Football news

Norway and Aston Villa striker John Carew's back injury will take longer to heal than previously thought, his agent told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

Carew, who last played on Nov. 22, told Norwegian media last month that he would be sidelined for four to five weeks.

"It is hard to say when John will be back. Maybe in February, maybe in March or later," Per Flod told NRK.

"This is an injury that will take time. It is important that John is completely healed."

Striker arrested over car crash

Jordan Robertson, a Sheffield United striker on loan at Southampton in the English Championship (second division) has been arrested in connection with a car crash on Christmas Day which left a man dead, police said.

Robertson, 20, was arrested by Leicestershire Police on suspicion of dangerous driving. Father-of-five Omar Mohamed, 38, from Leicester, was seriously injured in the crash on the M1 motorway near Lutterworth and died the following day.

Sheffield United said in a statement on the club's website (www.sufc.co.uk): "It is an unfortunate tragedy and our condolences go out to the family of Mr Mohamed but Sheffield United cannot make further comment as it is a police matter."

Santa Cruz keen to stay in England

Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz has said he would only quit Ewood Park for another top Premier League club.

The Paraguay international, who is currently recovering from a muscle tear in his shin, is set to be the subject of a bid from Manchester City in this month's transfer window with Real Madrid also reported to be interested in the former Bayern Munich player.

"I would like to stay in England. I like this league, it is one of the most competitive in the world," Santa Cruz said.

Of speculation about his future, he added: "I have nothing to do with the offers. They are made to the club and the directors deal with them and make a decision."

Given to stay put, says Kinnear

Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear has insisted goalkeeper Shay Given will not be allowed to leave the club during the winter transfer window.

The 32-year-old Ireland international, who produced a remarkable individual display in the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, is a reported target for north London duo Arsenal and Tottenham.

"There is no problem there. He's very happy here, he's very comfortable at Newcastle United," Kinnear said.

"Given won't be leaving - he has no interest in that whatsoever. He loves the football club - he's part of the city and that suits us because he's a world-class goalkeeper.

"He's the best goalkeeper in the Premier League by a mile."

Lazio insist Rocchi not for sale

Lazio director Igli Tare has dismissed speculation about the future of Tommaso Rocchi when he declared that the striker will not be leaving the Serie A club in the near future.

Rumours are rife in the Italian media that Rocchi could be in line for a move to one of the top teams. However, Tare, who spent the last years of his career with Lazio, highlighted the importance of the experienced striker to the team.

"Rocchi will stay at Lazio because he is our captain. He is not for sale now and won't be in the future," he said.

"He is a key part for Lazio and along with Goran Pandev, they are important members of the club's project."

Pennant fancies Spanish move

Jermaine Pennant is hoping to realise his 'dream' of playing in Spain by earning a move away from Liverpool.

The 25-year-old has been unable to hold down a regular first-team place at Anfield since his arrival from Birmingham in 2006 and reports have suggested that a switch to Spain is a distinct possibility, with Real Madrid believed to have expressed an interest.

Pennant is said to have reservation about moving to the Santiago Bernabeu where first-team football may also prove hard to come by, but may welcome a move to Real's capital rivals Atletico, who are also reported to be keen on the former Arsenal man.

"I want to play on a regular basis and my dream is to do that in Spain," he said. "My style of play would fit into the Spanish way."

Roma can avenge 1984 upset - Tancredi

Former goalkeeper Franco Tancredi believes Roma can make up for the disappointment of losing the 1984 Champions League final against Liverpool by winning UEFA's top club competition at their home stadium in May.

Roma were beaten by Liverpool in May 1984 in a penalty shoot-out in their first appearace in the final after the match at the Olimpico had ended in a 1-1 draw.

"Roma have every chance of avenging May 30, 1984," Tancredi, who was Roma's goalkeeper on that occasion, said.

"The Champions League is a very different competition to a domestic title. You have to be ready, in good shape and especially not have the kind of injuries Roma did at the start of this season. I think they have as good a chance as any other side."