Rome faces a demanding fortnight without Paulo Dybala, whose influence has helped keep the Giallorossi among the early Serie A contenders. The Argentine forward is expected to remain sidelined for roughly another two weeks after medical examinations revealed a minor muscular injury.
The news from the club
Dybala was forced off at half-time during Roma’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, having felt discomfort in his calf before the second half. He subsequently missed Roma’s 2-0 Serie A win over Genoa.
Gian Piero Gasperini said the club had initially hoped for a quicker recovery, but the most recent MRI scan showed a small lesion which has extended the expected absence.
“We expected the recovery to be a little faster,” Gasperini said. “But the latest MRI has also shown a small injury, even if it is minimal, and that will lengthen the process. I think it will be another couple of weeks.”
The setback comes after a dramatic European night in which Madrid overturned a 3-1 deficit with three goals in the final seven minutes to win 4-3. Roma must now navigate a crowded domestic and continental programme without a player who supplied four assists across the opening seven league rounds.
Dybala’s contribution has been central to Roma’s consistent start. The capital club sit third in the league on 17 points, two behind joint leaders Lazio and Inter.
A crowded route through Rome and Europe
The Argentine is set to miss, at least initially, matches against Slovan Bratislava, Napoli, Cagliari and Udinese. Roma host Slovan on Tuesday at the Stadio Olimpico in their next Champions League assignment.
A return is being targeted for the European trip to Manchester United in England on 3 November, although Roma will monitor Dybala’s condition over the coming weeks before confirming his availability.
