Roma striker Gervinho has been ruled out for three weeks with a thigh muscle tear, denting the Serie A side's hopes of a second place finish this season.

A statement by the club said: "Gervinho underwent tests which revealed a first grade tear in his right thigh. He will likely be unavailable for three weeks.

"From tomorrow, he will begin rehabilitation."

Gervinho, who has failed to score for Rudi Garcia's men in the league since November 30, will miss upcoming league games against Napoli, Torino, Atalanta and possibly Inter Milan on April 25.

Roma sit second in Serie A, 14 points behind runaway leaders Juventus but only one point ahead of city rivals Lazio with 10 games remaining this season.

Gervinho's absence means Garcia, whose side lost all hope of challenging for the title when they drew eight times in nine consecutive games recently, is likely to heap the pressure on Ivorian international Seydou Doumbia.

Doumbia joined the club in the January transfer market from CSKA Moscow but has failed to impress at the Stadio Olimpico so far.