Roma manager Daniele De Rossi is grappling with a significant injury list as his side prepares to face Genoa. The club confirmed several key players are unavailable, casting a shadow over their Serie A campaign and upcoming Europa League commitments. The situation is particularly concerning given the tight schedule and the increasing importance of each match as the season progresses.
Dybala, Dovbyk, and Hermoso Among Those Sidelined
Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk are the latest additions to Roma’s injury woes. De Rossi revealed in a pre-match press conference that Dybala is currently out with a fever, whereas Dovbyk’s recovery is expected to extend into late April at best. Both players are effectively ruled out for the foreseeable future, adding to the team’s attacking concerns. Defender Diego Hermoso will also miss the Genoa match, with his return date uncertain.
The extent of the injury problems extends beyond these three. Rick Karsdorp is also unavailable, and the club is carefully managing the return of other players from various setbacks. De Rossi acknowledged the challenges of dealing with so many absences, stating that the situation has been “complicated” but that the team will continue to push forward with the available players.
Ferguson’s Season Likely Over
A particularly devastating blow for Roma is the likely season-ending injury to Niccolò Zaniolo’s replacement, Dean Huijsen, known as Ferguson. De Rossi indicated that Ferguson will likely require surgery and will probably miss the remainder of the season. This is a significant loss for the team, as Ferguson had shown promising form before his recent setback. The injury is not muscular, a detail De Rossi highlighted as being common among the recent spate of absences, suggesting a pattern beyond typical football-related strains.
Angelino’s Recovery Remains Uncertain
Left-back Ángelino’s return timeline remains unclear. While he is currently training, De Rossi offered no firm date for his potential return to the squad. The manager acknowledged that Angelino is improving, but stressed the need for caution. Roma, like many teams, has been impacted by a series of injuries this season, and De Rossi emphasized the importance of managing player fitness carefully.
Malen and Vaz Stepping Up
Despite the numerous absences, De Rossi expressed confidence in the players who are available. He highlighted the potential of Malen and Vaz to fill the void left by the injured players. He also noted the return of El Shaarawy and Pellegrini, alongside Zaragoza, as positive developments for the squad. The manager indicated that he will assess player fitness on a game-by-game basis, with Vaz currently serving as the primary alternative to Malen.
Totti’s Potential Return to Roma – A Non-Issue for De Rossi
The speculation surrounding Francesco Totti’s potential return to Roma in a directorial role was briefly addressed by De Rossi. However, he downplayed the possibility, stating that he had not discussed the matter with Totti and that it was not an issue he had initiated. He described a recent dinner with the Roma legend as a “normal” conversation focused solely on football, praising Totti’s directness and insightful opinions.
Rensch Impresses, Options at Left-Back
De Rossi praised the performance of young defender Dean Huijsen (Ferguson) in the recent match against Juventus, noting that he had been lacking playing time prior to the game. Regarding options at left-back, De Rossi mentioned Tsimikas, Celik, and Ghilardi as potential alternatives in Angelino’s absence. This suggests a willingness to experiment with different tactical approaches to address the team’s defensive challenges.
The injury situation at Roma is undoubtedly a major concern, but De Rossi remains optimistic. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the players who are available and preparing for each match as it comes. The upcoming match against Genoa will be a crucial test for Roma, as they look to navigate this difficult period and maintain their position in the Serie A table.
Roma will need to rely on the depth of their squad and the tactical flexibility of De Rossi to overcome these challenges. The weeks ahead will be decisive, particularly with the Europa League on the horizon. The team’s ability to stay competitive will depend on their resilience and their ability to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances.
Next up for Roma is their Serie A clash against Genoa on Sunday, March 9th. Following that, they will turn their attention to their Europa League campaign, with a crucial match scheduled for the following week. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and injury updates through the club’s official website and social media channels.
