Football news

The international break is proving to be a godsend to Werder Bremen as their coach Thomas Schaaf is starting to welcome his key players back into training.

Claudio Pizarro, Torsten Frings, Clemens Fritz and Tim Borowski all missed Bremen’s last Bundesliga game before the international break due to injuries, but all four are in line for a comeback when the league recommences next week.

“I am fit again. The medical team have done a good job,” Fritz said.

He was joined by Borowski in full training yesterday while Pizarro is due to return to action in the next few days. Frings should then join the team for their home game with Freiburg on October 16.

Blues plan to stay at the Bridge

Chelsea have again reiterated their desire to remain at Stamford Bridge. Chairman Bruce Buck insists last season double-winners would find it very difficult to move.

Chelsea are continuing to look at other ways of building their income streams to match the type of revenues Manchester United and Arsenal claim from their gate receipts.

“There is a lot of history and tradition at Stamford Bridge,” said Buck.

“The club has been here since 1905 and so it’s very, very difficult for us to make the philosophical decision that we are going to move on.”

Macheda: I didn’t insult Rooney

Federico Macheda moved to clarify comments he made about Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney. Macheda this week used the term ‘coatto’ to describe the England striker in an interview .

‘Coatto’ has been interpreted in various ways with some of the British newspapers using ‘chav’ as the English equivalent while ‘vulgar and violent’ have also appeared.

However, Macheda said there was no criticism intended of the former Everton man.

“I said ‘coatto’ in the Roman way, but with the minimum intention to offend Rooney,” Macheda said.

“What I wanted to say is that for me he is a free spirit and genuine.”

Juventus laugh off Buffon reports

Juventus have dismissed reports Gianluigi Buffon could join Manchester United.

Reports in Italy claimed United were considering making an €18m offer to sign Buffon in the January transfer window as they seek a replacement for Edwin van der Sar, who turns 40 later this month. However, Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta claims Buffon is going nowhere.

“I deny any negotiation with United, Buffon is a Juventus player,” Marotta said.

Buffon, who is under contract at Juve until June 2013, has been first-choice for both club and country since moving to Juve in 2001 but, at 32, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.

He is currently out until the new year with a back problem.

Winter return for Ribery and Robben

Bayern Munich expect Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben to return from injury in November and January 2011 respectively.

Ribery was sidelined by injury for four months last year and this season it has been a similar story for the midfielder, who suffered ankle ligament damage on September 21.

“When Ribery gets back he will start off in much better condition than he did last year (when returning from injury),” Bayern coach Louis van Gaal said.

Robben returned from the World Cup with a thigh injury and Bayern’s sporting director Christian Nerlinger said he is hoping for the striker to take part in a January training camp.

Bundesliga champions Bayern are currently languishing in 12th place in the league standings.

Benitez content with Inter start

Inter coach Rafael Benitez has declared himself happy with the efforts of his side so far.

The Nerazzurri have the best defence in Serie A with just three goals conceded in six games. However, they have struggled in front of goal in recent times.

Inter lost 1-0 at Roma before being held to a goalless result at home to Juventus last weekend.

“I am not worried. On the contrary, I am very happy,” said Benitez, who replaced Jose Mourinho at the helm of Inter this summer.

“We have done well so far although from a physical and tactical point the team can still improve a lot. The recipe is to always find balance in our play.”

Inter have lost just once this season and lie second in the standings.

Schwarzer to captain Socceroos

Mark Schwarzer capped a week of accolades by being appointed skipper of the Australian team for this weekend’s friendly against Paraguay.

On Wednesday, the Fulham keeper celebrated his 38th birthday and the following day he was crowned Australian footballer of the year for the second consecutive season.

Yesterday, new coach Holger Osieck handed Schwarzer the captain’s armband for today’s friendly against Paraguay in Sydney to replace injured defender Lucas Neill.

“It is not a belated birthday present, it is simply that I respect Mark very much as a person and as a player,” Osieck said.

“With all the contributions he gave to the Australian game, I think he simply deserved it.”