Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has slammed the Dutch federation for minimising the seriousness of the ankle injury which is set to keep Robin van Persie out for five months.
Van Persie was told he needed reconstructive surgery on ankle ligaments, which he injured playing for his country in a friendly against Italy.
Wenger said: "I think the Dutch FA minimised the injury. We have just found out that it is much worse than what they told us. If a player gets injured with his country he should be sent back to his club straight away to be checked out by their doctors.
"Countries just take your player away for a friendly and then give him back and say: 'There you go'. It doesn't happen in any other sport. It's a joke and is so disrespectful."
Blatter offers Henry support
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he phoned France captain Thierry Henry to offer him support over his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off win over Ireland.
"I called Thierry, because he tried to get in touch with me," Blatter said.
"He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee.
"When I was a centre-forward in my junior team, I definitely gained an advantage by pulling a defender's jersey in order to score a goal. And I didn't go and see the referee to tell him about it."
Anelka eyes new Chelsea deal
French striker Nicolas Anelka revealed yesterday that he is hoping to sign a new Chelsea contract and wants to see out the rest of his career at Stamford Bridge.
The 30-year-old has played for seven clubs prior to his move to west London in January 2008 but now wants to settle at Chelsea.
"I hope to sign a new contract soon. I am very happy at Chelsea. I have found a home," he said.
"Ever since I left Real Madrid I wanted to find a big club again and I have with Chelsea. I feel I am playing the best football of my career and want to carry on playing my best days with Chelsea."
Johnson's injury concerns Hodgson
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that striker Andy Johnson has undergone an exploratory operation in a bid to solve his groin problem.
"He (Johnson) had an operation on Saturday and I am waiting to hear what the results of that are," Hodgson said. "It is pretty much exploratory because he has tried so hard to get back.
"There have been days when we thought he has cracked it and got manageable pain but then the following day when he comes out to training, he does not have manageable pain.
"That has prompted us to operate and go into the area where he is suffering the pain. I fear he will be out for some time."
Ferdinand to return for Christmas period
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson expects Rio Ferdinand to be back in time for Christmas. Ferdinand is currently sidelined with a calf problem, but that is connected to his long-standing back complaint.
"Rio isn't far away now," said Ferguson.
"He is doing much better and thinks he is at the level he was when he was playing last time. But we have got to handle it correctly. He is seeing the right medical people and I would expect him to be back before Christmas.
"I don't think we would consider an operation. You don't operate on a back unless it is really serious and it's not that bad."
Cruz, Rinaudo appeals rejected
Julio Cruz and Leandro Rinaudo have lost their appeal against a three-match ban after their biting incident.
The Italian league's Disciplinary Commission confirmed the suspension for both Serie A players despite an emergency appeal.
Cruz and Rinaudo were sanctioned after Lazio forward Cruz was spotted on television biting Rinaudo on the wrist as the two waited for a corner to be taken. The Napoli defender reacted by striking out at Cruz's head and tugging at his hair.
Both clubs had filed appeals, but the Disciplinary Commission rejected them on all counts.
Coupet out for three months
Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery on Saturday night on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have suffered worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The experienced goalkeeper, who joined PSG from Lyon last summer, is expected to be replaced by Edel who stepped in on Saturday.