News in brief

'Koeman won't be sacked after Atletico game'

Ronald Koeman will stay on as Barcelona coach regardless of the result against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, club president Joan Laporta has said.

Koeman's future has been in serious doubt after Barca were beaten 3-0 by Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, a defeat that leaves them bottom of the group.

But Laporta, speaking ahead of Saturday's game against La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, said: "Koeman will continue as Barca coach. He has the benefit of the doubt regardless of today's result."

Laporta has reportedly been considering Roberto Martinez, Xavi Hernandez and Andrea Piro as potential replacements but the job would be a huge challenge, given Barca's atrocious financial situation.

Immobile out of Nations League finals

Lazio and Italy striker Ciro Immobile has been ruled out of next week's UEFA Nations League finals after picking up a thigh injury, the Serie A club said on Saturday. The 31-year-old limped off the pitch during Thursday's Europa League win over Lokomotiv Moscow, and a note on Lazio's website said he sustained a muscular injury in his right thigh. "He will be monitored in the next few days to determine when he can return," the note said. Immobile will miss Sunday's Serie A trip to Bologna, as well as Italy's Nations League double-header, with Sky Italia reporting that the injury will keep him out for seven to 10 days.