Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher has been ruled out for around three months, after learning that he requires surgery on the shoulder he dislocated in the weekend defeat at Spurs.
The 32-year-old central defender had to be replaced late on at White Hart Lane after a collision with Peter Crouch and subsequent tests have shown the need for an operation.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that Jelle Van Damme is set to return to Belgium after a matter of a few months at Molineux.
The 27-year-old former Southampton wing-back has made six appearances since his arrival from Anderlecht, but has struggled to settle into life back in England and is poised to sign for Standard Liege.
In rugby league, England international James Roby has opted to remain with St Helens, penning a new four-year contract with the Super League club.
The 25-year-old hooker had been heavily linked with a move to Australia’s NRL, but has decided to stay put for the foreseeable future.
In rugby union, Samoan wing Sailosi Tagicakibau and Tongan number eight Chris Hala’ufia have signed new long-term deals with London Irish.
Tagicakibau has penned a four-year contract and Hala’ufia a three-year deal with the Exiles.
Meanwhile, Leeds Carnegie star Hendre Fourie has called for the doubters to get behind beleaguered head coaches Neil Back and Andy Key.
The West Yorkshire club are currently rooted to the foot of the table with just three points to their name and are seven points away from safety after failing to win a match so far this term.
However, South Africa-born England international flanker Fourie insists it is up to the players to improve, starting with Sunday’s clash with current league leaders Northampton Saints.
In cricket, Australia coach Tim Nielsen has backed Mitchell Johnson to come good in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
Johnson finished with match figures of 0-170 in the drawn first Test against England at the Gabba and could be dropped for the second five-dayer that is scheduled to start on Friday.
Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris have been added to the Baggy Greens squad for the match so five fast bowlers are now vying for three spots.
