Italy
Balotelli sees specialist about groin injury: Mario Balotelli faces an extended lay-off following scans on a groin problem. Balotelli has made just four appearances, scoring one goal, since returning to Milan this summer on a season-long loan from Liverpool. He has not featured since September 27. A Milan statement read: "AC Milan announces that today Mario Balotelli underwent further consultations in Copenhagen with professor Per Holmich. The medical staff of AC Milan and Liverpool will soon agree a new therapeutic course."
Mertens sidelined for a month: Napoli winger Dries Mertens is expected to be sidelined for a period of four to five weeks after suffering a muscle strain while on international duty with Belgium. "Dries will stay with the squad but he won't play," announced Belgium coach Marc Wilmots to reporters. "He told us that something was bothering him as soon as he arrived from Napoli." Mertens will have to wait and see what diagnosis he is proscribed by the Red Devils' medical staff, but early estimates state that he will likely miss a month.
England
Valencia undergoes surgery: Manchester United have confirmed Antonio Valencia has undergone foot surgery. The Ecuadorian hasn't featured since sustaining the injury in the derby against City last month. In two pictures posted on Valencia's official Twitter page, he shows his left leg in bandages, with crutches by the side of his bed. No return date has been confirmed for the 30-year-old, meaning it is unclear for how long Louis van Gaal will have to make do without his services.
Spain
Ramos could need surgery: Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is set to take a pain-killing injection to play against Barcelona and will undergo shoulder surgery after El Clasico, according to AS. Ramos left the pitch in pain after falling heavily while scoring the opening goal in Madrid's 3-2 defeat at Sevilla and underwent a scan on the injury on Tuesday morning. He has already been ruled out of Spain's upcoming friendlies and the centre-back was also a major doubt for the game against Barca on Nov. 21, but AS claims he will take a cortisone injection for that match and then undergo an operation.