Parma facing Adriano absence

Parma AC have lost striker Adriano for two months, according to club doctor Massimo Manara.

Thigh injury
The Brazilian was carried off in the 46th minute of Sunday's 3-2 win at Brescia Calcio after suffering a left thigh injury, and Manara confirmed that he may not return before Christmas, ruling him out of both legs of Parma's UEFA Cup second-round tie against SV Austria Salzburg.

Long absence
"We have done some tests today and he will undergo a further examination on Friday," said Manara. "We will be more precise on how long he will be sidelined by the end of the week, but I can say that usually it takes more than a couple of months to recover from this kind of injury."

Fine form
Adriano has been on fine form this season, scoring seven Serie A goals and one in the UEFA Cup first-round victory against FC Metalurh Donetsk. Parma coach Cesare Prandelli said of the 21-year-old: "He is a fantastic player and he is extremely important for us. However, we have to show that we can also play well without him. Every player will have to work harder in order to make up for Adriano's absence."

Gilardino steps in
Italian Under-21 international Alberto Gilardino is expected to replace Adriano for Thursday's away leg against Salzburg. The return is on 27 November. Parma currently lie fourth in Serie A.