Thigh strain sidelines Pancaro

S.S. Lazio defender Giuseppe Pancaro will be out of action for at least five weeks after suffering a thigh strain.

Further tests
The 31-year-old former Italy international limped out of the 1-1 draw against AC Milan last Saturday and yesterday evening he underwent further tests which confirmed the extend of the injury.

Sorin standing by
Lazio coach Roberto Mancini will replace the former Cagliari Calcio defender with Juan Pablo Sorin. The 26-year-old Argentinian international has been training separately from his team-mates for the last two weeks but should return to action against Greek side Xanthi FC on Thursday in the second leg of the UEFA Cup first round - Lazio won the first leg 4-0.

Chiesa set for return
Against Xanthi, former AC Fiorentina and Italy player Enrico Chiesa should also return for the first time in over 12 months. Meanwhile, midfielder Fabio Liverani is still recovering from an injury but should return to action just after the break in domestic action for the EURO 2004™ qualifier between Italy and Yugoslavia.