Casillas doubtful

MADRID: Goalkeeper Iker Casillas is doubtful for the opening game of Real Madrid’s Spanish league title defense this weekend. Casillas damaged his right knee in a collision with teammate Cesc Fabregas during training with the Spanish national team on Monday. Madrid kick off the league season against crosstown rival Atletico on Saturday. — AP

Hilfenhaus hopeful

SYDNEY: Ben Hilfenhaus, called up as a replacement for injured fast bowler Shaun Tait for next month’s World Twenty20 Cup, says his next goal is to earn a permanent place in the Australian cricket team. The right-hand paceman got the call from selectors when Tait was ruled out of the South African tournament with an elbow injury. — AFP