Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has said he will not be tempted into rushing back striker James McFadden as he recovers from a cruciate knee injury.
The Scottish international sustained the injury during training in early September and has yet to return to action.
“The progress Faddy has made, you are thinking ‘wow, he’s going to be back quick, back before Christmas’,” McLeish said.
“But you have to be careful and put the reins on and let things heal properly.
“The actual rejoining of the cruciate actually has to take time to heal. What’s really helped Faddy is the condition he came back in the summer. He’s probably his leanest ever and fittest ever.”
Dempsey backs under-fire Hughes
Fulham manager Mark Hughes has the full backing of his players despite the side’s recent poor form, according to striker Clint Dempsey.
His comments came in the wake of The Cottagers’ 1-1 home draw with Birmingham on Saturday which left them only one point above the relegation zone.
Dempsey admits levels of expectation among Fulham supporters have grown off the back of the success achieved by previous manager Roy Hodgson.
“We believe in the manager and we can only keep working for him,” Dempsey said.
“It’s not wrong of fans to expect more. After last season, we’ve come to expect more of ourselves.”
Aurelio laments Carragher absence
Defender Fabio Aurelio admits the loss of Jamie Carragher will be a big blow to Liverpool as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at Tottenham.
With skipper Steven Gerrard sidelined for a further three weeks with a hamstring tear sustained on England duty, the Reds are likely to be without their vice-captain for a month after he sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
“We don’t know yet how bad Carra’s injury is but not having him in the team will be a really big blow for us,” said Aurelio.
“We just hope it’s not too serious and he’s back playing for us soon became he’s so important for us.”
Villa’s Petrov sets sights on return
Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov has set his sights on returning to action early in the new year.
The Bulgarian, who is recovering from a knee injury, is hoping to be available for the League Cup semi-finals in January – if Villa can overcome Birmingham tomorrow.
“It’s difficult to say exactly when I will be fit to play again but I’m making steady progress,” Petrov said
“With a bit of luck, I should be back early in the new year.
“If all goes well, I should be in contention for a recall for the League Cup semi-finals. I just hope the lads do the business (vs Birmingham) and make sure we are involved.”
Arsenal boss Wenger puts club first
Arsene Wenger admits the day he stops caring about being successful is when he will quit football.
Wenger insists he is driven on by a desire to bring more success to Arsenal after five years without winning a trophy.
“I was angry (after the Tottenham game) and the day I don’t care any more I will stop,” Wenger said.
“But I care, I want this team to win because I believe in this team. What matters to me is Arsenal FC more than my reputation. I want people who love Arsenal to be happy and I try to give them that happiness.”
Stand-in ref Hamer ‘kept in the dark’
Luxembourg referee Alain Hamer may have reconsidered his part in officiating in the Premier League last weekend if he had been informed of the reason for the Scottish refereeing strike sooner than two hours before kick-off.
Hamer was in charge of Saturday’s 2-2 draw between Celtic and Inverness and was due to take part in a unique Old Firm double, only to be denied by the weather as Rangers’ match at Dundee United was postponed by snow.
Hamer told the Scottish Sun: “I wasn’t given all the facts about my job before I came to Scotland.
“I was told that the Luxembourg Football Federation had picked me to go to Scotland but no one told me why or, until the last minute, even where I would be going.”
Cagliari keen to keep Matri
Cagliari coach Roberto Donadoni is keen to hold on to Alessandro Matri amid interest from Milan.
The 26-year-old striker, who scored his seventh and eighth goals of the campaign against Lecce on Sunday, is being tipped to a move back to San Siro where he began his career.
“We must hold him tight,” Donadoni said. “He is a striker with great prospects just like Acquafresca, Nene and Ragatzu.
“Not being in the Italy squad was a little unfair on him. The measure by which Matri’s future will be decided is based on this season at Cagliari.”
Matri has also been frequently linked with Fiorentina, Napoli and Juventus who are all looking to increase their options up front.