By JOHN BOSCHINI
Liverpool's resurgence took a hit with the news the Reds will be without captain Steven Gerrard for up to a month after the English midfielder underwent surgery for a groin injury.
Gerrard sustained the injury in Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Chelsea in early February and did not travel for the team's 1-0 defeat in the Europa League yesterday.
"LFC can today confirm that Steven Gerrard has undergone successful surgery on his groin and will be out for up to four weeks," Liverpool said in a statement on its official website.
Gerrard will also miss out on England's upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales and the Three Lions' friendly against Ghana three days later.
Here are some more stories to help your Friday along.
J.LEAGUE HALTS PLAY FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE
Following a devastating earthquake and a subsequent tsunami that hit the eastern shore of Japan this morning the Japanese FA has decided to suspend play of its domestic league, the top division of which is known as the J.League. All 19 matches in the two divisions of Japanese soccer were canceled and no decision has been made as to when play will resume. The J-League only began play last weekend for the 2011 season.
FRANCE, GERMANY SCHEDULE TWO INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES
Traditional rivals France and Germany will face off in two international friendlies to be played over the next three years. France will travel to a still-undetermined German site on Feb. 29, 2012 and Germany will play in France on March 5, 2014 in the lead up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The two teams haven't played since 2005.
NANI OUT FOR UP TO THREE WEEKS
Manchester United will be without midfielder Nani for up to a month after the Portuguese international was stretchered off the field with a leg gash in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool last weekend. The injury occurred when Liverpool's Jamie Carragher received a yellow card for a reckless challenge on the 24-year-old. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he hopes to have Nani back after the two-week international break later this month.
RONALDO FIT TO FACE LYON
Real Madrid's hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League got a major boost today when Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho confirmed he expects Cristiano Ronaldo to play against Lyon next week.
"If Cristiano had to play tomorrow he wouldn't because he is not fully fit, but I am sure he will play next Wednesday after training on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday," Mourinho said.
Real Madrid and Lyon take a 1-1 draw back to the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. Real Madrid has not advanced past the round of 16 for six consecutive seasons.
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What do you think of today's stories? Does Gerrard's injury end Liverpool's Europa League hopes? Hopeful Japan can recover soon? Excited to see Ronaldo play against Lyon?
Share your thoughts below.
Wonder if Shunsuka Nakamura whishes he’d stayed with celtic right now
the urawa red diamonds once paid 1 mill, american money for the rights to a player.
we can’t afford their best.
players like Yasuhito Endo, and other famed player will probably end up somewhere in russia, france or italy
true that. anyone thought about all the navy stations we have ports on out there?
your probably a piece of sh*t, ya know that?
im drunk and im hatin’, f*ck all ya’ll
j league is awesome
That’s funny. I caught that too.
I live in Japan, luckily far away from the devastation but living on the pacific I had minor tsunami to deal with. Prayers and thoughts for those affected
Don’t know. Don’t care.
nope, really don’t know, sorry.
My dad is in japan at the moment. Said it was absolutely insane. Here’s to hoping they can recover.
I imagine that playing soccer is the least of their concern for the time being.
Its a friendly.. scheduled at Sea World.
Kind of a shame that the J-League is only getting coverage due to the tragic tsunami. It’s a great league and deserves much more attention.
And Three Lions. Oh my.
Whales play soccer?
If not for MLS’s policy of only getting players on loan if there is an option to buy, they could get some J-League players on loan to give them playing time and improve MLS teams while the league is suspended in Japan.
Absolute devastation on the coastline of Japan… here’s to hoping that the recovery effort is swift and focused.
Ives, The MLSsoccer fantasy game looks lame compared to MFLS. Just sayin’ thats my vote
Y’all know what I want to type…but I won’t do it, lol.