Roma have been served a huge blow in their pursuit of Serie A leaders Juventus after confirming they will be without star Mohamed Salah until February.
Salah, 24, suffered ankle ligament in training during the week and emerged as a big doubt for the weekend’s Derby Della Capitale against Roma but has now been ruled out for a period of 21 days.
It not only rules out the Roma ace for the weekend’s fixture, but Salah will also miss crucial games against Astra Giurgiu, AC Milan, Juventus and Chievo before the winter break.
“Additional investigations carried out on Salah this morning, confirm the original diagnosis made,” a club statement read, via Football Italia. “The athlete will continue with the rehabilitation protocol set with a 21-day prognosis.”
While Salah will be fit and ready to play after the festive period, his return will coincide with the start of the Africa Cup of Nations on January 15, with the former Chelsea winger expected to be named in the Egypt squad that are looking to win a record eighth AFCON.
Depending on Egypt’s success in the tournament, it means Roma may not have one of their key players until February, which could rule him out for 10 matches.
Since the start of last season Salah has scored more goals than any other Roma player in Serie A (22).
For more stats on Mohamed Salah, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
