The positive momentum surrounding Manchester City's hot start to the Premier League season took a bit of a hit with the word that midfielder Samir Nasri sufferred a broken bone in his hand while on international duty with France.
Nasri came on as a late substitute in France's 0-0 draw with Romania, and it's unclear how severe the injury is and if it will force him to miss an extended period of time.
Since joining City from Arsenal, Nasri has made an immediate impact in the midfield that includes a three-assist performance in a 5-1 victory over Tottenham.
Here are a few more stories from around the soccer world:
With the lack of black coaches in the England's top four tiers of soccer, the Professional Footballers' Association is considering implementing a rule that would make teams include a minority candidate in their interviewing process.
Much like the Rooney Rule in the NFL, the rule would encourage the consideration of black coaches for vacant positions. There are only two black coaches among the 92 teams in the top four tiers in England (Birmingham's Chris Hughton, Charlton's Chris Powell).
"All we are asking for is an interview," PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor told British media. "But the more times people attend interviews, the greater the likelihood of them eventually getting a job. This has to be a good thing because it broadens the panel of potential managers and coaches clubs are selecting from and opens up the possibility of greater experience. That should be what every club is looking for anyway."
WALCOTT FIT FOR SWANSEA MATCH
With Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere out for an extended time for Arsenal, the Gunners have to be a bit relieved that Theo Walcott's hamstring injury was only minor and that he is expected to be fit for this weekend's match against Swansea City.
Walcott picked up the injury in England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria and was forced to miss Tuesday's qualifier against Wales.
HLEB OUT FOR WOLFSBURG
Alexander Hleb is on the shelf for Wolfburg until October while he completes his recovery from summer knee surgery.
On loan from Barcelona, Hleb, the former Arsenal product has yet to reach the potential expected of him. Last year he played for Birmingham City after a stint with Stuttgart in Germany.
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Do you think City will be fine without Nasri if he has to miss time? What do you think of England implementing the NFL's Rooney Rule? Expect Walcott to play a bigger role in the new-look Arsenal attack? Do you see Hleb rounding to form with Wolfsburg when he returns?
Share your thoughts below.
