Pavoletti: Genoa striker Leo-nardo Pavoletti will be out for almost four weeks with a thigh injury, the Serie A club said yesterday. Pavoletti pulled up in the opening half of Genoa’s goalless draw with Napoli in midweek. Genoa said tests showed “a Grade One injury in his right thigh muscle”.

Kompany: Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is facing another lay-off after the club confirmed the Belgian has suffered a groin injury. Kompany felt pain late in Wednesday’s League Cup third-round win at Swansea City, which had been his first appearance of the season, and left the field moments before full-time. The club are still to learn the full extent of the problem.

Navas: Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas is fit to play for the first time this season at Las Palmas today, coach Zinedine Zidane said. Navas, whose last game was the Champions League final triumph on penalties over Atletico Madrid on May 28, required surgery to resolve chronic tendinitis in his left foot. “Keylor is back with us and in squad,” Zidane said.

Janmaat: Watford have been dealt an injury blow with Daryl Janmaat ruled out for up to six weeks following a shoulder injury. The Dutch defender, who joined the Hornets from Newcastle only last month, fell awkwardly in his side’s 3-1 win against Manchester United on Sunday. Janmaat was replaced after 51 minutes, and Watford manager Walter Mazzarri has confirmed the 27-year-old now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Bum Steer: Reports that Sporting Gijon defender Douglas was set to miss their match against Barcelona today proved to be a bum steer after he recovered from an injury to his bottom that he suffered while sleeping awkwardly on the team bus. Brazilian Douglas is on loan at Gijon from Barca. He missed training on Thursday, but has undergone treatment and has been included in the squad for today’s match.

The Championship: Preston vs Wigan Athletic 1-0.

GFA Div. One: Xagħra United vs Oratory Youths 0-1; Għajnsielem vs SK Victoria Wanderers 3-0.