Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a dreadful ankle injury in the Champions League goalless draw with Rangers.
The 25-year-old Ecuador international was injured in a tackle with Kirk Broadfoot, before leaving the Old Trafford pitch on a stretcher.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed: “It is a dislocation or a fracture. It was an innocuous challenge but when you saw the Rangers player waving, you knew it was a bad one.
“It is a bad blow for the boy and you are talking about the rest of the season.”
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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has told Russia international wing-back Yuri Zhirkov to improve to secure a long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old struggled during his first season with the Blues following his arrival from CSKA Moscow and recently hinted that he may move on as early as next January.
However, Ancelotti is determined to keep Zhirkov, while driving him on to challenge for a regular starting spot.
The Italian told reporters: “I don’t need to speak with him about the future. That is because his future is here with Chelsea.”
Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp insisted that he was happy with his side’s performance, despite them letting slip a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw at Werder Bremen.
An own goal and a Peter Crouch header gave Spurs a perfect start in the Weserstadion, but the home side hit back to deny Redknapp’s men a win on their Champions League group stage debut.
Afterwards, Redknapp told reporters: “What can you do? I can’t be angry. Yes, frustration. We came here for an away game in a very difficult place to come and play.
“That first half was as good as you could wish to see from us.”
The three Pakistan players at the centre of the recent spot-fixing allegations have vowed to try and clear their names, after being formally charged by the ICC.
Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer are all facing potential life bans if found guilty, but their solicitors insist that the trio maintain that they are innocent.
A statement from Addleshaw Goddard read: “We can confirm that Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt have written to the ICC indicating their intention to defend themselves in respect of the disciplinary action brought against them.”
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat has confirmed that an official Test world championship has moved a step closer to becoming a reality.
The ICC’s chief executive committee has recommended such a tournament following a two-day meeting in Cape Town, with a play-off series suggested for as early as 2013.
Ryder Cup hopeful Lee Westwood has said he will be will be ready to face USA at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport at the start of next month.
The Englishman missed the recent USPGA Championship after rupturing a calf muscle, but believes he is well on his way to featuring prominently after a strict fitness regime under Steven McGregor’s guidance.
“I haven’t had any pain for three weeks. I’ve made great progress. I’m pretty strong at the moment. I’d be fine playing in all five matches (in the Ryder Cup),” he told the Golf Channel.
