Football: Fowler injured in Norwegian friendly

Robbie Fowler was carried off after 38 minutes of Liverpool's friendly match against a Norwegian XI in Oslo last night. Fowler, who scored twice as the Reds moved into a 3-0 lead on their way to a 3-1 victory, was hurt following a challenge from behind by Jarle Andre Flo, the brother of the new Chelsea forward, Tore Andre Flo.

After two minutes of treatment, he was carried off with his right leg strapped, and seemingly in pain. Liverpool's manager, Roy Evans, said later that Fowler and Oyvind Leonhardsen would have medical checks today. He added that Fowler's injury "seems to be a light ligament injury in his right knee."

The injury will worry not only Evans but also the England coach, Glenn Hoddle, who has already lost Alan Shearer for vital World Cup matches this autumn.

Southend and West Ham are following the example set by Liverpool and Crewe by forging a "special relationship".

Last season Crewe announced an agreement with Liverpool that eventually saw Danny Murphy move to Anfield for pounds 1.5m. Liverpool also get first option on Crewe's young players, and that scenario may be repeated in the south- east.The only initial manifestation will be West Ham playing reserve games at Roots Hall.

The move follows the appointment of the former Hammers defender Alvin Martin as manager at Roots Hall this summer, after Ronnie Whelan left the club following relegation to the Second Division.

The Premier League will not be rushed into making public the long- awaited findings of their inquiry into so-called 'bungs'. The Sports Minister, Tony Banks, had told the authorities to hurry up and publish the details of investigations into inducements paid during transfer deals. The findings are unlikely to be published before the new season kicks off, however. A spokesman for the League said yesterday: "It is a full and thorough inquiry that's still ongoing. We hope to report in full as soon as possible."

The Football Association has launched a national survey to improve their understanding of injuries. They are concerned by long-term injuries to leading players and will gather information from club physiotherapists over the next 18 months.

"We have sent a questionnaire to every league club," an FA spokesman, Steve Double, said. "The idea is that over 18 months they will log every injury and record details of the circumstances in which it occurred. We want to know how and where certain injuries happen and how they have been treated."

Eric Cantona, Diego Maradona and George Weah are to tackle racism in an all-star tournament this autumn. The trio will captain three teams at the event in Spain on 12 October. It is being backed by the European Commission to publicise the European Year Against Racism.

Southampton's manager Dave Jones is raiding his old club Stockport County for a third time to sign their captain Mike Flynn for a fee of around pounds 1m.