Fiorentina confirms Badelj sidelined for three weeks with thigh problem

Milan - Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj is set to be sidelined for three weeks with a thigh injury suffered in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Lazio, the Serie A club said Monday.

The 26-year-old Croatia international was stretchered off in the second half and replaced by Slovenian teammate Josip Ilicic.

Fiorentina said in a statement Badelj had "suffered damage to the myotendinous junction in the rectus femoris muscle of his left thigh."

"Badelj has already started treatment on the injury and will be reassessed in three weeks' time."

Fiorentina's shock defeat on Saturday meant it dropped to fourth in Italy's top flight at three points behind leader Napoli, which has a two-point lead on Juventus and Inter Milan.