Olympique Lyonnais vs ESTAC Troyes Preview

Olympique Lyonnais-Troyes Preview: Visitors hope to be giant-killers in cup clash

The second-division side visit Lyon on Wednesday hoping to reach the Coupe de la Ligue final at the favourites' expense.

Ligue 2 outfit Troyes face their toughest opponents yet as they visit Olympique Lyonnais in the Coupe de la Ligue semi-finals on Wednesday.

Jean-Marc Furlan's men have already defeated top-flight opposition in the shape of Valenciennes and Evian in this year's competition and can lay sole claim to the underdog mantle as the only non-Ligue 1 side left.

But standing between them and a place in the final is the daunting prospect of a trip to Stade de Gerland to face 2001 winners Lyon.

The top-flight side's path to the last four has seen them dump out Reims and Olympique de Marseille, and they will feel confident of progression to the final against their first lower-league opponents of the tournament.

Troyes were relegated from Ligue 1 at the end of last season and will have bad memories of their last trip to Lyon, losing 4-1 at the beginning of a difficult 2012-13 campaign.

Lyon had been on a run of 12 matches unbeaten in all competitions until a 2-0 defeat at Rennes on Sunday.

The result leaves them sixth and 20 points adrift of leaders and fellow Coupe de la Ligue semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain.

In the second tier, Troyes are showing few signs of making an instant return to Ligue 1, sitting 11th with just two victories from their last 10 league matches.

Lyon could be without Yoann Gourcuff for a second game in a row, while Troyes are not thought to have any fresh injury concerns.

The winner will face either Nantes or PSG in the final.
 

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Roma vs SSC Napoli Preview

Roma-Napoli Preview: Wounded Partenopei seek redemption in cup.

Rud Garcia's men are chasing a 10th Coppa Italia title but will need to overcome Rafa Benitez's men over two legs, with the first at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday

Roma's quest for a 10th Coppa Italia title continues on Wednesday with a semi-final first-leg clash against a wounded Napoli side.

Rudi Garcia's charges have lost just one match in all competitions this season - to Serie A leaders and champions Juventus - giving them cause for confidence as they look to book their place in a second successive final.

The Giallorossi's efficient displays have seen them eliminate Sampdoria and Juve with consecutive 1-0 home victories, while Napoli have dumped out Atalanta and holders Lazio.

The capital-based club last won this competition in 2008, when they picked up a 2-1 victory over Inter in the final, while Napoli's latest success came four years later when they triumphed 2-0 against Juventus in what was their first final appearance since 1997.

Roma's aforementioned strong form sees them occupy second spot in the Italian top flight, nine points behind Juve with a game in hand, and they will be well rested after their fixture against Parma was abandoned due to adverse weather conditions on Sunday.

Third-placed Napoli wasted a chance to close the gap on Roma at the weekend, though, as they suffered a 3-0 defeat at Atalanta.

The hosts last lost at home to Napoli in February 2011, when Edinson Cavani scored two second-half goals to complete a league double over Roma.

Miralem Pjanic found the net twice as Roma claimed a 2-0 victory when the sides met in the league earlier this campaign.

Federico Balzaretti is nearing a return from injury for Roma but is unlikely to feature on Wednesday, while the Partenopei are likely to be without long-term absentees Valon Behrami and Giandomenico Mesto.

New signing Jorginho, who made his debut in last week's quarter-final win over Lazio, will be keen to prove his worth to the team having been omitted from Napoli's Europa League squad.
 

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Real Madrid CF vs Atletico Madrid Preview

Real Madrid-Atletico Madrid Preview: Rojiblancos target history books.

Carlo Ancelotti's men will be looking for Copa del Rey revenge, although their local rivals' Liga form suggests they will be in for a stern semi-final test

Atletico Madrid will make history on Wednesday if they can record a third successive victory over city rivals Real Madrid.

The two sides, who met in last season's Copa del Rey final, face each other in the first leg of the competition's semi-finals, with Diego Simeone's side having won the last two meetings.

If the Rojiblancos can repeat the feat at the Santiago Bernabeu it would be the first time they have ever won three consecutive matches against Real, and would boost the holders' chance of retaining the trophy.

Having ended Atletico's 17-year wait for the trophy, Simeone has continued to revolutionise the team, guiding them to the top of La Liga's table for the first time since 1996.

The visitors, who beat Real Sociedad last time out, are now unbeaten in 23 matches in all competitions, underlining the size of the task facing Carlo Ancelotti's men.

But, although Simeone's side have won the last two clashes, it is the Blancos who have dominated the last five years, with 10 consecutive derby wins prior to the Copa del Rey final loss in May 2013.

Wednesday's meeting is the first of three matches between the two sides this month and, were Atletico to avoid defeat in all three, they would put themselves into a strong position in both competitions.

Simeone has Arda Turan available following injury, but David Villa has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring problem during Sunday's win over Sociedad.

Ancelotti is expected to name Iker Casillas in his side having used the 32-year-old throughout their Copa campaign, while Cristiano Ronaldo may play given he will miss the next league match due to suspension.

The Italian will also have Gareth Bale available after the Wales international returned to training on Monday following a leg injury.

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Zaha Can Be The Next Ronaldo,Says Solskjaer

The Cardiff City boss believes that the 21-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, could emulate the Real Madrid star if he shows the same dedication as the Portugal captain.

Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that Wilfried Zaha has the potential to be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo.

After making just three appearances for Manchester United this season, the 21-year-old winger was sent out on loan to Wales for the remainder of the campaign.

Zaha made an instant impact in his debut against Norwich City on Saturday to help secure Solskjaer's first Premier League victory as a manager and the Norwegian claims that his loan signing could be an Old Trafford great if he remains dedicated.

"He is one of the best I have seen with the ball," the Cardiff boss told reporters.

"He has quick feet and is brave like Cristiano and wants to go forward.

"But he has got to make a ­decision about how good does he want to be and how much does he love this game. He can grow up to become a proper player like Ronaldo if he wants.

"I have never seen anyone work as hard as Ronaldo. Before training, after training, he was an exceptionally dedicated man and proved to everyone what ­dedication gets you.

"I am not afraid of using Sir Alex Ferguson or Cristiano as an example when I have to because to get the best out of your talent you need to be dedicated.

"It's a desire and attitude from within. It's what you've got in your heart and Cristiano's always had it."  

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Deschamps Backs Zidane For France Job

Les Bleus' current boss believes the Real Madrid assistant could succeed him at the helm of the national side and praised the leadership qualities of Franck Ribery.

Didier Deschamps believes Zinedine Zidane could be an ideal candidate to succeed him as France boss.

The current Real Madrid assistant has made it clear he is ready to try his hand at coaching after spending the season to date under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti.

And Deschamps, who lifted the World Cup in 1998 alongside Zidane, feels his old team-mate could take charge of les Bleus should he decide not to extend his contract beyond 2016.

"It's possible. Why not? He has graduated, he wants to be in this place, so why not," he was quoted as saying by Europe1.

"After 2016, I don't know what I'll do."

Deschamps, who admitted he has "20 names in mind" for his squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, went on to praise the leadership qualities of Franck Ribery, stressing that there are few finer players in the modern game than the Bayern Munich star.

"Franck is a technical leader. There are other kinds of leadership but, for what he does on the pitch, he is among the best players in the world," said Deschamps.

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Newcastle New-boy Luuk de Jong Eager To Get Back To Goalscoring Ways

The Netherlands international, who was dropped to the bench at Gladbach due to the form of Max Kruse, is determined to return to his best after moving to St James' Park.

Luuk de Jong hopes to put a frustrating stint at Borussia Monchengladbach behind him following his loan move to Newcastle.

The 23-year-old made 45 appearances in two seasons at Gladbach after joining from Twente in 2012, but had not started a single Bundesliga match this campaign and failed to register a league goal.

Having been dropped to the bench by Gladbach boss Lucien Favre, the striker is delighted to be given a fresh start at St James' Park and is eager to get back to goalscoring ways.

"I'm really motivated," De Jong told the club's official website. "The first half of the season hasn't been nice for me because I didn't play much.

"I just want to show my talent, score goals and be successful again. That is why I'm here. My goalscoring record in Holland was very good and hopefully I can show that here."

De Jong may make his Newcastle debut in Saturday's Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland and says he cannot wait to experience the atmosphere.

"I know how big it is and I love playing in these massive matches. That is why I became a footballer," he continued.

"It's always nice to be involved in a game like that and I would love to play a part. We have to win it because otherwise I know we cannot walk around the streets of Newcastle."  

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Seedorf: Balotelli Vital In Milan Comeback

The Rossoneri boss was quick to endorse the contribution of the Italy international after watching his side produce a stunning turnaround on Sunday.

Clarence Seedorf has hailed Mario Balotelli's role in AC Milan's 2-1 comeback win over Cagliari in Sunday's Serie A encounter.

The Rossoneri looked to be heading for defeat before a free-kick from the forward and Giampaolo Pazzini's 89th minute strike turned the game on its head.

"Balotelli put in a great performance. He fought very hard and was always willing to help out defensively," Seedorf said at a press conference.

"I'm very happy for the players. They showed the right spirit and it was important for our morale to win here. This will give us a boost for the next few games.

"Of course, there is still plenty of room for improvement. We are calm about everything, though. We have to be mentally strong and show courage.

"The team has shown that they are willing to learn and to improve."

Milan have climbed to ninth spot in the Serie A table following their second consecutive victory.

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Henry: Why I Hate Twitter

The former Arsenal striker has no plans to join the social media phenomenon as he prefers to do his public speaking through journalist.

Thierry Henry has revealed his dislike of social media sites as a form of communication with football fans.

The New York Red Bulls striker has legions of devotees around the world following his performances for Arsenal, Barcelona and France. 

But, unlike many of the world's top footballers, Henry has no wish to interact with them via Twitter or Instagram.

Asked if he had any interest in creating an account on Twitter by reporters at a launch event for the PUMA evoPOWER boot, Henry said: "Zero interest. Minus 120%, whatever you want to put. I don’t like Twitter, I don’t like Instagram, I don’t have a Twitter [account], I don’t have an Instagram.

"You can find a lot of pages of me there and it’s not me. I don’t see the point. I’m very old school like that. That’s why you guys are here. I can talk about it so you can write, I don’t need to have Twitter.

"You can relate to what I’m saying about whatever, you know, old school. For me it’s good, I like it when I speak to people face to face, I’m here looking at you.

"I have never understood it. I don’t understand all that Twitter, Instagram thing. I don’t really get it. But I respect it."

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Lloris Praises 'Decisive Player' Adebayor

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has hailed in-form striker Emmanuel Adebayor for his all-round contribution to the Spurs team.

The Togo international has looked rejuvenated under new coach Tim Sherwood after being isolated from first-team duty by Andre Villas-Boas, scoring five times in his last six Premier League outings.

And Lloris believes the former Manchester City, Arsenal and Real Madrid forward should be credited for his general play, not just his goalscoring exploits.

"He's a top player and a decisive player," he told the club's official website.

"Take away the fact that he scored the goals, he worked a lot of the team. He made a lot of runs and created a lot of space around him.

"Sometimes when you are struggling in a game he's a good target, he can keep the ball and help the team to play higher up the pitch."

Adebayor's purple patch in front of goal has coincided with a fine run of form for Tottenham, who have won four straight Premier League matches to move them up to fifth in the table. 

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Sergio Ramos: Madrid Players Get On Great With Ancelotti

The defender believes the former PSG boss is the right man for the Santiago Bernabeu side and has praised his man management.

Sergio Ramos has hailed Carlo Ancelotti's good relationship with the Real Madrid squad and believes the Italian coach's past as a player benefits him in his current role.

The Spain international was one of a number of players who endured a difficult relationship with Jose Mourinho last term, but he's happy with life under Ancelotti this season and is confident Madrid can have a successful 2013-14 campaign.

"It wouldn’t be fair to start comparing the two of them, as every coach is an individual with their own philosophy, personality and way of dealing with things. They’re all different," Ramos told Fifa.com.

"We’ve already had our time with Mourinho, when we had some good times and bad.

"Ancelotti is someone widely revered for his CV, for everything he’s won and his knowledge of the game. He was also a pro so can put himself in a player’s shoes. In that respect, he creates a lot of chemistry and has a very good relationship with the squad.

"I think we can learn a great deal from him this season and have a successful year."

Madrid currently sit third in La Liga with 50 points from 20 games, trailing joint leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid by one point. 

 

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Isco Still Has A Future At Real Madrid, Insists Ancelotti

The former PSG boss has made it clear that the attacking midfielder is still part of his plans regardless of the recent tactical changes

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Real Madrid's change to a 4-3-3 formation hurts Isco's chances of getting regular first-team action, but has insisted that the 21-year-old still has a future at the Santiago Bernabeu side.

The attacking midfielder impressed with a string of fine performances in the opening stages of the 2013-14 campaign, but has been struggling to replicate that form since Madrid moved away from their 4-2-3-1 set-up.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti has stressed that there is still room for Isco as he can also feature in a three-man midfield or on the right wing.

"The 4-3-3 system gives us more balance because the defensive job done by the three midfielders is very good and we will keep using this system," Ancelotti said at a press conference.

"It is true that this change makes it more difficult for Isco, but I think he can play in [Angel] Di María’s or [Luka] Modric’s position as well.

"Plus I have not completely forgotten about the old system and we may still use it from time to time."

Isco, who joined Madrid from Malaga at the start of the season, has scored six goals in 16 appearances for los Blancos in La Liga.

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Dortmund Will Get Over Lewandowski Loss - Reus

Marco Reus insists there is life after Robert Lewandowski for Borussia Dortmund.

The Poland international is bound for Bayern Munich, after signing a pre-contract agreement with the European champions ahead of a summer switch to the Allianz Arena.

However, Reus says that BVB will get on with business as usual after their star striker heads for Bavaria.

"Robert Lewandowski is a great player but he's made his decision and we've got to live with that," Reus told reporters.

"Every player has to make his own decision. If that's where he sees his future, that's his future and Borussia Dortmund will go on without him."

The Dortmund star is realistic when assessing his side's prospects this season, though, with a 12-point gap to bridge to Pep Guardiola's irrepressible Bayern in the Bundesliga meaning that much of their focus may switch to the Champions League, in which they face Zenit St Petersburg in the last 16.

"Everyone would agree that the Bundesliga is becoming a force to be reckoned with, and lots of top stars and top coaches are choosing to go there," added Reus.

"I can't say why Guardiola chose to go there but it's obvious that he has a good group of players to work with there.

"Bayern have played pretty much perfectly this season, which has made it hard for the other teams.

"It's obviously difficult to say that we want to catch Bayern because the difference is so great, but we want to try to make sure we at least get the second spot.

"But we're still in the Champions League and the German Cup so there's plenty for us left to play for. And in the Champions League, we have tricky opposition but we have the opportunity to progress."

Dortmund return to league play after the winter break next weekend as they look to reduce the five-point gap behind second-placed Bayer Leverkusen with a home win against Augsburg.
Marco Reus was speaking at PUMA's 2014 Nature of Believing event in Barcelona which featured the launch of the new evoPOWER football boot.

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Nicolas Anelka 'Quenelle' Row: West Brom Shirt Sponsors To Quit If Striker Plays In Another

West Brom have been plunged into chaos after their main sponsors vowed to QUIT if Nicolas Anelka plays for the club again.

Striker Anelka made a ‘quenelle’ sign - described as an inverted Nazi salute and anti-semitic - after scoring in the Baggies' draw with West Ham on December 28.

He is now the subject of an on-going investigation into his gesture, which supported anti-Zionist comedian Dieudonne M’bala M’bala.

Zoopla, the property website whose logo appears on West Brom's shirts, has handed an ultimatum to the club to axe Anelka by Monday - when they face Everton in a televised match.

The firm is co-owned by businessman Alex Chesterman, who is Jewish, and he is ready to pull the plug over the anti-Semitism row.

It is a nightmare scenario for new manager Pepe Mel ahead of his first game in charge.
Anelka has started both of Albion’s two league games since the Upton Park furore.

The Baggies are reluctant to have team selection determined by a sponsor and are believed to be lining up an alternative backer, but the property firm’s two-year deal, worth £3million, runs with the Hawthorns club until the summer.

Albion are already one striker down, with Shane Long having been sold to Hull this week.
If Anelka is banned by the FA or West Brom decide they cannot pick him, Mel will be two forwards short.

Sporting and technical director Richard Garlick wants to learn Anelka’s fate from the FA before the transfer window shuts.

Garlick said: “I think it would help everybody for that investigation to be over as soon as possible. If we felt there was a need for us to go and get a short-term fix to solve any striking issues then that is something we will assess.”

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Arsenal Challenged By Benfica For Belgian Wonderkid

Arsenal have a new rival for long-term striker target Michy Batshuayi in the shape of Portuguese giants Benfica, who according to A Bola are lining up the Belgian prodigy as a potential replacement for Rodrigo and are considering a January bid.

Batshuayi has been consistently linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks following a breakthrough campaign in Belgium with Standard Liege, which has seen the 20-year-old score 14 goals in 21 Jupiler League matches.

The Gunners are one of a whole host of European giants looking at the marksman, who is believed to be available for around £7m as both Arsenal and Everton consider a January swoop.

While Arsenal ponder a potential move Benfica are believed to have registered their interest in the powerful young forward, as they consider alternatives if a proposed deal which will see Rodrigo leave the Estadio da Luz for either Liverpool or Zenit St Petersburg.

Benfica are yet to register a formal bid but are thought to have made Batshuayi a top transfer target and have money to spend, following the £20m sale of Nemanja Matic to Chelsea earlier this week.

Liege meanwhile would like to keep the marksman until at least this summer but a resigned to eventually losing their prized asset, as Europe's leading lights once again look to harness young talent emerging from the Jupiler League.

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Man United Agree Loan Deal For £20m Real Madrid Star- Reports

Manchester United are on the verge of signing want-away Real Madrid star Fabio Coentrao on a six-month loan deal, according to the Express.

The left-back, who was thought to have been within hours of joining the Premier League champions last summer, only to see the deal collapse at the last minute, reportedly still has his heart set on a departure from the Bernabeu, and David Moyes is seeking fresh talent.

New reports are claiming that Madrid have agreed terms with the Old Trafford outfit over the idea of loaning Coentrao until the end of the season.

Other rumours then suggest that the Portuguese star could be bought in permanently for a mooted fee of £20million if the expected departure of Patrice Evra comes to fruition and Coentrao proves to be a hit in Manchester.

The 24-year-old has struggled to garner game-time under Carlo Ancelotti this season- he’s only managed four appearances- and is generally thought of as being surplus to the Los Blancos squad.

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Liverpool Midfielder Bid Rejected – Benitez Ready To Swoop

Liverpool appear set to miss out on French midfielder Yann M’Vila after an initial offer was rejected for the player.

The Daily Mirror cite reports in Italy when claiming that the Reds offered a down payment to secure the player’s services on loan, with a view to potentially securing a permanent deal in the summer.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio goes on to claim that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was refused, but Napoli are willing to meet with Rubin Kazan to discuss a deal this week.

The Serie ‘A’ outfit – managed by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez – were linked with a move for the player at the end of last week, with L’Equipe reporting that the Russian outfit were expecting a fee in the region of €15million for the player.

The initial rejection will be a blow for Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, who is described by The Daily Mail as a ‘fan’ of the 22-cap France international, who is currently banned from playing for Les Bleus after an unauthorised night out whilst with the U21 squad.

 Despite his close relationship with Reds defender Mamadou Sakho, which saw M'Vila sit with fans during the Merseyside derby, a move to the club currently appears to be unlikely.

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The Red Devils Are Back!

After three consecutive losses, Manchester United finally managed to snatch a win to lift the spirits of David Moyes and the fans.

The roars are still rumbling at Old Trafford.
There were deep concerns ahead of the game, United having lost to Swansea just last weekend, sending them out of the FA Cup with their heads held low.

It was speculated that Swansea would be able to defeat David Moyes’ side once again.
Well, Swansea City defended well for the first half, holding Manchester United to a 0-0 draw going into the locker room at half time. Unfortunately, they were unable to do the same in the second half.

Goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck in the early part of the second half led the Red Devils to the win at Old Trafford against Swansea.

The first goal came from Valencia’s shot off the rebound of Gerhard Tremmel, who made the save against Kagawa’s header but couldn't reach the second shot.

Welbeck put away the second goal with half-an-hour left to seal the deal.

But what made the difference yesterday in comparison to the loss midweek?

One notable difference is Shinji Kagawa, who started yesterday's match and played every second.
The Japanese international didn’t manage to snatch a goal from the matchup but he was more than involved in the entire game, putting massive pressure on the Swansea defence throughout the entirety of the 90 minutes.

The chemistry between Kagawa, Evra, Valencia, Januzaj, and Welbeck has given United enough to comeback from their losing streak.

Had it not been for several fantastic saves from Gerhard Tremmel, Swansea could have found themselves four or five down at the final whistle.

So it seems the Red Devils are back to winning ways, but can the comeback kings keep this up against Chelsea on Super Sunday?

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Liverpool Boss: I Have To Hold Suarez Back

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits he sometimes has to hold Luis Suarez back from playing.

The Uruguayan international has been a revelation this season for the Reds, scooping the Barclays Player of the Month in December for good measure.

But Rodgers admits he has to try and keep a lid on the forward, particularly in training, when he’s desperate to be on the field when he should be resting.

When asked if he holds him back, the Northern Irishman told the official Liverpool website: “Absolutely. When I first came in, I rested him in one or two of the cup games and I could see he didn't like it. I could see he wasn't overly keen on that. We spoke on it. But he's just a guy that wants to play all the time. Not for selfish reasons; he wants to help the team.

“What's been brilliant about these last four or five months has been his maturity as a man. It's a sheer pleasure to work with him; he's a real good man. His maturity on the field is there for everyone to see and his performances speak for themselves.”

Suarez has helped fire Liverpool into Premier League title contention this season, with his fine form coming off the back of a summer of uncertainty over his future at Anfield.

But, with a new contract signed, the former Ajax star appears well settled in Merseyside. Rodgers is certainly enjoying working with the player on a day-to-day basis, believing it’s an experience he’ll remember for the rest of his life.

“I think the experience of working with Luis is something that is going to stay with me for a lifetime. To work with someone with that determination and desire and will to win - he's a real old-school striker. He's never, ever injured. He's never in the treatment room and he loves to train,” Rodgers continued.
“He comes in every day to work. After a game, you sometimes do a first-day recovery, which is really low intensity. Then you'll do, for example, a second-day recovery, which is a more active recovery. But you're still recovering from the game. Luis just wants to train on that day. He just needs to be at it all the time.”
Rodgers was speaking ahead of this weekend’s Premier League matches, when Liverpool travel to the Potteries to face Stoke City.

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James Ward-Prowse - Manchester United's Next Star?

Since making his Southampton debut in a 2-0 defeat in the Capital One Cup to Crystal Palace in 2011, James Ward-Prowse has racked up almost 50 appearances for his boyhood club, recently becoming a key player for the Saints in their current season.

The England u-21 midfielder started the game at Palace as a 16 year old and was one of his sides only positives during the game.

Last season was the 19-year-olds breakthrough season as he earned more and more playing time over the course of the campaign.

This season though, he has become a big player for Southampton as they try and qualify for Europe.
He is usually played at the heart of midfield but has also started in more attacking roles of late.
His best position is at the centre of midfield where he can use his variety of passing to his full ability.
Manchester United have endured a horrible campaign so far and may be tempted into the teenager's signature to strengthen their squad.

However, it is unlikely Southampton will sell as they value their home grown player very highly.
Arguably Ward-Prowse's major attribute is his delivery of a football. He is the main taker of corners and free-kicks at Southampton due to his brilliant accuracy of a cross from a dead ball situation.

These deliveries have earned him comparisons with the great David Beckham and Ward-Prowse could possibly follow in the football legend's footsteps and become a regular for Manchester United and for England in the future.

His has earned a little international recognition because of his form for the England u-21 side, where he has made the midfield his own, scoring a brilliant free-kick along the way.

If he continues to perform this season, can we expect a bid from Manchester United, who are currently low on quality in their midfield?

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Arsenal Winger Targets 'Dream' World Cup Call-up

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could return for Arsenal as soon as Monday night, as he sets his sights on a place at the World Cup.

Chamberlain, who has been out through injury since the opening day of the season, may play a role in Arsenal's under 21 game against Fulham on Thursday night. And, if all goes well he could play a role in Monday's clash with Villa. Chamberlain has been out for five months after suffering a knee injury kept him on the sidelines.

Despite being out for a considerable amount of time, Chamberlain is already looking ahead to this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

According to BT Sport, Chamberlain expressed his excitement when talking about representing England this summer, with the 20-year-old saying: "As a young guy growing up watching football and watching World Cups, this will be my first one (that I can play in)."

Should the Arsenal star win a place, it won't be his first international tournament, as he joined the England squad during Euro 2012 as an 18-year-old. Chamberlain has scored 3 goals for his country in thirteen games, with the later being the highlight coming against Brazil in a friendly.

Wenger will be delighted to see Chamberlain back fit after losing Theo Walcott to injury in Arsenal's FA Cup win over Tottenham last weekend.

Unlike Walcott, who will miss the competition through the injury he picked up, should Chamberlain be fit for the summer he should find himself with a place in the squad. Players such as Ross Barkley could cause teams a lot of problems alongside other players hoping to make the grade.

Should both players appear, they could play a big role in England's progression in the competition.
Chamberlain told BT Sport: "For now I am just focused on getting back in and around the Arsenal team and helping us do well this season, (going to) the World Cup is definitely something I would like to achieve."

Arsenal fans will be more than happy to see the player return from injury as the Gunners lead the way in the Premier League and look like holding onto their place at the top.

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