Gervinho gives Roma Champions League boost

Roma have been given a boost ahead of their Champions League decider at home to BATE Borisov on Wednesday after Gervinho was given the all-clear amid fears the Ivorian had suffered a muscle tear.

Gervinho returned from a two-week injury absence for Saturday’s trip to Torino but was forced off before the half-hour mark in a 1-1 draw with what looked like a relapse of the thigh injury he suffered playing for his country against Liberia.

Gervinho underwent tests on Sunday which “confirmed the player is not suffering from a muscle injury”, according to an official Roma statement.

It added: “Gervinho will be monitored on a daily basis.”

Roma remain winless in the absence of Gervinho and Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, and on Saturday had to settle for a share of the spoils after Maxi Lopez levelled Miralem Pjanic’s opener from the penalty spot at the death.

The result left Roma in fourth position in Serie A but five points behind leaders Inter Milan, who held a two-point lead on Napoli ahead of their away match at Bologna on Sunday.

Roma host BATE on Wednesday in their first Champions League game since a 6-1 drubbing by Barcelona a fortnight ago left Rudi Garcia’s men second in a tight Group E.

They are level on points with Bayer Leverkusen, with BATE only one point further adrift.

Roma will qualify for the last 16 if they beat BATE or if they draw and Leverkusen fail to beat Barcelona in the group’s other game.

If Roma drop points at the Stadio Olimpico, it could pave the way for either Leverkusen or BATE to move up to second and clinch the second last-16 qualifying berth behind already-qualified Barcelona.