The Sports Matrix: Thursday 6 September 2012

Injured Johnson withdraws from Moldova match

The Sunderland winger Adam Johnson yesterday became the latest player from Roy Hodgson's England squad for tomorrow's World Cup qualifying match against Moldova to withdraw because of an injury.

The 24-year-old is understood to have picked up the injury during the squad's final training session

yesterday. The squad are due to fly to Chisinau today.

The decision to send him back to Sunderland for treatment was made yesterday afternoon and it was not clear at that point whether a replacement would be sought.

The timing of Johnson's withdrawal makes it especially difficult for Hodgson to replace him. The usual source of late replacements for the senior squad is the Under-21s, but they are already in Baku for a game against Azerbaijan tonight.

Johnson, 24, who recently joined Sunderland, is the latest player to withdraw following injuries to Andy Carroll, out for six weeks with a hamstring problem, and Ashley Cole, who is hoping to be fit for Tuesday's qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley. MORE

England skittled for 182 to tie series

England drew the ODI series against South Africa after losing the final match by seven wickets. They were bowled out for 182. "180 on that wicket was nowhere near enough," Alastair Cook said. The series ended 2-2. The teams will next meet in three T20s, starting on Saturday. MORE

Storey adds third golden chapter

In the women's C5 road cycling time trial at Brands Hatch, Sarah Storey made it three wins out of three at this Paralympics. She had previously won gold in the C5 pursuit and the 500m time trial. Storey could win her 11th Paralympic gold today in the individual road race. MORE

Hynd beats brother to swim to victory

Swimmer Oliver Hynd won gold in the 200m individual medley SM8. His brother Sam finished fourth. "I was really happy with that race," Oliver said. "I also achieved a personal best which is great." In the men's 400m freestyle S10, Britain's Robert Welbourn won bronze. MORE

United announce Henriquez signing

Manchester United have announced the signing of the Chile Under-23 international Angelo Henriquez. The 18-year-old has joined from Universidad de Chile for an undisclosed fee. "Angelo has made a tremendous impact in his short career," Sir Alex Ferguson said. MORE

GB sailing set for heavy medal day

Britain could win three medals in sailing events today, with Helena Lucas set for at least a silver in the single-person keelboat, at least a bronze guaranteed in the mixed two-person and the three-person team lying in fourth. MORE

Weir back on track chasing third win

Just 13 hours after winning the 1500m T54 race for his second gold of the Games, wheelchair racer David Weir was on the track again to win his 800m heat yesterday. Weir had also won the 5,000m. The final of the 800m takes place this evening. MORE

Malouda: I am in Chelsea exile

Florent Malouda claims he has been banished from training with Chelsea's first team for the rest of his time at the club. Posting a picture of the Under-21 headquarters, he wrote: "This is where I'll train for my last season with the blues." MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Team-mate Tyler Hamilton's shocking claims are that Lance Armstrong openly lined his fridge with neatly wrapped supplies of EPO, like cartons of milk, to be injected when the time was right. MORE

Peacock to take on Pistorius tonight

Great Britain's Jonnie Peacock qualified the quickest in the heats for tonight's T44 100m final and will go up against the South African Oscar Pistorius, who has already been beaten in the 200m. MORE

Contador's closes in on Vuelta title

Alberto Contador held on to his advantage after making an audacious break to win the 17th stage of the Vuelta a España yesterday, to take the overall lead from Joaquin Rodriguez. Contador was stripped of his 2010 Tour de France title for doping. MORE