The Sports Matrix: Thursday 24 January 2013

Coloccini 'does not want to play again for Newcastle'

Fabricio Coloccini is heading out of Newcastle after he told officials he does not want to play another game for the club. The 31-year-old captain, right, plans to leave Tyneside to return home to Argentina as he tries to deal with "personal matters".

Talks had taken place earlier this week between Coloccini's representatives and Newcastle in an effort to broker a deal whereby the defender would stay until the end of the season. However, they failed to reach agreement and now the player is set to quit.

In the background to all this was the interest of Argentinian side San Lorenzo, for whom Coloccini played on loan in the 2000-01 season. His father, Osvaldo, works at the club. They have not been able to find funding to buy the player, with Coloccini's £60,000-a-week salary way out of their budget. They were similarly unable to negotiate a transfer fee for the player.

The Bordeaux forward Yoan Gouffran will be unveiled this morning after a fee was agreed between Newcastle and the Ligue 1 side late last night.

Swansea make final as Hazard sees red

Swansea City successfully secured a League Cup final date with Bradford City next month after holding Chelsea to a goalless draw, progressing 2-0 on aggregate. Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard was sent off 10 minutes from time after striking a ballboy. MORE

Goal blitz gives Arsenal victory

Four goals in 10 second-half minutes helped Arsenal ease past West Ham 5-1 last night. Jack Collison gave the visitors the lead on 18 minutes before Lukas Podolski equalised. Quickfire goals from Olivier Giroud (two), Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott secured the points for Arsenal. MORE

Murray primed for epic Federer semi

Andy Murray declared he was in good shape ahead of tomorrow's Australian Open semi-final against Roger Federer. "I can't be disappointed about being in the semis of a Slam without dropping a set," the Scot said after beating Jérémy Chardy in the last eight. "That would be silly." MORE

Concern grows over Corbisiero

Alex Corbisiero's involvement in the Six Nations remains in doubt over the London Irish forward's chronic knee problems. An imminent operation is considered minor but potential implications are thought to be significant. The player expects to return to club rugby early next month. MORE

England secure landmark victory

England beat Australia 51-49 in the second Test at Wembley Arena last night to take an unassailable 2-0 lead and claim a historic first series win over the world's No 1 side. The hosts recovered from a 27-26 deficit at the interval.

Thomas takes Tour Down Under lead

Team Sky's Geraint Thomas took the lead of the Tour Down Under with a dramatic win on stage two. The Welshman made a bold break on Corkscrew Hill and was rewarded with victory in a sprint finish. "I felt good from the start," he said.

Woods searching for consistency

Tiger Woods hopes 2013 heralds more success in his putting and short game after working on them at the end of last season. "I've got to marry up both of those two combos," he said. "Hopefully, I can do it this year on a consistent basis." MORE

India win again to take ODI series

India beat England by five wickets in Mohali to wrap up the one-day series. Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root hit half-centuries as the tourists posted 257 for 7, a total India surpassed for the loss of five wickets and with 15 balls to spare. MORE

Bog Warrior to test his endurance

Hopes are rising that Saturday's big card at Cheltenham may beat the inclement weather. Gowran may offer some joy today, with Bog Warrior testing his stamina in the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle. MORE

James Lawton

Swansea were briefly diverted from glory but what it said about the mood of Chelsea, the sense they have become prone not just to error but unbroken public-relations disaster, was utterly desperate. MORE