Robben: Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben has been ruled out of his team’s upcoming matches after a minor muscle tear sustained while on international duty. Winger Robben, who only recently returned after a four-week absence due to a back injury, will miss today’s Bavarian derby against Nuremberg as well as the clash at Valencia in the Champions League next week.
Del Piero: Alessandro Del Piero scored a dazzling double but it was not enough to save troubled Sydney FC plunging to a 4-2 A-League loss to Brisbane yesterday. Del Piero, 38, netted twice in seven minutes but the A-League champions were too strong for Sydney, who lost their coach Ian Crook during the week and are on the look out for their seventh coach in as many years.
Suarez: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has dismissed reports linking the club with a move for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez. Mancini, tiring of recurring speculation surrounding the club or his future, said: “It is not true, I don’t know. For two weeks we talk about Monaco, after (Pep) Guardiola... now Suarez. We can’t buy Suarez or another player because we have four strikers and Suarez plays for Liverpool.”
Sanchez: Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez has been ruled out for four weeks after sustaining a foot injury on international duty. The Chile international limped out of his country’s 3-1 defeat to Serbia after 20 minutes.
No-show: New Zealand Football apologised after All Whites players went clubbing in Shanghai following a match against China, then failed to turn up for a breakfast with young fans. The New Zealand Herald said NZF chairman Frank van Hattum showed up to the event Thursday without any of the team who played in a 1-1 draw against China the previous night, leaving expatriate Kiwi children disappointed.
Terry: Chelsea captain John Terry will be sidelined for three weeks after injuring his knee against Liverpool. Terry had to be stretchered off after Liverpool striker Luis Suarez landed awkwardly on him during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. But scans revealed the damage was not as bad as feared.
In England: League One – Tranmere vs MK Dons 0-1. League Two – Barnet vs Accrington 1-1.
Scottish Premier: Dundee United vs Kilmarnock 3-3.