Report: Vermaelen out for two months

Arsenal could be without defender Thomas Vermaelen for up to two months, if reports from England are to be believed.

According to The Mirror, the Belgian international had a surgery on his left Achilles on Monday, with the initial diagnosis ruling him out till at least November.

This news is likely to give Gunners boss Arsene Wenger a further headache, after it was revealed earlier this week that young playmaker Jack Wilshere will be out injured for up to three months.

It has also been confirmed that Vermaelen's latest injury is not on the same leg which previously troubled the Belgian centre-back, and ruled him out for most of last season.

For now, neither Arsenal nor the Belgian national team have confirmed these reports.

However, if true, it could come as a huge blow to Arsenal’s aspirations for the rest of the season, even at such an early stage in the campaign.

Vermaelen netted eight goals in 45 matches in his debut season at Arsenal, but only managed five games last term.

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Nani tired of Ronaldo comparisons

Nani was quick to distance himself from comparisons with former Manchester united star Cristiano Ronaldo and feels he still has a lot more to offer at Manchester United.

The winger, who has just started his fifth season with Sir Alex Ferguson's side, feels last term was his best for the club as he played a key part in helping United to their record 19th league title.

Nani's significant role fuelled comparisons with fellow Portugal international Ronaldo, who departed United for Real Madrid in a record £85million deal in 2009.

However, the 24-year-old is eager to move out of Ronaldo's shadow and be even more consistent for United this season.

He told Inside United: "Last year was my best year, definitely my most consistent season, now I hope this is my year. I will do my best.

"If I am fit for every game, I am 100 per cent sure I will do my best and will do well for my team.

"This is a big chance to show I can do much more, that I'm a good player with a very strong mentality. I always work hard to be successful and help my team to win titles.

On comparisons with Ronaldo, Nani added: "For five years, every time the question is the same. It's all about Ronaldo. You have to be him. Are you doing the same? Do you think you can do it now?

"Always when I do something good it's the same. When I do OK, it's nothing. When I do something very good, they come with this question about him. But it's OK. It doesn't change anything in me.

"This is my fifth year here and people know what I can do. Sometimes I play a nice game, sometimes I play not such a fantastic game, but I think everyone knows me and what I can do.

"Maybe my form has to be more consistent and my performances in the past should be like that.

"Now I'm in this position I'm more confident, more consistent. I can do for 90 minutes what in the past I just did for 45, and that's the most important thing."

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Juve legend Del Piero undecided on future

Alessandro Del Piero has thrown uncertainty over whether he will continue playing for Juventus come the end of this campaign.

The 36-year-old Italian, who has already attained legendary status in Turin, is currently in his final year of his contract with the club.

But the playmaker has played down talks of leaving the Old Lady or retirement and chooses to focus on the new season.

"Thinking about the end of my career isn't something that I spend a lot of time on. I still haven't made a decision on whether this will be my final year with Juventus," Del Piero told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The thought that this could be my last year is motivating me to give 200 per cent though. I want to end my career on a high. When I look back at my career in 20 years time, I'll look back at it quite satisfied."

Del Piero started his professional football career with Padova, but joined Juventus in the summer of 1993. The attacker has since made over 600 official appearances for the Serie A giants.

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McFadden linked with Wolves move

Forward James McFadden has emerged as a target for Wolves following his release by Birmingham.

The Scotland international has been sidelined for a year with a cruciate ligament injury but is now close to full fitness.

Wolverhampton chief executive Jez Moxey told the Express and Star: "I would say we would be interested in speaking to any player who is out of contract who we think might be helpful to us."

McFadden is a free agent after relegated Birmingham decided against taking up a two-year option on his contract.

Wolves would like to reinforce in attack after the departure of Andy Keogh and Stefan Maierhofer while Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is injured.

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Everton defender Yobo returns to Fenerbahce on loan

Everton center-back Joseph Yobo has rejoined Fenerbahce on a season-long loan.

The 31 year-old spent last season on loan in Turkey, helping the Istanbul team secure the league championship.

Fener were eager to keep the player and a new loan deal was completed before the Turkish transfer deadline passed on Monday night.

Yobo had looked set to join Fenerbahce at the end of last campaign but instead returned to Merseyside and reported for pre-season training in July.

However, the Nigeria international, whose contract runs until 2014, did not feature in any of Everton's pre-season fixtures.

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