By AVI CREDITOR
Former Germany star Lothar Matthaus is back in international soccer after signing a one-year deal (with an option for two more) to become the manager of the Bulgarian national team.
The 49-year-old Matthaus had an infamous stint in Major League Soccer with the MetroStars in 2000 before concluding his playing career and entering the managing realm.
He has coached a few club teams, most recently Israeli side Maccabi Netanya, and he was also the manager of Hungary's national team from 2004-2005.
Matthaus inherits the seat vacated by Stanimir Stoilov, who resigned following Bulgaria's loss to Montenegro in Euro 2012 qualifying earlier this month.
Here are a few more stories to bridge the gap in your Tuesday:
HENRY RULED OUT FOR GALAXY GAME
MLS might not have suspended New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry in the aftermath of the Kevin Hartman incident, but he'll miss Friday's game against the Los Angeles Galaxy anyway.
Henry has been ruled out for the match with a knee injury that he reportedly suffered two weeks ago against Real Salt Lake.
"Despite the attention surrounding this Friday's match, we did not want to exacerbate Thierry's current injury that he has been playing and practicing with over the past two weeks," Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler told the team's Web site.
Henry was fined $2,000 but not suspended for Thursday's incident in which he kicked a ball in celebration after a goal and inadvertently struck FC Dallas keeper Kevin Hartman, injuring the goalie's knee in the process.
WENGER SUSPENDED ONE MATCH
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has received a one-match ban from the Football Association after being charged with improper conduct for his actions at the end of Arsenal's draw with Sunderland over the weekend.
Wenger berated officials after Darren Bent tied the game with a late goal. He has been fined £8,000 and is prohibited from being on the touchline for Tuesday's Carling Cup match against Tottenham.
FABREGAS OUT UP TO THREE WEEKS
Cesc Fabregas suffered a hamstring injury in Arsenal's draw with Sunderland, and the Gunners confirmed that he will miss two-to-three weeks of action while he recovers.
The oft-injured Fabregas will likely miss Arsenal's league matches with Chelsea and West Brom and it's Champions League group stage match against Partizan Belgrade.
COMMISSIONER GARBER INTERVIEW
MLS commissioner Don Garber is reportedly in Portland for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the renovations to PGE Park, and he did an interview with The Oregonian newspaper in which he shared his thoughts about all things Timbers. Among the topics discussed were the Timbers billboard in Seattle, roster expansion and future big events that may be held in Portland. Give it a read here.
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How do you think Matthaus will fare with Bulgaria? Smell conspiracy with the Henry situation? Disappointed that he's going to have to miss the star-studded match? Think Wenger was out of line? Do you see Fabregas ever having an injury-free season? What did you think about Garber's comments?
Share your thoughts below.