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Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreams

KAI HAVERTZ has been ruled out for the rest of the season in a major dent to Arsenal’s title challenge.

Havertz picked up the injury after sustaining a torn hamstring during the team’s training camp in Dubai.

Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz of Arsenal at a training session.
Getty
Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the season[/caption]

It was revealed earlier this week how the German was in the treatment room.

With the 25-year-old now out for the remainder of the season, he adds to the Gunners already devastating list of attacking injuries.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are all sidelined through injury, leaving Mikel Arteta with scarce few options up front.

More to follow.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

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‘Don’t have time’…Dire warning on ‘city-killer’ asteroid hurtling towards Earth as expert casts doubt on deflecting rock

SCIENTISTS do not have time to deflect the asteroid a size of a football pitch that is hurtling towards Earth, an expert has warned.

It comes as the odds of the Earth-threatening space rock dubbed 2024 YR4 colliding with our planet have shortened to a 1-in-43 chance.

Illustration of a meteor on a collision course with Earth.
Getty
Scientists may not have time to deflect asteroid 2024 YR4, one expert has claimed[/caption]
Asteroid 2024 YR4 observed by the Magdalena Ridge 2.4m telescope.
AFP
Asteroid 2024 YR4 as observed by the Magdalena Ridge 2.4m telescope at the New Mexico Institute of Technology on January 27, 2025[/caption] Illustration of methods to deflect asteroids, including using nukes, drills, rockets, and gravity tractors.

Scientists say the enormous rock is between 40 and 100 metres wide and would wipe out humanity if it hits.

The asteroid, named 2024 YR4, has been rated as the highest risk ever recorded by the European Space Agency (ESA).

Projections show its path could cross over with Earth’s orbit around Christmas time in 2032 – specifically 5:25 am on Wednesday, December 22.

With rising concerns about the chances of impact, researchers have suggested various deflection methods including solar lasers, nuclear bomba and kinetic impactors.

The latter is where scientists launch a spacecraft into an asteroid to knock it off its orbit.

This is the most likely available option but scientists have already run out of time, Dr Andrews claims.

He said on X: “I’ve often [been] told you need 10 years or more to build, plan and execute an asteroid deflection mission.

“Now let’s look at 2024 YR4. We have less than eight years to potentially deal with it, if needed.

“I’m not saying a kinetic impactor mission, or missions, couldn’t work.

“But we don’t have much time, and we don’t have enough info about this rapidly fading asteroid to properly inform our planetary defense decisions yet.”

Even if we did have time, he noted that the kinetic impactor method may not work.

In fact, he warned that the technique used two years ago in NASA‘s DART mission could be like “turning a cannonball into a shotgun spray,” increasing devastation on Earth.

He explained: “I’m seeing a lot of people claim that, if it is going to impact Earth in 2032, we can use a DART-like spacecraft to ram it out of the way.

“Well, not necessarily. The DART mission was fab, but might not be able to stop 2024 YR4.”

In 2022, Nasa’s DART spacecraft was deliberately driven into the side of Dimorphos – a small asteroid “moonlet”.

The mission was mainly to test Nasa’s planet defence systems, and was deemed a big success.

Speaking on the mission, Dr Andrews said: “As DART smashed into the asteroid, lots of debris flew back off the asteroid, acting like a rocket jet and giving it more of a push.”

But he warned that it does not prove the method can be used for all kinds of asteroid deflection.

He said: “Asteroids like Dimorphos, and smaller, tend to be rubble piles: not solid single rocks, but boulders weakly bound by their own gravity.

“Hitting them just right can produce that debris-like thrust effect, but if you hit them too hard, you’ll shatter them.

Illustration of the DART mission, showing the spacecraft's impact on Dimorphos and the resulting change in its orbit around Didymos.
AFP
NASA’s DART mission successfully used kinetic impactors to change the orbit of an asteroid[/caption]

“Nobody wants to accidentally ‘disrupt’ an asteroid, because those components can still head for Earth… it’s like turning a cannonball into a shotgun spray.”

Astronomer Dr David Whitehouse first noted the chances of a disastrous collision increasing as he said the asteroid is “unacceptable to ignore”.

The European Union-funded NEO Shield consortium which aims to investigate the best methods of stopping a clash presented some of its ideas including a nuclear bomb which would be a last resort.

An impact would unleash energy hundreds of times greater than that of the Hiroshima bomb with a blinding flash as shock waves that would flatten anything for miles.

One expert called it a potential ‘city-killer’ telling CBS that “if you put it over Paris or London or New York, you basically wipe out the whole city and some of the environs.”

A clever international team of astronomers have now been granted use of the iconic James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) so they can determine how much damage the asteroid may cause.

Astronomers are set to use the JWST in March to measure the exact size of 2024 YR4 and make any final calculations around its orbit.

The JWST, used by both the ESA and NASA, will take images of 2024 YR4 from its position a million miles away from Earth.

A second round of observations will also take place in May to determine how it has moved within a few months.

At the moment, scientists believe the asteroid could be up to 300ft wide – the same size as New York‘s Statue of Liberty or London‘s Big Ben.

Lunar crater, possibly the origin of asteroid Kamo'oalewa.
NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University
The asteroid could cause a crater the size of a city if it hits Earth[/caption]
Illustration of an asteroid approaching Earth.
Getty
2024 YR4 is 27 million miles away but is set to reach us in December 2032 (stock)[/caption]

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Small boat migrants must be WELCOMED into Britain like Paddington Bear, ultra woke Labour MP demands

A LABOUR MP has sparked fury for demanding illegal migrants be given British citizenship – because we granted it to Paddington Bear. 

Stella Creasy said small boat asylum seekers should get the same welcoming treatment as the cuddly kids character.

Headshot of Stella Creasy.
PA
Stella Creasy hit out at plans to deprive small boat migrants of citizenship[/caption]
Migrants in a small boat and in the water, with a patrol boat in the background.
Channel crossings are continuing at a record rate

She hit out at her own party’s crackdown on them ever gaining UK citizenship as part of Home Office efforts to deter Channel crossings. 

Border officials have been given toughened new guidance to deny the rights to almost all illegal migrants.

Walthamstow MP Ms Creasy said this would deny those whose asylum claim was granted from integrating into communities with full citizenship.

She added: “It would deny, well, frankly, Paddington. Paddington did the same thing. He came on an irregular route, we gave him sanctuary but wouldn’t give him a passport.”

Doubling down on LBC, she said: “Denying people a voice isn’t the British way forward. We are also the nation which takes great pride in the story of Paddington. 

“He was a stowaway from Peru and he went to have tea with the Queen. Wasn’t that a beautiful British moment that everyone celebrated?

“We have to have strong border controls, but we also have to have dignity and decency.”

While the Home Office distanced themselves from the remarks, critics said they threatened Labour’s reputation on borders.

Politics professor Anthony Glees said: “If Labour are determined to lose the next election and learn nothing from Trump’s victory, no power on earth can stop them.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “There are already rules that can prevent those arriving illegally from gaining citizenship.

“This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally, including small boat arrivals, faces having a British citizenship application refused.”

Labour has grappled with the rise since it gained power seven months ago, promising to crack down on people smuggling gangs who profit from the boatloads of migrants.

The Home Office has blamed the rise on the high number of days when weather in the Channel was good.

Channel crossings are more or less tracking where they were this time last year, with no signs of progress.

Labour have pledged to ramp up returns for migrants with no right to be here, either because they have committed a crime or arrived illegally.

They have hailed 19,000 deportations since coming to power from July.

But most of these were voluntarily returns, and are still dwarfed by the 25,000 small boat arrivals in that time.

Officials say four of the UK’s biggest-ever deportation flights have already taken off, carrying more than 850 people.

Yesterday Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said releasing footage of deportations is part of efforts to restore public confidence in the immigration system.

Countries that refuse to take back their offenders face a visa shut-out, ministers have warned.

Those who fail to co-operate in Britain’s deportation blitz would face sanctions, immigration minister Angela Eagle declared yesterday.

This could include blocking visas, making them more expensive, or deliberately delaying their approval.

Ms Eagle put foreign governments on notice after being challenged to use the powers from Tory Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.

She said: “If co-operation with countries falls below the levels expected, we stand ready to use all levers available to us to encourage action — including the power to impose visa penalties.”

Paddington Bear looking at a card.
Paddington Bear arrived in the UK illegally

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Mark Weinman dead at 62: Boxer who amazingly came out of 21-year retirement aged 50 and WON fight dies

BOXER Mark Weinman has died at the age of 62.

The American star passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, his brother has confirmed.

Boxer raising his arms in victory.
Boxer Mark Weinman has passed away

Weinman died as a result of complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a respiratory illness he was diagnosed with over a decade ago.

The boxer turned pro in the 1980s and won his first 11 fights before losing three straight bouts and stepping away from the ring.

He then made a triumphant return in 2012 against then-32-year-old Elvis Martinez and won after 39 seconds.

Weinman lost his following fight and subsequently hung up his gloves for good.

He finished with a professional record of 12-4 with 10 knockouts.

His former promoter, Steve Tannenbaum, said he looked like a “world beater” in his early years.

Tannenbaum revealed: “He was known in the gyms all around. I mean, he fought everybody.

“He would beat everybody in the gyms. Just beat them up. He was that good.”

Weinman was diagnosed with IPF around 12 years ago and was given three-to-five years to live. 

His brother, David, admitted: “He never stopped loving boxing.

“He chased boxing to the end. Just the other day, he was talking about coming home and getting strong and maybe teaching some boxing classes when he was older. He never talked about dying.

“He was going to live forever. He did not acknowledge — we never had a conversation about him dying.”

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‘I think so’ – Real Betis CEO hints Antony’s loan transfer could be made permanent to end flop’s Man Utd nightmare

REAL BETIS are interested in keeping Manchester United flop Antony for an extra year.

The Brazil winger — on loan at the LaLiga club for the rest of the season with no option to buy — has started well in Spain.

Real Betis' new Brazilian player, Antony Santos, shows off his tattoos.
AFP
Real Betis are interested in keeping Manchester United flop Antony[/caption]
Antony, Manchester United player, looking frustrated.
Antony moved to Betis on loan from Man Utd after a series of poor performances
PA

Antony, 24, struggled for game time at United and Betis chief exec Ramon Alcaron – when asked if he could stay permanently said: “Yes, I think so.

“The other day the CEO of United called me.

“We sent them details of the player throughout the week so they can see we’re looking after their asset.

“We have very good chemistry with United and the player, who is happy here.

“It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”

Antony joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax.

However, the winger never managed to live up to the bill as he only amassed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances with Man Utd.

However, the Brazil international has hit the ground running at Betis ever since his loan move last month.

The forward provided an assist on his debut against Athletic Bilbao during a 2-2 draw at the Benito Villamarin.

The ex-Ajax star then scored on his second match at Celta Vigo during a 3-2 loss.

Antony is looking to regain his former goalscoring prowess that led to his blockbuster move to Old Trafford.

The Brazilian burst onto the scene at Ajax where he registered a total of 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances during a two-year stint in Amsterdam.

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Inside Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s incredible £1k-a-night Disneyland trip with the kids – and a special birthday surprise

COLEEN and Wayne Rooney gave their two youngest boys a trip to remember with a £1k-a-night weekend stay in Disneyland Paris.

The famous Disney magic was in full force for the fun theme park visit with iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Toy Story’s Woody dishing out hugs.

Family posing with Mickey Mouse.
Coleen and Wayne Rooney took sons Kit and Cass to Disneyland Paris at the weekend
Family portrait in front of a Disney park.
The family loved making magical memories surrounded by iconic characters

Coleen, 38, loved embracing her inner child and said: “The moment we arrive, the excitement kicks in instantly. You can’t help but smile – the music, the sights, the whole atmosphere just brings that childhood magic rushing back.

“Every time we come, there’s something new to experience, whether it’s a new show, attraction, or just seeing the kids fall in love with the magic all over again. It never loses its sparkle.”

The Rooneys made the most of their holiday by spending time in both the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

They had a go on rides including Peter Pan’s Flight, Phantom Manor, and Crush’s Coaster. While The Twilight Tower of Terror was a particular hit with Kit, nine, and Cass, six. 

Coleen said: “The kids absolutely loved The Twilight Tower of Terror – it’s such a thrilling experience, and we all felt like we were stepping into another world! I have got a pair of little daredevils on my hands – they couldn’t wait to jump back on and do it all over again!”

Coleen shared a compilation clip of highlights on Instagram this morning which included both her boys sitting in the plane cockpit ahead of their flight to France.

One follower wrote: “Looks amazing.”

Another said: “Amazing memories and beautiful pics x.”

A third posted: “Looks brilliant, Coleen.”

It was a joint birthday experience for Kit and Cass; the former turned nine two weeks ago while the latter is going to be seven on Saturday.

To make the trip extra special, the family stayed inside the lavish Disneyland Hotel and enjoyed its Royal Banquet.

The premium all you can eat option costs from £64.81 per child (3 to 11 years old) each night and £115.73 per adult.

There was a special surprise for Cass who was presented with a lovingly crafted birthday cake.

Coleen shared: “Cass was completely surprised by the birthday cake – it was such a special moment!

“He broke into the biggest smile when they brought it out. It was the perfect treat and made the whole trip even more magical. Seeing him so happy and excited was just brilliant.”

And to top it all off, Coleen was delighted dad Wayne could enjoy it with them.

The footballing legend had few free weekends during his playing days and, up until recently, they were taken up by his managerial role at Plymouth Argyle.

Coleen said: “We’ve had so many special trips here over the years, but this one felt even more meaningful with Wayne joining us – it’s something he can’t always do with us.

Boy holding a Mickey Mouse plate with his initials and a Mickey Mouse birthday cake.
Cass was presented with a specially crafted birthday cake
Family riding Hyperspace Mountain at Disneyland Paris.
The family got their fix of adrenaline on the exhilirating rides
A woman and child posing with Stitch.
Coleen said the magic of the park never fails to amaze

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Piers Morgan slams Mikel Arteta’s transfer ‘failure’ amid Kai Havertz injury fear

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 07: Kai Havertz of Arsenal during a training session at NAS Sports Complex on February 07, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal are sweating on Kai Havertz’s fitness (Picture: Getty)

Piers Morgan has ripped into Mikel Arteta in light of the Arsenal manager’s transfer gamble spectacularly backfiring.

Rather than invest in their already injury-ravaged squad during the January window, the Gunners opted to keep their powder dry until the summer when they are expected to invest heavily in their attack.

A reluctance to spend last month meant the goalscoring burden was only likely to increase on the likes of Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.

Two of that quartet, however, have already suffered injuries since the window closed leaving Arsenal without a recognised striker.

Havertz is set to undergo a scan on Wednesday having aggravated a muscle injury during a warm weather training camp in Dubai, while Martinelli will miss at least a month with a hamstring strain.

Reacting to the news, celebrity Arsenal fan Morgan took the opportunity to take aim at Arteta whose thriftiness could ultimately cost his club the chance of winning the Premier League or Champions League.

‘Great,’ said Morgan with a monumental helping of sarcasm. ‘Our only striker injured.

Arsenal FC v FC Shakhtar Donetsk - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3
Leandro Trossard may have to play as a false nine (Picture: Getty)

Arteta on options to cover for Havertz

‘We are going to have to be flexible in the front line, the ones we have we have to make sure they stay fit and are contributing, can play in that position.

‘Raheem (Sterling) has played in that position, Ethan (Nwaneri) I think can play in that position, (Gabriel) Martinelli, so lets see in relation to how everybody is in the moment, the opponent.

‘But at some point I think we will have to try something different.’

‘Arteta has been so monumentally derelict in failing to sign new strikers, and now we be left with none at all.’

After a week off, the Gunners head into what is likely to prove a decisive phase of their season.

Arteta’s men are back in action against Leicester City this weekend before games against West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Chelsea prior to the international break.

Should Liverpool lose against Everton this evening in the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park, Arsenal would have the chance to cut the gap at the top to just three points when they face the Foxes at the King Power on Saturday lunchtime.

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