Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
UEFA Champions League: Paris Saint-Germain 3 Benfica 0
3 October 2013
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's double inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-0 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Ibrahimovic scored twice in the first half, sandwiching a Marquinhos strike, as PSG produced a superb performance at the Parc des Princes to leave themselves in firm control of Group C with six points from two matches.
Both sides headed into the game following convincing wins in their opening games against Olympiacos and Anderlecht, but it was the Ligue 1 champions who controlled this clash from start to finish.
Laurent Blanc made four changes to the PSG side that beat Toulouse 2-0 on Saturday, with Alex replacing Zoumana Camara in defence, while Blaise Matuidi, Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi came in for Adrien Rabiot, Jeremy Menez and Lucas Moura.
Nicolas Gaitan and Filip Duricic returned to the Benfica team after being left out of the starting line-up for their 1-1 draw with Belenenses.
It did not take long for PSG to take the lead, as Ibrahimovic opened the scoring after just five minutes.
The Swedish striker met Gregory van der Wiel's right-wing cross to tap in to an empty net following an excellent through ball from Matuidi.
Blanc's men continued to dictate the play after breaking the deadlock as they starved Benfica of possession.
Matuidi saw an effort well saved Artur before Ibrahimovic almost forced an opening, but the hosts were eventually rewarded for their dominance with a superb second goal on 25 minutes.
Ibrahimovic was once again heavily involved as the former Barcelona and Milan man skilfully combined with Marco Verratti, who in turn played in Matuidi who pulled back for Marquinhos to find the net from point-blank range.
And the game was all but ended as a contest on the half-hour mark when Ibrahimovic headed Thiago Motta's pinpoint corner past a despairing Artur for his second of the game.
Benfica made one change at the interval as Lazar Markovic replaced Duricic but, although Ezequiel Garay tested Salvatore Sirigu in the early stages of the second half, they struggled to break down the hosts' organised defence.
The chances continued to flow as Miralem Sulejmani drew another save from Sirigu, before Ibrahimovic spurned a chance for a hat-trick, firing over after Artur could only parry substitute Adrien Rabiot's effort.
PSG still attacked as they looked to put the gloss on a wonderful display, with Cavani denied by a superb double save from Artur 16 minutes from time, but by that point the result had long been settled as PSG moved clear at the top of their pool.
UEFA Champions League: Anderlecht 0 Olympiacos 3
3 October 2013
A hat-trick from Kostas Mitroglou handed Olympiacos a well-earned 3-0 win over Anderlecht in Brussels in the UEFA Champions League.
The Greek international gave his side a first-half lead from close range before Aleksandar Mitrovic missed from the penalty spot as Anderlecht spurned a golden opportunity to draw level.
Despite the hosts creating a number of chances, Mitroglou struck again and then put the seal on a fantastic result with a stunning long-range effort that secured the Greek champions their first win in Group C.
Anderlecht handed a start to teenage midfielder Youri Tielemans, who at the age of 16 years and 148 days became the third-youngest player to feature in the Champions League.
Olympiacos striker Javier Saviola, who scored last time he visited this ground in a 3-0 win for Malaga, made his 96th Champions League appearance, while David Fuser (hamstring) and Paulo Machado (knee) failed to recover from injury.
Anderlecht came into this game having not lost to Greek opposition in seven competitive fixtures. And they made early inroads during the opening exchanges, with Mitrovic forcing Dimitris Siovas into a well-timed last-ditch tackle after an impressive run through the centre of the defence.
The hosts continued their bright start and should have been ahead after 12 minutes when Dennis Praet poked an effort wide of the post before Massimo Bruno smashed a volley into the side netting a just a couple of minutes later.
Anderlecht were soon made to pay for their wastefulness after the quarter-hour mark when Vladimir Weiss cut inside from the right before laying off to Saviola, who threaded a delicate ball into Kostas Mitroglou to finish from close range.
Mitroglou's goal failed to deter the hosts, who nearly responded straight away as Bruno forced Roberto into a smart save from long range.
And they were given the perfect opportunity to draw level after 25 minutes, when Sacha Kljestan was brought down in the box by Andreas Samaris, but Mitrovic’s tame spot-kick was kept out well by Roberto.
Anderlecht continued to probe, with Tielemans’ dipping free-kick saved comfortably before Praet fired over just after the half-hour mark.
Tielemans had another set-piece parried away by Roberto just after the break, with Guillaume Gillet failing to take advantage of the resulting rebound.
For all their pressing, the home side continued to look vulnerable to the counter-attack, with Weiss looking particularly lively.
A blocked shot from the former Rangers playmaker eventually found its way to Mitroglou, who could not keep his shot down from a tight angle.
Mitrovic should have levelled with two chances in as many minutes just a few moments later before Mitroglou popped up once again to double the visitors' advantage.
The Greek international did well to get on the end of a perfectly-floated ball over the top from Delvin N'Dinga before rifling a half-volley past Thomas Kaminski.
A resolute Olympiacos defence began to frustrate the hosts and their misery was compounded 20 minutes from time when Mitroglou picked up the ball on the edge of the area to curl home.
Matias Suarez should have done better to keep his shot down late on, wasting yet another chance on what was ultimately a frustrating night for the home side.
Jürgen Klopp banned for Borussia Dortmund's match at Arsenal
• Coach has suspension extended to cover Emirates tie
• Follows outburst at fourth offical against Napoli last month
Press Association
The Guardian, Thursday 3 October 2013 15.49 BST
Jürgen Klopp, the Borussia Dortmund coach, has had his ban extended to two matches by Uefa. Photograph: Bernd Thissen/DPA/Corbis
Jürgen Klopp will be absent from the touchline for Borussia Dortmund's Champions League trip to Arsenal after Uefa extended the coach's ban on Thursday.
Klopp was sent to the stands during Dortmund's 2-1 opening defeat at Napoli last month following a confrontation with the fourth official.
He was therefore forced to watch on from the stands on Tuesday as his side beat Marseille 3-0, but Uefa's control and disciplinary body has decided he must spend an extra match away from the touchline.
"Klopp was dismissed from the touchline for behaving in an irresponsible manner towards the fourth official during the Uefa Champions League Group F match against Napoli in Italy on 18 September," a Uefa statement said.
"As the Dortmund coach was not on the bench for Tuesday's game versus Marseille, he has one remaining fixture of his suspension to serve – the encounter with Arsenal FC in London on 22 October."
Dortmund are considering whether to appeal the decision, even though they did not appear to miss their coach on Tuesday.
Despite enjoying a better view of the game, Klopp said he preferred to be on the touchline. "You do see better, but it was uncomfortable," he said.
"It's not something I need very often. I was able to see the team in a relaxed manner from up high, or as relaxing as it can be. When the team plays well, it's easier to take, but I've told the lads not to get used to it."
Dortmund are third in the group behind the leaders Arsenal, who have won both their opening matches.
Midfielder Nuri Şahin has been ruled out for up to three weeks with an ankle injury and is therefore set to miss Borussia Dortmund's Group F match at Arsenal FC.
Nuri Şahin has been sidelined for around three weeks
Borussia Dortmund have been deprived of midfielder Nuri Şahin for their UEFA Champions League Group F encounter at Arsenal FC on 22 October.
Şahin, 25, succumbed to an ankle injury during the Bundesliga team's 2-0 defeat by VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday and has been ruled out for up to three weeks.
The Turkish international will also be unavailable for his nation's FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Estonia on Friday and the Netherlands four days later.
Jürgen Klopp's charges made amends for their opening 2-1 loss at SSC Napoli by overwhelming Olympique de Marseille 3-0 on matchday two to climb into second spot.
Celtic FC have been dealt a blow with the news that Adam Matthews will miss the rest of the UEFA Champions League group stage with a suspected broken collarbone.
Adam Matthews (R) in action against Barcelona's Neymar last week
Celtic FC have been dealt a blow with the news that Adam Matthews will miss the rest of the UEFA Champions League group stage campaign.
The 21-year-old Welsh international dislocated his shoulder and suffered a suspected broken collarbone in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Motherwell FC and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.
The injury is expected to keep him on the sidelines for between ten and 12 weeks and means that Matthews, who can play at right-back or in midfield, will miss the double-header against AFC Ajax and the other remaining Group H games at home to AC Milan and away to FC Barcelona.
By Joe Wright17
Oct 5, 2013 8:16:00 AM
The Galatasaray boss believes his new side showed great determination in their draw with Juventus and insists he did not move to Turkey for the money
Roberto Mancini has vowed to restore Wesley Sneijder to his very best form during his spell with Galatasaray.
The Netherlands international joined the Turkish champions from Inter in January in a €7.5 million deal, but has shown only glimpses of his true talent in that time after having been frozen out of the side at San Siro.
Mancini, who was appointed as Fatih Terim's successor earlier this week, is determined to see the 29-year-old return to Europe's elite in the coming campaign, along with striker Didier Drogba.
"Players of that level have a certain pride. Sneijder is one of these players. With me, you will see the real Sneijder," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Didier still has a lot to give, but he is working in the right way and offers an important contribution."
Mancini is set to earn more than €12m in his three-year deal with the Istanbul giants, but he insists his move to Turkey was not motivated by money.
"In Italy we always think about money. Everyone says 'He went to Istanbul for money'. I accepted the proposal because Galatasaray is a prestigious club, participates in the Champions League and has a massive history," said the 48-year-old.
Galatasaray secured a valuable 2-2 draw away to Juventus in midweek to restore some hope of reaching the Champions League knock-out phase, and Mancini is eager to secure points in their next two clashes with Copenhagen to put pressure on Juve and Real Madrid.
"The draw in Turin gives us hope for something more in the Champions League. Juve is always Juve, they are very strong. However, they a Galatasaray who were motivated after a coaching change," said the former Manchester City boss.
"The two clashes with Real Madrid will be pure entertainment. It's an opportunity for us to take advantage of them and get back in contention."
"Anniversaries are not so important," said FC Viktoria Plzeň's Pavel Vrba after marking five years at the helm, adding that European success is the "biggest motivation we can have".
by Ondřej Zlámal
from Prague
The 49-year-old will break the Czech First League coaching record of 151 successive games – held jointly with Karel Jarolím and Ladislav Škorpil – when the title holders host strugglers SK Slavia Prague on 19 October. "I have heard the average length of a coach's tenure at a Czech club is 19 league matches," said Vrba.
"I am honoured that I am helping to extend the record. But anniversaries are not that important; what matters are our performances and results in the Champions League and in domestic competition."
Since being appointed on 7 October 2008, Vrba has transformed the Bohemian team's fortunes, guiding them to 2009/10 Czech Cup glory – the first silverware in their history – two league titles (2011 and 2013) and a domestic Super Cup triumph (2011).
Plzeň returned to continental competition in 2010 following an absence of 39 years, going on to rub shoulders with FC Barcelona and AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League group stage the following year. They are back there this season, having reached the UEFA Europa League round of 16 last term, enjoying nights Vrba hopes can become a regular occurrence.
"When players experience matches in the Champions League or Europa League, they want to play in them again [and again]," he said. "It is something extraordinary that we will remember for life. To succeed at this level is the biggest motivation we can have."
Regarding his impact at the Štruncovy Sady Stadión, Vrba said: "It was not only me coming to the club, a group of new players and coaches came with me. We have changed the club's philosophy, vision and working methods, which includes transfer policy. We have set clear aims that we are going after. That is why we have progressed so far.
"Another significant change was our stadium undergoing the necessary reconstruction. It is a fantastic sight to see full stands, not only in our European games but also for league matches. This is a good opportunity to thank them for their support – as I can remember the low attendances Plzeň were getting five years ago."
Uefa explores internationals shake-up with Nations League plan
• Idea for league competition to replace friendlies
• Body wants to make international football more attractive
Owen Gibson and Ben Lyttleton
The Guardian, Thursday 10 October 2013 16.10 BST
Uefa are looking at ways to make international football more attractive and more profitable. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images
Uefa is considering a radical overhaul of international football that would see national teams playing a new Nations League competition.
The idea, floated at executive committee meetings that preceded aUefa meeting in Dubrovnik last month, would see Uefa using existing dates for friendlies in the international calendar to launch a new league involving all 54 member nations.
Uefa sources have told the Guardian that the idea was one of several floated at the meeting as part of a discussion about how to improve the attractiveness of international football from 2018 onwards. The Uefa executive committee will now examine the idea in more detail before deciding whether to adopt it.
The new concept, first revealed by Norwegian paper Dagbladet, would see all Uefa's members divided into a series of perhaps nine divisions based on their recent results, with promotion and relegation following each round of matches.
The winner of the first division would be Uefa's Nations League champion and win a substantial prize, with the bottom team in each division being relegated in favour of the winner of the tier below.
The Norwegian FA president, Yngve Hallen, who sits on UEFA's national committee for international tournaments, said: "It is true that a series of games is one of the models being discussed."
The discussions are taking place against a backdrop of concern that the qualifying campaigns for the expanded European Championships from 2016 will prove less attractive because there will be less jeopardy.
In conjunction with other Uefa innovations due to be introduced from 2014 onwards, including its "week of football" in which qualifiers will take place across six days to maximise viewers, the drive from its HQ in Nyon is to boost the profile of the international game.
Uefa has recently taken central control of TV rights for the competitive qualifying matches of all its member nations, promising large underwritten guarantees to the biggest countries. That has increased the pressure on Uefa to bring in funding from TV and commercial partners in order to meet them.
If the Uefa Nations League idea is explored further, then the European governing body would be likely to look to centralise the TV and marketing rights in the same way as it has for the Champions League.
"The success of the Champions League has already inspired the Europa League. This is also something they are trying to look at in connection with the Nations League - how this can sharpen the market. That's what this is largely about," said Hallen.
"But there have been very clear political guidelines from all 54 federations that the focus needs to be on the football/competitive aspect. All countries should have equal opportunities," he added.
"No-one should have to qualify for this tournament - everyone plays from the first game. And then there is also a recognition that tournament form should be easy to understand for most people. All this we need to work out."
The Swedish FA representative Karl-Erik Nilsson told Aftonbladet that "it has been established that it is difficult to get interest around friendlies".
"For 2020 it has been looked at whether it would be possible to combine traditional qualifiers with with this league format, instead of friendlies, to increase interest," he said.
"It is worth looking at but we were clear that it can't have an impact on the qualifiers for the Euro tournaments. The qualifiers are No1 and have the highest priority. There won't be more international games because of this."
He said the initial reaction among the 54 members was that "creating more interest is not something negative".
Nilsson added: "All 54 members were in Croatia and the idea was presented from a perspective of: is this worth looking at? And the overall feeling was: 'let's look at it but don't let it have an impact on the qualifiers'."
He said that one idea included in the presentation was to divide the groups so that clubs next to one another in the Fifa rankings were grouped together, while another version envisaged a geographical structure.
The FA and the other big European associations may be among the most difficult to convince of the merits of the plan, because they would have to give up the possibility of lucrative friendlies against big South American sides.
How the groups might look
First division Spain, Germany, Holland, Italy, England, Portugal
Second division Russia, Greece, Croatia, Sweden, France, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Third division Ukraine, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Czech Republic
Fourth division Republic of Ireland, Serbia, Norway, Slovakia, Turkey, Israel
Fifth division Slovenia, Austria, Romania, Montenegro, Poland, Finland
Murdo MacLeod has told Celtic fans not to assume three easy points will be on offer when Ajax come to Parkhead later in the month for their crunch Champions League encounter.
PA Sport Report – Fri, Oct 11, 2013 14:12 BST
Nigel de Jong Siem de Jong Ajax Milan 2013 AP/LaPresse
The Hoops lost their opening two Group H matches, away to AC Milan and at home to Barcelona, leaving Neil Lennon's men bottom of their section.
It is widely thought that the upcoming double-header against the Dutch side represents Celtic's best chance of getting points on the board to rescue hopes of reaching the last-16 for the second successive season or, failing that, a place in the Europa League.
However, speaking at Celtic Park where he was helping to launch a book about the former Celtic player from the 1930s, Malcolm McDonald, the ex-Hoops midfielder and assistant manager addressed the growing assumption that Ajax will be the easiest home group fixture for the Scottish champions.
He told Press Association Sport: "It is easy to say that because everyone knows the quality of Barcelona and AC Milan.
"People are thinking Ajax will be third best of the three but sometimes when you know the opposition (it is different), Celtic knew Barcelona and they handled them really well.
"Whereas Ajax will be fresh, they will be looking forward to playing here in a fantastic atmosphere, so they will possibly play as well as the other two teams.
"They have always been one of the top European clubs but I think people are looking at them and thinking that they are maybe the weakest one in the group.
"But I think they might surprise a lot of people when they turn up here at Celtic Park, they will still be a good football team.
"They have lost a couple of top players in the window but I still think it will be a tough game."
With Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Valentin Stocker recently off the production line, and a new academy now open, FC Basel 1893's future looks bright.
by Rudi Wanner
from Basel
While FC Basel 1893 have enjoyed domestic dominance since the turn of the century – lifting eight Swiss titles in the past 12 years – only recently have they started making an impression on the continent. Murat Yakin's side reached last season's UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual winners Chelsea FC. Basel got the better of the west London club this term, though, opening their UEFA Champions League Group E campaign with a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Perhaps Basel's biggest asset throughout this period has been their burgeoning youth department. While a Swiss record four successive Super League championships have provided a degree of financial ballast, Basel would not be where they are today without the success of their academy. The list of talents to have been scouted, developed and integrated into the setup is a lengthy one.
Valentin Stocker is key for Basel
Valentin Stocker is the latest to have established himself in the first team since making his senior debut in 2007. Now also a regular for Switzerland – who have qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup – Stocker announced himself to Europe when striking a first-leg winner against FC Bayern München in the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League round of 16. The attacking midfielder, 24, is the latest academy product to attract interest from elsewhere.
Granit Xhaka, currently at VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, left St. Jakob-Park when he was just 19. The sale of Xherdan Shaqiri to Bayern also raised considerable funds. Shaqiri had been with Basel since the age of nine and is considered his country's most gifted talent. With the income from these sales having been invested in a new academy – opened in August – it seems safe to assume there is plenty more of the same to come.
Though Basel continue to act with circumspection in their work with promising youngsters, the rewards are tangible. Despite defeat by FC Schalke 04 on matchday two, the UEFA Champions League knockout stage is feasible, while more silverware at home looks likely under the increasingly respected Yakin. Most importantly of all, though, the long-term future appears to be in safe hands.
The opinions expressed here are the writer's own and not those of UEFA.
Carlos Tevez has claimed that Juventus are not scared of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The Italian giants face Los Blancos in a European double-header later this month, and the striker has insisted that his team play the Santiago Bernabeu side without any fear.
“Real are Real,” he told Tuttosport.
“A superpower and an institution, just like United. Regardless of form, Madrid is a great team that I respect.
“I think we need to chalk up two big wins to go through to the next round of the Champions League. It doesn't matter if they come at the Bernabeu or elsewhere.
“Scared? No, there's no fear in football. Now the neighbourhood I grew up in, that's real fear.”
By Shane Callaghan35
Oct 16, 2013 8:14:00 PM
The 30-year-old is poised to be sidelined for Juventus' upcoming clashes with the Spanish giants - and numerous domestic matches - due to injury
Juventus forward Fabio Quagliarella is set to miss both of the crucial Champions League encounters with Real Madrid through injury.
The 30-year-old, who has netted against both Copenhagen and Galatasaray in the tournament so far, has been ruled out for a minimum of three weeks as he recovers from an adductor injury, meaning that he will play no part in the upcoming fixtures with the Liga giants.
Consequently, the Italy international will also sit out domestic clashes with Fiorentina, Genoa, Catania and Parma respectively, but could return for the visit of former club Napoli on November 10.
"Fabio Quagliarella picked up an injury yesterday, and tests which he underwent this morning have revealed damage to his right adductor longus muscle," a statement on the club's official website read.
"He is expected to be out of action for 20 days."
Antonio Conte's men face the Blancos in back-to-back group games knowing that two defeats would significantly dent his team's hopes of progressing to the latter stages of the competition, with the Bianconeri yet to pick up a victory in Group B.
The reigning Italian champions travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the first clash with Carlo Ancelotti's men on October 23, before welcoming them to Turin two weeks later.
Published: Tuesday 15 October 2013, 14.31CET
FC Bayern München midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has been ruled out for six to seven weeks after tearing his hamstring as Switzerland sealed a FIFA World Cup place on Friday.
Xherdan Shaqiri could miss Bayern's next three UEFA Champions League games
Xherdan Shaqiri has been ruled out for six to seven weeks after tearing his hamstring in Switzerland's FIFA World Cup meeting with Albania on Friday.
The midfielder limped off before the hour in Tirana, seven minutes after his goal had broken the deadlock. Switzerland won 2-1 to seal qualification for Brazil 2014 but pleasure was mixed with pain for Shaqiri as the extent of his injury was revealed.
"It's a bitter diagnosis," he said. "I'm disappointed, but I'll try to get back to fitness as soon as possible."
Shaqiri, who has scored one goal in six Bundesliga appearances this season, will therefore miss FC Bayern München's next two UEFA Champions League games, both against FC Viktoria Plzeň. The meeting with PFC CSKA Moskva on 27 November may also come too soon.
SSC Napoli will be without Miguel Britos for their UEFA Champions League Group F trip to Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday while the French side will be missing Lucas Mendes.
Miguel Britos will miss Napoli's trip to Marseille
SSC Napoli defender Miguel Britos will miss his side's UEFA Champions League Group F trip to Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday after dislocating his collarbone.
The 28-year-old Uruguayan centre-back was forced off after 44 minutes of Friday's 2-0 defeat at Serie A leaders AS Roma after falling badly on his right shoulder. The former Bologna FC had a scan this morning which the club confirmed revealed a "second degree dislocation to his right clavicle."
Britos will have further tests on Monday morning but the game at OM will be too soon for his recovery. Napoli coach Rafael Benítez had also lost left-back Camilo Zúñiga with a knee injury ahead of the loss against Roma, while right-back Christian Maggio played for the first time since knee surgery in September.
Meanwhile, OM centre-back Lucas Mendes is also out after an ankle injury sustained in Friday night's 1-0 defeat at OGC Nice. The Brazilian was substituted on eight minutes and has been diagnosed with a left ankle strain. "OM's medical staff have ruled him out for Napoli's visit on Tuesday," the club stated. "And probably for Saturday's game with Stade de Reims."
Published: Sunday 20 October 2013, 12.56CET
FC Bayern München must host FC Viktoria Plzeň on Wednesday without Dante after the Brazil defender succumbed to an ankle injury against 1. FSV Mainz 05 at the weekend.
Dante has been sidelined for up to two weeks
Dante has been laid low for up to two weeks with an ankle injury and therefore misses FC Bayern München's UEFA Champions League home encounter with FC Viktoria Plzeň on Wednesday.
The Brazil defender incurred a deep cut to his left ankle during the opening half of Bayern's 4-1 Bundesliga defeat of 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday. Dante had featured in both of the Bavarians' opening Group D triumphs against PFC CSKA Moskva on matchday one and Manchester City FC two weeks later.
Coach Josep Guardiola is also sweating on the fitness of Franck Ribéry, who was rested at the weekend after turning his ankle in training. "It's nothing serious and I wanted to play, but the doctor said it was too much of a risk," explained the France winger.
Celtic FC have been dealt a blow with the news that Kris Commons will almost certainly miss Tuesday's UEFA Champions League game at home to AFC Ajax with a hamstring strain.
Kris Commons has been in fine form this season
Kris Commons is almost certainly out of Celtic FC's UEFA Champions League game against AFC Ajax on Tuesday after the midfielder pulled up with a hamstring strain in the weekend 1-1 draw at Hibernian FC.
"Kris knew straight away; he felt a pull and signalled to us," said manager Neil Lennon. "We don't think it's a tear, but if it is a strain it's a couple of weeks, so it's definitely not looking good for Tuesday. Losing Kris is a huge blow. He has been fantastic for us this season. He's at the top of his game and in great physical condition, so if he is out it will be a big loss."
Lennon is already without suspended captain Scott Brown, Adam Matthews (shoulder) and former Ajax winger Derk Boerrigter (ankle). Mikael Lustig is also a doubt with a hip injury, while Emilio Izaguirre returned from international duty with a virus.
The Hoops currently sit bottom of Group H having failed to take any points from their first two fixtures against AC Milan and FC Barcelona.
The Chile international could miss the match at the Santiago Bernabeu after picking up a thigh problem against Fiorentina
Juventus coach Antonio Conte has received some worrying news from the treatment table ahead of the Champions League match away against Real Madrid as he will possibly have to make do without the services of Arturo Vidal due to injury.
The Chile international sustained a thigh injury in Juventus' 4-2 Serie A loss against Fiorentina on Sunday and the Italian champions fear that the combative midfielder might not recover in time for Wednesday's encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vidal started the match against Fiorentina from the bench for disciplinary reasons after returning late from international duty with Chile, but was brought on for Claudio Marchisio late in the second half.
Although the midfielder lasted until the final whistle, he complained about pain in his thigh afterwards and he could consequently miss the game versus Madrid.
Juventus desperately need a good result against Real Madrid after dropping points against Copenhagen and Galatasaray in their opening two Group B games.
Arsene Wenger has confirmed the winger will miss the Gunners' key clashes with Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea as he continues his recovery from surgery
Theo Walcott is set to miss Arsenal's next three fixtures after a setback in his recovery from abdominal surgery.
The winger recently underwent a minor operation that ruled him out of England's final two World Cup qualifiers, but manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the problem flared up again in training.
"He had a setback. He had to stop, to jog again, I don't think we will see him against Dortmund, nor Crystal Palace nor Chelsea," he said.
"He is at least two weeks away now."
Arsenal have continued their blistering start to the season in Walcott's absence, while Tottenham's Andros Townsend impressed on the right flank as England booked their place at next summer's World Cup.
The German coach is confident ahead of Tuesday's game but Michael Zorc is wary of the in-form Gunners, particularly summer signing Mesut Ozil
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says he has “a good feeling” ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Bundesliga club head to London three points behind the Gunners having lost 2-1 to Napoli in their opening group game before beating Marseille 3-0.
Dortmund warmed up for Tuesday’s clash with a 1-0 league win over Hannover, thanks to a fourth-minute penalty from Marco Reus.
And Klopp is confident ahead of the game, although he will be absent from the touchline as he serves the second of his two-match ban.
"We should be one step further on Tuesday,” he told reporters. “We can play better, and we will. I have a good feeling."
Sporting director Michael Zorc, meanwhile, is wary of facing an in-form Arsenal side who have won both opening group games and have won six and drawn just once in the league since losing on the opening day.
"The match is completely open. Arsenal are in top shape and are leading the table in the Premier League,” he said.
“In the Champions League you don't get 10 chances to score. If you have one, you should capitalise on that."
Zorc also warned his side they must be wary of Mesut Ozil, who was in fine form against Norwich on Saturday, scoring twice in a 4-1 victory.
"It looks like he [Ozil] is precisely the player they were lacking before,” he added. “They have assembled a top team again."
