17.09.2015 16:43 h

Roma blow as Szczesny sidelined

Roma have suffered a blow after on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a hand ligament injury in a 1-1 Champions League draw against Barcelona.

Poland international Szczesny suffered the injury after being kicked in the hand by Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez at the start of the second half of the Group E clash at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old was replaced by veteran Morgan De Sanctis, who went on to make a string of fine saves as Roma held on deperately for a share of the spoils.

A statement from Roma said: "Tests have confirmed that Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny did not sustain a fracture to the fourth finger of his left hand against Barcelona last night, despite having to come off injured in the second half after a clash with Luis Suarez.

"This morning's tests did reveal that Szczesny, who is on loan from Arsenal and has started all four of Roma's competitive games this season, suffered a ligament strain to the finger."

Roma, with Szczesny between the posts, have made a strong start to the Serie A campaign, notably beating Juventus 2-1 two weeks ago to sit two points off the pace of unbeaten leaders Inter Milan ahead of this weekend's round of matches.

Stuttering Juventus sit in 16th place after two defeats and a draw so far, although the Turin giants enjoyed a massive boost in midweek with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Champions League Group D rivals Manchester City.

Roma host Sassuolo this Sunday, when Juventus are away to Genoa.