Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm had successful surgery on a broken ankle and will remain in hospital for a few more days, the German champions announced yesterday.
Lahm, who will be out for about three months, sustained the injury on Tuesday in training.
“His ankle was fixed with a plate and a screw and he will remain in hospital for some days,” Bayern said in a statement.
“He will then need to protect the leg for several weeks before starting his rehabilitation.”
England youngsters available for U-21s
In a break with the recent past, manager Roy Hodgson will allow the cream of the eligible young players in his squad to represent England at the European Under-21 Championship next year rather than have first call on them for the senior side.
England play a friendly against Ireland in Dublin on June 7 next year with a Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia on June 14. The Euro Under-21 finals start on June 17.
Hodgson said: “It’s a very simple policy. After Gareth Southgate has picked his squad, I will pick my squad for Slovenia. I’ll take whoever’s left.
“If Gareth thinks the best way to win the tournament is to jettison a lot of the players he has been working with and take players from our team that is fine by me. We can deal with four or five absentees.”
Moyes has brought ‘new intensity’
David Moyes has brought a new level of intensity and ambition to Real Sociedad since the former Manchester United and Everton manager took over as coach, defender Inigo Martinez said.
Moyes replaced the sacked Jagoba Arrasate at the Basque club, who are struggling in 15th place in La Liga, and they play their first game under the Scot’s orders at Deportivo La Coruna tomorrow.
“Above all it is the intensity he brings to training, in the aggression he demands,” Martinez said when asked how things had changed since Moyes took over.
“He is really on top of everything, he pressures you constantly from the side of the pitch and this is something that motivates players.”
Barca’s Iniesta back in training
Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta was back in training yesterday as he continues his recovery from a calf strain.
Iniesta sustained the injury in last month’s 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid in the La Liga ‘Clasico’ and although he has yet to be given the all-clear by the club’s medical staff he could feature in tomorrow’s game at home to fifth-placed Sevilla.
Thomas Vermaelen, who has yet to make his official debut, and fellow defender Jeremy Mathieu also trained yesterday as they bid to shake off niggling injuries, Barca said on their website.
Ancelotti keen to extend Real deal
Carlo Ancelotti is confident he will sign a contract extension with Real Madrid, although admits he is yet to receive an offer.
The Italian coach, who led Madrid to their record 10th European title earlier this year, is under contract for a further two years.
“I have a contract until 2016,” Ancelotti told Spanish radio station RNE. “I don’t know if I will renew it soon but I would like to.
“I have not been offered anything officially but I know that in the end we will do it.”
Los Merengues lead the Primera Liga standings with a two-point advantage over Barce-lona after 11 games played, and have already qualified for the Champions League last 16.
Pasqual injury blow for Fiorentina
Fiorentina captain Manuel Pasqual is expected to be sidelined for four weeks with a muscular injury.
Pasqual sustained the problem during Italy’s 1-1 draw against Croatia last weekend, and tests done on the 32-year-old defender have revealed a second degree lesion in the long adductor muscle of his right leg.
A statement from Fiorentina read: “In a week’s time Pasqual will undergo another check up to further evaluate his condition.”
Pasqual is set to miss four Serie A games, including Fiorentina’s home match against Juventus on December 5.
Reus given Ribery warning
Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has warned Marco Reus he should expect a tough fight for a place should he join the Bavarians from Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern have made no secret of their desire to sign Reus from their Bundesliga rivals next summer, when he is free to leave for a fee understood to be €25 million.
Clubs in the Premier League have also expressed an interest in the Germany international with the latest rumour linking Chelsea with a move that would see Dortmund offered Andre Schurrle and a cash adjustment.
“He’s a great player, but I’m going to be here for a while yet, even if I will be 32,” Ribery told Kicker magazine.
“I’m still an important player and you’ve always got to watch out for me.”