Sports News Roundup: Messi to start for PSG after in-house suspension; Bais wins stage seven of Giro after gruelling climb and more

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Soccer-Man Utd handed Varane boost but 'big question mark' over Rashford - Ten Hag

Manchester United were handed an injury boost with centre back Raphael Varane back in contention when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend but top scorer Marcus Rashford is a major doubt, manager Erik ten Hag said on Friday. Varane has not played for a month since he was substituted in their Europa League draw with Sevilla and his return comes at the right time with United looking to consolidate a top-four spot with four games left.

Soccer-Messi to start for PSG after in-house suspension

Lionel Messi will start Paris St Germain's Ligue 1 home game against AC Ajaccio on Saturday after returning to training following a club-imposed suspension, coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday. "I spoke with him on Tuesday to see what his mindset was and I found him very determined to play... He will start tomorrow," Galtier told a press conference.

Cycling-Bais wins stage seven of Giro after gruelling climb

Davide Bais of Eolo-Kometa won a gruelling stage seven of the Giro d'Italia on Friday after leading a three-man breakaway, beating Karel Vacek and Simone Petilli to the finish line for the first professional victory of his career. The seventh stage was one for the climbers on a 218-km ride from Capua to Gran Sasso d'Italia which involved flat roads at the start before the final climb of approximately 45km and a total altitude gain of 3,900 metres.

Cricket-West Indies name Sammy as new white ball coach, Coley takes over test side

West Indies have appointed all-rounder and Twenty20 World Cup winning captain Daren Sammy as their new coach for the white ball teams while Andre Coley takes over the test side, the country's cricket board (CWI) said on Friday. Sammy, 39, captained both red and white ball West Indies teams and led the Caribbean side to two T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016.

Soccer-Kane correct to flag Spurs issues, says Mason

Harry Kane was right to say that Tottenham Hotspur had lost their way in recent years, according to interim manager Ryan Mason, who said on Friday that he agreed with the England striker's assessment. In an interview with Sky Sports, Kane said Spurs had "lost a bit of what the values are" over the last few years as the north London side went from being Champions League finalists in 2019 to being on the verge of missing out on Europe next season.

Soccer-Chelsea must respect Forest team 'fighting for their lives', says Lampard

Chelsea's season may be over with nothing left to fight for but manager Frank Lampard said on Friday that he is wary of Nottingham Forest who are still involved in a relegation battle.

Forest are 16th with 33 points, three points above the relegation zone. Steve Cooper's side have been in and out of the drop zone in recent weeks but two wins in their last three games have given them a boost in the home stretch.

Financiers say they sense new Agnelli openness over Italy's Juventus

Financiers who normally find it almost impossible to get the ear of the Agnelli family on the future of Italian soccer club Juventus say they now sense more of a willingness to listen. The "Old Lady", as Italy's most successful soccer club is known, is in the midst of tackling off-pitch issues and spiralling costs as it attempts to regain its magic.

Soccer-No plans to move Champions League final from Istanbul, says UEFA

The 2023 Champions League final will be held in Istanbul, UEFA said in a statement on Friday that discounted reports they were considering moving the game due to political unrest. "UEFA would like to clarify the position on the 2023 Champions League final," their statement said. "The 2023 UEFA Champions League final will take place in Istanbul as scheduled, on 10 June 2023.

Soccer-No prison for key witness in FIFA corruption probe

A former Argentine businessman who pleaded guilty in the sprawling FIFA corruption probe will not have to spend time in prison, after his testimony contributed to the U.S. convictions of South American soccer officials and a television executive. Alejandro Burzaco, the former head of Argentine sports marketing company Torneos y Competencias, was sentenced to time served on Friday by U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen in Brooklyn federal court.

Soccer-Arsenal not ruling out Saliba and Zinchenko despite reports

Arsenal will be without William Saliba at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday but the Frenchman and fellow-defender Oleksandr Zinchenko are not ruled out for the remainder of the season, manager Mikel Arteta said. Earlier reports indicated both would miss the remainder of the campaign in a blow for the Gunners in the Premier League title battle with leaders and favourites Manchester City.

(With inputs from agencies.)