RISING star David Meyler is likely to miss out on a Republic of Ireland debut later this month after suffering a suspected cruciate ligament injury in Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United yesterday.

MARK HUGHES yesterday accused some players of putting their fellow professionals’ health at risk with the kind of reckless tackling the Fulham boss believes has crept into the game.

NICKLAS BENDTNER has apologised for his behaviour following Arsenal’s Champions League defeat to Manchester United.

FRANCE have suffered another setback ahead of their World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland with the loss of Arsenal defender Gael Clichy to a back injury.

THE controversial Wembley pitch is to be dug up immediately.

REAL MADRID general manager Jorge Valdano insists the club are not interested in taking England striker Wayne Rooney to the Bernabeu Stadium.

BAYERN MUNICH have been dealt a double blow ahead of the visit of Manchester United in the Champions League tomorrow as they slumped to a second successive 2-1 defeat in the Bundesliga to Stuttgart.

FORMER Manchester United and Northern Ireland football hero George Best was back in hospital yesterday, recovering from an infection following his life-saving liver transplant operation.

ARSENAL are close to agreeing a deal with Ajax for their outstanding full-back Hatem Trabelsi.

THE FA have confirmed that Roy Keane has until Friday to appeal against his five-match ban and £150,000 (€234.157) fine.

CHELSEA striker Mateja Kezman was last night handed a three-match domestic ban by the Football Association following his sending off against Roma during last week’s pre-season friendly in America.

HOLLAND coach Marco van Basten has recalled several senior players to the squad to face the Czech Republic and FYR Macedonia.

MARK VIDUKA has pledged his future commitment to Australia and is determined to lead his country into the next World Cup finals.

GABRIEL HEINZE could be back in training with Manchester United by the beginning of April.

RAFAEL BENITEZ admits winning games in the Premiership has become more difficult compared to last season - but the Liverpool boss has been encouraged by Chelsea’s winning run coming to an end.

SPAIN’S Jose Antonio Reyes is hoping England defenders Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand can put domestic issues to one side when the two countries clash tomorrow night.

Alex Ferguson’s winter spending plans will not be affected by confirmation that Manchester United will have to wait until April 2005 for the final instalment of the €25m fee for Dutch defender Jaap Stam.

Defender Mikael Silvestre will be fit for Manchester United following his ankle injury in time for Porto’s Champions League visit to Old Trafford next week.