Knee knock sidelines Simeone
Friday, October 11, 2002
Article summary
Weekend surgery is likely to rule Diego Simeone out of S.S. Lazio's next UEFA Cup match.
Article body
Midfield player Diego Simeone appears certain to miss the home leg of S.S. Lazio's UEFA Cup second-round meeting with FK Crvena Zvezda on 31 October after injuring his knee in training.
Exploratory surgery
The 32-year-old Argentinian international damaged his right knee during a training session last week but played the entire match as Lazio defeated Atalanta BC 1-0 away last Sunday. However, the Roman club's medical stuff are loath to risk further damage and Simeone will undergo exploratory surgery tomorrow.
Liverani recovery
Lazio estimate Simeone will need three weeks on the sidelines, casting a shadow over his chances of featuring against Zvezdza - conquerors of fellow Italians AC Chievo Verona in the previous round - at the Stadio Olimpico. Simeone's place in midfield could be filled by Fabio Liverani as the Italian international is edging closer to full fitness following surgery last month on his left calf muscle.
