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Rusescu to miss out for Steaua and Romania

The UEFA Europa League group stage's top scorer Raul Rusescu is to miss FC Steaua București trip to Rio Ave FC after suffering a fractured cheekbone.

Raul Rusescu celebrates scoring against Rio Ave on matchday three
Raul Rusescu celebrates scoring against Rio Ave on matchday three ©AFP/Getty Images

Striker Raul Rusescu is expected to miss FC Steaua București's UEFA Europa League trip to Rio Ave FC, as well as Romania's UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier against Northern Ireland, as he recovers from a factial injury.

The 26-year-old – who is on loan at Steaua from Sevilla FC – is expected to be out of action for three weeks after sustaining a fractured cheekbone in a collision with an opponent during a league match against ASA Târgu Mureș on Sunday. Team-mates Claudiu Keșerü (concussion) and Iasmin Latovlevici (left thigh) are also doubtful for the encounter in Portugal after being injured in the same game. Alexandru Bourceanu and Gabriel Iancu are long-term absentees until the end of the year.

Rusescu has scored five group stage goals so far and registered for the national team for the first time in their 1-1 Group F draw against Hungary. Romania are second in their European Qualifiers section with seven points.

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