From the Back Pages, October 14: Roy Hodgson questions Liverpool’s recovery programme amid tension with manager Brendan Rodgers

The tense relationship between Roy Hodgson and Brendan Rodgers looks set to continue in the wake of the controversy over Raheem Sterling’s fitness with the England manager saying the two-day post-match recovery programme operated at Liverpool will not be standard with the national team. (The Independent)

Real Madrid are continuing to monitor David de Gea’s impressive form at Manchester United. There had been increasing clamour in Spain for 23-year-old De Gea to replace the under-fire Iker Casillas in the national side and Madrid are considering a similar move at club level. (Daily Mail)

Jack Wilshere admits Arsenal players are “devastated” after Mesut Ozil became the latest player to be struck down with a knee injury. (The Mirror)

It never seems straightforward with Wales and so it proved yet again as Chris Coleman’s side turned what should have been a comfortable victory into an ordeal for every home supporter in the crowd. Coasting after early goals from David Cotterill and Hal Robson-Kanu, Wales contrived to let Cyprus back into the game, when Wayne Hennessey made a hash of dealing with Vincent Laban’s free-kick, and ended up playing the final 42 minutes with 10 men. (The Guardian)

Mercedes have spent at least £7 million on bonuses for all 700 staff after winning their first constructors’ championship, with the drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg poised to address the factory in Brackley on Tuesday. (The Telegraph)

Steffon Armitage, the European player of the year, may soon be back in the Aviva Premiership and qualified to play for England. At least two top-flight English rugby clubs have been in negotiations with Toulon about signing the flanker on an immediate release deal. (The Times)