Defender Mexes out of Roma–Arsenal

Roma have suffered another terrible blow ahead of their Champions League last 16 second leg clash with Arsenal as central defender Philippe Mexes has been struck down by a fever and is out of tonight’s game.

It had been earlier reported this morning that the 26-year-old did not even show up at the Trigoria training complex yesterday. Although medical staff at the club were mildly confident that he would take his place at the back, this has proved not to be the case. The Frenchman’s temperature is at 39 degrees, and he will be watching the game from his bed. Inexperienced Mali defender Souleymane Diamoutene will deputise.