Krsticic: Sampdoria midfielder Nenad Krsticic has been ruled out of the rest of the Serie A season after tearing ligaments in his left ankle. The Serbia international was withdrawn after 17 minutes of Sunday’s derby meeting with Genoa, which ended 1-1 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, and medical examinations have yesterday confirmed the extent of the damage.
Gibson: Everton midfielder Darron Gibson is likely to require surgery at the end of the season to fix a troublesome thigh problem. The 25-year-old missed nearly three months from September with the injury and he sat out almost all January and although he has returned to the starting line-up on a regular basis he is still hampered.
Son: Hamburg director of sport Frank Arnesen has warned clubs off South Korean forward Heung-Min Son. Son, 20, bagged a brace in Hamburg’s 2-1 Bundesliga win over Mainz on Saturday, taking his tally to 11 goals in 28 appearances this term. “Son is one of the players we would really like to keep hold of,” Arnesen said. “We are willing to push ourselves to our pain barrier for him.”
Rivaldo: Sao Caetano, whose team includes 2002 World Cup winner Rivaldo, were relegated from the Paulista Championship after a 1-1 draw with Penapolense. “I’m very sad about the relegation of Sao Caetano, it’s the first time I’ve experienced anything like this,” Rivaldo wrote on Twitter. “But I have a wonderful footballing past and I’m not going to let it get me down, I will keep on fighting.”
Di Vaio: MLS Eastern Conference leaders Montreal Impact were held to a 1-1 draw by Columbus Crew. Former Italy striker Marco di Vaio gave the Canadian side a 68th-minute lead but Dominic Oduro levelled four minutes later for the Crew, who drew for the third time in their six games this season.
Friendly: Asian champions Japan will host Copa America winners Uruguay in an August friendly after coach Alberto Zaccheroni pleaded to the JFA for tougher competition. The clash will take place at the Miyagi Stadium on Aug.14. “I pleaded with the JFA to fix this match because we need it to further develop the team by playing the strongest sides.”
Primera Liga: Mallorca vs Celta Vigo 1-0.