Torino's Che Adams Calfed It: Scottish Striker Sidelined by Sneaky Soleus Sprain

Alright, footy fans, pull up a stool at the pub because I've got some rotten news from the granite-hard pitches of Serie A. Torino's Scottish powerhouse, Che Adams, has limped off the training pitch with a partial sprain in his soleus muscle – that's the deeper calf muscle for those of us who aren't anatomy nerds. It's the kind of injury that sneaks up like a dodgy kebab after a night out, and it'll keep the lad out for up to three weeks. As reported by Sam Wilson at Football Italia, the club confirmed it after some medical checks, and it's a right kick in the teeth for the Granata.

Picture this: Adams, the boy from Scotland who's been grafting away in Turin, suddenly pulls up in training. Scans reveal the damage to his right leg's soleus – not a full-blown tear, thank goodness, but enough to sideline him for around 20 days. That means he's waving goodbye to Sunday's away jaunt to Genoa, where Torino were hoping to nick some points on the road. Then there's the tasty clash with Lazio on March 1st – he'll be watching that one from the stands with a bag of frozen peas on his leg. And as for the Napoli showdown after that? It'll be touch-and-go, like waiting for the last bus on a Friday night.

It's frustrating as hell for Adams, who's been buzzing this season. The 29-year-old Scot swapped Southampton for Torino last summer and has been repaying the faith with goals and grit. Remember that opener he smashed in against Udinese back in April? Or his battles against Roma and Inter? He's been a handful up top, blending physicality with that predatory instinct. But now, this setback hits just as he's eyeing prime condition for the summer's World Cup in North America and Mexico. Luckily for the Tartan Army, Scotland qualified automatically, so it's not panic stations for Steve Clarke's squad – unless this turns into a recurring nightmare.

For Torino, though, it's a proper headache. They're not exactly tearing up Serie A tree this term, hovering mid-table and scrapping for Europa spots. Adams has been their go-to guy for holding up play and poaching in the box, and without him, boss Paolo Vanoli might have to shuffle the pack. Maybe youngster Dušan Vlahović... wait, no, that's Juventus – wrong Torino tale! Instead, it'll be the likes of Duvan Zapata or perhaps a youth promotion stepping up. Genoa away is always a scrap, with their fans turning the Luigi Ferraris into a cauldron, and Lazio under their new gaffer could be flying high. Missing Adams there feels like heading to the match without your lucky socks.

Zooming out, injuries like this soleus sprain are the football equivalent of a pub league player's 'tweak' that lasts a month. The soleus is that hardworking muscle down deep in the calf, firing every time you push off. Partial sprain means micro-tears, rest, rehab, and fingers crossed no scar tissue buildup. Adams will be back firing before you know it, but in the meantime, Torino fans are left muttering into their bianchini.

On the plus side, this gives the medical team time to get him World Cup-ready. Scotland's automatic spot means no qualifiers to sweat, but Adams will want to report fit and firing. Imagine him bantering with teammates about Italian pasta doing his legs in – classic expat humour. Keep an eye on Torino's next few games; if they grind results without him, it shows squad depth. If not, it'll underline how vital he is.

So, raise a glass (non-alcoholic, doc's orders) to a swift recovery for Che. Serie A marches on, and we'll be chatting more Turin tales soon. Forza Granata, and get well soon, Adams – the calf needs you!

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