Briefly: Sreejesh-coached India out to defend Junior Asia Cup title

Fresh from winning the bronze medal in the Sultan of Johor Cup, the PR Sreejesh-coached Indian colts on Friday departed for Muscat to defend the Junior Asia Cup title. India, who defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 to win the title last year for a record fourth time, will open their campaign against Thailand on November 27 in their Pool A fixture. They will next face Japan on November 28 and Chinese Taipei on November 30. Their last group stage match is against Korea on December 1.

Nyon

Spain draw Netherlands in Nations League quarters

Reigning Nations League champions Spain will play Netherlands in the quarterfinals while former tournament winners France take on Croatia after the draw for the knockout stage was held on Friday. Germany were drawn against Italy while Portugal, who were winners of the inaugural edition of the Nations League, will face Denmark. While the quarterfinals will be played over two legs home and away in March, the semifinals are single legs which will take place in June, with the third-place playoff and final to be played three days later.

Noida

UP Yoddhas ride on Rajput’s masterclass to beat Thalaivas

UP Yoddhas registered a resounding 40-24 win over Tamil Thalaivas in a Pro-Kabaddi League match. It was a Super 10 from Bhavani Rajput that left the spectators on the edge of their seats. In the second match, Dabang Delhi KC stretched their unbeaten run to six games after a comprehensive 35-21 win against

Jaipur Pink Panthers.

Manchester

Man City’s Kovacic out for up to one month

Manchester City’s midfield problems have mounted after Mateo Kovacic was ruled out for up to a month by manager Pep Guardiola because of an undisclosed injury. Guardiola confirmed Kovacic returned from the international break injured. The midfielder was hurt playing for Croatia against Portugal in the Nations League, and was substituted at halftime.

L0ndon

Arsenal defender White undergoes knee surgery

Arsenal right-back Ben White will be sidelined for “a few months” after having surgery to fix a nagging knee injury, manager Mikel Arteta said. The 27-year-old White had been playing through the problem but agreed during the international break that surgery was the best solution. “We had to make a decision. It’s not been improving the last few weeks,” Arteta said.