The Sport Matrix: Saturday 24 January 2015

Özil has come back stronger – Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger says Mesut Özil has come back stronger from his knee injury. Özil, who has made one substitute’s appearance against Stoke since recovering from the ruptured knee ligaments he sustained in October, is set to start tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Brighton. “He has worked hard,” Wenger said. “Every day he is in the gym and he can work on it.”

Jose eager for win despite title push

Jose Mourinho has admitted that early exits from the cups would be the best thing for Chelsea’s Premier League title push, but said if they lose to Bradford City in the FA Cup fourth round today he will be furious. “If I lose against Bradford I [will] say it’s a disgrace,” he said.

Cellino resigns as Leeds president

Massimo Cellino has resigned as Leeds president but intends to return to the Championship side in April. He has been disqualified as an owner and director of the club by the Football League, following a tax evasion conviction in Sardinia. That conviction becomes spent in April.

Vestas sack man who ran boat aground

In what coud be the least surprising sackings in sport, the Volvo Ocean Race team Vestas Wind have announced that navigator Wouter Verbraak would be replaced for the final two legs – nearly two months after the boat ran aground in the Indian Ocean while the Dutchman was aboard.

The Danish-backed boat collided with a reef on 29 November during the second leg, causing major damage. It has since been retrieved and will be rebuilt ready for a planned return to the race in June for the final two legs.

A new navigator will be in place for the start of leg eight, which begins in Lisbon.

Morgan: England are improving

England ODI captain Eoin Morgan feels the team are making progress, despite narrowly losing to Australia. England made 303-8 before Steve Smith’s unbeaten 102 helped Australia reach the target in the final over. “I see us making huge steps,” said Morgan.