..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Kaka included in Brazil squad to face Iraq and Japan

Kaka has been recalled to the Brazil squad for its forthcoming fixtures against Iraq and Japan on Oct. 11 and 16 respectively.

The former World Player of the Year has failed to make any competitive appearances for Real Madrid this season, but did turn out for Los Blancos midweek when they hosted Milonarios, and he made the most of the opportunity as he bagged a hat trick.

His performance against the Colombian outfit seems to have been enough to convince Brazil boss Mano Menezes into including him in his squad for the country's upcoming international friendlies.

The midfielder has yet to feature under the former Corinthians coach. He was picked by the five-time world champion in November 2011 for matches against Gabon and Egypt, but was forced to pull out with injury.

Kaka, who has made over 80 appearances for his national side, will travel alongside Madrid teammate Marcelo, Valencia's Diego Alves and Barcelona duo Dani Alves and Adriano for the two games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton legend Southall criticizes Moyes for omitting Howard in League Cup

Everton's legendary former goalkeeper Neville Southall has questioned David Moyes' selection policy for the League Cup defeat to Leeds, labeling the omission of No. 1 goalkeeper Tim Howard as "pointless."

The Welshman is The Toffees' record holder for consecutive league appearances with his run of 212 games, and he said that he used to complain if the boss ever tried to rest him. With Howard now approaching that record, having started the last 189 league matches, Southall explained that being dropped for cup games can do more harm than good.

"I hated missing games," Southall told the Liverpool Echo. "I used to have a row with Colin Harvey and Howard Kendall if they ever wanted to leave me out, because you'd lose a bit of momentum. I liked to stay in the zone. When I looked at the game against Leeds on TV I was looking to see if it was Tim playing, then thinking, 'Why have they left him out?' It's pointless. Outfield players I can understand, but once a goalkeeper gets in that groove you want to leave him in there."

With Slovakian goalkeeper Jan Mucha manning the net, Everton dropped a 2-1 result to Leeds Tuesday to crash out of the League Cup in the third round. Mucha has traditionally handled cup games for the Toffees to get minutes while giving Howard a breather.

"If you're No. 1, you're No. 1 and it's up to you to play yourself out of that position. I hated missing any game, even a Simod Cup tie against Millwall with 3,000 inside Goodison, because I was looking forward to playing in a young team. I think Howard Kendall left me out because he didn't want to be in the competition anyway!"

Southall expressed his admiration for the improvements to Howard's game since joing the club from Manchester United five years ago, but he also stated that he could still work on certain aspects of his game.

"Tim's a good goalkeeper," Southall said. "His distribution could be better. Sometimes he kicks it too high and too far, which is OK when you've got (Marouane) Fellaini on the end of it, but not always, but other than that he's a very good keeper. I think he's done well and he's improved since he's been at the club."

For his part, Howard is enjoying every minute of his time at Goodison, and believes that the Toffees' excellent team spirit will ensure that the disappointment at Elland Road will not derail their challenge for a European place this season.

"We have a limited budget compared to everyone else, so competing is tough, but I believe we can earn a Champions League place if we can put together a run like we did from Christmas to the end of last season," Howard said. "That is what we will deem a success, and our consistency will be key.

"This is such a hardworking, no-nonsense team, as blue-collar as it comes. Everyone respects us. Supporters of other clubs always tell me they cheer for Everton when their team is not playing.

"I can say this hand on heart: You will not find a more committed bunch of guys in Europe. There is no arrogance like at other clubs I have belonged to. Here, there are zero egos. You simply won't find that anywhere else. We all really love playing for this team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dani Alves reveals summer Paris Saint-Germain approach

Dani Alves has revealed Paris Saint-German made an approach to sign him from Barcelona this summer.



The cash-rich French club went on a spending spree in the most recent transfer window and bolstered its squad with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva.

The right back, 29, has refused to rule out a future move to Parc des Princes but insists it would depend on no longer being wanted at Camp Nou.

“It is true that PSG has called many people and built a beautiful project,” he told RMC on Thursday.

“This summer, they spoke to my representatives and consulted to see if they could do a transfer.“But the possibility was very low because my price was very high and suddenly they turned to other players.

“As to whether I could play in Paris, you never know what the future holds, and I don't have to close doors. If one day, Barca does not want me anymore [then who knows].”

 

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Vialli: Juventus can win the Champions League

Gianluca Vialli believes Juventus has what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League this season.

The Serie A champions started their European campaign with a 2-2 draw at holders Chelsea midweek, and the former Italy international, who won the competition with the Old Lady in 1996, was impressed with their performance at Stamford Bridge.

"Juventus is on the right path to win the Champions League again. Their style of play is really well suited to the Champions League," Vialli was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

He added, "They play some very aggressive, intense and modern football. I believe they will soon be among Europe's protagonists once more.

Vialli believes Juve's performance against Chelsea proves the club's Champions League potential.

"Juventus are among the outsiders for the European title, and they gave a clear signal against Chelsea that they are a force to be reckoned with," he said.

"It will not be easy to be on top of their game in both the Serie A and the Champions League, but the Bianconeri have a good chance to become part of the European elite again."

Juventus is currently preparing for Saturday's league match against Chievo.

barca rox

 

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Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal: Koscielny saves point for Gunners after Lescott opener

Premier League champion Manchester City was held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.

The Gunners were the better side in the first half though found themselves 1-0 down at the interval after Joleon Lescott headed the home team into the lead.

City became the dominant force after the break, but conceded an 85th minute equalizer after Laurent Koscielny rifled home from just inside the box.

The result extends City and Arsenal's unbeaten start to the season, though both have now drawn three games out of their opening five Premier League fixtures.

Roberto Mancini recalled Sergio Aguero to the City starting lineup at the expense of Carlos Tevez while Koscielny made his first start of the season for the visiting side with captain Thomas Vermaelen ruled out by illness.

Though Aguero tested Vito Mannone from distance early on, it was Arsenal which enjoyed the better start to the game with Gervinho let down by a heavy touch when fed through on goal by Aaron Ramsay.

Good work by Carl Jenkinson on the right byline saw the fullback outmuscle Joleon Lescott and cut back for Lukas Podolski but the German could only sky wildly over the bar.

Gervinho lashed into the side netting as Arsenal looked to capitalize on the early domination but it was the home side which broke the deadlock, with Lescott powering home with his head after some questionable goalkeeping by Mannone from David Silva's inswinging corner.

As the first half drew to a close Mannone went close to making amends after tipping Edin Dzeko's fierce drive over the bar with City close to doubling the lead.

Mancini replaced home debutant Scott Sinclair with Jack Rodwell at the start of the second half as City went on to negate Arsenal's early momentum.

Aguero was given an abundance of time at the far post before lashing over when a ball back into the danger area may have been a more prudent option, with the Argentine also denied a penalty after a collision with Koscielny in the box.

Arsenal began to look ragged in possession in its rare forays forward as Wenger sent on Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott, while Mancini replaced Dzeko with Tevez with 20 minutes to go.

A powerful Yaya Toure drive right through the heart of the Gunners midfield ended up with Aguero forcing Mannone into a near-post save before counterpart Joe Hart parried over after Santi Cazorla tested him from just outside the box.

The diminutive Spaniard swung in the subsequent corner and the ball broke to Koscielny, with the Frenchman taking a touch before lashing an equaliser into the top corner.

Vincent Kompany went close to restoring the host's lead with five minutes remaining, improvising excellently to chest down and fire in a bicycle kick from which Aguero could only guide Mannone's save agonizingly wide of the post.

Gervinho almost snatched a late winner for the Gunners though after sidestepping well the Ivorian could only fire rashly over the bar as the spoils were shared at the Etihad.

 

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Dani Alves: I'm looking forward to seeing Messi and Neymar together at Barcelona

Dani Alves is hopeful that Santos attacker Neymar decides to join Barcelona once he makes the decision to leave his current club.

The 20-year-old is one of the most sought-after players around and is continually being linked with a move to Europe as clubs such as Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus are believed to be keeping tabs on him.

Santos is hopeful of holding on to their star player until after the 2014 World Cup, but Dani Alves hopes Neymar's future will be resolved before then.

"I hope that the Neymar-saga will end soon and that the outcome will be satisfying for everyone," Dani Alves stated to RAC1.

"I am looking forward to seeing Neymar and Messi play together. He would fit in very well. Barcelona will arguably have the two best attackers in the world with him."

The right back then went on to say the Barcelona squad feared the departure of Pep Guardiola at the end of the 2011-12 campaign would lead to a number of changes, but he's happy that Tito Vilanova has stuck to the Barca philosophy.

"Guardiola has left the team in good hands. We were a bit concerned that Tito would embrace another philosophy, but nothing has changed," Alves said.

Barcelona has won its opening five Liga games of the 2012-13 season and sits atop of the table.

 

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Arsenal 6-1 Coventry: Giroud breaks duck & Walcott grabs double in comfortable win

Oliver Giroud broke his duck for Arsenal as the Gunners cruised into the fourth round of the League Cup with a 6-1 victory over Coventry City but it was not all plain sailing for the striker as he missed a second half penalty.

The Frenchman gave the hosts the lead five minutes before halftime with a chip over the goalkeeper and other strikes, from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Andrey Arshavin, a double from Theo Walcott and one for Ignasi Miquel, settled the game, with substitute Callum Bell notching a consolation strike for the visitors.

Arsene Wenger, as expected in the League Cup, named a young lineup though some bigger names, including Giroud, Walcott and Arshavin, also started, while Oxlade-Chamberlain was in midfield with Nico Yennaris and Francis Coquelin.

Damian Martinez started in goal, while Miquel, Johan Djourou and Andre Santos were joined by Martin Angha. On the subs bench, promising youngsters Serge Gnabry and Thomas Eisfeld were accompanied by Marouane Chamakh and Emmanuel Frimpong, in his first match of the season.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors, after Frank Moussa got down the line before clipping a cross into the box. Stephen Elliot headed wide, with teammate Gary McSheffrey appearing to get in his way.

But the hosts weren't on the back foot for long, and really should have been ahead through contract rebel Walcott. The ball fell kindly for the winger inside the area, but he totally missed the ball after a wild kick at it.

Arsenal, and Arshavin in particular, began to step it up a gear - though the final ball was still lacking. Shots from the edge of the box were blocked or crosses were overhit, while Coventry were forcing Martinez into some work, though most of it was fairly routine stuff for the Gunners man.

But in the 39th minute, Arsenal did take the lead, with Giroud scoring his first for the club. The French striker was played in with a great ball from Coquelin, and after taking touch he elegantly chipped the ball over the onrushing Joe Murphy.

The Gunners almost had an acrobatic second minutes later, when Giroud flicked on Walcott's cross for Miquel to send an overhead kick just wide of Murphy's goal, but they had to be content with a one goal lead at half-time.

Five minutes into the second half, the hosts had a great chance to extend their lead from the penalty spot after Arshavin was bundled over by Jordon Clarke after the defender misplaced a header back to Murphy.

After a momentary pause following two pitch invaders from the crowd, Giroud stepped up from 12 yards, but his effort was well saved by Murphy, low to his right-hand side.

From the resulting corner, Miquel again came close, hitting the top of the bar with his header from Walcott's cross. But again, the Gunners were not to be denied, as they extended their lead in the 57th minute.

Oxlade-Chamberlain cut in from the left before playing a nice one-two with Santos, and hit a scorcher from 25 yards into the top-corner past the helpless Murphy.

And Arsenal soon put the game beyond doubt, with Arshavin being played in by Giroud before hitting a low shot past Murphy to all but seal progression into the next round with half an hour to play.

With a little over 15 minutes to go, Walcott also got on the scoresheet, cutting in from the right-wing, driving at the defence before lashing a shot into the far corner.

Coventry did get something for its travelling fans to cheer, sneaking a consolation as substitute Ball got in between Miquel and Djourou unnoticed to tap home from six yards.

But the Gunners responded immediately, with Miquel making amends for his sloppy play at the back to nod home Arshavin's cross.

Walcott completed the rout into added time, this time cutting in from the left in a similar fashion to his first before curling a shot into the far corner to the delight of the home fans still in the ground.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Steve Kean 'forced to resign' as Blackburn manager

Steve Kean has resigned as Blackburn Rovers manager after claiming the club's owners left his position at Ewood Park "untenable".

The Scot's position had become increasingly unlikely after he failed to meet club owners Venkys' target of 16 points from the team's opening seven Championship matches, falling just two short.

Tim Sherwood had been linked with replacing the 44-year-old but Goal.com revealed earlier on Friday that Tottenham expect the former Rovers midfielder to turn down a return to Ewood Park, and remain part of the coaching staff under Andre Villas-Boas.

Kean's statement read: "For reasons that I cannot discuss on legal advice, it is with deep regret, given my hard work and service for the club for a number of years, that I have been forced to resign as manager of Blackburn Rovers Football Club with immediate effect, due to my position as team manager becoming untenable.

"I wish to thank all the players and coaching staff for their great support and the majority of the fans, who now see their club heading towards an automatic promotion position back to the Premiership. I wish the club all the very best for the future."

Kean was promoted to the managerial role from first team coach after Sam Allardyce's sacking in December 2010.

However, he oversaw the Lancashire club's relegation from the Premier League last season amid constant fan protests against his management and the Indian poultry firm's ownership of the club.

Kean had held talks with Venkys after Blackburn's 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough left the side on 14 points after seven games, and had claimed earlier on Friday that the talks had been constructive.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Khedira unfazed by Essien competition

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira believes that he is still a key part of Jose Mourinho's squad despite the summer signing of Michael Essien.


The Germany international has not been a first-team regular in the Spanish capital since the arrival of Essien from Chelsea, but he still feels he has much to offer to the reigning Liga champions.

"The coach does not have a bad opinion of me, it is still clear that I remain a part of the staff of this team. I want to show that he can continue to count on me," Khedira told AS.

The 25-year-old has had to contend with stiff competition in the midfield ever since his move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2010, and he does not see this season as any different to the previous two he has been involved with at the club.

"We've always had four or five defensive midfielders in recent years," Khedira said. "This season we Xabi Alonso, Essien and me."

Mourinho's team has struggled for consistency this season, and Khedira believes the eight-point gap Barcelona currently holds at the top of the league will be difficult to claw back. The two meet in the first Clasico of the league season next weekend.

"Lifting the Supercopa against Barcelona was a good sign, but the league is a different competition and we have been left behind," Khedira said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Keith Hickey: John Terry's international retirement came when it best served John Terry

John Terry’s international career is over. After 10 years, 81 caps, four major tournaments, and three separate stints as England Captain (and you’d better believe that capitalization is intentional), John Terry, the fighter, the die-hard, the man who in May vowed never to turn his back on England, and perhaps the most English player of them all, has walked away from the role he cherished above all else: England hero.

And he has done so on his own terms, only stepping down after sacrificing his nation’s dignity in the pursuit of his personal glory.

Had he announced his international retirement at the beginning of the summer, Terry could have retained a thin shred of dignity, sacrificing his international career for the sake of the team. He could have spared new England manager Roy Hodgson the embarrassing public dilemma of choosing between Rio Ferdinand, a fading force at 33 despite a glittering career as one of the finest defenders of his generation, or England’s best central defender, the man accused of racially abusing Ferdinand’s brother.

Instead, Terry was determined to have one more shot at glory, one more crack at being the hero. In his own mind, surely, he saw himself as the inevitable subject of an iconic photograph, hoisting the Henri Delaunay trophy aloft at Euro 2012, finally basking in the universal adoration that is his due, all sins forgiven, the black marks on his reputation bleached white by the bright sun of his individual brilliance, won through the sheer force of his iron will.

Because this is how Terry wants to be remembered: as a great champion of the English game. If football is the collective sport, John Terry is the game’s least collective player, a throwback to Corinthian heroes who thought it unmanly to pass the ball when you could dribble at a man. He is a heroic figure, the physical embodiment of a last-ditch tackle through drizzly mud. John Terry is a modern day Edward I, tall and imposing on the battlefield as he puts the Scots to the sword. He is an England player in the fullest sense of the phrase, a player who elevates his considerable skill with superhuman effort and fight in his belly, a player in mold of Bryan Robson or Terry Butcher, blood spraying from his brain as he wins headers with Dunkirk spirit.

He needs to be John Terry, the loudest roaring English lion. John Terry, fighter of fights and leader of men and hero of the people. John Terry, hoister of trophies. It was this very need which caused him to dress in full kit, shin pads and all, to celebrate winning a Champions League title which had little to do with him.

In July, Westminster Magistrates' Court cleared Terry of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in last October’s meeting between Chelsea and QPR, saying his words could not be proven to have been used in the context Ferdinand claimed they were.

Terry and his legal team claimed a triumph, clear as any of Terry’s many sporting accolades, that justice had been served, and that his good name had been cleared. "The court has today acquitted John Terry of all charges,” said Dan Morrison, Terry’s lawyer. "He did not racially abuse Anton Ferdinand, and the court has accepted this."

In reality, the court found Terry’s explanation to be “under the cold light of forensic examination, unlikely. It is not the most obvious response. It is sandwiched between other undoubted insults.”

The Football Association, which requires a lesser burden of proof than a criminal court, did not clear Terry, instead slapping the Chelsea skipper with a four-match ban and a 220,000-pound fine this week.

They did not have the option to remove Terry from the national-team setup. He made that decision himself. His retirement is not an apology, not an acknowledgment of his guilt. His retirement is about his own pride. For Terry, it was not his actions, but the Football Association's investigation into them, which made his position untenable.

It’s unlikely to make any difference to Terry’s legacy. For his blue-tinted base of support, he is “JT,” a personage approaching folk heroism. He’s a local lad who rose through the club’s ranks to become the most successful captain in club history, a player who puts his body on the line every game to keep the trophies coming. The players and managers who have worked with him are universally effusive in their praise of his leadership and commitment.

For many others though, Terry is a player who works incredibly hard to further his own glorification and cares for little apart from the satisfaction of his own ego. They will point to his absence through “injury” as England crashed out of Euro 2008 qualifying only to play the full 90 minutes in a Chelsea win four days later. They will point to his controversial personal life and his history of run-ins with the law.

For them, the self-identifying England hero is the villain of the piece.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arteta: Torres has been treated unfairly

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has defended the current form of Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, saying the Spain forward has been treated unfairly ahead of their London derby.


"I don't like the way he has been treated because I have known him since we were 16, 17 and I really appreciate him," Arteta told Arsenal’s official website.

The Blues visit the Emirates sat at the top of the Premier League table, with Torres netting two goals in the league so far. The 50 million pounds man has come under fire for some bad displays, but his friend and compatriot says that the striker is under huge pressure to try and live up to that price tag.

"He has been criticized. Mentally he is a really strong guy even if someone doubts him. When you play as a striker and they pay 50 million pounds for you, you are under huge pressure," Arteta explained. "And obviously when the ball isn't going in the net, it is even more difficult because people always look at that."

He added, "He is a friend of mine. Obviously, football is like that - it doesn’t matter what you have done in the past, it is only what you have done in the last few weeks," he said.

"For a striker, sometimes it is not fair. For a midfielder or a defender it is a bit easier to adapt. For a striker it is tough."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney: Competition is great for Manchester United's squad

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney believes the host of attacking options at Old Trafford can only be a good thing for manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rooney is happy with the amount of talented forwards available at the club, as it means that he can compete to show to his worth to the manager, but it also means that he will get more rests if necessary to prepare for the big games at the end of the season.

"There is a lot of competition up front, but that is great for the squad," Rooney told Sky Sports. "The manager will rotate when he feels it is necessary. There are a lot of games throughout the season. It means we can get a rest here and there to make sure we are ready for the big games towards the end."

Rooney returned from last month's horror leg injury in the League Cup win over Newcastle at Old Trafford, and, having made a positive start, the England striker feels that his season is starting over again after only appearing in two Premier League games this season.

"It was a freak injury and whilst it wasn't too bad, I had to be careful when I came back training and in games because it could open up again," Rooney said. "There is only so much you can do in the gym. You need that training and game time to get you to your full sharpness. I am glad to be over it and back playing."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Berbatov out for Fulham with hip injury

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov will be sidelined for up to two weeks after injuring his hip in training.

The 31-year-old, who signed from Manchester United in August, has netted twice in three appearances for Fulham, but Cottagers manager Martin Jol has confirmed the Bulgarian will miss his side's clash against Manchester City on Saturday.

"Unfortunately Dimitar is injured now and can't play on Saturday so that is the disappointing thing. He will be out for the next two weeks," said Jol. "In his session he was looking good, as usual, and then his final shot he felt something and he had to go in and stop training. It appears he had – not a tear – but a sort of problem with his hip and upper thigh so we couldn't take the risk to involve him against City."

The Fulham boss also revealed the club are closing in on signing a new midfielder but ruled out a move for Nigel Reo-Coker and Owen Hargreaves, who were both released in the summer.

"It will be a central midfielder from abroad, and we will have to test him to see if he's fit and then we will talk to him. I'm confident of having the deal sorted next week," said Jol. "We're trying to do something in the next couple of days but not with Nigel Reo-Coker or Owen Hargreaves."

Jol has also been handed an injury boost after Mahamadou Diarra, who was initially ruled out for around six months, underwent surgery to fix a knee problem. The 31-year-old midfielder is now likely to be sidelined for around a month instead.

"Diarra had a minor operation, but he will still be out for the next four weeks at least," Jol said. "They removed a few little pieces of bone from his knee and that was it so that was pleasing. There was not a lot of damage. If there had been more damage with his knee with his ligaments or his cruciate then he could have been out for a lot longer but it was exactly what we thought it was. But it’s still four weeks."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reading targets Russian youngster from Real Madrid

Reading is reportedly interested in Real Madrid's young Russian winger Denis Cheryshev, who could be available on loan and is aware of the Premier League side's interest, according to Reading chairman Anton Zingarevich.

The 21-year-old, who currently plays for the Spanish champions' second side Castilla, impressed in preseason for the senior team and has caught the eye of many sides in Europe. Zingarevich has spoken out about his club's interest in the young Russian talent and says that the player knows about it.

"Our scouts watched Cheryshev for Castilla against Barcelona B. Denis played 20 minutes," Zingarevich said. "I'm not guaranteeing that he will go to Reading, but it's possible. And Denis knows about it."

The Spanish giants have said that they are not looking to sell the winger, who has had a lot of interest from Spartak Moscow and three other Russian clubs. The English side is likely, however, to request a loan deal if the player's performances continue to be impressive for the Spanish second division side.

Zingarevich also revealed that the club had two Russian players on trial, 17-year-old Sergey Kundik and Nikita Khaykin, who came through Chelsea's youth system, but that neither could acquire a work permit.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Terry can handle Arsenal fans' abuse, insists Di Matteo

Roberto Di Matteo is confident John Terry will be able to handle any abuse he receives from Arsenal fans when Chelsea travel to the Emirates Stadium.

The Blues captain has been fined 220,000 pounds and handed a four-match ban by the Football Association after being found guilty of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, and is widely believed to be contemplating an appeal. Terry's ban won't go into effect immediately, meaning he should be available for selection for the London derby.

"The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr. Terry decide not to appeal," the FA wrote in its statement Thursday. "The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr. Terry has an effective right of appeal."

Di Matteo is expecting the boo-boys to be out in force on Saturday, but is backing the 31-year-old to use his experience and cope in the hostile environment.

“He’s an experienced player, playing many games before, difficult games under difficult circumstances and environments,” the Italian told reporters. “So if selected I don’t think there will be a problem. The spirit in the camp is good, we are in good shape, and good form. We are confident so we don’t really care too much the way the outside world, the external environment sees us, we have to focus on our strength, that’s the way we operate.

“It’s a big game every time Arsenal and Chelsea play each other. These are two teams in good form. I think it’s going to be an exciting game, I’m looking forward to it.”

Di Matto also moved to dismiss speculation that the Terry could be stripped of the club captaincy, insisting, “From our point of view there are no changes.”

In other news ahead of the Arsenal clash, the club have confirmed that Daniel Sturridge’s hamstring injury, which has ruled the striker out of the previous three games, has forced him out of consideration to face the Gunners. Frank Lampard, though, has recovered from a slight ankle knock to make the squad after sitting out Chelsea’s 6-0 win over Wolves in the League Cup third round.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kaka elated with surprise return to Brazilian national team

Real Madrid forward Kaka has admitted that he was surprised to be handed a call-up to the Brazil squad after a disappointing start to the season at a domestic level.

The 30-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the reigning Liga champions this season, but he has been recalled by national coach Mano Menezes for the 2014 World Cup hosts' friendlies against Iraq and Japan in October.

The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner has not featured for Brazil in two years, but his return is a timely one with less than two years to go until the World Cup in his home country.

"I admit it was a surprise this call. I followed the disclosure of the list for TV, mainly because I'd been told that my name might be one of those listed," he explained to globoesporte.com. "When the list was published, I was extremely happy. It was like my first call-up."

The former AC Milan player has appeared in the last three World Cups, but he was worried he would be left out in the cold for the 2014 competition after failing to secure a regular place in Jose Mourinho's side, and he has attributed his lack of starts to the system the Portuguese manager plays.

"Milan and Real Madrid play with different formations. In my time at Milan the club played with a 4-3-1-2 formation and I was the player behind the two strikers," Kaka said. "At Real, I play behind three. There is a greater defensive obligation, but I try to work around the area."

The experienced playmaker also revealed that he is yet to have met youngster Neymar, but he is looking forward to coming face-to-face with the Santos forward.

"I have never met Neymar personally. It will be the first time," Kaka said. "I have been following his performances here in Europe, but I do not know the size of everything that happens to him in Brazil. I followed a little speculation of him possibly coming to Spain and that was it. It will be nice to meet him for the first time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero back for Argentina but Manchester City teammate Tevez misses out

The release of Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in October has brought mixed news for Manchester City as Sergio Aguero is recalled while Carlos Tevez misses out.

Aguero has been brought back into the national team set-up following an injury layoff that ruled him out of qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru last month. He is likely to lead the Argentina line as it prepares to face Uruguay at home on Oct. 12, followed up by a trip to Chile four days later.

For Tevez, being left out is another setback for the player who has worked his way back into Roberto Mancini’s plans at the Etihad Stadium following a six-month exile from the side last season. Sabella preferred Palmeiras striker Hernan Barcos to the 28-year-old former Manchester United and West Ham striker, who has continued his strong goal scoring finish to last season into the new campaign, netting three times in five Premier League appearances for City.

This has failed to secure him a call-up to the Argentina set-up though, while Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini also misses out, alongside Anderlecht’s Lucas Biglia and Inter forward Rodrigo Palacio.

Sabella will name his final Argentina squad for the World Cup qualifying doubleheader next week after the Argentine Tourneo Inicial.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Theo Walcott ready to do battle with Chelsea and Ashley Cole

Theo Walcott insists he is excited by the prospect of facing Ashley Cole ahead of Arsenal's Premier League crunch clash with Chelsea this weekend.

"I don't mind scoring against Chelsea," Walcott told the Daily Star. "I've done well against them - they must probably hate me, to be honest. I don't mind playing against Ashley either. I like playing against him."

Walcott rates Cole highly but believes he has the edge over his England teammate, who he got the better of in last season's contest at Stamford Bridge.

"He is one of the best left backs in the world and we have some very good battles against each other - in training as well for England," Walcott explained.

The 23-year old scored in Arsenal's 5-3 victory that day and reveals he will be looking to continue his good record against the Blues and their left-back on Saturday.

"Maybe in the past few years I have had the edge on him," Walcott said. "So I am sure when he sees all this he will be frustrated and he will probably want to kick the hell out of me, which is fine!"

He added, "He is doing fantastic at the moment and to be that great for so long is an incredible achievement and it is a great honor to play with him."

 

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Zanetti: I still have a role to play at Inter Milan

Javier Zanetti realizes that he is nearing the end of his active career, but he believes that he still has a role to play at Inter Milan.

The experienced Argentine was somewhat surprisingly benched for last weekend's Serie A encounter at home against Siena, but the defender feels it's only normal that he's not an undisputed starter at all times.

"I'm feeling physically well, and I still feel useful at Inter. I realize that sooner or later I will have to retire and that moment is not far away. I'm not too worried about it, though," Zanetti stated to reporters. "It was really tough to be benched against Siena, because unfortunately we lost and from the outside you suffer. But it was perfectly normal to be on the subs bench, and I think the coach knows fully well that I'm at his disposal.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later, and there might be many more games I play no part in. I realize this is the birth of a new Inter, and I'm here at the coach's complete service. He knows he can count on me both on and off the pitch. That's the way forward."

The 39-year-old Zanetti has made more than 800 official appearances for the Nerazzurri since joining them from Banfield in 1995.

 

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Bayern Munich not taking any risks with Gomez

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes will have to make do without the services of Mario Gomez for a few more weeks as the Bavarians remain cautious and are not taking any risks with the Germany international forward.

Gomez sustained an ankle injury early in August, and Bayern was initially hopeful that the prolific striker would be fully match fit again within six weeks. The 27-year-old only just resumed individual training action, though, and club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has stressed that Bayern won't rush the attacker's comeback.

"We have to be careful. We are taking things one step at a time in his recovery process. We want him to be able to make a risk-free comeback without having to worry about anything," Muller-Wohlfahrt told German publication Bild.

Gomez is expected to resume regular training action in two weeks' time, and could return to match action by early November.