Parma vs AS Roma preview - De Rossi injury adds to Roma woes
Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2014 by PA
Roma will be without veteran midfielder Daniele De Rossi for Wednesday's game at Parma because of a muscular injury.
The Italy international was hurt in Sunday's 2-0 win over Cagliari and will be sidelined for at least three weeks - a vital period, with four Serie A games and a Champions League clash at Manchester City next Tuesday.
A statement from Roma read: "Daniele De Rossi underwent tests today that revealed a first-degree lesion to his left soleus muscle.
"He has already begun treatment on the injury."
De Rossi is the fifth Roma player to sustain a muscular problem since the start of the campaign.
Roma coach Rudi Garcia is also without Juan Iturbe, Davide Astori, Leandro Castan, Kevin Strootman, Federico Balzaretti and Marco Borriello, all sidelined through injury.
Despite the absentees, Garcia expects his side to maintain their perfect start to the campaign and clinch their fourth straight league win at the Ennio Tardini stadium.
The Eternal City giants lead the Serie A standings alongside defending champions Juventus after three games played.
"We have taken nine points and have not conceded a goal so far," Garcia said. "We must maintain this approach.
"Of course, having more players out injured means I have less choices when making my squad selection."
Antonio Cassano will lead Parma's attack against his former club.
The 32-year-old striker, who played five seasons at Roma before leaving in 2006, scored a brace in Sunday's 3-2 triumph at Chievo.
The win was Parma's first of the campaign after defeats to AC Milan and Cesena in their opening two games.
"There is still room for improvement but we were finally rewarded for our efforts," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said.
"This win will be a boost in confidence ahead of our game against Roma."
Donadoni will be without injured defender Gabriel Paletta but will be bolstered by the return of Brazilian defender Felipe from suspension.
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