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Toughma draw eka set wenne Arsenal ekata..Either Barcelona Madrid or Atl.Madrid
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Toughma draw eka set wenne Arsenal ekata..Either Barcelona Madrid or Atl.Madrid
Tottenham 4-1 Anzhi: Soldado hat-trick fires Spurs to easy win
Roberto Soldado notched his first hat-trick for Tottenham as Andre Villas-Boas' men routed Anzhi Makhachkala to finish the Europa League group stage with six victories from six matches.
The Spaniard opened the scoring on seven minutes when he glanced Gylfi Sigurdsson's free-kick past Evgeni Pomazan, and doubled their advantage eight minutes later after good work from Erik Lamela.
Ewerton pulled one back for Anzhi just before the break but Tottenham shone again in the second half, with Lewis Holtby scoring brilliantly before Soldado claimed the match ball with a calm penalty.
It was some way for the Spaniard to mark his return to the Spurs side, while Anzhi opted to name just five of a permitted seven substitutes, possibly as a result of the cost-cutting measures that have seen the likes of Samuel Eto'o and Willian depart.
And, within 16 minutes, Soldado had fully justified his recall with a quickfire double.
The Spain international striker first applied a glancing header to Gylfi Sigurdsson's seventh-minute free-kick from a narrow angle that was awarded after Abdul Razak had upended Andros Townsend on the edge of the penalty area.
Tottenham doubled their lead shortly afterwards thanks to excellent link-up between Lamela and Soldado, before the striker timed his run to perfection to drag a shot across Evgeni Pomazan.
Townsend spurned a decent opportunity to add a third five minutes before half-time. Sigurdsson's raking pass gave the England international a clear sight of goal, but he was left to rue a heavy touch as he snatched at his chipped shot that drifted wide.It initially proved a costly miss as Anzhi went down the other end and pulled one back.
Brad Friedel turned Jucilei's header over the crossbar and Ewerton stuck out a boot to prod home from close range after the resulting corner bounced along the six-yard box. A moment of magic from Holtby, though, restored Tottenham's two-goal lead 10 minutes into the second half.
Townsend worked his way inside from the Tottenham right and dinked a delicate chip over two defenders to allow Holtby to tee the ball up with the inside of his left foot before volleying it with the outside of the same boot past the goalkeeper.
Soldado was then handed the perfect opportunity to walk away with the match ball from the penalty spot after substitute Ryan Fredericks was adjudged to have been clipped by Jucilei.
In truth, it was a harsh decision, but that mattered little as Soldado duly dispatched the spot-kick and Tottenham head into the round of 32 as the team to beat.
Roberto Soldado notched his first hat-trick for Tottenham as Andre Villas-Boas' men routed Anzhi Makhachkala to finish the Europa League group stage with six victories from six matches.
The Spaniard opened the scoring on seven minutes when he glanced Gylfi Sigurdsson's free-kick past Evgeni Pomazan, and doubled their advantage eight minutes later after good work from Erik Lamela.
Ewerton pulled one back for Anzhi just before the break but Tottenham shone again in the second half, with Lewis Holtby scoring brilliantly before Soldado claimed the match ball with a calm penalty.
It was some way for the Spaniard to mark his return to the Spurs side, while Anzhi opted to name just five of a permitted seven substitutes, possibly as a result of the cost-cutting measures that have seen the likes of Samuel Eto'o and Willian depart.
And, within 16 minutes, Soldado had fully justified his recall with a quickfire double.
The Spain international striker first applied a glancing header to Gylfi Sigurdsson's seventh-minute free-kick from a narrow angle that was awarded after Abdul Razak had upended Andros Townsend on the edge of the penalty area.
Tottenham doubled their lead shortly afterwards thanks to excellent link-up between Lamela and Soldado, before the striker timed his run to perfection to drag a shot across Evgeni Pomazan.
Townsend spurned a decent opportunity to add a third five minutes before half-time. Sigurdsson's raking pass gave the England international a clear sight of goal, but he was left to rue a heavy touch as he snatched at his chipped shot that drifted wide.It initially proved a costly miss as Anzhi went down the other end and pulled one back.
Brad Friedel turned Jucilei's header over the crossbar and Ewerton stuck out a boot to prod home from close range after the resulting corner bounced along the six-yard box. A moment of magic from Holtby, though, restored Tottenham's two-goal lead 10 minutes into the second half.
Townsend worked his way inside from the Tottenham right and dinked a delicate chip over two defenders to allow Holtby to tee the ball up with the inside of his left foot before volleying it with the outside of the same boot past the goalkeeper.
Soldado was then handed the perfect opportunity to walk away with the match ball from the penalty spot after substitute Ryan Fredericks was adjudged to have been clipped by Jucilei.
In truth, it was a harsh decision, but that mattered little as Soldado duly dispatched the spot-kick and Tottenham head into the round of 32 as the team to beat.
St Gallen 1-0 Swansea City: Visitors through despite defeat
Swansea City ensured their place in the last 32 of the Europa League despite tasting defeat away to St Gallen on Thursday.Michael Laudrup's men went into their final Group A encounter knowing that a draw would be enough to see them progress to the knockout stages.
Even with a slip-up, only a three-goal swing and a victory for Kuban Krasnodar over Valencia would have been enough to see the Welsh club eliminated from the competition.
St Gallen - playing for nothing more than pride - struck the winner 10 minutes from time, as Marco Mathys found the net from close range.
Swansea could not respond, but the result was made immaterial by Valencia's 1-1 draw with Kuban in Spain.
Wilfried Bony returned from his hamstring injury to solve Laudrup’s striker problems, the Ivorian coming in as part of six changes made by the visitors from their 1-1 draw against Hull City, with Wayne Routledge and Alejandro Pozuelo also included.St Gallen, meanwhile, made just one alteration from their 2-0 win over Sion, Marcel Herzog replacing Daniel Lopar in goal.
Swansea were the first to have an effort on goal after eight minutes as Roland Lamah curled wide of the post from the edge of the area.
But having survived that scare, the hosts were dealt a blow shortly afterwards when striker Goran Karanovic - who has 12 goals to his name in all competitions this season - was replaced by Alhassane Keita after suffering a hamstring injury.
Chances proved few and far between for the rest of the first half, with the two sides reduced to speculative efforts from long range.
However, Swansea perhaps should have taken the lead after 32 minutes when Lamah found space on the edge of the penalty area only to fire narrowly off target.
Bony went close immediately after the half-time interval, but they had goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel to thank for keeping them on level terms a few moments later as he produced a fine save to deny Mathys.
And the German was forced into action shortly before the hour mark to keep out Roberto Rodriguez's effort after the winger had beaten the Swansea offside trap.
Fortune favoured Swansea for much of the second half, with only the woodwork preventing Sebastien Wuthrich's free-kick from finding the net.
Defender Chico Flores went off with an injury for Swansea shortly after that scare, and their defence looked to have finally been breached when Neil Taylor bundled the ball into his own net under pressure, however, the goal was ruled out for a push by Wuthrich.
Swansea's defensive efforts became more desperate in the closing stages, Jose Canas clearing a Mathys header off the line, but the Swiss club finally snatched a deserved victory when the same player volleyed home Wuthrich's left-wing cross.
A tense finale followed for Swansea, but as news of Kuban's draw in Valencia filtered through, their progress was confirmed.
Swansea City ensured their place in the last 32 of the Europa League despite tasting defeat away to St Gallen on Thursday.Michael Laudrup's men went into their final Group A encounter knowing that a draw would be enough to see them progress to the knockout stages.
Even with a slip-up, only a three-goal swing and a victory for Kuban Krasnodar over Valencia would have been enough to see the Welsh club eliminated from the competition.
St Gallen - playing for nothing more than pride - struck the winner 10 minutes from time, as Marco Mathys found the net from close range.
Swansea could not respond, but the result was made immaterial by Valencia's 1-1 draw with Kuban in Spain.
Wilfried Bony returned from his hamstring injury to solve Laudrup’s striker problems, the Ivorian coming in as part of six changes made by the visitors from their 1-1 draw against Hull City, with Wayne Routledge and Alejandro Pozuelo also included.St Gallen, meanwhile, made just one alteration from their 2-0 win over Sion, Marcel Herzog replacing Daniel Lopar in goal.
Swansea were the first to have an effort on goal after eight minutes as Roland Lamah curled wide of the post from the edge of the area.
But having survived that scare, the hosts were dealt a blow shortly afterwards when striker Goran Karanovic - who has 12 goals to his name in all competitions this season - was replaced by Alhassane Keita after suffering a hamstring injury.
Chances proved few and far between for the rest of the first half, with the two sides reduced to speculative efforts from long range.
However, Swansea perhaps should have taken the lead after 32 minutes when Lamah found space on the edge of the penalty area only to fire narrowly off target.
Bony went close immediately after the half-time interval, but they had goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel to thank for keeping them on level terms a few moments later as he produced a fine save to deny Mathys.
And the German was forced into action shortly before the hour mark to keep out Roberto Rodriguez's effort after the winger had beaten the Swansea offside trap.
Fortune favoured Swansea for much of the second half, with only the woodwork preventing Sebastien Wuthrich's free-kick from finding the net.
Defender Chico Flores went off with an injury for Swansea shortly after that scare, and their defence looked to have finally been breached when Neil Taylor bundled the ball into his own net under pressure, however, the goal was ruled out for a push by Wuthrich.
Swansea's defensive efforts became more desperate in the closing stages, Jose Canas clearing a Mathys header off the line, but the Swiss club finally snatched a deserved victory when the same player volleyed home Wuthrich's left-wing cross.
A tense finale followed for Swansea, but as news of Kuban's draw in Valencia filtered through, their progress was confirmed.
Maribor 2-1 Wigan: Filipovic strike seals Latics’ fate
Uwe Rosler's Europa League debut ended in disappointment as Wigan Athletic crashed out at the group stage after defeat to Slovenian giants Maribor.
Zeljko Filipovic's first goal for the club since July 2012 proved to be the difference after Jordi Gomez had put Wigan in front from the penalty spot after 41 minutes.
But the Latics' first away goal in the competition in their debut European season was cancelled out almost immediately by Dejan Mezga.Both teams were reduced to 10 men – Chris McCann and Ales Mertelj were given their marching orders – before Filipovic's strike and two late goals in the other Group D fixture in Brugge added to the drama and ensured that Maribor avoided a third consecutive exit at the group stage.
Defeat for Wigan in new manager Uwe Rosler's first game in charge represented the sixth successive loss in all competitions for the Championship club.
Filipovic gave Wigan an early scare after seven minutes with the first chance of a cagey opening after he was afforded plenty of time and space 20 yards out before crashing a rising shot that flashed wide and had goalkeeper Scott Carson scrambling for his top left-hand corner.
Nick Powell, who netted a brace in Wigan's 3-1 win in the first meeting between the two sides in October, volleyed over from just outside the penalty area after collecting Jean Beausejour's bobbled pass.Gomez triggered a frantic final 10 minutes of the first half when he saw his 20-yard free-kick rebound to safety off the post after being felled by Marcos Tavares.
The Spanish midfielder did find a way past goalkeeper Jasmin Handanovic , though, four minutes before the interval from the penalty spot.Arghus was slow to react to Gomez's pass and Powell nipped in to prod the ball away from goal and draw a clumsy challenge from the Brazilian defender.
Gomez sent the subsequent spot-kick straight down the middle, sparking wild celebrations among Wigan's travelling fans that quickly turned to despair as Maribor levelled less than two minutes later.
Mitja Viler's shot glanced against McCann's arm and referee Szymon Marciniak was quick to point to the spot again and give the former Burnley midfielder his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
Carson did superbly to get down low to his right and palm Mezga's effort against the post, but he was powerless to prevent the penalty-taker from tucking away the rebound from inside the six-yard box.Powell turned Beausejour's cross wide five minutes after the restart as the visitors initially responded well to going down to 10 men before Filipovic put Maribor ahead with a fantastic strike just before the hour.
Mezga's cut-back fell invitingly for Slovenia international Filipovic and he coolly dispatched a side-footed effort from 25 yards that nestled in Carson's top left-hand corner.
Mertelj was then sent off with 16 minutes remaining for a rash tackle on Gomez, earning his second yellow card, and Handanovic kept out a late Marc-Antoine Fortune effort as Maribor progressed in dramatic style.
Uwe Rosler's Europa League debut ended in disappointment as Wigan Athletic crashed out at the group stage after defeat to Slovenian giants Maribor.
Zeljko Filipovic's first goal for the club since July 2012 proved to be the difference after Jordi Gomez had put Wigan in front from the penalty spot after 41 minutes.
But the Latics' first away goal in the competition in their debut European season was cancelled out almost immediately by Dejan Mezga.Both teams were reduced to 10 men – Chris McCann and Ales Mertelj were given their marching orders – before Filipovic's strike and two late goals in the other Group D fixture in Brugge added to the drama and ensured that Maribor avoided a third consecutive exit at the group stage.
Defeat for Wigan in new manager Uwe Rosler's first game in charge represented the sixth successive loss in all competitions for the Championship club.
Filipovic gave Wigan an early scare after seven minutes with the first chance of a cagey opening after he was afforded plenty of time and space 20 yards out before crashing a rising shot that flashed wide and had goalkeeper Scott Carson scrambling for his top left-hand corner.
Nick Powell, who netted a brace in Wigan's 3-1 win in the first meeting between the two sides in October, volleyed over from just outside the penalty area after collecting Jean Beausejour's bobbled pass.Gomez triggered a frantic final 10 minutes of the first half when he saw his 20-yard free-kick rebound to safety off the post after being felled by Marcos Tavares.
The Spanish midfielder did find a way past goalkeeper Jasmin Handanovic , though, four minutes before the interval from the penalty spot.Arghus was slow to react to Gomez's pass and Powell nipped in to prod the ball away from goal and draw a clumsy challenge from the Brazilian defender.
Gomez sent the subsequent spot-kick straight down the middle, sparking wild celebrations among Wigan's travelling fans that quickly turned to despair as Maribor levelled less than two minutes later.
Mitja Viler's shot glanced against McCann's arm and referee Szymon Marciniak was quick to point to the spot again and give the former Burnley midfielder his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
Carson did superbly to get down low to his right and palm Mezga's effort against the post, but he was powerless to prevent the penalty-taker from tucking away the rebound from inside the six-yard box.Powell turned Beausejour's cross wide five minutes after the restart as the visitors initially responded well to going down to 10 men before Filipovic put Maribor ahead with a fantastic strike just before the hour.
Mezga's cut-back fell invitingly for Slovenia international Filipovic and he coolly dispatched a side-footed effort from 25 yards that nestled in Carson's top left-hand corner.
Mertelj was then sent off with 16 minutes remaining for a rash tackle on Gomez, earning his second yellow card, and Handanovic kept out a late Marc-Antoine Fortune effort as Maribor progressed in dramatic style.
Villa: Arsenal made an offer for me
Atletico Madrid striker David Villa has revealed that he was the subject of a bid from Arsenal while he was still a Barcelona player.
The Gunners’ interest in the Spain international during his days at Camp Nou had long been rumoured, and Villa explained that it was only Barca’s reluctance to sell that prevented him from moving to the Premier League last January.“Arsenal’s offer was very good for the club and great for me,” he said to Canal +.
“But they [Barcelona], did not deem it feasible for me to leave at that time. I was told that I was needed.”
Villa would eventually join Atletico in July for €5.1 million and, with eight goals in 15 league games, has helped the Rojiblancos to second place in la Liga, level on points at the top of the table with his former club.
And the 32-year-old could not hide his delight at his performances for his new side, though he maintained that he derived his primary pleasure from the fortunes of the team as a whole.
“I'm happy because my goals and performance on the field have helped the team to achieve their goals, because after all, as you know, I think more collective than individual,” he added.
Villa feels that Atletico, who have been impressive both domestically and abroad this season, are capable of great things, and commended the influence of coach Diego Simeone.“This team was already complete [when I joined], and have been playing well for some years, being courageous and winning many important things,” he continued.
“They excited me from the offset, and have made me feel that the more I have integrated into the club, and Diego Simeone has the motivating virtues of Luis Aragones and Pep Guardiola.”
But Spain’s leading goalscorer still had nothing but praise for Barcelona, and insisted that there was never friction between himself and former Blaugrana team-mate Lionel Messi.“Both Leo [Messi] and I, as with all team-mates that I’ve had at other clubs, had a very good relationship,” he said.
“The club has always shown me great affection, and fulfilled their promise to sell me in the summer. I have only words of gratitude for Barca.”
Atletico Madrid striker David Villa has revealed that he was the subject of a bid from Arsenal while he was still a Barcelona player.
The Gunners’ interest in the Spain international during his days at Camp Nou had long been rumoured, and Villa explained that it was only Barca’s reluctance to sell that prevented him from moving to the Premier League last January.“Arsenal’s offer was very good for the club and great for me,” he said to Canal +.
“But they [Barcelona], did not deem it feasible for me to leave at that time. I was told that I was needed.”
Villa would eventually join Atletico in July for €5.1 million and, with eight goals in 15 league games, has helped the Rojiblancos to second place in la Liga, level on points at the top of the table with his former club.
And the 32-year-old could not hide his delight at his performances for his new side, though he maintained that he derived his primary pleasure from the fortunes of the team as a whole.
“I'm happy because my goals and performance on the field have helped the team to achieve their goals, because after all, as you know, I think more collective than individual,” he added.
Villa feels that Atletico, who have been impressive both domestically and abroad this season, are capable of great things, and commended the influence of coach Diego Simeone.“This team was already complete [when I joined], and have been playing well for some years, being courageous and winning many important things,” he continued.
“They excited me from the offset, and have made me feel that the more I have integrated into the club, and Diego Simeone has the motivating virtues of Luis Aragones and Pep Guardiola.”
But Spain’s leading goalscorer still had nothing but praise for Barcelona, and insisted that there was never friction between himself and former Blaugrana team-mate Lionel Messi.“Both Leo [Messi] and I, as with all team-mates that I’ve had at other clubs, had a very good relationship,” he said.
“The club has always shown me great affection, and fulfilled their promise to sell me in the summer. I have only words of gratitude for Barca.”
Klopp: We must defend sensationally against Hoffenheim
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp is calling for his side to "defend sensationally" during Saturday's clash with Hoffenheim.
Dortmund are missing a host of key players at the back, including Neven Subotic and Mats Hummels, as well as defensive midfielders Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan due to injury, while Sokratis is suspended.
Klopp recognises that his makeshift defence, which could feature youngster Marian Sarr fresh from his Champions League debut midweek, will have to be at their very best to prevent a free-scoring Hoffenheim from profiting from their misfortune this weekend.
“We should attack, take our chances, and defend sensationally,” he said to the club's official website.
BVB were three minutes away from dropping into the Europa League on Wednesday night, but a late Kevin Grosskreutz strike clinched a 2-1 win against Marseille, and catapulted them above Arsenal and Napoli as Champions League Group F winners.
Klopp is wary that his team’s midweek exertions may work against them when they return to the Bundesliga this weekend. The club have lost three of their last four matches in the league and trail Bayern Munich by 10 points, and the former Mainz coach is eager to get back to winning ways.
“We play very strong, difficult opponents who will try to exploit our tiredness after Marseille,” he said to the club’s official website.“We want to squeeze everything out of this [victory]. But we have our job in the league to do. And [the victory] is not enough to do so.”
The 46-year-old took time to praise 18-year-old defender Sarr, who was thrown in for his senior debut against Marseille and completed the full 90 minutes against the French side.
He added: “One cannot imagine what a strain it must have been for Marian to get his debut in such an important Champions League game."
Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp is calling for his side to "defend sensationally" during Saturday's clash with Hoffenheim.
Dortmund are missing a host of key players at the back, including Neven Subotic and Mats Hummels, as well as defensive midfielders Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan due to injury, while Sokratis is suspended.
Klopp recognises that his makeshift defence, which could feature youngster Marian Sarr fresh from his Champions League debut midweek, will have to be at their very best to prevent a free-scoring Hoffenheim from profiting from their misfortune this weekend.
“We should attack, take our chances, and defend sensationally,” he said to the club's official website.
BVB were three minutes away from dropping into the Europa League on Wednesday night, but a late Kevin Grosskreutz strike clinched a 2-1 win against Marseille, and catapulted them above Arsenal and Napoli as Champions League Group F winners.
Klopp is wary that his team’s midweek exertions may work against them when they return to the Bundesliga this weekend. The club have lost three of their last four matches in the league and trail Bayern Munich by 10 points, and the former Mainz coach is eager to get back to winning ways.
“We play very strong, difficult opponents who will try to exploit our tiredness after Marseille,” he said to the club’s official website.“We want to squeeze everything out of this [victory]. But we have our job in the league to do. And [the victory] is not enough to do so.”
The 46-year-old took time to praise 18-year-old defender Sarr, who was thrown in for his senior debut against Marseille and completed the full 90 minutes against the French side.
He added: “One cannot imagine what a strain it must have been for Marian to get his debut in such an important Champions League game."
'Bale signing unfair' - Hitzfeld criticises Real Madrid's lavish expenditure
Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has attacked the “incomprehensible” spending of Real Madrid, whom he feels should have their lavish expenditure curbed because of their increasing debts.
The world-record €100 million signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham headlined a €181.5m spending spree for los Blancos during last summer’s transfer window, where Asier Illarramendi and Isco were also picked up on big money deals.
Though the sales of players like Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain helped to offset Madrid's net spending figure to around €67m, estimates in October put their debt at over half a billion euros.
The apparent financial disparity displayed by Bale's transfer does not sit well with Hitzfeld, who thought it unjust that Madrid were allowed to splash the cash in the market while harbouring such a large debt.“It [Bale's signing] is incomprehensible. I do not understand how you have so much debt,” he protested to Futbol Tactico.“It seems unfair that Madrid can buy these players with the amount of debt that they have. It’s not fair.”
Hitzfeld then went on to cite former club Bayern Munich as an example of balancing competitive success and financial prudence.“[Bayern] are a healthy club, which have no debt,” he continued.
“They will only sign players according to their own economic potential. They have paid large sums, but have never owed money to any organisation or club.“There is no comparison between the teams [Bayern and Madrid].”
Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has attacked the “incomprehensible” spending of Real Madrid, whom he feels should have their lavish expenditure curbed because of their increasing debts.
The world-record €100 million signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham headlined a €181.5m spending spree for los Blancos during last summer’s transfer window, where Asier Illarramendi and Isco were also picked up on big money deals.
Though the sales of players like Mesut Ozil and Gonzalo Higuain helped to offset Madrid's net spending figure to around €67m, estimates in October put their debt at over half a billion euros.
The apparent financial disparity displayed by Bale's transfer does not sit well with Hitzfeld, who thought it unjust that Madrid were allowed to splash the cash in the market while harbouring such a large debt.“It [Bale's signing] is incomprehensible. I do not understand how you have so much debt,” he protested to Futbol Tactico.“It seems unfair that Madrid can buy these players with the amount of debt that they have. It’s not fair.”
Hitzfeld then went on to cite former club Bayern Munich as an example of balancing competitive success and financial prudence.“[Bayern] are a healthy club, which have no debt,” he continued.
“They will only sign players according to their own economic potential. They have paid large sums, but have never owed money to any organisation or club.“There is no comparison between the teams [Bayern and Madrid].”
El Shaarawy to miss rest of 2013 with injury
AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy injury problems have continued as he has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a foot injury, the club have confirmed.
It means he misses important clashes with high-flying Roma and city rivals Inter, adding to a frustrating time for the 21-year-old, who has only made four Serie A appearances this season.
El Shaarawy, who has suffered from a fractured left foot, made his first start in three months against Ajax on Wednesday night in the Champions League – where he was substituted after 22 minutes due to Riccardo Montolivo’s red card.
However, tests done at the club have now revealed inflammation in the previously damaged foot, which will cause El Shaarawy to effectively miss the rest of the 2013 calendar year.
Milan confirmed that the striker will be rested for a two to three week period, before travelling to Amsterdam for another specialist consultation with Professor Niek van Dijk.
El Shaarawy has appeared in only seven games in all competitions for Milan this season, completing the full 90 minutes only once against PSV in August.
AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy injury problems have continued as he has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a foot injury, the club have confirmed.
It means he misses important clashes with high-flying Roma and city rivals Inter, adding to a frustrating time for the 21-year-old, who has only made four Serie A appearances this season.
El Shaarawy, who has suffered from a fractured left foot, made his first start in three months against Ajax on Wednesday night in the Champions League – where he was substituted after 22 minutes due to Riccardo Montolivo’s red card.
However, tests done at the club have now revealed inflammation in the previously damaged foot, which will cause El Shaarawy to effectively miss the rest of the 2013 calendar year.
Milan confirmed that the striker will be rested for a two to three week period, before travelling to Amsterdam for another specialist consultation with Professor Niek van Dijk.
El Shaarawy has appeared in only seven games in all competitions for Milan this season, completing the full 90 minutes only once against PSV in August.
I'm very happy at Monaco, insists Falcao
Monaco striker Radamel Falcao insists he is very happy at the club despite speculation linking him with a transfer.
The Colombia international has not featured for the Ligue 1 side since the win over Nantes on November 24, with the club citing a persistent thigh injury as the reason for his prolonged absence.
Coach Claudio Ranieri was forced to deny reports the 27-year-old was seeking a move away from the principality side, and the striker himself has now made it clear he has no desire to force an exit in January.
"I am very happy here at Monaco. I don't have a problem with the coach, just with my thigh," he told reporters at a supporter event.
"I feel better. I will play again soon.
"There is a lot of speculation around me, but I have a five-year contract and I'm very happy here."
Falcao, who has nine goals in 14 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco this season, has already been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Guingamp due to injury.
Monaco striker Radamel Falcao insists he is very happy at the club despite speculation linking him with a transfer.
The Colombia international has not featured for the Ligue 1 side since the win over Nantes on November 24, with the club citing a persistent thigh injury as the reason for his prolonged absence.
Coach Claudio Ranieri was forced to deny reports the 27-year-old was seeking a move away from the principality side, and the striker himself has now made it clear he has no desire to force an exit in January.
"I am very happy here at Monaco. I don't have a problem with the coach, just with my thigh," he told reporters at a supporter event.
"I feel better. I will play again soon.
"There is a lot of speculation around me, but I have a five-year contract and I'm very happy here."
Falcao, who has nine goals in 14 Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco this season, has already been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Guingamp due to injury.
De Bruyne set for talks over Chelsea future
Kevin De Bruyne’s agent has revealed talks over the midfielder’s future at Chelsea are imminent and hints Bayer Leverkusen are in pole position should the Belgian become available.
The 22-year-old has started just four games under Jose Mourinho this term and has been linked with a return to Germany after impressing during his season-long loan stint at Werder Bremen last year.
De Bruyne's agent, Patrick de Koster, claims a host of Bundesliga clubs are interested in the midfielder and says the motive for the Belgium international’s move is based on securing more playing time.
"I am going to fly over to London to find a proper solution with Chelsea," De Koster told Express.
"Should Kevin be granted a transfer, I will be immediately on the phone to Michael Reschke [Leverkusen's general manager]. We have a great relationship with him.
"Clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Wolfsburg have also enquired.
"Kevin will decide which club offers the best future for him on a sporting level."
Kevin De Bruyne’s agent has revealed talks over the midfielder’s future at Chelsea are imminent and hints Bayer Leverkusen are in pole position should the Belgian become available.
The 22-year-old has started just four games under Jose Mourinho this term and has been linked with a return to Germany after impressing during his season-long loan stint at Werder Bremen last year.
De Bruyne's agent, Patrick de Koster, claims a host of Bundesliga clubs are interested in the midfielder and says the motive for the Belgium international’s move is based on securing more playing time.
"I am going to fly over to London to find a proper solution with Chelsea," De Koster told Express.
"Should Kevin be granted a transfer, I will be immediately on the phone to Michael Reschke [Leverkusen's general manager]. We have a great relationship with him.
"Clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Wolfsburg have also enquired.
"Kevin will decide which club offers the best future for him on a sporting level."
Barcelona agree 'innovative' sponsorship deal with Intel
Barcelona have agreed a new sponsorship deal with computer technology firm Intel, with president Sandro Rosell describing the agreement as "innovative and pioneering."
The Liga champions will be provided with the latest computing equipment for use within both Camp Nou and the La Masia training facilities as part of the lucrative new partnership.
The iconic Intel logo will also be printed on the inside of the Blaugrana shirt, a move which the club describes as "a pioneering initiative in the world of sports advertising."
"It is a huge satisfaction for Barcelona to be able to join forces and share the values of innovation and team-work with a company of such worldwide prestige as Intel," president Sandro Rosell was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"It will mean much more than a financial sponsorship deal, as it will also help us to become one of the most technologically advanced clubs in the world.
"Intel is at the heart of computing, it works from within, and that is why our agreement is so innovative and pioneering in the world of sports sponsorship."
Barcelona will sport the new shirt for the first time during Saturday's Liga clash with Villarreal.
Barcelona have agreed a new sponsorship deal with computer technology firm Intel, with president Sandro Rosell describing the agreement as "innovative and pioneering."
The Liga champions will be provided with the latest computing equipment for use within both Camp Nou and the La Masia training facilities as part of the lucrative new partnership.
The iconic Intel logo will also be printed on the inside of the Blaugrana shirt, a move which the club describes as "a pioneering initiative in the world of sports advertising."
"It is a huge satisfaction for Barcelona to be able to join forces and share the values of innovation and team-work with a company of such worldwide prestige as Intel," president Sandro Rosell was quoted as saying by the club's official website.
"It will mean much more than a financial sponsorship deal, as it will also help us to become one of the most technologically advanced clubs in the world.
"Intel is at the heart of computing, it works from within, and that is why our agreement is so innovative and pioneering in the world of sports sponsorship."
Barcelona will sport the new shirt for the first time during Saturday's Liga clash with Villarreal.
Messi won't leave Barca as long as I'm president - Rosell
Barcelona are not in talks with Lionel Messi over a new contract, according to president Sandro Rosell.
Speculation has mounted that the Argentine ace is eager for an improved salary at Camp Nou to match that of summer signing Neymar, despite the player having only signed a new deal until 2018 last year.
Blaugrana vice-president Javier Faus revealed earlier this week that the club have no plans to open negotiations with the 26-year-old at present, and Rosell has now backed up those claims - though he insists there is no chance the attacker could leave the club.
"At the moment, no," he told reporters when asked if there were discussions over a new deal, before adding: "While I am president, I think it would be extremely difficult for Messi to leave the club, if not impossible."
The Barcelona board are set to decide in the new year on whether or not to implement plans to redevelop Camp Nou or construct a new stadium, but Rosell was keen to stress he would fully support whatever decision was taken.
"It'll be a good day when all ideas are presented. I will support whatever the board decides to the death," he added.
Barcelona are not in talks with Lionel Messi over a new contract, according to president Sandro Rosell.
Speculation has mounted that the Argentine ace is eager for an improved salary at Camp Nou to match that of summer signing Neymar, despite the player having only signed a new deal until 2018 last year.
Blaugrana vice-president Javier Faus revealed earlier this week that the club have no plans to open negotiations with the 26-year-old at present, and Rosell has now backed up those claims - though he insists there is no chance the attacker could leave the club.
"At the moment, no," he told reporters when asked if there were discussions over a new deal, before adding: "While I am president, I think it would be extremely difficult for Messi to leave the club, if not impossible."
The Barcelona board are set to decide in the new year on whether or not to implement plans to redevelop Camp Nou or construct a new stadium, but Rosell was keen to stress he would fully support whatever decision was taken.
"It'll be a good day when all ideas are presented. I will support whatever the board decides to the death," he added.
Pedro eager to avoid Manchester City and Arsenal
Barcelona winger Pedro admits he would like to avoid being drawn against Manchester City or Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16.
The Spain international scored in Wednesday's 6-1 rout of Celtic at Camp Nou which saw the Blaugrana cruise into the knockout phase as group winners, and he believes the Premier League duo are the strongest sides from among the group-stage runners-up which Barca can expect to face in the next round.
"It's fairly obvious that Manchester City and Arsenal are the strongest teams we might be drawn against, and let's hope we have a bit of luck and avoid those two," he told Barca TV program 'El Marcador'.
Barca have won back-to-back games since their consecutive defeats to Ajax and Athletic Bilbao, scoring 10 goals in the process, and Pedro is pleased with both the team's overall improvement and his own form in the past two weeks.
"We're on the right track. We kept the intensity high from start to finish," he said of the Celtic win. "The team is in good shape, physically fit, and ready to perform well in the games before Christmas.
"I'm happy the way things are going, and being able to help the team. I feel comfortable, physically fitter, and confident."
Barcelona winger Pedro admits he would like to avoid being drawn against Manchester City or Arsenal in the Champions League round of 16.
The Spain international scored in Wednesday's 6-1 rout of Celtic at Camp Nou which saw the Blaugrana cruise into the knockout phase as group winners, and he believes the Premier League duo are the strongest sides from among the group-stage runners-up which Barca can expect to face in the next round.
"It's fairly obvious that Manchester City and Arsenal are the strongest teams we might be drawn against, and let's hope we have a bit of luck and avoid those two," he told Barca TV program 'El Marcador'.
Barca have won back-to-back games since their consecutive defeats to Ajax and Athletic Bilbao, scoring 10 goals in the process, and Pedro is pleased with both the team's overall improvement and his own form in the past two weeks.
"We're on the right track. We kept the intensity high from start to finish," he said of the Celtic win. "The team is in good shape, physically fit, and ready to perform well in the games before Christmas.
"I'm happy the way things are going, and being able to help the team. I feel comfortable, physically fitter, and confident."
Chelsea legend Drogba deserves Champions League reunion - Mourinho
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho would be delighted to see Didier Drogba return to Stamford Bridge with Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Both sides qualified for the last 16 on Wednesday, setting up a potentially emotional Blues reunion for the Ivorian, who spent eight years with the west London outfit.
The striker - signed by Mourinho in 2004 - went on to become a Chelsea legend, scoring 157 goals in 341 matches, making him their fourth-highest scorer.
In his final game for the Blues, Drogba scored an 88th-minute equaliser in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, setting up a penalty shootout that he eventually finished with the decisive spot kick.
When asked by reporters about the potential of playing the Turkish giants on Wednesday, Mourinho replied: "Yes, Galatasaray is difficult. The Turkish champions with 'King Didier'. Very difficult.
"But I'd like Didier to be back here and feel what I felt. He deserves to come here and get the reception double or three times better and bigger than I had [when I returned with Inter]."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho would be delighted to see Didier Drogba return to Stamford Bridge with Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Both sides qualified for the last 16 on Wednesday, setting up a potentially emotional Blues reunion for the Ivorian, who spent eight years with the west London outfit.
The striker - signed by Mourinho in 2004 - went on to become a Chelsea legend, scoring 157 goals in 341 matches, making him their fourth-highest scorer.
In his final game for the Blues, Drogba scored an 88th-minute equaliser in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, setting up a penalty shootout that he eventually finished with the decisive spot kick.
When asked by reporters about the potential of playing the Turkish giants on Wednesday, Mourinho replied: "Yes, Galatasaray is difficult. The Turkish champions with 'King Didier'. Very difficult.
"But I'd like Didier to be back here and feel what I felt. He deserves to come here and get the reception double or three times better and bigger than I had [when I returned with Inter]."
Farfan: Schalke do not fear anyone
Jefferson Farfan has stressed that Schalke do not care which team they will face in the Champions League round of 16 as they do not fear any opponent.
The Bundesliga side beat Basel 2-0 on Wednesday courtesy of goals from Julian Draxler and Joel Matip to finish second to Chelsea in Group E.
With their participation in the knockout stages secured, Farfan is brimming with confidence ahead of Monday's draw for the last 16.
"I do not mind who we get. We need to beat whoever we are up against," the Peru international told the official Uefa website.
Schalke took full advantage of their extra man on the pitch following Basel defender Ivan Ivanov's red card and Farfan admitted that the Bulgarian's dismissal, coupled with home advantage, ultimately proved crucial.
"The red card was perhaps the decisive moment, in my opinion," the 29-year-old confessed. "After that we knew we had to get a result.
"Basel are a strong side, but with our fans behind us we deserved to beat them. I feel really good at the moment."
Schalke resume domestic action on Sunday when they host Freiburg in Gelsenkirchen.
Jefferson Farfan has stressed that Schalke do not care which team they will face in the Champions League round of 16 as they do not fear any opponent.
The Bundesliga side beat Basel 2-0 on Wednesday courtesy of goals from Julian Draxler and Joel Matip to finish second to Chelsea in Group E.
With their participation in the knockout stages secured, Farfan is brimming with confidence ahead of Monday's draw for the last 16.
"I do not mind who we get. We need to beat whoever we are up against," the Peru international told the official Uefa website.
Schalke took full advantage of their extra man on the pitch following Basel defender Ivan Ivanov's red card and Farfan admitted that the Bulgarian's dismissal, coupled with home advantage, ultimately proved crucial.
"The red card was perhaps the decisive moment, in my opinion," the 29-year-old confessed. "After that we knew we had to get a result.
"Basel are a strong side, but with our fans behind us we deserved to beat them. I feel really good at the moment."
Schalke resume domestic action on Sunday when they host Freiburg in Gelsenkirchen.
Manchester United boss Moyes in Madrid for Atletico ace Koke
Manchester United boss David Moyes was at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday night to watch young Spain star Koke as Atletico Madrid beat Porto 2-0 in the Champions League.
The Scot, who is still looking to add more creativity to his midfield at Old Trafford, was given a VIP seat by the Rojiblancos and spoke to the club's sporting director, Jose Luis Caminero.
"I suppose he came to see us because Atletico are a Champions League team and because they also qualified for the last 16," the former Spain international told Canal Plus after the game.
"We spoke, but he didn't tell me exactly why he had come ..."
Koke played the 90 minutes as Diego Simeone's men, who had already qualified for the last 16, won their final group-stage fixture 2-0 thanks to goals from Raul Garcia and Diego Costa.
The 21-year-old has scored 10 goals in 134 games for Atletico and has also represented Spain on seven occasions, after making his debut for La Roja earlier this year.
The midfielder recently put pen to paper on a new deal at the Calderon to extend his current contract to 2018 and told Canal Plus: "I didn't know anything [about Moyes being here], but I'm not concerned [with any of that]. I renewed in the summer."
United have been tracking Koke for several months and believe he fits their profile as a potential signing due to his age, outstanding technique and versatility, with the Madrid-born youngster able to cover a number of different positions across the midfield and attack.
'It's one to ask the referees' - Ashley Young unperturbed by diving claims
Manchester United winger Ashley Young insists that he is not in the least bit perturbed by gaining a reputation for diving, insisting that the only opinions that count belong to referees.
The 28-year-old has come under fire for perceived simulation over the past few seasons - with ex-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson even once describing a match-winning stumble as a "dramatic fall".
Young admits he has spoken to his former boss and current coach David Moyes about the issue of diving, but says the public debate if of little concern to him.
"I think it’s one to ask the referees - they’re the ones who are giving free-kicks and penalties," he told reporters.
"Referees have got tough decisions to make, they have a tough, tough time out there making decisions, but they have made the right decisions I think.
"I don’t take notice of the headlines or the debates. That’s obviously for the media to debate and people to have their say on it, and everyone is entitled to have their say on it.
"For me, the referees have made decisions and that’s it. It’s been talked about obviously by the previous manager and the current manager but that’s in-house. I’m not going to comment on what’s been said."
Young has struggled for games at Old Trafford this season, with his England exposure suffering as a result, but the 30-cap international is currently concentrating on performing for United rather than travelling to Brazil next summer as part of Roy Hodgson's Three Lions squad.
He continued: "Right now I’m not thinking about the World Cup, I’m thinking about playing for United. Hopefully when the manager picks the team again I can be involved again.
"It’s not for me to decide, that’s for the manager to decide. I’ll just have to keep training as hard as I have done.
"But you always want to play in the biggest tournaments, whether that’s at club level or international level, so of course I want to be on that plane to Brazil.
"But I’m not too sure about my chances. You’d have to ask the England manager that."
Manchester United winger Ashley Young insists that he is not in the least bit perturbed by gaining a reputation for diving, insisting that the only opinions that count belong to referees.
The 28-year-old has come under fire for perceived simulation over the past few seasons - with ex-Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson even once describing a match-winning stumble as a "dramatic fall".
Young admits he has spoken to his former boss and current coach David Moyes about the issue of diving, but says the public debate if of little concern to him.
"I think it’s one to ask the referees - they’re the ones who are giving free-kicks and penalties," he told reporters.
"Referees have got tough decisions to make, they have a tough, tough time out there making decisions, but they have made the right decisions I think.
"I don’t take notice of the headlines or the debates. That’s obviously for the media to debate and people to have their say on it, and everyone is entitled to have their say on it.
"For me, the referees have made decisions and that’s it. It’s been talked about obviously by the previous manager and the current manager but that’s in-house. I’m not going to comment on what’s been said."
Young has struggled for games at Old Trafford this season, with his England exposure suffering as a result, but the 30-cap international is currently concentrating on performing for United rather than travelling to Brazil next summer as part of Roy Hodgson's Three Lions squad.
He continued: "Right now I’m not thinking about the World Cup, I’m thinking about playing for United. Hopefully when the manager picks the team again I can be involved again.
"It’s not for me to decide, that’s for the manager to decide. I’ll just have to keep training as hard as I have done.
"But you always want to play in the biggest tournaments, whether that’s at club level or international level, so of course I want to be on that plane to Brazil.
"But I’m not too sure about my chances. You’d have to ask the England manager that."
Manchester United step up pursuit of Inter ace Guarin
Manchester United boss David Moyes has stepped up his attempt to recruit Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin by sending representatives to Italy to discuss a potential January transfer to Old Trafford.
The Serie A side are open to selling the Colombia international, who would come with the advantage of being eligible for the last 16 of the Champions League.
Capable of playing as a holding, box-to-box or attacking midfielder, Guarin would offer Moyes tactical options in an area that has proved particularly problematic during a troubled initiation as United boss.
With his new team languishing 13 points and eight places behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, the Scot is pushing United's board on a mid-season squad restructure.
Inter are floating a fee of around £15 million (€17.8m) for Guarin, who was part of Porto's undefeated treble-winning side under Andre Villas-Boas before moving to Italy on loan in the 2012 winter window in what became an €11m permanent transfer the following summer.
This close-season, Tottenham looked at bringing the 27-year-old to White Hart Lane, with the north Londoners failed with a £15.3m (€18m) bid prior to reinforcing their midfield with Paulinho and Etienne Capoue instead.
United have a large reserve available for transfers, having worked unsuccessfully to sign either Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale during the summer.
Moyes, though, is under a degree of pressure to recruit well, having already pushed the club to overspend on Marouane Fellaini on his first deadline day at the club.
Guarin's contract at Inter runs until 2016. His agent recently declined to comment publicly on United's efforts to sign except to state that "David Moyes appreciates him".
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