Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will only be sidelined for a fortnight, according to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The Spain international injured his hamstring during Tuesday's disappointing Champions League defeat to Braga.
However, Emmanuel Eboue, who was stretchered off with a knee ligament problem in the same game, could be sidelined until Christmas.
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Sunderland defender Titus Bramble faces at least six weeks out of action after being told he needs to have an operation to repair damaged cartilage in his knee.
The 29-year-old former Ipswich Town and Newcastle United star picked up the injury in training last week. Bramble, who moved to the Stadium of Light in the summer, has made 13 appearances for the club so far.
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is hoping to seal a permanent deal for Jermaine Pennant in January.
The former Liverpool and Birmingham City winger is currently on loan at the Britannia Stadium from Real Zaragoza and has impressed Pulis during his time with the Potters.
The 27-year-old has made ten appearances for the club although he picked up a hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Saturday's 3-0 victory at West Brom.
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has persuaded Chung-Yong Lee to sign an extension to his contract which will keep him at the Reebok Stadium until the end of the 2012-13 campaign.
The 22-year-old South Korean has been excellent for the Trotters since his £2.2million transfer to the Premier League side from FC Seoul in July 2009.
He has scored seven goals in 55 appearances for the club and developed into an integral part of Coyle's team.
In tennis, Serena Williams will not be defending the Australian Open title she won in January as she continues to struggle to overcome her longstanding foot injury.
The 29-year-old American had surgery after cutting her foot on glass in a restaurant soon after winning the Wimbledon title in July.
Finally in rugby union, Leicester Tigers lock Geoff Parling will play no more rugby union this season after being told that he requires surgery on the knee injury he suffered in last Friday's victory against Harlequins.
Parling picked up the injury just nine minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.