Romans lose César

Cruciate injury
César was hurt in training yesterday. He underwent a scan on his left knee today and it confirmed an injury to his cruciate ligament which will leave him in plaster for 20 days. The 28-year-old Brazilian will not play again this year but is targeting a possible return in time for the UEFA Cup fourth round first-leg match against Wisla Kraków on 20 February.

International experience
The 28-year-old player, who has two caps for Brazil but did not feature at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, has been a regular for Lazio this season, having made ten league appearances, one more than he managed in the whole of the 2001/02 campaign after signing from AD Sao Cãetano. He also played in both legs of the UEFA Cup third-round victory against SK Sturm Graz.

Riding high
Argentinian international Sorín has just resumed training after recovering from a muscle injury and will probably replace Cèsar as left-back in Roberto Mancini's side. After defeating Juventus FC 2-1 at Delle Alpi last Sunday, Lazio are second in Serie A just one point behind leaders AC Milan.