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Monday Kickoff: Scolari open to Chelsea return; Khedira undergoes successful knee surgery; and more

LuizFelipeScolariBrazil3-Switzerland (Getty)

By DAN KARELL

Even though he didn’t leave in the most amicable of circumstances, Luiz Felipe Scolari is interested in returning to England someday to manage once more in the Premier League.

Currently the boss of the Brazil national team, Scolari took over at Chelsea in the summer of 2008, but was fired just seven months into the job due to a poor run of form, a move that obviously disappointed the 65-year-old manager. However, Scolari said in an interview with The Guardian that he’d be open to a return to Chelsea if the job was open.

“If I had to return [to England], I would do it,” Scolari told the Guardian. “Chelsea are a spectacular club and I still want them to do well. The supporters are amazing and even though things did not work out I still remember how nice the fans were to me.”

At the moment though, Scolari isn’t worried about gunning for Jose Mourinho’s job, as Felipao, or Big Phil, is currently busy finding the best lineup for next summer’s World Cup, which Brazil will host.

Here are some more stories to kick off your week:

KHEDIRA UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SURGERY, WORLD CUP STILL IN DOUBT

The German national team has had some bad luck with injuries recently, and the news only got worse Friday when holding midfielder Sami Khedira was forced off in the second half with what turned out to be torn ligaments in his right knee.

After undergoing successful surgery on Monday, the Real Madrid starter now faces the daunting task of returning to full fitness in time for the World Cup, which begins on June 12. Khedira now has just under seven months to rehabilitate the knee.

Khedira has the backing of his teammates, including a Twitter message from club teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, but former Germany star Lothar Matthäus believes that the 26-year-old Khedira won’t make it back in time. Khedira, who has made 44 appearances for Germany, has played 15 games for Real Madrid this season in all competitions, with one goal.

After the first 28 days injured, FIFA will cover his salary costs for the next six months as part of their insurance policy, which should add up to around €2.5 million going to Real Madrid.

QUICK KICKS

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to return from his latest ankle surgery in January, the club announced. (REPORT)

Barcelona’s director of football Andoni Zubizarreta believes that Andres Iniesta will sign a new deal before Christmas. (REPORT)

Xabi Alonso’s representatives and Real Madrid are inching towards a new reported two-year contract, with higher wages included despite Alonso being 32-years old. (REPORT)

Raphael Varane is expected to start in place of the suspended Laurent Koscielny for France’s second-leg match against Ukraine. (REPORT)

Eden Hazard has advised Chelsea and Belgium teammate Kevin De Bruyne to move away on loan so that he can hit full fitness ahead of the World Cup. (REPORT)

Boca Juniors suffered a second defeat in three games with a 3-2 loss against Arsenal di Sarandi. (REPORT)

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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Scolari returning to England someday? Do you believe Khedira can make it back in time for the World Cup? Do you believe Real Madrid are right to sign Xabi Alonso to an extension at his age?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. When FIFA insurance covers the “salary cost” does that count the transfer fee as well? If you paid (to keep the numbers easy) $1M transefer fee and contracted a player for a year at $1M per year does FIFA pay $0.5M (1/2 a year salary) or $1M (half year salary plus prorated transfer fee)? If the transfer fees aren’t counted then the clubs are getting hosed as the transfer fee represents a significant investment in a player that does not seem to be insured.

    Reply
  2. Khedira will not be ready for the WC, people seem to have a warped perception of how long ACL injuries take to recover from. Very few are able to come back injury free and playing at the top level within 9 months (adrian peterson). Most either have recurring injuries or wait until they feel completely ready (derrick rose) and that can take a year or more.

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  3. Luiz Felipe Scolari in MLS would be insane, miami city go get him,or seattle or even nycfc.
    MLS needs managers like him and seattle would love him.

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  4. Really harsh for Khedira but the Germany’s holding mid position is in great hands with the likes of Schweinsteiger, Gundogan, Lars Bender an Sven Bender. Even Lahm looks good there when he puts in a shift with Bayern!

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