Silver lining to Walcott injury blow

Arsenal could be eligible for up to £1.5million (Dh8.1m) in compensation for Theo Walcott's injury while on England duty. The English Football Association insure all players on international duty and up to £100,000 per week can be paid out to clubs by the organisation's insurers. Walcott, who dislocated his shoulder in England training on Tuesday, is unlikely to play for Arsenal for the next four months, according to Gunners manager Arsene Wenger.

Under the FA's insurance deal, Arsenal could claim £50,000 for the first two weeks Walcott is absent, and £100,000 per week thereafter. If he is out for the predicted 16 weeks, that could mean £1.5m in compensation. Egypt midfielder Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, 21, is set to undergo a trial with Blackburn. The ENPPI player has confirmed he will travel to Ewood Park this week for a meeting with coach Paul Ince, before a possible move in the January transfer window. Muhammadi said: "Ince wanted to see me before opening talks with my club regarding a transfer in the winter break."

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo admits he has been left disappointed by the club's failure to prevent next week's Champions League home match against PSV Eindhoven from being played behind closed doors. Atletico had appealed against the punishments handed out to them by Uefa for crowd incidents during their home European game against Marseille. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport only partially upheld the appeal, meaning the club must face PSV without any supporters in attendance.

"I'm disappointed because we hoped to succeed with our case and clear ourselves of these accusations, but this decision leaves us in no doubt about the situation now," said Cerezo. * PA Sport