Roma hit by Adriano blow

AS Roma will have to cope without Adriano for the start of their Serie A and UEFA Champions League campaigns after the Brazilian international striker suffered an injury to his right thigh during training on Wednesday.

Signed from CR Flamengo this summer, the 28-year-old underwent tests this morning and scans revealed the extent of the damage. The former FC Internazionale Milano forward will now be monitored over the next few days but is expected to be out for a month. He will likely miss Saturday's Serie A opener against AC Cesena and the Giallorossi's first UEFA Champions League group-stage outing on 14/15 September, with their Matchday 2 assignment on 28/29 September also in doubt. Roma are one of 32 clubs awaiting the competition draw due to be held in Monaco from 18.00CET today.