Riquelme: Villarreal playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme will travel to Argentina for specialist treatment on a thigh injury that has kept him out of the last two league games, the Primera Liga side said. The club did not put a date on his return but are hoping the 27-year-old Argentine international will have recovered for the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie against Rangers on February 22.

Messi: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will be sidelined for around 10 days after sustaining a leg muscle strain in Sunday's 3-1 home defeat by Atletico Madrid. The 18-year-old Argentine international will miss the league match against second-placed Valencia on Sunday.

UEFA Cup: Artmedia Bratislava have been ordered to play the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie against Levski Sofia on February 15 in Trnava, 45km from Bratislava, because of a frozen pitch. The round of 32 match will be played at Spartak Trnava's Anton Malatinsky Stadium. The second leg of the tie is scheduled for February 23. Slovak champions Artmedia enter the first knockout phase of the UEFA Cup after finishing third in their Champions League group.

Holloway: English second division club Queens Park Rangers have placed manager Ian Holloway on "gardening leave" after speculation that he will take over at Leicester City. A statement on the London club's website yesterday said Gary Waddock has been appointed caretaker manager. Former QPR player Holloway has been manager at Loftus Road for five years.

Hartson: Wales striker John Hartson announced his retirement from international soccer yesterday. "It is a sad day for me because I have loved playing for my country and representing the Welsh people for a number of years," the 30-year-old said. The former Arsenal forward scored 14 goals in 51 appearances since making his debut for Wales in 1995.

Under-18 Friendly: The Malta Under-18 soccer side yesterday lost to a strong Republic of Ireland team 1-0 at the MFA Ta' Qali Training Ground. The goal in the first half, was scored by Adam Rooney who plays for English Championship side Stoke City. Despite the defeat coach Edwin Camilleri was satisfied with the commitment shown by his players.

In England: The Championship - Sheffield United vs Watford 1-4.

In Italy: Serie C1 - San Marino vs Sambenedettese 0-0.

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