Zabaleta: Manchester City’s Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta will be out of action for at least a month after injuring a knee in training. He could miss up to six games. “It happened in training,” Zabaleta confirmed. “It’s the first time in 12 years of senior football that I’ve ever been injured like this so it’s a blow, especially at the start of the season.” The injury leaves Bacary Sagna as City’s only senior right-back.
Valencia: Valencia need to find a centre-back to replace Nicolas Otamendi before the transfer window closes at the end of the month following the Argentina international’s departure for Manchester City, coach Nuno said. “We are aware that we need another centre-back,” Nuno said. “We have a lot of options but the market will dictate. There are times when there are players you want but for whatever reason they are not available.”
Sakho: West Ham striker Diafra Sakho has won a recall to Senegal’s squad for the first time since missing the Africa Cup finals at the start of the year. Sakho angered Senegal by pulling out of their squad for January’s tournament in Equatorial Guinea because of a back injury that meant he could not fly but then, while the tournament was proceeding, turned out for West Ham.
Radoi: Steaua Bucharest coach Mirel Radoi is eligible to sit on the bench for domestic matches despite a UEFA touchline ban but faces suspension if he gives instructions to his players, Romania’s football federation said. The announcement comes three days after UEFA imposed a touchline ban on Radoi because he lacks a coaching licence. Italian Massimo Pedrazzini is Steaua’s ‘official’ head coach.
Gardner: Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner has signed a new three-year contract with the club. Gardner, currently sidelined through injury, was into the final 12 months of his existing deal. The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Championship clubs Brighton and Nottm Forest before returning to Villa Park to be as-sessed by boss Tim Sherwood ahead of the new campaign.
Fazio: West Brom’s move for Tottenham’s Federico Fazio has broken down after the deal stalled over personal terms. The defender was at the club’s training ground yesterday morning after the Baggies agreed a £5m deal with Spurs. He passed a medical but West Brom have been unable to reach an agreement with Fazio.
The Championship: Birmingham City vs Derby 1-1.