Brazil: Ronaldinho and goalkeeper Julio Cesar were both recalled by Brazil as new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari named his first squad yesterday. Scolari also left out Kaka and gave another chance to striker Luis Fabiano for the friendly against England next month. Lazio midfielder Hernanes was also included for the match at Wembley on Feb 6.

Abraham: Relegation-threatened Hoffenheim have signed Argentine defender David Abraham from Spain’s Getafe in a deal to 2016 as they seek to reverse their worst ever first half to a Bundesliga season. The 26-year-old defender won three Swiss league titles with Basel before joining the Spanish team last year.

QPR probe: QPR have launched an internal investigation into allegations of racism made against youth coach Mark Langton. The Rs are in the midst of a revamp of their youth structure and recently released a number of players. One of those has contacted the west Londoners, making an allegation of racist abuse against Langton.

Gas leak: A French Cup last-32 game between third-division side Rouen and Marseille was yesterday postponed because of a gas leak in the Normandy city. A gas leak at a chemicals factory cast a strong odour across northwestern France that wafted all the way down to Paris early yesterday, but officials said there was no danger to the public.

Derry: Midfielder Shaun Derry has signed a one-year contract extension at QPR, the Premier League club have announced. The 35-year-old, who moved to Loftus Road in June 2010, has committed to QPR until the summer of 2014.

Pitch cover: Oldham’s chances of avoiding the big freeze to host Liverpool in their televised FA Cup fourth round clash on Sunday have been boosted after they took delivery of an inflatable pitch cover. Boundary Park was covered by several inches of snow over the weekend and with temperatures predicted to be sub-zero all week the game may have been placed in doubt.