Kozak: Lazio forward Libor Kozak has been ruled out of action for the next two weeks due to chronic tendonitis in the right thigh. Kozak is set to miss at least the next week of training and most likely the team’s first Serie A game of the new year, a trip to Siena on January 7. Kozak has recently been linked with a loan switch to another Serie A club.

Harewood: Marlon Harewood has agreed to rejoin Nottingham Forest on a four-month contract when he becomes a free agent on January 1. The 32-year-old striker, who started his career at the City Ground and scored 51 goals in 181 league appearances, has been training with Forest for the past six weeks having spent a spell in China with Guangzhou.

Rutten: Fred Rutten looks set to leave his post as PSV Eindhoven coach at the end of the current campaign. Rutten, who took charge at the Philips Stadion in 2009, appeared to confirm his intention to part company with the club in an interview. “It is time that PSV and I parted company,” he said. PSV are second in the Eredivisie at the winter break, a point behind FC Twente.

Dessena: Cagliari will have midfielder Daniele Dessena in their ranks for the rest of the season following his move from Sampdoria. Dessena, who scored three goals in 29 appearances for Cagliari during the 2009-10 campaign, has joined Sardegna outfit on loan.

The Championship: Southampton vs Bristol City 0-1.

League One: Huddersfield vs Carlisle 1-1; Tranmere vs Bury 2-0.