Togo to brave Wenger anger by playing Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor is set to return from injury and play for Togo against Cameroon (GETTY IMAGES)

Togo look set to risk the wrath of the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, by playing striker Emmanuel Adebayor in their World Cup qualifier against Cameroon. The 25-year-old has been out since the start of last month with a hamstring injury and is not due back in action until after the international break, but still travelled to Accra ahead of tomorrow's game.

The Togo coach, Jean Thissen, has confirmed Adebayor is in his plans. "Ade did not come here for nothing, he is here to play against Cameroon," Thissen said. "He is the main man for the national team. He is my captain, the nation can count on him. He has always given his best for the country so he will be a boost to the squad. He is a wonderful player."

For Scotland, Stephen McManus has been ruled out of their World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands tomorrow. The Scotland coach Steven Pressley yesterday revealed that the Celtic captain would not travel to Amsterdam. Pressley said: "Stephen McManus will not be involved this weekend. He did some light running today and was still feeling his ankle." With David Weir and Kirk Broadfoot already out, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Christophe Berra is expected to make his first Scotland start tomorrow.

The Newcastle United winger Damien Duff has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy with a hamstring injury, assistant manager Liam Brady has confirmed.