“Mexican striker Carlos Vela has rejoined the Arsenal squad ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final against Manchester United after spending a day in quarantine due to fears over the swine flu outbreak. Vela, 20, was told to stay away from the Gunners’ training session following a visit by some friends from Mexico, where more than 150 deaths have been blamed on the virus.” (ESPN)

Young targets South Africa (FIFA)
“Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has set himself the target of getting in England’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ squad after giving Fabio Capello a reminder of his talent over the weekend.”

Talent alone isn’t always enough (BBC – Tim Vickery)
“In my last column, I announced that I was on my way to Lima to write a piece on the Peruvian game for World Soccer magazine, and invited comments on the matter from readers.”

African goals in Europe: 25-26 April (BBC)
“Here’s the BBC’s weekly round-up of the feats of African footballers across the European leagues.”

The Joy of Six: European Cup semi-finals (Guardian)
“From the violence of Dundee United’s visit to Rome in 1984 to Milan’s evisceration of Real Madrid in 1989, here are six of the most thrilling European Cup semis.”