Dzeko blow for Roma as Juve sight title

Milan (AFP) – Roma striker Edin Dzeko has been sidelined for 10 days with a calf strain, damaging the Serie A side’s bid for a top-two finish and his hopes of the top scorer’s award.

Dzeko went two goals clear of the chasing pack last weekend with a brace in a 4-1 win at AC Milan that took his league tally for the season to 27.

But the Bosnia striker, who has scored a total of 37 goals in all competitions, “underwent medical tests which revealed a minor calf strain in his left leg” on Tuesday, Roma said.

The club’s statement added: “The Bosnian striker….is expected to be out of action for around 10 days.”

Dzeko will miss Sunday’s visit of champions Juventus, who can clinch a record sixth consecutive title with a win at the Stadio Olimpico regardless of results elsewhere.

Juventus, who booked their place in the Champions League final with a 4-1 aggregate win over Monaco on Tuesday, sit top of the pile with a seven-point lead on Roma.

Dzeko’s absence will be welcomed, meanwhile, by Torino striker Andrea Belotti, who is on only two league goals behind on 25 before the visit of Napoli, in third at eight points behind Juventus, on Sunday.

Napoli’s Dries Mertens, Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi and Juve front man Gonzalo Higuain are also in the hunt on 24 goals apiece.