Bukayo Saka at the Whittington

ARSENAL players showed they can be a force for good off the pitch as well as on the pitch as they surprised sick children in hospitals with Christmas gifts.

Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior paid a special visit to the Whittington’s Ifor children’s ward, signing shirts and posing for selfies.

At the Whittington: Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior

One patient who had broken his arm while wearing an Arsenal shirt had asked his mum to delay his discharge so he could meet his heroes.

Meanwhile, women’s team players Alessia Russo, Emily Fox and Laura Wienroither had stopped in at the Highgate hospital the week before to spread the festive cheer.

Alessia Russo, Emily Fox and Laura Wienroither

At UCH, Arsenal defender Katie McCabe, who has played for the Gunners for nine years, and winger Caitlin Foord were joined by rising stars Freya Godfrey and Laila Harbert in giving out the presents. Arsenal also visited the Royal Free.