Wesley a Doubt for Roma Ahead of Atalanta Clash, Mancini and Koné Also Sidelined
AS Roma's preparations for their crucial Serie A match against Atalanta have been complicated by a series of fitness concerns in the squad. According to reports from Italy, several key players are in a race to be fit for the important fixture this weekend.
The most significant concern surrounds Brazilian winger Wesley. The 22-year-old is currently sidelined and, according to reports, will be evaluated in the coming days. The club's medical staff is taking a cautious approach, with the player's long-term fitness, particularly with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in mind, being a priority. His availability for the match against Atalanta remains uncertain.
In defense, the Giallorossi are also dealing with the potential absence of key defender Gianluca Mancini. The Italian international is a mainstay in the heart of the Roma backline, and his potential absence would be a major blow for manager Daniele De Rossi. The club is hopeful he can return to group training on Friday, but a starting role is not guaranteed. Meanwhile, midfielder Jean-Victor Makengo, commonly known as Koné, is the most doubtful for the weekend, with his recovery from injury proving more difficult than initially hoped.
These potential absences present a significant selection headache for manager Daniele De Rossi. The injury to captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is expected to be out for around 25 days with a muscular issue, has already forced a reshuffle. Youngster Niccolò Pisilli is the likely candidate to step into the midfield, which could see Stephan El Shaarawy deployed in a more central, creative role to fill the void left by the captain. The injury list is compounded by the continued absence of star forward Paulo Dybala, who is not expected to be fit for the Atalanta clash.
The timing of these injuries is far from ideal for Roma, who remain in a fierce battle for a top-four finish and a coveted UEFA Champions League spot. The match against Atalanta is a direct clash with a direct rival for those European places, making the availability of key players even more crucial. The potential absences in defense and midfield could force De Rossi into tactical adjustments, potentially altering the team's usual structure. The club will be hoping for positive news on Mancini and Wesley in the final training sessions before the squad is announced, as their presence could be decisive in a match with significant implications for the European qualification race.
