Fun Enclave - Football Fever http://www.funenclave.com/ The most beautiful game in the world. Rant here about latest matches and league standings en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:55:33 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.funenclave.com/images/fun_enclave/misc/rss.jpg Fun Enclave - Football Fever http://www.funenclave.com/ Agent: Gattuso not City-bound http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/agent-gattuso-not-city-bound-33433.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:47:09 GMT Andrea D'Amico, Gennaro Gattuson’s agent, has rubbished rumours linking the AC Milan enforcer with a move to Manchester City.

Reports from England suggest that mega-money Man City are planning a raid of Milan for the Italian defensive midfielder.

Gattuso has been reported to be frustrated by Leonardo's methods, and the Sky Blues are ready to offer him a job at Eastlands with a great compensation package.

However, Gattuso's agent has refuted the reports, saying he has not heard from Man City and the 31-year-old is fine at the San Siro.

"There is no truth in the Manchester City link," D'Amico told skysports.com.

"I have had no contact with Manchester City at this moment.

"Gennaro is coming back from injury and he is okay at Milan."

La Liga | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/agent-gattuso-not-city-bound-33433.html International Friendlies Review http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/international-friendlies-review-33432.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:44:24 GMT Superb Spain bounced back from an early deficit to put 10-man Austria to the sword 5-1 in a one-sided international friendly.

Returning to the scene of their Euro 2008 final triumph over Germany, Spain suffered an early setback when Jakob Jantscher put Austria ahead, but Vicente del Bosque's all-conquering side.hit back in style to claim yet another impressive victory.

Cesc Fabregas drew the visitors level in the 10th minute before David Villa added two more goals before the break to move ever closer to Raul's national record.

By the time of Villa's second goal Austria had been reduced to 10 men after Yasin Pehlivan was shown a straight red card in the 26th minute for a late challenge on Sergi Busquets.

Del Bosque made five changes at the break but it was business as usual for the Spanish in the second half and substitutes Dani Guiza and Pablo Hernandez netted within 60 seconds of each other to make it 5-1 by the 57th minute.

There were no more goals after that, but Spain had already done more than enough to record their 41st victory - including two after extra-time - in their last 44 fixtures.

Lukas Podolski scored twice, including a 93rd-minute equaliser, as Germany's first match since the death of Robert Enke ended in a 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast.

The Cologne striker put the home side ahead at the Arena AufSchalke with an early penalty, but second-half goals from Emmanuel Eboue and Seydou Doumbia had left them staring at a defeat.

Podolski, though, had the last word on an emotional night for Joachim Low's men.

There were moving scenes before kick-off as Germany captain Michael Ballack, ruled out of the game through injury, placed Enke's number one shirt on the bench among the substitutes.

A video montage featuring footage from Enke's life was shown, accompanied by "You'll never walk alone", while both teams wore black armbands in memory of the goalkeeper, capped eight-times by Germany, who committed suicide last week after battling depression.

Ivory Coast paid their respects by wearing T-shirts which bore a portrait of Enke with the words 'in memoriam Robert Enke'.

Giorgio Chiellini's first-half header earned Italy a narrow 1-0 victory over Sweden in the Azzurri's last friendly match of the year in Cesena.

The Juventus defender headed the ball from a corner past a helpless Andreas Isaksson after 28 minutes and it proved to be the only goal of the contest.

As expected, Italy coach Marcello Lippi fielded an experimental side with no members of the triumphant 2006 World Cup side in his starting XI.

For Sweden, it was the first of newly-installed head coach Erik Hamren, who had to do without team's best-known player Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Barcelona.

Sweden enjoyed their share of possession in the first half but it was Italy who created the better chances.

A solid performance from Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar ensured their friendly meeting with Holland in Heerenveen ended in a lacklustre 0-0 draw.

Neither side were at their best in a match woefully short of attacking flair, but Holland may have edged the contest had Villar not kept out a handful of decent efforts from the hosts.

The last of those, from substitute Klaas Jan Huntelaar, came in injury time while there were also two good stops from Rafael van der Vaart.

Denmark came from behind to earn a 3-1 friendly win over the USA in Copenhagen.

The visitors took a first-half lead at the Parken Stadion through Jeff Cunningham's 27th-minute goal and held onto their advantage until the interval.

But Johan Absalonsen levelled two minutes into the second period and two goals in three minutes from Soren Rieks (52) and Martin Bernburg (55) put them in control.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov scored twice but Bulgaria were made to sweat longer than the scoreline suggests for a 4-1 win away to Malta.

Valeri Bojinov's fifth-minute strike saw the visitors to half-time with a 1-0 advantage, but Michael Mifsud levelled just a minute after the break.

It remained level until the final quarter-hour, when Berbatov struck either side of Blagoy Georgiev's goal to give the score an ultimately comfortable gloss.

Goran Pandev's goal earned FYR Macedonia a 1-1 draw away to Iran.

Andranik Teymourian (36) put the hosts ahead, but Lazio forward Pandev levelled four minutes after the interval.

Montenegro beat 10-man Belarus 1-0 in Podgorica. The visitors had Dimitry Verkhovtsov sent off in the 68th minute and were made to pay eight minutes from time when Roma striker Mirko Vucinic scored the only goal.

Maciej Rybus scored 19th minute as Poland beat Canada 1-0 at the Slaski Stadium in Silesia, while Angola and Ghana shared a goalless draw in Luanda.

Selected Match Reports

Austria 1-5 Spain

Italy 1-0 Sweden

Holland 0-0 Paraguay

South Korea 0-1 Serbia

UAE 0-1 Iraq


International Friendlies Review | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/international-friendlies-review-33432.html Ruud signals Spanish departure http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/ruud-signals-spanish-departure-33431.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:43:26 GMT Ruud Van Nistelrooy has insisted on more playing time or he will be forced to make a move in January. According to the Guardian, the prolific Real Madrid poacher has voiced out his concerns that the lack of playing time could possibly see him left out of the Dutch World Cup squad. Though he is... Ruud Van Nistelrooy has insisted on more playing time or he will be forced to make a move in January.

According to the Guardian, the prolific Real Madrid poacher has voiced out his concerns that the lack of playing time could possibly see him left out of the Dutch World Cup squad. Though he is currently on the treatment table due to a thigh injury, it is heard that the Dutchman is insistent on more playing time.

"My intention is to play at the World Cup with Holland. If I do not play, that will be impossible because I need to be able to prove that I can still play at the level I did a few months ago [before the injury]. That said, right now I do not have any club."

That said, the competition for starting berths at the Los Merengues is stiff with Raul, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain, Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo vying for places. The Dutchman has suitors already in the form of Tottenham Hotspurs who have previously made enquiries on his availability.

"I want to play," reiterated van Nistelrooy. "I still haven't spoken to [Real Madrid coach] Manuel Pellegrini because I'm still recovering [from a thigh injury] but when I am ready I will speak to him. If I do not get minutes, that will give me a reason to leave in January.

Ruud signals Spanish departure | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/ruud-signals-spanish-departure-33431.html <![CDATA[Ancelotti: I won't be next Italy boss]]> http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/ancelotti-i-wont-next-italy-boss-33430.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:37:44 GMT Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists he will not quit the Blues even if the Italy job becomes vacant at the end of the summer. Speculation continues to mount that Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi will step down after the World Cup, with Ancelotti one of the favourites to take over. However, the... Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists he will not quit the Blues even if the Italy job becomes vacant at the end of the summer.

Speculation continues to mount that Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi will step down after the World Cup, with Ancelotti one of the favourites to take over.

However, the former AC Milan coach, who only took over at Stamford Bridge in the summer, claims he will not cut short his time at Chelsea.

"The Azzurri coach next year certainly won't be me," Ancelotti told Italian daily La Repubblica. "I am Chelsea coach, let's see how this beautiful adventure will end."

Ancelotti admits, however, that he would love to one day take charge of a national team.

"The idea of being a national team coach is really tantalising for me," he added.


Ancelotti: I won't be next Italy boss | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/ancelotti-i-wont-next-italy-boss-33430.html <![CDATA[It's unlucky 13 for injury-hit Arsenal]]> http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/its-unlucky-13-injury-hit-arsenal-33429.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:37:15 GMT Mikael Silvestre is ready to ease Arsenal's defensive crisis after an ankle injury to left-back Kieran Gibbs.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will be keeping his fingers crossed no more players are struck down during Wednesday's internationals - having seen Dutch striker Robin van Persie suffer ankle ligament damage which will sideline him until probably early January.

England Under-21 international Gibbs was pencilled in for an extended first-team run following Gael Clichy's back problem, before the injury which forced him out of the European Championship qualifier in Vilnius last night.

The 20-year-old has returned to be assessed by Arsenal's own medical staff to determined the extent of the damage, which is hoped is not as bad as initially feared.

With Armand Traore, who has made just one appearance in the Carling Cup, only just returning from a groin problem, Wenger is likely to turn to the experienced former Manchester United defender to fill in on the left side of defence.

Silvestre, 32, has watched from the bench for most of the season, appearing in only the Champions League qualifier against Celtic and two Carling Cup fixtures.

The Frenchman - who won the title four times as well as the European Cup while at Old Trafford before joining the Gunners in August 2008 - is ready to take his chance when domestic action resumes this weekend.

"It is always difficult to stay on the bench, but that is part of playing at the high level," Silvestre told Arsenal TV Online.

"You have to get on with it, and that is what I have been doing.

"It is always a test, whether you will be ready when it is going to be your time and you never know when that will be."

Silvestre added: "I feel good, fully fit.

"I just do what I have been doing - training hard and support the team.

"The pressure is higher because even if you are training hard, it is not like playing games.

"But as long as you enjoy it, then the rest will come."

The Gunners went into the international break on a run of 13 matches unbeaten through all competitions, which saw them climb to second in the Barclays Premier League, five points behind Chelsea but with a game in hand ahead of their meeting at the end of the month.

Silvestre believes if the free-scoring Gunners can tighten up at the back, then they can become genuine title challengers again.

"We are scoring goals, but also can concede a little bit, we need to stop that," he said.

"I think Chelsea is going to be a big test for us. It could be a decider for the league title this season.

"We are in a good position so the players are well aware of what was missing last season and everybody is focused on giving 100% for the rest of the season.

"We are in the race, and with a little improvement, we can be a real threat this season."

As well as problems in defence, Wenger also has a shortage of fit strikers, with Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott both still sidelined, meaning Croatia marksman Eduardo is likely to lead the attack at the Stadium of Light.

Arsenal players, meanwhile, are donating a day's wages from the Chelsea match to the club's charity of the season, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children - an initiative which involved the likes of captain Cesc Fabregas dressed up as furry animals to help raise money.

It's unlucky 13 for injury-hit Arsenal | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/its-unlucky-13-injury-hit-arsenal-33429.html United and Chelsea after Rodwell http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/united-and-chelsea-after-rodwell-33428.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:35:44 GMT Chelsea and Manchester United are both on the trail of Everton's highly-rated youngster Jack Rodwell.

According to The Independent, Chelsea are the only ones to make a concrete bid for the versatile midfielder who can also play in defence. Chelsea are looking to strengthen their team after their transfer ban was suspended.

The London side are prepared to make a preliminary £14m offer.

Rodwell, 18, who has made 18 appearances this season, has impressed to such an extent that he has become the most sought after young English player.

Manchester City are also thought to be interested.

United and Chelsea after Rodwell | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/united-and-chelsea-after-rodwell-33428.html World Cup Qualifier Play-off Review http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/world-cup-qualifier-play-off-review-33427.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:26:45 GMT William Gallas' controversial extra-time winner spared France's blushes as the Republic of Ireland's dreams were dashed in a 2-1 aggregate loss.

The Arsenal defender bundled home skipper Thierry Henry's cross 13 minutes into extra-time, although the Barcelona star appeared to handle before he picked out his team-mate in the middle.

It was tough on Ireland who had levelled the aggregate scores through Robbie Keane's 32nd-minute strike and threatened to take the lead as John O'Shea and Damien Duff passed up glorious opportunities.

Slovenia reached the 2010 World Cup finals at the expense of nine-man Russia thanks to Zlatko Dedic's 44th-minute goal.

The Bochum striker toe-ended in Valter Birsa's cross a minute before half-time in what proved to be the game's only goal to spark jubilant scenes at the Gradski Vrt stadium.

Russia, who had Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Yuri Zhirkov sent off in the second half, were left to rue some poor defending and an overall disjointed performance.

The warning signs were there for Hiddink as early as the fourth minute, when a simple through-ball from Birsa inexplicably cut open the Russian defence and allowed Milivoje Novakovic a clear sight of goal, but his finish lacked confidence and was straight at keeper Igor Akinfeev.

Six minutes later there was a huge let-off for Russia when Andraz Kirm's cross from the left struck the leg of the hapless Sergei Ignashevich, who saw the ball rebound off the post with Akinfeev motionless.

As the clock ticked towards half-time, the home support erupted as Dedic got behind two Russian markers to turn in Birsa's cross and give Slovenia the lead at the break.

Hiddink made two changes at half-time, bringing on Sergei Semak and Aleksandr Kerzhakov for Pavlyuchenko and Yanbaev.

But Russia's night went from bad to worse when the Dinamo Moscow striker was shown a contentious red card by Norwegian referee Terje Hauge on 66 minutes.

Zhirkov's cross from the left was whipped in dangerously towards Kerzhakov, who got the better of his marker and slid in on goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, appearing to make a legitimate stab at the loose ball.

The challenge was interpreted as dangerous play by the referee, and closer inspection of the incident also appears to show Slovenia defender Bostjan Cesar strike Kerzhakov in the face, while goalkeeper Handanovic chipped in with a retaliatory hand aimed at the striker.

Hiddink reacted by throwing on another striker, Pavel Pogrebniak, in place of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and the Stuttgart man almost made an immediate impact with a 12-yard header from Arshavin's cross that was held by Handanovic.

There were more ugly scenes in stoppage time as Zhirkov was shown a second yellow card following an altercation with a Slovenia substitute on the by-line.

Dimitris Salpigidis scored the only goal as Greece clinched a place at the 2010 World Cup courtesy of a narrow 1-0 victory over Ukraine at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk.

Salpigidis timed his run to perfection just after the half-hour mark to clip a composed finish beyond Ukraine goalkeeper Andrei Piatov, following Celtic striker Giorgos Samaras' superb through-ball.

Alexei Mikhailichenko's side, needing to score twice to keep their qualification hopes alive, penned the Greeks in the own half for long spells in the second half but failed to breach a visiting rearguard inspired by goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas, who made a string of fine saves.

It is the first time Greece, the 2004 European Champions, have qualified for a World Cup since 1994 in the United States.

Antar Yahia's spectacular goal earned Algeria the final African qualifying spot in South Africa.

The centre-half volleyed home five minutes before half-time and a solid rearguard effort in the second half kept out Egypt for a 1-0 victory.

Emad Meteab had the best chance for Egypt but was denied by impressive Algeria keeper Fawzi Chaouchi.

Match Reports

France 1-1 Ireland

Bosnia-Herz. 0-1 Portugal

Slovenia 1-0 Russia

Ukraine 0-1 Greece


Those that have made it to South Africa 2010.

Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holland, Honduras, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Korea, Paraguay, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay

World Cup Qualifier Play-off Review | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/world-cup-qualifier-play-off-review-33427.html Roma in for Ruud awakening? http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/roma-in-for-ruud-awakening-33426.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:24:52 GMT Real Madrid hitman Ruud van Nistelrooy could be in line for a loan move to AS Roma in the January transfer window. Van Nistelrooy has declared that he is open to offers away from Real during the next transfer window to increase his chances of playing regular football and boost his chances of... Real Madrid hitman Ruud van Nistelrooy could be in line for a loan move to AS Roma in the January transfer window.

Van Nistelrooy has declared that he is open to offers away from Real during the next transfer window to increase his chances of playing regular football and boost his chances of featuring for Holland in the 2010 World Cup.

The veteran striker is currently behind Raul, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain in the Los Blancos attacking hierarchy, and a move to Italy could be on the cards.

Famous FIFA agent Mino Raiola has stated that a temporary stay with the Lupi is a strong possibility.

"Van Nistelrooy is finding little space at Real. His goal is the World Cup and he wants to persuade the Dutch coach to take him to South Africa. When big teams are involved, I never see problems with transfers," he told Radio Radio.

"If the player agrees, an operation is feasible. There would be a paid salary for only six months. However, I don't know the opinion of [coach Claudio] Ranieri and Roma."

Roma in for Ruud awakening? | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/roma-in-for-ruud-awakening-33426.html St Ledger: We were robbed! http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/st-ledger-we-were-robbed-33425.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:22:28 GMT Sean St Ledger admits the Republic of Ireland feel "robbed" after France's controversial winning goal in their World Cup qualifying play-off.

Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball before setting up his former Arsenal team-mate William Gallas to head Les Bleus into the finals in South Africa next summer.

Robbie Keane's goal had earlier cancelled out Nicolas Anelka's first-leg strike to take the tie into extra time.

St Ledger told Sky Sports News: "We got robbed, you can tell by the boys' reaction it hit his hand blatantly.

"We feel cheated - we were the better team over the two legs, every football fan in the stadium will say we were the better team tonight.

"It's cost a lot of us our dreams - as a boy I used to dream of playing in the World Cup, and now I'm not."

And the 24-year-old, on loan at Middlesbrough from Preston North End, called for video technology to be introduced to prevent such controversies in the future.

"I don't understand why we haven't got replays in this day and age," he continued.

"You can get replays within 10, 30 seconds and it would have helped today."

While St Ledger was critical of Henry for his part in the incident, he did not feel the forward's reputation in the game would suffer.

He added: "He's said it hit his hand accidentally but if you look at it you can clearly see it hits his hand twice.

"I'm not sure (his reputation) has been tarnished - it doesn't look great but he's got his team to the World Cup finals.

"If it had been one of our team we'd have probably done the same.

"The blame doesn't necessarily fall on him but he's handled it, everyone can see it around the world."

Striker Kevin Doyle felt the linesman on the far side of the pitch was the man responsible.

He told Sky Sports: "I don't know about the ref not seeing it, but the linesman had as good a view as anyone and him not seeing it is embarrassing."

But the Wolves man declined to blame Henry, saying: "It's instinctive and if you can get away with it... I'm sure he was expecting the (free-kick to be given) and I can't believe it's not been caught.

"I don't blame him, so much as it not being seen. It's difficult, we're playing in Paris in front of a big crowd and it's just difficult for us to get (what was) not even a 50-50 decision. He's caught it and pulled it back again.

"We had the better chances, we came at them and didn't let them settle.

"We played the better football over the two legs, and they got an own goal from 25 yards in the first leg (Anelka's strike which deflected off St Ledger) and that goal, which was just embarrassing."

Giovanni Trapattoni's side felt hard done by before the tie when the draw for the play-offs was seeded, leaving them facing France having come second to Les Bleus' fellow 2006 finalists Italy in Group Eight.

St Ledger added: "I don't know how you can change the rules halfway through the tournament just because some of the big teams are struggling.

"It's gone against us all the way through, none more so than tonight."

William Gallas claimed he did not know that Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up to his vital goal against the Republic of Ireland.

"It all happened so quickly. I received the ball from Thierry. It happened so quickly that I couldn't see (if the ball hit his hand)," the Gunners defender said.

France coach Raymond Domenech admitted his side had been pushed to the brink by Ireland before booking their passage to next summer's showpiece tournament.

"It was hard, laborious and indeed miraculous," he told French TV.

"I was sure we would make it though. My forecast was 1-1!"

St Ledger: We were robbed! | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/st-ledger-we-were-robbed-33425.html Real set sights on Schafer http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/real-set-sights-on-schafer-33424.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:21:30 GMT Real Madrid have been linked with another defender - and this time it's Wolfsburg's left-back Marcel Schafer.

Although Marceloa has been impressive for Real this season, he does not provide any defensive stability.

According to Marca, Real rate Schafer highly.

Schafer has also been linked with Inter Milan and is emerging as a January target for Real as their pursuit of Fiorentina defender Juan Manuel Vargas begins to fizzle out.

Real set sights on Schafer | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever Kimi http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/real-set-sights-on-schafer-33424.html Ronaldo back on the mend http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/ronaldo-back-on-the-mend-33415.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:52:20 GMT
Quote:
Cristiano Ronaldo remains on course to resume full training with his Real Madrid team-mates later this week.

The world's most expensive player has missed Madrid's last nine matches due to the injury that also ruled him out of both of Portugal's World Cup play-off matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but he is closing in on a return to action.
Having taken part in ball work yesterday and earlier today, Ronaldo underwent more tests, after which the Spanish giants tonight confirmed the 24-year-old would continue his planned recovery until Friday, when he could return to training with his team-mates.
As part of today's tests, Ronaldo was examined by Professor Niek van Dijk, the Dutch specialist who operated on the former Manchester United man's right ankle in the summer of 2008 and was also consulted by the Portuguese winger in Amsterdam a fortnight ago.
Madrid did not announce when Ronaldo might be able to play again.
On Saturday, Manuel Pellegrini's side face Racing Santander at the Bernabeu, before hosting FC Zurich in the Champions League next Wednesday and then travelling to Barcelona for 'El Clasico' the following weekend.
Ronaldo first sustained the problem during the Champions League match against Marseille on September 30 and then aggravated it while playing for Portugal against Hungary
Ronaldo back on the mend | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever C.Ronaldo http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/ronaldo-back-on-the-mend-33415.html Torres likely to miss City clash http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/torres-likely-to-miss-city-clash-33414.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:51:21 GMT Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is unlikely to be fit enough to face Manchester City at Anfield on Saturday.

The talismanic Torres has been training with club physios rather than the rest of the squad this week, raising fears that this weekend's game may be too soon for the hitman to make his comeback.
There was better injury news for the Reds though as far as Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson and, crucially, captain Steven Gerrard were concerned.
"Agger is okay," manager Rafa Benitez told his club's official website. "He had a small problem with his back but he's training. It was a very good decision from Denmark's manager [to withdraw Agger] because he is much better now. I think he'll be okay for the weekend.
"Johnson has been training. Not full sessions, but training, so hopefully he'll be okay for the weekend too.
"Gerrard is doing well. He finished a full training session today, so if he can carry on then he'll be okay as well.
"Fernando Torres is training with the physios, so I don't think he'll be available."
Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun (both hamstring) were also beginning their recoveries in positive fashion, according to Benitez.
"I was talking about four weeks [initially] but they are working hard with the physios and doing special treatments," he added.
"We have to check but maybe they'll be back earlier than expected."
Meanwhile, Benitez also sympathized with the plight of Fabio Aurelio, who had been unable to answer a call-up to the Brazil squad because of a calf injury.

"It's a pity because he was waiting for this call for a long time, then when he got the opportunity he had a problem," said the Spaniard.

"He's improving but still has a little bit of a problem with his calf. It will be difficult for him to play against Man City."




Torres likely to miss City clash | ESPNSTAR.com ]]> Football Fever C.Ronaldo http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/torres-likely-to-miss-city-clash-33414.html Chelsea on the brink of record-breaking Aguero deal http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/chelsea-brink-record-breaking-aguero-deal-33413.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:50:19 GMT ---Quote--- *Chelsea are close to agreeing a £50 million deal to make Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero the highest paid player in the Premier League.* _The highly-rated rater Argentine is reportedly demanding a salary in excess of the £170,000/week paid to Emmanuel Adebayor at...
Quote:
Chelsea are close to agreeing a £50 million deal to make Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero the highest paid player in the Premier League.

The highly-rated rater Argentine is reportedly demanding a salary in excess of the £170,000/week paid to Emmanuel Adebayor at Manchester City, and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich believes he is worth the money.

Chelsea had a bid of £31m turned down by Atletico last summer, but in light of their transfer ban being lifted, Abramovich is keen to make the best use of the January window and up their offer.

Aguero scored twice against Chelsea is the Champions League earlier this month, a performance which clearly impressed the club's manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The 21-year-old has a £53m buy-out clause in his contract, but Chelsea hope to get that price reduced.
Chelsea on the brink of record-breaking Aguero deal - Chelsea News from football.co.uk ]]> Football Fever C.Ronaldo http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/chelsea-brink-record-breaking-aguero-deal-33413.html Gunners wait on Gibbs scan http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/gunners-wait-on-gibbs-scan-33412.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:47:57 GMT Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs could be set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury while playing for the England Under-21 side on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old left-back, who has been the first-choice at the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks while Gael Clichy recovers from a stress-fracture of his back, lasted just 20 minutes of England's goalless draw with Lithuania in Vilnius.

The full-back will be assessed by Arsenal's medical staff on Wednesday before the full extent of his injury is known.

Clichy is still some way short of making a return to first-team action so any lengthy lay-off for Gibbs is likely to be a major blow to manager Arsene Wenger ahead of Premier League games against Sunderland and Chelsea on successive weekends.

The youngster has only made six appearances for the north London club this season but has already been touted for a call into Fabio Capello's full England squad for next summer's World Cup.

Arsenal are already without a host of injured stars with Robin van Persie, Johan Djourou, Denilson, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner all currently sidelined.

Gunners wait on Gibbs scan - Arsenal Football Club News from football.co.uk ]]> Football Fever C.Ronaldo http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/gunners-wait-on-gibbs-scan-33412.html <![CDATA[Fergie: It's a two-horse race]]> http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/fergie-its-a-two-horse-race-33411.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:47:02 GMT Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims the Premier League will again be a two-horse race this season. The champions slipped behind Arsenal into third place in the table following their recent 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. But despite a competitive first third of the campaign, Ferguson... Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims the Premier League will again be a two-horse race this season.

The champions slipped behind Arsenal into third place in the table following their recent 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

But despite a competitive first third of the campaign, Ferguson expects the eventual title winner to come from an elite group of two teams - presumably either United or Chelsea.

Ferguson has won 11 Premier League titles during his 23 years at the helm of the Old Trafford club.

"I had a feeling about there being a change last season," he told a League Managers' Association function.

"The top teams are losing games and more points than ever through the early part of the season.

"That gives rise to the hope that it could be a very competitive league.

"But my experience tells me that two teams break away towards the last part of the season."

However, one area which remains a mystery to Ferguson is who will claim fourth place in the table and the final Champions League qualifying spot.

"I could toss a coin and that could be my best chance of deciding who could break into the top four out of Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton and Manchester City with all the money they have," he continued.

"That's a difficult competition in itself and any one of them is capable of doing that."

Fergie: It's a two-horse race - Manchester United Football Club News from football.co.uk ]]> Football Fever C.Ronaldo http://www.funenclave.com/football-fever/fergie-its-a-two-horse-race-33411.html