Suspensions hamper hopefuls

Vieira suspended
Juventus FC's French international Patrick Vieira will sit out the Group A game against SK Rapid Wien after being sent off at Club Brugge KV on Matchday 1. Juan Sebastián Verón will be missing for FC Internazionale Milano's home game against Rangers FC in Group H on Wednesday night having collected two yellow cards in the 1-0 success at FC Artmedia Bratislava a fortnight ago. Elsewhere, AC Milan's Marek Jankulovski completes a two-game ban as last season's runners-up visit FC Schalke 04 in Group E.

Arsenal absentees
In Group B, Dutch striker Robin van Persie joins Arsenal FC goalkeeper Jens Lehmann in the stands for the English side's trip to AFC Ajax following his dismissal against FC Thun on Matchday 1. German international Lehmann serves the second half of a two-match suspension. Manchester United FC striker Wayne Rooney begins a similar punishment, imposed by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body, following his red card at Villarreal CF as the 1998/99 winners welcome SL Benfica to Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Bans completed
In Tuesday's other Group D game, LOSC Lille Métropole and Villarreal CF will be without the services of one player through suspension when the two sides meet at the Stade de France. Lille's Serbo-Montenegrin defender Milivoje Vitakić finishes a two-game ban, as does Villarreal forward José María Romero.

Ronaldo ruled out
Real Madrid CF striker Ronaldo misses Olympiacos CFP's visit to the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday evening, having also been absent for the 3-0 defeat at Olympique Lyonnais two weeks ago. The Brazilian international was sent off as his side bowed out of last season's competition at Juventus in the last 16 and was subsequently banned for two games.