Xabi Alonso injury not as bad as Real Madrid feared

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is likely to be sidelined for only a couple of weeks after an Achilles injury proved to be less serious than was at first feared.

The 28-year-old summer recruit from Liverpool was injured in the 5-2 Champions League victory over FC Zurich, with initial fears of a lengthy lay-off proving unfounded.

Alonso confirmed: “I feared the worst at first because the blow was hard and I have experienced bad injuries in the past.

“But the scans have been positive and I intend to be back helping the squad very soon.”

Real are hopeful that Alonso will be back in action within a fortnight, in time for their next Champions League clash with Marseille.

Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido has stated that his club will not enter talks over a new contract with Brazil striker Luis Fabiano for the time being.

The 29-year-old frontman was close to leaving Spain to join AC Milan in the summer, before the Rossoneri pulled out of a potential deal, but Del Nido will not be rushed into negotiations.

He said: “I have seen the quotes from the player in the papers, stating that he is committed to the club.

“Now it is his objective to score as many goals as possible before we re-evaluate the situation.

“The season is very long and we have plenty of time to discuss this topic. I assure you that there are no plans to talk about a contract extension right now.”