Walcott: Arsenal winger Theo Walcott will miss England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine today after going down with an illness. Walcott missed training after complaining of feeling ill and has returned to his club. Manager Roy Hodgson responded to Walcott’s withdrawal by calling-up Liverpool’s 17-year-old winger Raheem Sterling, Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore and Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.

Henderson: West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has replaced Keiren Westwood in the Ireland squad for today’s friendly against Oman at Craven Cottage. Westwood started in Friday’s 2-1 win over Kazakhstan but has been allowed to return to Sunderland early as Giovanni Trapattoni looks to name an experimental line-up for the game in London.

Palmeiras: Copa Brasil winners Palmeiras slipped to a 3-0 loss at Ronaldinho’s Atletico Mineiro on Sunday to remain mired in the relegation zone. Two goals from young striker Bernard helped Mineiro strengthen the side’s grip on second place. The loss leaves Palmeiras, coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari, 30 points behind the leaders and five adrift of Coritiba, the lowest-placed team outside the relegation zone.

Aquilani: Fiorentina midfielder Alberto Aquilani is on the mend and likely to play for the Viola against against Catania. Aquilani has yet to make his first start for Fiorentina after his move from Liverpool in summer due to an achilles injury. He made two subs appearances but should be ready for the weekend.

Susaeta: Athletic Bilbao winger Markel Susaeta has signed a new contract with the Basque club. The 24-year-old, who last season helped Athletic reach both the Europa League and Copa del Rey finals, is now tied to the San Mames outfit until June 30, 2017. Susaeta’s new contract has a release clause of €35 million.

Diaby: France midfielder Abou Diaby is likely to miss today’s World Cup Group I qualifier with Belarus after picking up yet another injury. Diaby has an unspecified muscle problem and is a doubtful starter for the game at the Stade de France.