Shakhtar: The pitch in Donetsk used by FC Shakhtar to train on was hit four times by shelling, the club’s CEO Serhiy Palkin said yesterday. “Yesterday evening and into the night the training camp of FC Shakhtar was hit by four shells,” Palkin said on Facebook. He also posted some photographs as a proof.
Ghoulam: Napoli will be without Faouzi Ghoulam for three weeks after the Algeria left-back fractured his left elbow on Wednesday. Ghoulam got hurt during his team’s 3-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao in their Champions League qualifier at the San Mames stadium. Tests done on the 23-year-old revealed the extent of the injury.
Van Basten: Marco van Basten will not be taking charge of AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch league at the weekend because of health issues, his club said. “The absence of Marco van Basten will be longer than first expected. The coach has been struggling with physical discomfort for some time because of personal matters. These symptoms are so severe that it in the short term he is not able to competently carry out his work,” AZ said in a statement.
Collins: West Ham defender James Collins has withdrawn from the Wales squad for the opening Euro 2016 qualifier in Andorra. Collins was named in Chris Coleman’s 23-man squad on Wednesday but has now withdrawn from the September 9 tie with a hamstring injury. Newcastle defender Paul Dummett has been called up to replace Collins.
Zaha: Crystal Palace are “very close” to completing the season-long loan signing of Wilfried Zaha from Manchester United. Zaha will return to Palace after just two appearances for United despite costing the Old Trafford club £15 million. The 21-year-old will become Warnock’s first signing, with only paperwork left to complete the deal.
Gillet: Belgium goalkeeper Jean-Francois Gillet has been named in a 22-man squad for next week’s friendly against Australia after serving a 13-month ban for match-fixing. Gillet was originally given a 43-month ban and was one of 20 individuals suspended in relation to two matches involving Bari in Serie B in 2008 and 2009, where he was playing at the time. His suspension was reduced to 13 months on appeal in January by the TNAS.