Wenger hope over the concern of veal Vermaelen

Defender Thomas Vermaelen Arsenal will be the subject of tests Wednesday after arriving off the coast of calf problem like towards the end of the Carling Cup victory against Bolton.

GettyImagesThomas Vermaelen is helped from the field in the Carling Cup win on Bolton

Vermaelen made his return very expected of an Achilles injury in starting in the fourth round 2-1 victory, playing 84 minutes at the Emirates before being replaced by rookie Daniel Boateng. Manager Arsene Wenger revealed Vermaelen has requested to be removed after a printing problem in his calf, but he is convinced that the Belgian has not suffered actual injury.

"He did very well, but he had to go out for a calf problem," said Wenger. "I hope that's not too bad." It will be a little short for Saturday [against Chelsea in the Premier League]. I know not yet what happened.

"We'll test him tomorrow [Wednesday], but was not too bad air.". He has been off for a long time and not had a single training session yesterday with the team.

"I did not expect a game of this intensity because it was a really difficult gamefor a central back tonight as they put us under pressure in the secondhalf.". I do not think that it is a strain of veal, I think it's just a calfbecause tight he has not played 90 minutes for three months.

"He wanted to get out." In all fairness, I would not remove because Ithought it was stupid to four minutes to go when we conceded a goal. He was adamant that he could not go on so I hope that's not too bad. »

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City dispel fears about the absence of Hargreaves

Manchester City moved to dispel fears Owen Hargreaves suffered anythingother as a very minor setback in its bid to resurrect his career.

GettyImagesOwen Hargreaves will not be playing in Carling Cup Wednesday

Hargreaves was eliminated from the Carling Cupfourth round to Wolves traverse after a kick in the calf. The match would have otherwise provided the age of 30 years with an excellent opportunity to get some competitive football under its belt it seeks to establish itself in the city.

The midfielder, who made early top scorer for the overBirmingham city of their victory in the third round, came out by Manchester United in the summer after the threeinjury-ravaged seasons.

First team coach David Platt, said: "there is no concern about it." There alittle niggle that, because it is Owen Hargreaves, we talk about it. It's not much, it is just a kick in the calf. We had it scanned and there was no attraction or anything.

"He was in was has not decomposed. If it had broken down we would be talking about himbeing out for three or four weeks, but this is not the case. »

Hargreaves played 57 minutes against Birmingham five weeks but his onlyappearance since then was as a late substitute in the first League of Barclays 4-1 Aston Villa winover October 15.

It was thought to be in the running for a place on the bench for Sunday over his former club derbywin, he was not named in the team.

Hargreaves has been hampered by problems in both knees during his stay in the Unitedbefore, he suffered a wound in the thigh at the start of what proved to be his finalappearance for Club last November. Yet, while the city do not want to risk him at the Molineux, they insist it is not because they need to treat with more care than any other player.

Platt said: "it is there or nearby, but the fact of the matter is hehasn can't trained for three or four days. Go and do a light training session and then go to it, you wouldn't do with any player. Which has nothing to do with whether or not it is Owen.

"Since we have returned to the international break, Owen Hargreaves has been available for selection to be the 24-25 players. It may well have been in the team for the derby. It might have been in the stand, on the bench, or he may have played.

"We look more like another case, while leading to the international break, we were still in its preparation"pre-season ". We are more than. He comes into the equation as any other player he is now.

"He came on 1 September and we are now at the end of October. It is seven weeks, and it was off the field of the formation of five days. Rather than talk about what is happened in the past three years, it is now a Manchester City player, and we must leave when it was atManchester City to it. »

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Beckenbauer calls for clarity of the offside rule

Franz Beckenbauer, the head of the Task Force Football 2014 FIFA, asked that there an offside rule "clear and understandable."

GettyImagesFranz Beckenbauer wants to see some changes.

Beckenbauer believes there needs to be clarification on when a player is actively or passively offside, with task due to respond quickly, should provide for discussion and "triple punishment", which means players expelled for refusing to only a chance of striker will receive a red card, concede a penalty and the subsequent ban.

On the law of offside, reading from a statement: "the Group discussed the interpretationof law 11 regarding active and passive offside." The Chairman asked the members of the task force to come with suggestions for a clear and understandable rule at the time of the next meeting of the group. »

Beckenbauer, nicknamed 'Der Kaiser', added: "in my time it was very simple, off was an offside, case itdidn can't where the ball was. [Now] is nonsense, it's too complicated.

"We have a situation with an offside active and passive at this time." I think that weshould stay far away from complex expressions, we should return to make itmore simple, not as if it were at the beginning but somewhere between the two. »

On the question of the triple penalty, the statement added: "simple other faults in the area of the penalty should only be sanctioned with a penalty and a yellow card." The same penalty is proposed for a goalie who is trying to catch the ball but clad legs of a player. The objective is to make it easier for referees ensure uniform and fair decisions. »

Legislative changes should be submitted to the Commission of the FA International in March, while Beckenbauer has also commented on the topic of fair play: "there were a number of items on the agenda, including the subject of fair play, and we discussed what must be done better in the future.".

"What we saw last year was terrible, including the most important match of the last four years, namely, the FIFA World Cup 2010 final between the Spain and the Netherlands in South Africa."

"The way in which both teams behaved in the first half was horrible." It is supposed to be good of bea to the football game, but it was quite the contrary. The final of the Copa Libertadores in South America was similar and things like that do not belong on a football field, they need to be punished. »

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Wages problematic for Adebayor transfer

Emmanuel Adebayor's impressive start to his loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur has already led to talk of a permanent move from Manchester City, but the player would have to accept a drop in wages to make the move happen.

GettyImagesEmmanuel Adebayor celebrates a debut goal at Wolves

• Redknapp still wants Cahill

Adebayor is Spurs' top scorer with three Premier League goals in four appearances, and he also has two assists to his name. But boss Harry Redknapp played down the chances of buying the striker.

Redknapp said: "If Emmanuel maintains his current form I would love to keep him but his wages are going to be a major stumbling block, that's for sure.

"I have no idea how much we are paying towards his wages at the moment as the chairman [Daniel Levy] deals with those issues but I suspect they are massively subsidised by City.

"The only way we can realistically get a deal done is if Emmanuel is prepared to take a substantial pay-cut and put his football before money."

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Ronaldo: Portugal playing to win in Denmark

Winning is all that counts for Portugal when they take on Denmark in Copenhagen on Tuesday night, according to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo will lead his men out at the Parken Stadion knowing adraw will be enough to take them to Poland and Ukraine for next summer'sEuropean Championships.

Paulo Bento's side currently lead Group H by virtue of their home win over the Danes earlier in the campaign, so a point in Copenhagen will see them avoid next month's play-offs.

Norway, three points shy of the duo, could make things even more complex should they inflict a heavy defeaton Cyprus - but only if Portugal lose to Denmark. Norway would still require a goal difference swing of nine goals to finish second.

Ronaldo is looking to forget playing for a draw to earn a place in the finals - get a win.

"Portugal are going to Denmark to win the game, that's our thinking,'' he told Spanish newspaper AS. "We know there are conditions but we want to win the tie for direct entry (to Euro 2012).

"That is always the mentality of the team and I am sure we will make it a good match.''

Ronaldo did not score any of Portugal's five goals as they beat Iceland 5-3 on Friday proving their attack is working well heading to Denmark. Their defence is not polished at the moment, though, and Ronaldo believes the absence of club team-mates Pepe and Fabio Coentrao is a contributing factor, as well as the self-imposed exile of Ricardo Carvalho.

"We very much need Pepe,'' the 26-year-old added. "But those who are here now are the most important. We can talk about Pepe, but Ricardo Carvalho did not come to Portugal.''

The first qualifying fixture between the two ended in a 3-1 win for Portugal, but Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen believes a sound historical record could stand his side in good stead.

They avoided defeat in their three meetings prior to that Lisbon reverse, and Eriksen told UEFA.com: "It would be better to avoid the play-offs, but we can only avoid them by getting a win. We've done well against Portugal before, though.''

While Norway have a mathematical chance of making it into second spot, manager Egil Olsen has accepted his side will not be boarding the plane next summer.

"It's possible to say I'm disappointed, but I wasn't exactly optimistic beforehand,'' the former Wimbledon manager told Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten.

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Walcott taking nothing for granted on Euro spot

England winger Theo Walcott knows not to be complacent over a place in the squad for Euro 2012 after his World Cup disappointment.

GettyImagesTheo Walcott has 19 England caps

• Capello warning for Rooney
• Neville: Ban shifts focus
• Redknapp: Ban could be costly
• Euro 2012: Who can qualify

Walcott was an integral part of the England squad which qualified for last summer's finals in South Africa, scoring a hat-trick away in Croatia, but a drop in form in the months leading up to the tournament meant he was left out.

While Walcott is back in manager Fabio Capello's plans, he knows he will have to continue to play well to make the plane to Poland and Ukraine. With Aaron Lennon due to return from injury, Adam Johnson able to play on the right and the upcoming presence of Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain there is competition for squad places.

Walcott said: "You've got to play well for your club and the manager will pick players on form, so I'm not going to look too far ahead after what happened to me a couple of years ago. He plays players in form and you always get a chance to play and show what you can do and hopefully we can take that into the tournament when it comes to it.

"Firstly I'm going to be concentrating on Arsenal after the poor start we've had. But it's great to have qualified with England - and the fans were great in Montenegro even when we went to 2-2. This shows what it means to them.

"There are mixed emotions because they scored that last goal - and them going through as well is great for them. But we are happy. We just needed to get a draw. We didn't go out to get a draw. We wanted to win the game but maybe there was a lapse of concentration in the first half.

"It was great to go 2-0 up but we were quite sloppy in the last 10 minutes of the first half and they made it 2-1. But we got the draw and that is the most important thing."

England now have two friendlies lined up, against Spain in November and then Netherlands in February, as long as the Dutch are not drawn in England's group for the finals. Both will be played at Wembley, where England have struggled of late.

"When we play away, a lot of teams have got to come at us so it gives so much more space for the likes of me, Ashley (Young) and Stewie (Downing). It makes our job so much easier but, with our pace and the young, experienced players we've got now, it is a good balance.

"The friendlies are always good to try players out and when you play against these top teams, who were in the World Cup final, it is going to test us. In friendlies, the result doesn't matter but we want to win.

"It doesn't matter who we play but the manager will get bits out of players he hasn't seen before and it is nice for those on the fringe to show what they can do. But you don't know if the starting line-up in Montenegro will play against Spain and Holland. Injuries might happen.

"When it comes to it, I'll focus on that - but my first priority now is Arsenal."

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West Ham to make formal approach for Tevez

West Ham plan a make an official bid to take Carlos Tevez on loan from Manchester City for three months this week.

GettyImagesMan City fans call for Carlos Tevez's sale during the recent win at Blackburn

• Maradona no to Tevez
• Corinthians rule out Tevez
• Wages problematic for Ade move

The Hammers will say they can put Tevez in the shop window pending a permanent transfer in January, and take the £50 million-rated striker out of manager Roberto Mancini's sight.

City need to keep Tevez match fit and sharp to persuade clubs to take Tevez off their hands without having to accept a cut-price deal, and a three-month loan would suit both clubs.

There has been interest in the £250,000-a-week striker, but so far suitors have been put off as the total cost of any deal means the player is just too expensive to buy.

Wealthy Middle East club Al-Wasl, now managed by Diego Maradona, have denied they have an interest.

But Corinthians, who desperately wanted him in the summer, could be back in the race despite declaring last week that they were out of the reckoning.

Corinthians director of football Edu told Sky Sports News "It was quite difficult to sign him because at the time it was shortly before our transfer window. Now we are here [in England] and we will talk and see what the situation is and we will look to sign him in the summer.

"I will talk to the president - we offered ¬40 million and now the money we had we have spent some of as that is football. We want to see how Tevez is and what his situation is, we will see if we can do a deal - he is very famous in Brazil and everyone loves him, and the fans want him.

"I spoke to him [Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian] at the [Leaders in Football ] congress, but very formal not really about Tevez yet - we are quite friendly and have a good relationship but not about Tevez yet.

"It is a lot of things to think about. Carlos Tevez has a lot of things around him."

In the meantime, the Championship side from East London are serious about bringing Tevez back to Upon Park until he is sold by City.

After an initial telephone call immediately after Tevez was suspended for two weeks for his alleged refusal to come off the bench during the 2-0 defeat in Munich in the Champions League, the Hammers are preparing to make a more official bid once City have announced the outcome of their internal enquiry - expected on Monday or Tuesday.

A City insider told ESPNsoccernet: "We did receive a call from West Ham, but there was no formal offer."

And a Hammers source confirmed: "We are serious about Tevez, but there is nothing more for us to say at the moment."

Tevez saved West Ham from relegation in 2007 and now they see the Argentine as the man to inspire their bid to reclaim a spot in the Premier League.

However, there is only a remote chance that the Hammers can succeed as they want City to continue to pay the bulk of the player's salary. West Ham concede their chances are slim, but they plan to give it a go.

• Harry Harris' new book, 19: The Remarkable Story of United's League Championship Record, is available now.

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Cleverley signs new contract with Man United

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2015.

GettyImagesTom Cleverley: The latest young United star

Cleverley made his first competitive start for the Premier League champions in August's win at West Brom, two days after his 22nd birthday. Such has been the academy graduate's impact, he has already won a call-up to England's senior squad, though he has yet to play for Fabio Capello's side.

The England Under-21 international's football education came in the form of loan spells at Leicester City, where he won the League One title, Watford and Wigan Athletic before being welcomed into the United first-team squad this season.

He is currently out injured with ligament damage to his foot suffered in the 5-0 win at Bolton Wanderers a month ago, but is in contention to return on Saturday in the Premier League clash with rivals Liverpool.

"Tom is one of the brightest prospects in the English game,'' United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said. "For a young boy, he has a good footballing brain which, when coupled with his energy and ability, makes for a player with a fine future ahead of him.

"It's the United way to encourage our young players to make their mark in the first team and Tom has grabbed that chance with both hands."

Cleverley said: "It's been a fantastic start to the season for me, breaking into the first team and getting an England call-up. Having grown up at the club, I'd love to be able to make a contribution to United winning more trophies.

"We have a squad with great ability and I can't wait to get started again.''

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Rooney to learn Euro 2012 fate on Thursday

England striker Wayne Rooney will discover the cost of his red card in Montenegro after a UEFA meeting on Thursday.

GettyImagesWayne Rooney saw red for this kick

• Capello to leave out Rooney
• Neville: Ban shifts focus, ref hope
• Redknapp: Ban could be costly
• The race to Euro 2012: Who can qualify

UEFA's Disciplinary and Control Body will sit to discuss issues from the last set of qualifiers. They will also hear outstanding complaints, including the claims of racist abuse levelled at Bulgaria by England.

But the crucial outcome, for the Three Lions at least, will be the ban handed to Wayne Rooney for his dismissal in their final qualifier last Friday. Rooney petulantly kicked out at Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic.

With no more competitive games for England before next summer's finals in Ukraine and Poland, UEFA has already confirmed Rooney will automatically miss the opening group game.

UEFA will now decide whether or not Rooney should be banned for any additional games, with violent conduct usually leading to a two-game ban.

Russia's Andrei Arshavin was sent off against Andorra in their last qualifier for Euro 2008, in a very similar incident to that of Rooney as he lashed out at an opponent. Arshavin was suspended for two matches but still left a lasting imprint on the tournament when available for selection in the last group game.

England boss Fabio Capello has stated that Wayne Rooney will not start any of England friendlies in the run-up to Euro 2012 as he tries to find a system that works without the Manchester United man.

Referee Wolfgang Stark, who sent Rooney off, had words of support for the Manchester United star over the weekend, believing that his reaction to the dismissal and calm exit from the pitch may help his cause and limit his ban to a single match. But Rooney would be exceptionally lucky to escape with that punishment.

The draw for the play-offs also takes place at midday BST on Thursday, which will controversially be seeded once again. The pots for the final draw, on December 2, will also be known.

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Henderson hopes to keep place in team

Liverpool's £20 million man Jordan Henderson does not fear the return of Steven Gerrard to the Reds' squad, insisting he is hoping to be in the team to face Manchester United on Saturday.

GettyImagesJordan Henderson moved from Sunderland

• Reina: Arsenal move blocked

Henderson has experienced a mixed start to his Anfield career, scoring a fine goal at home to Bolton before later finding himself benched for the recent Merseyside derby at Everton. The England youngster is still trying to establish himself as a first-team regular, and his case will not be helped by fit-again Gerrard.

Gerrard, the Liverpool captain, has made three substitute appearances following a long-term groin injury and is eyeing a start against United. With Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Lucas Leiva likely to be certainties to face the champions at Anfield, Henderson faces a fight for a place in the midfield - not only against Gerrard but also Dirk Kuyt.

Kenny Dalglish opted to use Kuyt in the recent derby win over Everton, and the Liverpool manager has largely chosen to stick with a winning formula this season. Gerrard's recovery makes Henderson's involvement even less likely, but the former Sunderland man does not see himself becoming marginalised.

"Hopefully not. I'm not really worried about that, it's part and parcel of football," Henderson told Sky Sports News. "Obviously Stevie's a massive player for Liverpool and he's going to play as many games as he can.

"But I need to concentrate on what I do, work hard in training, and when given the opportunity I need to take it and stay in the team.

"The derby's a massive game and every player wants to play in it, so of course it was disappointing not to start [at Everton], but the team did brilliantly and I was fortunate enough to come on. Hopefully I'll start the next one."

Liverpool can move within three points of United with victory at Anfield. Last season's corresponding fixture saw the Reds triumph 3-1 thanks to a Dirk Kuyt hat-trick.

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Beleaguered Steve Bruce vows to fight on

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is determined to turn around the club's form as rumours grow that he is set to become the first managerial casualty of the Premier League season.

PA PhotosIs time running out for Steve Bruce?

• Quinn: Bruce will be given time
• Quinn steps down

Sunderland are currently 16th in the table, a point outside the relegation zone, and have won just one game from their first seven. They also exited the Carling Cup in the second round with a 1-0 defeat at Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion.

Bruce's position was weakened last week as acolyte Niall Quinn stepped down from his role as chariman to "spearhead international development on behalf of the club". Owner Ellis Short has now assumed that position but it is thought he is not as supportive of the manager.

The odds on Bruce to be the first sacking of the campaign shortened over the weekend following press speculation regarding his future, with some bookmakers he is now the favourite for the chop ahead of Blackburn boss Steve Kean. Reports claimed Martin O'Neill was being lined up to replace Bruce.

Bruce's task does not get much easier on Sunday when he takes his side to take on Arsenal, another club with many problems. That is followed by what already looks like a significant fixture at the foot of the table when Sunderland visit Bolton.

Bruce told the Northern Echo: "I hope that people still have faith in me. I know people will be questioning me, of course they are. But I'm a determined, resilient, horrible so-and-so and I will try my utmost to turn it around.

"I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I'm not going to put up the white flag now. I knew what it would be like and the challenge is still the same for me - can we get a team together that mount a sustained challenge in the top 10?''

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