Stoke defender Robert Huth is facing a three-match ban after admitting an FA charge of violent conduct.Huth was charged by the FA on Monday after the German defender appeared to lash out at West Ham defender Robert Huth during Stoke's 2-1 win over the Hammers on Saturday. Upson was left needing lengthy treatment and four stitches after the incident and Huth has since apologised to the England defender for his actions.A club statement said: "Stoke and Robert Huth accept the FA charge of violent conduct and would like to apologise for the incident on Saturday. "All players were briefed at the beginning of the season about obstructing opponents at set-plays."Robert reacted in frustration at being impeded by Matthew Upson for the second time in the game, stopping him from marking James Tomkins at set-pieces as instructed. "Robert's actions are totally out of character for a fully committed defender who has only received one red card - for two cautions - in nearly eight years of playing in the Premier League." Huth and Stoke are now awaiting his punishment - likely to be a three-match ban - from the FA.
Alberto Aquilani is being considered for a reserves run out against Sunderland tomorrow but won't be ready to face Man Utd on Sunday.Rafael Benitez's big £20million summer signing is in line to see some action at Prenton Park after coming through training this week without any problems. The Anfield boss has waited patiently for the Italian international to battle back from a summer knee operation and is on the brink of getting the 25-year-old into the first-team equation."We knew that Aquilani could be out for a month," said Benitez. "But after seeing the scans we realised it would be more. But we were signing the player for five years, not just for five games."Aquilani is, however, not being considered for a first-team debut against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
Bolton defender Gary Cahill could get his wish of going to the World Cup with the Repubic of Ireland, according to reports.Cahill has been called up into the last few England squads for friendly and World Cup qualifying games but has yet to make an appearance for Fabio Capello's outfit and that could leave the door open for the Republic. The Republic will have to fight their way past France in the play-offs to make it to South Africa next summer but if they do then reports claim Giovanni Trapattoni will try and lure Cahill.The Trotters defender is eligible to play for Ireland through a grandparent and it would be a tough decision for the player to make if he did have the option.Cahill is tipped to be an England star of the future but it is not everyday that a chance to play in the World Cup comes along and it is unlikely he will be going with England next summer.
