalesCredit: Getty More

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      England handed DOUBLE 2022 World Cup boost with Pep Guardiola ‘optimistic’ Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker will be fit

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      ENGLAND have been handed a DOUBLE World Cup boost with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola “optimistic” on Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker’s fitness.Both City aces underwent surgery and featuring in Qatar for the Three Lions was in doubt.
      Phillips has had a difficult start to life at Man City and the shoulder injury has halted his progressCredit: Getty
      Walker had surgery on his groinCredit: Getty
      The pair are pivotal to Southgate’s Three LionsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Big money summer signing Phillips had surgery on his shoulder, which has halted his progress at the Etihad.
      While Walker went under the knife for a groin injury.
      But in a boss to England boss Gareth Southgate, City chief Guardiola is “optimistic” both players will be fit.
      He said on Phillips at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s win against Leicester: “He feels really well, his mobility in his shoulder is perfect.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “He has to avoid contact with his teammates at the moment.
      “If he is fit and I believe he can play then maybe he can make some minutes [before the World Cup].”
      On the pair, Guardiola continued: “They are positive, optimistic, they are in touch with Gareth [Southgate].
      “I don’t know, hopefully they can be ready to be selected.”
      Most read in Football
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      Walker being back for the winter tournament would ease Southgate’s injury concerns at right-back.
      Chelsea’s Reece James is still on crutches and is expected not to be fit in time.
      However, James told SunSport he hasn’t given up on his dream of playing in this year’s World Cup.
      He plans on starting to run in the next few days in the swimming pool. More

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      Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal voted worst refereeing decision in World Cup history

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      DIEGO Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal against England has been voted the worst refereeing decision in World Cup history.The Argentine punched the ball into the net for the first goal in the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico.
      The infamous Hand of God refereeing decision has been voted the worst in World Cup historyCredit: Popperfoto
      The No2 clanger spot was Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany in 2010Credit: Getty
      But the handball wasn’t spotted by Tunisian ref Ali Bin Nasser.
      It was ranked No1 blunder by 37 per cent.
      England also featured in the No2 clanger spot.
      Some 33 per cent voted for Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal against Germany in South Africa in 2010.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Third, with 28 per cent, is France ace Thierry Henry’s play-off handball assist.
      The move denied Ireland a place at the 2010 World Cup.
      The poll of 2,000 football fans was carried out for Samsung UK.
      Experts compiled a shortlist of massive mistakes.
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      Reece James racist troll tracked down in Middle East just three weeks before World Cup in Qatar

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      A RACIST troll who abused England ace Reece James has been tracked down to the Middle East just three weeks before the World Cup starts in Qatar.An arrest is imminent after the Chelsea defender, 22, gave statements to Instagram, police and officials abroad.
      A racist troll who abused England ace Reece James has been tracked down to the Middle EastCredit: Simon Jones
      An arrest is imminent after Chelsea ace Reece gave statements to Instagram, police and officials abroadCredit: Simon Jones
      Reece told The Sun:’ I get (racist) messages here and there, but I’ve never really had it face to face’Credit: Getty
      Reece told The Sun: “It’s tough.”
      Trolling victim Reece has told how he is determined to fight back against the online menace saying: “Whenever I see it I report it.”
      The England ace spoke out as the net was closing on a racist tormentor who targeted him.
      The vile troll has been tracked down to the Middle East — just three weeks before the World Cup in Qatar.
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      An arrest is imminent.
      Chelsea star Reece told The Sun: “I get (racist) messages here and there, but I’ve never really had it face to face.
      “It’s always the way (that trolls hide behind the keyboard); whenever I see it I report it.
      “It’s one of those things that is hard to control. Most of the time they are fake accounts.”
      Most read in The Sun
      He reported a chain of racist abuse from a mysterious account.
      Starting in February of last year, Reece gave statements to Instagram, the Met Police and officials abroad — and now the culprit is finally on the verge of being nicked.
      Reece admitted: “It’s tough, when you have to take so much time on interviews and statements, and then it doesn’t lead to anything.
      “I had this one last season, monkey emojis and stuff.
      “Before I didn’t really open my messages, but one day I managed to see it, and reported it.”
      After posting a photo of him training, a man — using an account name of mhmd.awada — also wrote: “How can you f live with dirty black skin?”, plus other vile racist slurs.
      He followed this up with several monkey emojis and vomiting faces.
      Reece reported the abuse to Instagram and alerted support staff at Chelsea.
      Chain of racist abuse
      The club acted decisively, and in an unprecedented move, then owner Roman Abramovich wrote to every player telling them he was “appalled” at the abuse suffered by their talented right-back.
      The billionaire tycoon pledged to provide additional funding for the club’s anti-racism efforts.
      As a result, the Met Police’s ­specialist football unit began investigating and located the account.
      They have since been liaising with cops in the Middle East.
      Last night a source said: “There’s been a lot of conversation between police from both regions — everyone has been taking this case seriously.
      “It’s vital players feel supported and listened to, and know that all efforts are being made to clamp down on racism within the game.
      “Of course, there are fears that this account — and others like it — are linked to a racist group in Qatar, a country which has been found to have a poor track record for racist abuse against non-nationals.
      “We’ve already seen England players being horrifically racially abused after the Euro 2020 final — the last thing anyone needs is a repeat.”
      I think everyone has an equal right to play, no matter your sex, skin colour, or anything like that.Reece James
      Last September the Met confirmed it had recruited a specialist officer to focus on hate crime in football.
      In April of last year the world of football came together to initiate a boycott of social media in a protest against online racism.
      Reece — who still hopes to make it to the World Cup despite being on crutches as a result of a knee injury — believes education, or a lack of it, is the root cause of racism.
      At the Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey, he said: “I think everyone has an equal right to play, no matter your sex, skin colour, or anything like that.”
      He waded in on the decision to award the World Cup to Qatar — a country renowned for human rights abuses and strict anti-gay laws.
      Reece said: “I think most of the countries I know that are participating are trying to stand up for human rights there, and help people that can’t be themselves. I think everyone is working together to raise awareness and trying to show people that they can be who they are.”
      This month it was announced that England captain Harry Kane plans to wear a “OneLove” rainbow armband during the tournament in support of the LGBT community.
      Two years ago, the United Nations raised “serious concerns of structural racial discrimination against non- nationals” in Qatar.
      ‘Mysterious account’
      The report revealed that low-wage workers suffered severe discrimination and exploitation — almost ten years after global football’s governing body Fifa controversially awarded the World Cup to the Arab nation.
      The report claimed there was a “de facto caste system based on national origin,” in Qatar.
      It suggested that “European, North American, Australian and Arab nationalities systematically enjoy greater human rights protections than South Asian and sub-Saharan African nationalities”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Reece, whose sister is England Lioness and Chelsea player Lauren, believes the time is right for a top-flight player to come out as gay.
      He added: “I don’t see why it hasn’t happened yet, In the women’s game it’s quite open and there’s a lot of relationships.”
      Reece, pictured with Marcus Rashford, said: ‘It’s always the way (that trolls hide behind the keyboard); whenever I see it I report it’Credit: AP
      Reece added: ‘It’s one of those things that is hard to control. Most of the time they are fake accounts’Credit: Simon Jones More

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      Man Utd ratings: Marcus Rashford continues World Cup charge but Anthony Elanga risk falling down Ten Hag’s pecking order

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      MARCUS RASHFORD continued to put himself in strong contention for Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad after netting Manchester United’s winner against West Ham.The 24-year-old came into the game against the Hammers with a goal against Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday.
      Rashford scored the winnerCredit: Getty
      It was the winger’s second goal this weekCredit: Getty
      And he got his second in a week with a thumping header at the back post, meeting Christian Eriksen’s inch-perfect cross.
      The winger now has seven goals and three assists across all competitions this term, putting himself in good contention for the England squad next month.
      He was a good supporting star for Cristiano Ronaldo, who started up front.
      Anthony Elanga, meanwhile, was handed a rare start but struggled to get into the game.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The young winger often found himself pinned back by Hammers left-back Aaron Cresswell and with Alejandro Garnacho impressing, and Anthony Martial as well as Jadon Sancho to return, he could find himself falling down the pecking order..
      The win lifts United above top-four rivals Chelsea and moves them one point behind fourth-place Newcastle.
      United were at times careless in possession, but they got the job done after facing very little threat from the travelling side.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Mbu rates the Red Devils.
      Most read in Football
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      David de Gea – 8
      Had nothing to do in the first half with West Ham posing very little goal threat.
      Pulled off two wonderful saves with ten minutes to go to maintain United’s lead.
      Denied a long range Declan Rice effort right at the death.
      Diogo Dalot – 6
      Put in a dangerous cross in the first half, nearly finding compatriot Ronaldo, but Rashford took the ball off the 37-year-old’s feet.
      Harry Maguire – 7
      Assured at the back. Strong in the air. Solid performance alongside Martinez.
      Denied Jarrod Bowen with a fine block late on.
      Lisandro Martinez – 6
      Found Elanga in behind with a quarterback pass early on.
      Luke Shaw – 6
      A good full-back performance. Overlapped Rashford well.
      Casemiro – 6
      Swept up well in the middle of the park. But struggled when faced with Said Benrahma.
      Christian Eriksen – 7
      Provided the assist for the opener, whipping a devilish ball to the back post for Rashford.
      Bruno Fernandes – 6
      Linked up play well and managed to find good pockets of space.
      Anthony Elanga – 5
      Quiet afternoon for the youngster. Struggled to get into the game.
      Subbed early on in the second half.
      Marcus Rashford – 8
      Saw a shot deflect over in the 15th minute after intercepting Dawson’s pass to Kehrer.
      Opened the scoring in the first half with a thumping header at the back post.
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 6
      Dropped deep in the early stages to get on the ball. Had a shot from range but it didn’t trouble Fabianski.
      Read More on The Sun
      Subs
      Scott McTominay (for Elanga, 60) – 5
      Didn’t have much to do when coming on. Was brought on to help United in the midfield.
      Fred (for Eriksen, 78) – 6
      Had a header cannon off the post. More

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      Gay former England footballer planning to come out blasts Qatar for being World Cup host

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      A GAY former England footballer planning to come out has blasted the decision to let Qatar host the World Cup.The ex-Premier League ace is considering openly discussing his sexuality on TV.
      As well as anti-homosexuality laws, Qatar has also been blasted over the deaths of migrant workers building football stadiumsCredit: Reuters
      And he believes the Gulf state’s anti-homosexuality laws should have prevented Fifa from staging the tournament there.
      A source said: “He thinks it was wrong to decide the tournament should be played in Qatar when they criminalise gay sexual relationships.
      “Obviously England will be taking part but he doesn’t blame them.
      He’s heartened to see the current squad of players will support the LGBTQ movement and captain Harry Kane will wear the OneLove rainbow armband.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “He’s hoping there will be many acts of protest against Qatar’s stance on homosexuality.”
      The decision to host the showpiece, kicking off next month, in the strict Muslim country has sparked fury from LGBTQ campaigners over its appalling human rights record.
      Qatar has also been blasted over the deaths of migrant workers building football stadiums.
      Earlier this month, Gary Lineker said he knew of two gay Premier League footballers and commented it would send a strong message to Qatar if they came out during the tournament.
      Most read in The Sun
      The ex-England striker turned TV presenter added: “I know for a fact that some have been very close and contemplated it.”
      Last week, campaigner Peter Tatchell, 70, said he was “arrested and detained on the kerbside” while staging a protest in Qatar’s capital Doha, although the state’s government denied it.
      Read More on The Sun More