Luque: Newcastle's striker Albert Luque faces two months out after rupturing his hamstring in the 1-1 draw at Fulham last Saturday. The 27-year-old, who joined United for £9.5 million from Deportivo La Coruna last month, was carried off on a stretcher 10 minutes before half-time. Manager Graeme Souness expected him to be missing for six weeks but the results of a scan on Monday have revealed a rupture that will keep Luque out of action "for eight to 10 weeks".
Tevez: Corinthians' Argentine forward Carlos Tevez has been accused of sexism in the latest round of mud-slinging between himself and Brazilian referees. A Sao Paulo police department is threatening to prosecute the Argentine over comments he made about two female line officials last week. "He questioned women's capabilities," the police said. Tevez's outburst came after Corinthians lost 3-2 to local rivals Sao Paulo last week in a match where women ran both lines.
Maradona: Diego Maradona slammed Boca Juniors supporters after they had jeered coach Alfio Basile during Sunday's 1-0 win over Argentinos Juniors. "I was very angry when I went home," said Maradona, who has taken on a role as Boca's football vice-president. "I'm sure the people who insulted Basile are not supporters of our team." However, Maradona conceded that Boca's performance left much to be desired. "I know we couldn't find our game. I know it, the coach knows it, the players know it."
Bayern Munich: Bayern Munich's new spirit of dressing room harmony has gone too far for the club's hard-nosed manager Uli Hoeness, who is starting to sound nostalgic for the in-fighting of the "FC Hollywood" years. "Good team spirit is a fine thing to have and I'm someone who likes a harmonious atmosphere," Hoeness said. "But there is a danger if they all hug each other all the time. At the moment there's a bit too much love for each other in this squad."
In Italy: Serie B - Piacenza vs Catania 1-1; Modena vs Mantova 0-0; Brescia vs Cremonese 1-0; AlbinoLeffe vs Rimini 2-2. Serie C1 A - Salernitana vs Teramo 1-0. Serie C1 B - Chieti vs Perugia 1-2.
In England: Championship - Derby County vs Coventry 1-1.
MFA DIV. II/III: Ghargur vs Luqa 3-2; Attard vs Pembroke 0-0.