ACCRA, March 12 - Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was on Thursday named African Footballer of the Year for 2009, the second time the Ivory Coast international has won the award.

HULL, March 12- Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can overcome the absence of captain Cesc Fabregas and keep their title challenge on track in Saturday's match at Hull.

LONDON, March 12 - Didier Drogba insists there has been no shortage of leadership inside the Chelsea dressing room during a troubled period for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

PARIS, March 11 - Eden Hazard crowned an enterprising display with a late goal to give Lille a 1-0 victory over beleaguered English giants Liverpool in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.

MANAMA, March 12 - Formula One title favourite Fernando Alonso did his best on Thursday to play down his prospects of landing his third world championship.

MADRID, March 12 - Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini, who is under intense pressure after the club's shattering Champions League exit, desperately needs a La Liga win at lowly Valladolid on Sunday to prevent the axe from falling.

ROME, March 12 - AC Milan are confronting a serious injury crisis as they seek to rebuild their confidence which was so badly mauled by Manchester United in an embarrassing Champions League midweek exit.

MIAMI, March 12 - Speculation was mounting Thursday that Tiger Woods will return to competitive golf within the next month, but just where and when remained a mystery.