Buchstabensuppe History &'nd about us » Appealing Tale with Blue

MADRID, Spain -- Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa will be sidelined for nearly two months by a knee injury, putting the Spain internationals participation at the World Cup in jeopardy. Arbeloa said his right knee is worse than he thought "but if everything goes well, Ill be out from six-to-eight weeks." The 31-year-old right back has been a regular for Spain since it won the 2008 European Championship, but was left out of coach Vicente del Bosques last squad list. Nevertheless, the former Liverpool player hopes to return by May. "Hopefully I make it back in time to play in the Champions League final if Madrid make it and the World Cup if Im picked," Arbeloa said. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday that Dani Carvajal will take over for Arbeloa, who has one goal from 28 appearances for the Spanish leaders. "Arbeloas absence is a big loss for us," Ancelotti said. "Weve worked with Nacho (Fernandez) at the position in case Carvajal gets injured. Nacho is a quality player who can play that role, as can Sergio Ramos as a last option." Madrid leads Atletico Madrid by three points, and is four points ahead of Barcelona. Unlike former coach Jose Mourinho, Ancelotti is showing an ability to keep Madrids array of talented players and egos content despite having to relegate many to the bench. Spain midfielder Francisco "Isco" Alarcon and Spain under-21 talents Jese Rodriguez and Asier Illarramendi have been reduced to substitute minutes with Madrids attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale in great form. "All of the players are ready to play," said Ancelotti, who even compared Isco to former AC Milan player Clarence Seedorf. "I talk to them all and tell them they might just play one minute but it could be the most important minute of the season." The Italian coach also dismissed reports that forward Angel Di Maria preferred to sit out against Malaga rather than risk a booking and subsequent ban that would see the Argentine miss next weeks showdown with Barcelona. "Id be surprised if Di Maria didnt want to play against Malaga. Im not going to choose my teams worrying about bookings or things like that," Ancelotti said. "If Di Maria is shown a card then someone else will fill in for him against Barca, its not a problem." Quinndary Weatherspoon Spurs Jersey . In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Michigans Nik Stauskas of Mississauga, Ontario. Tim Duncan Spurs Jersey . The 10-year deal the league and players agreed to that ended the 2011 lockout gave either side the right to opt out after six years. With the league projecting financial growth, there has been speculation that players will take that option in three years, especially since a new national TV contract will be in place by then. https://www.spurslockerroom.com/Luka-Sam...ition-Jersey/.C. -- After turning Tobacco Road into "Raleigh Top," Tennessee is headed to the round of 16. Derrick White Spurs Jersey . -- The Denver Broncos retired John Elways No. Dennis Rodman Jersey . Sources tell TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger that the team is quietly gauging interest on the Senators captain, though Spezza has a limited no-trade clause and carries a large contract.Arcadia, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Hoppertunity, ridden by Martin Garcia, gained the lead at the top of the stretch and rolled on to give Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a fifth crown in Saturdays $200,000 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita. Hoppertunity, owned by Karl Watson, Michael Pegram and Paul Weitman, went off as the 4-5 favorite in the 11-horse field with Majestic Harbor a distant 8-1 second choice. Leaving from post 2, Hoppertunity was never far off the pace in the 1 1/16- mile stakes. The 4-year-old colt was fourth up the backstretch and easily joined the front-runners on the final turn. Hoppertunity assumed the lead at the top of the stretch along the inside and drove to a 1 3/4-length victory over 12-1 longshot Appealing Tale with Blue Tone, at 27-1, third. Hes a damn good horse, noted co-owner Mike Pegram. Martin had to use him to get a position and when he pushed the button, he went. This horse has proven he can ship, so we know he can travel and he likes it here. Its nice to have options. Completing the order of finish were Tonito M., Big Cazanova, Bronzo, Quadrivium, Majestic Harbor, Mr. Commons, Salto Del Indio and Baccelo. The time for the San Pasqual on a fast track wwas 1:41.dddddddddddd69. The win is the fifth for Baffert in the San Pasqual. The Hall of Fame trainer previously won the prep for the Santa Anita Handicap with Silver Charm (1999), Wooden Phone (2002), Congaree (2003) and Coil (2013). Hoppertunity, making his initial start as a 4-year-old, picked up $120,000 to increase his earnings to $1,070,675. The colt has now won half of his eight career starts with two seconds. We had this race in mind. We know every race is going to be different, so well just let him space his races out. He could show up anywhere; I dont know yet, Baffert said. Saturdays start came less than two months after Hoppertunity captured the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs to close out his 3-year-old campaign. Last year the colt also won the Rebel Stakes at Fair Grounds followed by a runner-up result to California Chrome in the Santa Anita Derby. Hoppertunity was scratched from the Kentucky Derby just days before the race with a quarter crack of a hoof and did not race again until Oct. 29 when he got second in an allowance race at Santa Anita. Hoppertunity returned $3.60, $2.80 and $2.40. Appealing Tale paid $9.00 and $7.60, and Blue Tone paid $8.60 to show. ' ' '