Rangers and Stuttgart suffer

Nerlinger woe
Scottish champions Rangers were hoping to make amends at Old Trafford for their 1-0 home defeat by English counterparts Manchester United FC on Matchday 3 but have been robbed of the services of German midfield player Christian Nerlinger and Dutch defender Fernando Ricksen.

'Definitely out'
Nerlinger damaged his calf during Saturday's 3-1 home victory against Partick Thistle FC, and coach Alex McLeish, whose squad is already stretched by the absences of Ronald de Boer and Steven Thompson, said: "Christian is definitely out after tearing what appears to be his calf muscle. With that type of injury, I wouldn't like to guess how long he would be out for."

Ricksen worry
As for Ricksen, "he went over on an ankle and landed badly", leaving the coach to add: "We'll now have to draft in a couple of Under-21 players for the trip to Old Trafford. It's not ideal preparation when facing a team of United's calibre."

Bordon blow
Stuttgart, who travel to Athens to face Panathinaikos FC, also had some disappointing news following the 4-1 home win against SC Freiburg which took them to the top of the Bundesliga. Felix Magath has probably lost defender Marcelo Bordon until after the winter break with a groin injury. The Brazilian is set to have surgery to resolve the problem.

Lyon scare
French champions Olympique Lyonnais had a scare on Saturday after seeing Edmilson, Sidney Govou and Péguy Luyindula leave the field during the 5-0 victory against OGC Nice. However all three are expected to be able to play in Wednesday's Group A contest against FC Bayern München.

Focus important
Regardless, Lyon coach Paul Le Guen was satisfied with such a convincing result before departing for Germany. "This gives us confidence for the trip to Munich but we must remain focused if we are to have a chance," he said. Bayern, meanwhile, have a question mark against the availability of midfield player Sebastian Deisler, who hurt his right thigh during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at FC Schalke 04.

Morientes fear
AS Monaco FC are still clear of Lyon at the top in France but had to work hard for their 4-2 success against Le Mans UC 72. There was also concern before Wednesday's Group C home game against RC Deportivo La Coruña as Spanish striker Fernando Morientes sustained a thigh injury.

Despair for Porto
FC Porto winger César Peixoto has officially been ruled out for up to five months after having surgery on his left knee. He had been injured in the last Champions League outing against Olympique de Marseille, which Porto won 3-2, but will have to watch Tuesday's Group F return from his hospital bed. For their part, Marseille have a worry over defender Habib Beye.

Revenge wanted
AC Milan want to make amends against Club Brugge KV in Group H on Tuesday after losing 1-0 at home against the Belgian side last time out. However, Brazilian wing-back Serginho and striker Filippo Inzaghi will not figure. Serginho limped out of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Juventus FC with an ankle injury, while Inzaghi was already struggling with a thigh problem. For the visitors, goalkeeper Dany Verlinden is doubtful with an arm injury.

Missing duo
Finally, S.S. Lazio's Angelo Peruzzi and Jaap Stam will miss Tuesday's Group G engagement with Chelsea FC in Rome. The goalkeeper has a thigh problem, while the defender is sidelined with a muscle strain.