Keane: We'll back Chopra
Sunderland manager Roy Keane has pledged the club's full backing to striker Michael Chopra as he "deals with some personal problems".
The Daily Mirror reported that the 24-year-old had been checked into the Sporting Chance clinic.
Keane said: "He has the full support of everyone at the club. We would ask that his privacy, and that of his family, is respected at this time."
Keane: No Ferdinand debut
Anton Ferdinand will not make his Sunderland bow against Manchester City on Sunday, boss Roy Keane confirmed.
Ferdinand, who completed his move from West Ham on Wednesday, is struggling with a hamstring problem and will have to wait until after the international break to make his Black Cats debut.
Keane told Sky Sports News: "We hope he'll be training in the next few days, but I wouldn't just throw him in."
Hodgson wants Etuhu deal
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson claims he is still trying to strengthen his squad with the signing of Sunderland's Nigerian midfielder Dickson Etuhu.
Etuhu nearly joined as part of a swap deal with striker David Healy but negotiations broke down, leaving Healy to join the black Cats for £2m.
He said: "We are still working on that deal. Although we've signed a lot of players we've still got a small squad."