Football news

Bolton manager Owen Coyle will be without Gary Cahill against Manchester City tomorrow as the defender recovers from a blood clot in his arm.

The England hopeful was expected to be released from hospital yesterday but could miss the rest of the season.

Coyle said: "It is a severe blow for the boy but our main concern is his welfare. We have to make sure Gary is fit and well.

"He will miss the next few months, it might be for the rest of the season, we will hear from the specialist later.

"As disappointed as we are, at 24, Gary has a marvellous career ahead of him. I believe he would have made the World Cup for the summer but we have to make sure first of all he recovers from this blood clot."

Capello won't freeze out Terry

Fabio Capello believes John Terry remains one of England's most important players. The coach stripped Terry of the captaincy last week following newspaper allegations surrounding his private life.

But the Italian said: "John Terry is still an important player for England. He is one of the most important players for England."

The backing seems to end any worries Terry may have had about his future in the team in the run-up to this summer's World Cup.

Capello has shown a reluctance to talk about the issue after making the decision to replace the 29-year-old with Rio Ferdinand on Friday.

And he said on Sunday: "It is all over, it is finished, it is time to move on."

Newcastle's Carroll charged with assault

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll was charged with assault yesterday following an incident at a city centre nightclub.

The 21-year-old is accused of attacking another reveller inside the Blu Bambu, on Newcastle's Bigg Market, in December.

After Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League, Carroll has been a regular this season as the club looks to return to the top flight at the first attempt.

The England U-21 international has scored eight goals in 20 matches for top-of-the-table Newcastle this season.

Treble bid still alive - Bougherra

Madjid Bougherra is confident Rangers will keep their treble bid alive by finishing off St Mirren in their Scottish Cup fifth-round replay at Ibrox.

Bougherra played his first club game since returning from African Nations Cup duty on Saturday and was instrumental in helping Walter Smith's men claim a goalless draw and a second match at Ibrox a week tomorrow.

Algeria defender Bougherra, 27, said: "We are still in the cup, we've had a good run before and we didn't lose.

"We have another game at Ibrox at home so we are still confident."

Gazza held in drink-drive probe

Former England star Paul Gascoigne was quizzed by police yesterday after he was arrested on suspicion of driving when under the influence of alcohol.

The former Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder was taken into custody on Sunday night after police were called to a disturbance at a takeaway in Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire. The 42-year-old, who has faced a long battle with alcoholism and depression, and another man were questioned by officers yesterday morning.

Gascoigne, who was sectioned three times under the Mental Health Act in 2008, has described how when he hit rock bottom he was taking cocaine and drinking a litre of gin a day. In December last year, he was handed a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly after being arrested in Newcastle.

Wolves in real trouble - McCarthy

Mick McCarthy admits his Wolves side will find it tough to bounce back in their bid for survival in the Premier League after blowing the lead and losing 2-1 to rivals Birmingham City on Sunday.

McCarthy, who was hoping to celebrate his 51st birthday with a much-needed victory, admitted that he has a difficult task on his hands to inspire his players to put Sunday's disappointing result to the back of their minds.

"That is the lowest I have seen the dressing room after a game. Football is really cruel at times. It is a great game, but a cruel one. It is fair to say that we did not deserve that.

"The beauty of it is that we have a chance very quickly to get this out of our system against Spurs," he said, referring to Wolves' home game against the London outfit tomorrow.

Wenger still keen on Chamakh

Arsene Wenger has responded positively to Marouane Chamakh's declaration that he wants to join Arsenal.

The highly-rated Chamakh will be available on a free transfer in the summer and he revealed over the weekend that it would be his dream to link up with Wenger.

"In life you should achieve your dreams, above all you should try for them," a smiling Wenger said.

"We do like him a lot, but the day we sign him - we will let you know."

Arsenal attempted to sign Chamakh last summer and again this January, but Bordeaux - who are still in the Champions League - insisted on him staying.