Manchester United’s injury-prone defender Phil Jones could be sidelined for around a month due to a knee problem, the Premier League club said in a statement.
The 24-year-old, who is yet to feature for United this season, did not travel with the squad to Rotterdam for yesterday’s Europa League fixture against Feyenoord after suffering a knee ligament problem, manager Jose Mourinho said.
The England international has been hampered by injuries since his move to Old Trafford from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, and was restricted to just 13 appearances for United last season due to ankle and foot problems.
Gundogan hails incredible Aguero
Ilkay Gundogan made an immediate impression on his Manchester City debut – but Sergio Aguero made a bigger mark on him.
Germany midfielder Gundogan sparkled as City swept Borussia Moenchengladbach aside 4-0 in their Champions League Group C opener at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, but it was Aguero who stole the headlines with another hat-trick.
“There is nothing better than that,” Gundogan said. “Every team needs to score to win games and, if you have such an incredible striker in your own rows, then it gives you the safety you are always able to score.
“He did it three times and he did an amazing performance. We are all very happy to have him.”
Dempsey training again after heart scare
Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey has returned to training after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat last month but has not yet been cleared to play again for the Major League Soccer club.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham striker, the only player to score in three World Cups for the United States, underwent medical checks last week.
“Dempsey has been cleared to return to training... but he’s not been medically cleared to play,” general manager Garth Lagerwey told the club website.
“When Clint feels better and the doctors consider it safe, then we will consider his return to play.”
Swansea’s Dyer out for up to two months
Swansea City’s Nathan Dyer will be sidelined for up to two months with an ankle injury, the Premier League club said.
The 28-year-old, who signed a new four-year contract with the Welsh club last month after winning the league title during his loan spell at Leicester City last season, will undergo a surgery on Monday to remove extra bone growth in his ankle.
“I am bitterly disappointed. There is not a lot I can do about it, but I am determined to work even harder after my operation to play my part for the team on my return,” Dyer told the club website.
Luiz to replace injured Terry
David Luiz will make his first start since rejoining Chelsea when he deputises for injured captain John Terry against Liverpool in the Premier League tonight.
Manager Antonio Conte believes the 29-year-old Brazil defender, who left Chelsea for Paris SG in 2014 but returned earlier this month, is ready.
“Tomorrow David Luiz will play for the first time...we expect him to play well,” Conte told a news conference yesterday.
“He has worked a lot on the defensive situations and I’m confident about him.”
Terry damaged ankle ligaments during a 2-2 draw at Swansea City last Sunday.
Lahm opposed to closed CL shop
Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm says he does not like the prospect of the new-look Champions League which will reserve half of the group stage places for clubs from Europe’s top four leagues.
UEFA confirmed last month that the next three-year Champions League cycle, which starts in 2018-19, will see the top four nations in its co-efficient rankings – currently Spain, Germany, England and Italy – all receive four guaranteed berths in the group stage of the competition.
Speaking after Bayern’s 5-0 win over Russian side Rostov in the Champions League, Lahm told sport1.de: “There has got to be the chance for teams like these, countries like these, to be involved.
“That is how I see football. Everybody should have a chance to be involved.”
QPR’s Ferdinand dismisses Pulis talk
QPR director of football Les Ferdinand has poured cold water on speculation that manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink might be replaced by Tony Pulis.
Pulis’ future with West Brom has come under scrutiny in recent weeks and the 58-year-old Welshman was seen sitting next to Ferdinand during QPR’s 6-0 home defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.
Ferdinand said: “Tony Pulis came to the game the other night, which is a normal thing for a manager to do when his team aren’t playing. I saw him and sat next to him. That’s it.
“The result on Tuesday was obviously unacceptable but I can categorically say we are not looking to change manager and are not considering anyone else.”