Vilhena: Tonny Vilhena has been called into the Netherlands squad for the key World Cup qualifier against France tomorrow as cover for captain Wesley Sneijder who looks likely to miss the match in Amsterdam. Sneijder, 32, hobbled off at half-time in the 4-1 win over Belarus in Rotterdam on Friday with a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old Vilhena, who plays for Feyenoord, has one international cap.

Chiellini: Giorgio Chiellini has left the Italy squad ahead of today’s match against Macedonia away after suffering a calf injury in training. Reports said the central defender was forced to retire from the group after sustaining a knock. Italy coach Giampiero Ventura has already lost Riccardo Montolivo to injury while Graziano Pelle was sent home for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

Sassuolo: Sassuolo’s appeal over the three points awarded to Pescara was rejected by the Italian League. Sassuolo won the Serie A match 2-1 last month but were penalised for listing the ineligible Antonino Ragusa in their squad. In their appeal Sassuolo argued they had all papers in line with regulations but their complaint was turned down. Sassuolo re-main in 13th place on nine points in the standings.

Chamakh: Striker Marouane Chamakh is the latest target for new Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock, the BBC said. Chamakh, 32, is a free agent, having been released by Crystal Palace in summer. The Morocco international had a three-year spell at Arsenal, having arrived from Bordeaux in 2010. He had loan spells at West Ham and Palace before joining the Eagles in 2014.