Leighton Baines is physically ready to play his first game of the season when Everton travel to Bournemouth tomorrow, but manager Roberto Martinez is concerned the injury may have affected the left-back’s confidence.

The England international twice underwent ankle surgery in the space of three months, but has stepped up his rehabilitation and has been playing for Everton’s U-21 side over the past two weeks.

“Physically, Leighton is ready,” Martinez said.

“It’s just making sure now that we give him the right introduction to get that match fitness and also the confidence back to be able to go into a 50-50 challenge without feeling fearful.”

Zenga, Samp agree contract settlement

Sampdoria have reached a settlement with former coach Walter Zenga to terminate his contract.

The ex-Italy goalkeeper was sacked two weeks ago following a poor run of results.

Vincenzo Montella was subsequently appointed and Sampdoria have now reached an agreement to cancel Zenga’s contract.

It is common practice in Italy to retain a manager’s contract, but Samp have announced they have reached a settlement with Zenga.

A club statement read: “The directors of UC Sampdoria and Walter Zenga announce that the contract running until June 30 2016 between the club and the coach has been terminated.”

Poor finishing cost Man. City – Toure

Manchester City paid the price for their lack of killer instinct in front of goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Italian champions Juventus in the Champions League, midfielder Yaya Toure has said.

Mario Mandzukic struck the all-important goal for Juventus in the 18th minute, just after Fernandinho had missed a golden opportunity for the visitors.

“We had quite a lot of injuries from important players but we have to live with that,” Toure said.

“We have a fantastic squad and I think we were unlucky to be honest. We have to try to bounce back in the league.”

Flamini certain he can replace Coquelin

Mathieu Flamini is confident he can help Arsenal overcome injuries to Francis Coquelin and thinks an extended run in the side will see him produce his best form.

Coquelin has impressed in a defensive midfield role but will be sidelined for three months after picking up a knee injury in Saturday’s loss to West Brom.

“The season is always very long so sometimes you have to accept being on the bench but sometimes you have the opportunity to prove you can still play in the Arsenal team,” he said.

“I have an opportunity to be back in the team and I will try to prove every game that I can be in the team.”

Monaco move right for me – El Shaarawy

Stephan El Shaarawy has no qualms about his loan move to Monaco becoming permanent, with the Italy international needing to “restart” his career after going stale at Milan.

The 23-year-old burst onto the scene with the Rossoneri after arriving in 2011, enjoying a particularly fruitful 2012/13 season at the San Siro.

However, mounting injury problems stunted El Shaarawy’s progress, leading the Italy international to make a loan move to the principality in the summer.

“I had some great years at Milan despite my injuries and everything else,” El Shaarawy said. “I will never forget what I did in 2012, but it was the right time to move on.

“I will restart here.

“My only focus is on rediscovering my form. I want to be a star at the Euros and everything depends on my play for Monaco.”

Grealish axed for off-field behaviour

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has been dropped from the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Watford as punishment for his off-field behaviour, manager Remi Garde said yesterday.

Garde took the decision following reports about the 20-year-old attending a nightclub in Manchester hours after Villa’s 4-0 loss at Everton.

“He won’t be included in the squad for Watford. (His actions) are not of the professional standard that I expect from my players. That’s why Jack is training in the under-21 team,” Garde said.

Brazilian Peres signs new Torino contract

Torino have secured the services of full-back Bruno Peres until 2020.

The 25-year-old arrived at the Serie A club from Santos last year and has impressed at the Stadio Olimpico.

Peres had reportedly been attracting admiring glances from other Italian clubs, but the Brazilian has now signed a new deal with Giampiero Ventura’s side until 2020.

“Torino Football Club is pleased to announce the renewal of the contract of the player Bruno Peres until 30 June 2020,” read a club statement.

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