Spain
Messi set for El Clasico return: Lionel Messi is set to make his return for Barcelona against Real Madrid on Saturday after being out with injury for two months. The Argentine star seems certain to feature after taking a full part in training this week, but it is still unknown whether coach Luis Enrique will risk his star from the start or allow him to ease back into action from the bench. In Messi's absence, Luis Suarez and Neymar have guided the Catalans to five wins in their last six league games and scored all of Barcelona's last 17 league goals.
England
Obertan ruled out until February: Newcastle have been dealt a blow after learning Gabriel Obertan is facing up to fourth months on the sidelines after re-injuring his hamstring. The French winger, who previously underwent surgery on the same hamstring after damaging it at the end of September, was due to return within the next few weeks. But Obertan has been dealt a fresh blow and will now be absent until the end of February.
Manchester United without 6 players: Manager Louis van Gaal faces a selection headache for this weekend's EPL game against Watford with six players sidelined for the clash. Anthony Martial and Michael Carrick will both be unavailable after picking up injuries over the international break, Antonio Valencia has undergone surgery on a foot injury, while Wayne Rooney is suffering from illness. Marouane Fellaini is struggling with an unspecified injury and Luke Shaw remains out having suffered a double leg break earlier this term.
Aguero fit to play against Liverpool: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that striker Sergio Aguero will be fit to play in Saturday's match against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Aguero still leads the team in scoring, despite playing in just eight EPL matches this season. He has not played in six weeks after suffering a torn hamstring on international duty with Argentina. Midfielder David Silva, midfielder Samir Nasri, striker Wilfried Bony and defender Vincent Kompany all remain sidelined.
Croatia
UEFA ban Ademi for 4 years: Dinamo Zagreb have announced that Arijan Ademi has been given a four-year ban from football by UEFA after failing a drugs test. The Macedonia midfielder tested positive for a banned substance following Dinamo's 2-1 Champions League victory over Arsenal in September. "I'm not guilty, I know I did not do any wrong, and I got such a drastic punishment. I feel terrible," Ademi expressed his shock at the verdict.