Ronaldo: Ronaldo said he had almost recovered from a nagging hamstring injury but was unlikely to make his first appearance of the season in Sunday's Serie A match against Empoli. "I don't know (if I'll play against Empoli), I don't think so," the Brazilian told Sky television. "We are continuing with our recovery programme. We are almost there."

Diego: Werder Bremen midfielder Diego has been voted player of the 2006/07 season in a ballot of players from Germany's top three divisions. The Brazilian got 31.4 per cent of the vote, ahead of VfB Stuttgart's Mario Gomez and Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Schneider.

Escude: France striker Nicolas Anelka and defender Julien Escude have been ruled out of tomorrow's Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania in Nantes, the French soccer federation (FFF) announced yesterday. Anelka has been replaced by Monaco striker Frederic Piquionne, who has joined the squad in Nantes on Monday, Le Guillard said.

Fletcher: Scotland flew out to Georgia on Monday boosted by the news that Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher may have recovered enough from injury to start in their Euro 2008 Group B qualifier. With several squad members out through injury or suspension, Scotland have been able to call on Fletcher, back in training after suffering a knee injury a month ago.

Santa Cruz: Blackburn are hoping a period of rest may avoid the need for Roque Santa Cruz to undergo knee surgery. The Paraguayan striker pulled out of international duty after a scan showed he was suffering from tendinitis in his knee. Santa Cruz is showing a positive reaction to treatment but a final decision has yet to be made about surgery.

United trial: Manchester United have handed a four-day trial to Southend teenager Medi Abalimba. The 16-year-old midfielder will link up with the Premier League champions at the end of the month in the hope of sealing a move to Old Trafford.

In England: League One - Luton vs Northampton 4-1.