Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has revealed his fears over the fitness of players who have gone away on international duty.
The Black Cats boss says he is concerned given past experiences with players returning injured.
"Last time [defender] George McCartney pulled a hamstring and [goalkeeper] Marton Fulop hurt his calf," he told BBC Newcastle.
"That's the big worry for me, we're not the biggest of squads."
There were also disappointments with players missing out on call-ups including striker Darren Bent, who was omitted from England's party for the qualifiers with the Ukraine and Belarus.
The 25-year-old leads the Premier League goalscoring charts as far as English players are concerned with seven goals - just one short of overall top scorer Fernando Torres.
And Bruce admitted the striker can feel hard done by in missing out.
"Managers make decisions, pick squads, that's not anything to do with me thankfully - it's enough to pick a team here," he said.
Chelsea 2 - 0 Liverpool
Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda sent Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League as their second-half goals gave Carlo Ancelotti's side a deserved victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
The enigmatic Didier Drogba - who mixed theatrics with threat in an encounter that was competitive rather than compelling - won the battle of the strikers with Liverpool's Fernando Torres to make decisive contributions and set up Chelsea's win.
Drogba, who infuriated Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez with his antics when coming into contact with opposing defenders, set up former Liverpool striker Anelka for a simple close-range finish on the hour to break the deadlock.
And in injury time he made light of the presence of Jamie Carragher and Fabio Aurelio to slide in another cross for substitute Malouda to seal the win.
Chelsea boss Ancelotti's usually impassive mask slipped in a wild touchline celebration, acknowledging the significance of beating a Liverpool side expected to be a serious threat to their Premier League ambitions, plus the importance of reacting swiftly to the shock defeat at Wigan.
And it was all done without suspended keeper Petr Cech, with his replacement Hilario distinguishing himself when called upon.
For Liverpool and manager Benitez, defeat capped a disappointing week after they slumped against Fiorentina in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Reds threatened only occasionally, with Torres subdued by a magnificent performance from Chelsea and England captain John Terry, who repelled any danger that came his side's way.
Ancelotti pleased with important win
Substitute Yossi Benayoun missed the visitors' best chance, but that came after Malouda had doubled Chelsea's advantage, with Hilario also clawing away Steven Gerrard's 20-yard drive in the closing stages.
It was Liverpool's third league defeat of the season, eclipsing the number of losses they had in their entire campaign last term, and Benitez has much to ponder in the international break as they failed to rise to a vital occasion.
Emotions could not be more contrasting for counterpart Ancelotti, who will see his reputation at Stamford Bridge enhanced after the Blues ultimately out-manoeuvred their opponents.
Liverpool's midfield was strengthened by the return of Javier Mascherano after injury - and he played a crucial role in protecting his defence in a scrappy, niggly opening period.
The enigmatic Didier Drogba - who mixed theatrics with threat in an encounter that was competitive rather than compelling - won the battle of the strikers with Liverpool's Fernando Torres to make decisive contributions and set up Chelsea's win.
Drogba, who infuriated Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez with his antics when coming into contact with opposing defenders, set up former Liverpool striker Anelka for a simple close-range finish on the hour to break the deadlock.
And in injury time he made light of the presence of Jamie Carragher and Fabio Aurelio to slide in another cross for substitute Malouda to seal the win.
Chelsea boss Ancelotti's usually impassive mask slipped in a wild touchline celebration, acknowledging the significance of beating a Liverpool side expected to be a serious threat to their Premier League ambitions, plus the importance of reacting swiftly to the shock defeat at Wigan.
And it was all done without suspended keeper Petr Cech, with his replacement Hilario distinguishing himself when called upon.
For Liverpool and manager Benitez, defeat capped a disappointing week after they slumped against Fiorentina in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Reds threatened only occasionally, with Torres subdued by a magnificent performance from Chelsea and England captain John Terry, who repelled any danger that came his side's way.
Ancelotti pleased with important win
Substitute Yossi Benayoun missed the visitors' best chance, but that came after Malouda had doubled Chelsea's advantage, with Hilario also clawing away Steven Gerrard's 20-yard drive in the closing stages.
It was Liverpool's third league defeat of the season, eclipsing the number of losses they had in their entire campaign last term, and Benitez has much to ponder in the international break as they failed to rise to a vital occasion.
Emotions could not be more contrasting for counterpart Ancelotti, who will see his reputation at Stamford Bridge enhanced after the Blues ultimately out-manoeuvred their opponents.
Liverpool's midfield was strengthened by the return of Javier Mascherano after injury - and he played a crucial role in protecting his defence in a scrappy, niggly opening period.
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Arsenal 6 - 2 Blackburn
Arsenal produced a performance of flair and invention to hammer Blackburn.
Rovers struck first when Steven Nzonzi headed in from Paul Robinson's free-kick before Thomas Vermaelen lashed in a 20-yard drive to level.
David Dunn made it 2-1 to Rovers with a deflected shot before Robin van Persie coolly slotted home from 12 yards.
Andrey Arshavin's low shot put Arsenal ahead before Cesc Fabregas volleyed in, Theo Walcott slotted home and Nicklas Bendtner's drive sealed the romp.
It was the perfect start for Arsene Wenger as he entered his era as the longest-serving Arsenal boss - he celebrated 13 years in charge of the club in midweek.
And all the hallmarks of Wenger's influence on the Gunners were on display as they put on a masterclass of attacking brilliance and creativity - but they also showed glimpses of defensive frailty.
Wenger praises 'clinical' Arsenal
While Fabregas was at his imperious best, running through the full range of his passing - and scoring with a sweet strike - there was also hesitation at the back from Arsenal and a susceptibility to the long ball.
And Rovers took full advantage of that early on when keeper Robinson launched a free-kick from within his own half and Nzonzi out-jumped Vermaelen to loop in a header.
But Arsenal look more resilient this season and while they might have folded against a Sam Allardyce side in the past, they quickly regained their composure.
They almost equalised when Fabregas headed against the bar and Arshavin's cross-cum-shot zipped narrowly wide before they got the leveller through Vermaelen.
The centre-back might have been at fault - along with keeper Vito Mannone - for Rovers' opener, but he made up for that with a fierce drive into the bottom corner from outside the box.
As Arsenal threatened to completely dominate, Fabregas twice tested Robinson, who made smart saves.
And from Robinson's second stop, Rovers stunned Arsenal by launching a counter-attack that ended in Dunn scoring via a defection off William Gallas.
Arsenal's response was almost immediate, as Fabregas slid a pass between two defenders for Van Persie to take one touch and rifle a low shot into the bottom right corner.
Fabregas was involved again when the Gunners took the lead for the first time, another precise pass from the Spaniard playing in Arshavin to slot in.
The creator almost turned scorer when he met Tomas Rosicky's superb cross with a header but Robinson made another fine save and Pascal Chimbonda scrambled the ball clear.
But as Arsenal threatened to run riot, they almost undid their good work again but Vermaelen fortunately got away with a challenge on Dunn that should have handed Rovers a penalty.
'Blatant pen' was turning point - Allardyce
And while the visitors were thoroughly outclassed for long spells, they did still have their chances.
Martin Olsson's fierce volley was pushed away by Mannone and, later, Vermaelen headed David Hoilett's volley against his own post.
Before that Van Persie could have added to Arsenal's lead had he headed the ball rather than chesting it down and allowing Robinson to smother.
Opportunities kept on coming for Arsenal, though, and it was fitting that their fourth goal was scored by the outstanding Fabregas, who volleyed in with the outside of his boot.
The breathtaking demonstration of the Gunners' free-flowing football showed no sign of abating and Abou Diaby shot narrowly wide before Alex Song's point-blank header was kept out brilliantly by Robinson.
Walcott hopeful of England call-up
Moments later, Fabregas' sublime lay-off invited substitute Walcott to shoot and the England winger, making his first appearance of the season after injury, cracked home a fine shot.
Fellow substitute Bendtner had a chance to score Arsenal's sixth but could not convert a one-on-one chance.
However, the Dane did get on the score sheet when he let fly with a thumping drive from outside the box that flew in off the post.
Rovers struck first when Steven Nzonzi headed in from Paul Robinson's free-kick before Thomas Vermaelen lashed in a 20-yard drive to level.
David Dunn made it 2-1 to Rovers with a deflected shot before Robin van Persie coolly slotted home from 12 yards.
Andrey Arshavin's low shot put Arsenal ahead before Cesc Fabregas volleyed in, Theo Walcott slotted home and Nicklas Bendtner's drive sealed the romp.
It was the perfect start for Arsene Wenger as he entered his era as the longest-serving Arsenal boss - he celebrated 13 years in charge of the club in midweek.
And all the hallmarks of Wenger's influence on the Gunners were on display as they put on a masterclass of attacking brilliance and creativity - but they also showed glimpses of defensive frailty.
Wenger praises 'clinical' Arsenal
While Fabregas was at his imperious best, running through the full range of his passing - and scoring with a sweet strike - there was also hesitation at the back from Arsenal and a susceptibility to the long ball.
And Rovers took full advantage of that early on when keeper Robinson launched a free-kick from within his own half and Nzonzi out-jumped Vermaelen to loop in a header.
But Arsenal look more resilient this season and while they might have folded against a Sam Allardyce side in the past, they quickly regained their composure.
They almost equalised when Fabregas headed against the bar and Arshavin's cross-cum-shot zipped narrowly wide before they got the leveller through Vermaelen.
The centre-back might have been at fault - along with keeper Vito Mannone - for Rovers' opener, but he made up for that with a fierce drive into the bottom corner from outside the box.
As Arsenal threatened to completely dominate, Fabregas twice tested Robinson, who made smart saves.
And from Robinson's second stop, Rovers stunned Arsenal by launching a counter-attack that ended in Dunn scoring via a defection off William Gallas.
Arsenal's response was almost immediate, as Fabregas slid a pass between two defenders for Van Persie to take one touch and rifle a low shot into the bottom right corner.
Fabregas was involved again when the Gunners took the lead for the first time, another precise pass from the Spaniard playing in Arshavin to slot in.
The creator almost turned scorer when he met Tomas Rosicky's superb cross with a header but Robinson made another fine save and Pascal Chimbonda scrambled the ball clear.
But as Arsenal threatened to run riot, they almost undid their good work again but Vermaelen fortunately got away with a challenge on Dunn that should have handed Rovers a penalty.
'Blatant pen' was turning point - Allardyce
And while the visitors were thoroughly outclassed for long spells, they did still have their chances.
Martin Olsson's fierce volley was pushed away by Mannone and, later, Vermaelen headed David Hoilett's volley against his own post.
Before that Van Persie could have added to Arsenal's lead had he headed the ball rather than chesting it down and allowing Robinson to smother.
Opportunities kept on coming for Arsenal, though, and it was fitting that their fourth goal was scored by the outstanding Fabregas, who volleyed in with the outside of his boot.
The breathtaking demonstration of the Gunners' free-flowing football showed no sign of abating and Abou Diaby shot narrowly wide before Alex Song's point-blank header was kept out brilliantly by Robinson.
Walcott hopeful of England call-up
Moments later, Fabregas' sublime lay-off invited substitute Walcott to shoot and the England winger, making his first appearance of the season after injury, cracked home a fine shot.
Fellow substitute Bendtner had a chance to score Arsenal's sixth but could not convert a one-on-one chance.
However, the Dane did get on the score sheet when he let fly with a thumping drive from outside the box that flew in off the post.
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Aston Villa 1 - 1 Man City
Craig Bellamy's second-half equaliser earned Manchester City a deserved point and lifted them into the top four after former captain Richard Dunne threatened to wreck Gareth Barry's return to Aston Villa.
Dunne declined the opportunity to celebrate in front of City's fans when he beat Barry to James Milner's corner to head Villa in front early on.
And he almost added a second before City's growing superiority was rewarded when Bellamy turned Emmanuel Adebayor's cross high beyond Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel after 67 minutes.
City looked the more likely to claim the three points in the closing stages of an entertaining confrontation between two clubs hoping to disturb the established order in the top four of the Premier League.
Dunne declined the opportunity to celebrate in front of City's fans when he beat Barry to James Milner's corner to head Villa in front early on.
And he almost added a second before City's growing superiority was rewarded when Bellamy turned Emmanuel Adebayor's cross high beyond Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel after 67 minutes.
City looked the more likely to claim the three points in the closing stages of an entertaining confrontation between two clubs hoping to disturb the established order in the top four of the Premier League.
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Saturday, 17 October 2009
Arsenal v Birmingham, 15:00
Aston Villa v Chelsea, 12:45
Everton v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Man Utd v Bolton, 15:00
Portsmouth v Tottenham, 15:00
Stoke v West Ham, 15:00
Sunderland v Liverpool, 15:00
Aston Villa v Chelsea, 12:45
Everton v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Man Utd v Bolton, 15:00
Portsmouth v Tottenham, 15:00
Stoke v West Ham, 15:00
Sunderland v Liverpool, 15:00
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Saudis consider Liverpool offer
Prince Faisal could bid for a major stake in Liverpool but has concerns about the club's debt and relationship between its owners, a key aide says.
Co-owner George Gillett will travel to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to hold further talks with the Saudi Royal.
"His Highness's shareholding could go from anything from nought to 100%," Barry Didato told BBC Sport.
"But he cannot be seen as a solution to the debt or problems in the existing relationship between the owners."
The relationship between Gillett and his co-owner Tom Hicks has been strained for some time.
Each has a 50% stake in the Premier League club, yet neither can sell shares without the other's approval.
Co-owner George Gillett will travel to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to hold further talks with the Saudi Royal.
"His Highness's shareholding could go from anything from nought to 100%," Barry Didato told BBC Sport.
"But he cannot be seen as a solution to the debt or problems in the existing relationship between the owners."
The relationship between Gillett and his co-owner Tom Hicks has been strained for some time.
Each has a 50% stake in the Premier League club, yet neither can sell shares without the other's approval.
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Muntari dismisses Spurs link
Ghana international Sulley Muntari has distanced himself from rumours suggesting he is set to leave Internazionale and join Tottenham Hotspur.
Current Spurs manager Harry Redknapp signed Muntari from Udinese in the summer of 2007 when he was the manager of Portsmouth.
SULLEY MUNTARI
Muntari has struggled to impress during his time in Italy, prompting suggestions that he would welcome the chance to return to England.
However, he insisted: "I have not heard anything about this transaction, I honestly don't know anything about it.
"I only know that I am an Inter player. All my energies are devoted to this team because I am under contract with them.
"Therefore, it is pointless to talk about other sides. Would I enjoy going back to England? I am settled in Italy."
Muntari scored five goals in 33 appearances for Pompey, with his last game for the club being the FA Cup Final victory against Cardiff City in May 2008.
He has scored four times in 40 matches for Inter but has dropped out of Jose Mourinho's first-team plans recently.
Current Spurs manager Harry Redknapp signed Muntari from Udinese in the summer of 2007 when he was the manager of Portsmouth.
SULLEY MUNTARI
Muntari has struggled to impress during his time in Italy, prompting suggestions that he would welcome the chance to return to England.
However, he insisted: "I have not heard anything about this transaction, I honestly don't know anything about it.
"I only know that I am an Inter player. All my energies are devoted to this team because I am under contract with them.
"Therefore, it is pointless to talk about other sides. Would I enjoy going back to England? I am settled in Italy."
Muntari scored five goals in 33 appearances for Pompey, with his last game for the club being the FA Cup Final victory against Cardiff City in May 2008.
He has scored four times in 40 matches for Inter but has dropped out of Jose Mourinho's first-team plans recently.
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Zabaleta faces fitness race
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes hopes the hamstring injury that has forced Pablo Zabaleta to miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay is not too serious.
Hughes hopes that the full-back, who sustained the problem in Monday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, will be ready to feature in next Sunday's clash with Wigan Athletic.
PABLO ZABALETA
Hughes told City's official website: "He's been with the Argentinian FA who have checked him out as, after the game last Monday, he said that he'd felt something with the last kick of the game.
"He felt a slight strain in the hamstring, but he needed to travel to Argentina to get it verified.
"It's a disappointment for him. Argentina have two crucial games and he wanted to be part of that, but it wasn't to be.
"He's played very well of late and that was flagged to the powers that be in Argentina. It would have been great for him to get the recognition for his good form, but it's unfortunate that he's going to miss out.
"He'll be back today (Friday) and, once we get him scanned, hopefully it won't be as bad as feared, although as it stands you have to say that there's a real doubt that he'd be available for our game at the weekend."
Hughes hopes that the full-back, who sustained the problem in Monday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, will be ready to feature in next Sunday's clash with Wigan Athletic.
PABLO ZABALETA
Hughes told City's official website: "He's been with the Argentinian FA who have checked him out as, after the game last Monday, he said that he'd felt something with the last kick of the game.
"He felt a slight strain in the hamstring, but he needed to travel to Argentina to get it verified.
"It's a disappointment for him. Argentina have two crucial games and he wanted to be part of that, but it wasn't to be.
"He's played very well of late and that was flagged to the powers that be in Argentina. It would have been great for him to get the recognition for his good form, but it's unfortunate that he's going to miss out.
"He'll be back today (Friday) and, once we get him scanned, hopefully it won't be as bad as feared, although as it stands you have to say that there's a real doubt that he'd be available for our game at the weekend."
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Injury-free Rio eyes World Cup
England defender Rio Ferdinand has allayed fears about his fitness and insists he is ready to star in next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.
The Manchester United defender has featured in only two of England's last nine matches mainly because of a back problem but is set to feature in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
The former West Ham United and Leeds United star said: "The last 12 months have been very frustrating. In that period I've had a few injuries.
"Before that I don't think I'd ever been out for more than two or three weeks.
"I'd had 10-12 years of being virtually injury-free so it's been difficult to adjust to having to sit on the sidelines every now and again.
"It's been quite frustrating, not just from the point of view of playing for England but from a personal point of view.
"Whether it's club or country, it's very disappointing to have to go and sit in the stands and watch the team when it's playing. Having said that, last season, I started 45 games and, at any other club, that's a lot of games.
"But United played something like 60 games - so to miss the games I did for United and England as well was a blow.
"Will I be 100 per cent fit for the World Cup? Definitely. That's what you work towards, that's what everyone works towards.
"You take it week by week and game by game and my ultimate aim is to be fit and remain fit.
"My back hasn't been a problem for me since last season and it's got a clean bill of health. I hurt my thigh just before the start of this season but there was no connection to the back."
The Manchester United defender has featured in only two of England's last nine matches mainly because of a back problem but is set to feature in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
The former West Ham United and Leeds United star said: "The last 12 months have been very frustrating. In that period I've had a few injuries.
"Before that I don't think I'd ever been out for more than two or three weeks.
"I'd had 10-12 years of being virtually injury-free so it's been difficult to adjust to having to sit on the sidelines every now and again.
"It's been quite frustrating, not just from the point of view of playing for England but from a personal point of view.
"Whether it's club or country, it's very disappointing to have to go and sit in the stands and watch the team when it's playing. Having said that, last season, I started 45 games and, at any other club, that's a lot of games.
"But United played something like 60 games - so to miss the games I did for United and England as well was a blow.
"Will I be 100 per cent fit for the World Cup? Definitely. That's what you work towards, that's what everyone works towards.
"You take it week by week and game by game and my ultimate aim is to be fit and remain fit.
"My back hasn't been a problem for me since last season and it's got a clean bill of health. I hurt my thigh just before the start of this season but there was no connection to the back."
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