Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given winger Alexis Sanchez a “slight chance” of being included in his squad for Monday’s Premier League showdown at home to Manchester City.
The Gunners will wait until the day of the game to see if the 26-year-old has recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City last month.
“(There could be) one or two possible comebacks, maybe a very slight chance for Sanchez to be in the squad again but it’s too early to be sure,” Wenger said.
“He is running but not participating in full training. I believe it’s normal for him to be keen to play but he respects all the decisions I make.”
Vanhaezebrouck signs new contract
Gent have rewarded Hein Vanhaezebrouck with a contract extension after the coach led the Belgian club to the knockout stages of the Champions League earlier this month.
He had signed a new deal that would keep him at the club until mid-2018, a statement said.
“We are of the opinion that we must reward our wonderful achievements and have signed a financially improved contract. We are also showing our ambition by keeping such a top trainer with us for a longer period,” chairman Ivan de Witte said.
De Gea dismisses talk of players unrest
Goalkeeper David de Gea has dismissed reports of discontent in the Manchester United dressing room and credited captain Wayne Rooney with keeping the squad together and pulling in the same direction.
United are fourth in the Premier League table and have been heavily criticised for their stodgy performances this season.
“There’s a great atmosphere. The dressing room is very together and united. They are a great set of lads and we’re all very happy with the group of players that we have,” De Gea said.
“I think that’s really important in a team if it wants to achieve big things.”
Aston Villa to back Garde with funds
Aston Villa manager Remi Garde will receive all the backing he needs in the January transfer window as the club bids to avoid relegation, according to chief executive Tom Fox.
Villa are six points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League after winning just one league game in 16 so far this season.
Frenchman Garde has been assured by the club’s hierarchy that he will receive funds for players he wants in January.
“It’s up to Remi,” Fox, who flew with Garde to meet owner Randy Lerner in the US this week, said.
“If he decides he needs something, he has the chairman’s ear and his support, absolutely.”
Ribery recovery extended
Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery is set to miss another two months due to injury, according to reports in Germany.
Ribery has made just two appearances this season having only recently recovered from a nine-month ankle injury.
However, the 32-year-old suffered a thigh complaint during Bayern’s Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb last Wednesday and is reportedly set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
German magazine Kicker is reporting the France international could be out for up to eight weeks, meaning he will miss the restart after the Bundesliga’s winter break on January 22 when Bayern travel to Hamburg.
US striker Wambach bows out in defeat
Abby Wambach, the most prolific goalscorer of all time in international soccer, bowed out of the game in defeat on Wednesday when the US women’s team lost 1-0 to China to end an unbeaten run of 104 matches on home soil.
Despite the best efforts of her American team-mates to get the ball to her in the friendly played in front of 32,950 fans in New Orleans, Wambach had only a couple of half-chances to add to her tally of 184 international goals.
China struggled to get the ball out of their own half for long periods, but scored on a rare attacking foray when Wang Shuang connected with a cross in the 58th minute.
Genoa support for coach Gasperini
Genoa gave their full backing to coach Gian Piero Gasperini despite the team’s poor performances of late.
The Grifone have lost the last three matches, including Tuesday’s Coppa Italia upset to Alessandria and reports said Gasperini was facing the sack.
But a club statement yesterday dismissed these rumours.
“Genoa CFC confirm that they have full faith in the work of Coach Gian Piero Gasperini,” the statement said
“The club wishes to express the conviction that the difficulties, caused by the results and not the quality of play, will be surpassed alongside the Coach.
“The club categorically denies having initiated contacts with Francesco Guidolin or other coaches.”