Paris Saint-Germain's trip to face Monaco at Stade Louis II on Sunday headlines the action in Ligue 1 this weekend.
Matthew Rogerson
Mauro Icardi can become one of the world's best strikers over the next decade, according to Inter coach Roberto Mancini.
Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson and Mamadou Sakho will miss Liverpool's UEFA Europa League clash with Besiktas on Thursday.
Amnesty International still has concerns surrounding the apparent abuse of migrant labour in Qatar ahead of the World Cup in 2022.
Jelena Jankovic will face top seed Petra Kvitova for the second year running at the Qatar Open after negotiating her opener on Tuesday.
Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has seen a three-match ban for his angry reaction towards Ashley Barnes reduced by one game.
There were few surprises at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday as Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych all progressed.
Davis Love III will captain the United States' Ryder Cup team for a second time at Hazeltine next year.
After guiding West Indies to victory over Zimbabwe with the Cricket World Cup's first double century, Chris Gayle hailed a "fantastic day".
Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura acknowledged there was little his side could do to stop Chris Gayle in West Indies' 73-run win on Tuesday.
Lutz Pfannenstiel is confident Hoffenheim can keep talented pair Kevin Volland and Roberto Firmino at the Rhein-Neckar Arena.
Warren Gatland has acknowledged the departure of Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis could impact his future as Wales head coach.
Former Tottenham centre-back Chris Perry believes an improved understanding between the club's defenders has aided their recent revival.
Wales' George North returns for Saturday's clash with France after recovering from concussion suffered in their opener against England.
Holger Badstuber is eager to make an impact during the remainder of the season following his recent return from injury.
Ahead of Barcelona's clash with Manchester City, Andres Iniesta has revealed his admiration for fellow midfielder Frank Lampard.
Darren Bent wants to help Derby County maintain their strong form when former employers Charlton Athletic visit the iPro Stadium on Tuesday.
Ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona, Manchester City's Samir Nasri says Lionel Messi is "on another galaxy".
The Football Association have opted not to take action against Ashley Barnes following his challenge on Nemanja Matic.
Borussia Monchengladbach have completed the permanent signing of Thorgan Hazard from Chelsea on a five-year deal.
Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has called on Serie A's clubs to help out financially-troubled Parma.
Championship side Charlton Athletic have completed the signing of experienced midfielder Alou Diarra for the remainder of the season.
Elche midfielder Aaron Niguez has apologised for his late tackle on Gareth Bale during his side's 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday.
Isco is the most important player for Spain's footballing future, according to club and country team-mate Iker Casillas.
Giorgio Chiellini has called on Juventus to finally convert their recent domestic dominance into European success this season.
After agreeing a contract extension with the club, Marco Reus remains convinced Borussia Dortmund can challenge for the Bundesliga again.
The Open 13 final in Marseille will be an all-French affair after Gael Monfils and Gilles Simon won their semi-finals on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger acknowledged Arsenal were lucky to escape Crystal Palace with a 2-1 win on Saturday.
The Genovese derby will now take place on Tuesday after the original fixture was postponed on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.
Darren Ferguson and Peterborough United have parted company, four years into the Scot's second spell at London Road.
There were no mistakes from Paris Saint-Germain this weekend as they eased past Toulouse 3-1 to move top of Ligue 1.
Al Shabab closed the gap to the Arabian Gulf League's top two with a hard-fought victory over bottom side Al Ittihad Kalba.
ES Setif became the first Algerian team to win the CAF Super Cup after a penalty shoot-out victory over Al Ahly in Blida on Saturday.
Alan Pardew was left frustrated by refereeing decisions following Crystal Palace's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
First-half goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud did the damage for Arsenal on Saturday as they claimed a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.
After her slalom success at the World Championships, Mikaela Shiffrin returns to World Cup action in her favoured discipline on Sunday.
Frenchman Francois Pervis continued his UCI Track Cycling World Championships success on Friday by clinching the kilometre time trial gold.
Karolina Pliskova and Simona Halep will contest the Dubai Tennis Championships final after winning their respective semi-finals on Friday.
St. George Illawarra Dragons saw off Warrington Wolves 18-12 in the opening game of the new-look World Club Series on Friday.
West Ham have been fined by the Football Association as a result of their players' conduct following Adrian's dismissal against Southampton.
Ahead of his side's trip to Tottenham, Sam Allardyce says he has ignored speculation surrounding his position as West Ham manager.
Borussia Dortmund have taken the unusual step of training on a deliberately poor pitch in a bid to improve their Bundesliga standing.
Ronald Koeman is eager to remain focused on Southampton's clash with Liverpool on Sunday rather than the return of former players.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi feels he has recovered well from a 2013-14 season in which he suffered "a lot of problems".
Luis Figo has revealed he would hold an open debate on the future structure of the World Cup if elected FIFA president in May.
Following alleged racial abuse on the Paris Metro on Tuesday, Chelsea have suspended three supporters involved from Stamford Bridge.
Bolton Wanderers striker Craig Davies has received praise from manager Neil Lennon after rescuing two stranded elderly motorists.
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos did not attend Cristiano Ronaldo's much-discussed birthday party as he predicted the public backlash.
Arsene Wenger could recall Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Arsenal's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Tunisia have appealed a ban from the African Football Confederation following the aftermath of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final.
Jurgen Klopp has warned his Borussia Dortmund players against complacency ahead of Friday's trip to Stuttgart.
Following Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Bradford City, Connor Wickham says Sunderland have a point to prove against West Brom this weekend.
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alacantara is back in training with the club following a long-term knee injury.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has dismissed speculation that Ezequiel Lavezzi could make a return to the club.
Lewis Hamilton has withdrawn from Thursday's Formula One testing in Barcelona due to feeling unwell.
Rafael Benitez wants to use Napoli's defeat to Palermo as motivation for Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash with Trabzonspor.
The man denied access to a Paris Metro train by a group of Chelsea fans has called for those responsible for the racism to be imprisoned.
Roberto Di Matteo feels the performances of Timon Wellenreuther and Felix Platte against Real Madrid bode well for Schalke's future.
Gareth Bale does not feel his game has altered following criticism from sections of the Real Madrid support in recent months.
Demba Ba's return to Anfield with Besiktas will not bring back any bad memories for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
Louis van Gaal receives Football Association warning for comments made after Manchester United's FA Cup draw at Cambridge United.
The Metropolitan Police will examine footage that appeared to show a group of Chelsea fans involved in racial abuse in Paris on Tuesday.
Swansea City defender Kyle Bartley faces a period of up to six weeks out after tearing a meniscus in his knee in training.
Mauricio Pochettino says UEFA Europa League opponents Fiorentina remain difficult opposition despite the loss of Juan Cuadrado to Chelsea.
Rickie Lambert feels an in-form Liverpool side have what it takes to threaten the latter stages of this season's UEFA Europa League.
After a group of Chelsea fans denied a black man access to a train and sang racist songs in Paris, Sepp Blatter has condemned their actions.
Palermo have released a statement denying that talks have taken place with Juventus and Napoli over midfielder Franco Vazquez.
Jose Mourinho was not surprised by Paris Saint-Germain's physical treatment of Eden Hazard, claiming it also happens in the Premier League.
Tim Sherwood has created a feel-good factor at Aston Villa ahead of his managerial bow on Saturday, according to Scott Sinclair.
Preston North End's Thorsten Stuckmann has revealed Wayne Rooney apologised for his part in Monday's much-debated FA Cup penalty incident.
League Two Cheltenham Town have placed Russell Milton and Steve Elliott in charge for the remainder of the season.
Having made his Roma debut in Sunday's disappointing 0-0 draw with Parma, Seydou Doumbia is eager to turn fortunes around at the club.
European champions Real Madrid return to Schalke's Veltins-Arena this week almost a year after hitting six past their Bundesliga opponents.
Brazilian striker Hulk has agreed a two-year contract extension with Russian Premier League side Zenit.
Laurent Blanc has promised a fully fit and competitive Paris Saint-Germain side for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Chelsea.
Wigan Athletic defender Juan Carlos Garcia has been diagnosed with leukaemia, manager Malky Mackay confirmed on Monday.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have been boosted by the news that captain Philipp Lahm is running again after his broken ankle.
Bundesliga club Cologne have banned a fan group from their games after pitch invasions during their derby with Borussia Monchengladbach.
Along with Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, Hans-Joachim Watzke claims Bayern Munich wanted more of Borussia Dortmund's players.
Lionel Messi remains the key to Barcelona challenging for honours over the next few years, according to team-mate Andres Iniesta.
Barcelona's fringe players are ready to play a part in the club's bid for silverware this season, according to defender Marc Bartra.
Following wins over Palermo and Atalanta, Roberto Mancini feels his Inter squad have a renewed confidence going into the UEFA Europa League.
Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva is ready for a "battle" with Chelsea striker Diego Costa in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash.
Tim Sherwood watched from the stands as new side Aston Villa edged Leicester City 2-1 in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday, the Villains taking the lead through a late blunder by Australian great Mark Schwarzer.
There were few shocks on the opening day of the Dubai Tennis Championships as Flavia Pennetta, Jelena Jankovic and Alize Cornet progressed.
Resting Lionel Messi was never an option for Luis Enrique, the Barcelona coach revealed following Sunday's 5-0 win over Levante.
Ospreys were made to pay for Friday's defeat in Edinburgh as the remainder of the Pro12 top four all picked up victories this weekend.
Making his 300th La Liga appearance, Lionel Messi was again Barcelona's inspiration in Sunday's 5-0 win over Levante at Camp Nou.
Nigel Pearson has called on his Leicester City side to show a greater consistency following Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa.
Caretaker manager Scott Marshall feels Tim Sherwood will have been impressed by Aston Villa's 2-1 win over Leicester City on Sunday.
The WTA Diamond Games final was settled by a walkover on Sunday as Carla Suarez Navarro withdrew because of a neck problem.
Bayern Munich return to UEFA Champions League action against Shakhtar Donetsk in fine form, having dispatched Hamburg 8-0 on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Ben Williams feels Bradford City will need more focus for Sunderland's visit than they did for their famous win over Chelsea.
Juventus will not let concentration wander to their UEFA Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, according to Massimiliano Allegri.
There was late drama aplenty at Bloomfield Road on Saturday as Blackpool and Nottingham Forest shared the goals in an exhilarating 4-4 draw.
West Ham simply could not cope with West Brom in Saturday's FA Cup exit at The Hawthorns, Sam Allardyce admitted.
Having sealed a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 win over West Ham, Tony Pulis has urged West Brom not to get carried away.
Ahead of Seydou Doumbia's likely Roma debut on Sunday, coach Rudi Garcia has backed his new arrival to hit the ground running.
A Brown Ideye brace helped West Brom into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 victory over West Ham at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Following Friday's draw with Reims, Marseille's inability to convert chances into goals has left coach Marcelo Bielsa baffled.
A powerful display from Scott Hend saw the Australian assume the lead going into the final day's play at the Thailand Classic.
Billy Knott has urged Bradford City to retain their underdog mentality against Sunderland on Sunday, despite their previous FA Cup heroics.
Raheem Sterling is likely to commit his immediate future to Liverpool by agreeing a new contract, according to chairman Tom Werner.
The president of Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has testified in a Spanish court over alleged tax fraud surrounding the signing of Neymar.
Arsenal have received mixed injury news on Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez ahead of Sunday's FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
Phil Parkinson will urge his Bradford City to play Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Sunderland on the front foot from the off.
Bradford City must shut out Jermain Defoe if they are to progress past Sunderland in the FA Cup on Sunday, according to boss Phil Parkinson.
Following his return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Romelu Lukaku is eager to use his time at Everton to regain a place at a "top club".
League Two strugglers Cheltenham Town have parted company with manager Paul Buckle following a dismal run of form.
Paul Lambert's claims that he was not backed financially by Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner are "hogwash", according to a club director.
Southampton have agreed a new two-and-a-half-year deal with highly rated 19-year-old defender Jason McCarthy.
Louis van Gaal was shocked by Manchester United's first-half showing against Burnley, according to defender Chris Smalling.
Jack Wilshere's recent shisha controversy is not a concern to England manager Roy Hodgson, who has acknowledged he even tried it himself.
Louis van Gaal is eager to forget Manchester United's display in the 3-1 win over Burnley at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Crystal Palace have their bench to thank for ensuring Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United, according to Alan Pardew.
John Carver has defended his decision to replace Paul Dummett with Remy Cabella during Newcastle United's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Arsenal are facing anxious waits on the fitness of Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez following Tuesday's 2-1 win over Leicester City.
With his side no longer propping up the Bundesliga, Jurgen Klopp wants Borussia Dortmund to maintain momentum for Friday's visit of Mainz.
Fraizer Campbell secured Crystal Palace a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United as Alan Pardew avoided defeat against his former employers.
QPR have suffered an injury blow with the news that midfielder Leroy Fer is set to miss up to 10 weeks with a ligament injury.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed JS Kabylie's two-year ban from Africa club competition.
Morocco have rejected Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) sanctions following the country's refusal to host the Africa Cup of Nations.
After Donington Park pulled out of hosting this year's British MotoGP, Silverstone has agreed a deal to step in.
Nigel Pearson is unsure whether Leicester City's showing in Tuesday's defeat to Arsenal will divert attention from their off-field troubles.
Second and third seeds Milos Raonic and Tomas Berdych both booked their second-round berths at the World Tennis Tournament on Tuesday.
Real Madrid and Portugal legend Luis Figo has backed compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo amid the fall-out surrounding his 30th birthday party.
Tony Fernandes looks set to appoint Harry Redknapp's successor at QPR soon after stating he is close to a deal for his "dream manager".
Craig Bellamy, John Hartson and Charlie Adam have been among those to pay tribute following the death of Forfar Athletic defender Jack Syme.
As the European Tour prepares for a return to Thailand, Miguel Angel Jimenez hopes he can add to his previous success in the country.
The Ivory Coast and Ghana will bring an end to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday when they contest the final at Estadio de Bata.
Manchester City remain unconcerned despite a seven-point gap to Premier League leaders Chelsea opening up, according to Manuel Pellegrini.
After a heavy defeat against derby rivals Atletico, Cristiano Ronaldo insists Real Madrid should never lose any game 4-0.
Steve Bruce had mixed feelings after his Hull City side were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
Substitute James Milner gained Manchester City as his late free-kick ensured a 1-1 draw with Hull City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Tottenham gained north London bragging rights in a 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday, courtesy of Harry Kane's brace at White Hart Lane.
Saturday's Zagreb Indoors semi-final proved a bridge too far for Marcos Baghdatis, as he fell in straight sets to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.
Dagenham and Redbridge and Carlisle United both picked up vital wins in Saturday's respective six-pointers at the bottom of League Two.
An impressive second-half showing from England saw Stuart Lancaster's side clinch a 21-16 Six Nations victory over Wales in Cardiff.
Gilles Simon was denied a semi-final berth at the Open Sud de France after losing in straight sets to Jerzy Janowicz.
Louis van Gaal is to contest his Football Association charge for comments made after last month's goalless draw with Cambridge United.
The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has banned Morocco from the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2017 and 2019.
Bayern Munich are not in crisis, according to Pep Guardiola, despite struggling on their return to the Bundesliga.
Tranquillo Barnetta's winner helped Schalke to a 1-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga on Friday.
Despite fighting back from 2-0 down to lead, Lens were forced to settle for a point in Friday's Ligue 1 encounter with Saint-Etienne.
Ligue 1 title-chasers Marseille have confirmed the loan deal that will see defender Doria spent the rest of the season at Sao Paulo.
Milan may have underestimated some Serie A opponents during their recent downturn in form, according to assistant coach Mauro Tassotti.
Diego Simeone has promised Atletico Madrid will not water down their robust approach ahead of Saturday's derby with Real Madrid.
After both suffered disappointment in the recent transfer window, Burnley and West Brom meet at Turf Moor in the Premier League on Sunday.
Saido Berahino has been in the "naughty chair" following his comments about wanting to leave West Brom, according to manager Tony Pulis.
A new Arsenal contract is a sign of the "magic" of football, according to midfielder Francis Coquelin.
FIFPro's chief medical officer believes Clarke Carlisle's admission that he attempted suicide could have a positive effect in the future.
Defending champion Gaels Monfils is safely through his Open Sud de France opener after victory over Kenny de Schepper.
Italy have named an experienced starting XV for Saturday's Six Nations opener against Ireland, with Jacques Brunel forced into two changes.
Second seed Adrian Mannarino is out of the Zagreb Indoors after losing in three sets to Igor Sijsling on Thursday.
Austria's impressive start to the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships continued on Thursday as Hannes Reichelt clinched the men's super-G.
Foggy conditions have caused a suspension to the start of the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.
Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool will go into Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton full of confidence following an upturn in fortunes.
Ahead of Saturday's clash with Southampton, QPR's caretaker manager Chris Ramsey is confident his charges can pull clear of trouble.
Formula One team Caterham have put up their key assets for sale in an auction following last year's financial troubles.
Joe Schmidt has been forced to reshuffle his back row for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Italy due to Jamie Heaslip's shoulder injury.
Head coach Vern Cotter will give three Scotland players their Six Nations debuts from the start against France in Paris on Saturday.
Jorge Lorenzo recorded the quickest time of Thursday's MotoGP testing in Sepang to end the second day atop the timesheets.
Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his defence of Gareth Bale after Real Madrid fans again jeered the forward against Real Sociedad.
FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein wants to avoid a "culture of intimidation" in his bid to succeed Sepp Blatter.
Hatem Ben Arfa has left French club Nice but quelled speculation he is due to retire from football at the age of just 27.
Criticism of Andy Murray following his Australian Open final defeat has been somewhat over the top, according to Andrew Castle.
Napoli coach Rafael Benitez does not think his former club Inter are in a crisis ahead of Wednesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final.
Roberto Mancini has called for Inter to develop a big-club mentality in order to arrest their poor run of form.
Brendon McCullum feels New Zealand have no excuses not to perform at the Cricket World Cup.
Marseille's deadline-day signing Lucas Ocampos says he is determined to help his new team-mates maintain their Ligue 1 title challenge.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo would have chosen to play through the pain barrier at last year's World Cup, according to agent Jorge Mendes.
With the dust settling on business conducted across the January transfer window, we look at who has done good business - and who has not.
Dustin Brown gave Jerzy Janowicz a scare at the Open Sud de France, but the Pole saved six match points to win the first-round encounter.
Following his woeful campaign at the Phoenix Open, Tiger Woods has slipped out of the world's top 50 for the first time in three years.
Mercedes were dealt a blow in Tuesday's Formula One testing at Jerez by a water leak from a failed part.
Reports are circulating that Socceroos legend Tim Cahill could make a shock Premier League return as Everton step into the race to re-sign their former star after the Australian left New York Red Bulls a free agent.
Ricardas Berankis and Sergiy Stakhovsky are safely into the second round of the Zagreb Indoors after straight-set victories on Monday.
Monaco will not take Bastia lightly in Wednesday's Coupe de la Ligue semi-final, according to coach Leonardo Jardim.
Despite losing out in Sunday's Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray has returned to the world's top four.
David Wilson is the latest player to join England's injury list ahead of Friday's Six Nations opener against Wales.
Warren Gatland's Wales team for Friday's Six Nations opener against England includes returning pair George North and Richard Hibbard.
Juventus can have no complaints over their 0-0 draw with Udinese on Sunday, according to coach Massimiliano Allegri.
The Ivory Coast are into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a 3-1 victory over Algeria on Sunday.
Roma must "grit their teeth" if they are to progress in Tuesday's Coppa Italia quater-final with Fiorentina, according to coach Rudi Garcia.
Just two points separate Ligue 1's top three after Lyon could only muster a goalless draw against Monaco on Sunday.
Napoli were the big winners at the top of Serie A this weekend as they beat Chievo 2-1 to close the gap on Roma and Juventus.
Hong Kong's Jiang Tianyi and Japan's Misako Wakamiya won their respective finals at the ITTF Hungary Open in Budapest on Sunday.
An under-par showing from Juventus saw the Serie A champions held 0-0 by mid-table Udinese on Sunday.
Daniel Sturridge marked his return from injury with a goal in Liverpool's 2-0 win over West Ham at Anfield on Saturday.
Goals from Remy Cabella, Sammy Ameobi and Yoan Gouffran gave Newcastle United a 3-0 win over Hull City on Saturday.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed a breakdown in discussions over the signing of Manchester United's Darren Fletcher.
Plans have been unveiled by Milan to move to a downsized stadium from San Siro in time for the 2018-19 season.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for Daniel Sturridge after he marked his return from injury with a goal on Saturday.
After seeing his side run out 3-0 winners over West Brom, Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino is not looking too far ahead.
FA Cup heroes Bradford City were pushed all the way on their return to League One action, while MK Dons won big.
