United's Fletcher returns after battle with stomach illness

London (AFP) - Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher returned to action on Monday in the latest stage of his battle to recover from a serious stomach illness.

Fletcher has played just 13 games since announcing he was taking an extended break from football in November 2011 after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

The 29-year-old has since undergone several operations the last of which took place in January, and been put on a strict dietary regime in a bid to correct his stomach condition.

RG3's knee is 'fine' - Redskins passing game isn't

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Robert Griffin III's knee is fine. The same can't be said about any facet of the Washington Redskins' passing game.

''Sometimes it may be a read, it may be an overthrow, it may be a protection issue, it may be a dropped ball,'' coach Mike Shanahan said Monday.

That about covers it. Griffin has open receivers that he doesn't see. When he does throw it, he's not nearly as accurate as he was a year ago. When he does put the ball on the money, his receivers are dropping it far too often. And, of course, sometimes he under too much pressure, taking, for example, three sacks and 13 more hits in Sunday's 45-21 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Report: Fulham boss Martin Jol plays down loan return for Seattle Sounders star Clint Dempsey

Jurgen Klinsmann says he'd like to see MLS-based US national teamers like Clint Dempsey go on loans to European clubs in the offseason to stay sharp ahead of next summer's World Cup.

So naturally, wouldn't a short-term spell for his captain back at the English club where he found his breakthrough success fit the bill?

Pump the breaks, says Cottagers boss Martin Jol, according to a Monday report in the Fulham Chronicle.