Walcott out of World Cup

Arsenal and England have been rocked by the news that forward Theo Walcott will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee.

The Gunners confirmed on their official website that Walcott is likely to be out for at least six months as a result of the problem sustained in the 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Tottenham at the weekend.

Walcott was taken from the field on a stretcher - and was subsequently pelted with objects thrown from the away end - after appearing to jar his knee when making a tackle during the closing stages of the encounter although the injury has turned out to be more severe.

The 24-year-old did not appear to be in severe pain as he was carried off the field at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and even signalled "2-0" in the direction of 5,000-strong Tottenham fans, as missiles, including coins and plastic bottles, were seen to hit medical staff as they carried the stretcher around to the tunnel on the halfway line.

Walcott learned on Monday that he would face no disciplinary action for his hand gesture, but the latest news is much more devastating.

"After coming off injured in Saturday's 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur, the club regrettably announces that Theo Walcott has sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee," said the statement on the club's official website, arsenal.com.

"Theo will have surgery in London in the near future and is expected to be out for at least six months, therefore missing the remainder of the season and the World Cup in Brazil in the summer."

Sanchez hat-trick puts Barca back on top

Barcelona moved back to the top of La Liga on goal difference with a comfortable 4-0 win over Elche on Sunday thanks to a hat-trick from Alexis Sanchez.

The Catalans are tied with Atletico Madrid on 49 points with the two set to meet for the first time in the league this season next weekend at the Vicente Calderon.

Lionel Messi was once again watching from the sidelines as he nears a comeback from a hamstring injury and Neymar was left on the bench having recently returned from a Christmas break in Brazil.

However, Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez once again proved able deputies as they slotted home inside the opening 15 minutes.

Xavi Hernandez also missed a second-half penalty for the hosts, but it mattered little as Sanchez rolled home his second goal from Pedro's pass shortly afterwards.

And the Chilean sealed his first hat-trick for the club with a stunning free-kick 21 minutes from time.

Barca now lead Real Madrid by eight points, but Madrid can cut the gap on the leaders to five with victory over Celta Vigo on Monday.

For more information http://www.football.co.uk/barcelona/sanchez_hat-trick_puts_barca_back_on_top_rss4554948.shtml

Moyes offers no excuses

The 2-1 Old Trafford loss to Swansea meant United exited the FA Cup at the third-round stage for only the second time in 30 years.

Wilfried Bony's last-minute header was enough to give the visitors' victory after Javier Hernandezhad cancelled out Wayne Routledge's opener.

And though United were without seven senior players, including Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, and had substitute Fabio sent off just four minutes after his introduction in the second-half following an injury to Rio Ferdinand, Moyes did not try to defend the situation.

      

For more  information  http://www.football.co.uk/manchester_united/moyes_offers_no_excuses_rss4555368.shtml

Pogba: 'Serie A is extraordinary'

Paul Pogba committed himself to Juventus, insisted he is “not the anti-MarioBalotelli” and explained why “Serie A is extraordinary.”

Still only 20 years old, the French midfielder is already a senior international regular and a huge bargain for the Bianconeri, having arrived on a free transfer when his contract expired with Manchester United.

“My brothers are both players, Florentin at Saint-Etienne and Mathias at Crewe Alexandra, while my father wanted to be a player and then a Coach,” he told La Repubblica.

“I grew up watching videotapes of Pele, Diego Maradona and also Jean-Pierre Papin. I wanted his strength and aggression. I also want to point out my family cared a great deal about my studies and I wasn’t too bad at school.

“I left home early to play football, but I didn’t suffer from loneliness. I called home and always talk to my family. I’m not a tough guy, nor one of those players covered in tattoos.”

With that in mind, Pogba was asked whether he represented the anti-Balotelli.

“I think he suffered a great deal, as there are wounds from one’s childhood that never heal if you didn’t feel loved enough. A bit of understanding wouldn’t go amiss, as Balotelli had a difficult life. He might seem like a ‘bad boy,’ but deep down he’s a good man. When I lived in Manchester we had similar hairstyles and some people mistook me for Balotelli.

“I like to read a lot and understand my roots, where I came from and who I am. I only recently went to Guinea for the first time. It’s beautiful, but tough. People here complain, but they don’t realise that parts of Africa have nothing at all – water, light, food. Going to Africa shakes you up, but gives you a new sense of balance.”

Pogba concedes his formative years at United were dominated by Sir Alex Ferguson, even if they didn’t always see eye to eye.

“He is unique in understanding what players can be, even before they themselves realise it. Many owe their success to him. He believed in me early on, even if I didn’t play often. He also said I’d struggle in Italy because there was too much racism, but I told him that was everywhere and England certainly wasn’t immune to it, as proved by John Terry and Luis Suarez.

“The truth is I really struggled to settle in England. The first six months of learning English was hellish, as if you don’t know the language then the British aren’t very helpful.

“Italian football is much more tactical than in England, but at the momentSerie A is underestimated. There is so much pressure, apprehension, tension and obsession here. It’s true, I suffer at being marked so tightly. Plus the media talks about one gesture for the whole week, so you never breathe a sigh of relief. Mind you, that excessive focus is what makes Italian football so anomalous, different, difficult and in the end also extraordinary.”

Pogba has repeatedly been linked with huge moves to the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Arsenal, but insists he is “happy at Juve.

“I won’t deny as a child I dreamed of playing for Arsenal or Barcelona, but now I dream of playing for France against my brothers as they play for Guinea.

“For me Juve is Zidane, Trezeguet and Nedved. It is talent, class, discipline and teamwork. As for me, I know promising success isn’t enough, as you have to maintain those promises. I am not embarrassed by my talent, nor do I have an absurd rush to prove myself. I’ve been through the ranks, so I know it’s a journey and I am eyeing the final destination.”

Capello: Ronaldo deserves Ballon d'Or

       The Russia boss feels that while the Real Madrid ace was a clear second-best to Lionel Messi in recent years, this year the Seleccao star has done enough to land the award.

Fabio Capello believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or for playing a key role in Portugal's qualification for the World Cup.

The 28-year-old attacker has been in sensational goalscoring form all year and currently has 25 goals in 18 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season.

However, Capello believes it was his remarkable four-goal haul in Portugal's play-off triumph over Sweden, which included a hat-trick in the second leg in Solna, which should see Ronaldo break a run of two successive runners-up finishes to Lionel Messi in the battle for the Ballon d'Or.

"This year Cristiano definitely deserves it," the Russia boss told Deutsche Presse-Agentur.  

"In recent years, he always deservedly came second to Messi but this season he has done really decisive things.

"Against Sweden in the play-offs, he carried his Portugal to qualification for the World Cup. It was impressive."

Although Messi is again in contention, Ronaldo's main rival for the annual Fifa award is believed to be Franck Ribery, who won a treble with Bayern Munich last season.

Monday Transfer Roundup: All the Latest Rumours From Around the Premier League

10. Mark Hughes Wants Former Chelsea Defender on Loan

Mark Hughes is looking to strengthen Stoke's defence in the new year and is considering a loan move for former Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne.

Mancienne left England a few years ago to pursue a new career in the Bundesliga with HSV Hamburg. He has been in and out of the Hamburg first-team since his move and is ready to return to the Premier League.

The Mirror thinks Mancienne could do the trick for Hughes as the Welshman is working with a tight budget at the Britannia Stadium. However, with his side's struggles to score, a striker is his priority.

9. Chelsea Eye Xabi Alonso. Possible move?

Rumours regarding Xabi Alonso's return to the Premier League just will not die and today it is The Express that reports Alonso is a top target for former manager Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

Alonso has reportedly turned down Real Madrid's offer of a contract extension and is willing to leave the Spanish capital in favour of a return to England.

Mourinho's top target in January is a striker, but with the Chelsea manager being forced to play David Luiz in midfield against Liverpool and jokingly threatening to play keeper Mark Schwarzer in the next game, he may fancy a cut-price for the Spaniard in January.

8. Liverpool Keeping Tabs on £7m-Rated Udinese Man

The Metro claims Liverpool are keeping tabs on Ghanian central midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu.

Badu plays for Serie A side Udinese and is known as energetic box-to-box midfielder.

Brendan Rodgers recently claimed his side lack squad depth and that he was looking for reinforcements in January. With this in mind, he may take a punt on Badu in the new year.

7. Palace Eyeing Double Swoop on Stoke

As shocking as it may seem, The Daily Mail have claimed Tony Pulis is set on raiding Stoke for two of his former players.

Peter Crouch and Matthew Etherington are said to be top targets for the Crystal Palace manager. Upon taking the Palace job, it looked as though Pulis' record of keeping teams in the Premier League would finally come to an end as he took on a seemingly impossible job. However, after surpassing the 14 point mark since taking the helm, Pulis has been given the funds to spend and is expected to make moves in the January transfer window.

Etherington has not featured for the Potters this season and could be an easily attainable target. However, Crouch might prove difficult to prize away from the Britannia.

6. Tottenham to Take Alexander Buttner on Loan

Tottenham's search for a left-back continues with The Mirror stating that Spurs have already contacted Manchester United with a view to taking Dutchman Alexander Buttner on loan in the new year.

Buttner has struggled to break into the first-team at Old Trafford, but is seen as a capable player nonetheless.

The deal would initially be a loan deal until the end of the season with a view to a permanent signing should he impress.

The same report claims Fulham, Genoa and Roma would also be interested in a similar deal.

5. Hull to Take Nick Powell on Loan

Nick Powell has been impressing everyone whilst out on loan at Wigan Athletic this season as he is currently the Latics top scorer in all competitions.

Manchester United manager David Moyes is keen on testing Powell at Premier League level, however, and is considering sending Powell on loan to Hull to see how he fares with the rigours of the top-flight.

There was talk from Moyes that he would recall Powell for his own benefit as United are lacking in the central midfield department. But if this story is true, Moyes must have some targets lined up for January as the former Crewe Alexandra lad looks every bit the top player.

4. West Ham to Make Move for Roma Striker

Is there anyone in the Premier League that needs a striker more than Big Sam and West Ham?

The latest name being linked with the Hammers is AS Roma striker Marco Boriello.

Boriello is totally out of favour in the Italian capital and is itching for a move away. The Mirror saysRoma directors have already been to London to talk with potential suitors and that Boriello could be making the 10th loan move of his career to Upton Park shortly.

3. Premier League and Real Madrid Target to Stay in Bundesliga

The Premier League big boys and Real Madrid will be disappointed to hear that Ikay Gundogan will likely be staying in Dortmund for the time being,

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder in recent months, but Dortmund's chief executive has rubbished reports that one of his star men could be set to leave the Westfalenstadion.

Speaking to German newspaper Bild he said;

"If we believe all those stories from Spain in terms of which player is to leave our club, we would have trouble picking a proper team." 

"Neither Ilkay nor his father have yet told us anything about leaving."

2. Arsenal to Rival Barca and Juventus for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

One of the biggest transfer rumours of the day comes fromInside Football and their report that Arsenal are ready to rival Barcelona and Juventus to sign Gladbach keeper, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

It was long thought that Ter Stegen would be making a summer switch to Barcelona as a replacement for the outgoing Victor Valdes, who is set to leave the Camp Nou upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season.

Alternatively, Arsenal could well step out of the race for Ter Stegen if they are able to secure Valdes on a bosman transfer next summer.

1. Manchester United to Make £50m Bid for Ross Barkley

By far the biggest and most outrageous story of the day comes from a report in the Manchester Evening News. They claim Manchester United are preparing a mega £50m bid for Ross Barkley.

MEN reports that United are willing to break the bank to land one of the hottest properties in the Premier League after failing to secure Gareth Bale and other top targets in the summer.

Roberto Martinez recently sent a warning to potential suitors for Barkley by claiming that even a Gareth Bale-like transfer fee wouldn't convince him to sell Barkley in January.

Bill Kenwright might have something else to say on the matter..

Liverpool 2-0 Hull

Hull horror show haunts Rodgers

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has emphasised the Reds' determination that there will be no repeat of the mistakes they made in their recent encounter with Hull when the two clubs face each other again on New Year's Day.


The Tigers won this season's initial Barclays Premier League meeting between them 3-1 at the KC Stadium on December 1.


And Hull, currently 10th in the table, will be heading into Wednesday's reverse fixture at Anfield not only with that result still fresh in their minds, but also off the back of an emphatic 6-0 home victory over Fulham.


Certainly, Rodgers knows Steve Bruce's men are not to be underestimated.


But he has also stressed how disappointed Liverpool were with their efforts in the first clash, and regarding this match, the Northern Irishman said: "It's very simple - we are at home and we expect to win.


"We know it's going to be like any game at this level - a very tough game.


"They're coming off the back of a victory that doesn't happen too often when you're in the Premier League, especially when it's 0-0 at half-time. It was a terrific result.


"But we were very disappointed in our performance level there.


"We were nowhere near the standard we would expect, although you have to give credit to Hull - they exposed that on the day.


"We aim to make sure that no matter what squad we have or team we put out, we don't make the same mistakes again because home games are vitally important for us."


Hull, who are in their comeback top-flight campaign after gaining promotion from the Championship in May, were widely tipped for relegation before this season started.


But at the mid-way point, with 19 of their 38 fixtures played, they have accrued an impressive total of 23 points.


And they have lost only two of their six games since the victory over Liverpool - one being a 2-0 defeat at table-toppers Arsenal and the other a 3-2 home loss to Manchester United, against whom they had taken an early 2-0 lead.

"I think they've done exceptionally well. They're a team that's coming up," said Rodgers, whose own side are currently fifth, a point behind fourth-placed Everton.


Reds captain Steven Gerrard could make his return to action in Wednesday's contest.


Gerrard, who has sat out Liverpool's last four games after sustaining a hamstring problem in a win over West Ham on December 7, has been back in training and his condition is being assessed ahead of the fixture.