Modric hoping to return



Luka Modric cannot wait to get back into action for Tottenham after making a return from a fractured leg with the reserves. The Croatia midfielder played 70 minutes of Tuesday's training ground friendly against Grays Athletic. His manager Harry Redknapp was an interested spectator and Modric hopes his recovery will soon see him back in action with the first team. Modric told the club's official website: "I did not feel any pain and that is the most important thing. It is great to be back and I am happy. It is a relief after three months. I can't wait to play again. The last three months have been hard, but that's behind me now."

Manchester City have been hit by a swine flu scare. Vladimir Weiss was ordered to stay at home instead of reporting for Saturday's memorable 2-1 Premier League win over Chelsea after it was discovered he had contracted the H1N1 virus. Now City have also confirmed Craig Bellamy has been suffering from the same problem, while several staff members have also had swabs taken after reporting flu-like symptoms.

"There is a little bit of it creeping into the camp," City's assistant Mark Bowen said. "Players come in every day with sniffles, coughs and colds and the doctor has to determine whether it is the onset of something more serious. It is his decision whether they have to be sent home." * With agencies