Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has said he hopes to not need an ankle operation at the end of the season which would rule him out of Germany's tour to the USA later this month. "I have a few problems with the ankle, but I don't think surgery is necessary at the end of the season," the Gunners star, who has scored 14 goals during his first season in London, told German Sky Sports. "After the season, I will decide together with the doctors and physiotherapists what's best for my health."

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said on Thursday that he still believes his side can progress to the Champions League final, despite being battered 4-1 in the first-leg of their semi-final against Borussia Dortmund. Robert Lewandowski was the hero for the Germans as he became the first man to score a hat-trick against Real in the Champions League with all four goals on the evening. But Casillas said he was convinced that Los Blancos have the weapons to produce a famous comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, even if many are already writing them off.

Starting line-ups for the Champions League semi-final, first leg match between Bayern Munich and Barcelona at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday: Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer; Philipp Lahm (c), Jerome Boateng, Dante, David Alaba; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez; Arjen Robben, Thomas Mueller, Franck Ribery, Mario Gomez Manager: Jupp Heynckes Barcelona: Victor Valdes; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba; Xavi Hernandez (c), Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta; Pedro Rodriguez, Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez Manager: Tito Vilanova

Sydney FC said Monday they had terminated the contract of Brazilian defender Fabio Alves after one year with the Australian A-League club. Head coach Frank Farina is in the process of reshaping his squad for next season and said he could not guarantee the left back a regular starting berth. "I'd like to thank Fabio for his service to Sydney FC during the last 12 months," Farina said. "We are looking to change things going forward and we couldn't guarantee Fabio the regular first team football he requires."