Manchester United
Park Ji-sung has been ruled out for four weeks because of a hamstring injury. The South Korea international, who recently returned from the Asian Cup in Qatar, injured his hamstring in training on Friday prior to Saturday's 2-1 win over Manchester City. Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, said: "It was very unfortunate because it was his last kick of the ball in training as well. We were really looking forward to having him back after being away for a month at the Asian Cup. He'll be out for up to a month, which is a blow to us."
Chelsea
Fernando Torres may have failed to convince in his first two outings for his club since his £50 million (Dh296m) signing from Liverpool in the transfer window, but Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, remains confident about the Spaniard's talents. Torres missed a number of chances in Monday's goalless draw at Fulham, and he was substituted in the second half. But Ancelotti said: "His performance was better than that against Liverpool. Every striker wants to score. I don't think he's frustrated because he needs time to play with us and, after one week, he was really better after that first performance."
West Bromwich Albion
Dan Ashworth, the West Bromwich Albion sporting director, insists Roy Hodgson, the new head coach, will have the final say on any new signings this summer. Hodgson, who took over the Baggies post last week after Roberto Di Matteo was sacked, will work closely with Ashworth in identifying recruits, but the final decision will be his. Ashworth said: "My job is to line up players, in conjunction with Roy, helping with transfer fees, wages, and maybe doing a bit of groundwork. But ultimately ... Roy has the ultimate say."
Sunderland
Asamoah Gyan is predicting a bright future for his new Sunderland teammate Stephane Sessegnon. The 26-year-old Benin midfielder arrived at the Stadium of Light in a £6m switch from Paris St-Germain in January and has already impressed Gyan during his few weeks on Wearside. "He's a fantastic player. I know him from France and he was one of the best players in France," Gyan said. "He hasn't played for quite a while, but since he came here, he has done well in the Premier League. He's a ball juggler and if he is in top shape, he will help the team."
Wigan Athletic
Roberto Martinez is confident he has enough players with the right mental attitude to see Wigan Athletic preserve their Premier League status. Wigan, unbeaten in four league matches, face Bolton Wanderers in an FA Cup fourth-round replay at the DW Stadium tonight. "Mentality is more important," said Martinez, whose side are 18th in the table and have been in and out of the relegation places for much of the season. "Technically I have seen the best players find the occasion is too big for them and they cannot perform," said the Spaniard. "The mental side overcomes that technical skill in a player."
Community Shield
Next year's Community Shield will be played in England even though Wembley Stadium will not be available, the English Football Association have said. Confirmation of the dates for the 2012 London Olympics revealed the men's football final will be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, August 11 - 24 hours before the traditional English season curtain-raiser is scheduled to take place. "The Community Shield will take place at the traditional time at a prestigious stadium in England," said an FA spokesman yesterday.