Roma rocked by Borini setback

Roma have suffered a blow with striker Fabio Borini being ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Borini sustained the injury during Saturday's 2-1 loss at AC Milan and tests on the Italy international have revealed the extent of the problem.

The 22-year-old, who is Roma's joint-top scorer alongside Daniel Osvaldo with nine league goals so far, will miss the Serie A games against Novara, Lecce and Udinese.

The Giallorossi are also unlikely to have captain Francesco Totti available for Sunday's game against Novara, with the veteran striker struggling with a left thigh problem.

Roma are also without injured defenders Juan, Nicolas Burdisso and Marco Cassetti and to complicate matters for coach Luis Enrique, defender Gabriel Heinze must serve a one-match ban this weekend.

Roma are sixth in the standings, seven points behind city rivals Lazio, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.