Woodgate: Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate, who has yet to make his debut for the Primera Liga side, should make a complete recovery from a long-term thigh injury by the end of the season. "After a variety of tests and examinations, exploratory surgery and a biopsy have been carried out in Finland that have confirmed the good state and complete healing of the rectus femoris muscle in the player's left leg," Real said yesterday. The 25-year-old joined Real from Newcastle for close to e20m in August last year.
Cisse: Striker Djibril Cisse, who has just returned to action for Liverpool after breaking his leg in October, says France can rely on him to help them qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals. "Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet are immovable and I have to be patient but don't forget that I'm only 24 and they are four years older than me," he said. "The main thing for me is to lie in ambush, to be a regular member of the squad. (France coach) Raymond Domenech must know that he can rely on me."
Brazil: Brazil will face Guatemala in a match to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a television network this month after three other teams turned down the world champions' invitation. The Brazilian FA confirmed that the Central Americans would visit the Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo on April 27. The CBF had previously invited Argentina, Uruguay and Ecuador to take part in the match.
Pennant: Birmingham City say they have agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign on-loan winger Jermaine Pennant on a permanent basis. "We've tried our utmost to make the deal possible but now that part has been done," Birmingham manager Steve Bruce said. No details of any transfer fee were disclosed. Pennant, who has criticised Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for not bringing through enough English youngsters at Highbury, has been on loan at Birmingham since January 31.
Defoe: England striker Jermain Defoe deserves to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award because he does not play for a top club, says Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol. "I'm his coach and I think he deserves this award," Jol said. The 22-year-old has forced his way into the England squad since joining Spurs from West Ham and has scored 23 goals in all competitions this season, including a goal for his country.
In England: The Championship - Sheffield Utd vs Derby 0-1. League One - Hartlepool vs Sheffield Wed. 3-0. League Two - Swansea vs Oxford 1-0; Southend vs Leyton Orient 0-1.