Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares is set to miss three Lazio games with his current injury, after coming off early during the midweek clash with Real Sociedad.
Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares provided his ninth assist of the season last Thursday, setting up Lazio’s third goal of the first half against Real Sociedad. But just nine minutes later, the defender was forced out of the game with an injury.
Lazio subsequently confirmed that Tavares has undergone clinical and instrumental tests, showing an adductor injury to the left thigh.
The club report that Tavares has already begun treatment, and he’ll be monitored daily to establish when he can make his comeback.
Italian outlet TMW claim current indications suggest Tavares will miss three Lazio fixtures, including the Fiorentina defeat that took place on Sunday.
The 25-year-old will miss Thursday’s Europa League trip away to Braga and the following Monday’s visit to Cagliari, but it seems he’s still a contender for the game at home to Monza on Sunday, February 9th.
Lazio should be able to do without Tavares in the Europa League, having already confirmed a top-eight finish.
The Italian side only need one point to top the League Phase of the competition, and their goal difference advantage is so large that they could even lose their game and still finish top.
The greater concern is the league table, with Lazio in a tense battle against Juventus, Fiorentina, Milan, and Bologna for a Champions League qualification place.
Tavares has played 19 times for Lazio this season, providing nine assists, but this is his second muscle injury of the campaign.
Lazio have a €9m (£7.6m) obligation to buy in the loan deal based on various conditions, so the expectation is that he’ll join permanently this summer. The player then has a sell-on clause reportedly worth more than 25% of a future fee.