Radamel Falcao’s time in the Premier League has not been easy, and now the out-of-form striker is set for yet another spell on the sidelines.
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink revealed that Falcao is set to be out until at least February with yet another thigh injury. Hampered by injuries since November, Falcao has made just one league start and scored one goal for Chelsea while on loan from Monaco this season.
Still, Hiddink would not reveal details regarding the Colombian’s potential return to Monaco, despite lackluster Premier League showings in his two-year stay in England.
“It’s the inside of his thigh and it’s the same now as it was before,” Hiddink told reporters. “He’s having treatment at the moment but he cannot appear on the pitch. He was out and our medical staff tried to build him up but he had the setback, which is not a positive signal. We hope within 10 days he might be fit again, but not to play.”
“To my knowledge [Monaco] have not contacted us,” Hiddink added. “I don’t want to go into it. We have an open period from the first until the last day of the January window, so it’s not good in this case to talk in advance. Things might be done. When you want to reinforce your squad or other clubs want to do so, first of all you speak directly to your own management and the management who is responsible for the other candidate. That’s the right way to do it, and not go through the side door.”
Here are some more news and notes to kick off your Thursday morning:
CHICHARITO WINS BUNDESLIGA PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has been among the top players in the Bundesliga throughout his time with Bayer Leverkusen, and now the Mexican star has been recognized with another award to match.
The Bundesliga announced on Thursday that Chicharito has been recognized as December’s Bundesliga Player of the Month, giving the Mexican international his second victory in as many months.
In total, Chicharito scored five times in December, with his top performance coming in a hat-trick effort in a 5-0 rout of Borussia Monchengladbach. The Mexican star scored in all five games the club played in the month, including a Champions League draw against Barcelona and a German Cup win over Unterhaching.
Since joining Leverkusen this summer, Chicharito has netted 11 goals in the Bundesliga and 19 in all competitions
REAL MADRID’S BUTRAGUENO BACKS BENITEZ
Wednesday’s victory over Rayo Vallecano did little to ease pressure on Rafa Benitez, but one Real Madrid legend and current director has stepped up to back the current manager.
Emilio Butragueno says he has full confidence in Benitez, who saw Real Madrid topple Rayo Vallecano, 3-1, on Wednesday despite jeers from supporters throughout the game. As things stand, Real sits two points behind Barcelona, who maintain a game in hand.
When asked if he still had confidence in Benitez as manager, Butragueno said, “Yes, absolutely.”
“Last year we had gotten to this point with four titles. We came to win the Club World Cup,” he said. “[This year] has been different … I hope 2016 is good because we do well in even years.”
QUICK KICKS
Barcelona have completed the signing of 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder Robert Goncalves, who will join the club on loan for the rest of the year. (REPORT)
West Ham midfielder Dmitri Payet could return to action this weekend against Liverpool. (REPORT)
Chelsea are expected to recall Christian Atsu from his loan spell with Bournemouth. (REPORT)
Gary Neville insists his current role as manager of Valencia is not being viewed as a stepping stone to jobs with Manchester United or England. (REPORT)
Claudio Raineri has given the players of Leicester City permission to celebrate on New Years Eve ahead of Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth. (REPORT)
Liga MX side Leon has added forward Maxi Moralez on loan from Atalanta. (REPORT)