English Europa League team news

Ajax v Manchester United

Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra were all absent as Manchester United headed to Amsterdam on their first Europa League trip this morning.

Giggs' next United appearance will be his 900th, but it was always likely that after playing such an impressive part in his club's Premier League title charge, he would be excused a last-32 first-leg meeting with Ajax.

It was anticipated Berbatov and Evra would be involved, although the reason for their absences is not likely to become known until this evening's pre-match press conference.

There was good news on the injury front though as Nani and Phil Jones both returned after recent absences.

In addition, Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley were named in a 20-man squad, along with youngsters Paul Pogba and Zeki Fryers.

Stoke v Valencia

Stoke will be without defender Matthew Upson for their home clash with Valencia.

The former England man was sent off in the Potters' final group match against Besiktas in Istanbul in December and serves a one-match suspension.

However Robert Huth, who is sitting out three games in the Barclays Premier League after his red card against Sunderland, is available while Jonathan Woodgate and Danny Collins are now eligible for the competition.

Porto v Manchester City

Despite returning to Eastlands on Tuesday night, Carlos Tevez is not registered to play in Europe, and was therefore not involved as the Manchester City team trained for the final time before flying out to Portugal.

City welcome back midfielder Yaya Toure and defender Kolo Toure though.

The brothers, who have been playing in the African Nations Cup, are due to link up with the City squad in Portugal tonight.

Striker Mario Balotelli is also in contention after serving a domestic suspension.