Nagatomo: Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni yesterday recalled Inter defender Yuto Nagatomo for the nation’s upcoming home World Cup qualifier against Tajikistan. But Zaccheroni had to drop another key full-back, Schalke’s Atsuto Uchida, due to injury while CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda remains sidelined.

Neuchatel Xamax: Switz-erland’s football league yesterday rapped Chechen-owned club Neuchatel Xamax for failing to respond to queries regarding their financial situation. It said that as the club’s licence was approved during the previous administration, the league had sought additional information on the team after it was taken over by Chagaev. The disciplinary commission is now examining the complaint and “will look at the possibility of a sanction”.

Puyol: Carles Puyol is a doubt for Barcelona’s game against Sporting Gijon this weekend after suffering a rib injury during Wednesday’s Champions League victory against Bate Borisov. The Spain defender suffered a blow to his right rib in the 5-0 win in Minsk. The 33-year-old will do specific training today and his availability for Sunday’s game will depend on his progress.

Breno: Bayern Munich’s Brazilian defender Breno will remain in custody under suspicion of serious arson, following a fire which destroyed his luxury home, after a remand review yesterday. State prosecutors are waiting to receive more information about the fire, which gutted the Brazilian’s house in the suburb of Gruenewald on September 19, but his lawyer, Werner Leitner, has said he expects Breno to be released soon.

Benzema: Real Madrid’s French striker Karim Benzema skipped training with the rest of his team-mates yesterday due to injury and is in doubt for the club’s league match away against Espanyol. The 23-year-old was forced to leave the pitch during Real’s 3-0 Champions League win over Ajax on Tuesday after 75 minutes of play because of an adductor muscle problem in his left thigh.

Wales: Wales manager Gary Speed has called up Wolves midfielder David Edwards for the Group G qualifiers against Switzerland and Bulgaria. Edwards has been sidelined for the last seven intern-ationals with a back problem.

In Gozo: Melita Division Two – St Lawrence vs Munxar 1-0.

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