Rickie Lambert close to completing £4m Liverpool move after undergoing medical on Merseyside

Southampton and England striker Rickie Lambert appears a step closer to completing a move to Liverpool after undergoing a medical on Merseyside.
The Anfield club are understood to have agreed a £4million deal for the 32-year-old, who was once on their books as an academy player.
Liverpool are thought to be keen to complete a deal before Lambert heads to England's pre-World Cup training camp in the United States on Sunday.
Lambert told Sky Sports News: 'The medical went well but as you know I can't say anything.
'I'll speak properly about it, hopefully, very shortly.
'It's been a crazy football year to be honest, the way it's carrying on.'

Lambert arrived at Manchester airport after completing his medical with Liverpool

Flying high: Lambert spoke to sky sports News at Manchester airport after completing his medical

Dream move: Lambert struggled to hide his excitement at the prospect of joining Liverpool again

On his way: Rickie Lambert (left, next to Adam Lallana) has arrived at Liverpool for his medical

Smoke and mirrors: Liverpool were very protective of their prospective new signing on Saturday morning

On arrival: The club's doctor Zaf Iqbal was pictured leaving Liverpool Spire Hospital after the medical checks

Hotshot: Lambert has been Southampton's talisman since they won promotion to the Premier League in 2012

The initial £4m fee will rise according to the appearances he makes, while the club were keen to keep his whereabouts under wraps.

He arrived at Liverpool Spire Hospital at around nine o'clock on Saturday morning; after the medical, a club car reversed right up to the entrance before bundling the striker into the back.

Lambert was then taken to the club's training ground at Melwood ahead of a flight back down to Southampton later in the afternoon.

The 32-year-old, who began his career at Liverpool’s academy, will be the first major arrival in what is expected to be a busy summer for the club.

He could even be followed by two of his team-mates from Southampton, as Liverpool are still negotiating for £25m-rated Adam Lallana and have also targeted Dejan Lovren to bolster their defence.

A boyhood Liverpool fan, Lambert finally looks set to earn his big move after a career largely spent in the lower leagues. He wasn't deemed strong enough by Steve McMahon at Blackpool as a youngster before moves to Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers. Alan Pardew then spent £1million to take the target man to St Mary's in 2009.

Rodgers wanted the deal done before Roy Hodgson takes his side away to Brazil for the start of the World Cup.

Lambert scored 16 goals for club and country last season and will provide the Premier League title chasers with a different option up front to supplement Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

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Rita Ora ditches her bright outfits for a black minidress... but adds bite to her look with snakeskin cowboy boots

She's used to stepping out wearing an array of bright and unusual outfits.

But Rita Ora ditched the wacky ensembles for a plain black minidress as she stepped out in Hollywood on Friday.

The star looked to have dressed to impress for business as she was seen heading to a recording studio in California. 

R.I.P to the colour: Rita Ora ditched the wacky ensembles for a plain black minidress as she stepped out in Hollywood on Friday

Fun in the sun: The star looked to have dressed to impress for business as she was seen heading to a recording studio in California

She teamed her look with another black accessory in the shape of a backwards baseball cap.

And while her clothing had a plain theme to it, she added some bite to her look courtesy of a pair of grey snakeskin cowboy boots.

What's more, the 23-year-old star narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction as her dress blew up but fortunately her modesty was preserved. 

S-s-s-s-exy footwear: While her clothing had a plain theme to it, she added some bite to her look courtesy of a pair of grey snakeskin cowboy boots

Stepping out: She teamed her look with another black accessory in the shape of a backwards baseball cap

The star's LBD enabled her to show off her slim pins in the Sunshine State and she added a pair of sunglasses to shade her eyes from the rays.

One of Rita's most recent looks was a complete contrast to her all-black ensemble.

The star stepped out in Paris on Tuesday in a superhero-inspired red cape outfit. 

Close call: The 23-year-old star narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction as her dress blew up but fortunately her modesty was preserved

Rita singer had arrived at the Trianon in Paris to rehearse ahead of a concert later that evening.

This comes after the star donned some multi-coloured dreadlocks for her performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend last week.

Rita had blue, green, yellow and pink hair extensions braided through her hair, to match the Adidas onsie and trainers of her stage outfit. 

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Liverpool make final £25m Lallana bid as Lambert arrives for medical

The Reds are keen to wrap up a deal as soon as possible and have told the Saints that they will not make a bigger offer, while team-mate Lambert should complete his move shortly

Liverpool have made a final £25 million bid for Southampton forward Adam Lallana.

The Reds are keen to tie up a deal as soon as possible and are adamant that they will not return with more money should the Saints knock back their latest approach.

Tottenham are also in the race to sign Lallana but it is the Merseysiders who have shown concrete interest with two formal bids.

The first, worth around £20m, was made on the final weekend of the Premier League season but was rejected by the Saints.

The south-coast club are holding out for nearer to £30m for the England man, but Liverpool will test that resolve by making it clear that they will not stretch any further than £25m.

Lallana's club and international team-mate, Rickie Lambert, will complete his Anfield move over the weekend after completing a medical on Saturday.

Both players will travel to Miami with the England squad on Sunday as they step up preparations for the World Cup in Brazil.

The Three Lions beat Peru 3-0 at Wembley on Friday evening thanks to goals from Daniel Sturridge, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka.

Roy Hodgson's men will play Ecuador on Wednesday and Honduras next Saturday, before opening their World Cup campaign against Italy in Manaus on June 14.

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Cristian Rodriguez- Liverpool talisman, Luiz Suarez better than Cristiano Ronaldo an Lionel Messi

Cristian Rodriguez insists that his Uruguay team-mate is unparalleled in modern football and thinks the Liverpool star's "rebel" attitude on the pitch is brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not at the same level as Luis Suarez, according to loyal Uruguay team-mate Cristian Rodriguez.

The Liverpool striker underwent a knee operation earlier in May and is a doubt to be fit in time for the World Cup, which kicks off in under two weeks, although senior Uruguay figures insist he will play in the tournament.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi are widely considered to be the best players on the planet, but Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodriguez contests the status quo and claims Suarez is the cream of the crop.

"Suarez is the best player in the world," the Uruguayan, 28, told the Daily Mail. "And I’m not saying that because I’m Uruguayan and so is he.

"As far as I’m concerned Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are a notch or so below Suarez. He has demonstrated it for club and country. Messi and Ronaldo are not as good for their countries as for their clubs.

"Everyone loves him in the squad. He is a rebel on the pitch who fights for every ball but that is what we love about him in Uruguay. We hate to lose at anything, we want to win - so his will to win makes him a good Uruguayan."

Suarez enjoyed a bumper season with Liverpool in 2013-14, firing 31 goals to take them within touching distance of the Premier League title before dropped points in the final straight allowed Manchester City to triumph.

However, Ronaldo also put in a stunning season with Real Madrid as he scored a record number of goals in a single Champions League season to help the club win La Decima, with the Copa del Rey also in the Blancos bag.

Messi's campaign was muted, by comparison, as Barcelona finished 2013-14 with just the Supercopa to show for their efforts after failing to defeat Atletico Madrid in the final day of the season when a win would have given them La Liga.

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Lampard would have 'no regrets' if his Chelsea career ends this summer

Frank Lampard is preparing himself to leave Chelsea, even if Jose Mourinho wants to keep the midfielder.

The 35-year-old's future remains uncertain and he could end a 13-year association with the club.

If he does end up departing, Lampard insists he will have no regrets.

Uncertain future: Frank Lampard (right) is unsure what will happen when his Chelsea deal expires

Legend: Lampard has smashed 211 goals during his time at Chelsea since a move from West Ham

'I don’t know if I’ll be at Chelsea next season,' Lampard told Red magazine. 'I’d like to carry on for two or three more years but it would be good to end on a high.
'So if that means it all ends tomorrow, I wouldn’t have any regrets.'
The former West Ham midfielder will be used sparingly by Roy Hodgson at the World Cup in Brazil and realises that he is becoming surpassed by others at club level.
'You know your shelf life, so I started to mentally prepare when I hit 30,' he added.
‘I’ve been doing this for a long time, so there’s a part of me that’s looking forward to the future.
‘I feel ready to handle it, because I’ve got other things, like the books.’

Lampard made 40 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season, although he is no longer sure of a first-team place.

He has always sworn that he will never play for another club in the Barclays Premier League, but LA Galaxy have a long-standing interest in Lampard and the MLS side would offer him a contract.

Blues brothers: Jose Mourinho hopes Lampard will join John Terry in committing his future to the club

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Aguero would 'love to go to Barcelona', says City star's father as Spanish giants 'make £31m bid'

Sergio Aguero's father has revealed that the Manchester City striker 'would love to go to Barcelona' amid Spanish media reports that the Catalans have launched a £31million bid.

Barcelona hope to tie up a deal for the 47-cap Argentina international and know that their opening offer is likely to be rebuffed outright by City.

But new Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is a keen admirer of Aguero and he will insist that the Catalans return with a higher bid if a deal could potentially be struck, according to Spanish website Sport.

Passion: Sergio Aguero's father claims he would 'love' to go to Barcelona amid reports of a £31m bid

Keen: New Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is an admirer of Aguero and is driving the Catalans' bid

Aguero, 25, has a great relationship with Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Enrique is hopeful they can soon be club team-mates as well as fellow Argentine internationals.

With Aguero under contract at City until 2017, the club would be unlikely to even consider selling their prize asset for anything less than the £36m they paid for him in July 2011.

Aguero enjoyed a fine season at the Etihad despite injury, scoring an impressive 28 goals in 34 appearances as he helped City win the Premier League and the Capital One Cup double.

Star: Aguero scored 28 goals in 34 games last season as Man City won the Premier League and League Cup

Dream team: Aguero could soon be in the same side as fellow Argentine Lionel Messi at Barcelona

And his father Leonel del Castillo does not believe that Manuel Pellegrini will allow his star striker to leave for the club he has always wanted to represent, such is his importance to the side.

He told Spanish newspaper AS: 'He would love to go to Barcelona but Manchester City will make it impossible (for Aguero to go).'

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Aguero would 'love to go to Barcelona', says City star's father as Spanish giants 'make £31m bid'

Sergio Aguero's father has revealed that the Manchester City striker 'would love to go to Barcelona' amid Spanish media reports that the Catalans have launched a £31million bid.

Barcelona hope to tie up a deal for the 47-cap Argentina international and know that their opening offer is likely to be rebuffed outright by City.

But new Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is a keen admirer of Aguero and he will insist that the Catalans return with a higher bid if a deal could potentially be struck, according to Spanish website Sport.

Passion: Sergio Aguero's father claims he would 'love' to go to Barcelona amid reports of a £31m bid

Keen: New Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique is an admirer of Aguero and is driving the Catalans' bid

Aguero, 25, has a great relationship with Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Enrique is hopeful they can soon be club team-mates as well as fellow Argentine internationals.

With Aguero under contract at City until 2017, the club would be unlikely to even consider selling their prize asset for anything less than the £36m they paid for him in July 2011.

Aguero enjoyed a fine season at the Etihad despite injury, scoring an impressive 28 goals in 34 appearances as he helped City win the Premier League and the Capital One Cup double.

Star: Aguero scored 28 goals in 34 games last season as Man City won the Premier League and League Cup

Dream team: Aguero could soon be in the same side as fellow Argentine Lionel Messi at Barcelona

And his father Leonel del Castillo does not believe that Manuel Pellegrini will allow his star striker to leave for the club he has always wanted to represent, such is his importance to the side.

He told Spanish newspaper AS: 'He would love to go to Barcelona but Manchester City will make it impossible (for Aguero to go).'

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Liverpool whisk Lambert away from prying eyes (but club doctor is spotted arriving at hospital) after striker arrives to seal £4m move from Southampton

Rickie Lambert has arrived in Liverpool for his medical ahead of a £4million move to Merseyside.

The Southampton striker, who was an unused substitute during England's 3-0 win against Peru on Friday night, was released by the Reds when he was just 15.

Now Lambert looks set to link-up with Brendan Rodgers' side, should he complete routine tests without hiccup.

On his way: Rickie Lambert (left, next to Adam Lallana) has arrived at Liverpool for his medical

Smoke and mirrors: Liverpool were very protective of their prospective new signing on Saturday morning

On arrival: The club's doctor Zaf Iqbal was pictured leaving Liverpool Spire Hospital after the medical checks

Hotshot: Lambert has been Southampton's talisman since they won promotion to the Premier League in 2012

The initial £4m fee will rise according to the appearances he makes, while the club were keen to keep his whereabouts under wraps.

He arrived at Liverpool Spire Hospital at around nine o'clock on Saturday morning; after the medical, a club car reversed right up to the entrance before bundling the striker into the back.

Lambert was then taken to the club's training ground at Melwood ahead of a flight back down to Southampton later in the afternoon.

The 32-year-old, who began his career at Liverpool’s academy, will be the first major arrival in what is expected to be a busy summer for the club.

He could even be followed by two of his team-mates from Southampton, as Liverpool are still negotiating for £25m-rated Adam Lallana and have also targeted Dejan Lovren to bolster their defence.

A boyhood Liverpool fan, Lambert finally looks set to earn his big move after a career largely spent in the lower leagues. He wasn't deemed strong enough by Steve McMahon at Blackpool as a youngster before moves to Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers. Alan Pardew then spent £1million to take the target man to St Mary's in 2009.

Rodgers wanted the deal done before Roy Hodgson takes his side away to Brazil for the start of the World Cup.

Lambert scored 16 goals for club and country last season and will provide the Premier League title chasers with a different option up front to supplement Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Odds on: A flurry of bets had been placed on Rickie Lambert joining Liverpool on Thursday

Ambition: Lambert will be the first major arrival in what is expected to be a busy period for Liverpool

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Body found in hunt for missing nurse Rui Li who was last seen driving her Porsche away from Poole hospital eight days ago

Detectives investigating the disappearance of a nurse a week ago have discovered a body.

Rui Li, 44, was last seen leaving Poole Hospital in Dorset, last Friday and was reported missing to police by her family four days later.

The body, which police 'strongly believe' to be that of the nurse, was discovered in the boot of a silver Fiat Punto in Bournemouth, Dorset.

On Wednesday, police arrested a 60-year-old Bournemouth man on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody after detectives were granted further time to question him.

A 26-year-old Bournemouth man, who is also known to Ms Li, has also been arrested on suspicion of murdering the nurse.

Forensic experts have examined three addresses at Burnham Drive, Wolverton Road and St Clement’s Road, all in Boscombe, Dorset.

Ms Li’s distinctive Porsche Boxster, with personalised number plate L1 RUI, was found outside a property in Wolverton Road.

Police have released CCTV of the last known sighting of Ms Li, which shows her leaving the car park at the hospital at 6.17pm last Friday.

Detectives said she moved to the UK from China a decade ago and has worked at Poole Hospital since 2009.

They said Ms Li, who has a teenage daughter, led 'a private personal life' and officers were trying to build a picture of her lifestyle.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: 'A 26-year-old Bournemouth man, also known to Ms Li, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is currently being questioned by detectives.

'Detectives have also been granted additional time to question the arrested 60-year-old Bournemouth man.'

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, who is leading the inquiry, said yesterday: 'It is still absolutely crucial for the investigation to establish what has happened to Ms Li between Friday evening and Tuesday morning.

'I am hoping this image of her distinctive car may jog people's memories. Did you see her driving home that evening?'

Investigation: A police tent and screens cover the scene where a body was found in the boot of a parked car

Corden: The body, which police 'strongly believe' to be that of the nurse, was discovered n a silver Fiat Punto in Verwood Crescent, Dorset

Ms Li was last seen leaving the hospital and was reported missing by her family five days later

Colleagues at Poole Hospital, where Ms Li worked, pictured above, described her as 'funny and unique' and have urged members of the public to come forward with information

Det Insp Hester added: 'I am even interested to know if you saw the car moving around or being driven by anyone else over the Bank Holiday weekend. We are also building a better picture of her lifestyle, interests and friends.

'We know that she was a reliable and hardworking nurse at Poole Hospital, who was popular with her colleagues, and also that she enjoyed outdoors activities, including climbing.

'However, since moving to the UK from China around a decade ago, she has also led quite a private personal life.

'I am keen to speak to anyone who knows her well and would reassure them they are not breaking any trust by speaking to us.'

Her colleagues from Poole Hospital have appealed for the public's help in tracking down the missing nurse.

Forensic officers at a property near where Ms Li's car was found today (left) and searching another property in Boscombe, Dorset (right)

Police also closed a footpath which runs behind the back of a Burnham Drive address in Boscombe

In a statement released by police, they said: 'Rui was a big character in our small close-knit team.

'Funny and so unique, she was totally reliable, professional and conscientious to a tee. She is terribly missed by all of us.

'Her nature was gentle and serene and that is part of the reason why we and the patients love her so much. If anybody knows anything please let the police know and help us find Rui.'

Ms Li is described as a slim woman of Chinese appearance who is about 5ft 5ins. She sometimes wears glasses and often has her shoulder-length black hair in a ponytail, police said.

Police said she came to the UK from China with her daughter around ten years ago and has worked as a nurse at Poole Hospital since April 2009.

She currently works in the medical investigations unit. Her teenage daughter is now receiving close support from police family liaison officers, a spokesman said.

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Lily Allen heads to Chiltern Firehouse wearing trendy see-through rucksack and killer heels

She has a perhaps unrivalled designer bag collection, but singer Lily Allen was keeping things simple on Friday night when she modelled a throwback transparent backpack.

The 29-year-old displayed her belongings in the on-trend accessory as she arrived at London's trendiest haunt, the Chiltern Firehouse.

Showing off a cigarette lighter, bits of paper and a mobile phone among other things, Lily was joined nightspot by a host of celebrities including her former nemesis, Cheryl Cole.

Style savvy: Lily Allen headed to London's Chiltern Firehouse on Friday night

Lily wore a cropped black hoodie and a grey baggy T-shirt and leggings - but gave her look a grown-up twist in gold metallic Christian Louboutin shoes which were just like Cheryl's.

She wore her new flame red locks in a top knot and had her trademark colourful manicure on display.

Earlier in the day, Lily posted a picture of her mismatched shoes and colourful accessories to her Twitter account, writing: 'Just another day at the office.'

Back to basics: The singer was modellling a see-through rucksack on her back as she headed to the venue

 

Dressing-up: Earlier in the day, Lily posted a picture of her mismatched shoes and colourful accessories to her Twitter account, writing: 'Just another day at the office'

No doubt Lily relished the opportunity to catch up with Cheryl Cole on the night, who was also partying with Simon Cole and Amanda Holden.

In a recent interview with Q magazine, Lily said she regrets her long-running feud with the former Girls Aloud singer, saying: 'I wish that whole thing hadn't happened. I like Cheryl.'

She added: 'She’s good on The X Factor, she’s pretty and she’s got balls. I like women who do well.'

Kiss and make-up: Lily's former nemesis Cheryl Cole was also at the party and wore similar heels to Lily's

The pair first began to feud in 2006 when Lily name dropped Cheryl on the B-side of her debut single, Smile.

Cheryl did not respond well to the track and when asked about Lily by chef Gordon Ramsay on his show, The F Word, the singer called Lily a 'chick with a d***'

Lily then reacted in force as she wrote a scathing open letter to Cheryl on her Myspace page.

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Eurovision's Conchita Wurst sports bridal-inspired gown to Bill Clinton's Life Ball reception

Her latest outing was somewhat reserved given her raunchy antics onstage at G-A-Y last Sunday, but Eurovision Song Contestant victor Conchita Wurst still managed to turn heads courtesy of her sweeping white evening gown.

The bearded Austrian singer – real name Thomas Neuwirth – was in attendance at former US President Bill Clinton’s reception ahead of the 2014 Life Ball in capital city Vienna on Friday night.

But while the 25-year-old stood out as she sashayed into the opulent Palais Liechtenstein, there was a fashion rival in the form of British socialite Lady Victoria Hervey.

Ladies in white: Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst and socialite Lady Victoria Hervey arrive at the city's Palais Liechtenstein for the pre-event reception hosted by the former US President  

Hervey, 37, a self-styled former ‘It Girl,’ caught the eye in a demure white gown of her own, but while it lacked the plunging neckline afforded Conchita’s striking gown, its off the shoulder detail showed off a portion of her nicely toned upper body.

Matching the outfit with a pair of embellished pink and white heels, the socialite cut an elegant figure as she made her way across the ornate ballroom.

Stars arrived in Vienna on Friday ahead of the HIV research fundraiser, which kicks off with a red carpet and opening ceremony in Austria’s City Hall Square prior to the Life Ball and party in City Hall.

The bearded lady: Conchita - real name Tom Neuwith - opted for a plunging evening dress with striking patterned flourishes

On form: Hervey's off-the-shoulder gown gave her the opportunity to show off a portion of her nicely toned upper body in Vienna on Friday evening

Halls and yards around the historic building are opened exclusively for guests, who are treated to an iridescent show comprising live concerts, DJ sets, exciting performances and culinary surprises until the early morning.

Amongst those to touch down were Ke$ha, Billy Zane, Natalia Kills, Taryn Manning and former Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross.

This year celebrates the 22nd annual Life Ball with a 'Garden of Earthly Delights' theme that sees the area being set up in a variety of imaginative garden settings and floral displays.

The theme is reflected in the 2014 slogan for the Life Ball - 'Love is a bloom growing anywhere'.

The Life Ball aims to raise funds to fight against HIV/AIDS and to show solidarity with those who continue to live with the illness.

Side by side: Conchita rubs shoulders with fellow guests at the event

Special moment: Later that evening, Conchita gave a talk at the Red Ribbon Celebration Concert at the Burgtheater in Vienna

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Thiago, Van der Vaart, Valdes and the injured stars who will miss the World Cup

Goal looks at the high-profile players who will be absent from this summer's tournament after losing their battle with fitness A host of big names will miss the World Cup after succumbing to injury in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

Croatia's Niko Kranjcar paid the price for his exertions in QPR's Championship play-off final victory over Derby as he picked up a hamstring injury which will leave him on the treatment table for much of the summer.

Netherlands have been hit the hardest of all the teams in Brazil, with Rafael van der Vaart ruled out with a calf injury and joining Paris Saint-Germain right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Roma's Kevin Strootman (both knee) on the sidelines.

Victor Valdes tore his anterior cruciate ligament in what proved to be his last game for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in March and Spain will also be without Thiago Alcantara after the Bayern Munich man underwent surgery on a knee ligament problem.

England have already been robbed of the services of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott. The fleet-footed wideman ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during an FA Cup clash with Tottenham in January, and will not be on the plane to South America.

Two other players who had high hopes of being named in Roy Hodgson's squad, Tottenham pair Kyle Walker and Andros Townsend, will spend the summer recovering from pelvic and ankle injuries respectively.

France have been spared injuries to their main men, but back-up goalkeeper Steve Mandanda suffered a crack in his first cervical verterbra (neck) during Marseille's clash with Guingamp, which rules him out.


          Injury woes | Falcao is another big name who has succumbed to knee problems this season

Colombia superstar Radamel Falcao seems unlikely to be fit in time for the World Cup after tearing his ACL during Monaco's Coupe de France encounter against Chasselay at the end of January.

The 28-year-old has been named in his nation's squad regardless, but faces an uphill struggle despite being ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Germany duo Holger Badstuber and Ilkay Gundogan will play no part in this summer's tournament. Bayern defender Badstuber has been out with a cruciate ligament injury since November 2012 and it is still not clear when he will return.

Dortmund star Gundogan has made just one Bundesliga appearance this season due to a back complaint and his comeback is also clouded by uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Portugal will have to make do without teenage starlet Bruma. The Galatasaray livewire suffered an ACL injury in January and will be out for at least six months. Benfica defender Silvio broke his leg in the Europa League clash with AZ in April and will not be on the plane to Brazil.
Japan captain Makoto Hasebe underwent a second operation on his knee in February and is yet to complete his recovery, but such is his importance to the national side, coach Alberto Zaccheroni has named him in his 23-man squad.

Elsewhere, Jurgen Klinsmann saw midfielder Stuart Holden ruled out with a fourth serious knee problem, which will keep him out of action for between six and nine months.

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Premier League Season Review: Arsenal

This week we're reviewing Arsenal's 2013/14 campaign - and we finish with a look back at their Premier League challenge.

Arsène Wenger was confident his side would make significant progress this season - and topping the table for 128 days was proof of that.
A sensational start to the campaign, inspired by the resurgent Aaron Ramsey, saw the Gunners take charge of the title race and they led the way going into the new year.

The questions were emphatically answered with a swaggering, confident display

However, damaging defeats away from home in some of their biggest games - coupled with injuries to key players - derailed their bid at a critical time.

Despite that disappointment, there were some highly-encouraging performances along the way - not least November’s 2-0 victory against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.

Questions had been asked of Arsenal’s ability to beat their closest rivals in the lead up to the match, and they were emphatically answered with a swaggering, confident display.

Wenger’s side opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Santi Cazorla swept home the rebound after his initial header had hit the post.

The Spaniard again went close as Arsenal piled on the pressure, but they had to wait until just before the hour mark to double their advantage as Ramsey struck a fabulous dipping half-volley.

Liverpool threatened towards the end but the Gunners held firm to seal a memorable victory.

Watch highlights from our win against Liverpool at the top of this page.

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