Roma return from the international break with a small midfield concern hanging over their trip to Como on 11 October, although Bryan Cristante still has time to prove his fitness. The midfielder has reported irritation in his right knee after recently overcoming lower-back trouble, placing one of Gian Piero Gasperini’s most regularly selected players under medical observation.
Key takeaways
- Cristante withdrew from international duty because of a minor issue in his right knee.
- The 30-year-old has not missed a match through injury since January 2025.
- Roma’s medical staff will monitor his condition over the coming days, with early signs regarded as encouraging.
- Martens de Roon is the leading alternative to partner Manu Koné should Cristante be unavailable.
- In attack, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tommaso Baldanzi Mora and Matías Soulé are competing for a place behind Donyell Malen and alongside Paulo Dybala.
A midfield decision for Gasperini
Cristante’s availability matters because of his standing in Gasperini’s rotation. He has been the coach’s most used outfield player, and the Como fixture would be his first opportunity to return after the international window.
The problem is not presently considered serious. Roma have been encouraged by the player’s progress and there remains sufficient recovery time before the 11 October match, but the club will make its assessment only after further checks on the inflammation.
If Cristante does not recover in time, De Roon is expected to line up beside Koné. The Dutch midfielder has offered positive athletic indications during the extended break, giving Gasperini a credible option should he need to reshape the centre of the side.
Competition continues behind Malen
Further forward, the coaching staff have a three-way choice for the role supporting Malen. Pellegrini, Mora and Soulé are each in contention to join Dybala in the area behind the striker.
Malen spent Wednesday evening watching Roma Women’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona in person, while the men’s squad prepare for the resumption of the Serie A campaign. For Roma, the days before Como will be defined by Cristante’s knee rather than a long injury list: a modest concern, but one involving a player whose presence has become a constant in Gasperini’s season.
