Liverpool defender JON FLANAGAN pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend. The 25-year-old appeared at Liverpool magistrates court on Tuesday accused of beating RACHAEL WALL (PA, 1/2). ... Rugby player JARRYD HAYNE is "expected to press ahead with his long-awaited return" to National Rugby League side Parramatta Eels training this week, despite a rape allegation stemming from a U.S. civil suit "hanging over his head." The "ongoing saga is likely to overshadow Hayne's return to Eels training." He signed with the club following his World Cup stint with Fiji (AAP, 1/1).
MURRAY MALAISE: Tennis player ANDY MURRAY said that he "may have to consider surgery" after withdrawing from the Brisbane Int'l because of his long-term hip injury. The 30-year-old is "down to 16th in the world," having not played since July. Murray said on Instagram that surgery was a "secondary option, something I may have to consider but let's hope not." The Australian Open starts in Melbourne on Jan. 15 and Murray added that he would decide by the weekend "whether to stay in Australia or fly home" (BBC, 1/2).
