Atlético lose Nikolaidis

Derby agony
The 30-year-old decided to have the operation after suffering increased pain in his back during the 2-0 league defeat by Real Madrid CF last Wednesday. Doctors estimate that the former AEK Athens FC player will be unavailable for between four and six weeks.

Hansa fined
The German Football Association has fined Bundesliga club FC Hansa Rostock €20,000 following crowd trouble during the match against Hertha BSC Berlin on 25 October, when several supporters ran on to the pitch. "We cannot accept this from spectators," said Dr Rainer Koch, who dealt with the case. "Every club has a responsibility to control its supporters."

Andersson departure
Swedish international defender Christoffer Andersson is to leave Helsingborgs IF after failing to agree a new contract with the Allsvenskan club. The 25-year-old has been on trial with English side Charlton Athletic FC, but his future remains uncertain. "You cannot rule anything out," he said. "If no foreign team comes in for me, then I'll be more than happy to join a Swedish team."

Lokeren blow
KSC Lokeren OV's Icelandic international midfield player Arnar Gretarsson faces between three and four months of inactivity after undergoing surgery on a stomach injury. His absence will be a blow to coach Franky Van der Elst, whose team are in 14th place in the Belgian First Division.