Thiago: Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara is to undergo surgery on his injured knee in Spain today. The 22-year-old flew to Barcelona on Friday to seek help from doctor Roman Cugat. It had been reported over the weekend that Thiago had defied Bayern by travelling to Spain rather than following their preferred path of flying to the United States to be looked at by renowned knee specialist Richard Steadmann in Vail.

Bale doubt: Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is battling for fitness ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League match at Liverpool after the club announced he is suffering from a buttock muscle injury. The 25-year-old star was an unused substitute in Saturday’s Primera Liga win over Levante on his return from international duty.

Bad fall: A 23-year-old Indian footballer has died from severe spinal cord damage after attempting to celebrate a goal with a somersault. Bethlehem Vengthlang FC midfielder Peter Biaksangzuala died on Sunday at a hospital in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram after the incident in a match in the third tier Mizoram Premier League (MPL). Bethlehem has decided to retire the number 21 jersey as a tribute to Biaksangzuala.

Luzon goes: Standard Liege manager Guy Luzon has quit following Sunday’s loss to bottom placed Zulte Waregem. Israeli Luzon, who took over in 2013, oversaw a dismal start to the season in which last year’s runners-up managed 12 points from 11 matches, culminating in Sunday’s 1-2 defeat to bottom side Zulte Waregem.

Lampard out: Manchester City will be without midfielder Frank Lampard for today’s Champions League trip away to CSKA Moscow after he was injured in his side’s 4-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday. Lampard damaged his thigh making a tackle against Spurs and left the field on a stretcher.

La Liga: R. Sociedad vs Getafe 1-2.

In Italy: Serie B – Cittadella vs Entella 0-1. Lega Pro – (Group B) Tuttocuio vs Forli 3-2.