Injury concerns for Genk, Lyon and United

KRC Genk dropped two points in their goalless home draw against KV Mechelen on Saturday and also had two key men injured. Central defender Torben Joneleit, 24, faces seven months out after tearing cruciate ligaments in his left knee. Israeli international striker Elyaniv Barda also went off in the first half and was diagnosed with a left thigh strain that could sideline the 29-year-old for three weeks. Genk face Valencia CF in their Group E opener on 13 September.

Olympique Lyonnais coach Rémi Garde will be unable to call on captain Cris or the centre-back's deputy in that role, Lisandro, for their game at AFC Ajax on 14 September. Cris, 34, is expected to be out for around a month with a hamstring strain, as is Lisandro as he nurses a sprained left ankle sustained in Saturday's 2-1 defeat of Montpellier Hérault SC. The 28-year forward will be in plaster for ten days and could also miss the second Group D assignment at home to GNK Dinamo Zagreb on 27 September. French Under-20 international Yannis Tafer is also unavailable, with a stress fracture of the foot likely to keep him out for three months.

Manchester United FC striker Danny Welbeck has had his excellent start to the season curtailed by a hamstring strain, suffered after scoring in the first half of Sunday's 8-2 Premier League victory against Arsenal FC. "Hopefully he gets back soon enough," said Wayne Rooney. "When he does, he will score goals. He is going to be a very important player for us this season." Reports suggest Welbeck, 20, will be laid off for four weeks. United face SL Benfica in Lisbon on 14 September.