Italy receive De Rossi injury blow
Italy have received a fresh injury blow ahead of their World Cup Group D showdown with Uruguay after Daniele de Rossi was rated as "unlikely" to start the game.
According to an AFP report, the Roma midfield enforcer picked up a sore right calf after the Azzurri's shock 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica, requiring an MRI scan.
Italy's team doctor Enrico Castellacci delivered the bad news during a media conference on Sunday (Singapore time), saying: "He has a muscle problem in his leg.
"It is highly unlikely that he will be able to play on Tuesday.
"If I was being positive I would say that it is possible the injury to the muscle would improve but it is highly improbable he will play."
Selection headache
De Rossi, who is expected to be replaced by Thiago Motta, has started and ended both of Italy's games against England and Costa Rica, giving coach Cesare Prandelli a selection headache ahead of his side's crucial clash against Uruguay on Wednesday morning (Singapore time) with qualification for the Round of 16 at stake.
While a draw will be enough for Italy to advance with Costa Rica, they will be up against a Uruguay side who have talismanic striker Luis Suarez back from injury.
There was some positive news for Italy, however, as defenders Andrea Barzagli and Mattia de Sciglio are winning their battles to be fit for the match while Claudio Marchisio is expected to shake off a knee knock.
Sources: Reuters, AFP
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