Of the 15 remaining Ligue 1 sides in the French Cup, ten will meet in the round of 32. Holders Paris Saint-Germain FC are at home to FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Olympique Lyonnais travel to Toulouse FC, and SM Caen visit Stade Rennais FC. Two northern derbies see LOSC Lille Métropole take on RC Lens, and FC Metz host FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. AS Monaco FC will fancy their chances at third division side FC Libourne Saint Seurin, as will AJ Auxerre at amateur outfit US Boulogne Côte d'Opale. The matches will be played on 12/13 February.
Aston Villa FC midfielder Gavin McCann's birthday celebrations were cut short on Monday when he underwent surgery to clear up a knee injury exacerbated during Saturday's 3-1 FA Cup defeat away to Sheffield United FC. McCann, who turned 27 on Monday, had been suffering from a cartilage problem since November and will now be sidelined for between six and eight weeks. German international Thomas Hitzlsperger is expected to replace McCann against Norwich City FC on Saturday after recovering from a thigh problem.
Portuguese coach Artur Jorge is the new Cameroon national team coach, replacing Winfried Schafer who departed following a 3-0 defeat by Germany in November. Compatriot Raul Águas and Jules Frédéric Nyonga will work as Jorge's assistants.
UD Leiria defender Alhandra will miss the Portuguese SuperLiga matches against Rio Ave FC and FC Porto after injuring his right shoulder during Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to CS Marítimo. Alhandra sustained the injury on 44 minutes, falling heavily in a challenge with Marítimo striker Pena.
Nadyr Gasymov has been named coach of MTK Araz Imishli following the dismissal of Elshad Ahmedov on Saturday. Araz have disappointed in the Azerbaijani First Division this season, but Gasymov is confident he can revive the club's fortunes. "Araz are doing everything to be one of the top clubs in the country," he said. "I hope the fans will soon see the fruits of our labour." Gasymov, who last term led unfancied FK Bakili to the semi-finals of the Azerbaijani Cup, coached the Azerbaijan Under-19 side until his contract expired last month.
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