Keane's slow recovery delays comeback

Sir Alex Ferguson has written off Roy Keane's chances of making a European comeback for Manchester United against Bayer Leverkusen.

Keane is due to start a five-match ban next week, although that could yet be subject to appeal. But Ferguson was hoping his captain would be cleared to face the German side in the Champions' League on Wednesday week as United seek the point required to ensure they finish top of Group F.

However, the United manager has admitted that Keane is making slow progress after returning to training following his hip operation in September and he will miss the game. "He isn't as far forward as we thought he would be," said Ferguson. "He is still a few weeks away. There is a long remedial period with this type of injury and he had done a lot of hard work, so we decided to give him a break last week."

Birmingham City are considering legal action against the Football Association of Wales over its refusal to allow the midfielder Robbie Savage to play in the Premiership game against Fulham on 17 November. Wales have invoked Fifa's four-day rule for the European Championship qualifier with Azerbaijan in Baku on 20 November, which means Savage cannot turn out against Jean Tigana's side. But Birmingham's owner, David Sullivan, – a Welshman – is angry at the lack of flexibility.

The club were prepared to fly Savage to Wales by helicopter immediately after the final whistle at St Andrew's, but that offer was declined. Sullivan said: "This is a stupid and silly situation. Savage earns over £1m a year from this club and we want him to play for us. I am looking into this with my legal people. I feel the FA of Wales are resisting Robbie's right to work.

"Fifa might be the governing body of football, but they are not the governing body when it comes to the right to work for a living."

Fabrizio Ravanelli has made his peace with the Derby County manager, John Gregory, and says he will help the club out of their financial crisis. The Italian was understood to be seeking legal advice after Gregory hinted that the reason for the Italian striker's prolonged absence from the team was that he may be feigning injury. But Ravanelli has held talks with Gregory to resolve the issue and is hoping to be back in action later this month.

"I had a very good meeting with John Gregory [on Friday] and we talked about how I have no problems with anybody at this club. Everything is OK and I am ready to play within the next two weeks," he said.

"It has been said that I have a problem with John Gregory but I have no problems with him or anyone."