LDN Blue

[1] If you'll remember, Frank's injury was not a direct consequence of his hernia operation. The media were very quick to jump on the fact it was, despite us telling the world that it was actually an injury to the abductor muscle in his leg. It was this that kept him out for long, it was diagnosed correctly, and the time he was out made sense. [2] Benayoun came out and publicly said the Chelsea doctors were not to blame. Chelsea had made the right diagnosis, but when he went to link up with Isreal on international duty, he'd strained the injury and made it even worse. [3] Essien's injury was originally to his hamstring. Upon recovering from this, he went on international duty with Ghana in September 08. It was here he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament damage. Which can keep players out for almost a year. He made his return on March 09 (he scored that beauty vs Barcelona remember). He then went on international duty again, with Ghana at the 2010 Cup of Nations. It was here that they misdiagnosed him! They'd said he'd got an anterior cruciate ligament injury again but he knew otherwise. Chelsea made the correct diagnosis. [4] John Terry's injury could not be treated by anyone. As you'll recall the injury was not so bad that he could not carry on, JT is a warrior, he would not have wanted to take time out to treat the injury because it was manageable via injections. It's only recently the pain has gotten worse (because he's older) that's why he had to fly to Italy - At the recommendation of Bryan English (the chief doctor at Chelsea) [5] The thing with Malaria is, it's not instant. The effect can take as long as 2 months to appear in the system, until then, there was no need to get him checked. In fact - I read somewhere - Chelsea insisted on getting a blood test when Drogba thought it was a simple flu. Malaria can also take a while to get out the system, it can take months (ask Cheryl Cole) [6] Alex's operation took place in Brazil. Chelsea made it clear they would assess him when he returned this month, which he has. Right now I think they're diagnosing him - so a date should be available soon. As you can see, all your points have had extenuating circumstances. I can see why you blame the medical staff though, for a long while the media has been telling us it was their fault. They purposely refer to Lampard's injury as a consequence of the hernia op - despite them knowing it's wrong. I hope this helps

Also, Zhirkov, Bertrand & Mikel were all seen training on CTV today - encouraging signs. If they can all get fit by next week, our only injuries will be to Alex and Benayoun *fingers crossed* Van Aanholt out for 3 weeks

The Daily Mail Claims Alex will prefer a move to Chelsea. They give no quotes to back this claim up (as always), but..

It all depends on Alex though doesn't it. If he can get back into action by the end of the month then we can say let's hold off on this transfer till January. But we're not blessed with time when it comes to player injuries (ref. Essien, Lampard & Bosingwa)

It's like he says, it's manageable but he just has to put more hours in the gym, which I'm sure he won't mind

Welcome aboard! I like where Sunderland is going this season, you've got some class players; Bent, Gyan, Onouha, Henderson, Welbeck ect.

He's improving his technique and touch now. His control is also a lot better. In a time where we've needed players to step up, be confident and smart with the ball, he's played a good role. Essien, it's been well noted, has not been himself lately. Perhaps it's because he's still nurturing an in injury or something, but Ramires has been solid in filling those shoes. I don't want to pass full judgement yet though until into next season. That being said, he is adapting quicker than Malouda did, so it's encouraging. I kind of want see him more attacking though. With Mikel sidelined, relegating Essien to that holding role, we're losing some attacking flare. I know, I know, Essien hasn't shown that either, but we can't keep expecting Lampard to find those killer balls to unleash the attackers. Ramires is showing all the signs of being a great player for us, like I said his holding of the ball has been a big improvement in his game, but if he takes that one step further to create chances for the strikers, he can pip Essien with a regular role in the starting XI

I remember how he was such a big deal when Manchester City wanted him & Moyes didn't want to let him go. Now look at him. He will always be back up to Upson for England, and to be honest I don't rate him very highly. He's got a good header, but he's often pushed aside by larger attackers and his pace isn't great either.

Agreed. If we are to appoint him one day, he must find work again. I don't think he can be judged for West Ham - They're a sinking boat. He does have to find a mid-table club which he can keep mid-table, if he finds that kind of club then the experience for him will be fantastic. Like Ferguson did when he managed St Mirren & Aberdeen.

Overpayed I hate the phrase now. I think it was Max who pointed out about Ramires "it's not his fault" that we paid £18million. And he's quite right - We target players performances based on what we paid for them. But that number no longer reflects the player's ability, it's just shoddy negotiations and backroom politics. We must forget judging a player by their price tag now. Simple question, do we want Subotic? I think we do. He's 22, and he comes with raving reviews. If someone tells me a defender in the Bundesliga is highly rated - I tend to believe them. The German league is very well balanced (I've been told) that defenders do stand out too. The price is now irrelevant..

He's not allowed - He doesn't have his coaching badges! That's why he's not allowed to take part in the training sessions either. It's like Carlo says "nothing has changed". Elemano is just there to fill the vacant seat, quite literally!

That's because Wenger is smart, he finds players who are unknown. Subotic is being tracked by Madrid and Liverpool (if reports are correct). This immediately pushes up the price of the player by £5milion.. Florentino Perez has inflated the whole transfer market with the transfers of Ronaldo, Kaká & Benzema.

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There's been a very good nostalgic feeling on this forum in the last few days, it's quite a good read for someone who wasn't there at the beginning Hopefully it keeps growing so in a few year there'll be another newbie wishing he was where I'll be

Touché Max.. Touché

Well, in fairness, I go on Twitter once a day, mainly down to the fact all media outlets are using them! - A good source of information For me, it's not a social network - It's a source of news

Ditto :tophat:

@rishishah7493 Small world

You wouldn't happen to be "...CFC39" would you?

If this is true.. If not, meh.

Expect a low-turn out. By the way CFC are advertising this game, I don't think many tickets have been sold.

According to the FA, they said it would be a 1-off only. To mark the 150th anniversary of the FA (because it's been so successful hasn't it..)

Without Xavi - Messi would not be as good. He's the key link, without him Messi does not often score. It's why he's always referred to as Bara's "unsung hero"

Then after Terry & Lampard

that's probably who I mean then! Haha he literally was a "super-sub". Pretty unbelievable he was only 17 when we signed him - He looked like he was in his 30's!