Borussia Dortmund have signed former Germany defender and free agent Manuel Friedrich in an emergency move aimed at shoring up a defence depleted by a string of injuries.
The 34-year-old Friedrich, who signed a deal until the end of the season, had been training with the Bundesliga club for the past few days and was without a side following his release from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the last campaign.
“I am really looking forward to wearing the Dortmund shirt when entering the stadium,” Friedrich, who won nine caps for Germany, said.
Keeper Ceni equals Pele mark
Rogerio Ceni tied Pele’s mark for most appearances at a Brazilian club on Wednesday but his 1,115th game in goal for Sao Paulo was not one to savour as his side went down 3-1 to Ponte Preta in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semi-final.
The 40-year-old keeper, who made his debut in 1993, takes most of the team’s free-kicks and penalties and has scored 113 times, more than any other goalkeeper.
Ceni is expected to overtake Pele’s mark when he turns out against Botafogo in the league on Sunday.
Liverpool suffer Enrique blow
Liverpool’s preparations for this weekend’s Merseyside derby have suffered a blow after defender Jose Enrique was ruled out with a long-term knee injury which is likely to require surgery.
The Spaniard has been struggling with the problem for some time and has featured just twice in the Reds’ last five matches, with one of those outings a 30-minute sub-stitute appearance.
“Jose Enrique has been struggling for a little while with an injury,” manager Brendan Rodgers said.
“He will probably need an ope-ration. It’s a blow for us because he’s a very talented player.”
Ribery out with a cracked rib
Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has been ruled out of tomorrow’s Bundesliga clash against title rivals Borussia Dortmund with a cracked rib and could miss their Champions League match at CSKA Moscow next week, the club said.
Ribery was on the receiving end of a series of crunching tackles as France beat Ukraine 3-0 on Tuesday for a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in next year’s World Cup.
“He suffered a crack in his 10th rib and will definitely not play against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday (tomorrow),” the club said.
“The 30-year-old’s participation in the Champions League group match at CSKA Moscow next week is also in doubt.”
Anderson content to remain patient
Manchester United midfielder Anderson (picture) is happy to play the waiting game just now – but knows he cannot hang around forever to prove he is worthy of a place at Old Trafford.
Despite reports of a loan deal to Fulham being lined up in January, with a contract that runs to 2015, Anderson is not ready to give up on his United career just yet.
“Every single player wants to play every game,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
“I am the same as all the rest. I need to play. I am 25 and cannot stay one more year and not play. But you cannot demand that.
“I am not unhappy. You have to be patient and when you do get your chance, you have to do well.”
Torino target midfield duo
Torino officials have been in talks with the agent of Genoa’s Francesco Lodi and Antonio Nocerino, of Milan, La Stampa reported yesterday.
The Granata are keen to boost their midfield options during the January transfer window and Lodi and Nocerino are two prime targets.
Nocerino, an Italian inter-national, has struggled to hold down a regular place at Milan while Lodi could quit Genoa just months after his summer arrival as the playmaker is yet to convince coach Gian Piero Gasperini of his abilities.
The report claims that Torino are looking to sign Lodi and Nocerino – who are represented by Alessandro Moggi – on six-month loan agreements.
Barca, Napoli chase Matuidi
Barcelona and Napoli are vying for the signature of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi, according to reports in the Spanish press.
Mundo Deportivo reported that the La Liga giants are tracking the 26-year-old whose contract with the French champions runs out next summer.
The France international is seen as a potential replacement for the ageing Xavi and Barcelona are keen to sign him when Matuidi becomes free in June.
The same newspaper claimed that Napoli coach Rafa Benitez is also an admirer of the PSG star and will look to beat Barca for his signature by making a bid in January.