Roma will spend the international break managing three absences of their own. Wesley, Bryan Cristante and Donyell Malen have all withdrawn from national duty, with the club choosing treatment at Trigoria over any unnecessary risk ahead of a demanding return to action.
The decision
The three players will remain in Rome for physiotherapy and individual medical work. Roma’s squad are due to train from today through Friday, while the next few days will determine whether Wesley, Cristante and Malen can rejoin the main group during the following week.
Malen had been selected by Xavi for the Netherlands, whose new coach begins his spell with Nations League matches against Germany and Serbia. Xavi made clear that he had wanted the Roma forward in his first squad, describing Malen’s absence as unfortunate given his recent form.
“It is a shame that Donyell could not come because he is in very good condition,” Xavi said. “He had to pull out at the last moment, but that is football. I think Malen is fine; I do not know how long his recovery will take, but it is not a serious injury.”
The Dutchman took a knock to his knee during the second half of Roma’s draw with Inter. He initially asked to be substituted, before deciding he could continue and signalling to Gian Piero Gasperini that he was able to carry on. The discomfort did not disappear, however, and Malen has opted to stay in the capital for treatment.
His absence also delays an early indication of how Xavi intends to use him. Ronald Koeman had often deployed Malen on the wing, with Brian Brobbey preferred through the middle. Xavi’s plans will have to wait, with Roma’s immediate priorities taking precedence.
Wesley has also been ruled out after feeling a muscular problem in his right thigh during the Inter match. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has called up Monaco’s Vanderson in his place.
Ancelotti had looked to bring Wesley back into the Brazil group after injury had kept him out of the World Cup. Discussions between Roma and Brazil’s coaching and medical staff led to a shared decision not to expose him to further strain, particularly with the Seleção facing Australia in two friendlies rather than competitive fixtures.
For Roma, the calculation is straightforward. The Brazilian wide player could be important when the club resume against Como before a meeting with Real Madrid.
Cristante is the third Roma player to stay behind, having been forced out by the lower-back pain that has troubled him for years. Italy’s new coach Roberto Mancini had included him for Nations League matches against Belgium and Turkey.
Mancini knows Cristante well from their time together with Italy, including the European Championship success. There is no doubt within the national-team setup over the midfielder’s commitment, and his withdrawal has been accepted as a genuine necessity rather than a reluctance to represent Italy. A future recall is expected once his back allows him to return without restriction.
Sunday’s picture
The draw against Inter left Roma with more than one concern to assess during the break. Malen and Wesley both emerged from that contest carrying physical issues, and the club will now use the pause to protect players who may be needed quickly when domestic and European commitments resume.
