TIME OUT

Powell out injured

KINGSTON: Former 100 metres world record-holder Asafa Powell will miss the Super Grand Prix in Doha for the second straight year because of an ankle injury. Powell hobbled off the track at the Penn Relays last weekend after aggravating an ankle injury while anchoring a Jamaican 4x100m relay team. At the time, agent Paul Doyle indicated Powell still planned to race in Doha, but the athlete has decided to take the safe approach with the world championships looming in Berlin in August. Powell is slated to race at the Reebok GP in New York on May 30. — AFP


Ferdinand back

LONDON: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has given a welcome boost to the club ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg with Arsenal by returning to training on Monday. United had feared the defender could miss Tuesday’s decider at the Emirates Stadium after suffering damage to his ribs and a bruised lung last week. But his presence at the training ground suggests he will be fit to face Arsenal. Ferdinand had to be sidelined for Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough because he was left coughing up blood in dressing room last Wednesday following a collision with Arsenal ‘keeper Edwin van der Sar. — AFP


Moratti backs Zlatan

ROME: Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti on Sunday defended striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the big Swede shushed fans during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Lazio. Ibrahimovic scored a goal and creating the other for Muntari Sulley as Inter maintained their seven-point lead at the top of Serie A. But just moments before scoring in the 58th minute, Ibrahimovic had been dispossessed the ball, sparking whistles from a section of fans and Ibrahimovic responded by putting his finger to his lips. But after scoring he repeated that action angrily and refused to celebrate his strike. — AFP