Roberto Carlos: Former Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos confirmed he is currently involved in talks to join new Real manager Zinedine Zidane’s backroom staff at the La Liga club. The 42-year-old said: “I had a meeting with Real Madrid about my future with the club. Soon, I will know how I can collaborate with Zidane’s Madrid.” Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez at the helm last week and led Real to a 5-0 win at home to Deportivo.
Badelj: Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj will be out of action for at least three weeks after picking up an injury during the 3-1 loss to Lazio on Saturday. The Croatian, who has played 25 games this season, underwent medical tests which revealed a damaged thigh muscle. “His condition will be reassessed in three weeks’ time,” the club said.
Scottish Cup: East Kilbride FC will take Celtic to their tiny K-Park ground in their Scottish Cup last-16 tie if they get past fellow non-league side Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale. Chairman Mark Horner said “wow” after his club were pulled out of the hat alongside the Glasgow giants at the draw at Hampden Park. The capacity of the Lowland League ground is around 500.
Howedes: Schalke captain Bene-dikt Howedes faces “several weeks” out of action after being forced to leave the club’s Florida training camp early due to a hamstring strain. The 27-year-old defender suffered the injury during Sunday’s 2-0 triumph over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the Florida Cup, with further tests on Monday confirming the extent of the damage.
Garcia: Athletic Bilbao midfielder Raul Garcia damaged knee ligaments in Saturday’s 2-0 La Liga defeat at Sevilla. Garcia, who has immediately become a key part of the Basque team after joining from Atletico Madrid in the close season, had to come off after half an hour of the game at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Bilbao play the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie against Marseille on Feb. 18.
Oldham: David Dunn has left his position as Oldham manager. The Latics sit third from bottom in League One and are without a win in eight games. Dunn joined Oldham as a player in July and took over the hotseat on an interim basis following Darren Kelly’s sacking in September. Dunn drew his first four games and was rewarded with a permanent contract.