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Ospina out for up to three months, confirms Wenger
Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina has been ruled out for up to three months after suffering a thigh injury, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
The Colombia international, who joined the Gunners from Nice earlier this summer, was left out of the Gunners squad for games against Chelsea and Hull with fitness issues, and will now face an enforced absence after scans confirmed that a previous injury suffered at the French club has flared up.
His injury means that Emiliano Martinez will play against Anderlecht in the Champions League on Wednesday – with Wojciech Sczcesny suspended – and will continue to deputise during Ospina’s lay-off.
Wenger expressed his regret at playing Ospina during the European win over Galatasaray following Sczcesny's red card and admits that him suffering the injury was a result of a lack of preparation.
"It is exactly the same (injury) . He had his first injury in Nice, it was a knee problem and I think he was a bit rushed back,” Wenger told a press conference.
"He didn't use his legs so his muscle became weaker, then he got injured during the World Cup. And after that he came to us injured, from the World Cup. It took him two months to play a game.
"I had to bring him on against Galatasaray without a warm-up, without being prepared and he had a recurrence of that injury. That means he is out for two to three months.
"Now we have to be really careful because he has a recurrence of a thigh injury that's very difficult. It's a long-term injury."
The goalkeeper’s fitness worries only deepen Arsene Wenger’s selection issues, with another six players, including Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny, also currently sidelined.
Drogba hails Hazard selflessness - but Mourinho unimpressed
Chelsea in a 6-0 rout of Maribor on Tuesday, though Jose Mourinho expressed his disappointment at the Belgian's decision.
The Ivory Coast international left the club on a high when netting the deciding penalty in the 2012 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.
And after returning in the summer, he was back in the old routine as he scored from the spot at Stamford Bridge in the Group G rout.
"To finish with a penalty and start again with another penalty is nice," Drogba told ITV.
"I was very lucky with the way we played. We scored two early goals but we didn't stop, we continued to play and that's the result."
Hazard is Chelsea's regular penalty taker, but Drogba revealed the Belgium international willingly stepped aside to let the striker end a seven-match drought.
"I wanted to score that goal so I asked him and he said yes," added Drogba. "This is the spirit we have in this team. We share goals and are happy when everyone is scoring. I think they are also happy for my confidence."
Mourinho, however, was less than impressed with Hazard and added: "I wasn't particularly pleased because I have my choices and Eden is the first choice.
"Drogba, Oscar, Fabregas and Diego Costa are there in case Eden is off the pitch."
Loic Remy opened the scoring before limping off, with replacement Drogba and John Terry then also netting in the first half.
Mitja Viler unluckily deflected a Hazard cross into his own net early on in the second period and the Belgian then bagged a late double himself, the first coming from the spot.
Chelsea in a 6-0 rout of Maribor on Tuesday, though Jose Mourinho expressed his disappointment at the Belgian's decision.
The Ivory Coast international left the club on a high when netting the deciding penalty in the 2012 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.
And after returning in the summer, he was back in the old routine as he scored from the spot at Stamford Bridge in the Group G rout.
"To finish with a penalty and start again with another penalty is nice," Drogba told ITV.
"I was very lucky with the way we played. We scored two early goals but we didn't stop, we continued to play and that's the result."
Hazard is Chelsea's regular penalty taker, but Drogba revealed the Belgium international willingly stepped aside to let the striker end a seven-match drought.
"I wanted to score that goal so I asked him and he said yes," added Drogba. "This is the spirit we have in this team. We share goals and are happy when everyone is scoring. I think they are also happy for my confidence."
Mourinho, however, was less than impressed with Hazard and added: "I wasn't particularly pleased because I have my choices and Eden is the first choice.
"Drogba, Oscar, Fabregas and Diego Costa are there in case Eden is off the pitch."
Loic Remy opened the scoring before limping off, with replacement Drogba and John Terry then also netting in the first half.
Mitja Viler unluckily deflected a Hazard cross into his own net early on in the second period and the Belgian then bagged a late double himself, the first coming from the spot.
Messi sends Madrid warning
Lionel Messi served Real Madrid with a pre-Clasico warning by claiming his relationship with Neymar was improving by the game.The South American duo combined once more to see off Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday, Messi’s mazy run and pass providing Neymar with the opening goal in a 3-1 victory at Camp Nou. Messi himself scored the second.
Next up for Barca is Saturday’s showdown with a Real Madrid side who first meet Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.Messi told TV3: “Luckily we now understand each other better and we can score for the team. That's the most important thing.”
Barca’s already formidable forward line will be bolstered further at the weekend by the introduction of Luis Suarez who could make his highly-anticipated debut after completing a four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
“We all are looking forward to seeing Suarez with us. He is a great forward and will give much to us," added Messi.Tuesday’s win over Ajax was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested with Barca not making the most of their numerous opportunities.
Coach Luis Enrique said: “We didn’t manage to see the game out and we let ouropponents have chances. I am still proud of our performance though.
“We were stronger than Ajax and deserved the victory.”
The former Barca midfielder denied he had withdrawn Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta with the weekend game in mind.“The Real Madrid game is another competition,” he said. “I made the substitutions thinking solely about tonight.
“There is no one above us in La Liga table, we are doing fine.”Defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets missed the Ajax clash through injury and Luis Enrique confirmed it was touch and go on whether he would be fit for the trip to the Bernabeu.
“I believe Busquets will be able to play but we will have to wait and see,” he said.
Lionel Messi served Real Madrid with a pre-Clasico warning by claiming his relationship with Neymar was improving by the game.The South American duo combined once more to see off Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday, Messi’s mazy run and pass providing Neymar with the opening goal in a 3-1 victory at Camp Nou. Messi himself scored the second.
Next up for Barca is Saturday’s showdown with a Real Madrid side who first meet Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.Messi told TV3: “Luckily we now understand each other better and we can score for the team. That's the most important thing.”
Barca’s already formidable forward line will be bolstered further at the weekend by the introduction of Luis Suarez who could make his highly-anticipated debut after completing a four-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
“We all are looking forward to seeing Suarez with us. He is a great forward and will give much to us," added Messi.Tuesday’s win over Ajax was more comfortable than the scoreline suggested with Barca not making the most of their numerous opportunities.
Coach Luis Enrique said: “We didn’t manage to see the game out and we let ouropponents have chances. I am still proud of our performance though.
“We were stronger than Ajax and deserved the victory.”
The former Barca midfielder denied he had withdrawn Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta with the weekend game in mind.“The Real Madrid game is another competition,” he said. “I made the substitutions thinking solely about tonight.
“There is no one above us in La Liga table, we are doing fine.”Defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets missed the Ajax clash through injury and Luis Enrique confirmed it was touch and go on whether he would be fit for the trip to the Bernabeu.
“I believe Busquets will be able to play but we will have to wait and see,” he said.
Bayern can improve on 7-1 rout, says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola deflected the glory for Bayern Munich’s 7-1 thrashing of Roma on to his players – but insisted they could still do even better.
Bayern were rampant at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday, racing into a 5-0 half-time lead before cruising through the second period to move top of Champions League Group E.
It was suggested afterwards that Guardiola had got his tactics spot on but the former Barcelona boss preferred to direct the plaudits elsewhere.
He told Sky: “There are no good tactics without good players. This club has great presidents, great people and great players. It is about getting the best out of them.
“There are always little things you can improve, however. This was no normal situation, but you always have to keep going.
"It was a great first half, the last 10 minutes were fantastic. The second half was quieter. Roma are usually a great team, but we were very aggressive."We had good possession, found the spaces and used them. The guys up front – Robert [Lewandowski], Thomas [Muller] and Arjen [Robben] - did a great job.“
Robben started the rout before Mario Gotze - who scored twice in Bayern's 6-0 demolition of Werder Bremen on Saturday - doubled the advantage.
Lewandowski's header made it 3-0 after 25 minutes before Robben's second and a contentious Muller penalty added further gloss.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had kept clean sheets in his last eight matches and appeared destined to extend that run with superb saves in the second half from Alessandro Florenzi and Gervinho before the latter scored a consolation in the 66th minute.
It proved brief respite for Roma, though, as substitutes Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri capped a wonderful evening for the Bundesliga champions, who can now reach the knockout stages by beating Roma in the return match at the Allianz Arena on November 5.
Robben said: “We expected a difficult match. Roma are having a great season and are a great team that can play nice football. So this is a big compliment to our team and to our coaches. They prepared us very well for this match and the tactics deserve compliments.“This is not the evening to talk about my performance, but to talk about the team. It was superb, especially going 5-0 up after half an hour.
“You have to enjoy evenings like this. There will be much applause, because we played so well but let's keep our feet on the ground. It is still early in this season. This may sound bad after you won 7-1, but there are always little things you can improve. It is only October and the trophies are won in May.“
Pep Guardiola deflected the glory for Bayern Munich’s 7-1 thrashing of Roma on to his players – but insisted they could still do even better.
Bayern were rampant at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday, racing into a 5-0 half-time lead before cruising through the second period to move top of Champions League Group E.
It was suggested afterwards that Guardiola had got his tactics spot on but the former Barcelona boss preferred to direct the plaudits elsewhere.
He told Sky: “There are no good tactics without good players. This club has great presidents, great people and great players. It is about getting the best out of them.
“There are always little things you can improve, however. This was no normal situation, but you always have to keep going.
"It was a great first half, the last 10 minutes were fantastic. The second half was quieter. Roma are usually a great team, but we were very aggressive."We had good possession, found the spaces and used them. The guys up front – Robert [Lewandowski], Thomas [Muller] and Arjen [Robben] - did a great job.“
Robben started the rout before Mario Gotze - who scored twice in Bayern's 6-0 demolition of Werder Bremen on Saturday - doubled the advantage.
Lewandowski's header made it 3-0 after 25 minutes before Robben's second and a contentious Muller penalty added further gloss.
Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had kept clean sheets in his last eight matches and appeared destined to extend that run with superb saves in the second half from Alessandro Florenzi and Gervinho before the latter scored a consolation in the 66th minute.
It proved brief respite for Roma, though, as substitutes Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri capped a wonderful evening for the Bundesliga champions, who can now reach the knockout stages by beating Roma in the return match at the Allianz Arena on November 5.
Robben said: “We expected a difficult match. Roma are having a great season and are a great team that can play nice football. So this is a big compliment to our team and to our coaches. They prepared us very well for this match and the tactics deserve compliments.“This is not the evening to talk about my performance, but to talk about the team. It was superb, especially going 5-0 up after half an hour.
“You have to enjoy evenings like this. There will be much applause, because we played so well but let's keep our feet on the ground. It is still early in this season. This may sound bad after you won 7-1, but there are always little things you can improve. It is only October and the trophies are won in May.“
De Rossi: Bayern humiliation like a dagger to the heart
Daniele De Rossi has apologised to the Roma fans after their 7-1 thrashing at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The German champions produced a magnificent first-half display in Rome to blow away Rudi Garcia's men, with Arjen Robben (2), Mario Gotze, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller all scoring before the break.
"We are sorry for our supporters," De Rossi told Sky Sport.
"It was like a dagger into the heart for them. The whole city was waiting for this game.
"Bayern have 90 per cent of the team who won the World Cup, but we could have done better.
"They were physically better than us."
Roma improved after the break, with Gervinho pulling a goal back and hitting the post, but further strikes from substitutes Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri completed an emphatic 7-1 scoreline.
"A result like this is no coincidence and it shows that we still have a long way to go," De Rossi added.
"But there are still many roads ahead this season and we can still achieve positive things."
Garcia took full responsibility for his side’s hammering – admitting his attacking approach had contributed to their downfall.
"The big mistake was mine, I made a tactical mistake," he said. "Our way of playing had to be more defensive. The only good news is Manchester City's draw tonight. This defeat is a demonstration that we have to work to become one of the most important clubs in Europe. We showed pride in the second half, and without [Manuel] Neuer we could have scored two goals."
Bayern's victory means they now have a maximum of nine points from three games in Group E. Roma remain second on four.
City are in third with two points after they drew 2-2 at bottom-club CSKA Moscow earlier on Tuesday.
Daniele De Rossi has apologised to the Roma fans after their 7-1 thrashing at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The German champions produced a magnificent first-half display in Rome to blow away Rudi Garcia's men, with Arjen Robben (2), Mario Gotze, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller all scoring before the break.
"We are sorry for our supporters," De Rossi told Sky Sport.
"It was like a dagger into the heart for them. The whole city was waiting for this game.
"Bayern have 90 per cent of the team who won the World Cup, but we could have done better.
"They were physically better than us."
Roma improved after the break, with Gervinho pulling a goal back and hitting the post, but further strikes from substitutes Franck Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri completed an emphatic 7-1 scoreline.
"A result like this is no coincidence and it shows that we still have a long way to go," De Rossi added.
"But there are still many roads ahead this season and we can still achieve positive things."
Garcia took full responsibility for his side’s hammering – admitting his attacking approach had contributed to their downfall.
"The big mistake was mine, I made a tactical mistake," he said. "Our way of playing had to be more defensive. The only good news is Manchester City's draw tonight. This defeat is a demonstration that we have to work to become one of the most important clubs in Europe. We showed pride in the second half, and without [Manuel] Neuer we could have scored two goals."
Bayern's victory means they now have a maximum of nine points from three games in Group E. Roma remain second on four.
City are in third with two points after they drew 2-2 at bottom-club CSKA Moscow earlier on Tuesday.
Drogba could face Manchester United as Chelsea hit by injury crisis
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that Didier Drogba could start Sunday's clash with Manchester United after Loic Remy limped out of the 6-0 win versus Maribor.Mourinho expects Remy to be out for "a couple of weeks" with the injury, while first-choice forward Diego Costa has missed the Blues' last two games with a hamstring complaint and mystery surrounds his fitness.
Remy started well in the clash with the Slovenian champions and gave the home side the lead in the 13th minute with a precise driven effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Yet he was substituted just two minutes later, having hurt his groin in the process of shooting.
Should both Remy and Costa miss the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, club legend Drogba could be given the nod to lead the line as Chelsea look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
"I was not expecting [Drogba] to play 75 minutes," Mourinho said. "He had to come on as the striker. It was too early for the kids to come on and play 75 minutes.
"He could be there [against Manchester United]. It was good for him to be on the pitch."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that Didier Drogba could start Sunday's clash with Manchester United after Loic Remy limped out of the 6-0 win versus Maribor.Mourinho expects Remy to be out for "a couple of weeks" with the injury, while first-choice forward Diego Costa has missed the Blues' last two games with a hamstring complaint and mystery surrounds his fitness.
Remy started well in the clash with the Slovenian champions and gave the home side the lead in the 13th minute with a precise driven effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Yet he was substituted just two minutes later, having hurt his groin in the process of shooting.
Should both Remy and Costa miss the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, club legend Drogba could be given the nod to lead the line as Chelsea look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
"I was not expecting [Drogba] to play 75 minutes," Mourinho said. "He had to come on as the striker. It was too early for the kids to come on and play 75 minutes.
"He could be there [against Manchester United]. It was good for him to be on the pitch."
APOEL 0-1 PSG: Cavani earns French champions crucial win
Edinson Cavani netted a late winner as Paris Saint-Germain secured a vital 1-0 win at APOEL on Tuesday night.
With talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic still on the sidelines through injury, Cavani fired home in the 87th minute to keep PSG top of Group F.
Having beaten Barcelona 3-2 in their previous Champions League encounter, PSG will have expected to run out comfortable winners in Tuesday's clash in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia.
But they were frustrated for long periods by the hosts, who produced a stern defensive performance and threatened PSG sporadically in what was a largely uninspiring game.
Yet just when the contest appeared to be meandering to a draw, Uruguay international Cavani produced a determined solo effort to seal a dramatic victory.
The result puts Laurent Blanc's men on seven points, one ahead of Barca and five ahead of third-placed Ajax.
PSG's defence, which welcomed first-choice centre-back pairing Thiago Silva and David Luiz back into the fray, was tested early as Irish striker Cillian Sheridan forced Salvatore Sirigu into a decent save at his right-hand post.
The visitors settled after that scare but were unable to craft any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities, despite enjoying an almost complete dominance of possession, with a frustrating first half encapsulated in the 26th minute as Edinson Cavani failed to make a clean connection with the ball following great work down the right from Lucas Moura.
Cavani then glanced a near-post corner into the side-netting and APOEL defender Marios Antoniades was taken off four minutes before half-time to be replaced by Champions League winner John Arne Riise.
APOEL goalkeeper Urko Pardo was forced into his first real save of the match in the opening minute of the second half as he tipped Cavani's header over the crossbar.
The hosts remained a threat going forward, though, and would have taken the lead if not for a superb piece of defending from Luiz.
Tiago Gomes' header looked destined for the goal, only for former Chelsea man Luiz to intervene with a magnificent goal-line clearance.
Luiz then came to rescue again to clear to ensure that Sheridan did not put APOEL ahead after he had lifted the ball over an onrushing Sirigu.
But for all APOEL's endeavour, they were denied what would have been a deserved point when Cavani turned brilliantly on the edge of the area from Jean-Christophe Bahebeck's knock-down before holding off two players and firing a low effort into the bottom right corner.
Edinson Cavani netted a late winner as Paris Saint-Germain secured a vital 1-0 win at APOEL on Tuesday night.
With talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic still on the sidelines through injury, Cavani fired home in the 87th minute to keep PSG top of Group F.
Having beaten Barcelona 3-2 in their previous Champions League encounter, PSG will have expected to run out comfortable winners in Tuesday's clash in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia.
But they were frustrated for long periods by the hosts, who produced a stern defensive performance and threatened PSG sporadically in what was a largely uninspiring game.
Yet just when the contest appeared to be meandering to a draw, Uruguay international Cavani produced a determined solo effort to seal a dramatic victory.
The result puts Laurent Blanc's men on seven points, one ahead of Barca and five ahead of third-placed Ajax.
PSG's defence, which welcomed first-choice centre-back pairing Thiago Silva and David Luiz back into the fray, was tested early as Irish striker Cillian Sheridan forced Salvatore Sirigu into a decent save at his right-hand post.
The visitors settled after that scare but were unable to craft any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities, despite enjoying an almost complete dominance of possession, with a frustrating first half encapsulated in the 26th minute as Edinson Cavani failed to make a clean connection with the ball following great work down the right from Lucas Moura.
Cavani then glanced a near-post corner into the side-netting and APOEL defender Marios Antoniades was taken off four minutes before half-time to be replaced by Champions League winner John Arne Riise.
APOEL goalkeeper Urko Pardo was forced into his first real save of the match in the opening minute of the second half as he tipped Cavani's header over the crossbar.
The hosts remained a threat going forward, though, and would have taken the lead if not for a superb piece of defending from Luiz.
Tiago Gomes' header looked destined for the goal, only for former Chelsea man Luiz to intervene with a magnificent goal-line clearance.
Luiz then came to rescue again to clear to ensure that Sheridan did not put APOEL ahead after he had lifted the ball over an onrushing Sirigu.
But for all APOEL's endeavour, they were denied what would have been a deserved point when Cavani turned brilliantly on the edge of the area from Jean-Christophe Bahebeck's knock-down before holding off two players and firing a low effort into the bottom right corner.
Gerrard: I may regret Real Madrid snubs
Steven Gerrard admits he may regret spurning the opportunity to join Real Madrid, with the Liverpool skipper revealing that he has been the subject of bids from the Champions League holders in the past.
The 32-year-old was close to joining Chelsea in 2005, with Jose Mourinho lodging a bid before the Reds' triumph in Europe's elite competition saw the player back out of the move.
Gerrard revealed two years ago that Mourinho went back in for him when he was manager at the Santiago Bernabeu, but says he would've ended up regretting leaving Anfield more than spurning Madrid.
"I've had a couple of offers to go to Real Madrid during my career... it may be something I regret," he told reporters ahead of the Reds' clash with Los Blancos at Anfield on Wednesday night.
"However, it would have been a bigger regret if I had left the club I love: Liverpool."
The Merseysiders head into Wednesday's clash off the back of a disappointing return to the Champions League, having lost in Basel, and have been struggling for form in the Premier League.
Gerrard acknowledges the difference in class between the two sides this season - with Madrid having scored 30 goals in eight La Liga games already - but retains the belief that Liverpool can upset the form book.
He added: "I'm not sure Real will be coming here with any fear, but we hope to surprise & shock a few people.
"We have to perform to our maximum to get any kind of result. We have huge respect for them, but it's about how we perform. We know we have to do better."
Steven Gerrard admits he may regret spurning the opportunity to join Real Madrid, with the Liverpool skipper revealing that he has been the subject of bids from the Champions League holders in the past.
The 32-year-old was close to joining Chelsea in 2005, with Jose Mourinho lodging a bid before the Reds' triumph in Europe's elite competition saw the player back out of the move.
Gerrard revealed two years ago that Mourinho went back in for him when he was manager at the Santiago Bernabeu, but says he would've ended up regretting leaving Anfield more than spurning Madrid.
"I've had a couple of offers to go to Real Madrid during my career... it may be something I regret," he told reporters ahead of the Reds' clash with Los Blancos at Anfield on Wednesday night.
"However, it would have been a bigger regret if I had left the club I love: Liverpool."
The Merseysiders head into Wednesday's clash off the back of a disappointing return to the Champions League, having lost in Basel, and have been struggling for form in the Premier League.
Gerrard acknowledges the difference in class between the two sides this season - with Madrid having scored 30 goals in eight La Liga games already - but retains the belief that Liverpool can upset the form book.
He added: "I'm not sure Real will be coming here with any fear, but we hope to surprise & shock a few people.
"We have to perform to our maximum to get any kind of result. We have huge respect for them, but it's about how we perform. We know we have to do better."
Flamini: Injuries no excuse for Arsenal form
Mathieu Flamini has warned Arsenal's mounting injury worries are no excuse for poor form from the rest of the team.
Arsene Wenger is without a host of first-team players, including Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny and required a last-minute goal to secure a 2-2 draw against Hull on Saturday.
Arsenal have won just two of their opening eight league games, with five draws stunting their progress, but Flamini feels the fit members of the squad should not be looking for easy excuses.
"We're having injuries but we don't want to hide behind any excuses," the midfielder told reporters.
"We're facing the truth – we didn't win on Saturday and we'll try to find a solution for the next games."
Arsenal travel to Anderlecht on Wednesday with more selection dilemmas, this time in goal.
First choice Wojciech Szczesny is suspended while back-up David Ospina is injured, meaning Argentine youngster Emiliano Martinez is likely to start in Belgium.
Mathieu Flamini has warned Arsenal's mounting injury worries are no excuse for poor form from the rest of the team.
Arsene Wenger is without a host of first-team players, including Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny and required a last-minute goal to secure a 2-2 draw against Hull on Saturday.
Arsenal have won just two of their opening eight league games, with five draws stunting their progress, but Flamini feels the fit members of the squad should not be looking for easy excuses.
"We're having injuries but we don't want to hide behind any excuses," the midfielder told reporters.
"We're facing the truth – we didn't win on Saturday and we'll try to find a solution for the next games."
Arsenal travel to Anderlecht on Wednesday with more selection dilemmas, this time in goal.
First choice Wojciech Szczesny is suspended while back-up David Ospina is injured, meaning Argentine youngster Emiliano Martinez is likely to start in Belgium.
Prandelli deserves time, says Altintop
Galatasaray midfielder Hamit Altinop has urged the club to be patient as coach Cesare Prandelli adapts to life in charge of the Turkish giants.
The Istanbul outfit have endured a difficult start to the season, picking up just one point from their two Champions League games, though an upturn in form has seen them move to second in the Super Lig.Hamit remains confident that the ex-Italy boss will prove himself in Turkey after replacing Roberto Mancini over the summer and says all he needs is time.
"We have to give Prandelli time," the former Real Madrid man said at a press conference."He doesn't know the Turkish league but it is going to be good for him."
Hamit cut his teeth at Schalke and Bayern Munich and is looking forward to facing his old clubs' bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday."I think of this match as a derby for me," he added.
"We beat them in 2003 but Dortmund have changed a lot. I feel fit and want to play against Dortmund."Prandelli didn't attend the press conference due to illness but his coach Marco Pin is confident that his side have learned their lesson from their drubbing at the hands of Arsenal on matchday two.
"Dortmund are a very prestigious team but we want to play our game," he said."We have learned from the Arsenal game. We are going to play the two formations [4-5-1 and 4-3-3] we played in our last two matches.
"Formation is important but more important is our own mentality."BVB and Galatasaray kick off in Istanbul at 20:45CET on Wednesday.
Galatasaray midfielder Hamit Altinop has urged the club to be patient as coach Cesare Prandelli adapts to life in charge of the Turkish giants.
The Istanbul outfit have endured a difficult start to the season, picking up just one point from their two Champions League games, though an upturn in form has seen them move to second in the Super Lig.Hamit remains confident that the ex-Italy boss will prove himself in Turkey after replacing Roberto Mancini over the summer and says all he needs is time.
"We have to give Prandelli time," the former Real Madrid man said at a press conference."He doesn't know the Turkish league but it is going to be good for him."
Hamit cut his teeth at Schalke and Bayern Munich and is looking forward to facing his old clubs' bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday."I think of this match as a derby for me," he added.
"We beat them in 2003 but Dortmund have changed a lot. I feel fit and want to play against Dortmund."Prandelli didn't attend the press conference due to illness but his coach Marco Pin is confident that his side have learned their lesson from their drubbing at the hands of Arsenal on matchday two.
"Dortmund are a very prestigious team but we want to play our game," he said."We have learned from the Arsenal game. We are going to play the two formations [4-5-1 and 4-3-3] we played in our last two matches.
"Formation is important but more important is our own mentality."BVB and Galatasaray kick off in Istanbul at 20:45CET on Wednesday.
Shaw: Manchester United yet to see the best of me
Luke Shaw has conceded he is yet to hit top form following his big-money move to Manchester United during the summer.
The 19-year-old left-back arrived at Old Trafford in a €39 million deal from Southampton, but fitness problems have limited him to just three appearances.
Shaw's stellar performances last term earned him a spot in England's World Cup squad, though he was recently dropped to the Under-21 set-up, but remains confident he will prove his potential under Louis van Gaal.
"They haven't seen the best of me yet," he told reporters. "I know I haven't been up to my full potential and I think maybe people can see that at the moment.
"I am trying hard and it's about getting used to everything. When you come to a club like this it's never easy for a young player like me.
"But I'll get myself started soon and put in good performances. I wouldn't say I've been horrendous but I know I can do much better. And I need to do better.
"I've come to Manchester United and I know what they need. I've been working hard and the performances will come."
Luke Shaw has conceded he is yet to hit top form following his big-money move to Manchester United during the summer.
The 19-year-old left-back arrived at Old Trafford in a €39 million deal from Southampton, but fitness problems have limited him to just three appearances.
Shaw's stellar performances last term earned him a spot in England's World Cup squad, though he was recently dropped to the Under-21 set-up, but remains confident he will prove his potential under Louis van Gaal.
"They haven't seen the best of me yet," he told reporters. "I know I haven't been up to my full potential and I think maybe people can see that at the moment.
"I am trying hard and it's about getting used to everything. When you come to a club like this it's never easy for a young player like me.
"But I'll get myself started soon and put in good performances. I wouldn't say I've been horrendous but I know I can do much better. And I need to do better.
"I've come to Manchester United and I know what they need. I've been working hard and the performances will come."
Herrera major doubt for Chelsea clashAnder Herrera is a major fitness doubt for Manchester United's clash against Chelsea on Sunday after aggravating a broken rib.
The midfielder was substituted at half-time in Monday night’s 2-2 draw with West Brom after feeling pain having rushing back from the injury with the aid of a specially designed corset.
Herrera was in discomfort as he was assessed by United’s medical staff on Tuesday morning and is now facing a race against time ahead of the visit of Premier League leaders Chelsea this weekend.
The 25-year-old was initially ruled out for six weeks when he suffered the injury against West Ham last month but returned three weeks early as Louis van Gaal looked to ease the impact of his Old Trafford injury crisis.
Herrera’s condition will be monitored during the week but United are more confident that Angel Di Maria will be fit for Sunday’s match.
The Argentine was also substituted in the second-half of the West Brom match after complaining of a dead leg and will undergo a scan at United’s Carrington training complex on Tuesday.
Manchester United are confident that Angel Di Maria will be fit for Sunday's clash with Chelsea despite suffering a dead leg against West Brom, Goal understands.
The Argentina international felt pain in his thigh and was withdrawn in the 76th minute, appearing to be in some discomfort and seen clutching an ice pack on the substitutes' bench.
Di Maria will undergo a scan at United's training complex on Tuesday as a precaution but the former Real Madrid star is expected to be fit for the showdown with Jose Mourinho's table-yoppers at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old has been in outstanding form since his switch from the Santiago Bernabeu and recorded his fourth assist in six games by creating Marouane Fellaini's first goal for the club in Monday night's 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns.
Despite his own scintillating performances, United already trail Chelsea by 10 points and have won just three of their first eight league matches under new manager Louis van Gaal.
After the Red Devils were rescued by a last-minute Daley Blind equaliser on Monday, his fellow Dutchman admitted that his start at the helm has been less than impressive.
Of United's points tally so far, Van Gaal told the media: "It's not too good. When we see the games, normally we are the better team. When you have 12 points out of eight games, in my opinion eight points is too few.
Get well soon for Herrera & Di Maria!
Onama karana playersla dennekSpecially Di Maria nathuwanam fight 1kak denna amaru wei Chelsea & City lata
Onama karana playersla dennek
Specially Di Maria nathuwanam fight 1kak denna amaru wei Chelsea & City lata
Juventus not as fierce under Allegri, says Lippi
Juventus are "less fierce" under Massimiliano Allegri, according to World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi, who is nonetheless impressed with the transition from Antonio Conte's reign.
Many Bianconeri supporters were unhappy with the chosen replacement for Conte, who parted ways with the Turin job after three successive Scudetti.
However, Allegri has exceeded many of the poor expectations he had been lumped with - his side top Serie A having dropped only two points in seven matches - and Lippi is impressed with how the ex-AC Milan boss has handled his new position.
"This Juventus team is less fierce,” Lippi told La Politica nel Pallone. "They play a slightly different brand of football."They prefer to have more possession and slower build-up play, and that's the difference.
"But Allegri has done well not to alter the attitude and approach of a side which has dominated Serie A for the last three years."Conte, meanwhile, has enjoyed a perfect start to life in charge of the Italy national squad, which Lippi memorably guided to World Cup glory eight years ago, and the coaching legend has high hopes for the Azzurri under him.
"I hope Conte can do the same thing that I did with the national team after all of the good stuff he did with Juve," he added. "You can see his personality in the team already."Conte is one of the few coaches whose personality comes across after just three months. He's imprinted a great determination and desire that people love to see with their national team.
"Italy are going in the right direction. When we went to Germany for World Cup 2006, we did not expect we were going to win but then we realised we could."
Juventus are "less fierce" under Massimiliano Allegri, according to World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi, who is nonetheless impressed with the transition from Antonio Conte's reign.
Many Bianconeri supporters were unhappy with the chosen replacement for Conte, who parted ways with the Turin job after three successive Scudetti.
However, Allegri has exceeded many of the poor expectations he had been lumped with - his side top Serie A having dropped only two points in seven matches - and Lippi is impressed with how the ex-AC Milan boss has handled his new position.
"This Juventus team is less fierce,” Lippi told La Politica nel Pallone. "They play a slightly different brand of football."They prefer to have more possession and slower build-up play, and that's the difference.
"But Allegri has done well not to alter the attitude and approach of a side which has dominated Serie A for the last three years."Conte, meanwhile, has enjoyed a perfect start to life in charge of the Italy national squad, which Lippi memorably guided to World Cup glory eight years ago, and the coaching legend has high hopes for the Azzurri under him.
"I hope Conte can do the same thing that I did with the national team after all of the good stuff he did with Juve," he added. "You can see his personality in the team already."Conte is one of the few coaches whose personality comes across after just three months. He's imprinted a great determination and desire that people love to see with their national team.
"Italy are going in the right direction. When we went to Germany for World Cup 2006, we did not expect we were going to win but then we realised we could."
Van Gaal: Chelsea and Manchester City on another level to United
Louis van Gaal has bemoaned his start to life as Manchester United manager, admitting there is a big gap between his side and Premier League favourites Chelsea and Manchester City.
United twice battled back from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw against West Brom on Monday as they failed to secure the three points that would have carried them up into the top four.
And with Chelsea, whom United face next in Sunday's crunch clash at Old Trafford, now 10 points ahead of Van Gaal's side at the top of the table, the Dutchman says that the Red Devils have not been good enough.
He told the press of their points tally: "It's not too good. When we see the games, normally we are the better team. When you have 12 points out of eight games, in my opinion eight points is too few.
"Now we have to play against Chelsea. It's another level, you cannot compare West Brom, with great respect to them because it's fantastic to play here, with the stadium and fans.
"But I think Chelsea is another level and Manchester City also, so we have to see if we can beat them."
On Marouane Fellaini, who came off the bench to score his first United goal in the draw with West Brom, Van Gaal added: "He was a very good substitution, I think. Until now he has always been injured and we have had to build him up.
"We could not use him the last two weeks because he was away with Belgium and that was a pity but now he has his first 45 minutes so that's good."
Louis van Gaal has bemoaned his start to life as Manchester United manager, admitting there is a big gap between his side and Premier League favourites Chelsea and Manchester City.
United twice battled back from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw against West Brom on Monday as they failed to secure the three points that would have carried them up into the top four.
And with Chelsea, whom United face next in Sunday's crunch clash at Old Trafford, now 10 points ahead of Van Gaal's side at the top of the table, the Dutchman says that the Red Devils have not been good enough.
He told the press of their points tally: "It's not too good. When we see the games, normally we are the better team. When you have 12 points out of eight games, in my opinion eight points is too few.
"Now we have to play against Chelsea. It's another level, you cannot compare West Brom, with great respect to them because it's fantastic to play here, with the stadium and fans.
"But I think Chelsea is another level and Manchester City also, so we have to see if we can beat them."
On Marouane Fellaini, who came off the bench to score his first United goal in the draw with West Brom, Van Gaal added: "He was a very good substitution, I think. Until now he has always been injured and we have had to build him up.
"We could not use him the last two weeks because he was away with Belgium and that was a pity but now he has his first 45 minutes so that's good."
Chelsea & City matches wala Attacking,Passing & Defending 100% elatama thiyenna one
nathnam ithin kanna thamai wenne raja kamak
Okkoamath hari defence gana thamai bayameh season 1ke Manchester United defence nam anthimai
nathnam ithin kanna thamai wenne raja kamakOkkoamath hari defence gana thamai baya
meh season 1ke Manchester United defence nam anthimai- Status
