Soccer Shorts: AC Milan and Brazil striker Ronaldo arrived in Paris yesterday for surgery on a career-threatening knee injury.

The three-times world player of the year, who ruptured a ligament in his left knee on Wednesday, was seen by journalists going into the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in the French capital. The 31-year-old was carried off in tears after going down heavily during Wednesday's 1-1 Serie A draw at home to Livorno.

Dunne expected to sign up

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is confident Richard Dunne (28) will follow in the footsteps of Micah Richards and Dietmar Hamann and sign a new contract.

Richards signed a five-and-a-half year deal last week, while midfielder Hamann penned a one-year extension to his contract on Wednesday.

Dunne, who has been with City since October 2000 and who still has 16 months to run on his present deal, is next in line to agree new terms. Negotiations have stalled and that has alerted Celtic and Newcastle to the prospect that the Ireland international could be available this summer.

However a confident Eriksson said: "It is still in the pipeline and I am sure he will sign a new contract."

Eto'o back for Celtic bout

Barcelona's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o will miss the Primera Liga match at Real Zaragoza tomorrow after returning from the African Cup of Nations with a left thigh strain, the club said yesterday.

"There is no muscular injury and the player will have three days of specific treatment to be ready for the Champions League match against Celtic next week," said a statement on the club's website (www.fcbarcelona.com).

Barca visit the Glasgow side on Wednesday for their first knockout round, first leg match at Celtic Park.

Robson takes his leave

Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson has left the English Championship club and will be replaced by his number two Kevin Blackwell until the end of the season, the club said last night.

A statement on the club's Website (www.sufc.premiumtv.co.uk) said United plc chairman Kevin McCabe had discussed a new role for the former England captain during lengthy talks.

"However Robson elected to leave along with number two, Brian Kidd," the statement said. "Replacing the pair until the end of the season will be former number two Kevin Blackwell, assisted by Sam Ellis."

McCabe said: "I had hoped Bryan would take up this head of football role but, regrettably, this was not to be."

Fabregas happy where he is

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas (21) has revealed he is in talks with the Gunners about a new contract.

Fabregas was speaking in response to renewed speculation in Spain of a possible swoop by Barcelona this summer for his mentor at Arsenal, manager Arsene Wenger, as a replacement for Frank Rijkaard.

The Spaniard has also been heavily linked with a return to his former club Barcelona - and Real Madrid - over the last year, and any speculation about Wenger going to Spain inevitably also brings into the spotlight Fabregas's future.

However, Fabregas has insisted he is happy at Arsenal, with whom he signed an eight-year contract in 2006.

"I have contract in force until 2014, I have six years remaining and I am talking with my club, who are interested in renegotiating it," said Fabregas. "I want to succeed at Arsenal and that the club wants me is fundamental for me.

"I am proud (to be linked to Barcelona). But I only think of winning as many titles as possible here (at Arsenal)."

Liverpool to keep their man

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists he is edging closer to completing the permanent signing of Javier Mascherano despite fresh reports linking the Argentinian with a move elsewhere.

Mascherano had expected his move to be wrapped up by last week but with the situation still ongoing, Spanish daily Marca claims he has been offered to Barcelona.

Benitez said yesterday: "We are closer than we were one week ago but I don't know how close."

The former West Ham player remains on loan at Anfield - the player is owned by the sports investment group MSI.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will be fit to face Inter Milan in the Champions League first knockout round, first leg at Anfield next Tuesday. He injured his thigh in Spain's 1-0 win over France last week but has returned to training.