By CALEB SONNELAND
American defender Frank Simek has dislocated his elbow after falling awkwardly in his club's home loss to Yeovil Town on Saturday.
The Carlisle United defender has been a rock at the back for the League One side. The injury has yet to be fully assessed, however, Simek was just an hour away from completing every minute of United's season. Fortunately, Simek will have the summer to recover and return to form so that he may prepare himself for another solid season at the back for Carlisle.
Here are some other stories to get your Monday going:
MADRID SWOOPS FOR SAHIN
La Liga giants Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin for a reported $14.3 million (€10 million).
Sahin is wrapping up a season with the German club that are mathematically locked in to be crowned Bundesliga champions after this weekend. Despite the domestic success, the Turkish midfielder has decided to test his skills in La Liga with one of the largest clubs in the world under Jose Mourinho.
Set for a six-year contract, Sahin has been instrumental for Dortmund in the Bundesliga this year with six goals and eight assists and is set to be the third Madrid player to come from the German league in the past year (Ozil and Khedira being the others).
LICHAJ RETURNS TO VILLA
Eric Lichaj returns to his parent club Aston Villa after joining Leeds United in early February on loan, intially on a one-month deal. However, Lichaj impressed manager Simon Grayson to the point where the deal was extended to the end of the season.
Though a right back by trade, Lichaj was deployed on the left side of defense for the last few games of his loan spell when Leeds' starting left back was hit with injury. For USMNT fans, the 22 year old's new position could finally help to solve the national team's woes at left back.
Lichaj totaled 12 appearances for Leeds and played his final match in a 2-1 win over newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers, who will join the Premier League next season.
BALE OUT FOR SEASON WITH FRESH INJURY
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has been hit with yet another injury, this time to his left ankle following a hard challenge from Blackpool captain Charlie Adam.
An MRI has confirmed that Bale suffered a ruptured ankle ligament in the 1-1 draw. The Welshman will miss the remaining fixtures for Tottenham's close to the season, which includes major games against Manchester City and Liverpool, both away from home.
Tottenham currently sits in fifth place in the Premier League, just a point in front of European hopefuls Liverpool. Its fixture against the Merseyside club on the 15th of May could well decide who takes a place in European competition next season.
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What do you make of Simek's injury? Does Sahin's arrival mean the departure of a different Real Madrid midfielder? Was Lichaj's loan spell at Leeds a success? Could he become a factor in Villa's starting XI next season? What does Bale's injury mean for Tottenham? Should it be worried about Liverpool?
Share your thoughts below.
