Lazio may have to do without their star full-back Nuno Tavares in their next two fixtures against Bologna and Ludogorets.
International Debut
The 24-year-old finally earned his senior debut with Portugal, getting a brief cameo in the 5-0 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League. But sadly for the Arsenal loaned-out player, his international break ended on a sour note after picking a muscle problem during a training session, preventing him from taking the pitch against Croatia in the 1-1 draw against Croatia.
Nuno Tavares Could Miss Two Lazio Fixtures
Tavares returned to Formello to undergo the necessary medical tests. According to Il Messaggero (via LazioNews24), the player has suffered a slight knock in the left thigh. As the source notes, this is the same issue that kept him out of action for most of the pre-season and the first couple of fixtures of the season.
Therefore, the report expects Tavares to skip this Sunday’s Serie A encounter against Bologna. Moreover, his availability for next week’s Europa League contest against Ludogorets is also at high risk.
Official Update
Lazio have also confirmed the news with a statement posted on the club’s official website revealing that Tavares has sustained a low-grade muscle injury.
The medical staff of SS Lazio announces that Nuno Tavares underwent clinical and instrumental tests today at the Villa Mafalda Clinic. The tests revealed a low-grade muscle injury to the semimembranosus of the left thigh suffered while playing for his national team.
The footballer has already started the specific treatment for the case and will be subjected to daily clinical and instrumental monitoring.
Boulaye Dia Ready & Raring To Go
On the contrary, the same source offered reassuring updates on Boulaye Dia who has now returned to Rome after being cleared from malaria. The Senegalese striker will return to train alongside his Lazio teammates on Thursday, so he should be available for Sunday’s clash against Bologna.