Football news

Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan rates Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as "ideal for the English league" and has hinted the Red Devils could consider a move for the player.

Dzeko, 23, has attracted interest from teams in Spain, Italy and England, with United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all linked with him in recent weeks.

Phelan said: "I'm sure there are a number of teams looking at him. Are we one of them? We are looking at talent all of the time and we are in there with the rest of them.

"Dzeko appeals because he is a tall, skilful boy and in some ways he is an ideal player for the English league.

"He has stature, his feet are good and he is producing some good performances. I am sure everybody has looked at him."

Bridge set for spell on sidelines

Manchester City and England defender Wayne Bridge could be out for two weeks after injuring his knee in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

"Wayne has opened up his medial ligaments, it could be a couple of weeks for him but we hope it's nothing more serious," City manager Mark Hughes told the club website (www.mcfc.co.uk).

The left-back, who joined City from Chelsea in January, was stretchered off in the second half after colliding with defender Juliano Belletti.

Rafa hints at Aquilani start

Rafael Benitez dropped a strong hint he will give midfielder Alberto Aquilani his long-awaited first start in a Liverpool shirt next Wednesday after a frustrating goalless draw away to Blackburn.

Aquilani has been restricted to a handful of substitute appearances and, in a game that was crying out for quality, was left kicking his heels on the substitutes bench at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Benitez insisted the midfielder will start the Champions League game with Fiorentina at Anfield.

"Hopefully Torres will be available and maybe Aquilani will start," said Benitez.

"It did cross my mind to play Aquilani against Blackburn. But this was a physical game and probably wasn't the best for him."

Beckham doesn't fear the axe

David Beckham does not fear being left in the cold when England boss Fabio Capello picks his World Cup squad next summer.

Beckham knows his participation is not guaranteed with Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner in contention for the right midfield berth.

The 34-year-old is set for a return to Milan next month in a bid to prove his form but he accepts that the move does not rubber-stamp his World Cup spot.

"I do not fear being axed for the World Cup. If I don't make the squad it's not going to stop me supporting the team," he said.

Marchisio hails win over Inter

Juventus match-winner Claudio Marchisio said beating Serie A champions Inter 2-1 on Saturday was a huge morale boost for the title race.

The Italy midfielder, who had just returned from knee surgery, produced a fabulous finish just before the hour to cut Inter's lead to four points over Milan and five over Juve.

"For morale we really needed to beat Inter because it is very difficult to stay behind this Inter side," the 23-year-old said.

"Now we have to continue on this path. We can't lose more points if we want to win the scudetto. However, Milan are in great form."

Ribery to miss trip to Turin

Bayern Munich's French international star Franck Ribery will miss tomorrow's trip to Juventus for a crucial Champions League match.

The 26-year-old has been repeatedly plagued by a knee infection since the season began and while he can now run without pain, he admits he is struggling for the match in Turin.

Tendinitis means Ribery has not played since October 3, but he expects to be ready to face Hertha Berlin on December 19. However, Dutch winger Arjen Robben has recovered from a right knee problem and will travel to Turin along with defender Daniel van Buyten.

Bayern need to win to reach the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

Ronaldo spoils day with red card

Cristiano Ronaldo was repentant after spoiling a match-winning performance for Real Madrid with a red card in the 4-2 victory over Almeria on Saturday.

With the score at 2-2, Ronaldo won a late penalty. Keeper Diego Alves saved his spot kick but Karim Benzema netted the rebound.

Two minutes later, Gonzalo Higuain crossed for Ronaldo to score. In his exuberant celebration he ripped off his shirt earning his first yellow card. He picked up his second yellow in the last minute after reacting to a provocation.

"It was an instinctive reaction, I know I made a mistake," he said.

"These things happen in football but I have to learn from it."