Fellaini out until February 2014

LONDON, — Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini could be out until February after undergoing wrist surgery, it was reported yesterday.

According to Britain’s Press Association the Belgium international has had an operation to cure the problem which has been troubling him for some time.

United mamager David Moyes had hinted on Friday that surgery was a possibility.

Fellaini has also been struggling with a back injury which has forced him to miss five games since the December 4 outing against his former club Everton.

Fellaini has struggled to make an impact since his 27.5million (33 million euros, US$45 million) move from Goodison Park on transfer deadline day.

Jayawardene returns for Test matches

COLOMBO, (AFP) — Former captain Mahela Jayawardene has returned to Sri Lanka’s squad for the three-Test series against Pakistan starting in the United Arab Emirates later this month, the cricket board said yesterday.

Jayawardene, who opted out of the ongoing limited-overs series for personal reasons, was named in the 16-man squad led by all-rounder Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

Jayawardene, 36, is one of 11 batsmen worldwide and only the second Sri Lankan alongside current team-mate Kumar Sangakkara to score more than 10,000 runs in Test cricket.

Xabi Alonso injured

MADRID, (AFP) — Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso suffered a perforated left eardrum when he took a knock in Sunday’s game against Valencia, the club said yesterday.

“After undergoing medical tests it has been found that Xabi Alonso has a perforated left eardrum as a result of a blow received in the match against Valencia,” said a club medical report released online.

Real Madrid gave no details on Alonso’s outlook beyond the fact it depended on the player’s progress.

Perforated eardrums usually heal on their own within two months but surgery is sometimes performed in severe cases.

Alonso was elbowed by Valencia’s French player Jeremy Mathieu in the 58th minute of Sunday’s match, which Madrid won 2-3. It was Real’s last game before the Christmas break.