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Former world number one Tiger Woods says he has "nothing to look forward to" in his recovery from back surgery. The 39-year-old 14-time major winner has not swung a golf club since operations in September and October. Asked about his return, he said: "I've no answer. Neither does my surgeon or physio. There's no timetable. "There's nothing I can look forward to, nothing I can build towards. Where's the light at the end of the tunnel? I don't know." Woods had two operations to alleviate pain from a pinched nerve. Revealing that he has spent most of his time playing video games, the American said he had not done any rehabilitation work on his back and that physical activities were limited. "I walk and I walk. I'm just walking, and that's it," said Woods, whose last major victory was at the US Open in 2008. "It's different from the other surgeries I've had in the past. For nerves there are rea...

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema "has no place" in the France team, according to French Prime Minister Manuel Valls. Benzema is being investigated over a blackmail plot involving team-mate Mathieu Valbuena but denies wrongdoing. The 27 year old, who has scored 27 international goals, faces charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over a sex tape. "A great athlete should be exemplary. If he is not, he has no place in the France team," Valls told French radio. "There are so many kids, so many youngsters in our suburbs that relate to great athletes. They wear the blue jersey, the colours of France, which are so important in these moments." Benzema is considered one of France's key players as they prepare to host the Euro 2016 tournament in June, but neither he nor Valbuena were selected in the squad for the recent friendly matches with Germany and England. Last month, after the French anthem was played at the ...

Paris St-Germain's nine-game winning run in Ligue 1 came to an end as they were held by third-placed Angers. PSG, who missed out on the chance to extend their lead to 16 points, twice hit the woodwork. Edinson Cavani's header struck the post, and Angel di Maria also hit the woodwork in the 33rd minute with a firm shot from just inside the box. PSG's top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic replaced Lucas Moura in the 72nd minute, but made little impact. Promoted Angers' best opportunity came just before the break when Romain Thomas' header bounced off the bar. Laurent Blanc's PSG have 42 points from 16 games and lead second-placed Caen, who travel to Monaco on Wednesday, by 14 points. Angers are third on 27 points. "If you put 10 opposition players in their own half of the field, if they are well organised and disciplined and pushed on by the home fans and are physically strong, I can tell you, it's not easy to score goals," Blanc said. ...

The England pair will both be options at St Mary's for the Reds boss, who is leaving it late to decide whether the Brazilian playmaker will also make the trip Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson are both set to feature for Liverpool's Capital One Cup quarter-final against Southampton on Wednesday, but Philippe Coutinho remains a doubt. Henderson and Sturridge, who both returned to action as substitutes in Sunday's 1-0 win over Swansea, are set to travel to St Mary’s, but are likely to be options off the bench rather than candidates to start. “They have had no physical reaction [after Sunday’s game]. It’s good news and they did their job,” Klopp explained at his press briefing at Melwood. “That was good and important for us. They helped us keep the result, which was not easy – especially for Jordan in his position. “Daniel did what we spoke about before, that he should be our target for winning balls, once we got the ball be an option, the first o...

The Spain international was left on the bench as Chelsea played out a goalless draw with Tottenham on Sunday, but the Portuguese insists the decision was purely tactical Jose Mourinho insists he does not have an issue with Diego Costa, despite leaving the striker on the bench as Chelsea drew 0-0 with Tottenham on Sunday. The Spain international has struggled for form thus far this season, scoring just four goals in all competitions, and was omitted from the starting XI to face Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Eden Hazard instead picked to occupy the striker role. Costa was not seen warming up before kick-off and also threw off a training bib during the game as it became apparent that he would not be introduced. Mourinho, though, has downplayed any apparent bad blood between himself and the forward, insisting that the decision to leave Costa out was purely tactical.

It has been reported that the Catalans will struggle to meet the Brazilian's wage demands but fans have been assured that there is no cause for concern Neymar's father insisted his son will renew with Barcelona but added that the forward is in no rush to sign a new deal. There are three years remaining on the Brazil international's existing contract but there has been mounting speculation that the Catalan club are struggling to find sufficient funds for a lucrative extension amid reported interest from Manchester United. However, Neymar Sr has reassured Barca fans that his son, who is on the three-man shortlist to win the Ballon d'Or after a stellar 2015, is happy at Camp Nou and has no desire to depart any time soon.

Manchester United have joined the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang.

At least 300 Americans, nearly a third of them apparently women, are acting as Islamic State recruiters on social media, according to a study. They primarily use Twitter to urge sympathisers to travel overseas to join the self- declared caliphate, or to plan attacks within the US, found George Washington University's Program on Extremism. There are currently 900 active investigations into Islamic State sympathisers in all 50 US states, according to the report, titled ISIS in America: From Retweets to Raqqa. Some 71 individuals have been charged in the US with Islamic State-related activities since March 2014 - 58 of them US citizens. Fifty-six of the total charged were arrested this year alone, found the researchers. Islamic State recruits in the American legal system ranged in age from 15 to 47, with an average age of 26. Video: The Rise Of Islamic State About 40% of them were converts to Islam, according to the researchers. The study cites US authorities...

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan say they will give away 99% of their shares in the company to good causes as they announce the birth of their daughter Max. Mr Zuckerberg made the announcement in a letter to Max on his Facebook page. He said they are donating their fortune to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative because they want to make the world a better place for Max to grow up in. The donation amounts to $45bn (£30bn) at Facebook's current value. However the shares will not be donated to charity immediately, but over the course of the couple's lives. Max was born last week, although her birth was only made public public on Tuesday. In his letter Mr Zuckerberg said the aim of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is "to advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation". Its initial areas of focus will be personalised learning, curing disease, connecting people and building strong communities. ...

MPs will decide later whether to back UK air strikes in Syria against militants from so-called Islamic State. A 10-hour House of Commons debate will culminate in a vote on whether the UK should join the US, France, Russia and others bombing targets in Raqqa, the group's stronghold, and other areas. UK Prime Minister David Cameron says IS is a threat to Britain's security. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn opposes bombing but has given MPs a free vote amid divisions within his own ranks. With up to 50 Labour MPs likely to back the government, and both the Democratic Unionist Party and the Liberal Democrats also giving their backing, Mr Cameron is expected to win parliamentary approval for the UK to intervene militarily in the four-year conflict in Syria. The latest on the Syria vote Syria air strikes: What you need to know Are there 70,000 Syrian 'moderates' ready to back UK? Where the UK's parties stand on air strikes 'Contemptible slur' The p...

Bashar al Assad has said US-led coalition bombing in Syria helped Islamic State to expand and recruit fighters. As MPs prepare to vote on whether Britain should join its allies launching airstrikes in Syria, the country's president accused them of "supporting terrorists". But he praised military action by his ally Russia, which has been accused of targeting moderate rebels as well as jihadists. :: War On IS: MPs To Vote On Syria Airstrikes :: What Happens Next If Airstrikes Go Ahead? Video: Bombing IS: The British Strategy Mr Assad said: "Since the beginning of that (US- led) coalition, if you want to talk about facts, not opinion, since the beginning of that coalition, ISIS (Islamic State group) has expanded and the recruiting from around the world has increased. "While since the participation of Russia in the same fight, so-called against terrorism, ISIS has been shrinking. And al-Nusra (Nusra Front) of course and the other terrorist gro...

The Blues are looking create a new West London home in the same grounds as well as make improvements on the stadium as a whole, increasing the quality of supporter experience Chelsea have submitted plans to build a new 60,000-seater stadium at Stamford Bridge to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham council. The new stadium would see the capacity expand from 41,000 and intends to offer spectators "an outstanding view of the stadium from every seat." The club are aiming to improve the standard of facilities with the new build and offer a greater experience for spectators, though, if the plans are accepted, the building work will impact on the local area as the club are aiming to improve access to Fulham Broadway station. Details of the plans, published on the Hammersmith and Fulham Council website, outline the impact on the local area and the transport links that may be affected. "The new stadium involves both excavation works and the construction...

The Portuguese will not feature in the cup clash as the Blancos boss confirmed he will sit on the sidelines, while Martin Odegaard is in contention for a starting spot Rafa Benitez will rest Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid 's Copa del Rey encounter with Cadiz on Wednesday. The 30-year-old has not missed a single minute of action in 2015-16, making 18 appearances in all competitions. Nevertheless, Benitez feels the time is right to rest the Portugal international after two intense weeks in which the Santiago Bernabeu side faced Barcelona, Shakhtar Donetsk and Eibar. "Cristiano will be rested for Wednesday's match," the Madrid coach said at a media conference. Ronaldo's absence could mean an opportunity for Norwegian youngster Martin Odegaard to step up, but Benitez has made it clear the 16-year-old is unlikely to make the match squad as things stand. "Odegaard is one of the players who could potentially make the match squad, but he will ...

The 35-year-old is training with the side to stay in shape during LA Galaxy's off-season and the manager says it feels like he never left Anfield. Jurgen Klopp joked that Steven Gerrard won’t be in Liverpool’s matchday squad against Southampton, but revealed his presence around the club is customary. The former captain was back at Melwood on Monday, where he took part in a full training session as he keeps fit during LA Galaxy's off-season. His old teammates were visibly delighted to be in his company again, while the manager engaged in some witticism with the 35-year-old at the complex. When asked for an assessment of Gerrard in the workout, Klopp said: “He won’t play, but he was in good shape! “I said to the team before training, when Stevie was with us in the dressing room, that it’s completely normal and it should always be like this. “If you’re a player like Steven Gerrard in Liverpool then the doors are always have to be open. That’s how it is at this moment...

The midfielder talks to Goal about the possibility of one day returning to Liverpool and the criticism levelled at the Spanish giants after their humiliation against Barcelona Xabi Alonso is relaxed over his future despite his Bayern Munich contract expiring at the end of the season. The midfielder, 34, is in his second season with Bayern after leaving Real Madrid in 2014 and has been linked with a move back to Liverpool. But the Spain international, who won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and FA Cup during his time at Anfield, is settled in Munich and hoping to resolve the uncertainty surrounding his future soon. "At the moment I am focused on the season and Bayern," he told Goal when asked if he could imagine returning to Liverpool. "I don't know what is going to happen in [the] future but hopefully I will know soon. "My family and I are feeling very comfortable in Munich and we are happy here." Another of Alonso's former clubs, Re...

The Lebanese government on Tuesday released the former wife of ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as part of a prisoner swap with an al Qaeda affiliate, a Lebanese security official said. The woman, Saja al-Dulaimi, was among a group of Islamists that the Lebanese government exchanged for Lebanese soldiers held captive by al Qaeda-affiliated al Nusra Front, the security official said on condition of anonymity. Dulaimi, who reportedly has been divorced from Baghdadi for more than six years, had been in Lebanese custody since her arrest in December 2014 as she was trying to enter the country from Syria . The prisoner swap, following lengthy negotiations, happened Tuesday in the Lebanese town of Arsal, near the Syrian border, Lebanon's official National News Agency said. Al Nusra Front released 16 Lebanese soldiers who were kidnapped from Arsal in August 2014, the news agency reported. Lebanon also is receiving the body of slain soldier Mohammed Hamieh, who was among...

Dozens of firefighters battle to bring the blaze in Newcastle People remain unaccounted for after a "severe" fire broke out at a building in Newcastle city centre. More than 50 firefighters battled to get the blaze on Cross Street under control after being called shortly before 9am. Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area surrounding the building, which includes a shop with three floors above. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it was understood there may be people on the upper floors of the building. Assistant Chief Fire Officer John Baines said: "The structural safety of the building will need to be assessed before we can enter the building to begin our investigations in conjunction w...

President Barack Obama warned his Russian counterpart Tuesday against intervening in Syria's civil war, suggesting that Vladimir Putin is aware of the dangers his country faces by entering the bloody conflict. "I think Mr. Putin understands that ... with Afghanistan fresh in the memory, for him to simply get bogged down in an inconclusive and paralyzing civil conflict is not the outcome that he's looking for," Obama said at a news conference in Paris. Obama said he does not disagree with Putin -- with whom he met on Monday -- on the necessity of a political resolution to Syria's conflict. But he said there remains discord over the fate of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who the United States insists must leave power as part of a political transition. But he said the reality on the ground in Syria could change Putin's calculus. "I think it is possible over the next several months that we both see a shift in calculation in the Russia...

MPs are expected to approve airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria in a vote on Wednesday. If the green light is given, military action could begin within days. But what sort of weapons are at Britain's disposal? :: Brimstone missiles An RAF Tornado GR4 equipped with Brimstone missiles A rocket-propelled, radar guided weapon that could be used to hit smaller targets - such as vehicles at long range. A tandem charge warhead is detonated upon impact to ensure penetration of armour. Parts of the RAF are already equipped to fly w...

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he'll resign if Moscow can prove its claim that Turkey shot down a Russian plane to protect its oil trade with ISIS. "As soon as such a claim is proved, the nobility of our nation requires [me] to do this," Erdogan told reporters at the climate change summit in Paris on Monday. But, he added, if the allegations are untrue, then Russian President Vladimir Putin should resign. "I am asking Mr. Putin, would you remain?" And so goes the escalating war of words between the two nations which began after Turkish aircraft shot down a Russian warplane near its border with Syria on November 24. The pilot died. Turkey says the plane was in its airspace; Russia it was bombing ISIS targets. Obama warns Putin on Syria Putin: Defending airspace a pretext On Monday, Putin alleged than downing the plane in the name of defending airspace was just a pretext. "We have recently received additional reports th...

  Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has warned MPs there is "no hiding place" on the crucial vote over Syria airstrikes. It would be up to individual members to make up their own mind, he told Sky News. Parliament will vote on extending airstrikes  - currently restricted to Iraq - to IS targets in Syria after a one-day debate on Wednesday. "The vast majority of party members are opposed to the war in Syria, the majority of Labour MPs are opposed to the war in Syria. "But I have a spirit of democratic openness in which I agreed on a free vote so that every member has their responsibility tomorrow to make their decision on whether this country goes to war again or not." :: The Weapons Britain Could Use Against IS ...

The original 23-man list has been reduced to just three names and includes two Barcelona players, with the winner to be revealed at a ceremony in Zurich on January 11, 2016 Lionel Messi ,  Cristiano Ronaldo  and  Neymar  will contest the 2015 Ballon d'Or competition after the shortlist was whittled down from 23 names to just three. Messi is the favourite to land the accolade, having led Barcelona to a famous treble last season, while Ronaldo is looking to defend his crown and draw level with the Argentine for overall wins. Were he to pick up the Ballon d'Or at the ceremony in Zurich on January 11, 2016, it would be Messi's fifth World Player of the Year title, more than any other player.  This year he is joined on the podium by Barca team-mate Neymar, who netted 10 goals en route to Champions League glory, including scoring in the final against Juventus in Berlin. The Brazilian was also the joint-third top scorer in La Liga last season with 22 goals – and al...

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson has called on the Prime Minister to provide "more clarity" on his plan for fighting IS in Syria, saying a large number of MPs "remain unconvinced". Parliament will vote on extending airstrikes against IS targets into Syria after a one-day debate on Wednesday. David Cameron could receive support from dozens of Labour MPs, as well as his own party, after Jeremy Corbyn confirmed they would get a free vote on the issue. But in a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Watson - one of a number of senior party figures to indicate support for further military action - said Labour MPs' support should not be taken for granted. He said Mr Cameron needed to provide more detail on his wider strategy for a political transition in Syria to end the country's civil war. Mr Watson also questioned the PM's claim that there were  70,000 "moderate" opposition fighters on the ground in Syria . He said Mr Cameron needs to ex...

The German cabinet has approved plans to join the military campaign against Islamic State in Syria. Germany will commit up to 1,200 soldiers to support the international coalition fighting the militant group under the plan, which requires parliamentary approval. It also intends to send Tornado reconnaissance aircraft, tanker planes and a warship in support roles - but will not actively engage in combat. Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition has a large majority and approval looks assured. The parliament will hold a vote on Wednesday. France had requested Germany's help in the fight following the 13 November terror attacks in Paris which killed 130 people. The German cabinet's approval comes a day before  British MPs vote on airstrikes against IS targets in Syria . US, French and Australian warplanes are already taking part in coalition airstrikes in Syria. Russia has also been bombing IS targets - but there has been concern it has mainly been targe...

The Brazilian joins Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the three-man shortlist and although he's a rank outsider, the Spanish champions are required to pay a fee. Neymar's place in the three-man Ballon d'Or shortlist will cost Barcelona €2 million as part of their agreement with Santos. The Brazilian makes up the three nominees alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo following his stunning treble-winning year with Barcelona. Neymar joined Barcelona in a €57.1m deal from Santos in June 2013 but a clause in that transfer also required the Spanish champions to pay a further €2m once the forward secured a place in the Ballon d'Or top three. Earlier in November, speculation over the 23-year-old's future at Barcelona was heightened his father claimed that the possibility of a transfer could happen if his son's tax evasion case ended with an unwanted outcome . A Brazilian court has frozen €42m worth of assets belonging to Neymar, his family and ...

 The Portuguese was named along with Lionel Messi and the Brazil forward in the final three to win the prestigious prize, but Luis Suarez can consider himself unlucky to miss out. " Lionel Messi and I are here in Zurich every year," said Cristiano Ronaldo  at the 2015 Ballon d'Or ceremony. And the world's two most famous footballers will be back in Switzerland again to dispute the individual award next January. This time, however, the Portuguese is very fortunate to be named among the final three contenders. The shortlist of three was revealed on Monday and Ronaldo was included alongside heavy favourite Messi and his team-mate Neymar, the Brazilian saying on the eve of the announcement that he believed Barcelona should complete a clean sweep after last season's treble triumph. "I think I do deserve to be [among the finalists] for what I'm doing," he said. "I would be happy if the trident [Messi, Suarez, Neymar] were all in the th...

The Gunners could be missing NINE key players for the must-win Champions league clash with Olympiacos, but the Frenchman remains defiant in the face of criticism. Arsene Wenger could have been forgiven for being downbeat about Arsenal 's title chances after a draw against Norwich City - and the loss of Alexis Sanchez and Laurent Koscielny to injury. "He says it's a kick on his hamstring," Wenger said, regarding Alexis. "I fear that is not really the reality." Koscielny and Alexis took Arsenal's injury tally to nine players. Santi Cazorla also took a knock at Carrow Road, while Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Danny Welbeck, Mikel Arteta and Francis Coquelin are unavailable. But while the Gunners will be without a number of key players for the must-win Champions League game against Olympiakos and the run-in to the New Year, Wenger remains buoyant about his side's title chances. "We had a bad spell of three games now with T...

The Barca player was disappointed his team-mate didn't join him and Neymar among the three finalists for the Fifa prize. Lionel Messi believes Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez deserved to be named among the finalists for this year’s Ballon d’Or. The Argentina international was named as one of the three players up for the prestigious individual prize on Monday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar the other two. That meant there was no room for Suarez, the third member of Barca’s three-man attack. Between them, they have scored 125 goals in 2015 so far, with the Uruguayan contributing 40 of them - including several important strikes as Barca clinched the treble last season. I’d have liked to be on Ballon d'Or podium with Ney and Luis,” Messi said at the La Liga awards ceremony on Monday night where he was named as the league’s best player for the 2014-15 campaign . “Luis deserved it, but Cristiano did aswell - we'll have a good time [at the Fifa gala].” I...

The Goal 50 is a prestigious, annual award that recognises and ranks the world's 50 best footballers of the past 12 months. Chief editors and correspondents from Goal‘s 37 editions around the world all cast their votes. Players are judged on their level of consistency over the past season, their big-game performances, footballing legacy and the success of their team at both club and international level.

The State Department’s latest release of Hillary Clinton documents brings the total number of Clinton emails known to contain classified material to nearly 1,000. The department on Monday released its largest batch of emails yet, posting 7,800 pages of the former secretary of state’s communications. ADVERTISEMENT The latest batch contains 328 emails deemed to have classified information. According to the State Department, that brings the total number with classified information to 999. The emails in question were deemed classified before their release by the department – and the former secretary of state has said all along she never sent emails with material marked classified at the time. But the large number of emails containing ...

The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan issued an emergency message for U.S. citizens in the country's capital Monday, saying it had received "credible reports of an imminent attack" within the next 48 hours. The statement said that there were no details available regarding the attack's time, target or method. However, it urged Americans in Kabul to "exercise extreme caution if moving around the city." ADVERTISEMENT Earlier this month, the State Department issued an updated travel warning for Afghanistan in the wake of the terror attacks in Paris. That warning advised Americans not to travel to Afghanistan, citing the "extremely unstable" security situation. Taliban militants have stepped up attacks on Afghan government facilities in recent months. On Saturday, a suicide bomber targeted a member of the country's election commission in Kabul, killing the official's bodyguard and ...

Turkey has challenged Russia to prove its claim that Ankara shot down a Russian plane in order to protect its oil trade with Islamic State (IS). "If you allege something you should prove it," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. He was responding to a statement by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. Russia says Turkey downed the jet as it was flying over Syria. Turkey says the plane entered its airspace and was warned to leave. One Russian pilot was killed and the other rescued after Russia's Su-24 bomber was shot down by a Turkish F-16 fighter on the Syrian border on 24 November. A Russian marine was killed during the rescue operation in north-western Syria. Russia has insisted the plane did not cross the border and that it gave advance notice of the flight path to the US, Turkey's ally. But the US has supported Turkey's version of events. On Monday state department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said that "evidence from Turke...

"My body knows it's time to say goodbye" wrote five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant as he poetically announced his intention to retire at the end of the season. During a 20-year career with the LA Lakers, the 37-year-old has scored 32,683 points, though in recent seasons his form has been hindered by injury. Bryant signaled his plan to retire in a poem on the Players' Tribune website , later telling the media he felt "at peace" with his decision and "excited for what's to come." 22 photos: Kobe Bryant's career Ranked third on the NBA's all-time scorers list, the two-time Olympic gold medalist averaged more than 25 points in his 1,293 NBA games. Catch Bryant while you can: his final game is set to be at home against Utah on April 13 -- unless the last-place Lakers can pull off the unlikely and qualify for the playoffs I feel very solid in my decision," Bryant told a press conference following his announc...

US marine found guilty of killing Filipina transgender woman after discovering her sex....details later

A faulty component was a "major factor" when an AirAsia plane crashed into the Java Sea, killing 162 people last December, Indonesian officials say. The first major report into the crash found that actions by the crew in response to the malfunction also contributed to the disaster. The Airbus A320-200, going from Surabaya to Singapore, was 40 minutes into the flight when contact was lost. The report is the result of a year-long investigation. Officials pinpointed the fault to the plane's rudder control system. The pilots responded to four warning alerts by resetting the system, which caused the autopilot to disengage, and they lost control of the aircraft. AirAsia QZ8501: What we know The plane's wreckage was found days after the crash at the bottom of the Java Sea near Borneo. Only 106 bodies have been retrieved so far. Most of the passengers were I...