Cicinho targets comeback after surgery

Real Madrid CF defender Cicinho has undergone surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee which is expected to keep him out for six months. "The operation was a success," team doctor Alfonso del Corral said. "There is no great rush for him to return but we hope he will be back playing again in March." The 26-year-old sustained the injury during Madrid's victory at Real Betis Balompié on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Paul Gerrard has signed a four-month deal with English Premiership outfit Sheffield United FC. The 33-year-old was released by Nottingham Forest FC in May, but impressed on trial with the Yorkshire club and manager Neil Warnock has rewarded him with a contract. It will be Gerrard's second spell at Bramall Lane as he played 16 times for United during the 2003/04 season.

Dutch Under-21 internationals Patrick Gerritsen and Wout Brama have signed new deals tying them to FC Twente until 2010. Midfielder Brama, 20, and winger Gerritsen, 19, are products of the club's youth academy whose contracts were due to expire in 2008. The announcement will be some comfort for Gerritsen who broke calf and shin bones during a reserve game on Monday.

Pieter Collen's hopes of featuring in Feyenoord's UEFA Cup encounter with PFC Lokomotiv Sofia on Thursday have been spoiled by the recurrence of a shoulder injury. The 26-year-old Belgian international dislocated his shoulder for the third time this term playing the club's reserves on Monday, ruling him out of the second instalment of the first-round encounter. The tie is well poised at 2-2 after the first leg in Bulgaria.

Sevilla FC will be without four first-teamers for their first round return against Atromitos FC of Greece. Defender Javi Navarro and striker Frédéric Kanouté sprained knees during the weekend league defeat by Club Atlético de Madrid, while midfielders Adriano Correia and Fernando Sales have been rested by coach Juande Ramos for tactical reasons.

Lech Poznań have extended the contract of promising midfielder Jakub Wilk until 30 June 2010. "I am very happy to remain a Lech player for the next four years," said the 21-year-old. "I am also delighted with the new terms that were offered to me." Elsewhere in Poland, Zagłębie Lubin have released vice-president Mirosław Jabłoński from his duties while UEFA Cup contenders Wisła Kraków have named former player and coach Adam Nawałka as their sporting director.