Iniesta: Spain playmaker Andres Iniesta will miss Thursday’s friendly against France in Paris and their opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia in Valencia four days later due to a knee injury. Iniesta, sidelined for Barcelona’s 1-0 La Liga win at Villarreal on Sunday, was included in coach Vicente del Bosque’s 23-man squad for the two games. However, problems with his left knee mean he will not be joining up with his team-mates in Madrid today.

Kanchelskis: Former Russia and Manchester United winger Andrey Kanchelskis has been named the head coach of the Latvian side Jurmala. The 45 year-old, who also played for Everton, Fiorentina and Rangers, already had a role with the struggling club but was elevated to the top post until the end of this season.

Green: Bayern Munich have sent United States international Julian Green to Hamburg on a one-year loan deal to get match practice, the German champions said. The 19-year-old forward is among the most talented young footballers in Germany.

Back-up: Ajax moved quickly to plug the hole left by the departure of international goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer to Feyenoord by signing Diederik Boer from PEC Zwolle, the club announced. The 33-year-old Boer has signed a three-year contract and will be understudy to Jasper Cillessen.

Messi: Lionel Messi picked up a hamstring strain in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal on Sunday, the club said. “He has pulled the hamstring of his right leg, it is a minor injury,” Barca said. Messi is now likely to miss Argentina’s frien-dly against Germany tomorrow.

Sacked: Former Tottenham defender Ryan Nelsen has been fired as coach of Toronto FC after their 3-0 defeat to the New England Revolution last weekend. Nelsen departs with his team still in contention to make the play-offs, but it seems critical comments about Toronto general manager Tim Bezbatchenko after Saturday’s loss may have contributed to his departure.

In Italy: Serie B – Modena vs Cittadella 1-1. Lega Pro – Forli vs Reggiana 1-0.

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