Roma's Riise doubtful for Arsenal trip

AS Roma left-back John Arne Riise could miss the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie at Arsenal FC after tests confirmed damage to his left knee ligaments.

Three-week absence
The Norwegian international, who joined Roma from Liverpool FC last summer, suffered the injury during his club's 2-1 win against US Città di Palermo on 28 January and although a scan has precluded the need for an operation, he is expected to be out of action for around three weeks. The 28-year-old former AS Monaco FC defender has appeared in 18 Serie A games for the Giallorossi this season and was ever-present in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Roma visit Arsenal on 24 February, with the return leg at the Stadio Olimpico on 11 March.