UEFA Updates!

Jansen may miss Germany finale

Germany left-back Marcell Jansen will sit out Saturday's Group D home game against Cyprus after sustaining an ankle injury in training. The 22-year-old from FC Bayern München twisted his ankle in an awkward landing today. "He is very unlikely to play on Saturday and probably won't be fit for Wednesday against Wales," said Germany assistant coach Hans-Dieter Flick.

Özil and Altıntop reinforce Schalke

Midfielder Mesut Özil and forward Halil Altıntop have returned to training with FC Schalke 04. The 19-year-old Özil sustained an ankle injury in last week's goalless draw against Chelsea FC but was able to complete a 20-minute run today. Altıntop, five years his senior, trained with the squad after recovering from a torn muscle.

Benzema delight at Ben Arfa role

Olympique Lyonnais striker Karim Benzema is delighted to see club-mate Hatem Ben Arfa in the France squad for the friendly with Morocco and the final UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Ukraine. "He is a friend but beyond that, I enjoy it when a player from our generation shines," said the 19-year-old, "be it Hatem or Samir Nasri from Olympique de Marseille."

Hunt back on his feet at Bremen

Werder Bremen forward Aaron Hunt has returned to light training after missing the whole of the season with knee and groin problems. The 21-year-old said: "I am really happy that I can work with the ball again. I hope I will be fit in time for the second half of the season." Goalkeeper Tim Wiese, meanwhile, will be "back next week" after skipping training through injury.

Clerc relishing Morocco friendly

François Clerc views Friday's friendly with Morocco at the Stade de France as the ideal build-up ahead of the potentially decisive UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Ukraine on 21 November. "Morocco could be a good way to prepare for the match in Ukraine," said the 24-year-old Olympique Lyonnais full-back. "It will be a great game as Morocco have proved they are a good side."

Murcia's García ends Uruguay days

Uruguay defensive midfielder Pablo García has announced his retirement from international football after the Real Murcia CF man pulled his calf muscle during training. "I would die for my national team but things aren't as they were when I was younger," said Garcia, who earned 57 caps and scored two goals for his country. "I would like to play everywhere but you can't have everything so this will be the last time I'm with Uruguay."

Agostini takes Murata post

San Marino champions S.S. Murata have appointed veteran forward Massimo Agostini as player-manager in place of the departed Gianluigi Pasquali. Murata, who became the first team from San Marino to compete in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round in the summer, are three points behind Group B leaders SP La Fiorita. Agostini, 43, played for AS Roma, SSC Napoli and AC Milan during his playing career in Serie A.

PSV aim to get Vergoossen

PSV Eindhoven want Sef Vergoossen as their new coach. The Dutch title-holders have earmarked the current boss of J-League side Nagoya Grampus Eight as the man to succeed Ronald Koeman. PSV director Jan Reker said: "I have contacted Sef Vergoossen and more will be known in the coming days." The 60-year-old, whose CV includes spells at VVV-Venlo, MVV Maastricht, Roda JC and KRC Genk, had been expected to retire from football next month.