It was originally forecast that Jack Wilshere would be returning to the Arsenal team in late January, but just as he looked close to full fitness again it was revealed in a scan that the 18 year-old had yet another small bone broken in his foot, But today Wenger has revealed that Wilshere is going [.

What an improvement on recent league games, we finally clicked into gear and destroyed the opposition, and frankly thank goodness for that. defeat today would have been an utter disaster. A mixture of better finishing and some more incisive play in the final third catalysed by some key players returning to fitness helped us win this one so convincingly.

So it seems that the rumours that Arsene Wenger was thinking about resting Robin Van Persie against Blackburn were true as the Arsenal boss revealed in his pre-match conference that he is intending to do a little tinkering. It could be that Arsenal's newest star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may also be given a break as Wenger [.

Perhaps that should be, 2012 HAS to be different. More than some recent poor results, last night's 0-0 with Bolton felt like it signalled the death knell for our season.

I say this because for once we can't hide behind conceding fluke goals or wonder goals. I say this because despite keeping a clean sheet for the first time in what feels like eternity, we could not score at a ground where the likes of United and Chelsea scored five.

Perhaps that should be, 2012 HAS to be different. More than some recent poor results, last night's 0-0 with Bolton felt like it signalled the death knell for our season.

I say this because for once we can't hide behind conceding fluke goals or wonder goals. I say this because despite keeping a clean sheet for the first time in what feels like eternity, we could not score at a ground where the likes of United and Chelsea scored five.

The addition of Wilmer Cabrera as Pareja's right-hand man has been the worst-kept secret in Commerce City for some time. Today the Rapids made it official, along with the rest of the coaching staff (all of which had been leaked prior to today). The new additions:
Wilmer Cabrera - Assistant Coach
Former Men's U-17 coach for the U.

In the past four preseasons Lamar Neagle grew from trialist to veteran player for Seattle Sounders FC. In talking to the player who during the split sessions trained with the veterans Neagle smiled as he noted his path, his responsibility as a veteran and the need in every training session to compete for minutes on a deep squad.

With our next fixture coming up February 29th in Genoa against the United States, I realized what a shame it is that Giuseppe Rossi is injured right now. Certainly, he likes to score against his native country, he scored a brace when we met in 2009 in the Confederations Cup. But more important than delightfully watching him punish the American team in a friendly, I wonder whether or not he'll be able to make it back to full fitness in time for the Euros this summer?

The new tournament in India had its auction today. A quick refresher for those who allow quirky short-term tournament formats to slip from the back of their minds (shame): five teams, each team bids for a leading "icon", along with two foreigners and a manager, with a wage budget of $2.5m. (How much is being ballparked for the icons 30-40%?

I got my first look at the 2012 Portland Timbers during practice on January 27, and I was very impressed at the team's overall fitness level. The team also appears to have improved on their overall team speed, which I didn't think was possible, but they appear to be faster. The Timbers will need some of their bigger players to show their strength and smarts for the team to make the playoffs, but they've certainly got a lot of talent to work with.

Aston Villa

Position 11th, 6-9-7 (27 points, -3 goal differential)

Away Record: 3-6-2, -1 goal differential

Recent Form: DWLDW

Last Meeting: Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 2 (December 21, 2011)

Back in action tomorrow (remember when we used to play matches on Saturday) as we square off against Aston Villa in the FA Cup 4th round match.

The Timbers practice today was an uneventful one on the field but saw several developments on the sidelines. Once again Jose Adolfo Valencia was missing from practice which was yet again explained as being further fitness testing. John Spencer went on to say that as soon as he was done testing we would see him back on the field.

Thursday's Questions, and Tony finds proof of the smartest coach in MLS, wonders how Jonathan Spector's Birmingham City are doing, and would like to see MLS have things lined up before they make announcements. Will Jurgen Klinsmann's focus on fitness during the January camp help the MLS players in camp during the first part of the long season?

Photo by ISIphotos.com

George John has yet to make his debut with West Ham United, but he soon could after putting together a strong showing in his first match since joining the club.

John, on loan from FC Dallas until the beginning of March, starred in his first game for West Ham's developmental squad on Tuesday, putting together a strong defensive outing while scoring a goal in the Hammers' 1-1 draw with Gillingham.

Henrique: still off to QPR?

São Paulo director, João Paulo de Jesus Lopes, says that the door has not been shut on forward Henrique's transfer to QPR. The Morumbi club say that contrary to earlier reports, Henrique has not been denied a UK work visa. "The truth is the visa wasn't turned down.

The Timbers begin training camp this week in Portland at JELD-WEN Field in preparation for the 2012 season. Optimism is in high supply, as many players showed up to camp in excellent fitness for training. The Timbers just missed out on the playoffs in 2011, and have aspirations to be one of the five participants from the MLS Western Conference in 2012.

There's nothing like coming home! Just ask Lucas Leiva, who showed up to his first day of recuperation at Liverpool's Melwood training ground yesterday after spending six weeks back home in Brasil. The midfielder received a warm welcome from the club's staff and of course teammates Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina were also around to show their support.

Post Match Quotes from USSoccer.com


U.S. Men's National Team head coach JURGEN KLINSMANN:
On Jermaine Jones and what went in to decision to make captain:
"It was certainly a difficult situation for Jermaine with the suspension in Germany.

Morning all,

and let's start with some good news, for a change. Word is Thomas Vermaelen could be in line to play against United later on. He trained with the first team yesterday and assuming all went well it means he'll start the game at left back. It'll certainly add some solidity to a back four which could really do with it at the moment, but we ought not to forget that our defensive issues aren't simply the domain of that group of players.

Kenny Dalglish believes Craig Bellamy must be handled carefully if he is to avoid another serious injury.
The Wales striker is keen to play in every game he can, but the Liverpool boss feels a more restrained approach is needed.
Bellamy has made just nine starts in all competitions this season, but has come off the bench 11 times.

We all know that Harry likes to throw Ledley King into the big occasions if he possibly can and if there is a remote chance of the club captain being fit for Sunday's match with Manchester City, you can be fairly certain that the manager will use him.

The early prognosis on King's troublesome Hamstring was grim and it was expected that he would be out for another six weeks at least but after responding well to intensive treatment, he could make the final cut.

David Beckham signs new two-year contract to stay with LA Galaxy, ending PSG speculation Telegraph.

Former England and Man Utd midfielder David Beckham today signed a new two-year contract with the LA Galaxy of the MLS, ending all of the bogus press reports linking him with every club in the Western world and Greater Asia.

Images: twitter, Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.

Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone has had a lot of time on his hands since his ongoing ankle injury started acting up again. But don't be thinking he's wasting it playing FIFA, pimping out his wheels and falling out of clubs like most footballers do.

It was widely thought that after regaining his fitness following hip surgery American and Aston Villa fullback Eric Lichaj would head on loan to Leeds United, where he enjoyed overall success in his first stretch with consistent first-team minutes while on loan there last year.

Liverpool have reportedly snubbed Aston Villa's bid to sign striker Andy Carroll with Darren Bent offered in exchange.
Reports in the Sunday Express claim Villa chief Alex McLeish has approached his Reds counterpart Kenny Dalglish with a plan which would see reported Anfield target, Bent, make the move to Merseyside with Carroll going to Villa Park.

Once again the team news focuses on Scott Parker and there is a chance that our England international midfielder could be fit to face Wolves tomorrow.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Harry Redknapp said,

"We're hoping he's going to be okay, but it was great to see Jake Livermore come in and play like he did against Everton.

Might the prodigal son finally be on the mend? More, after the jump:

Back in Blue

You might remember Michael Essien. You might not. Either way, dude is back in action, getting his first run in some months as he works his way back to fitness with the reserves.

And ... I'm a ginger, too. It's fitting, isn't that the final two matches during the Premier League's rock 'em, sock 'em, player fitness be damned, 30-matches over 10 days "Holiday Program" included Newcastle United smacking Manchester United around the ground formerly known as St. James Parks, as well as American goalie Tim Howard launching a ball 100 yards, hitting the perfect angle and

It's a depleted side that will step out on the park to face Cheltenham in the FA Cup tomorrow but we do know that Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon will play at least.

Elsewhere, injuries and loan departures mean that Harry will pick from whoever is available, while looking for a chance to rest some of his more influential players

It's great to have Michael coming back, he's been out quite a while now," said Harry Redknapp about tomorrow's likely skipper.

Steve McManaman has backed Steven Gerrard to set Liverpool striker Andy Carroll on the path to becoming a "number nine superstar".
Carroll has scored just five goals in 30 appearances since his £35million switch from Newcastle and this season he has appeared bereft of confidence.
But former Anfield favourite McManaman believes Gerrard, who is back in action after an injury-dogged 2011, has the quality to bring the best out of Carroll.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists he will resist any temptation to rush captain Steven Gerrard back into action too soon.
The Reds' talismanic skipper came off the bench in recent fixtures against Newcastle and Man City following two months out with an ankle infection.
The temptation to start Gerrard in upcoming matches will be even greater for boss Dalglish given that star striker Luis Suarez is in the midst of an eight-game suspension.

Everton - Bolton 3pm - Fox Soccer Plus With Stuart Holden continuing his journey to full fitness, what would have been a battle of National Teamers becomes an opportunity to see Landon Donovan makes his debut on loan from Los Angeles. Hopefully, it's available on a cable system near you. Everton are in 10th-place, with Tim Howard recording four shutouts in 18 Premier League games this season.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has once again insisted that this will be a quiet month for Spurs and has warned fans not to expect any new arrivals this month.

Speaking to the Mirror over the weekend Harry said,

"It's extremely unlikely we will be doing any business in this window.

Eddie Johnson's quest to revive his playing career appears to have hit a major snag after he was reportedly dumped by Mexican club Puebla because he was out of shape.

According to Medio Tiempo, Johnson showed up for Puebla training camp before the New Year, but he failed to meet the team's expectations of fitness and sharpness and was let go.

Once more into the breach and our first game of 2012 sees us travel to Fulham.

Coming so soon after the exertions against QPR changes would seem to be inevitable, but I wonder. At the back we have to find a solution to the left back issue after Thomas Vermaelen's calf strain. Many would suggest Ignasi Miquel but given how well he did coming on against QPR I wouldn't be surprised to see Francis Coquelin start there.

Liverpool 3 Newcastle 1: Steven Gerrard back with a bang

Steven Gerrard gave his own New Year's message last night as he marked his return to fitness with a goal that keeps Liverpool in the hunt for a Champions League place.

View the full story here: The Mail

A news article on 2011-12-30 21:45:50 from: The Mail

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

So the far-fetched rumours are true, Thierry Henry will sensationally return to Arsenal as long as everything runs smoothly, with the move being confirmed by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. All that has to be finalised is an insurance package, incase Henry is to be injured during his return to the Premier League.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard relishing return to first-team action as he looks to forget injury woes

The 31-year-old has hailed the work of the club's coaching and medical staff in helping him back to fitness, and is hoping to feature in Friday's clash with Newcastle at Anfield

View the full story here: Goal

A news article on 2011-12-30 13:14:00 from: Goal

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had been coy in recent days when discussing a potential return to Arsenal by legendary striker Thierry Henry, but on Friday Wenger acknowledged that a two-month loan move is in the works and needs only some paperwork to be finalized.

"Normally it should happen," Wenger said in his Friday press conference ahead of Arsenal's match against Queens Park Rangers.

Dalglish: No Stevie risks

Kenny Dalglish has revealed his delight at being able to call upon the services of Steven Gerrard once again but insists no risks will be taken with the fitness of the Liverpool captain.

View the full story here: Liverpool FC

A news article on 2011-12-30 09:59:42 from: Liverpool FC

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.