FA plays down chance of winter ‘break’ until 2019
Sakho future in doubt
LONDON, July 26, (RTRS): A winter break in the Premier League season is not feasible until the current three-year television rights deal is completed in 2019, the Football Association’s (FA) chief executive Martin Glenn has said.
Newly appointed England manager Sam Allardyce, in his first press conference, backed the need for a winter break similar to the top divisions in France, Italy, Spain and Germany, to help players recuperate.
“It would help the Premier League and us at international level if we could achieve that,” Allardyce said.
However, Glenn said that though the FA favoured a mid-season break, it would not be possible until the over 5 billion pounds ($6.56 billion) worth TV rights deal, which starts this season, was in effect.
Mamadou Sakho faces an uncertain future at Liverpool after the defender was sent back to England from the Premier League club’s pre-season tour of America.
According to British media reports, manager Jurgen Klopp was unhappy with the 26-year-old’s attitude during their stay in California and ordered his return to Liverpool.
Sakho angered the German manager by turning up late for Liverpool’s flight to the United States while last weekend he interrupted Klopp while he was conducting an interview with the club website, the reports said.
SOCCER
The France international, who was recently cleared by UEFA after allegations of a failed drugs test, is currently nursing an Achilles injury.
West Ham United left back Aaron Cresswell will be sidelined for three to four months after sustaining a knee ligament injury, the Premier League club said on Monday.
The 26-year-old was hurt in Saturday’s pre-season victory over German side
Karlsruher SC in Austria. Cresswell will consult a specialist next week to see if he needs surgery.
“Whatever course of action we decide to take, Aaron faces a period of rest, followed by treatment and rehabilitation and he will be out for a period of between three and four months,” said Stijn Vandenbroucke, the head of medical and sports science.
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is ready to put his injury troubles behind him and said he was feeling in prime shape ahead of the new Premier League season.
Foot and knee injuries restricted the 26-year-old to just 17 league appearances last season as Jurgen Klopp’s side finished eighth in the table.
The England international made one appearance in the 2016 European Championship and said he had no lingering injury worries.