Roma have received a measured but welcome injury update before the league meeting with Genoa, with Paulo Dybala close to returning and Manu Koné facing a shorter absence than initially feared.
Gian Piero Gasperini said Dybala’s issue is only fatigue in his calf muscle, while Koné’s scan revealed a first-degree injury. The midfielder will need time, but the diagnosis has eased concerns that he could be lost for a prolonged spell.
Quick facts
- Dybala could be named among the substitutes against Genoa.
- Roma are hopeful of having him available next week.
- Koné has sustained a first-degree muscular injury.
- He is expected to miss Slovan Bratislava, Napoli, Cagliari and Manchester.
- Roma are targeting the Sassuolo match on 7 November for Koné’s return.
- France play Italy in Milan on 12 November and host Turkey three days later.
“Koné underwent an MRI and it showed a first-degree lesion, nothing especially serious,” Gasperini said before facing Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa. “He needs the necessary recovery period, and we hope he can be back against Sassuolo before the break.”
The coach was similarly optimistic on Dybala. “Paulo only has fatigue in the calf area. We hope to recover him next week.”
Dybala may therefore return as early as the Genoa fixture, even if only from the bench. Should Roma take a more cautious line on Sunday, he could instead be available for Tuesday’s European match against Slovan Bratislava.
Koné’s schedule is more restrictive. The Frenchman is set to miss the European trip as well as Serie A commitments against Napoli and Cagliari, followed by the Manchester match. Sassuolo on 7 November is being considered the realistic objective.
His condition will also be watched by Zidane ahead of the November Nations League window. France are due to meet Italy in Milan on 12 November before playing Turkey at home on 15 November, and Koné’s fitness will determine whether he can be included in the squad.
