Knee injury rules King out of Spurs' line-up until next month

After the sale of Michael Carrick to Manchester United, Tottenham's preparations for the Premiership season were further hit with the news that their captain, Ledley King, will be out until mid-September after he underwent a knee operation yesterday.

The central defender, 25, injured his cartilage last week in training and along with Spurs' opening three games in August he will also miss England's opening Euro 2008 qualifiers in early September. Spurs play Manchester United at Old Trafford on 9 September, a game for which manager Martin Jol would dearly love to have King available, but a more likely return date is the London derby with Fulham a week later.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been charged by the Football Association over claims he made about former club Chelsea in his autobiography. The 34-year-old Dutch striker, now with Charlton, alleged that Chelsea had made illegal bonus payments to players following the win against Arsenal in their Champions' League quarter-final in April 2004. He has until 14 August to respond.

Roberto Carlos has said he wants to continue with Real Madrid after speaking to the club's new coach, Fabio Capello. "I want to stay at the club," the Brazilian international full-back stated yesterday.

After 10 years at Real the 33-year-old had hinted at a possible move at the end of last season, saying he had received an offer from Chelsea, while the Turkish side Fenerbahce were also reported to be interested. "After returning from my holidays I feel good," Carlos added. "Capello has given me new enthusiasm and I am a lot happier."

Also staying put is the France winger Franck Ribery, who has confirmed his decision to remain with Marseille. The 23-year-old gained many admirers during the World Cup and Lyon, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United were linked with his signature.

But he said yesterday: "My contract runs for another for four years and I will remain at Marseille for another four years. I love this club, the staff and the supporters. I am very happy here."

Midfielder Pedro Mendes has agreed a new four-year contract at Portsmouth.