Sporting briefs

Liverpool: Liverpool signed Spanish winger Albert Riera from Espanyol yesterday, the Premier League club confirmed. The 26-year-old, who had a brief spell in England with Manchester City, has agreed a four-year contract although no details of the transfer fee were disclosed. Earlier yesterday Liverpool's Ireland defender Steve Finnan moved in the opposite direction, agreeing a two-year contract with Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.

Newcastle: Valencia have signed Uruguay midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez on a four-year contract and loaned him to Newcastle United. The 26-year-old, who spent part of last season on loan with Monaco, was signed from Uruguay's Danubio.

Hinkel: Germany have called defender Andreas Hinkel into their squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Finland. Hinkel, who plays for Scottish champions Celtic, has not appeared for Germany since September 2005. Midfielder Torsten Frings has pulled out of the squad and captain Michael Ballack is a doubt.

Racist abuse: Getafe's Ecuadorian forward Joffre Guerron was subjected to racist abuse in Sunday's 2-1 Spanish Primera Liga win at Sporting Gijon, referee Alfonso Perez Burrull said. "During the opening minutes of the second half, when Guerron went to dispute a ball, it was possible to hear chants of a racist nature from the area in the stands where the local fans of the supporters club 'Ultra Boys' are situated," said Perez Burrull. "As a result in the 51st minute I gave instructions for the match delegate to make an address through the stadium PA system asking them to refrain from acting in this way."

Torres: Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will be sidelined for two to three weeks after tearing his hamstring. The Spanish international was hurt during Sunday's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.

Petrov: Manchester City winger Martin Petrov has been ruled out for Bulgaria's opening 2010 World Cup qualifier against Montenegro on Saturday due to a knee injury. Petrov will be replaced by Litex Lovech defender Mihail Venkov.