Eusebio: Legendary Portuguese striker Eusebio, 70, left a Lisbon hospital yesterday two days after being admitted for high blood pressure. Eusebio left in a discreet manner without making a statement to the press.
Rooney: Wayne Rooney will miss Manchester United’s Europa League match against Ajax at Old Trafford today with a throat infection. United lead the last 32 tie 2-0 after a first leg win in Amsterdam last week. Given that advantage, Alex Ferguson may well have rested even a fit Rooney.
Pogatetz: Emanuel Pogatetz has signed a new three-year contract with Hanover. The Austria international’s contract was due to expire in the summer, but he said it was an easy decision putting pen to paper on a new deal.
Blokhin: Oleg Blokhin will remain as Ukraine’s coach after the Euro 2012 competition and be in charge for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. The 59-year-old, who was a star striker with the former Soviet Union, was in charge of Ukraine in the 2006 World Cup finals when they reached the quarter-finals.
Postponed: A new league in the Indian state of West Bengal featuring semi-retired world stars has been postponed organisers said yesterday. The franchise-based Premier Soccer League was due to be played across six venues in West Bengal from March 24-May 6. A shortage of good quality pitches have been widely blamed.
Bramble: Sunderland defender Titus Bramble is facing at least another month on the sidelines after suffering a setback. The 30-year-old has been out of action since suffering Achilles and calf injuries on Boxing Day and has now been fitted with a protective boot, which he will wear for three weeks, after aggravating the problem.
McKay: Rangers have accepted an offer for Matt McKay from South Korean club Busan I’Park. The transfer, if completed, would give Rangers a much-needed injection of cash and reduce their wage bill as administrators look to cut costs at the club. A statement read: “Rangers have confirmed today that a fee has been agreed with Busan but that negotiations on the transfer are still continuing.”
Eastmond: Wycombe have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Craig Eastmond on loan until the end of the season. The 21-year-old, who has played 10 times in the Arsenal first team, including four appearances in the Premier League, could make his debut in Saturday’s home game with Hartlepool.