Premier league first, at least 3 weeks out for Lampard (Chelsea) after tearing a muscle in his left thigh while on England preparation for today?s England's match against Brazil, Lampard flew to Doha to prepare for the friendly only then to return home after picking up the injury, after medical assessment, Chelsea denied the injury was because of a cramped plane journey to Qatar, so would not pursue compensation. Rumors and reports had suggested that Chelsea may seek to claim compensation from FA as a result of Lampard's injury.

England manger Fabio Capello stated on Friday that the plane used for the trip to Qatar was of a similar type used to fly to other England away matches; however Lampard's problem will be the stuff of nightmares for Chelsea as Lampard has suffered similar injuries in recent seasons.
He missed most autumn of 2007-08 season with a torn right thigh muscle.

Chelsea host Wolves today and then have a match with Porto a Champions League tie, before they face Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday 29 November.

Kayoko this crucial tie has serious imprecations for us both, I have been thinking yes, I see you will be attending ?In The Flesh? Los Angeles 19 Jan 2010, if Arsenal lose I might go with a song and theme from your event, ?in the flesh? has sort of ring to it don?t you think.


So could we be seeing Rooney heading to Barcelona?
He has indicated he would like to spend the rest of his career at Old Trafford but here is no doubt Barcelona are interested, after all Rooney did not envisage leaving Everton in 2004 remember?

And now?.. "It is nice to be noticed but I am really happy at United," he cooed, ?I can't see myself leaving. I have two years left on my contract after this year and I'm sure we'll be negotiating a new deal in the next few months??.. Now where have we heard that before? ?..Beckham before he felt out with Sir Alex, which prompted the ?shoe? incident, then Real Madrid beckoned?.. rest is history?

Arsenals are the firm favorites to take the 3 point from the ties this afternoon with Sunderland!

And on the international front England face Brazil today in an international friendly that has given Premier League managers with players on duty a reason to pull out of these friendly?s, but for Fabio Capello it may just provide a clearer picture of how far his England sides has come under his leadership.

England's team have been cut to pieces by injury to such a point he may end up started the match himself so I hope he has packed his own boots.


Gareth Barry, Wayne Rooney are the walking injured, and we already know that John Terry picked up an ankle injury yesterday morning that makes him doubtful to start.

Brazil, like England, cruised to qualification for South Africa 2010.