Football news

Winger Arjen Robben is almost certain to miss Real Madrid's Champions League second leg against Roma in midweek after twisting his ankle in Saturday's 3-2 win at Recreativo Huelva. Real also said that Robben's fellow Dutchman Royston Drenthe had bruised his thigh.

On the plus side, Robinho and Pepe made a successful return from injury for the nine-times European champions.

Real, who lost 2-1 in the first knockout round first leg, host Roma on Wednesday.

Newcastle behind Keegan

Newcastle chairman Chris Mort has insisted that the board are behind manager Kevin Keegan who is yet to win a game since his dramatic return to the club in January.

Newcastle are just three points off the bottom three and Mort said that there is no danger that Keegan will turn his back on the club a second time.

"The board is 100% behind Kevin, and there is no doubt or worry that he will walk away," Mort said.

"He's come into a club that wasn't playing well... it was always going to be difficult to turns things around."

Cagliari to appeal

Cagliari boss Massimo Cellino will appeal against a one-year ban and a three-point penalty handed to the Sardegna club for suing former player Gianluca Grassadonia for defamation without first asking for permission from the FIGC.

"It is not a definitive sentence and I think some mistakes have been made in this process," Cellino said.

"I will take it to an appeal and clarify my position."

In Italy anyone registered in the professional football world must request permission before taking legal action against another member.

Seedorf doubtful for Milan

Milan's Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf is a doubt for tomorrow's Champions League clash at home to Arsenal after suffering a leg muscle strain in the 1-1 draw with Lazio in Serie A on Saturday.

"We'll see over the next few days, but I think it will be difficult to have him back for Tuesday," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

Seedorf pulled up after 34 minutes at the San Siro.

Milan host Arsenal after the first leg of the last 16 tie ended goalless.

Hartson for manager

East Stirling are hoping to appoint former Celtic and West Ham striker John Hartson as their new manager this week. The Third Division outfit, who sacked Gordon Wylde last week, have approached the 32-year-old former Wales international.

Owner Spencer Fearn said: "John is really keen and we had a great chat. He's going back down to Swansea and we'll know on Tuesday whether or not he's taken the job.

"This could be a big move for us and his first step into management."

Hargreaves confident

Owen Hargreaves is confident Manchester United have a squad capable of winning three competitions this season.

United closed the gap with Premier League leaders Arsenal to a solitary point on Saturday with a 3-0 win at Fulham.

"This is the big part of the season, this is where it starts getting interesting," Hargreaves said. "We can win all the competitions because of the strength of the squad we've got.

"I think the fact everyone's now healthy will make a big difference."

Bardsley in Burley's plans

George Burley, the Scotland manager, has confirmed Phil Bardsley is in his thoughts. Bardsley, who was born in Eccles, qualifies for Scotland through his Glasgow-born father.

Burley said: "I will watch Bardsley and assess if he warrants selection. If he does, it would be a case of speaking to Phil.

"If he didn't want to play for us that would be the end of the story."

Sao Paolo angry with Adriano

Adriano could be on his way back to Inter this month, as Sao Paolo have confirmed they could terminate his contract. The striker is on loan in Brazil to rediscover his form after two years of injury and troublesome behaviour, but he is back to his old tricks.

After a ban for headbutting an opponent, last week he abandoned training and had an altercation with a photographer.

"We have fined him 40 per cent of the monthly wages he receives from us," explained vice-president Carlos Augusto Barros Sulva.

"If he does not accept this punishment, then he will leave here."

Benitez to sign new deal

Reports suggest Rafael Benitez is on the verge of being offered a new deal at Anfield. The Liverpool boss's future has been questioned this season with Liverpool once again way off the pace in the Premier League title race.

He said: "I have confidence I will be here for a long time - not just for two years. I have 18 months left on my contract but I have a lot of confidence that it will be easier next season and I am sure the situation will change in the future."