Belgium selected teenager Zakaria Bakkali for their World Cup qualifier against Scotland next week despite injury keeping the PSV Eindhoven prodigy out of Champions League action over the last week.
Bakkali could also choose to play for Morocco and Belgium coach Marc Wilmots may consider giving the 17-year-old a first cap at Hampden Park on Sept. 6 to tie his international future to Belgium.
Bakkali received a surprise first call-up for the friendly against France two weeks ago, just days after making his senior debut for PSV. He later withdrew because of injury and has not played since, missing the Dutch club’s Champions League tie against Milan.
Chelsea complete Eto’o swoop
Chelsea have boosted their striking options with the signing of veteran Cameroon inter-national Samuel Eto’o from Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala.
The 32-year-old Eto’o, who has signed a one-year contract, became the second player to join Chelsea from Anzhi following the arrival this week of Brazil playmaker Willian.
“I am very happy to be here but also anxious because I want to get playing as soon as possible,” Eto’o told Chelsea’s website.
“It wasn’t a hard decision. I saw the qualities Chelsea have, and I was very happy with Jose Mourinho before, so when the opportunity came, I was very happy to take it.’
Donovan commits to LA Galaxy
Landon Donovan has signed a “multi-year” contract extension with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Major League Soccer side have announced.
The US international will remain with the club he joined in 2005 for the “foreseeable future”.
“I’m thrilled to continue my career here with the LA Galaxy,” Donovan said.
“This organisation has always treated me with the utmost respect and I feel truly blessed that I am able to continue playing here.”
PFA pledges support to Taylor
Gordon Taylor retains the “full support” of the Professional Football Association in the wake of allegations that the union chief executive has amassed sub-stantial gambling debts.
“The management committee are aware of the recent press allegations regarding Gordon Taylor,” the PFA said in a statement.
“Whilst this is a private matter for Gordon, he has informed us that this dispute has been in the hands of lawyers for some time.
“For that reason, it would be inappropriate for us to comment specifically. We have discussed this with him and he has our full support.”
Podolski out for up to 10 weeks
Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski (picture) could be ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury, manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday.
The Germany international pulled a muscle during his side’s 2-0 Champions League play-off victory over Fenerbahce on Tuesday.
“It is bad news about Lukas Podolski as he will be out for eight to 10 weeks,” Wenger told the club’s website ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
“His hamstring is much more damaged than we thought at the start. It is very disappointing and we have paid a very heavy price for that win. We have to be patient now.”
Cannavaro happy at Napoli – agent
The agent of Paolo Cannavaro has played down reports linking the Napoli defender with Milan.
Cannavaro is not guaranteed first-team football under new boss Rafa Benitez, triggering rumours of a transfer before the window closes next week.
“I think they are just rumours right now,” Gaetano Fedele told calciomercato.it.
“But I’m not surprised that Paolo is being paired with the big clubs.
“Everyone knows his current situation and the final decision will be taken by Napoli, but he is a happy captain and he’s happy at Napoli.”
Arsenal re-sign midfielder Flamini
French midfielder Mathieu Flamini has rejoined Arsenal five years after leaving for Milan, the Premier League club said yesterday.
Arsenal have come under fire for their lack of activity in the transfer market, with a number of high-profile names deciding against a move to the Emirates Stadium and French youngster Yaya Sanogo the only arrival.
“We’re very pleased Mathieu has agreed to rejoin us,” manager Arsene Wenger said.
“He is a player of real quality, with a fantastic work rate and great mentality. As we know, Mathieu is a strong midfielder, but is also is comfortable playing in defence too. He is a very good addition to our squad.”