Simão sidelined for United tie

Torn muscle
Portuguese international Simão has been sidelined since being substituted at half-time during the 3-2 defeat at SC Braga on 19 November. The 26-year-old winger tore a muscle in his left thigh and it seems, contrary to expectations, that he will not be fit to play in Wednesday's match between Group D's third and fourth-placed teams.

Miccoli worry
Striker Fabrizio Miccoli may also miss out as he awaits medical opinion on his right thigh injury while midfielder Georgios Karagounis is unlikely to recover from a foot complaint. However, fellow midfielder Manuel Fernandes should be available after shaking off a groin problem.