AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné sustained a muscle injury during a Champions League fixture against Real Madrid, requiring a forced substitution and leaving the field with his face covered by his jersey.
Early Exit and Defensive Shuffling at the Stadio Olimpico
Koné pulled up near the center circle after feeling pain in his right thigh, prompting immediate medical intervention from the club’s training staff. la Repubblica reported that the French midfielder walked off the pitch supported by medical personnel while wiping away tears with his shirt. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini replaced him with Niccolò Pisilli, who stepped in for his home debut in the UEFA Champions League. Koné’s departure disrupted Roma’s tactical setup early in the high-profile European clash.
Dybala Follows Koné to the Sidelines with Muscle Strain
Gasperini introduced Rodrigo Mora in place of the Argentine playmaker. Corriere dello Sport noted that Dybala felt discomfort in his right calf, forcing the technical staff to keep him in the locker room during the interval to prevent further damage.
Gasperini Assesses the Physical Toll After the Final Whistle
Speaking to reporters in his post-match press conference, Gasperini provided an initial assessment of both players’ physical conditions. “Koné definitely has a muscular problem, Dybala perhaps had a calf strain and the soleus had hardened a bit,” Gasperini stated. “I don’t know what the diagnosis will be, Koné’s will certainly be heavier.” Medical examinations scheduled for the following days will determine the exact recovery timelines for both players.
Fixture Schedule and Availability Questions
The timing of these injuries places immediate pressure on Roma’s squad depth as domestic and European fixtures accumulate. Gasperini expressed hope during his post-match remarks, as cited by Fantacalcio, that Dybala’s issue might clear up quickly enough for the forward to feature in upcoming Serie A action against Genoa.
