Falcao: Radamel Falcao has been omitted from Chelsea’s Champions League squad for the remainder of the season, but new signing Alexandre Pato is included. The Blues yesterday released their squad lists for the rest of the campaign, following Monday’s closure of the transfer window, with Colombian Falcao absent from the group for Europe’s elite competition.

De Jong: Former Manchester City and Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong has become the latest high-profile player to join the LA Galaxy. The 31-year-old Dutchman, whose contract with Milan was cancelled last week, follows the likes of Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole in signing up to play MLS football in Los Angeles.

Barba: VfB Stuttgart defender Federico Barba has been ruled out for around six weeks after suffering a calf injury just two days after joining on loan from Italy’s Empoli, the Bundesliga club said. Barba, signed until the end of the season, was brought in to bolster Stuttgart’s defence as they look to steer away from relegation danger with the club in 15th place.

Banned: Seven Gimnasia players and five from Estudiantes have been banned from entering soccer grounds for two Argentine league championship matches after they were involved in a vicious brawl in a friendly. Two coaches from Estudiantes and one from Gimnasia were also included in the ban.