SHORT CORNER
Bale injury not serious, says Solari
AFP
Real Madrid were handed a boost on Saturday when tests on Gareth Bale's calf injury revealed only a grade-one tear.
Bale was forced off at half-time against Villarreal on Wednesday as Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw. But the club have confirmed the problem is minor.
Grade-one tears are the least severe of the three classifications. Bale will miss the La Liga game against Real Sociedad on Sunday and is unlikely to be risked against Leganes in the first leg of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Madrid will hope to have him back later this month, however, with league games against Real Betis, Sevilla and Espanyol to come.
"We think the injury is not too serious," Solari said at a press conference earlier on Saturday. "He will go through tests today and we all hope he is back with us quickly."
As well as Bale, Marco Asensio, Marcos Llorente and Mariano Diaz are all recovering from injuries and expected to miss the game on Sunday.
Pep warned over touchline antics
AFP
Pep Guardiola has been warned by the Football Association over his behaviour after Manchester City manager launched into a touchline rant during the champions' crucial 2-1 victory against Liverpool.
Guardiola threw his scarf to the ground and shouted at fourth official Martin Atkinson after a decision from referee Anthony Taylor went against City in the second half on Thursday.
It is the 47-year-old's first warning and the decision was posted on the FA website, which also makes it clear that any manager receiving four such warnings must serve a touchline ban.
Bournemouth sign Solanke
AFP
Bournemouth completed the signing of Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke for a reported fee of £19 million on Friday night.
Solanke's arrival was the first of two moves from Anfield to the Vitality Stadium on Friday, with Reds defender Nathaniel Clyne also joining on loan until the end of the season.
It is expected that Solanke's switch will pave the way for Bournemouth's veteran striker Jermain Defoe to join Rangers on an 18-month loan.
"I think Bournemouth are going somewhere," Solanke told afcbTV. "Over the past few years, they have been really good in the Premier League and had some good positional finishes as well. I think it's a good club to be at, especially for someone of my age."
Nishikori powers into Brisbane final
AFP
Japanese star Kei Nishikori was in superb form as he demolished Jeremy Chardy 6-2, 6-2 in the Brisbane International semi-finals on Saturday.
The 29-year-old gave his French opponent no chance as he put on a commanding all court display to advance to the final for the second time in three years.
"Everything was working well today," Nishikori said. "I felt like I was too fast on the court today -- I felt very good.
"Physically and tennis-wise I think it was perfect. I served well, I returned well -- I think that was the key today -- and I was moving well, that was fantastic."