Football

Vermaelen has been troubled by a persistent Achilles problem.

Fabregas's team mate Jack Wilshere also used the social network site to thank the Arsenal fans and congratulate Barcelona on victory.

Deportivo climbed five points clear of the drop zone.

Barcelona set a league record of 20 straight away games without defeat.

Udinese moved within one point of a Champions League spot with a 7-0 rout of nine-man Palermo.

The Red Devils to play Wigan and fading rival Chelsea in a four-day span.

The club has been linked with a takeover by Qatari investors.

But Torres insists he had to make the switch for sporting reasons.

Villarreal handed 1-0 defeat at home by Levante, Bilbao register another home win

Blackburn chairman John Williams has stepped down after 14 years with the Premier League club.

Real Madrid will play Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final for the first time in 21 years.

Chelsea is reported to be willing to shell out $ 79.5 million for Fernando Torres' transfer from Liverpool.

While a lackluster Madrid scraped past Mallorca 1-0, Getafe got beaten 3-1 by Espanyol.

The 18-time champions host Birmingham and are unbeaten in the league this season.

The results left Japan top of the group with seven points, ahead of Jordan on goal difference.

Win over Malaga will help Barca break previous record of 27 games in 1973-74 season.