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General Sports News

Gallas out for the season

Author: Rose Young
Date: 09/04/2009

Arsenal defender William Gallas has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with medial knee ligament damage.

Gallas suffered the season-ending blow during Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League quarter-final first leg stalemate with Villarreal.

The France international was injured in the first half following a collision with opposition striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Meanwhile, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that goalkeeper Manuel Almunia will also be sidelined for three weeks after suffering a recurrence of an ankle problem in the same game.

Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink claimed Wednesday's 3-1 Champions League victory over Liverpool was an unexpected but deserved quarter-final first-leg scoreline which gives them a betting advantage.

The Blues are now firm favourites to reach the last four stage after overcoming the disappointment of conceding a sixth-minute Fernando Torres opener at Anfield.

However, Hiddink has warned his players against complacency ahead of next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez blamed a series of mistakes for the costly defeat to Chelsea, but still believes his side can keep their European dream alive.

The Reds now require something of a miracle result at Stamford Bridge in next week's quarter-final second leg, where they will have to score at least three times.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear has passed his latest round of medical tests 'with flying colours'.

Kinnear is currently recovering from a triple heart bypass operation in February and the Magpies are under the temporary control of club legend Alan Shearer.

Kinnear has now taken a step closer to returning to work, according to managing director Derek Llambias.

North of the border, the Scottish Football Association has confirmed there will be no further action taken against banned duo Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor.

The Rangers pair were banned from representing Scotland again after making obscene gestures at photographers in the aftermath of being dropped following a late night drinking session while away on international duty last week.

Snooker is looking to follow the example of cricket's successful Twenty20 model by introducing a new shorter form of the game.

The Super6s will feature the same number of colours per frame as the regular format but only six reds and will be trialed at the World Championship in Sheffield later this month.

Meanwhile, Lance Armstrong could face action from cycling's French anti-doping agency following claims that he violated drug testing rules.

The seven-times Tour de France winner's hair, urine and blood were all tested on March 17 and no traces of drugs were found.

However, the official in charge claimed Armstrong did not "respect the obligation to remain under direct and permanent observation" during the procedure.

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