Zebina sidelined by virus

AS Roma's French defender Jonathan Zebina faces an indefinite absence with a rare virus.

Three days in hospital
"The player is not feeling good," coach Fabio Capello said. "He's not training with the team because of medical reasons. He has a virus and he has been hospitalised for three days, after taking antibiotics for more than a week."

Doctor's comments
Roma's club doctor added: "Zebina has a rare inflammation that has caused a serious depression of his immunity defences. His lymph nodes are seriously inflamed."

Bans for Panucci and Pellizzoli
Meanwhile, Roma players Christian Panucci and Ivan Pellizzoli have both been handed one-match bans for their conduct towards the referee after the side's 2-1 defeat against Atalanta BC last Sunday.

Valencia next up
Roma are currently ninth in Serie A, 16 points adrift of leaders AC Milan and are bottom of Group B in the Champions League after losing their opening two second group stage matches. Their European campaign gets under way again on 18 February when they play host to Valencia CF.