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Chelsea expects Drogba to be out for three weeks

LONDON: Chelsea expects Didier Drogba to be out for three weeks after the Ivorian striker underwent knee surgery last week.

"It looks like it will be three weeks, something like that," manager Avram Grant told BBC radio on Monday. "The operation went well, we just need to wait and see."

Drogba, who scored 33 goals in all competitions for Chelsea last season, is keen to play for Cote d'Ivoire at the African Nations Cup in Ghana which runs from January 20 to February 10.

He had the operation on Saturday after his knee locked in training on Friday. Grant is confident the likes of Andriy Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro can step into Drogba's shoes.

Vieri expecting call-up from Donadoni for Euro 2008

FLORENCE, Italy: Veteran Italian forward Christian Vieri said on Monday that he is still hoping to make an international comeback in time to play for Italy at Euro 2008.

Vieri has not played for Italy since 2004, largely due to injuries disrupting his last few seasons.

But the 34-year-old, who is enjoying an Indian summer to his playing career at Fiorentina, is still hoping to force his way onto Roberto Donadoni's squad for Austria and Switzerland.

"I've been working hard since July to try to get back into the national squad," Vieri told Tg2 television station.

"Am I waiting for a call from Donadoni? More than that, I'm waiting for a call up!"

Vieri is rarely a first-choice starter for Fiorentina and in 18 games this season he is yet to complete 90 minutes, coming on as substitute 12 times and being substituted six times.

AS Roma captain dreams of revenge against Liverpool

ROME: AS Roma captain Francesco Totti dreams of avenging the 1984 European Cup loss to Liverpool when the Champions League final is held at Rome's Stadio Olimpico in 2009.

"Let's hope we and Liverpool reach the final and we win on penalties," the striker told Sky television. "I believe destiny wants me to get this revenge."

Liverpool beat hosts Roma on penalties in the 1984 final with the help of goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar's famous spaghetti-leg antics in the shootout.

Knicks coach Thomas settles sexual harassment suit

NEW YORK: New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas and Madison Square Garden reached a settlement on Monday in the sexual harassment case filed by former employee Anuche Browne Sanders.

Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but a jury had previously ruled that Browne Sanders should receive $11.6 million in punitive damages.

Thomas, who has continued to deny the charge, said the settlement should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

"As I have said before, I am completely innocent," Thomas said. "This decision doesn't change that. However, this is the best course for Madison Square Garden, and I fully support it."

Browne Sanders, the former senior vice president of marketing and business operations, filed a $10 million lawsuit against the NBA team nearly two years ago.

Wilson's big day for Buffalo ends with two broken ribs

NEW YORK: Buffalo Bills safety George Wilson was nursing two broken ribs on Monday after an intense six-play stretch during the first quarter of Sunday's 38-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo News reported.

Wilson grabbed a fumble in midair and scored a touchdown, prevented a touchdown on the next series and then returned his first kickoff of the season before being sent to hospital.

Wilson gave the Bills a 21-0 lead when he burst through the middle on a blitz and caught Dolphins quarterback John Beck's fumble before racing 20 yards for a touchdown.

On the next play from scrimmage, Wilson saved a touchdown by tackling receiver Ted Ginn Jr at the 12-yard line after a catch, the News said on its website (www.buffalonews.com).

(China Daily 12/12/2007 page23)