Football news

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric could be out of action for months after breaking his right leg in Saturday's 2-1 win over Birmingham City.

The 23-year-old Croatian midfielder was hurt in what seemed an innocuous collision with Lee Bowyer at the start of the second half of Saturday's match.

A club statement said: "X-rays have determined that Luka Modric sustained a fracture to his right fibula during Saturday's victory over Birmingham City at White Hart Lane."

He now faces a race against time to return to full fitness for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa should Croatia qualify.

Pompey to offload James - report

Portsmouth are set to lose keeper David James as the Premiership strugglers continue to try to rein in costs, media reports said.

In the week that Dubai-based businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim announced he has completed a takeover of the south coast club, the Mail on Sunday reported that James is to become the latest big name player to leave, following the likes of Peter Crouch, Sylvain Distin and Glen Johnson.

According to the report, James is set to be sold off to the highest bidder ahead of the transfer window deadline of tomorrow.

The paper said James, 39 and a star of the club's 2008 FA Cup success, could leave for as little as £1.5 million with Tottenham, Sunderland and Stoke all interested.

Robben eyes Bundesliga title

Bayern Munich's star-signing Arjen Robben insists he now wants the Bundesliga title after capping a stunning debut with two second-half goals in the 3-0 win over Wolfsburg.

Robben came off the bench in the 46th minute on Saturday and converted two Franck Ribery passes into goals.

"It was fantastic, I've come on and scored twice. I couldn't have wished for a better start," said Robben.

"This is a very special day for me."

The win took the pressure off new coach Louis van Gaal but Robben says Bayern's goal has to now be the league title.

"We have to follow it up in our next match. That's why I'm here. I play football to win trophies," he said.

Man. United remain Bolt's real deal

Sprint king Usain Bolt is becoming a fan of Spanish football after watching Real Madrid's season-opening win over Deportivo on Saturday but adds Manchester United remain the team for him.

"I support United in the English League. I am now a fan of Real. Ruud van Nistelrooy has always been one of my favourites," Bolt said.

"I was very nervous on the pitch, for the first time in my life, I had never been there before... the crowd was overwhelming. I could play football, cricket or basketball," said Bolt.

After the game, Bolt went for dinner with Cristiano Ronaldo and his family.

Ancelotti pleased with Chelsea form

Another free-flowing display from Chelsea continued manager Carlo Ancelotti's perfect start in English football last weekend as Burnley were brushed aside 3-0.

Goals from Nicolas Anelka, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole in a seven-minute spell either side of half-time crushed a Burnley side that had previously beaten champions Manchester United and Everton.

"I think the way we are playing is improving our confidence and we are very happy," Ancelotti said.

"It's important to maintain concentration and quick movement of the ball for 90 minutes.

"We're very well with these players, I don't want to change and I don't want to take other players."

Forest boss defends player after brawl

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies defended Nathan Tyson despite the winger's provocative actions which sparked a mass brawl after their 3-2 win over rivals Derby at the City Ground on Saturday.

Forest player Tyson waved a corner flag bearing the club's crest in front of the 4,376 travelling County fans at the final whistle, provoking a mass bust-up between players as supporters tried to wade in.

"I didn't see the incident but if that's what Nathan has done then I will look at the video," Davies said.

"I remember the last time Derby were here and Robbie Savage was waving a Derby scarf around. There was very little made of that and we hope it will be the same for this."

Gattuso out for two weeks

Gennaro Gattuso will be out of action for two weeks after spraining his ankle during the Milan derby. The midfielder was already struggling with the injury when he received two yellow cards in quick succession, paving the way for Inter's 4-0 victory.

He was taken to hospital for tests as there were fears Gattuso had sustained a fracture or damaged the tendon in his left ankle.

The results came back negative, but there is a sprain and it will keep Gattuso out of action for a couple of weeks.