Sporting briefs

Albiol: Valencia centre-back Raul Albiol and Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera received their first call-ups for Spain ahead of the Euro 2008 Group F qualifier away to Denmark on October 13. Albiol has been a regular in the Valencia back four over the past three seasons, following a remarkable recovery from a serious car accident in which he lost his spleen. The inclusion of the 22-year-old brings Valencia's representation in the squad to seven players, with David Albelda, Carlos Marchena, Miguel Angel Angulo, David Silva, Joaquin and David Villa joining Albiol on the list.

Puyol: Barcelona defenders Carles Puyol and Gabriel Milito will be available for today's game at home to Atletico Madrid after recovering from injury, but the Catalans will be without Mexican centre-back Rafael Marquez and holding midfielder Yaya Toure. Atletico Madrid warmed up for today's match against Barcelona with a 5-0 victory against Turkish side Erciyesspor in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, their biggest away win in European competition.

Bruce: Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce prepares for his side's match against Blackburn Rovers today with worries over his future at the club. He told the club's website that a new contract has still not been rubber-stamped by the club's prospective new owner Carson Yeung. "The contract was presented to the Chinese people a week ago and we're still waiting for their response," said Bruce.

Lehmann: Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, 37, is confident he will return for Arsenal when he recovers from injury because he says Manuel Almunia has failed to prove he is ready to displace him. Almunia has said he expects to remain Arsene Wenger's first choice after taking over from Lehmann, who has been out since injuring his elbow in Germany's 2-1 win over England in a friendly at Wembley on Aug. 22. "Almunia has also said a lot in the past," said Lehmann. "He hasn't won anything for us yet. Once he even said he was one of the best in Europe. But his performances have not made me have any serious concerns."

Ashton doubtful: England striker Dean Ashton is a doubt for this month's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia after injuring his knee playing for West Ham United at Aston Villa in the Premier League yesterday. Ashton, who has just returned to fitness after breaking his ankle training with England in August last year, has suffered a medial ligament injury said a report on his club's website. Ashton was named in the squad announced by England manager Steve McClaren on Friday.