Pro Eleven Headlines

Keane and Gerrard to be rested for Spurs game

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has confirmed both Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane will definitely be rested for tomorrow's Carling Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham, with Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso also set to be left out.

Benitez's decision means Keane will not be able to face his former club, having left Spurs for Liverpool during the summer in a £20million move.

Benitez had made it clear he would rest several senior players - some of whom have played six games in 18 days - for the game at White Hart Lane, but has only now confirmed exactly who they will be.

Benitez said: ''Gerrard will not be in the squad and neither will Keane.

''It is always difficult to play so many games in a row and you have to change some players depending on the competition. The majority of them can play games in a row but some need to be taken care of.

''Gerrard is one of them at this moment. Dirk Kuyt is another who has played almost every game. Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Keane are the same.

''You also have to consider that some of these players have played internationals this season too. I believe Keane has played 23 games already.

''We will use players who haven't played every game. I have confidence in them because they are all internationals.

''It is always important to win trophies and this is an opportunity to do that. You must always be ready in every competition.

''People talk about big names playing but it is more important to talk about good players and we will have good players playing in the Carling Cup.''

One big name not needing a rest is Fernando Torres, who requires match practice after missing six games with a hamstring tear.

The Spanish ace will travel to White Hart Lane and may even start against Harry Redknapp's men.

Benitez said: ''He will be in the squad and hopefully he can play. He could start. It is an important competition for us. We have players who are not always involved but have enough quality. They need games for match fitness because they could be needed later in the season.''


Real's Van Nistelrooy 'in US for knee treatment'

Real Madrid's Dutch striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has left for the United States to receive treatment for a knee injury from the same specialist who operated on him eight years ago, the club said Tuesday.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy and a member of the club's medical staff left for the United States today, where they will see Dr. (Richard) Steadman, who operated on the striker's right knee in 2000," it said in a statement.

"Following a medical examination and MRI last Friday, Real Madrid's medical staff determined that the player has possibly injured the meniscus in his right knee."

The sports daily Marca said he may undergo surgery from Wednesday.

"Neither the player nor Real Madrid want to lose more time and the aim is that Van Nistelrooy is back in Madrid at the end of next week to recuperate," Marca said.

His absence is a hard blow for the Spanish champions, who are currently fourth in the Primera Liga and who have suffered two defeats to Juventus in the Champions League.


Mourinho to sign for City?

Manchester City are set to offer Jose Mourinho an astounding 15 million pounds a year to take over as boss at the underperforming Manchester City.

According to reports in the British media, City's billionaire Arab owners are said to be so dissatisfied with current City manager Mark Hughes that they have made Mourinho their number one choice to take the helm at Eastlands.

A British tabloid newspaper has revealed that negotiations are already underway and that discussions with City bosses about the appointment of current Inter Milan and former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho began five weeks ago.

Mourinho, who helped Chelsea to win two league titles, has made no secret of his desire to return to the English game.

He has led Italian giants Inter Milan to the top of Serie A after just a few months in charge, but is said to be unhappy with the Italian game, the passionless fans and media hostility.

The termination agreement Mourinho signed after leaving Chelsea banned him from managing another English club for one calendar year, but the end of that agreement was reached in September leaving the self-proclaimed 'Special One' free to return to the English game.

But it is unlikely that Mourinho will take over at Manchester City, who after a billion dollar take over, and a bright start, are now sitting 13th on the Premier League table, until the end of the current season.

That means the Abu Dhabi United group who own Manchester City will have to decide if they can wait seven months to get their man.

The move comes after it was reported that current City manager Mark Hughes was on the brink of being sacked from the North-West club after the side has suffered seven defeats in twelve games.

Last season former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson was ousted from the club after his leading the side to a top ten finish and a derby double over Manchester United was claimed to be 'not good enough.'