ekansekans's blog: "df"

CLEVELAND -- Anderson Varejaos big body has betrayed him again. Clevelands hustling centre needs surgery to repair a muscle that split near his right knee, which could cause him to miss two more months -- a major setback for a young Cavaliers team struggling through another miserable season. The NBAs leading rebounder, Varejao was injured Dec. 18 against Toronto. The injury was initially diagnosed as only a bruised right knee, but as his symptoms persisted, more tests were performed and revealed a "longitudinal split" between Varejaos quadriceps and knee. Varejao will have surgery on Thursday at The Cleveland Clinic, and the team said he will be sidelined a minimum of six to eight weeks. The team said Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo., provided a second opinion on the injury. "Were losing one of our best guys on and off the floor. Hes the heart and soul of our basketball team," Cavs coach Byron Scott said. "This is a big-time blow. Im just trying to keep him in the best of spirits because its been three straight years of getting some type of injury thats just derailed him. This is the biggest because he has been playing so well." Varejao has missed over 100 games in the past three seasons with significant injuries. He sat out 51 games in 2011 with a torn ligament in his foot and was sidelined for 41 games last season after breaking his wrist. "Three years ... its unbelievable," a frustrated Varejao said before Wednesday nights game against Atlanta. "Its like, Why again? Why me? Its something I dont have control of. All I can do is keep working. Right now focus on my rehab to get better as soon as possible." One of the NBAs scrappiest players, Varejao was playing at an All-Star level when he banged his knee last month and went down with what appeared to be a routine injury. However, its much worse and the Cavs are again without an important piece as they try to rebuild. "I tried to come back," Varejao said. "I was working every day. We did some more tests and they saw some other stuff that I dont think its bad, but I need surgery just to fix it." Varejao, who is confident he will return this season, doesnt think the injury got worse during his attempted comeback. "We dont know how long its going to take to heal," he said. "Rehab and still having pain thats not letting me play. It was getting better but I had a second opinion, talked to the doctors here." The Cavs have gone 3-7 this season without Varejao, who was to miss his 11th straight game Wednesday. Cleveland has had more than its share of injuries in the past few seasons. Point guard Kyrie Irving, the reigning rookie of the year, missed 11 games earlier this season with a broken finger and is one of three Cavs who have had to wear protective masks for broken facial bones. Scott has only had his full complement of players for seven games this season. The Cavs are 8-28 heading into Wednesday nights game against Atlanta. "Its real tough," Scott said. "Youre disappointed, frustrated and (ticked) off. You have so many different emotions going through your head, but what can you do? Everybody in this league has to deal with injuries and weve had to deal with them for three straight years. You just got to keep playing hard with the guys that you have and try to get them better." The Cavs were expected to explore trade possibilities for the 6-foot-11 Varejao to acquire more future draft picks. But now that hes hurt, the team is stuck and has to hope youngsters like Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller improve with more playing time. "When you have a big blow like this, youre going to have guys get a golden opportunity," Scott said. "When you have an injury like this, there is always a silver lining." Varejao was averaging 14.4 rebounds and was making a strong push to appear in his first All-Star Game. He is under contract with the Cavs for two more seasons, with the club holding an option for 2014-15. Scott had not spoken to Varejao, who he knows is hurting. "I dont even know if Ill talk to him," Scott said. "Ill probably go up to him and give him a hug and tell him, "Its going to be OK." Youth Justin Tucker Jersey . While F1 fans are enjoying the drama and suspense of not knowing whats likely to happen next, the top drivers are scratching their heads as they try to figure out how to pull away from their main rivals. Baltimore Ravens #58 Jersey . Having broken German great Gerd Muellers 40-year-old record for most goals in a year on Sunday, Messi added to his tally in the 11th minute by tapping into an empty net from David Villas pass. Pedro Rodriguez controlled the ball in midfield and delivered a perfectly weighted long pass to the flank for Villa to cross. http://www.ravens-jersey.com/jacoby-jones-jersey/ .J. -- Nick DeLeon scored in the 88th minute and D. Baltimore Ravens #27 Jersey . The person told The Associated Press about the trade on condition of anonymity Wednesday because it has not been announced pending the completion of some routine logistical matters. The deal also sends guard Jerome Dyson and retiring centre Brad Millers $5.1 million contract from New Orleans to Minnesota, allowing the Timberwolves to clear space under the NBAs salary cap as they pursue free agents. Matt Elam Jersey . Take the Blue Jays 2011 season. From June 10-12, the Blue Jays were home to the Boston Red Sox and it was an unmitigated disaster with Boston sweeping the three-game set to run their win streak to nine games, outscoring the Jays 35-6 in the process.PARIS -- Barcelona defender Eric Abidal expects to return to the pitch this year as his recovery from a liver transplant continues to go well. "I have started working in the gym and I feel fine. Im progressing and lets see if I can play before December," the 32-year-old Abidal said Saturday after making the honorary kickoff in Barcelonas friendly at PSG. "Im better than three months ago. I am sticking to the program the doctors have given me and the truth is that I feel well. I can travel, enjoy football, the team and the atmosphere." Abidal underwent the transplant in April. Previously, the France international had a liver tumour removed in March 2011. Barcelona,, which had defender Carles Puyol back after recovering from knee surgery in May, won on penalties following a 2-2 draw in regular time.dddddddddddd Barcelona has yet to make any big off-season signing but may rely on Abidals return as it tries to unseat Spanish champion Real Madrid this season. "(Abidal) is very important for us," Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova said. "It makes all the players very happy to see how he is coming along. It is comforting." Abidal joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2007 and has helped the club win two Champions League titles and three Spanish league crowns. Barcelona next plays Manchester United in a friendly on Wednesday. ' ' '