Ricardo Vaz Te says that he will not return from injury to the West Ham side too quickly, and will make sure he is back to full fitness first.
The winger became injured with a dislocated shoulder at the Arsenal game earlier this month. Vaz Te had started the season well for Sam Allardyce’s side, appearing seven times for the Hammers, with one goal and two assists.
However, he had to have shoulder surgery, ruling Vaz Te out for approximately three months.
Vaz Te has now had keyhole surgery and he has started rehabilitation. He said to West Ham’s official website that now has “four week during which there is nothing much I can do to, so I just have to make sure I relax and look after myself.”
He added: “I have a week off to either go home or simply chill out and relax. Then I’ll come back for two weeks and that completes the first four weeks, which are just steady recovery. After that, I will begin to increase my workload for the next six weeks. After that, the socket involved should be totally healed and only until then can I push on. Until then, the work is mild and I just have to relax and make sure I get the movement back.”
Vaz Te is not a stranger to being injured for a lengthy period, having already suffered a knee ligament injury in the past. He said that he has learnt from past experience, and he knows he has to have patience in the recovery process. He said: “If you don’t heal properly then you are never right and are always playing catch-up. I have to make sure I fully relax and let the socket and everything heal and only after that can I actually push. Overall, they have given me 12 weeks, but obviously if I can return earlier I will do but only if it is safe to do so. I just have to concentrate on recovering properly and making sure that, when I get back, I am fully fit rather than halfway there and break down again. It is frustrating I have to put my plans on hold. I have got a lot of things I want to achieve, obviously.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Vaz Te scored the goal that brought West Ham back into the Premier League for this season.
Liverpool FC’s young midfielder Conor Coady can’t wait to make more appearances for the Reds following his first team debut against Anzhi Makhachkala last night.
The 19-year-old was one of several youngsters who travelled to Moscow for the Europa League Group A clash.
And the Liverpool-born youngster is eager to build on what he has described as a “really special moment” and become a Liverpool regular in the future.
He told Liverpool’s official website: “It was fantastic and I enjoyed every minute of it.
“It was a big night for me and my family. It is every boy’s dream to play for Liverpool. You have to be patient, bide your time and work hard at training. I have been waiting a long time for this day and it was really special to get out there and play.
“I put my all into it and I was made up to make my debut. I was happy with the way I played and I thought all the boys did well. Hopefully it is the first appearance of many for me.”
Coady went on to praise his manager Brendan Rodgers and admitted that, despite making his dream debut, he was disappointed to be on the losing side.
“I thought we were a bit unlucky not to get anything from the game. We sat there, competed with them and I thought we were fantastic tactically,” he continued.
“We are just disappointed not to get a result, but we will bounce back from this and become better.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“It is fantastic to play under Brendan. He has given a lot of us young lads games this season and it is great he has shown faith.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is concerned about the expectation level regarding Jack Wilshere on his return from injury, according to talkSPORT.
Wilshere started his first Gunners game for 14 months in yesterday’s 1-0 win at home to QPR, but his manger refuses to put too much importance on his talent in the current Arsenal squad.
“I feel there is too much pressure on him but we cannot change that, it always goes with the great players,
“The level of expectation will always be high with Jack, but we will have to deal with that.
“I think he deals with it well but overall it’s important that he just enjoys his football.”
“I told him only today (about starting v QPR) to not give him too much time to think about that.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“He did well, technically well. He of course lacked the pace of the game but overall he did well.”
Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of striker Klaas-Jan-Huntelaar after being told they can’t afford him by Shalke’s general manger Horst Heldt.
The Dutch striker is out of contract in the summer and Wenger is still looking to cover the loss of star striker Robin van Persie last season. However Heldt believes the Gunners will be priced out of a move.
“There have been no offers or any sign of Klaas-Jan leaving. If someone comes to us six months before the expiry date, and has a lot of money, we will deal with it. But from Arsenal circles we hear there is no money anyway,” Heldt told the Sun.
The under pressure Gunners boss has looked increasingly frustrated in recent weeks, promising his own fans that funds would be available to strengthen the squad after the club secured a new £150million sponsorship deal with Emirates last week. It is believed that he was hoping a £6million bid in January would be enough to sign the striker.
Heldt’s comments suggest Wenger may need to increase his valuation for 29-year-old Huntelaar who scored in both games against Arsenal for Schalke in this season’s Champions League group stages.
Huntelaar has been a revelation in Germany and notched up 29 goals in 32 Bundesliga games last season. His contract situation and the fact that he could leave on a free in the summer if a deal isn’t agreed in January could however work in Wenger’s favour in terms of striking a cheap deal.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
While last night’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool saw Tottenham Hotspur look to finally begin rebuilding something resembling a bit of momentum at White Hart Lane, it wasn’t just the collective first XI who looked to banish a troublesome spell of form behind them.
Following the toughest run of form he’s endured in his short but successful Spurs career, Kyle Walker looked to put in what was arguably his best performance of the season so far. The Sheffield-born right back had his moments against Brendan Rodgers’ side, but overall, he put in as assured a performance defensively, that we’ve seen for quite some time.
Whether this signals a real turnaround in form for the current PFA Young Player of the Year, it’s perhaps too early to tell. But while the signs are encouraging, the problems Walker has experienced only serve to highlight a far more burgeoning issue for Andre Villas-Boas’ squad.
Because although Tottenham have been forced to weather a series of unfortunate injury issues all over the pitch, there’s been an begrudging sense of inevitability about the situation they currently find themselves in at both full-back slots. The writing’s been on the wall for a while now in N17 and chairman Daniel Levy would do well not to ignore it come the January transfer window.
Of course, things seemed so rosy for Tottenham at fullback last season. Such was the consistency in both form and fitness of Walker and Assou-Ekotto, it seemed difficult to even imagine a Spurs side without the pair. Walker missed just the one Premier League game, with Assou-Ekotto missing five.
But although it would be somewhat harsh to suggest both club and support took the pair for granted, judging by the neglect any form of back up plan received, that might not be such a false statement after all.
In terms of support for their right-sided defensive berth, Spurs finished the season with, well, nothing. The departure of Vedran Corluka out on loan in January left the then-Harry Redknapp led Spurs side without a recognized right back. The now QPR manager was happy to let one of his centre halves fill in should the need arise, a feat that would appear waying well on the side of recklessness, if it wasn’t for the luck they received.
Kyle Walker managed to last an entire season, before breaking down with a toe injury in their final game against Fulham. His replacement that day? Untested academy product Adam Smith, who was coincidentally making his debut, too. The warning signs were there for Tottenham.
Likewise at left back, Spurs have been staring down the barrel depth wise. Remarkably, for a side chasing Champions League football, they also failed to have another recognized left back past Assou-Ekotto for much of the season. While Danny Rose may currently be plying his trade up at Sunderland in the role, let’s not forget why he was initially deployed there in the first place; in an emergency role by Harry Redknapp.
It was a role that seemed to stick more out of convenience than it did via some form of astute tactical transformation. Following Assou-Ekotto’s season ending shoulder injury, Spurs finished the season in turmoil on the left side. Would a recognized left-back have dived into the challenge Danny Rose did to get sent off at Aston Villa last term? It’s hard to say, but it ensured their most valuable attacking outlet in Gareth Bale, finished the term in the berth.
To some, this may all seem slightly irrelevant, but given what we’ve seen so far this term, it couldn’t be more so. The end of the 2011-12 term demonstrated not just how lucky the Lilywhites had been last term, but the ramifications of what might happen if they don’t get in reinforcements at both fullback slots.
The return of Kyle Naughton to the club was a move in the right direction, but even then, it’s not without faults. Spurs have essentially got one traditional fullback to cover two full-back slots and the results have been palpable.
Seemingly oblivious to the concept that both Assou-Ekotto and Walker could be injured/out of form at the same time, Villas-Boas’ side now have arguably their best centre half shifted out at left-back. Jan Vertonghen’s adeptness to play there is all very well and it is an unfortunate necessity, but in doing so, it’s hugely weakened their standing at centre half.
Kyle Naughton has been a popular fans suggestion to move Vertonghen back to centre-half. But if Villas-Boas has deemed him not good enough to replace Kyle Walker this term, given his at times desperately poor form, you can read into that what you will. Having had a difficult time against Maribor at left back and after a roasting against Theo Walcott in the 5-2 defeat to Arsenal, it’s understandable as to why Villas-Boas has persevered with the Belgian.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Does Naughton need time? Maybe so, but the notion that Villas-Boas may not be a huge believer in the youngster is one that is perhaps to difficult to bear for some supporters. Either way, Spurs have to address their fullback issues in January.
A new left back is a matter of priority. Jan Vertonghen is too integral at the heart of defense to be carted wide left – he was brought as a centre half and he must stay that way. Tottenham cannot continue with one recognized left back and even when fit, Benoit Assou-Ekotto needs a competitor to stave off complacency.
And while it might not produce universal agreement, Spurs do need another right back, too. All supporters will be over the moon for Kyle Walker if he has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel form-wise. But the brutal truth is his start to the season should have seen him loose his place. If Kyle Naughton couldn’t displace him then, maybe he never will.
The likelihood will be that Spurs will settle simply on another left back. With January only just over a month away, they look to have got away with their shortcomings at fullback. They must learn from their mistakes.
Manchester United right back Rafael is delighted with the progress he has made in 2012 and believes he has matured in the process, the Daily Mail reports.
The 22-year-old Brazilian has enjoyed the best spell of his United career so far during the last year and has become a first team regular for Sir Alex Ferguson, having started every league game bar two this season.
Rafael told the club’s website: “It’s been a great year for me. I feel like I have grown up a lot and that I am maturing.”
“My daughter was born this year, which has helped me a lot in that way, and on the pitch I have been able to play a lot of games.”
“So I’ve had a lot of good moments, not just in football, but in life this year.”
‘I feel more experienced and like I am growing as a player and a person.”
He arrived at old Trafford in 2008 with brother Fabio, who is currently on loan at QPR. He has endured spells in and out of the side and often been criticised for being too attack minded while lacking defensive ability.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He was handed the chance to make the right back position his own this season and has taken advantage of injuries to players such as Phil Jones and Chris smalling who are also adept at playing the position.
Those players have now returned to fitness so Rafael will face a battle to continue his run in the side with added competition for places.
It is common belief among managers that January is a bad time to do transfer business, but history has certainly proved that to be something of a myth in football. Chelsea certainly didn’t have to break the bank to land Demba Ba; Tottenham can apparently fast-track the deal to sign Lewis Holtby for a mere £1.6m, while there are many clubs who are contemplating a January move for West Ham’s Mohammed Diame – should someone be willing to activate his £3.5m release clause.
The following list is a celebration of the transfer gifts that club’s have received over the years and shows there are always deals to be had at the right price.
So click on Van der Vaart below, sift through and rejoice in our top 15 ‘Transfer Gifts’ of all time
Theo Walcott is set to snub an approach from Manchester United to sign a new deal with Arsenal, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
The attacker’s future has been in doubt for some time now, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
He was believed to be demanding a pay increase and guarantees surrounding a position as the club’s first-choice centre-forward, requests which were initially rejected by the Gunners.
This alerted Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who is said to be keen to take the England international to Old Trafford.
However, Walcott is reportedly willing to extend his stay in North London, with a compromise having been made between himself and manager Arsene Wenger.
The Frenchman is believed to have reconsidered the player’s importance within the squad and is happy to press ahead with a new contract, which could be signed before Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
Walcott’s recent form has seen him become the club’s top goal scorer with 14 efforts in all competitions – eight of which have come in the Premier League.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
This has furthered his claims to play as the focal point of the attack, especially with summer signing Olivier Giroud struggling to adapt to English football.
Lille left back Lucas Digne has claimed he is very aware of rumours linking him to Manchester United in the summer, as reported by Sky Sports.
Digne is one of the hottest prospects in French football and has also been linked with a move to Spain or Italy at the end of the season.
Lille are currently struggling to qualify for Europe in the French league and so Digne may be tempted away with the prospect of Champions League football.
The 19 year old could be seen as the long term replacement for fellow Frenchman Patrice Evra at Old Trafford despite the Premier League leaders signing Alexander Buttner in the summer.
Sir Alex Ferguson is focussing on bringing youngsters into his Manchester United squad to join the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Danny Welbeck with players such a Paul Scholes, Ryan GIggs and Rio Ferdinand coming to the end of their careers.
“Manchester United: They are a top club and to be linked with them means you must be doing something well, but I will not lose sleep,” Digne told Le 10 Sport:
“I live day to day because I feel very happy at Lille, this is the club of my heart, the club that developed me.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“I do not make plans in a rush. I am very much at Lille, I am not planning to leave.
Liverpool travel to Southampton today on the back of a superb 3-2 victory over high-flying Tottenham last weekend.
A result like that one at Anfield will have Brendan Rodgers’ side believing a top-four finish is still achievable, despite trailing fourth by seven points going in to this weekend’s fixture.
Southampton are far from safety as they lurk dangerously above the drop-zone and their current form of one win in their last eight Premier League games shows they still have a lot to do to maintain their top-flight status.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.