Verón and Lehmann raring to return

Juan Sebastián Verón and Jens Lehmann return from suspension for Matchday 3, but several other key players serve new bans, including Sergio Ramos for Real Madrid CF and PSV Eindhoven's Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Arsenal strengthened
Arsenal's cause against AC Sparta Praha in Group B will be strengthened by the return of Lehmann after a two-game ban while Robin van Persie is available after a one-game suspension, but is doubtful for the trip to Prague with a thigh injury. Patrick Vieira's punishment for a Matchday 1 red card is over, but the French midfielder will miss Juventus's Group A tie against FC Bayern München with a groin problem. Verón, however, will be available for FC Internazionale Milano when they visit Group H rivals FC Porto, having served his suspension for his dismissal against FC Artmedia.

One in, one out
Madrid were due to welcome Ronaldo back from a two-match ban for their home game against Rosenborg BK in Group F, but an ankle injury may rule the Brazilian out. Defender Sergio Ramos is definitely out after his red card in the 2-1 win against Olympiacos CFP. AC Milan defender Marek Jankulovski is eligible for the first time this season in the UEFA Champions League having been sent off playing for Udinese Calcio in the UEFA Cup last season, but will miss the home tie against PSV Eindhoven through injury. PSV will be without Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who was dismissed in the 3-0 loss at Fenerbahçe SK.

Vitakić chance
Manchester United FC play LOSC Lille Métropole in Group D, and while Wayne Rooney will serve the second of a two-game suspension for the home team, Milivoje Vitakić has completed a similar punishment for the visitors. In the other group game, Villarreal CF striker José María Romero is also back after a ban and will be able to make his group stage debut against SL Benfica.

Rivals banned
In the Group C fixture between Udinese and Werder Bremen, both teams will have one man banned. Udinese's Vidigal saw red when they lost 4-1 at FC Barcelona last time out, while Croatian striker Ivan Klasnić was dismissed in Bremen's game at Panathinaikos FC and so misses the trip to Italy.