Chamakh: Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh has ended his Arsenal nightmare by joining Crystal Palace on a one-year deal. Chamakh arrived at Arsenal on a free transfer from French club Girondins Bordeaux in 2010, but never established himself at the Emirates Stadium, scoring eight league goals in 40 appearances. The 29-year-old was loaned to West Ham United in January but only played three times.

Rafael: Man. United defender Rafael says he could be out for up to a month after injuring his hamstring in the Community Shield. The Brazilian full-back was forced off early on in Sunday’s 2-0 victory against Wigan. When asked about his injury, he said: “It’s a hamstring, I could be out four, five weeks.”

Draxler: Schalke offensive midfielder Julian Draxler has been ruled out of Germany’s friendly against Paraguay tomorrow after picking up an injury in their Bundesliga opener. The 19-year-old sustained a heel injury and a cut in their 3-3 draw against Hamburg on Sunday as Schalke kicked off their Bundesliga season. Coach Joachim Loew is not planning to call up a replacement.

McGovern: N. Ireland have called up Falkirk keeper Michael McGovern for their World Cup qualifier against Russia after Alan Mannus withdrew from the squad with a shoulder injury. Manager Michael O’Neill named only two keepers – St Johnstone’s Mannus and established number one Roy Carroll – for the match, which takes place at Windsor Park tomorrow.

Celustka: Sunderland signed Czech defender Ondrej Celustka on a season-long loan from Trabzon-spor. The 24-year-old has played 55 league games for the Turkish side, having started his career with FC Tescoma Zlin before joining Slavia Prague and having a short loan spell at Palermo. Celustka becomes Sunderland’s 10th signing of the close season.