Alex blow for Fenerbahçe

Fenerbahçe SK captain Alex will be out of action for at least for two weeks after tearing a calf muscle during the early stages of Sunday's 3-0 Süper Lig victory against Sivasspor.

Similar injury
Alex had a similar injury last season and the club's medical staff fear he could be out for up to a month, ruling the 31-year-old playmaker out of Fenerbahçe's UEFA Europa League play-off matches against Swiss side FC Sion at the very least. Turkish international Semih Şentürk, meanwhile, is doubtful for Thursday's first leg in Geneva as he continues to recover from a foot injury.

'Honoured'
In more positive news for Christoph Daum's side, Uruguayan international defender Diego Lugano has agreed a new four-year deal, following the expiry of his contract at the end of June. "I am honoured by how much they wanted to keep me," said the 28-year-old, who joined Fenerbahçe in 2006. "The attitude of Fenerbahçe fans and the fact my family loves Turkey affected my decision. It was one of the most important decisions of my career. I have no doubt that during the next four years we will lift important trophies." Fenerbahçe have started the season in positive fashion, winning both their Süper Lig matches as well as seeing off Budapest Honvéd FC 6-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round.