By JOHN BOSCHINI
Chivas USA forward Justin Braun and Dallas defender Ugo Ihemelu have been released from the U.S. National Team camp due to injuries and will miss the teams upcoming friendly against Chile on January 22.
Braun is out for a week after four stitches were required to close a cut on his Achilles tendon and Ihemeluwas unable to shake off nagging hip and groin injuries.
Here are some more stories to help you through your Wednesday.
Cristman dealt to L.A.
The Los Angeles Galaxy has acquired forward Adam Cristman from D.C. United in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft. The Galaxy is looking to fill the striking void left when Edson Buddle left for Europe. Cristman, 26, has scored 12 goals in 68 appearances for three different MLS clubs and was a finalist for the 2007 rookie of the year award. Cristman scored two goals and provided one assist for D.C. last season.
Platini says Qatar should Co-host World Cup
UEFA President Michel Platini has suggested that the Arabian Gulf should be the host for the 2022 World Cup instead of just Qatar. This is just the latest suggestion as FIFA officials try to cope with hosting a World Cup in the tiny Middle Eastern country. This, coupled with FIFA President Sepp Blatters intent on playing the World Cup in winter, has caused controversy because neither suggestion was made during the bidding process in December.
Higuains surgery successful, will miss four months
Real Madrid will be without Gonzalo Higuain for at least four months after the Argentine striker underwent back surgery in Chicago this week. The four-month absence is nearly double what Madrid had hoped for when Higuain went down in the beginning of December. The striking duties will largely fall to French forward Karim Benzema, who has performed with mixed results over the past few months.
Group A back in action at Asian Cup
Uzbekistan all but qualified for the knockout rounds while Qatar pulled off a surprising victory over China in todays Asian Cup action. After taking the lead, Uzbekistan surrendered a penalty just after halftime, but in the 65th minute Server Djeparov of FC Seoul slotted home the winner. Qatar made the most of two first-half goals from Yusef Ahmed Ali to secure a 2-0 victory.
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What do you think of todays stories? Will the National team miss Braun and Ihelmu? Can Cristman make a difference in L.A.? Can Real Madrid cope without Higuain?
Share your thoughts below
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