RIO DE JANEIRO: Double `World footballer of the year' Ronaldo will be missing when Brazil enter the post-Zagallo era on September 23 with a friendly against Yugoslavia at Sao Luiz. Brazil's new technical Commission selection panel and federation President Ricardo Teixeira decided not to call up the Inter Milan striker, who has just resumed training at Inter for Wanderley Luxemburgo's first match in charge since replacing Mario Zagallo three weeks ago. Ronaldo, who suffered convulsions before the World Cup final defeat by France, has himself said he is not ready to turn out for the National side following a summer break.

GP brings back sweet memories for Sridharan

CHENNAI: For Arjuna awardee G E Sridharan the World Grand Prix Women's Volleyball Championship brings back sweet memories. Having had the distinction of being only one of the two -- the other being Jimmy George -- top players in the country ever to have played in the highly competitiveItalian league, the coach of the junior Indian team was undoubtedly happy at being assigned the task of liaison officer of the Italian team here. Having played in the Serie A 2 competition for three years, Sridharan was happy to give something back in the form of hospitality to the Italian girls.

Juninho to return with ankle protection

MADRID:

Brazilian midfielder Juninho is expected to return to Spanish League play next week with a carbon-fiber guard to protect his ankle, an Atletico Madrid spokesman said on Wednesday. Juninho will train with the team when it will be decided if he can play in Atletico's second-round match against Salamanca.