Artem Dovbyk is closing in on a return to action for AS Roma, with the Ukrainian striker targeting the upcoming derby against Lazio after a four-month injury absence. According to reports from Italy, Dovbyk is scheduled for a final medical check in Finland this weekend, which, if successful, would clear him to rejoin the squad. His last appearance came on January 6th, after which he underwent surgery in Turku for a serious myotendinous lesion in his left thigh, following the failure of conservative therapy.
The 28-year-old's potential return comes during the final stages of a deeply disappointing season for both player and club. Dovbyk, a €35 million signing in the summer of 2024, has managed just three goals in 17 appearances across all competitions this term, totaling only 695 minutes on the pitch. His struggles for form and fitness have seen him frequently fall out of favor with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who has reportedly sought a different profile of striker.
Roma attempted to offload Dovbyk during the recent transfer windows, with a proposed loan swap involving AC Milan's Santiago Gimenez reportedly collapsing at the last minute in August. The club now faces the prospect of another summer trying to find a solution for a player whose contract runs until 2029. Given the difficulty in arranging a permanent sale, a loan move is considered the most likely outcome, according to sources close to the situation.
His imminent return provides a minor boost to a squad that has been plagued by injuries, though he is expected to begin from the bench if he features against Lazio or in the subsequent season finale against Hellas Verona. The attacking hierarchy has shifted in his absence, with the likes of Donyell Malen now firmly established. For Dovbyk, these final potential minutes represent a chance to end a forgettable campaign on a marginally positive note and perhaps attract some suitor interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
