Roma's Soulé returns to fitness ahead of crucial Inter clash
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that winger Matías Soulé has returned to full training and is available for selection ahead of Sunday's Serie A match against Inter Milan. The update came during Gasperini's pre-match press conference, where he also provided injury news on other squad members ahead of the pivotal league fixture at San Siro.
Soulé, who joined Roma from Juventus in a permanent deal last summer, has been sidelined with a muscular injury for several weeks. His absence has been felt in the Giallorossi's attacking line, which has struggled for consistency during their push for Champions League qualification. "Soulé has recovered," Gasperini stated. "He has trained with us these two weeks, he has been out for a long time but in these days he was himself again." The Argentine's return offers a significant boost as Roma face the league leaders.
However, the news was less positive for midfielder Manu Koné and defender Wesley. Both players returned from international duty with injuries and remain unavailable. "Wesley and Koné returned from their respective national teams, they are still out, although the situation is more positive than the initial diagnosis, but clearly they are not at our disposal," Gasperini explained. Wesley's absence in particular forces a reshuffle in defense.
When asked who would replace the injured Wesley at left-back, Gasperini indicated multiple possibilities are under consideration. "On the left, either [Jurriën] Rensch or [Kostas] Tsimikas," he said. The manager offered a candid assessment of both, noting that Rensch alternates good matches with others where "sudden drops in attention and motivation" are seen, while Tsimikas is growing but may not yet be fully ready. He also mentioned Angelino, who has made notable steps but is likely not prepared for a starting role in such a high-stakes match.
Gasperini also addressed the form of January signing Bryan Zaragoza, expressing some disappointment with the Spaniard's adaptation thus far. "Undoubtedly I expected more," he admitted. "I hoped he could bring those accelerations we have only seen against Napoli for Malen's goal. It's not easy to adapt immediately; we hope now he can bring something more." The comments highlight the ongoing challenge of integrating new signings into the squad during a tense season finale.
The context of this match is critical for Roma's ambitions. Sitting in a contested battle for a top-four finish, a positive result against Inter would provide a massive boost to their Champions League hopes. Gasperini acknowledged the challenge, referencing the team's inconsistent performances this season. Soulé's return adds a creative and direct option on the wing, which could be vital in exploiting spaces against a strong Inter side. His availability provides Gasperini with a wider selection of attacking combinations as he seeks a tactical approach to overcome the league leaders.
With the international break concluded, Roma's schedule remains demanding, making squad depth and player fitness paramount. The return of Soulé is a timely development, while the defensive solutions for Wesley's absence will be tested immediately against one of Europe's most potent attacks. The outcome of this match could significantly define the narrative of Roma's season in its final weeks.
