Early winter break for Mihajlovic

Long break
The Yugoslavian international is certain to miss this weekend's Serie A game against Internazionale FC as well as the second leg of Lazio's UEFA Cup third round tie against Austrian side SK Sturm Graz and is not expected to be back in action until Serie A returns from its winter break on 12 January.

'I have to rest'
"I have been performing pretty well so far but I have to rest now," said Mihajlovic. "However I am not going to give up and will start working hard in order to be fit again after the winter break. I am sure that Lazio will still be top of the league on January."

Fantastic form
Mihajlovic has been in fantastic form for Roberto Mancini's side this year helping Lazio to reach the top of the Serie A with 27 points from 12 matches. The experienced defender has been a key player for Lazio, especially since Alessandro Nesta left the Roman club to join AC Milan in the summer.

Vital component
Despite having missed two penalties this season against AS Roma and Parma AC respectively, Mihajlovic skills from set pieces make him a vital component of Mancini's side. The 33-year-old left-footer is currently in his fifth season with Lazio having won the Scudetto with the club in 1999.