Gervinho Sidelined Three Weeks With Hamstring Injury

It's been awhile since Roma has had a player as simultaneously effective and as divisive as Gervinho. Depending on who you ask he's either Roma's greatest asset or merely an overhyped teacher's pet, one who is lucky to be in league with Rudi Garcia. No matter your opinion, like it or not, Gervinho has been Roma's most productive player over the past 18 months, scoring 19 goals and tallying 17 assists across all competitions since arriving in the Eternal City last season.

That's not to say he's been without his ups and downs, both match-to-match and month-to-month, but where its counted the most, putting the ball in the back of the net, he's been second to none over the past two years. Through 30 appearances this season, Gervinho has been nearly as important as he was last year, bagging seven goals and dishing out four assists in all competitions, though the bulk of that came in the fall.

Well, in keeping with Roma's woeful 2015, The Predator is now sidelined for approximately three weeks following an injury sustained on international duty. According to the official press release...

Medical tests carried out on Gervinho have revealed a Grade I hamstring strain. The forward, who will begin a recovery programme tomorrow, is expected to be out of action for around three weeks.

In his absence, look for Juan Iturbe and Adem Ljajic to carry the bulk of the weight, though I suppose we can't rule out Victor Ibarbo making a few appearances, which is sure to warm the cockles of your heart.