Kouame hospitalised for malaria

Fiorentina forward Christian Kouame has been hospitalised after testing positive for malaria on his return from playing in the Africa Cup of Nations, the Italian club confirmed on Wednesday.

"ACF Fiorentina reports that footballer Christian Kouame has been tested for a possible malaria infection and the result has been positive following the onset of fever and malaise during the night of 20-21 February," they wrote on their website.

The 26-year-old has been hospitalised for appropriate treatment and his condition will be assessed "in the coming days". Kouame had returned from his country last Saturday after playing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

As a result, Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano had not called him up for the match against Empoli, which ended 1-1. The Tuscan side, who are seventh in Serie A, will host Lazio at home on Monday.