World Football Injury Tracker: Latest Updates on Radamel Falcao and Others

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao joined the ranks of leading injured footballers across Europe last weekend when he suffered a hamstring injury in a 2-0 win over Levante.

The Colombia international is one of the most sought after names in world football at the moment, but the forward will now be absent for up to three weeks, according to a report on Fox Sports.

Falcao was withdrawn from the game in the second half after pulling up after stretching for the ball. He is now expected to miss the club's next three matches, including the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Real Betis on Thursday.

The 26-year-old has scored 18 goals in 17 La Liga appearances for Atletico, helping them into second place behind Barcelona in the table.

Here we look at the progress of other injured players across world football.

Vincent Kompany, Manchester City

Manchester City are preparing to be without defender Vincent Kompany for three weeks, according to the Daily Mail.

The Belgium international limped out of the FA Cup fourth-round win at Stoke City on Saturday with a calf injury and will discover the full extent of the problem this week.

The 26-year-old is likely to miss the Premier League matches against QPR, Liverpool and Southampton but should be fit to face Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Feb. 24.

Jermain Defoe, Tottenham

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe missed the FA Cup defeat at Leeds United with a pelvic injury, according to a report in the Daily Mirror.

The England international has been playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks, but has scored just once in his last eight appearances for Spurs.

With Emmanuel Adebayor on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Togo, the Daily Mail says Tottenham may recruit another centre-forward before the transfer window closes.

Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan

Inter Milan midfielder Cristian Chivu has played down concerns after he picked up a foot injury in the 2-2 draw with Torino on Sunday.

The Romania international withdrew from the game on the half-hour mark after giving Inter the lead.

However, Chivu told Inter Channel (as reported by football-italia.net) that he only expects to be missing for a short period.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta remains on the sidelines with a calf injury but the club remain hopeful he will soon return.

The Spaniard picked up the injury in training ahead of the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City on Jan. 13.

However, manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website (Arsenal.com) that the 30-year-old could return to action sooner than the initial diagnosis of three weeks. 

Gunners midfielder Tomas Rosicky is also recovering from a calf injury but should also return to action soon. 

Yohan Cabaye, Newcastle United

Newcastle United welcomed influential midfielder Yohan Cabaye back to their starting lineup for the first time since November when they lost to Reading on Saturday.

The France international has recovered from a groin injury, but manager Alan Pardew said that the club—who are facing a potential relegation battle this season—must not rush the 27-year-old in an interview with the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Cabaye is viewed as a leading candidate to succeed defender Fabricio Coloccini as captain if the Argentina international leaves the club this month. 

Sandro, Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham midfielder Sandro is out for the rest of the Premier League season after undergoing knee surgery.

The Brazil international picked up the injury during his team's goalless draw at Queens Park Rangers on Jan. 12. BBC Sport reported his season-long absence.

The loss of Sandro prompted Goal.com to link Tottenham with a move for Yann M'Vila of Rennes and Mohamed Diame of West Ham United.

Scott Parker, however, is back to full fitness after Achilles surgery in the summer and made his first start since April when he replaced Sandro in the team for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. 

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero returned to the squad on Saturday and made a substitute appearance for Carlos Tevez in the 81st minute of the win over Fulham.

The Argentina international has not played since New Year's Day, when he limped out of the win over Stoke City with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, City coach David Platt played down fears over defender Pablo Zabaleta, who was forced off the field against Fulham on Saturday. Zabaleta was suffering from an ankle problem, as reported by the Press Association (via Eurosport/Yahoo).

Pepe Reina, Liverpool

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina will miss the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Oldham Athletic as he recovers from an operation on a broken nose, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The 30-year-old was injured in a collision with Shinji Kagawa during the defeat at Manchester United on Jan. 13 and missed Saturday's win over Norwich City at Anfield.

Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones deputised for Reina, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona in a Daily Mail report.

Reina, who has also been nursing a thigh injury, is expected to return for the Premier League game against Arsenal on Jan. 30. 

Erik Pieters, PSV Eindhoven

PSV Eindhoven defender Erik Pieters may be suffering some embarrassment after a self-inflicted wound ruled him out of action for several weeks, reports The Metro.

The Holland international has only recently returned from a long-term foot injury, but was sent off during the surprise defeat to PEC Zwolle on Friday.

The 24-year-old kicked a door and smashed a glass window on his way back to the dressing room, leading to a major cut to his arm, according to another report in the Daily Mail.