The Sick Puppies™: October 2010

SHOCKER: Clattenburg Again?

So Tottenham were still very much in the game at 1-0 and gearing up for one final assault in the final minutes of it, but Mark Clattenburg(again), was in the middle of the controversy that surrounded Manchester United's second goal.

We don't intend to go into the whole debate of whether it was a penalty or not, whether a free-kick was signaled for the handball or not, whether Gomes had the right to put the ball down or not, but we will surely go back five years to remember how Mark Clattenburg, the same referee, denied Tottenham their first Premiership win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Clattenburg didn't see this one either!

Assou-Ekotto slams Rooney

Rooney went on a stag do in the summer and slept with a teenage prostitute behind the back of his fiancée, who was then two months pregnant with his child.

"The tendency in football at the moment is that as long as you're not a prostitute shagger then it's OK, it's no big deal. Rooney's not very well and it's a dirty thing for his fiancée to know he had relations with a prostitute.

Ferguson set to beat Arsenal in race for £12m teenager

Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be lining up a big money move for Lille starlet Eden Hazard. The Manchester United boss is keen to bring in the Belgian youngster and appears to be leading the chase for talented goalscoring midfielder.

Lille will demand up to £12m for the 19 year old as they appear likely to lose Hazard as he looks to have outgrown his Ligue 1 club. Ferguson has been looking to bring in top young talent as he hopes to build up a new generation of quality as his old guard nears the end of their glittering careers.

Manchester United have left themselves wide open to increasing demands from their star players after awarding rebel striker Rooney with a five-year deal worth a staggering £250,000 a week.

Ferdinand, for instance, is halfway through a five-year deal, but will want to re-negotiate his terms as the pay scale at United has now been blown out of the water. The only thing that could stop him is his injury problems.

A key United player’s agent said last night: “The club have now left themselves wide open to demands from other top players after breaking the bank to secure Wayne Rooney’s signature.

“They seem to think they can drag out negotiations because no player will ever want to leave United.

“Well, they got a massive wake-up call from Rooney who virtually held the club to ransom. The player himself might not go knocking on their door, but the agents representing them certainly will.”

Mourinho: Everyone will want Man Utd job

Mourinho told the Sunday Mirror: “Football without Alex Ferguson? I’m not sure that will happen any day soon. The man lives and breathes football and Manchester United is his club.

“His hunger and desire to win the biggest trophies remains so I cannot see the day he considers walking away from football approaching.

“Like Real Madrid, the Manchester United job is special and only a special manager is good enough to take the job on if and when it does become available.

“Of course, jobs like that don’t become available every day so the interest will be vast. Like Madrid, it’s a job everyone will want.”

Maradona would like to manage in England

He told Sky Sports News: "Yes, I would like to manage in the Premier League.It has very good teams, an exceptional level and great players. The only problem is all the teams I like in England have good coaches.

"If any important job comes along I will accept it."

"I want to make it clear that I didn't offer myself for any job, nor did anyone offer me anything," he said. "But I know I will go back with the national team some day. That is my fate. I'm waiting.

"They took the national team away from me unfairly.I don't want to talk about it, it doesn't deserve any words. I am in too good a mood to talk about people who don't deserve my words. But I do miss the national team."

Andy Reid joins Sheffield United

Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid has joined npower Championship side Sheffield United on an emergency loan deal.

The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international has joined the Blades until the end of November after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Reid started last season in blistering form for the Black Cats, but a succession of fitness problems have seen him fall from the reckoning, although he was used as a substitute in the recent Barclays Premier League draws with Arsenal and Manchester United.

Pastore happy to stay put

Marcelo Simonian, the agent of Javier Pastore, has confirmed that the prodigious young Argentinean would happily discuss a contract extension with Palermo, despite being linked with a host of Europe's top clubs.

Along with Barcelona and Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and, Manchester City have been mentioned as potential suitors of the Palermo prodigy.

"Should Palermo think about renewing his contract, we would be proud to speak to them, without any issues.

"It will be an honour to do so because Javier is happy to remain a Rosanero player. We all have the same willingness to renew, and Pastore is very happy to do so, like the president [Maurizio Zamparini].

"We are all happy with the society, and the renewal is a possibility, but we will not speak about figures."

Belgian starlet wanted by Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham

Real Madrid have joined the race to prise Belgian starlet Romelu Lukaku. The 18 year old striker has been of huge interest to many European clubs although with his talent being described as the best prospect in Europe, many clubs will not be able to afford him.

So far it is rumoured to be both Tottenham and Chelsea who interested in the striker tipped to be the “next Drogba” and Lukaku, from the Ivory Coast, has already had a £17m bid turned down for him by his Belgian club Anderlecht.

The players father however, has stated that he wishes his son to remain at Anderlecht for at least a further year to progress at Anderlecht, meaning Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham will have to wait until at least then to put in some fresh bids.

With two of London’s top teams in Spurs and Chelsea, and that of Real Madrid wanting to tie the player down, one can expect a fierce bidding war to erupt for Lukaku during next summer.

Alves agent claims interest

Barcelona defender, Dani Alves' agent Joaquin Macanas wants Barca to give the player a contract he deserves, with other top sides in the frame.

He was quoted as saying in the Spanish media "Dani is one of the best defenders in the world and the big clubs desire his services."

"We only ask that Barca value him in reality for his work and development during these years."

Alves is thought to be valued by Primera Liga champions Barcelona at €30million (£26m) and Chelsea are thought to be keeping tabs on the players progress.

Ballon d'Or shortlist announced

BALLON D'OR SHORTLIST

Daniel Alves (Brazil/Barcelona)
Iker Casillas (Spain/Real Madrid)
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea)
Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon/Internazionale)
Cesc Fabregas (Spain/Arsenal)

Paul the Octopus, the cephalopod who became a global sensation after successfully predicting matches at the World Cup, has died peacefully in his sleep aged two.

Stefan Porwoll, general manager of the Oberhausen Sea Life centre in Germany - where Paul made his predictions - confirmed the news.

Porwoll said: "He died last night, a peaceful and natural death. We all loved him and we will all truly miss him."

Tottenham sign World Cup star

Bongani Khumalo will join Tottenham in January after signing a pre-contract agreement with the club.

He will make the move when the transfer window reopens, subject to a work permit being granted.

Khumalo played in all three of the Bafana-Bafana's World Cup matches this summer, and scored a goal in the 2-1 win over France.

Krasic banned for diving

After reviewing video evidence, Serie A has decided to ban Juventus winger Milos Krasic for two matches for diving to win a penalty in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Bologna.

Krasic will therefore miss Saturday's Serie A clash at Milan.

"The referee made an error because of a dive by the Juventus player," a statement said, adding Krasic must serve a two-game ban.

Messi plays down Inter talk

"Inter? Today I feel so fine at Barcelona," the 23-year-old told France Football magazine.

"I have no desire to leave. But you never know what can happen. When everything is beautiful, you don't think about it.

"But when everything becomes more difficult, who knows? Anyway, I have so much fun at Barcelona. You can write that I hope it will remain like that forever!"

"What I wish the most is for the Ballon d'Or to remain in our changing room," he added.

"I would love to get it another time in a row. It would be really great, but I believe the World Cup will have a big importance in the final decision."

Death Threat: "JOIN CITY AND YOURE DEAD"

The site of the new Nike store in Manchester's Arndale Centre has been daubed with a crude death threat aimed at Wayne Rooney.

Vandals defaced a giant billboard bearing the wantaway striker's face with the legend: 'Join City and you're dead'.

The attack follows last night's fracas outside Wayne Rooney's house in which 30 balaclava-clad protesters unveiled a banner reading 'If you join City, you're dead'.

Police were called to the striker's home at 8.30pm and 30 people, many wearing Eric Cantona masks, were moved on by a team of eight officers. The fans were also wearing balaclavas and have been dubbed the 'Men In Black', relating to a clash with West Ham fans in 1989.

The group's leader, who has not been named, told the Sun: "We don't believe what Rooney said about his reasons for leaving the club. We want answers. The club is struggling for money but it was struggling for money four months ago - so what's changed?

"He has got himself in a mess in his private life and we understand if he wants to run away abroad, but the least we deserve is that he's honest with us. If he joins City it's going to go off and he'll be seeing us again."

Rooney signs new contract

Rooney has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United in a dramatic U-turn after saying he wanted to leave Old Trafford.

"I'm signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history - which is the reason I joined the club in the first place," Rooney said.

"I'm sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they've read and seen. But my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it's up to me through my performances to win them over again."

Galatasaray have named Gheorghe Hagi, the Romanian legend who led them to UEFA Cup glory as a player, to replace Frank Rijkaard as their new coach.

"Gheorge Hagi has been appointed technical director of Galatasaray with Tugay Kerimoglu as his assistant," the club said on their website.

Rijkaard's contract was terminated on Wednesday by mutual agreement.

Rooney: I'm leaving to win trophies

Rooney has released a statement in response to Sir Alex Ferguson's comments on Tuesday, with the striker reiterating his desire to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of silverware.

The statement read: "I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad, I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract."

"I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it," he said.

"It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.

"I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?

"David (Gill, chief executive) telephoned me and said he was on his way over because he had some bad news," Ferguson told MUTV.

"His agent said he wouldn't sign his contract and wanted away. Dealing with the next step was always going to be decisive for us, how we dealt with the situation.

"I asked to have a meeting with the boy and he reiterated what his agent said, that he wanted to go.

"The one thing I said to him was 'respect this club', I don't want any nonsense from you. I don't know if he has done that. I have doubts on that, we are reading all these things about falling out with me and all that nonsense. It's disappointing because we have done everything we possibly can to help Wayne Rooney ever since he came to the club.

Alessandro Del Piero may continue to have his critics but, as Antonio Labbate writes, there is no doubting his legendary status at Juventus

If Giampiero Boniperti today has to share his club record 178 goals in Serie A with Alessandro Del Piero then he really has no one else to blame but himself. Working for his beloved Juventus, the club he served so loyally as a player, it was Boniperti who was responsible for the capture of Ale in 1993.

“It was clear from the start that Alessandro had the stuff of champions,” Boniperti recalled earlier this year. “He was young, but he had technique and class. I remember going to watch him, of how well Franco Causio and Cestmir Vycpalek spoke of him, of the blitz we had to take in order to sign him. The Padova President at the time was a Milan fan and he wanted to sell him to the Rossoneri.”

That was 17 years ago, now the eternal Del Piero stands shoulder to shoulder with Boniperti, fresh from taking another club record away from the legend who so famously ended his Juve career in 1961. Handing his boots over to one of the club’s staff after that infamous 9-1 win over Inter, he said: “Put these away, I won’t be needing them again.”

Boniperti was just shy of his 33rd birthday at the time, a fact he has reminded people this weekend after Del Piero, who is approaching 36, banged in top-flight League goal 178 against Lecce at the Olimpico on Sunday.

“I scored my first goal in Serie A with my left foot too,” noted the modern day hero, who opened his Bianconeri account with a strike in a victory against Reggiana. “That goal made it 4-0 as well which is a pleasing analogy. I have to admit that scoring my 178th Serie A goal for Juve is satisfying on a personal level.”

Yesterday’s latest milestone was further proof, if it was needed, that Del Piero is part of calcio royalty. It was also the most recent demonstration that he still has something to offer this new and changing Juventus, even though he’s not the athlete he once was.

“It has been a few years now that I don’t think about the people who say I’m finished,” the 2006 World Cup winner explained. “I just prefer to respond on the field of play and think about the people who are close to me, those who suffer and celebrate with me.”

It has been easy to criticise Del Piero in later career. I myself have done it. I won’t hide the fact that there were times in the past where I believed that the affection and bond between club and player, while charming, was a hindrance to the future of the club. After all, not even the great Pinturicchio can stop the sands of time.

The reality though, as Del Piero continues to illustrate, is that he has a role to play for La Vecchia Signora. Sure, he’s no longer the player of 1998 when he was arguably the world’s best – yes, he was that good – but in a game where ordinariness is often escalated to grandeur, the boy from Conegliano can still make a difference.

Whatever your opinion of Del Piero the player, a forward who has probably been overvalued and under appreciated in equal quantities, it is his Juventinità which allows him to compete with Boniperti in the annals of history. In Ale’s world, much like in that of Boniperti’s, the Turin giants are not simply a football club – for him, Juve are yesterday, today and, significantly, tomorrow

Yossi Benayoun Statement

Yossi Benayoun has released the following statement:

'There have been quotes in the media this week that have been incorrectly attributed to me, suggesting I am critical of Chelsea's medical staff.

'I have made no such remarks. I want to make it clear that I have full confidence in both the Chelsea and Israeli medical teams and at no time have I disputed or doubted their findings or advice. I am not blaming anyone.

'I now want to focus on recovery and rehab without further distractions so I won't be commenting further on the matter. I look forward to returning and playing for the team as soon as possible.'

Giggs blow for United

Manchester United will be without midfielder Ryan Giggs for an "extended period of time" after the Welshman suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury in Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw with

WBA.

"He'd been doing very well, but it's (hamstring) gone again and maybe we need to give him a longer recovery," manager Alex Ferguson told the club website.

Evra: Not the real United

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has said Alex Ferguson’s current side are “not Manchester United”.

"We won 1-0 in Valencia and drew 0-0 at Sunderland which were good results in terms of not conceding, but still we didn't control the games,” he said.

"Once we start doing that, I think we'll win many games in a row."

Hicks & Gillett allow Liverpool sale but pursue damages

Liverpool's co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have accepted defeat in their attempts to block the club's sale but say they will pursue £1bn damages.

They removed the restraining order preventing the club's sale in a Dallas court on Friday, paving the way for New England Sports Ventures' offer.

NESV, the board's choice as Liverpool's new owners, now look set to complete their £300m purchase of the club.

But Hicks and Gillett will "pursue every legal avenue" to claim damages.

Carragher signs new deal

Liverpool centre-back, Jamie Carragher has signed a new two-year contract extension which will keep him at Anfield until June 2013.

This would surely mean that Carragher intends to end his career at the club he joined as a schoolboy as the defender is to become 33 years old in January.

Lim withdraws offer to buy Liverpool

Singapore businessman Peter Lim has withdrawn his offer to buy Liverpool as the club's ownership row returns to the High Court.

Lim released a statement which reads: "I have tried to engage constructively with the Board and RBS based on an Offer, funded from my existing resources, providing greater value for Liverpool Football Club, more cash for players, full repayment of all bank debts and a long term personal commitment to build a better future for the Club and its supporters.

"The Board and RBS have chosen not to respond or to discuss my Offer with me. My representatives even offered to meet the Board last night. This was ignored, although NESV was invited to attend that meeting.

Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun is facing six months out with an achilles injury, the English champions have confirmed.

Benayoun, who joined the Blues from Liverpool in the summer, will undergo surgery on the injury on Monday.

He ruptured his Achilles during an Israel training session last week before returning to the club.

Marseille plan action against Nigel De Jong

Newcastle have called on the Football Association to discipline De Jong and Ben Arfa's parent club Marseille are now planning legal action.

"We will file a claim against De Jong," president Jean-Claude Dassier told French television programme Telefoot.

"It's about getting rid of this type of individual from European grounds."

Pato: I'd only leave Milan for Barca

Alexandre Pato - a reported target for both Chelsea and Manchester City - insists the only club he would leave AC Milan for is Barcelona.

"I am honoured by City's interest, but I am a Milan player and I'm happy here," Pato said.

"If one day I do leave Milan, I'd like to wear the Barcelona jersey. I think I'd only leave Milan for Barcelona."

Manchester United want Neuer

According to the Daily Mail, 24 year-old Shalke goakeeper Manuel Neuer has emerged as United's first-choice successor for veteran Edwin van der Sar.

Van der Sar celebrates his 40th birthday at the end of the month and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants the German, who played a controversial role in England's World Cup exit last summer, to replace the Dutchman.

Sick Puppies™ - Project Liverpool FC

So it seems that big news is expected to be announced soon and what Liverpool supporters have long been waiting for has arrived. A buyer has been found and it does seem like that just minor formalities stand between the completion of the new ownership.

We’re not going to expect things to get worse, or better said, can things really get even worse than they are now? So we’re just going to ask ourselves about how quickly and how much better can things get for the Merseysiders.

I’ve done my share of research about the potential new owners, and it turns out that The Boston Red Sox is owned by New England Sports Ventures which is led by John Henry and includes investment from the New York Times Company.

The current trend has been to expect the spending of huge money when new owners are in town, probably that idea developed after what happened with Chelsea and what has been going on at Manchester City but Liverpool fans should not be expecting that because Mr. Henry’s fortune does not surpass one billion dollars and he’s not exactly the mega-rich Saudi Sheikh type.

Didier Drogba could well find himself, thanks to his Chelsea shirt, taking pride of place in the British Museum very soon.

His replica no. 11 Chelsea shirt is a contender for the final place in Radio 4′s A History of the World in 100 Objects series, with all 100 pieces to be put on display in the British Museum. According to senior content commissioner, David Prudames, Drogba’s shirt would be a worthy item for inclusion

“This isn’t just any football shirt. It bears the name of Didier Drogba, an African who grew up in France and whose skills have led to global fame. Through television, radio, magazines, billboard posters, the Internet, Drogba’s face and tremendously gifted feet are known the world over. And Didier plays for Chelsea, a team based in Lodon and owned by a Russian. The shirt was made by a German-owned company, in China, and bought in London.

The shirt is a mass-produced symbol of our globalised world. It’s got 2010 in every millimeter of its man-made fibre.”

If it makes the cut, the shirt will join objects such as a Chinese bronze bell, an Inca gold llama and the Rosetta Stone.

Carroll pens new five-year deal with Newcastle

He told the club's official website "All I have ever wanted to do was to play for Newcastle United, that's been the case since I was a teenager, playing for the juniors and reserves, and it's still the same now.

"Every time I put on the black and white, even more so now that I have the number nine on my back, it means the world to me so to be able to do that for at least the next five years is brilliant."

Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias added: "We're dedicated to bringing exciting young players through our youth academy to play for the club. Andy Carroll certainly fits that bill, having graduated through the ranks here, and we're extremely pleased to have agreed with him a new long-term deal. Players like Andy are the future of this club and we have spent a long time putting together a deal that is right for both him and Newcastle United."

Premier League approve Liverpool sale

The Premier League have given the go-ahead to New England Sports Ventures's takeover of Liverpool.

The league said in a statement: "The Premier League has met with the owners and directors of New England Sports Ventures (NESV) regarding their proposed takeover of Liverpool FC and has received details, in accordance with Premier League rules, of the proposed company and ownership structure as well as the make-up of the new board.

"The Premier League is satisfied, with the information provided, that the individuals NESV intend to put in place in the event they complete their takeover of Liverpool FC meet the criteria set out in our owners' and directors' test.

"The board of the Premier League will continue working with Liverpool FC in regard to this process, however, we are aware that the formal completion of this takeover is yet to be resolved and it is therefore inappropriate for us to offer any further comment at this time."

Diarra - Play me or lose me

Real Madrid midfielder, Lassana Diarra, has warned Jose Mourinho that he wants more playing time.

He said: "I only play once every two matches. I obviously want to play more and if I am not satisfied, I will draw the conclusions. I am not at Real to watch the games. I want to play."

Manchester United are said to be interested in making a bid in January to land the France international if he decides to move on. But he will not come cheap - reports in Spain suggest Real would want around €24million in case they decide to sell.

Alex out for 3 weeks

Chelsea defender Alex has been sidelined for three weeks with a thigh injury, ruling him out of Brazil's friendlies against Iran and Ukraine.

"The central defender underwent medical assessment on a thigh muscle injury sustained in the closing moments of Sunday's win over Arsenal" the club said on its website (http://www.chelseafc.com/).

"It is estimated he will be out for three weeks."

It is also likely that the defender will miss Chelsea's Champions League match at Spartak Moscow and Premier League matches against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton.

Watch Pirlo's Incredible Goal vs Parma in HD

Ajax reveal Everton's interest in their versatile star

Martin Jol has revealed that Everton had made an approach for rumoured Arsenal target Jan Vertonghen in the summer.

The Ajax boss told NuSport. “Everton (were interested) but Jan knows he is better with us,

"We have over 4.5million fans. Jan is clever and would only leave the club if he is completely ready for a top European team.

"There were doubts by foreign clubs for a long period on whether he would be quick enough, but that's no longer an issue."

Transfer Talk: Arsenal join race to sign Angelo Ogbonna

According to report in Italy, Arsenal have raised their interest in Torino's highly-rated centre-back Angelo Ogbonna, with a January move seeming like a big possibility now.

Sky Sport 24 says the Serie A club would look to sell him for around €7.5 million if there is no agreement on a contract extension soon as the 22 year-old Nigerian is out of contract at the end of the season.

However, Ogbonna has revealed that his only concern for the moment is success with Torino.

“This is certainly not the time to be influenced by the market,” he said. “My goal to do well here and improve our place from last season.

Torres doubtful for derby clash

Liverpool will be facing Everton at Goodison Park on the 17th of Ocotber and Torres might miss the Merseyside derby after it was confirmed he had strained an adductor muscle - a similar injury to the one he sustained in the World Cup final.

"Fernando was assessed at Melwood and underwent a scan," said Dr Peter Brukner, head of sports medicine and sports science. "He will have intensive treatment over the next couple of weeks but it is too early to say if he will be fit for the game against Everton."

Liverpool have had their worst start to a campgain since the 1953/54 season, when they were relegated and the game comes as a hugely significant for Liverpool, who are currently wallowing in 18th place, just one place under Everton who occupy the 17th spot.

Italian Press: Man Utd interested in Roma star

Premier League giants Manchester United are being linked with an ambitious raid on Serie A side Roma for their midfield talisman Daniele De Rossi.

The Italian international has been strongly linked with Chelsea and Real Madrid in the past, but according to Tuttomercatoweb.com, Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a transfer package that could rise to €35 million depending on add-ons, in the January window.

However, De Rossi has regularly professed his unflinching loyalty to La Maggica and isn't expected to be troubled by the club's slow start to the season which sees them lying in the 19th position in the league.

Essien sees Man City as a threat to Chelsea's crown

Essien believes City pose a real threat to Chelsea’s bid to retain their league crown, going as far to say that at the moment they are the Blues biggest challengers.

“There is still a long way to go,” the Ghana midfielder told the Evening Standard.

“The season is very long and we have to keep playing like we did against Arsenal and keep getting points. We led for much of last season but last season is gone. We have a new season now and it will be decided at the end.

“Manchester City are our closest challengers right now. You can see they made good signings and they will be up for it. We will see what happens. I don’t know if they will have the stamina but they have the players to go out and do the job.”

Capello names England squad

Fabio Capello has named his England squad for the clash with Montenegro next week.

A slight shock in Capello's decision to include Kevin Davies while there were expected recalls for the likes of Joe Cole, Robert Green, Ferdinand, Terry and Lennon.

England Squad In Full:

Goalkeepers:

Ben Foster (Birmingham City), Robert Green (West Ham United), Joe Hart(Manchester City)

Defenders:

Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), John Terry (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa)

Midfielders:

Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Joe Cole (Liverpool), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham Hotspur), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

Forwards:

Darren Bent (Sunderland), Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur), Kevin Davies (Bolton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Ben Arfa: Injury Update

Newcastle winger, Hatem Ben Arfa was rushed to a Manchester hospital after clashing with Manchester City's De Jong and initial fears are that he has suffered a broken leg.

Jovanovic considers Liverpool exit

Liverpool new signing Milan Jovanovic is considering leaving the club just two months into the season after expressing his unhappiness about the playing time he has received at the club.

Speakin got The Sun, the forward said "I am starting to find the time dragging on, I'm a fighter but if things do not sort themselves out I will change club - even though it is too soon to think about it yet.

"I'm on form, I'm working hard and I have started eight competitive games. But I've not been in the starting XI for the last few matches - and I've not even come on as a sub."

He continued: "I have to adapt to a new system over here. I have to defend all the time. Just three or four teams in the Premier league play attractive football. The others set great store by commitment, discipline and defending.

"I miss Standard and the city of Liege."

Fabregas to miss Chelsea game

Wenger has confirmed the influential midfielder will not be available for selection for Arsenal's away trip to Stamford Bridge.

He said: "Fabregas is not fit to play in this one and nor is Almunia."

Wenger also revealed that Kieron Gibbs will be unavailable as well when he added: "We lost Gibbs as well on Tuesday night with a calf problem and he is out of the England squad as well. He is out for two to three weeks."

Pages