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..::Football III::..
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wenger ge panditha kama nisa me match eka kaweLiverpool 5-1 Arsenal: Skrtel and Sterling strike twice as rampant Reds humiliate Wenger's men
Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle: Hazard hat-trick sends Blues top
Eden Hazard scored his hat-trick in English football as Chelsea moved to the top of the Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho's men took advantage of Arsenal's 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool and Manchester City's goalless draw with Norwich City to leapfrog their title rivals.
Hazard was the hero, the 23-year-old producing a virtuoso performance and taking his goal tally for the season to 14 with an impressive treble. The Belgian opened the scoring midway through the first half with an emphatic finish and his second quickly followed as he rounded off a superb Chelsea breakaway after 34 minutes.
That ended the game as a contest but the former Lille man applied the gloss to a fine display with a penalty just after the hour mark.
Captain John Terry was left out for the Blues, who had the better of an open start to the game, Hazard's tame effort drawing a save from Tim Krul and Frank Lampard firing a free kick just wide.
Chelsea quickly began to dominate proceedings and perhaps should have taken the lead after 25 minutes when Oscar lashed a shot narrowly off target but, just two minutes later, they did make the breakthrough as Hazard curled into the bottom corner,having collected a pass from Branislav Ivanovic.
Newcastle wasted a glaring chance just after the half-hour mark, Moussa Sissoko - captain in the absence of the injured Cheikh Tiote - denied by Cech following a superb through-ball from Davide Santon.
The visitors were punished almost immediately as Hazard finished off a marvellous counterattack by surging into the box before playing a one-two with Samuel Eto'o and coolly slotting beyond Krul.
Mourinho's men continued to look fallible in defence and were grateful to Cech once more when the Czech goalkeeper scrambled to prevent Luuk de Jong from scoring on his full Newcastle debut with a close-range header.
But the visitors' problems mounted further five minutes before the half-time interval when Mathieu Debuchy limped off to be replaced by Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
Chelsea almost extended their lead in bizarre fashion early in the second half as Krul lost his footing in an attempt to claim David Luiz's long ball forward, which bounced over the Dutchman's head before eventually rolling wide of the goal despite Oscar's determined chase to keep the ball in play.
Mike Williamson prevented Eto'o from scoring a third with a fine block before Krul kept out a stinging free kick from Lampard.
However, the third goal finally arrived on 63 minutes, Hazard converting from the spot in confident fashion after Yanga-Mbiwa had hauled down Eto'o in the area.
The Belgian then came off to a rousing standing ovation prior to a flurry of late chances, Krul denying substiute Mohamed Salah a first goal for Chelsea before Sylvain Marveaux somehow shot wide following a Newcastle counter at the other end.
Hazard patta
Chicharito frustrated by lack of game-time at Manchester United - Herrera
A lack of game-time at Manchester United is frustrating Chicharito, says Mexico coach Miguel Herrera.
The striker has made 27 appearances in all competitions for United this season but only 10 have been from the start, with the 25-year-old having only begun four Premier League games.
United manager David Moyes has preferred to select Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck up front since arriving at Old Trafford.
Herrera recently spoke to Chicharito during a tour to meet with Mexico's European-based players and told Raza Deportiva: "He seemed well but he is a bit frustrated because he doesn't play despite training well and the truth is that, when he does play, he makes a huge effort on the pitch.
"He is a bit frustrated because the current manager doesn't give him many chances but he is committed and doing what he can to become a starter.
"He likes to work and likes to show determination to achieve his goal."
Since Herrera took over as Mexico coach in October, he has only picked Chicharito once in four matches.
A lack of game-time at Manchester United is frustrating Chicharito, says Mexico coach Miguel Herrera.
The striker has made 27 appearances in all competitions for United this season but only 10 have been from the start, with the 25-year-old having only begun four Premier League games.
United manager David Moyes has preferred to select Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck up front since arriving at Old Trafford.
Herrera recently spoke to Chicharito during a tour to meet with Mexico's European-based players and told Raza Deportiva: "He seemed well but he is a bit frustrated because he doesn't play despite training well and the truth is that, when he does play, he makes a huge effort on the pitch.
"He is a bit frustrated because the current manager doesn't give him many chances but he is committed and doing what he can to become a starter.
"He likes to work and likes to show determination to achieve his goal."
Since Herrera took over as Mexico coach in October, he has only picked Chicharito once in four matches.
Boateng: Schalke can beat anyone
Kevin-Prince Boateng has claimed the confidence currently flowing through Schalke's squad has them believing they can beat any team.
The Ruhr club have won all three of their Bundesliga games since returning from the mid-season break, propelling them into pole position for fourth place - and the Champions League qualifiers.
Goals from Jefferson Farfan and Max Meyer were enough to see off Wolfsburg 2-0 at the Veltins Arena on Sunday and Boateng has hailed the renewed positivity in Schalke's ranks.
When asked the secret behind their recent success, the Ghana international replied: "It's just a lot of fun!
"The lads are all enjoying their football. Everybody wants the ball, everyone fights for the ball.
"That's what the fans want to see. We feel that we can beat any team at the moment. "I think several factors come into play here.
"After two successive wins, things are obviously a lot easier. Our concentration levels are higher and you also start enjoying your football again, which you saw against Hannover.
"I have to pay huge compliments to my team-mates - we put in a convincing display, particularly in the first half. The win (against Wolfsburg) was thoroughly deserved."
Schalke's next match is against second-placed Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 later this month.
Kevin-Prince Boateng has claimed the confidence currently flowing through Schalke's squad has them believing they can beat any team.
The Ruhr club have won all three of their Bundesliga games since returning from the mid-season break, propelling them into pole position for fourth place - and the Champions League qualifiers.
Goals from Jefferson Farfan and Max Meyer were enough to see off Wolfsburg 2-0 at the Veltins Arena on Sunday and Boateng has hailed the renewed positivity in Schalke's ranks.
When asked the secret behind their recent success, the Ghana international replied: "It's just a lot of fun!
"The lads are all enjoying their football. Everybody wants the ball, everyone fights for the ball.
"That's what the fans want to see. We feel that we can beat any team at the moment. "I think several factors come into play here.
"After two successive wins, things are obviously a lot easier. Our concentration levels are higher and you also start enjoying your football again, which you saw against Hannover.
"I have to pay huge compliments to my team-mates - we put in a convincing display, particularly in the first half. The win (against Wolfsburg) was thoroughly deserved."
Schalke's next match is against second-placed Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 later this month.
Beckham seeks MLS funding from PSG owners
David Beckham has reportedly sought help from Paris Saint-Germain's wealthy owners to fund his new Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.
The 38-year-old retired at PSG last May and revealed his desire to establish a MLS side in Miami, Florida last week, but would like help from Qatar Sports Investment (QSI), who have injected vast sums into the Ligue 1 outfit since buying a 70 per cent stake in the club in 2011.
"Yes, David Beckham has contacted us for help, but no decision has been taken yet," Le Parisien quotes a QSI source as saying.
Beckham's venture comes as part of a clause in his LA Galaxy contract he signed in 2007 that allowed him to set up a MLS club for $25 million [€18.3m].
The former England international has a good relationship with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi and is hoping the Qatari businessman will back his project with Marcelo Claure and Simon Fuller, the brains behind the success of Beckham's wife's former pop group Spice Girls.
MLS currently has 19 registered clubs and will introduce two more by 2015: New York City, which is part-owned by Manchester City and the New York Yankees, and Orlando City.
No date has been set for when Beckham's Miami franchise will join the league.
David Beckham has reportedly sought help from Paris Saint-Germain's wealthy owners to fund his new Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.
The 38-year-old retired at PSG last May and revealed his desire to establish a MLS side in Miami, Florida last week, but would like help from Qatar Sports Investment (QSI), who have injected vast sums into the Ligue 1 outfit since buying a 70 per cent stake in the club in 2011.
"Yes, David Beckham has contacted us for help, but no decision has been taken yet," Le Parisien quotes a QSI source as saying.
Beckham's venture comes as part of a clause in his LA Galaxy contract he signed in 2007 that allowed him to set up a MLS club for $25 million [€18.3m].
The former England international has a good relationship with PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi and is hoping the Qatari businessman will back his project with Marcelo Claure and Simon Fuller, the brains behind the success of Beckham's wife's former pop group Spice Girls.
MLS currently has 19 registered clubs and will introduce two more by 2015: New York City, which is part-owned by Manchester City and the New York Yankees, and Orlando City.
No date has been set for when Beckham's Miami franchise will join the league.
Vandals attack Lewandowski's Porsche
No one enjoys Monday mornings, but Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski had a particularly poor start to the week when he discovered his Porsche had been attacked by vandals.
Parked in his driveway at the front of his house, the attacker's Cayenne GTS model worth an estimated €96,000, had been stripped of all four wheels and jacked up on blocks, with the amateurish stunt causing damage to the front of the car and brake discs.
The 25-year-old has been a driving force for Jurgen Klopp's men in recent seasons, and returned to goal-scoring form on Saturday when he notched his 18th goal of the campaign in the 5-1 demolition of Werder Bremen.
However, the Poland international has committed his allegiance to Bayern Munich, whom he will join in the summer.
It has yet to be confirmed whether Dortmund fans, who are still aggrieved at the departure of young star Mario Gotze to Bayern last summer, were at the centre of the attack or if it was people outside of football who are to blame.
It is the latest incident to involve Lewandowski since he revealed he was Bavaria bound, the striker having previously been in the press following an altercation with a 17-year-old who accused him of assault but later withdrew his claim.
Bartomeu: Messi makes the difference
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says he never doubted Lionel Messi and believes the Argentine "makes the difference" for the Catalan club as they chase titles on three fronts this season.
Along with the rest of his team-mates, Messi performed poorly in last weekend's 3-2 defeat at home to Valencia, leading former Barca assistant Angel Cappa to claim the Argentine had lost his passion for the game.
However, the 26-year-old hit back in some style with two great goals in wet and windy conditions on Sunday as Barcelona beat Sevilla 4-1 at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
"We were not worried," Bartomeu said of Messi. "Everyone is entitled to their opinion, [but] we are closer to him than the people who are writing or talking.
"He makes the difference and he showed that yesterday in very difficult conditions."
However, the new president claims there are no talks planned at the moment to improve the Argentine's current contract at the Catalan club.
"Leo has a contract," he said. "He is the best player in the world and we want him to be the highest-paid player in the world. When the moment is right, we will look at it [his renewal].
"At the moment, however, we are focused on the [three] competitions, so it's not the time to talk about that."
Also asked about a possible new contract for coach Gerardo Martino, Bartomeu gave a similar response.
"He is doing a magnificent job," the president said. "Now is not the time to negotiate, but we are delighted with his work."
Barca take a 2-0 lead to Real Sociedad on Wednesday as the two sides meet in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, while the Catalans face Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League later this month and currently lead La Liga on goal difference from both Real Madrid and Atletico.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says he never doubted Lionel Messi and believes the Argentine "makes the difference" for the Catalan club as they chase titles on three fronts this season.
Along with the rest of his team-mates, Messi performed poorly in last weekend's 3-2 defeat at home to Valencia, leading former Barca assistant Angel Cappa to claim the Argentine had lost his passion for the game.
However, the 26-year-old hit back in some style with two great goals in wet and windy conditions on Sunday as Barcelona beat Sevilla 4-1 at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
"We were not worried," Bartomeu said of Messi. "Everyone is entitled to their opinion, [but] we are closer to him than the people who are writing or talking.
"He makes the difference and he showed that yesterday in very difficult conditions."
However, the new president claims there are no talks planned at the moment to improve the Argentine's current contract at the Catalan club.
"Leo has a contract," he said. "He is the best player in the world and we want him to be the highest-paid player in the world. When the moment is right, we will look at it [his renewal].
"At the moment, however, we are focused on the [three] competitions, so it's not the time to talk about that."
Also asked about a possible new contract for coach Gerardo Martino, Bartomeu gave a similar response.
"He is doing a magnificent job," the president said. "Now is not the time to negotiate, but we are delighted with his work."
Barca take a 2-0 lead to Real Sociedad on Wednesday as the two sides meet in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, while the Catalans face Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League later this month and currently lead La Liga on goal difference from both Real Madrid and Atletico.
Pardew aims to finish above Manchester United
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew hopes to crown a good season by finishing above reigning Premier League champions Manchester United.
The Magpies have been in dismal form of late, suffering consecutive 3-0 defeats to Sunderland and Chelsea and failing to score in six of their last seven league matches, but still sit inside the top eight on 37 points, four adrift of David Moyes's seventh-placed side.
The Red Devils were held to a 2-2 home draw by bottom club Fulham on Sunday, a result that boosted Pardew's spirits ahead of the visit of Tottenham to St James's Park on Wednesday.
"You are never safe from relegation, in my opinion, until you have 40 points in the bag, so we are not safe," the Newcastle boss told the press, "but there's always an incentive in football, always.
"Your professional pride is the minimum but the result at Manchester United [on Sunday] was a result that cheered me up because it gives us a chance to try to catch them and, if we try to finish above Manchester United, that would be a hell of an achievement for this club regardless of anything else.
"That's the immediate incentive for us and then we will see where it takes us."
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew hopes to crown a good season by finishing above reigning Premier League champions Manchester United.
The Magpies have been in dismal form of late, suffering consecutive 3-0 defeats to Sunderland and Chelsea and failing to score in six of their last seven league matches, but still sit inside the top eight on 37 points, four adrift of David Moyes's seventh-placed side.
The Red Devils were held to a 2-2 home draw by bottom club Fulham on Sunday, a result that boosted Pardew's spirits ahead of the visit of Tottenham to St James's Park on Wednesday.
"You are never safe from relegation, in my opinion, until you have 40 points in the bag, so we are not safe," the Newcastle boss told the press, "but there's always an incentive in football, always.
"Your professional pride is the minimum but the result at Manchester United [on Sunday] was a result that cheered me up because it gives us a chance to try to catch them and, if we try to finish above Manchester United, that would be a hell of an achievement for this club regardless of anything else.
"That's the immediate incentive for us and then we will see where it takes us."
Klopp ready for DFB-Pokal 'final'
The DFB Pokal offers Borussia Dortmund a great chance to win domestic silverware this season, according to head coach Jurgen Klopp.
Dortmund have found themselves off the pace in the Bundesliga and are currently 17 points behind leaders Bayern Munich in third place.Klopp's men face Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Pokal quarter-finals on Tuesday and he is keen to go all the way in a competition the club last won in 2012.
"We're in the DFB Pokal to win it," the 46-year-old said ahead of the trip to Frankfurt."Frankfurt played really good football in the first half of the season without getting results. They're back now though.
"We're prepared to face a really strong Frankfurt team. It's a final for us."Injuries to key players have hampered Dortmund this season, with the likes of Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Ilkay Gundogan and Jakub Blaszczykowski all spending long periods on the sidelines.
Klopp expects to have Marco Reus available, despite replacing him due to injury during the 5-1 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday, while new signing Milos Jojic is unlikely to be involved."We have a couple of injuries but we're okay," he added. "I took Marco Reus off as a precaution. I didn't see the injury impeding him – he played on and still created two goals.
"Milos Jojic trained really well on Sunday morning. He looks good and he passes well, but he still needs to get used to our style."
The DFB Pokal offers Borussia Dortmund a great chance to win domestic silverware this season, according to head coach Jurgen Klopp.
Dortmund have found themselves off the pace in the Bundesliga and are currently 17 points behind leaders Bayern Munich in third place.Klopp's men face Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Pokal quarter-finals on Tuesday and he is keen to go all the way in a competition the club last won in 2012.
"We're in the DFB Pokal to win it," the 46-year-old said ahead of the trip to Frankfurt."Frankfurt played really good football in the first half of the season without getting results. They're back now though.
"We're prepared to face a really strong Frankfurt team. It's a final for us."Injuries to key players have hampered Dortmund this season, with the likes of Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Ilkay Gundogan and Jakub Blaszczykowski all spending long periods on the sidelines.
Klopp expects to have Marco Reus available, despite replacing him due to injury during the 5-1 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday, while new signing Milos Jojic is unlikely to be involved."We have a couple of injuries but we're okay," he added. "I took Marco Reus off as a precaution. I didn't see the injury impeding him – he played on and still created two goals.
"Milos Jojic trained really well on Sunday morning. He looks good and he passes well, but he still needs to get used to our style."
Mario Gomez set for Fiorentina comeback
Mario Gomez is set to make his long-awaited comeback after Fiorentina named him in the squad to face Udinese in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg.
The attacker has been sidelined for around five months since injuring his left knee in the Cagliari clash in September, but returned to training last week and is now in contention for a starting spot on Tuesday.
Gomez was the Viola's marquee signing from Bayern Munich in the summer, joining the Florence-based outfit for a reported €20 million, but has hardly kicked a ball for Vincenzo Montella's men after the setback in the third league game of the season.
If the 28-year-old does not see action against the Zebrette, then he is likely to face Inter in Serie A on Saturday.
Fiorentina trail Udinese 2-1 from the first leg and will already be without Italy international Giuseppe Rossi after he injured his right knee in January.
Gomez has made only five first-team appearances since signing for the club last summer.
Mario Gomez is set to make his long-awaited comeback after Fiorentina named him in the squad to face Udinese in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg.
The attacker has been sidelined for around five months since injuring his left knee in the Cagliari clash in September, but returned to training last week and is now in contention for a starting spot on Tuesday.
Gomez was the Viola's marquee signing from Bayern Munich in the summer, joining the Florence-based outfit for a reported €20 million, but has hardly kicked a ball for Vincenzo Montella's men after the setback in the third league game of the season.
If the 28-year-old does not see action against the Zebrette, then he is likely to face Inter in Serie A on Saturday.
Fiorentina trail Udinese 2-1 from the first leg and will already be without Italy international Giuseppe Rossi after he injured his right knee in January.
Gomez has made only five first-team appearances since signing for the club last summer.
Simeone: Nothing is impossible
Diego Simeone has not given up hope of Atletico Madrid making the Copa del Rey final despite being 3-0 down after the first leg.
The cup holders were well beaten in an ill-tempered match against city rivals Real Madrid last week, and will need to record a big win if they are to have any hope of retaining the trophy.
Atletico have not lost at home in all competitions this season and Simeone is still clinging to the belief that his side have what it takes to pull off a sensational second-leg victory."Qualification will be difficult but nothing is impossible in life," the 43-year-old said on Monday.
"We have to focus on improving. The team fight, play, work and do not look for excuses."I always said I want an Atletico team that made it uncomfortable (for Real) and we are getting there."
Atletico have a dreadful home record against Real, who have won their last seven games at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Simeone has not given up hope of Atletico Madrid making the Copa del Rey final despite being 3-0 down after the first leg.
The cup holders were well beaten in an ill-tempered match against city rivals Real Madrid last week, and will need to record a big win if they are to have any hope of retaining the trophy.
Atletico have not lost at home in all competitions this season and Simeone is still clinging to the belief that his side have what it takes to pull off a sensational second-leg victory."Qualification will be difficult but nothing is impossible in life," the 43-year-old said on Monday.
"We have to focus on improving. The team fight, play, work and do not look for excuses."I always said I want an Atletico team that made it uncomfortable (for Real) and we are getting there."
Atletico have a dreadful home record against Real, who have won their last seven games at the Vicente Calderon.
Fulham draw was 'cruel', says Mata
Juan Mata has urged his Manchester United team-mates to stick together and not blame bad luck for side's recent slump after their "cruel" 2-2 home draw to Fulham on Sunday.
The Cottagers stunned the Red Devils as Darren Bent nodded in a 94th-minute equaliser to earn a share of the spoils, with United struggling to create clear-cut chances despite dominating possession and producing a staggering 81 crosses.
These are worrying times for United fans as the champions are nine points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool ahead of Wednesday's trip to Arsenal, but January signing Mata is confident a change in fortunes will arrive.
"I think football is being cruel with us," the midfielder wrote on his blog. "We did everything to get the three points, but in the end this is about goals and Fulham scored in the last minute.
"It seems impossible if you look at the stats, but we couldn't win and it would have been a very important victory. But when the score is so tight you may suffer at the very end, as it happened this time."It was the same a week ago against Stoke City, with two players injured and one goal after a deflection.
"It seems that luck is not on our side, but you know that I don’t like to give excuses."The £37.1million Spaniard believes the squad needs to be more ruthless in front of goal, and believes the side's desire will eventually see them come good to get through a turbulent phase in the club's history.
"We have to get better and improve our shooting accuracy, because we got many times to the box and could have scored more than two goals," he continued.
"I'm sure we will make it. There is something we can always count on: the team's passion and sacrifice."We did fight until the end, and that’s what I felt on the pitch, but once again we can’t give excuses.
"The way to carry on is to stick together, the team and the fans, learn from mistakes and be positive, and we will show the character this team has always had."
Juan Mata has urged his Manchester United team-mates to stick together and not blame bad luck for side's recent slump after their "cruel" 2-2 home draw to Fulham on Sunday.
The Cottagers stunned the Red Devils as Darren Bent nodded in a 94th-minute equaliser to earn a share of the spoils, with United struggling to create clear-cut chances despite dominating possession and producing a staggering 81 crosses.
These are worrying times for United fans as the champions are nine points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool ahead of Wednesday's trip to Arsenal, but January signing Mata is confident a change in fortunes will arrive.
"I think football is being cruel with us," the midfielder wrote on his blog. "We did everything to get the three points, but in the end this is about goals and Fulham scored in the last minute.
"It seems impossible if you look at the stats, but we couldn't win and it would have been a very important victory. But when the score is so tight you may suffer at the very end, as it happened this time."It was the same a week ago against Stoke City, with two players injured and one goal after a deflection.
"It seems that luck is not on our side, but you know that I don’t like to give excuses."The £37.1million Spaniard believes the squad needs to be more ruthless in front of goal, and believes the side's desire will eventually see them come good to get through a turbulent phase in the club's history.
"We have to get better and improve our shooting accuracy, because we got many times to the box and could have scored more than two goals," he continued.
"I'm sure we will make it. There is something we can always count on: the team's passion and sacrifice."We did fight until the end, and that’s what I felt on the pitch, but once again we can’t give excuses.
"The way to carry on is to stick together, the team and the fans, learn from mistakes and be positive, and we will show the character this team has always had."
Ribery out of Arsenal clash
Bayern Munich have confirmed that Franck Ribery will miss the first-leg of the club's last 16 Champions League clash with Arsenal after having surgery to his buttocks.
The France winger, 30, was absent from the Bavarians' 2-0 win over Nurnberg on Saturday with the injury and went under the knife on Thursday in a bid to completely eradicate the problem.
A statement on Bayern's website said: "An examination on Monday revealed that the bruise, which had pressed on a nerve, was completely removed at surgery last Thursday.
"After healing, the 30-year-old will begin exercise therapy later this week and a week later he will enter back into running training.
"This will mean he will miss the club's next few games, including the first leg of the Champions League clash with Arsenal."
The Champions League holders travel to the Emirates on February 19 before the return leg on March 12.
Bayern Munich have confirmed that Franck Ribery will miss the first-leg of the club's last 16 Champions League clash with Arsenal after having surgery to his buttocks.
The France winger, 30, was absent from the Bavarians' 2-0 win over Nurnberg on Saturday with the injury and went under the knife on Thursday in a bid to completely eradicate the problem.
A statement on Bayern's website said: "An examination on Monday revealed that the bruise, which had pressed on a nerve, was completely removed at surgery last Thursday.
"After healing, the 30-year-old will begin exercise therapy later this week and a week later he will enter back into running training.
"This will mean he will miss the club's next few games, including the first leg of the Champions League clash with Arsenal."
The Champions League holders travel to the Emirates on February 19 before the return leg on March 12.
Isco unhappiness is normal, says Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti says Isco's unhappiness is "normal" after he was an unused substitute in Real Madrid's 4-2 win over Villarreal.
The Spain midfielder began the season strongly in a 4-2-3-1 system, but the decision to change to a 4-3-3 formation has seen the 21-year-old struggle for regular starts in recent weeks.
However, Ancelotti is convinced Isco can adapt his game and become a success in either a midfield role or as a more orthodox wide man.
"Maybe now Isco is not happy," said the Italian.
"I do not like a happy player if he does not play. He has been penalised slightly (by the change in formation), but hopefully at the end of the season we can say he was an important part of the team.
"He did very well at first and played. I have absolutely no doubt about his talents or his future - but now it is normal for him to be unhappy.
"I'm not here to work for one player or another, I'm here to work for the greater good of Real Madrid."
Isco has scored six goals in 17 Liga appearances this season after joining the club from Malaga over the summer.
Carlo Ancelotti says Isco's unhappiness is "normal" after he was an unused substitute in Real Madrid's 4-2 win over Villarreal.
The Spain midfielder began the season strongly in a 4-2-3-1 system, but the decision to change to a 4-3-3 formation has seen the 21-year-old struggle for regular starts in recent weeks.
However, Ancelotti is convinced Isco can adapt his game and become a success in either a midfield role or as a more orthodox wide man.
"Maybe now Isco is not happy," said the Italian.
"I do not like a happy player if he does not play. He has been penalised slightly (by the change in formation), but hopefully at the end of the season we can say he was an important part of the team.
"He did very well at first and played. I have absolutely no doubt about his talents or his future - but now it is normal for him to be unhappy.
"I'm not here to work for one player or another, I'm here to work for the greater good of Real Madrid."
Isco has scored six goals in 17 Liga appearances this season after joining the club from Malaga over the summer.
Fellaini suffers hamstring blow on road to recovery
Marouane Fellaini is struggling to prove his fitness to David Moyes ahead of Manchester United's clash with Arsenal after suffering another setback on his road to recovery, Goal understands.
The Belgian - who has not played since October because of wrist, back and groin problems - suffered a hamstring strain in training last week which has put his participation against the Gunners in doubt.
Fellaini had returned to first-team training along with Robin van Persie but while the Dutchman is now back on the pitch, United officials fear Fellaini may be out for another fortnight.
Fitness issues and poor performances have dogged the 26-year-old since his £27.5 million move from Everton on the final day of the summer transfer window.
Another concern for Moyes is the fitness of Jonny Evans, who is still struggling with a calf injury he picked up in United's 2-1 defeat to Stoke City earlier this month.
In his absence, Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling put in a less than convincing performance as the Red Devils slumped to a 2-2 draw at home to Fulham on Sunday.
Wednesday's clash with Arsenal promises to be a crucial clash for both sides after Arsene Wenger's men were humiliated 5-1 by Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
But while the Gunners remain in the title race, United lie seventh, nine points behind Brendan Rodgers' men in fourth as they fight to ensure their participation in the Champions League next season.
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