Javier Hernandez is happy to let Sir Alex Ferguson decide when to unleash him on the Premier League again.
The Manchester United striker had only just linked up with his team-mates on their tour of the United States last month when he suffered a concussion during an innocuous incident during training in New Jersey.
Having experienced similar problems in his youth, Hernandez was acutely aware of the need to take no chances and Ferguson immediately ruled him out until the end of August.
However, Ferguson has now raised the possibility of a reserve team outing against Swansea at Altrincham on Thursday and the 23-year-old believes he would be ready if the call came.
"My head is good," said Hernandez. "I feel better now.
"I have been training with the team for three or four days but I don't know when I will be back in the squad I always say they are the decisions for the manager. Only he can answer that.
"I just need to be fit and working."
Hernandez was speaking at the relaunch of United's Megastore at Old Trafford.
Amongst the new features available to fans is a Nike boot room, which will give fans the chance to embroider their boots with personal messages and designs.
They will be just as keen for Hernandez to pull his boots back on after a stellar debut season when he scored 20 goals to propel United towards a record 19th title and the Champions League final, where they were eventually beaten by Barcelona.
He enhanced that reputation by claiming the Golden Boot at this summer's Gold Cup, only for the rapid development to be halted by the injury that came as a surprise, even for Hernandez given he walked out of the Red Bull Arena the day before United's hammering of the MLS All-Stars not feeling too bad.
"It was a header but the ball moved a little bit and I didn't head it well," recalled Hernandez, who will be again reduced to the role of spectator for United's opening home league game against Tottenham this evening.
"I went back to the hotel and had dinner but I started feeling bad. I went to my room to rest but I had to call the doctor and they took me to hospital.
"I just need to look forward, get my confidence and start heading the ball again."
Espnstar.com
Manager Kenny Dalglish accepts he is going to have to manage Luis Suarez carefully to make sure Liverpool see the best of the Uruguayan this season.
The Reds recorded a 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Saturday - their first away Barclays Premier League win over the Gunners in a decade - following the introduction of Suarez and Raul Meireles.
It was the duo who combined to force the breakthrough after Arsenal had been reduced to 10 men in the wake of Emmanuel Frimpong's red card when Ignasi Miquel's clearance bounced off Aaron Ramsey and into the net. Suarez then tapped in a second goal in the final minute.
Suarez, 24, impressed in Uruguay's Copa America win this summer, and Dalglish feels if he can keep all of his frontmen fresh, then that can only benefit the long-term good of the squad.
"Last week (against Sunderland) maybe I was being a wee bit romantic with Luis," the Scot said.
"It was unfair on him, he was coming back and was on such a high and looked sharp in training. I thought I would give him a game.
"Maybe last week it was the wrong decision from me.
"He still scored the goal, still played well, but he just never had the energy he normally has. Maybe we just brought him back a wee bit too soon."
Dalglish added: "We have got to manage Luis' circumstances the same as we have everybody else's. There were another four or five lads there who we had for the first time.
"Raul Meireles has had a difficult pre-season with injuries so we have got to look after him as well as Luis."
Liverpool have spent millions strengthening the squad, which Dalglish believes can help them go better than last season when they failed to qualify for Europe despite rallying once the Anfield legend was back at the helm.
The Scot hinted there could yet be more comings and goings ahead of the transfer deadline, but is also content with the current group.
"It is inevitable that movement goes on in football," said the Liverpool manager.
"If someone taps on your door for whatever reason... but if everybody stays here I don't have any problems."
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Roberto Mancini remains hopeful of tying up a deal for Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri in the next two days.
However, he admits it would be a "big problem" if the Frenchman played for the Gunners in their Champions League clash with Udinese on Wednesday.
Manchester City have been chasing Nasri for much of the summer but the proposed deal is still up in the air and the midfielder made his first appearance of the season in Arsenal's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Liverpool on Saturday.
Were Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to select Nasri for their Champions League qualifier in Udine, he would then be unavailable for City throughout the group stages.
After the 3-2 win over Bolton that put City top of the fledgling Premier League table, Mancini expressed his frustration that the deal has not yet been finalised.
The Italian said: "For 40 days I've hoped in two days, three days (it would be done), I don't know why we haven't closed it.
"It's a big problem (if he plays for Arsenal against Udinese) but I'm sure we can close in 24 hours, maybe 48. For Nasri it will be important he can play in all the Champions League matches."
Wenger had previously claimed that Nasri is happy at Arsenal and that any deal for his possible departure is a long way from completion.
"He is happy here. There is no departure of Nasri at the moment," Wenger told French media outlet TF1.
"Maybe one day, but it's far, far, far from being done."
On Sunday, City showed why they are expected to be title challengers with an impressive display against Bolton, albeit without ever putting the game to bed.
Goals from David Silva, Gareth Barry and Edin Dzeko were the least City deserved, but Ivan Klasnic and Kevin Davies kept Wanderers in contention until the end.
Carlos Tevez was a second-half substitute for City, making his first appearance of the campaign after a close season in which he made clear his desire to leave the club to be nearer to his family in South America.
A proposed switch to Corinthians fell through and Mancini does not expect Tevez to leave before the end of August.
He said: "Carlos is here, I don't think the situation will change. Carlos is an important player, a top player for us and at the moment we haven't received any offers for him."
Of his team's display, Mancini added: "I think we put in a good performance. We played very well. Bolton are a strong team and I think we deserved to win this game."
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Valencia have announced they had reached "an agreement in principle" with Chelsea for the sale of Juan Mata to the west London club.
The Spanish club did not disclose the fee for the 23-year-old and also added the transfer was subject to the player passing the relevant medical tests.
New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has identified a lack of creativity in midfield as one area which requires improvement before the transfer window closes and will no doubt hope the Spain international can provide some nous to an ageing squad.
A statement on the Valencia website read: "Valencia Football Club has reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea FC for the transfer of the player Juan Manuel Mata. The agreement is subject to the relevant medical tests."
Chelsea are not the only English club reported to have shown an interest in Mata with north London rivals Arsenal and Spurs linked with a player who has flourished at the Mestalla after failing to make the breakthrough at Real Madrid.
Mata joined Valencia from Madrid in 2007 and has emerged as one of their most important players, his form earning him a regular place in the Spain squad.
He was a part of the party which won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and was also a key man this summer as Spain won the Under-21 European Championship in Denmark.
espnstar.com
August 22
It is not easy to understand what is going on at Arsenal but with only one goal scored so far, two conceded and only one win registered in three games, it seems that new players are a must.
According to Metro, manager Arsene Wenger is ready to make a move for Real Madrid’s Kaka. With the Arsenal midfield lacking in creativity after the departure of Cesc Fabregas and with the Brazilian not in Jose Mourinho’s plans, a loan move for the former AC Milan star sounds like a clever move by the Gunners although it seems that Chelsea are also interested in the 29-year old.
In other news, Mirror Football believes that France international Yann M’Vila is one of Arsenal’s targets ahead of the last few days of the summer transfer window. The 21-year old is apparently available for £10m and when we asked our readers for a first opinion on the youngster last month, their response was quite positive with more than 650 votes for the player.
And before moving on to today’s poll, a look at Thursday’s results in which we collected more than 2,000 votes and with Peter Odemwingie getting more than 750 positive votes and Moussa Sow getting more, almost 900.
As always, please let us know your preference on today’s linked players and don’t be shy to join the discussion in our newly-launched Arsenal forum.
Player Profile
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite – Kaka
Date of birth: 22/04/1982
Place of birth: Brasília
Age: 29
Height: 1,86
Nationality: Brazil, Italy
Position: Midfield
Foot: Both
Market Value: £22.5m
Yann M’Vila
Date of birth: 29/06/1990
Place of birth: Amiens
Age: 21
Height: 1,83
Nationality: France, Congo
Position: Defensive Midfield
Foot: Right
Market Value: £14.5m
Thegunninghawk.com
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is confident Sergio Aguero can handle the hype from his big-money move and sensational two-goal debut earlier this week.
Aguero, signed for a club-record £38million from Atletico Madrid last month, made his City bow when he was introduced as a substitute with around half an hour to go in Monday's Barclays Premier League opener against Swansea at the Etihad Stadium.
He marked the occasion by scoring twice and providing an assist for David Silva in a crushing 4-0 victory, and the Argentina international looks set to be handed his first start on Sunday as the Blues travel to Bolton.
The excitement surrounding the striker continues to grow, but his manager Mancini believes Aguero will have no trouble taking it in his stride.
"Aguero is only 23 years old, but for six years he has played in a top, senior team in Argentina and Spain," Mancini said.
"I think it will be no problem and I am happy that on his debut in the Premier League, he has scored two goals. For a striker, it is very important."
Aguero's compatriot Carlos Tevez could be set to make his first appearance of the season for City in the game at the Reebok Stadium.
After a fraught summer, during which the forward handed in an official transfer request and was unsuccessfully pursued by his former club Corinthians, Tevez returned to training with the Blues last week.
Inter Milan have been linked with the 27-year-old, but it appears no further bids have been forthcoming.
He did not feature in the squad for the Swansea match, but Mancini has already made it clear he would be happy for Tevez to stay and will consider him for Sunday.
"He has worked very well in these two weeks," Mancini said.
"When Carlos plays, he always plays very well and gives 100%.
"I think maybe he is not 100% fit, but his mind is okay."
Meanwhile, Mancini is hopeful a deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri can be tied up "very quickly".
With discussions between the two clubs believed to have been going on for some time, it had been expected Nasri might be confirmed as a City player this week.
No such announcement has been made as yet and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has indicated Nasri could feature in the London side's match against Liverpool on Saturday.
But speaking about the situation on Friday morning, Mancini said: "I hope we can close it very quickly now."
Asked why there may have been a delay in proceedings, Mancini said: "I don't know - this is not my job.
"I don't know why, but it is probably because Nasri is a good player, or because there is some problem."
espnstar.com
Arsenal and Liverpool will both be out to claim their first win of the new Barclays Premier League season when they lock horns at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
And ahead of the hugely-anticipated match, Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique spoke of his belief that all was not well with the Gunners.
Arsenal talisman and captain Cesc Fabregas completed his transfer to Barcelona earlier this week and Samir Nasri is expected to follow him out of the Emirates with a move to Manchester City seemingly on the cards.
Enrique, who was himself the subject of a transfer this summer when he moved to Anfield from Newcastle, will get the chance to see what effect the turmoil has had on the Gunners first hand when his new side travel to north London on Saturday in the Barclays Premier League.
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"I think it's really difficult for them because I think maybe Nasri will go (as well)," he told www.liverpoolfc.tv. "He is a good player for them too.
"Fabregas has gone already and when you lose your best players it's bad for the team. More in terms of mentality, because they have other really good players."
Enrique can sympathise with the Arsenal players having been at Newcastle when first Andy Carroll, now his Liverpool team-mate, and then Kevin Nolan departed for pastures new.
"Arsenal is an amazing team and I think they'll buy players soon before the end of the market," he said. "But it is hard.
"At Newcastle we had the same with Andy Carroll and after that Kevin Nolan. For the players it's really hard when you lose your best players."
Enrique's old club also face a stiff early-season test as they travel to Sunderland for a Tyne-Wear derby.
Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has scored six goals against Sunderland, including two in a 5-1 win at St James' Park last season, and he will get the opportunity to add to that tally.
Manager Alan Pardew told the club's website, www.nufc.co.uk: "Shola has been here a long time, he's lived in the area, and the passion from the fans which can get into the players cannot be underestimated.
"Everywhere you go you get reminded, and Shola has had that for a number of years.
"So he knows this is a massive game for the club and he probably gets himself up as high as he would for a cup final.
"That bodes well, and he will start on Saturday, I make no bones about that. He will be in the starting line-up."
Chelsea will have new signing Romelu Lukaku available to face West Brom after the 18-year-old striker completed his move from Anderlecht today.
Midfielder Jon Obi Mikel has also declared himself available despite his father's kidnapping in Nigeria, but goalkeeper Petr Cech has been ruled out for three to four weeks after picking up a knee injury in training.
Also on Saturday, Aston Villa host Blackburn, Swansea entertain Wigan and QPR, who were today taken over by business tycoon Tony Fernandes, go to Everton.
Sunday's fixtures see Stoke travelling to Norwich and Wolves hosting Fulham, while Sergio Aguero, who scored twice off the bench on his Manchester City debut on Monday, will hope for a bigger role as his new side go to Bolton.
The weekend's final eye-catching clash is on Monday, when Tottenham make the trip to Old Trafford to face champions Manchester United.Saturday
Espnstar.com
Under-pressure Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been backed to prove himself to the whole world following a rocky start to his Old Trafford career.
The £18million capture from Atletico Madrid this summer has stepped into the firing line after errors made in the Community Shield win over Manchester City and last Sunday's Barclays Premier League opening victory at West Brom.
The criticism appears to have been harsh on the 20-year-old, with some fans on forums suggesting he should now be dropped ahead of Monday's visit of Tottenham.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has twice had to defend the young Spaniard, has no intention of doing so as he has every faith in De Gea.
Defender Chris Smalling, who will operate at right-back against Tottenham, has also launched a passionate defence of the goalkeeper.
"Some of the media criticism this week has been a bit judgmental given he has only played a couple of games for us," said Smalling.
"The manager has obviously put a lot of faith in him by making him first choice, and I think he is going to be a great goalkeeper for us. A real bonus.
"He has been training really well. We have played a few small-sided games this week and you could see his agility, his kicking ability.
"He is showing his quality, and it is only a matter of time until the whole world sees it too."
Smalling concedes it was always going to take time for De Gea to settle, in particular in coming to a foreign country and learning a new language.
"It's all a learning curve and I think a lot of the foreign lads take time to get used to it," added Smalling.
"He's learning English, that's coming along, but a lot of the lads speak Spanish anyway.
"He is slowly getting into the groove, and I'm sure there are good things to come from him."
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