Hector Bellerin has suffered a calf strain in training as Barcelona s injury problems continue to mount.

Barca had largely been able to select from a full squad during the early weeks of the season, but the past week has given head coach Xavi plenty of fitness concerns to contend with.

Bellerin is the latest to sustain an issue, with the right-back suffering difficulties with his calf during a training session on Tuesday.

A club statement said Bellerin is to undergo a series of tests to determine the full extent of the trouble , though it would be reasonable to assume he is a doubt for Saturday s trip to Mallorca.

MEDICAL NEWS has reported difficulties with the soleus in his left leg during Tuesday morning s training session. On Wednesday, the defender wi…

Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan dedicated his side’s incredible play-off win over Peterborough to boss Darren Moore.

Wednesday beat Posh on penalties on a breathtaking night at Hillsborough, recovering from a 4-0 first-leg deficit to draw 5-5 on aggregate after extra-time before their spot-kick success.

In the wake of Friday’s 4-0 loss at London Road, Moore was the subject of a racist social media post from a Wednesday fan which the club described as “repulsive”.

The supporter was banned for life by the Owls and, after Thursday night’s Sky Bet League One semi-final drama, Bannan paid tribute to his manager who he praised for not only handling the incident, but for making his players believe they could turn their situation around.

“Wha…

Rubin Kazan have agreed a deal to sign out-of-favour PSV Eindhoven striker Tim Matavz.

The Slovenia international has started only seven Eredivisie games for Phillip Cocu s side this season after falling down the pecking order.

Matavz was linked with a move to Spanish side Malaga in August and also last month, but a switch to La Liga failed to come to fruition.

And with the transfer window in Russia still open, Rubin have now made a move for the 25-year-old former Groningen man, who is now due to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

PSV technical director Marcel Brands told the club s website: Although Cocu would rather see the striker leave in summer, he feels confident that PSV have sufficient attackers, including Luciano Narsingh, Bryan Ruiz, Jurgen L…

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has confirmed that Napoli tried and failed to sign midfielder Hernanes during the transfer window.

The Brazil international has starred for Lazio since joining in 2010, scoring 38 goals in 135 appearances, leading him to be linked with the likes of Inter and Paris Saint-Germain.

And Lazio have now revealed that Napoli tried to sign the 28-year-old in the close-season, but their bid not meet the club s valuation.

There was an offer from Napoli this summer for Hernanes, Lotito said.

However, the bid was not compatible with the value of the player.

I explained to Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis that the player was not for sale and I m not sure whether Hernanes had a desire to go to Naples anyway.

Under new manager R…

Monaco have announced the signing of Benjamin Henrichs from Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal.

The Ligue 1 club have reportedly paid €20million for the 21-year-old right-back.

The Germany international, who can also play in midfield, was part of the Confederations Cup-winning side of 2017.

I am very proud to be involved with Monaco, a European top club for many years, he told his new club s official website. 

I will do everything to adapt quickly and help the team win many victories. I cannot wait to work with the staff and my new team-mates.

Monaco CEO Vadim Vasilyev added:  Benjamin Henrichs is a talented defender with solid national experience and experience at the very highest international level. His arrival reinforces the quality o…

Rennes have completed the signing of Hatem Ben Arfa on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old playmaker moves to Roazhon Park following an unhappy two-season stay at Paris Saint-Germain.

Ben Arfa has signed a one-year contract at Rennes, with the option of another 12 months.

The former Newcastle United and Nice favourite did not feature at all during 2017-18 for Ligue 1 champions PSG.

I learned a lot, I was very happy to do these two years at PSG, he told a news conference. Today I am a stronger man, I am physically and psychologically fresh.

Ben Arfa was linked with a return to Nice along with a host of other clubs after becoming a free agent.

But he will be presented to Rennes fans at their Ligue 1 match against Bordeaux on Sunday.

E…

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid must have peace of mind despite their poor Champions League campaign to date following a 2-0 defeat to Club Brugge.

Kamal Soweh and Ferran Jutgla were on target as the surprise Group B leaders made it three wins out of three and left Atleti bottom with three games to play.

Fellow rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Porto also sit on three points alongside the LaLiga club, with Brugge holding a six-point advantage at the summit.

Simeone took the positives out of the loss to the Belgian champions at Jan Breydel Stadium, where Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty.

It was a game well played, the Atleti head coach told Movistar. I think we controlled the game we wanted to play. I m left with a lot of good things.

There are a …

Knowing that they faced a crucial Champions League showdown on Wednesday night, Chelsea cruised their way to an eye-catching 3-0 romp against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.

Leapfrogging the defending Italian champions and now sat in pole position to book their knockout stage ticket, goals from Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James wrapped up a routine victory for Graham Potter s new side.

Not really having to get out of second gear and largely untested by a depleted Milan outfit, Chelsea also clinched their first Group E win at the third attempt.

On a night that was largely one-way traffic in west London, we have taken a look at the main talking points as the Blues laid down a real Champions League marker on home soil.

A perfect night for P…

VfL Wolfsburg No. 10 Diego has confirmed English Premier League duo Arsenal and Southampton are interested in signing him in the summer.

The former Brazil international, 28, joined Wolfsburg from Italian giants Juventus for a club record transfer fee of €15.5 million in 2010.

After one season at the Volkswagen Arena, Diego was sent to Atlético Madrid on a season-long loan deal, where he tallied six goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Since returning to Wolfsburg last summer, the 28-year-old midfielder has been a central figure and first-team regular for the club.

However, Diego is set to become a free agent when his current contract expires at the end of the season.

Plenty of clubs across Europe will…

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini revealed on Friday that he expects to sign Italian striker Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan within the next 24 hours.

Reports in England claimed Balotelli was flying to Manchester to have a medical with the Premier League club on Friday and Mancini confirmed that a deal should be done soon after City agreed a fee for the young star.

We are close with Balotelli. Hopefully today or tomorrow. Mario is on his way here today, Mancini said at a press conference ahead of Saturday s Premier League opener at Tottenham.

Balotelli has been a long-term transfer target for Mancini and it is believed he will cost City around 24 million pounds (29 million euros).

The 20-year-old will become City s fifth big-money signing since t…