Samir: Udinese defender Samir will be sidelined for the rest of the season following knee surgery earlier this week, the Serie A club confirmed. The 22-year-old was injured during the 3-0 win at home to Genoa last Sunday. On a more positive note, tests before surgery showed that Samir had not damaged his ligaments in his knee. That would have required more weeks for Samir to make a return.

Little: Stirling forward Andy Little suffered a fractured skull in a training-ground accident, the Scottish League Two club said. The former Rangers player is in a stable condition in hospital following what Albion described as an “accidental clash of heads”. The 27-year-old was taken by ambulance to nearby Forth Valley Royal Hospital before being transferred to another hospital in Edinburgh.

Kolasinac: Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac is close to joining Milan in summer, Corriere dello Sport said yesterday. The report said a deal is almost complete for the Bosnia international who also attracted the interest of Arsenal and Everton in the January transfer window.

Unruly fans: Spanish police yesterday said eight Leicester City fans were arrested for “causing a mess” ahead of their Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. The fans were held in custody following clashes with police on Tuesday evening and will appear in court today. The BBC reported police said six officers were also attacked in the disturbances.

Ghoulam: Tuttosport reported that Atletico Madrid are mulling over a €20 million bid for Faouzi Ghoulam, the Napoli wing-back. With the Algerian signalling his intention to leave this summer, Napoli have already conceded they will not try to keep the 26-year-old. His contract expires in summer of 2018. The fee could increase if more clubs enter the race to sign Ghoulam even though Atletico have shown most interest so far.