Cataldi injury concern for Fiorentina in Conference League semi final 1st leg

Fiorentina suffered a potentially serious injury during this evening’s Conference League semi-final against Real Betis, as Danilo Cataldi was forced off the field.

See how that game unfolds in real time on the Liveblog.

Fiorentina losing away to Betis

Fiorentina were already trailing 1-0 after an early goal from Abde Ezzalzouli in off the underside of the crossbar.

The midfielder had a shot charged down from just outside the penalty area at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville and immediately pulled up clutching the inside of his right thigh.

He was immediately distraught and made the gesture to the medical staff that he had pulled a muscle, so had to be replaced by Yacine Adli on the half-hour mark.

Cataldi crucial for Fiorentina

It is a worrying development for Fiorentina, who are in the crunch stage of the season.

Cataldi was spotted on the bench with a large ice pack strapped to the inside of his right leg.

The Italy international is now expected to miss both Sunday’s Serie A showdown with Roma and next Thursday’s Conference League semi-final second leg clash with Real Betis at the Stadio Franchi.

The Viola are already without Dodo, who underwent surgery for appendicitis last week.