Chelsea striker Diego Costa suffered an injury scare during a training session with Spain.
Costa was forced out of the session with a leg and ankle injury and underwent X-rays at the Sanitas Clinic in La Moraleja, but was given the all-clear, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said.
The striker is still under observation and will remain with the Spain squad, who face France in a friendly today.
RFEF said Chelsea had been informed of Costa’s condition.
Dispute settled
A former member of Ghana’s coaching team, Gerard Nus, has ended his sit-in as the football association settled his bonuses, the BBC reported yesterday.
He had been refusing to leave his Accra hotel since the end of the Africa Cup of Nations in early February. The Ghana FA said it “finally managed to raise the funds to pay all his bonuses.”
“Thanks to all people of Ghana. Great memories always from this passionate football country,” Nus posted on his Twitter feed.
According to the Ghana FA there were disagreements over who should settle payments to the hotel where Nus had been staying.
The situation was resolved on Sunday enabling him to return home.
Mesut Ozil soon to decide on future
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil insists he is comfortable at the North London club and will make a decision regarding his future soon with the German’s contract due to expire at the end of next season.
Manager Arsene Wenger said last week that contract negotiations with key players Ozil and striker Alexis Sanchez were on hold until the end of the current campaign.
“Do you think Arsene Wenger tells the journalists (about my future) before he tells me? I know him differently,” Ozil said.
“I have a contract until 2018 in London and I feel very comfortable there. We’ll talk soon and then make a decision.”
Daley support to father after sacking
Daley Blind was among the first to react to the sacking of his father Danny as coach of the Netherlands national side by posting a supportive message on social media.
“We worked together at the highest level, a dream for both of us as father and son,” the 27-year-old Manchester United defender said.
“It was not always easy. But I’m proud of the way you always took responsibility and never gave up.”
Danny Blind, 55, was fired on Sunday in the wake of a 2-0 loss to Bulgaria the previous evening.
Daley featured in 14 of his father’s 17 matches in charge of the national team and with a place in the starting line-up in Sofia at the weekend earned his 43rd cap, to go past his father’s total of 42 appearances for the Netherlands.
Fiorentina mulling Petagna move
Italy striker Andrea Petagna is on the radar of Fiorentina, reports in Italy said yesterday.
Petagna, 21, is playing a key role for Atalanta this season and his fine performances also earned him his first call-up to the national team last month.
Corriere dello Sport reported that Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has been closely watching Petagna with a view to making a transfer in the summer.
The move for Petagna could mean that Fiorentina are ready to part with Nikola Kalinic.
FIFA to cover Coleman’s wages
Everton defender Seamus Coleman’s wages will be paid by FIFA while he recovers from a double leg fracture suffered during international duty with Ireland.
Coleman underwent a successful leg operation on Saturday following a wild challenge by Wales defender Neil Taylor, who was immediately dismissed during a goalless World Cup qualifier between the two sides last week.
The 28-year-old fullback is expected to miss the rest of the Premier League season and his wages will be covered by FIFA Club Protection Programme during that period.
Ireland manager Martin O’Neill said no time scale had been put on Coleman’s recovery.
“I’m not sure about it, I would only be guessing,” he told reporters.
Lingard wants to extend contract
Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard says his “heart is at Old Trafford” and negotiations are ongoing over a new deal with the club that will extend a contract that runs out at the end of next season.
Despite enjoying a strong start to the season, Lingard has failed to cement a place in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up, starting only 10 times in all competitions.
“The contract is still ongoing with talks at the moment... and my heart is at Man United,” the 24-year-old England international said.
“There’s a lot of competition for places but I think that’s good for the group.”