Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says he is ready to stand down from Spain duty if he is deemed a "problem" by national team coach Julen Lopetegui or the Spanish Football Federation as a result of his support for Catalan independence.

Lionel Messi hailed Barcelona’s form after their 5-0 win at Rayo Vallecano.

Liverpool’s failure to re-sign Michael Owen has come back to haunt them with Fernando Morientes now facing several weeks on the sidelines.

Arsene Wenger is confident Jose Reyes will be able to handle the pressure and expectations on his shoulders as he makes his full Arsenal debut in tonight’s Carling Cup tie at Middlesbrough.