Football news

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said he could risk injured captain Steven Gerrard for tonight's Champions League quarter-final, second leg at Chelsea.

Gerrard missed Liverpool's 4-0 Premier League victory over Blackburn on Saturday due to a groin injury but Benitez is hopeful he can return as Liverpool attempt to overturn a 3-1 deficit at Stamford Bridge.

"He is better but he is still working with the physios," Benitez said. "He will have one more day of training and then we will see how he feels.

"It makes a difference if we play with him. He is a key player for us. Everything can change if he can play and if he plays well.

"It is not a massive risk but there is a small one because you could lose the player for 10-15 days."

Doni, Mexes tipped to leave Roma

Roma could part ways with goalkeeper Alexander Doni and defender Philippe Mexes this summer as they look to overhaul their squad.

The sixth-placed Giallorossi lost 4-2 to rivals Lazio on Saturday and are in danger of missing out on a place in the Champions League.

Doni is being linked with a £14 million move to Manchester City. Federico Marchetti, of Cagliari, and Le Mans keeper Pele have been touted as possible replacements for the Brazilian.

Mexes could also be on the way out with the 27-year-old Frenchman tipped to join Milan who are looking for a replacement of centre-back Paolo Maldini who will retire at the end of the season.

Silva wants his future resolved

David Silva is keen to sort out his future as soon as possible so that he can start concentrating on his football career again.

The 23-year-old Spain winger is said to be coveted by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus. Valencia are prepared to listen to offers for Silva as the money received from his transfer would help to ease their financial difficulties. "I am fed up with these rumours," Silva said.

"I can bear them when everything is calm, but now I am beginning to tire myself out. I have a contract with Valencia and I intend to honour it but if the club intends to sell, then I want it sorted out quickly."

We can beat Porto - Scholes

Paul Scholes is optimistic that Manchester United can win in Porto tomorrow to secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

Mariano's late equaliser at Old Trafford handed the Portuguese side the advantage heading into the second leg as Porto secured two potentially crucial goals in a 2-2 draw.

No English side has ever won at the Dragao Stadium but Scholes, who scored the opener in Saturday's 2-1 win at Sunderland, believes the task faced by Sir Alex Ferguson's side is definitely achievable.

"All we've got to do at Porto is win a football match," said Scholes.

"With the players we've got I'm sure we can do it."

Fenerbahce eyeing Adriano move

Fenerbahce are pondering an offer for troubled Inter striker Adriano, Turkish newspaper Fotospor reported yesterday.

The 27-year-old Brazil international recently announced his intention to take a sabbatical from football after a difficult 18 months. Fenerbahce and Brazil full-back Roberto Carlos, who is also a good friend of Adriano, are trying to persuade the striker to move to Turkey.

Adriano is due to return to Italy this week where he will discuss the terms of his break from football with Inter president Massimo Moratti.

The Nerazzurri are reportedly ready to come to a gentleman's agreement with the player rather than take him to court for breach of contract.

Fabregas ready for crunch period

Cesc Fabregas wants Arsenal to remain unbeaten until the end of the campaign in a bid to answer their early-season critics.

The Gunners have failed to mount a serious Premier League title challenge this term but are in the FA Cup semi-finals and in a strong position to reach the same stage of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw at Villarreal in the first leg of their quarter-final.

"It's quite good what we have done, but it is not enough," he said.

"We want to go all the way. We have said to ourselves we do not want to lose another game before the end of the season and that's what we will try to do. We have done it during the past few weeks. We just need to keep it going for a few weeks more."

Five red cards in 'peace' match

Three players and both coaches were sent off on Sunday in a Brazilian derby which had been preceded by a campaign to promote peace between the rivals' sets of supporters.

Trouble erupted early in the second half of the Juventude-Caxias game when Gilmar Iser, coach of the home team, ran on to the pitch to protest a decision.

Iser was sent off while Caxias coach Argel Fucks was also dismissed after an angry exchange with the fourth official.

Tempers were still on the boil when play restarted and Juventude finished with nine men after Alex Morais and goalkeeper Renan were sent off while Caxias had Mika dismissed for kicking an opponent.

Caxias won the game 2-0.