Rome - Serie A side Fiorentina said Monday that their Romanian striker Adrian Mutu is to be sidelined for 10 days after having missed the first two games of the season.

Mutu, 30, has suffered from a right-thigh problem that seemed to worsen as he trained with his national team last week, the Florence club's website reported. . The former Chelsea and Juventus player also faces a stiff fine stemming from a ban for use of cocaine he received in 2004.

Chelsea fired him and also sued the footballer for image damages. This year, the ruling body FIFA confirmed a fine of 17 million euros (24.3 million dollars) he is to pay to the English club. (dpa)