Sporting briefs

Robben: Bayern Munich’s Dutch winger Arjen Robben has admitted he is struggling to overcome the pelvic injury which has blighted his season, despite scoring twice in the 4-1 rout of Werder Bremen. “It’s a tough time for me at present, because I still feel pain occasionally. It’s all taking a very long time,” he said.

Nancy: The French city of Nancy forfeited the right to host matches at Euro 2016 yesterday after failing to reach a deal with construction firms over the renovation of Stade Marcel-Picot. “We’re therefore giving up on Euro 2016 and, for the moment, the renovation of Stade Marcel-Picot,” said council leader Andre Rossinot.

Brown: Celtic captain Scott Brown said yesterday he has signed an extended contract through to the end of the 2014-15 season. “I am absolutely delighted to sign this new contract with Celtic and commit my future to the club,” said the midfielder, recently returned from injury.

Friendly: England will face fellow Euro 2012 participants the Netherlands in a friendly at Wembley on February 29. The game was originally planned for August but was called off after a series of riots in British cities. It will be the 19th meeting of the two sides, with England having won five and drawn nine of their previous encounters.