Seaman causes City concern

Manchester City FC goalkeeper David Seaman will be out for a month but the news is better than first thought.

Keegan concerned
The Premiership club's manager, Kevin Keegan, had feared that the former English international would be out for up to two months with a broken shoulder after he was injured during City's 4-2 defeat by Portsmouth FC on Saturday. However, x-rays have today shown there is no fracture.

Striker worries
There is still a worrying wait, though, for Hannover 96, who have left for their winter training camp in Turkey without Thomas Christiansen. The striker will undergo a scan on his injured right knee to determine whether he needs an operation, with concern that the problem is linked to his persistent back pain. There is better news for fellow striker Thomas Brdaric, with the former German international expected to return to training in two weeks despite suffering a foot injury on Friday.

Friendly injuries
The Bundesliga's bottom club, Eintracht Frankfurt, have also had injury setbacks during the winter break. Brazilian defender Chris and former German international midfield player Andreas Möller both picked up thigh injuries during friendly matches although it is not yet known how bad each knock is. Elsewhere in Germany, VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach have loaned striker Lawrence Aidoo to second division 1. FC Nürnberg.

Bright future
Paul van der Kraan has been appointed SBV Vitesse's new general managher. Van der Kraan, currently holding a similar post at RBC Roosendaal, will succeed Theo Mommers, who is leaving for NAC Breda, in February. Van der Krann said: "Vitesse has enormous potential. They have talented players, a large number of loyal fans and a beautiful stadium."

Old friends
Across the border in Belgium, former Nigerian international striker Victor Ikpeba has been reunited with coach Robert Waseige at R. Charleroi SC. Waseige said: "I had the opportunity to train the young Ikpeba when I was a coach at [RFC} Liège. I know his qualities and his ability." After leaving Liège, the 30-year-old Ikpeba played for AS Monaco FC, BV Borussia Dortmund and Real Betis Balompié before a spell in Libyan football.

Gent sign youngsters
KAA Gent, another Belgian side, have strengthened their squad by signing striker Jurgen Cavens and defender Mustapha Oussalah. Both players have signed on loan until the end of the season from R. Standard de Liège.

Aiming for Portugal
Swedish international Kennedy Bakircioglü has signed for Greek side Iraklis FC. The midfield player, who was released by Hammarby in November, hoped the move would improve his chances of making the UEFA EURO 2004™ finals. He said: "I could have got more money somewhere else, but what's the point of getting money if you are on the subs' bench?"

Dream comes true
Finally, FC Lokomotiv Moskva's fitness coach, Mariano Barreto, is also contemplating a new start after being appointed coach of the Ghana national team. "I always dreamed of becoming a head coach," he said. "The success of Lokomotiv is the reason why I was invited to Ghana. They have a good national side which can achieve a lot."