New Nuno Tavares injury woe for Lazio after 34 minutes

Lazio suffered a serious blow just days before the Europa League quarter-final with Bodo/Glimt, as Nuno Tavares limped off with a new muscular injury just 34 minutes into the match against Atalanta.

This had been his return to the starting XI after a month out with that muscular problem, which had also been felt on international duty with Portugal.

The left-back was running along when he suddenly pulled up and went down, pulling the jersey over his head in frustration at this latest setback.

He was forced to limp off, replaced by Luca Pellegrini at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.

Nuno Tavares injuries a problem for Lazio

Although his season started brilliantly following the loan move from Arsenal, providing nine assists in 26 competitive matches for Lazio.

However, the old problem reared its ugly head, as he has always struggled with recurring injuries.

Nuno Tavares is inevitably now expected to miss at least the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final, which is away to Norwegians Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening.

Lazio already had a decimated squad for this trip to Atalanta, as Matteo Guendouzi is suspended, with Alessio Romagnoli suffering from flu symptoms.

Patric is out for the rest of the season following surgery, while Taty Castellanos and Tijjani Noslin are only fit for a spot on the bench.