Football news

Adriano is hoping to make his long-awaited debut for Corinthians following an eight-month injury lay-off, but admitted to being nowhere near full match fitness.

“If I can play for 10-15 minutes, it will be like playing 90,” Adriano said ahead of today’s match against Atletico GO at the Pacaembu.

“I would love to play a full game but I don’t have the fitness yet. I’m only at 20 per cent of my capacities.”

Adriano, 29, has been plagued by a right shoulder problem since his time at Italian Serie A club Roma.

Shortly after signing his new contract Adriano’s injury woes deepened when he ruptured the Achilles tendon in his left ankle.

Pjanic is a crybaby, claims Rami

France defender Adil Rami raised the temperature ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Bosnia yesterday by saying Bosnian playmaker Miralem Pjanic was a crybaby.

France host Bosnia with the French just requiring a draw to seal top spot in Group D and an automatic place in Euro 2012 – a Bosnian win would see them top the group and France consigned to the play-offs.

Rami, 25, is now at Valencia but had crossed swords with Roma’s Pjanic when they were at Lille and Lyon respectively.

“Pjanic is a crybaby, all he does is fall over and it is extremely irritating,” he said.

New injury blow for Dyer

QPR midfielder Kieron Dyer looks set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after manager Neil Warnock revealed he has picked up another long-term injury.

The 32-year-old was thought to be making good progress on what was originally diagnosed as a short-term problem, but he has suffered a relapse as well as a new foot injury.

Dyer has played six minutes for Rangers after suffering an ankle injury which he suffered on his debut against Bolton.

“It’s not looking good for Kieron and it looks as if he will need a lengthy rehab,” Warnock said.

“There seems to be new ligament problem at the front of his foot, and he has been in a lot of pain.”

Worthington waits to resolve future

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington admits he faces an anxious wait to discover if he will be sacked for his country’s failure to qualify for Euro 2012.

Worthington’s side wasted their last chance to stay in the hunt for a play-off place after allowing Estonia to come from behind to win 2-1 in Belfast on Friday.

Worthington, who has been in charge since Lawrie Sanchez’s departure in 2007, is out of contract at the end of the year.

“The fans are as frustrated and disappointed as I am,” he said. “That’s the game and I’ve been in football long enough to get on with it. There’s no excuses.

“I haven’t got a clue (about the future). That’s the million dollar question.”

Boateng suffers injury blow

Kevin-Prince Boateng suffered another injury setback after yesterday he limped out injured after a training drill with the Milan youth team.

The Ghana midfielder had just returned to action last week after being sidelined for three weeks with a groin and rib injuries.

However, yesterday, the combative midfielder pulled up during a training session after a collision with one of the Primavera team players.

Boateng is already suspended for Milan’s next league match against Palermo next week, however, coach Massimiliano Allegri will be concerned by the fitness of the player who had been plagued by injury all season.

Barca punishments unfair – Rosell

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has described the punishments his club received for incidents during last summer’s European Super Cup in Monaco as “unfair”.

The European champions revealed they were fined €110,000 euros by UEFA for coming out for the second half of the game against Porto two minutes late and for the lighting of 10 flares by fans in the Stade Louis II.

“Regarding the matter of coming out after half-time , it’s excessive because in a changing room many things happen during these minutes, players are going to the bathroom at the last minute,” he said.

“But the sanction for the flares is worse because it’s unfair. Barcelona cannot be responsible who brings flares into this stadium because Barcelona don’t control who enters.”

Ljajic pondering Viola future

Adem Ljajic’s agent has warned Fiorentina the Serbia midfielder could leave the club if he is not given more playing time at the Serie A outfit.

Ljajic had a promising debut season in Serie A last term, but has barely set foot on the field for months, as Alessio Cerci and Stevan Jovetic have been in great form for Fiorentina.

“I spoke to the lad a few days ago and at the moment he is very calm,” said Giorgio Parretti.

“I am aware of the fact there are many clubs who would like to sign him, but it doesn’t seem to be the right moment to talk about these matters.

“We will wait and see what happens over the next few weeks, then we’ll decide what to do.”