Arsenal are set to contest a Football Association charge of failing to control their players in a bad-tempered match against Hull last weekend. Arsenal and Hull were both hit with the charge after a mass confrontation involving 21 of the 22 players on the field at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Arsene Wenger believes the FA have over-reacted.
Wenger said: "I think it is harsh but we will try to defend ourselves. I don't think it was a major incident compared to what can happen in a football game.
"At the start, the incident was created by Nasri's involvement but after that it was more players of Hull who were around it than Arsenal players. That's why we will try to defend it."
Both clubs have until January 13 to formally respond to the charges.
Bougherra out of Old Firm derby
Scottish Premier League leaders Glasgow Rangers were dealt a blow yesterday when their Algerian international defender Madjid Bougherra was banned from facing bitter rivals Celtic on January 3.
The Algerian football federation announced that any of its England and Scotland-based players, due to take part in the 2010 African Nations Cup, can only fulfil their club commitments until December 30.
Bougherra can play for Rangers today against Hibernian, but not against Celtic on January 3.
"A training session will also take place from January 1-7 which all players are expected to attend," said a federation source.
No return date for Ferdinand
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has had an injection in an attempt to ease his long-standing back complaint.
The 30-year-old has been out of action since the end of October, and although United manager Alex Ferguson played down fears of a long-term absence at the time, Ferdinand has now missed 13 games.
"We gave Rio an injection just over two weeks ago so we have to let that settle for a week then he can go back into the gym work and do some more core work," said Ferguson.
"There is no light at the end of the tunnel and it is difficult to put a timescale on a back injury. But I don't think he is too far away."
Ivanovic set for new Chelsea deal
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic will be handed a new contract by the Blues in order to head off interest from Real Madrid in next month's transfer window.
The Spaniards were looking to sign the 25-year-old after their influential defender Pepe was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. But Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has become a huge admirer of Ivanovic and is determined to keep him at the club.
Ivanovic, who joined Chelsea for £9.7million from Lokomotiv Moscow in January 2007, made a slow start to his career at Stamford Bridge, however he has become an increasing influence on the first team over the past 12 months.
Redknapp to keep Keane
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insists he has no intention of selling Robbie Keane (picture) despite the striker's role in his squad's controversial Christmas party.
Keane is reported to have gone against Redknapp's express wishes and organised a festive party in Dublin for his team-mates earlier this month.
Redknapp ordered the players involved to make a donation to charity but did not consider taking the club captaincy away from Keane or selling him.
"Robbie is the captain and that wasn't going to change," Redknapp said.
"I don't want to sell Robbie, there's not too many Robbie Keanes about in the game. He has enthusiasm and knowledge, a lot of things that he brings into the game so he's certainly not a player we'd want to lose."
Ki admits Celtic switch is a gamble
South Korea midfielder Ki Sung Yueng has admitted his decision to join Celtic could put his World Cup dream in danger if he struggles to adapt to life in Scotland.
Ki has signed a four-year contract with the Glasgow club and will complete his two million pounds move from FC Seoul on January 1.
The 20-year-old is desperate to feature for his country at next year's World Cup in South Africa, but he knows that ambition will depend on how well he comes to terms with Scottish football.
"It is very important for me to be playing regularly, otherwise my manager at South Korea is not going to be too happy," Ki said.
"The manager at Celtic is gambling also because he doesn't know much about me."
Jovanovic set for Milan switch
Standard Liege stalwart Milan Jovanovic is said to be close to a summer switch to Milan after rejecting interest from Hamburg.
The 28-year-old has been a revelation in this year's Champions League, having broken into the Serbian national side two years ago.
Belgian magazine Sport, said that the Italian giants are close to matching Standard's valuation of the player.
This should see Hamburg's interst come to a close, as it is not thought that the German side are willing to prosecute a bidding war.