Roma Monitor Wesley Fitness Ahead of Crucial Atalanta Clash
AS Roma are hopeful that defender Wesley could be available for selection for Saturday's pivotal Serie A match against Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico. According to reports from Italy, the 22-year-old Brazilian, along with teammates Gianluca Mancini and midfielder Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro (Koné), missed training on Monday but could return to the group by Wednesday. The club's medical staff, in consultation with the Brazilian national team due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, are proceeding cautiously and do not wish to take any risks with Wesley's fitness.
Wesley's potential inclusion, even from the bench, would provide a welcome boost for manager Daniele De Rossi as Roma enter the final six matches of the season. The Giallorossi remain in a fierce battle for European qualification, with a place in next season's UEFA Champions League still mathematically possible. The clash with fifth-placed Atalanta, who sit just one point above Roma, is therefore a critical six-pointer in the race for the top five.
The absence of Koné is considered more problematic, with the French midfielder unlikely to be ready in time. This expected absence, combined with the confirmed 25-day injury to captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, forces a significant midfield reshuffle. Youngster Niccolò Pisilli is in line to start in the center of the park, which could see Stephan El Shaarawy deployed in a more advanced trequartista role. Star forward Paulo Dybala also remains unavailable, though he is targeting a return to group training ahead of the match against Bologna on April 25th.
Wesley, who joined Roma from Sporting CP in the summer of 2023, has had an injury-disrupted debut season in the Italian capital. When fit, he has shown glimpses of the athleticism and defensive solidity that prompted the significant investment. His return would offer De Rossi additional options in a backline that has been tested by suspensions and knocks throughout the campaign. Gianluca Mancini's situation is also being monitored closely, with the Italian international having a slightly better chance of featuring against Atalanta than his Brazilian colleague.
The outcome of Saturday's fixture will have major implications for the final European picture. A win for Roma would see them leapfrog Atalanta and apply pressure on Bologna in fourth, while a defeat would severely dent their Champions League ambitions and complicate their hold on a Europa League spot. De Rossi will be keen to have as many key players as possible at his disposal for a match that could define the club's season.
