::::SOCCER NEWS:::: Bayern Munich have confirmed that Franck Ribery will miss their UEFA Champions League first leg clash at Arsenal next week. The France winger underwent surgery on a trapped nerve in his gluteal muscles last week, which club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller- Wohlfahrt confirmed had been a success, andhe is not expected to recover in time to face Arsene Wengers side in the round of 16 encounter next Wednesday. Newcastle Uniteds season will be a success if they finish above Manchester United, according to manager Alan Pardew. Pardews men have been in dismal form of late, suffering consecutive 3-0 defeats to Sunderland and Chelsea. Fulham have confirmed that Wednesdays game with Liverpool may be postponed as a result of strike action by London Underground staff. Underground workers have planned a 48-hour walk-out for 21.00 (local time) on Tuesday, reportedly throwing some midweek games in the capital into doubt. Diego Simeone has not given up hope of Atletico Madrid making the Copa del Rey final despite being 3-0 down after the first leg. The cup holders were well beaten in an ill- tempered match against city rivals Real Madrid last week, and will need to record a big win if they are keep hopes of retaining the trophyalive. The Football Association will take no action against Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure following his clash with Ricky van Wolfswinkel. The Ivory Coast international appeared to aim a kick towards Norwich City striker Van Wolfsinkel in the closing stages of Saturdays goalless Premier League draw at Carrow Road. Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has not given up hope of having CristianoRonaldos suspension lifted. The Italian remains optimistic that the Portugal international could be available for Reals La Liga game at Getafe on Sunday, despite the fact that the forward is still due to sit out a further two games after missing Saturdays win at Villarreal. In-form Chelsea forward Eden Hazard believes Manchester City are better equipped to win the Premier League title than Jose Mourinhos side. Cardiff Citys Craig Bellamy has been chargedby the Football Association with violentconduct during Saturdays clash against Swansea City.The 34-year-old appeared to punch Swansea midfielder Jonathan de Guzman in Saturdays Wales derby, which Garry Monks side won 3-0 courtesy of goals from Wayne Routledge, Nathan Dyer and Wilfried Bony. Hull City manager Steve Bruce believes Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Curtis Davies should be considered for England selection. The trio have been stand-out performers for Hull this season and were all involved in the 2-0 victory over 10-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Juan Mata has urged his Manchester United team-mates to stick together and not pin the blame on the sides recent slump on bad luck. Brendan Rodgers has hailed Liverpools Martin Skrtel as one of the top defenders in the Premier League following his brace against Arsenal. Benfica have confirmed that their derby gamewith Sporting Lisbon will go ahead on Tuesday after problems with the roof were resolved. The two rivals were due to meet in the Primeira Liga on Sunday, but high winds caused insulation material to fall from the roof at the Estadio da Luz and the match was postponed on safety grounds. Jose Mourinho believes Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has got his sums wrong when it comes to Chelseas transfer dealings. The Chelsea manager was responding to comments from his City counterpart, in which he intimated that the Stamford Bridge outfit had spent the most money in the Premier League over the 10 years. Sunderland defender Wes Brown will serve a two-match ban for his dismissal against Hull City on Saturday, the FA has confirmed. Rafael van der Vaart has admitted Hamburgs players were afraid of their fans during protests after a sixth consecutive Bundesliga defeat. Juventus striker Carlos Tevez is not worried about personal milestones this season and is instead intent on lifting the Serie A title. The Argentina international scored twice in the opening 21 minutes of Sundays 2-2 draw with Verona on Sunday to seemingly put the league leaders in a comfortable position. Eric Abidal believes Monacos 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday shows how far they have come this season. After gaining promotion from Ligue 2 last term, Monaco have proven to be PSGs closest rivals at the top of Ligue 1, recording 1-1 draws in both league meetings with the French champions. Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has rejected the clubs offer of a contract extension. The 28-year-old has failed to establish himself as Arsenals number one during his near seven-year tenure at the Emirates Stadium, with the likes of Manuel Almunia and fellow Pole Wojciech Szczesny being Arsene Wengers preferred options in that time.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 01:25:43 +0000