Pernía stable following car crash

Club Atlético de Madrid defender Mariano Pernía is in a stable condition following a car accident in his native Argentina which left the 32-year-old with a broken collarbone.

Delayed return
The erstwhile Spanish international is recovering in a Buenos Aires hospital following the incident, in which he suffered damage to his left lung as well as the broken clavicle. His daughter and nephew, who were also in the car, both emerged unscathed. Pernía had been expected to join up with the rest of his Atlético team-mates for pre-season training on 11 July but will remain under medical observation in Argentina for the time being. The left-back has been a regular starter over the last two seasons for Atlético, who kick off their UEFA Champions League campaign in the play-off round next month.