Mutu to play on despite knee strain

ACF Fiorentina have denied reports suggesting Adrian Mutu needs a knee operation after the striker was rested for Wednesday's scoreless draw against FC Internazionale Milano, although the Viola have confirmed that the Romanian international requires "about four weeks to completely recover from his injury".

No operation
Mutu scored 17 Serie A goals last term, but has registered just three so far this season as he continues to struggle with a knee complaint. Rather than going under the knife, however, the 29-year-old will continue a tailored rehabilitation programme which does not involve surgery, according to club doctor Paolo Manetti. He said: "Cesare Prandelli will decide whether or not to field him on a case-by-case basis over the next month."

Duo return
Mutu may therefore be used in Fiorentina's two UEFA Champions League games in November – home ties against FC Bayern München on Wednesday and Olympique Lyonnais three weeks later – while being rested for selected domestic matches. Coach Prandelli said: "I don't know if he'll be available for our league fixture on Sunday [at AC Siena]. We also have to think about the Bayern match which is very important." The Italian side are third in Group F on two points, five behind the German champions. Meanwhile, Juan Manuel Vargas and Massimo Gobbi are available again after shaking off minor injuries which kept them out of the Inter game.