Sporting briefs

Smalling: Manchester United have suffered a major pre-season injury blow after England defender Chris Smalling was ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a broken metatarsal. Smalling had been training at United’s Carrington HQ after recovering from a thigh injury that ended his hopes of appearing at Euro 2012. However, it has now been confirmed the 22-year-old has suffered a new setback.

Bayern Munich: Bayern Munich pair David Alaba and Farinha will both miss the start of the 2012-13 season due to injuries sustained in their side’s 3-2 friendly loss to Napoli. Austrian utility man Alaba, who scored the opening goal in Friday’s game, has sustained a stress fracture to his left foot and is likely to be out of action for between six and eight weeks. Brazilian defender Farinha, 26, ruptured ligaments in his right ankle and is expected to be out for around five weeks.

Inter: Inter have left Julio Cesar, Giampaolo Pazzini and Douglas Maicon out of last night’s Trofeo TIM, fuelling reports of a summer exit. The three players not only missed the pre-season mini-tournament against Juventus and Milan, but are likely to skip the Europa League qualifier against the winner of the tie between Hajduk Split and Skonto Riga next month.

Davis: Southampton have announced the signing of midfielder Steven Davis after reaching an agreement with the Rangers newco. Northern Ireland international Davis, 27, has committed to a contract until 2016 with the Saints after talks reached a positive conclusion. Davis, who has previous Premier League experience after spells with Aston Villa and Fulham, has been training with Southampton since July 6.

Miyaichi: Ajax have confirmed they are keen to sign Arsenal youngster Ryo Miyaichi on loan. Miyaichi, 19, signed for the Gunners in 2010 and subsequently impressed when he went out on loan to Dutch side Feyenoord in 2011. The Japan international continued his development with a spell at Bolton Wanderers last season and he could now be set for a return to the Netherlands.

Friendly: Ghana will meet China in a friendly match in Beijing on August 15, the Ghanaian FA (GFA) announced yesterday. The Black Stars will use the match to warm up for the first leg of their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Malawi, which is due to be played on the weekend of September 7-9.