Barca to face Arsenal in last eight

Champions League holders Barcelona were handed a quarter-final tie with Arsenal in Friday's draw in Nyon.

The Catalan giants, who defeated Manchester United 2-0 in last year's final, beat the Gunners 2-1 in the 2006 showpiece and there will definitely be a French side in the last four after Lyon and Bordeaux were paired together.

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Fulham handed Wolfsburg tie

Fulham's reward for their stunning victory over Juventus is a Europa League quarter-final with German side Wolfsburg.

Roy Hodgson's side secured a memorable 5-4 aggregate win over the Italian giants, and they will now take on the Bundesliga champions with the first leg at home and face a potential semi-final against either Hamburg or Standard Liege.

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Hamstring blow for Defoe

England striker Jermain Defoe has been ruled out for a "few weeks" after suffering a grade-two tear to one of his hamstrings, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp confirmed on Friday.

Defoe is Spurs' leading scorer this season with 23 goals in all competitions.

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Fergie hits out at FA

Sir Alex Ferguson has accused the Football Association of running a "dysfunctional" disciplinary system.

Less than two months after Rio Ferdinand was eventually banned for four games following a video review of his attack on Hull striker Craig Fagan at Old Trafford, Manchester United find they must face Steven Gerrard during Sunday's encounter with Liverpool, even though the Reds skipper appeared to commit two indiscretions recently that could have resulted in further action.

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Rafa bemoans Riera timing

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he is "disappointed" with Albert Riera's critical comments but does not intend to allow them to become a distraction ahead of Sunday's clash against Manchester United.

The 27-year-old has attempted to play down his comments made to a Spanish radio station when he criticised Benitez for not speaking to him and described the club as a "sinking ship". However, it came too late to prevent him being suspended by the club until Monday, meaning he sat out Thursday night's Europa League victory over Lille and will also miss the trip to Old Trafford.

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Broad beats bug to boost England

England expect Stuart Broad to be fully fit for Saturday's start of the second Test against Bangladesh after a bout of illness.

Broad, who was an injury concern ahead of the first Test with a back spasm, missed Thursday's training session but has recovered well and was present for Friday's net practice.

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Clarke delivers timely ton

Michael Clarke put all his off-field dramas behind him to notch an unbeaten century as Australia took charge on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington.

The Australia vice-captain, whose recent high-profile split from model Lara Bingle was played out in the full glare of the media, was given a respectful welcome by the Basin Reserve crowd when he came to the crease with Australia at 115 for three. And loud applause followed when he celebrated reaching three figures in the penultimate over of the day.

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Wildcats set to unveil Cooke

Wakefield will finally get their man on Friday when they complete the signing of Hull KR's out-of-favour stand-off Paul Cooke.

The 28-year-old former Hull favourite was due to join the Wildcats on loan but is now expected to sign for them outright after agreeing severance terms with Rovers following protracted negotiations.

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Murray wants different approach

Andy Murray believes the Lawn Tennis Association should consider an alternative to a big-name captain as they seek the next leader of Britain's Davis Cup team.

The LTA intend to gauge the views of the leading players before making an appointment following this week's resignation of former captain John Lloyd.

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England face Borthwick wait

England captain Steve Borthwick faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday night's RBS 6 Nations showdown with France.

Borthwick underwent another scan on his injured left knee on Thursday afternoon and the England medical team will make a final decision on his availability before the squad leave for Paris on Friday.

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