Football

Costa is uncertain to start their Premier League game against Stoke City as he tries to shake off the lingering effects of a hamstring injury.

Lionel Messi looks set to miss a second consecutive match because of a foot problem when Argentina meet Ecuador in a friendly in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Claudio Marchisio suffered ruptured knee ligaments during the warm-up for Friday's Italy's training session ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifier.

Portugal are second in Group I with six points from three matches, one less than leaders Denmark who have played a game more.

Vermaelen sustained the injury before he signed for Barcelona from Arsenal, prompting some to question why the club completed the deal to sign the 29-year-old.

At Bayern Munich it was a 3-0 win over Hannover that triggered a nine game win streak which catapulted the Bundesliga giants to the title.

Mohun Bagan held on to the 2-0 lead and jumped past overnight leader Bengaluru FC to go on top with two matches in hand against the defending champions.

Louis van Gaal has been refereeing training games to help his players keep their emotions in check for the Premier League top-four showdown with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

FIFA spokesman Walter De Gregorio confirmed the date on Thursday, but did not say when the tournament would start.

Sunderland has lifted midfielder Johnson's suspension which was imposed after he was arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

Pellegrini has dismissed a suggestion his days as Manchester City manager may be numbered as his side prepare to try to overturn a 2-1 deficit to Barcelona.

FIFA's latest rankings dropped Spain to 11th place, the first time the team has been outside the top 10 since 2007.

"Cagliari announce that Gianfranco Zola and his staff have been relieved of the technical leadership of the first team," the Sardinian club said in a statement.

West Bromwich Albion said they are deeply concerned about the pitch invasions during and after their FA Cup quarter-final loss to Aston Villa.

Captain John Terry led Chelsea to their first trophy in two years on Sunday, scoring the opener in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the League Cup final.

Barcelona travel to struggling Granada FC Saturday knowing anything other than a win will almost certainly mean the end of their challenge for the La Liga.