Arsene Wenger admits Jack Wilshere is an injury doubt ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash at Barcelona tomorrow.
Wilshere injured his ankle in the 0-0 home draw with Sunderland on Saturday.
“Wilshere has an ankle problem,” Wenger said. “We will see how he responds to treatment. Maybe Monday (today) he will be back.”
With midfield duo Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song also struggling to be fit for the second leg tie at the Nou Camp, when Arsenal will defend a 2-1 advantage , Wilshere’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Wenger.
FA chief wants mixed 2012 team
New FA chairman David Bernstein wants the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey to be considered for the British Olympic football team at the London 2012 Games.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agreed with the FA two years ago that the team would be made up of English players only but the British Olympic Association say that is not permitted under their statutes.
Bernstein said: “We definitely want a team in the Olympics. If it was a team of all the talents I personally think that would be very attractive.”
Phil Pritchard, the Wales FA president, said Wales should be allowed to compete at the Olympics under their own flag.
Bougherra promises apology
Madjid Bougherra has promised to apologise to referee Calum Murray for his behaviour in the stormy Scottish Cup tie against Celtic. The defender reacted furiously when he was sent off in injury time and attempted to prevent Murray showing his cards.
Bougherra still believes his dismissal was wrong but is willing to say sorry for his actions.
“I just wanted to explain to the ref I felt the punishment was too harsh,” he said.
“I’m truly sorry if it appears I was too aggressive. I have tremendous respect for Mr Murray – he’s a good ref. The next time he takes charge of a Rangers game I will offer him my apologies.”
Heynckes hits out at Ballack
Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes has told Michael Ballack he must get used to being a substitute after the Germany captain requested not to be considered for Saturday’s match against Wolfsburg since he did not want to sit on the bench.
Ballack informed Heynckes of his decision on Friday and rather than taking his place on the bench at the BayArena, he trained alone.
“He told me that, the way things are at the moment, he cannot help the team from the bench,” revealed Heynckes.
“Michael is not used to being on the bench but things like this should be decided together.”
Leverkusen won the game 3-0 to return to second in the table.
Tax charge weighs on Redknapp
Harry Redknapp admits he has struggled to keep his mind on his work as Tottenham manager as he prepares to fight tax evasion charges in court in July.
As Redknapp, who denies any wrongdoing, prepares his side for a Champions League clash with Milan the Spurs boss also has the court case with which to contend.
“If it wasn’t me this wouldn’t be happening,” Redknapp said.
“I’m not a paedophile and I’m not a bank robber. I’ve done nothing wrong. I’m hurt by it, and it hurts my wife and family.
“I just want to get it out of the way and move on. It has been difficult to concentrate on the job at times, but I’ve managed to do it.”
Van Gaal won’t quit Bayern
Louis van Gaal insisted he would not resign following Bayern Munich’s 3-1 defeat at Hannover on Saturday.
The Dutchman’s position is hanging by a thread following a third straight defeat which chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge described as the “lowest point” of the season.
A defiant Van Gaal said: “I have always felt the backing of my board and it is up to them to decide whether I still have this backing.
“Of course everybody here is disappointed.
“The last time I had such a difficult phase was when I was coach in Barcelona. In the space of 10 days, we have thrown a lot away and of course the pressure increases.”
Yeung looks for Blues investment
Birmingham owner Carson Yeung and the club’s board of directors are stepping up their efforts to attract new investors to the Carling Cup winners.
Reports said yesterday that City may not be able to compete in Europe unless they can assure UEFA their financial future is secure.
A statement by Birmingham International Holdings revealed the Blues and other Hong Kong-based businesses had total debts in excess of £29m.
It also emerged last week that Yeung has put some of his own properties up as collateral for a multi-million pound loan.
City need to obtain a UEFA licence to be able to take their place in the Europa League and this will depend on them satisfying criteria about their finances.