Shevchenko sidelined for 25 days

ROME, May 8 (Reuters) AC Milan's Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko has been sidelined for 25 days with a knee injury, the Serie A club said today.

Shevchenko is the key player for Ukraine in their first World Cup finals campaign which starts with their Group H opener against Spain on June 14 and his injury could effect his preparation for the tournament.

The former European Player of the Year picked up the injury early in Milan's 3-2 win over Parma in Serie A yesterday.

Milan said the forward had suffered ''a sprain and stretching of the medial collateral ligament'' but ruled out any need for an operation.

Shevchenko will miss Milan's final game of the season at home to Roma.

Milan trail leaders Juventus by three points with one game remaining -- Juve face Reggina at the neutral venue of Bari.

Ukraine will also face Tunisia and Saudi Arabia at the World Cup finals in Germany.

REUTERS AY PM1658