Azzurri doctor to visit Verratti

Italy’s chief medic has flown to France to try and assess the extent of Marco Verratti’s ongoing injury issues.

The midfielder has suffered a string of fitness problems this season and missed Wednesday’s Coupe de France win over Saint-Etienne with a groin injury.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has confirmed Verratti’s current issue is concerning him and has described the problem as “tricky”.

Blanc revealed the player will again be absent for Saturday’s game against Montpellier and is also a doubt for Wednesday’s Champions League last-16, second leg against Chelsea.

The 23-year-old’s problems have prompted the Azzurri to send their chief medic Enrico Castellacci to Paris in a bid to work with Verratti and find a solution.

With just over three months until the start of Euro 2016, Italy are understandably keen to do all they can to ensure one of their main playmakers is fit.

Blanc admits he is unsure when the youngster will return to action.

“Verratti is not in the squad,” Blanc said. “It is an inflammation that has affected him on the level of the bone, which is more problematic to resolve. It’s tricky.

“Verratti was exceptional against Chelsea in the first leg. I don’t know if he’ll be in a condition to repeat that performance, but he has maintained his fitness levels in cardiac terms. He can’t make lateral movements yet, only back and forth.”

Italy are currently 19.00 to win Euro 2016, with hosts France the 4.00 pre-tournament favourites ahead of world champions Germany (4.33).