Fiorentina midfielder Alberto Aquilani faces a brief spell on the sidelines due to an Achilles injury.

The 28-year-old, who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, had to settle for substitute appearances in Fiorentina’s opening two games of the season, but was expected to feature from the start at the weekend against Catania.

Nevertheless, the midfielder will be out of action for two weeks after undergoing a series of tests in London.

“Fiorentina announces that Alberto Aquilani was visited in London by Prof. Nicola Maffulli regarding his Achilles tendinopathy,” said an official statement on the club’s website. 

“The specialist found no significant problems, but suggested, however, treatment for another two weeks.”

Aquilani joined Fiorentina from Liverpool in the summer transfer window for an undisclosed fee.