..::Football III::..

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Oxlade-Chamberlain steps up return with Arsenal Under-21 appearance

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played for 45 minutes for Arsenal's Under-21 side as he steps his returns from a knee injury.

The 20-year-old has been sidelined since the first game of the season against Aston Villa but returned to first-team training earlier this week and managed 45 minutes at Motspur Park before being replaced by Jon Toral at half-time.

Despite only featuring in the first half the England international twice went close with shots at each end of the half and also set up Benik Afobe for a chance which the striker hit the crossbar with.

Arsenal won the game 1-0, thanks to a Thomas Eisfeld goal, to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup where they will face Chelsea.

Prior to being named in the Under-21 team, Arsene Wenger revealed Oxlade-Chamberlain would be fit to face Aston Villa on Monday.

"It is unbelievable because he played the first game of the season, against Aston Villa, and now he is back and available and it is against Aston Villa again," said the Arsenal manager.

"That makes it five months where has been completely out, so that means he is fresh and that should give us a boost."

Carl Jenkinson also insists the return of the winger following Theo Walcott's season-ending knee injury is a welcome boost to the club.

“He's a really good friend of mine but football-wise, he's a fantastic player who brings an awful lot to the team," Jenkinson told the club's official website.

"To have him back in and around the group is a boost for everyone - he's only young but he's a key member of the squad.”

 

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Wenger: Walcott will return as strong as ever

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Theo Walcott has the mental attributes required to bounce back from his season-ending injury.

The England international is set to miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign and the World Cup in Brazil later this year after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Tottenham last weekend.Wenger feels Walcott's loss is a huge blow to Arsenal's title hopes but is confident the 24-year-old will return a better player.

He told the club's official website: "Theo is handling it as well as you can when you have had such a shock because he's mentally strong. He's very balanced as a person and he can put it into perspective."We know that he will have the dedication and the serious attitude to come back as strong as ever.

"We lost a very talented player, a very intelligent player and a player who was just grabbing his form again. From game to game he became more influential; you've seen a complete player.

"He can always decide a game through a final ball or through a goal. Sometimes in the same game he does both."I felt against Tottenham he had a very convincing performance because he integrates well our style of play as he's been here for so many years now.

"When we combine at a high pace he's involved in it because he understands exactly what we want to do."Walcott's absence has been somewhat offset by the return to training of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after five months out with a knee injury.

Full-back Carl Jenkinson believes the 20-year-old's return is a huge "boost".
"He's a fantastic player who brings an awful lot to the team," he added. "To have him back in and around the group is a boost for everyone - he's only young but he's a key member of the squad."

 

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Rooney calls for patience from Manchester United fans

Wayne Rooney has called for patience from Manchester United supporters as the English champions look to recover from their recent poor run of form.

David Moyes' side are yet to win in the new year, with Tuesday's Capital One Cup semi-final defeat to Sunderland coming after losses to Tottenham and Swansea City, respectively, and find themselves 11 points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

Rooney has not featured for United since the 2-1 defeat to Spurs on New Year's Day as he continues to struggle with a groin injury, but he has urged the club's fans to remain behind the team, vowing that results will improve.

He told MUTV: "The fans' support is very important. The fans have been great here, especially now when we are not in the best of form and we have lost the last few games.

"We need them to support us through this time. We will get stronger and we will get better. The fans are vital in being patient with us and letting us try to get there. I am sure we will do."

Danny Welbeck has frequently been played further forward as Moyes looks to cope with an injury crisis that has also seen Robin van Persie miss out on his side's last six games, and Rooney was full of praise for his England team-mate.

"Danny's been great," he added. "He's been working really hard and he's played a few games up top now and scored some vital goals for us.

"He's been brilliant, especially when we've had a few injuries and he's come in and helped the team."

 

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Robben tells Bayern to take 'first step' over contract extension

Arjen Robben has called on Bayern Munich to take the "first step" over a possible contract extension.

The Netherlands international, who has a year and a half left to run on his current deal, is keen to commit his future to the Bavarians but says that the onus is on his employers to kick off the negotiation process."If the club wants me to stay I would love to hear that," Robben told ANP. "At this moment, it's not in my hands.

"The club will have to take the first step if they want to renew my contract. I'm sure they know my qualities and I know what the club is worth to me."For the moment, though, Robben is just concentrating on recovering from a knee injury in time to feature in Bayern's first game back after the winter break, against Borussia Monchengladbach on January 24.

"It's not nice that I can only train and not play matches," the 29-year-old winger lamented. "I think I still need a few more days to recover. I can come back when the season restarts; I still have two weeks for that."

Robben was in sensational form before the injury he suffered against Augsburg at the start of December, having netted 13 goals in 19 games in all competitions.

 

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Agger rules out Liverpool exit

Daniel Agger insists that he has no intention of quitting Liverpool during the January transfer window.

The Denmark international has started just nine Premier League games this season and has been linked with a reunion with former Reds boss Rafael Benitez at Napoli.

"I'm not thinking about moving at the moment, not at all," Agger told Jyllands-Posten.

"I've only seen what the papers say and I can't really do anything about it. There is no reason to believe these rumours."

Agger's primary focus is on helping Liverpool challenge for the Premier League title, with Brendan Rodgers' men currently just six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

And the centre-half reckons that a new-found belief has been the key to the side’s displays this term.

"There is a much different atmosphere in the dressing room," the 29-year-old explained.

"It's like we truly believe that we are going to win and that is not something that we have done in the last couple of years.

"We are winning games, playing some great football and scoring a lot of goals. We've proven that we can challenge and then we have a guy up front [Luis Suarez] who scores goals from time to time."

 

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Van Persie returns to Manchester United & targets comeback at Chelsea

Robin van Persie is set to return for Manchester United within 10 days after completing two weeks of specialist fitness work in his native Netherlands.

The striker has been working one-on-one with PSV Eindhoven fitness coach Arno Philips after suffering a thigh injury in early December.

Van Persie has completed the final stage of his rehabilitation and has now returned to Manchester to resume training at United’s Carrington headquarters.

Sources say a programme is in place for the Dutchman to gradually build up his football fitness before making his long-awaited first-team return.

The Red Devils spearhead is not expected to figure in the club’s league home match against Swansea City on Saturday evening but is likely to make his comeback when they visit Chelsea eight days later.

Van Persie’s imminent return is a boost to beleaguered United boss David Moyes, who has not been able to call upon the prolific striker for the team’s last eight matches.

The 30-year-old’s second season at Old Trafford has been interrupted by thigh, toe and groin injuries but his record of 10 goals in 16 appearances demonstrates what an asset he remains.

Van Persie was ruled out for a month by Moyes after he injured his thigh taking the corner that led to United’s winner against Shakhtar Donetsk on December 10.

The forward has a good relationship with Philips from their time working together for the Dutch national team.

Philips is the fitness coach at PSV but he also has wide experience of physiotherapist and strength and conditioning roles, often as a member of Guus Hiddink’s backroom staff.

Van Persie worked with Philips last October after picking up a toe injury on international duty and is believed to have insisted that his latest rehabilitation would be monitored by his fellow Dutchman, even though it was away from United’s training base.

 

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Bayern-bound Lewandowski considers hiring bodyguards

Robert Lewandowski is considering hiring bodyguards on account of the controversy caused by his decision to leave Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich at the end of the season.

It was confirmed last week that the Poland international would be joining the Bavarians on a free transfer, after agreeing a five-year contract with Pep Guardiola's side.

Having already lost Mario Gotze to Bayern last summer, Dortmund fans reacted angrily to the news and, for that reason, Lewandowski is entertaining the idea of extra security for both he and his family.

"We are giving serious thought to it," Maik Barthel, one of the forward's consultants, told SPORT BILD.

According to the paper, Lewandowski, whose Facebook profile page has been targeted by irate Dortmund supporters, is considering personal protection after seeing how Gotze was treated when it was announced that he would be joining Bayern.

Indeed, the Germany international employed bodyguards to protect his home and accompany him on his first trip to Die Schwarzgelben's training ground after news of his transfer broke.

 

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Negredo enjoying Manchester City partnership with Dzeko

Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo is enjoying his blossoming partnership with team-mate Edin Dzeko.

The duo have formed a potent alliance in the absence of Argentina international Sergio Aguero, who has been missing since mid-December with a calf injury.

Their fine form continued in City's 6-0 thrashing of West Ham in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with Dzeko scoring twice and Negredo going one better by netting a hat-trick. The result virtually ensures a final appearance at Wembley and the former Sevilla star was thrilled with the pair's contribution.

He told Sky Sports after the match: "People were able to see today, when we play together we feel comfortable. We try to find each other and we got the results.

"I'm very happy, obviously, but especially about the team. We got the victory so that's what matters in the end."

Dzeko was equally complimentary about the Spain international and was particularly impressed with Negredo's opener, a controlled volley from Yaya Toure's pinpoint pass.

"The first goal was also spectacular from Alvaro," the Bosnian enthused. "The first goal is always important, then maybe we can open them up because they were defending with eight, nine players always.

"We still have to play away and this result will give us the confidence for the second leg."

 

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Puyol undecided on Barcelona future

Barcelona defender Carles Puyol says he is yet to make a final decision on his future amid rumours that he could hang up his boots at the end of the season.

The Spain international missed Euro 2012 through injury and then made just 13 Liga appearances last season, before undergoing knee surgery in June.

He has since struggled to reclaim his starting berth at Camp Nou, having made just three more league outings this term, with Gerard Pique partnered by Javier Mascherano and Marc Bartra at the heart of the back four.

As a result, a number of reports have suggested the Spain international could call it quits after the World Cup, but Puyol has now made it clear that the prospect of retirement does not figure high on his agenda.

"At the moment, I'm focused on finishing the season at Barcelona and then we'll see what happens," Puyol told TV3.

"As long as I am still enjoying myself, I plan to continue playing. I would like to keep playing."

Puyol, who has made over 500 official appearances for Barcelona, has a contract with the Blaugrana until the summer of 2016.

 

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Gundogan still suffering back pain

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan fears that it could be a while before he will be fully pain free again as he continues his recovery from a back injury.

The Germany international has not featured for BVB since their Bundesliga opener against Augsburg in August, but recently resumed squad training again.

Nevertheless, Gundogan - who has been told by the club to make a decision over his future sooner rather than later after entering the last 18 months of his contract - has made it clear that his physical problems are not over just yet.

"I'm still having pain," Gundogan was quoted as saying by Bild.

"The things that I've been doing so far are going fine, but there will be moments where I will have to get used to the intense work again.

"I am not top fit just yet and I'm not completely pain free at the moment. I still have pain in my hip, calf and shin.

"My main objective is to get fully healthy again. Once I've achieved that, I want to give my all again."

Dortmund resume Bundesliga action at home against Augsburg on January 25.

 

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'Not good enough' - Welbeck urges Manchester United to improve

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck says his side must put an end to their losing streak after suffering three straight defeats for the first time since 2001.

The reigning champions have lost their last three matches by the same 2-1 scoreline against Tottenham, Swansea and Sunderland and face Michael Laudrup’s men again on Saturday.

Welbeck says he is at a loss to explain his side's poor form but says his team must improve and return to winning ways as soon as possible.

"I can understand why the fans are concerned," he told reporters. "We're not around the Champions League spots at the moment. We need to get our form back and just win the next matches.

"Losing three on the bounce is really not good enough and we want to put that right. I can’t pinpoint one thing why this is happening. We were champions last season and we know that the consistency in our game has not been good enough.

"It's a new experience for us all, but the main thing we have to do is look at the next game. We have to put it right but you can’t look too far ahead. It’s over 10 years since United lost three in a row so we know we have to turn it around and win the next match."

United take on Swansea at Old Trafford on Saturday, having already lost six times at home in the Premier League this season, and Welbeck says victory is vital.

"It was very disappointing to go out of the FA Cup against Swansea and we have to rectify that," he added.

"The next match is the most important. It’s Swansea and we have to get three points. We hope we will gather some momentum."

 

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West Brom appoint Pepe Mel as head coach

West Brom have confirmed they have appointed Pepe Mel as their new head coach, replacing the sacked Steve Clarke.

Clarke was sacked on December 14 following a run of four straight Premier League defeats, leaving the Baggies just two points away from the relegation zone before caretaker Keith Downing oversaw three draws and a win.

Mel, who has penned an 18-month contract, was sacked by Real Betis in December after a poor start to the season but guided the club to a seventh-placed finish, and the Europa League, last term.

"His appointment concludes an extensive recruitment process during which we have cast the net far and wide to identify the most suitable candidate to take the Club forward," director Richard Garlick told the club's official website.

"Pepe was a strong contender from the outset due to his impressive achievements and has emerged as our No.1 candidate.

"He is a forward thinking coach whose teams are renowned for playing an attractive and positive style of football."

Mel originally held talks with West Brom in December but negotiations collapsed after the Spaniard made it clear he intended to bring in his own backroom staff.

Downing will now support Mel, with Saturday's trip to Southampton the caretaker's final game in charge.

 

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Di Maria to escape Real Madrid punishment

Real Madrid have formally announced that they will not take action against Angel Di Maria following allegations the player had made an offensive gesture during last weekend's La Liga victory over Celta.

The Argentina international found himself in hot water after grabbing his crotch upon being substituted in Madrid's win over Celta, even though he stressed immediately after the game that he made a natural gesture and did not meant to insult the crowd.

However, Madrid opted to open an investigation in the matter nonetheless, only to now reach the conclusion there's no reason to punish Di Maria.

"Real Madrid would like to communicate that the investigation into Angel di Maria has been closed without any punishment," a statement on the club's official website reads.

"The investigator feels there's no evidence to conclude that Di Maria made an offensive gesture toward the crowd on January 6. Therefore, no disciplinary action would be justified.

"Consequently, the club's direction has decided to close the investigation."

 

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Moyes nominated for Premier League Manager of the Month

Under-fire Manchester United boss David Moyes has been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for December.

The Scot's side have lost all three of their matches in all competitions in 2014 but claimed four wins and a draw from five league matches to end 2013.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also nominated having led his side to five wins from seven matches, drawing away to Arsenal and losing just once.

Manuel Pellegrini is also in contention after Manchester City claimed six victories and a draw from their seven matches in the month while continuing their blistering scoring form.

The final contender is Everton boss Roberto Martinez, who has overseen four wins from six matches, with a home defeat to Sunderland the only stain on their 2013 home league record.

Luis Suarez is the front-runner for the Player of the Month award, with Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, Alvaro Negredo, Ross Barkley and Theo Walcott also in contention.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes wa list 1kata nominate wechcha 1kama pudumai

 

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La Liga 2014.01.10 Fixture

La Liga 2014.01.10 Fixture​

Granada Vs Real Valladoid​

 

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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...adamant-Alvaro-Morata-not-moving-Arsenal.html

Ohh Transfer wena 1kak naha wage neda bro.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes gen new signings gana thama response 1kak nahamona karanna innawada manda

 

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Ohh Transfer wena 1kak naha wage neda bro.

ow machan

 

[rcccc]

Moyes gen new signings gana thama response 1kak nahamona karanna innawada manda

Claudio Marchisio ta try karanawalu