Football news

Arsenal’s Johan Djourou could be fit for this weekend’s Premier League match against Wolves after the Swiss FA played down fears over the defender’s knee injury.

Djourou hobbled off during last weekend’s 4-4 draw at Newcastle, sparking fears that the 24-year-old could have suffered a recurrence of the serious knee injury which restricted him to just one appearance last season.

However, Switzerland physio Cuno Wetzel said: “Johan Djourou’s knee injury is clearly not as bad as first feared.

“The player suffered very painful bruising on the knee but, if the healing process runs as it should, Djourou could probably begin training in less than one week.”

Neville backs Rafael at right-back

Gary Neville is convinced his coveted right-back role at Manchester United is in safe hands.

Neville announced his retirement from the game last week after finally admitting defeat in his battle with injury.

“You can now say we’ve got a first-choice back-four for the first time in a few years,” Neville told www.manutd.com.

“Rafael’s always had ability. He gets to the ball quickly, he is aggressive, he defends his position well, he is tough, courageous, good on the ball, he gets forward well and provides energy in attack.

“But he has really developed in the last six months with games and experience.”

Cole intent on sticking around

Ashley Cole has warned Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs he has no intention of stepping aside and allowing the youngster to take his England spot.

Cole was to make his 87th England appearance at left-back last night, eclipsing the record of another former Arsenal man, Kenny Sansom.

The likelihood is that Cole will crash through the century barrier at some stage next season.

“I’m never going to give up or retire. I want to win as many caps as I can,” Cole said.

“In the back of my mind I will think I broke the record. But I don’t want to stop here. I want to keep going and get more caps.”

Trapattoni lauds Duff showing

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni hailed the performances of his young guns, and one old stager, after a convincing 3-0 win over Wales in the opening Nations Cup fixture at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Superb strikes from Darron Gibson and substitute Keith Fahey sandwiched another effort from the game’s outstanding player, Damien Duff.

“It was a positive result and we deserved it,” Trapattoni said. “It was important to achieve this with two or three young or new players.

“Duff also gives the team personality. Players like him are very important at international level and we can win with players like him.”

Del Piero close to extending contract

Alessandro Del Piero has agreed to extend his contract with Juventus for another year, according to reports in Italy.

Del Piero’s brother Stefano met Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta for talks on Tuesday.

A statement on the club’s website said: “In the course of the meeting, the common interest of both parties in continuing this relationship was confirmed and a path towards the definition of a new contract that will link Alessandro Del Piero to our black and white colours was outlined.

“New appointments are already planned to continue the work started today.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported Juventus have offered Del Piero a one-year contract extension worth just under €2 million.

Johnson benefits from flank switch

Liverpool coach Steve Clarke believes England right-back Glen Johnson has been revitalised by a switch to the left of defence.

“You don’t become an international regular for England if you are not a good player,” said Clarke, who has been given most of the credit for the success of the defensive change.

“I worked with Glen at Chelsea and he is always a pleasure to work with.

“I think he has been re-energised with the change and he has switched to the left and proved he can play just as well there as he can on the right.

“It’s always good to have adaptable players.”

Regular action is Pastore’s priority

Palermo starlet Javier Pastore is leaning towards a move to Juventus rather than Barcelona.

Although the 21-year-old Argentina international’s dream is to wear the Barcelona shirt, he admitted that he would find it difficult to be a regular in their first team.

Talking to reporters while on international duty, Pastore was asked who would he sign for given the opportunity: Juventus or Barcelona?

“My priority is always to play and so I would say the first of the two options,” Pastore said.

“I’d be on the bench a lot at teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, and this doesn’t suit me.

“We’ll maybe talk about it again when I am 28.”