Roma face a fresh fitness concern ahead of Sunday’s away meeting with Como, with Bryan Cristante struggling with a knee problem that puts his availability in doubt for the 12:30 kick-off on 11 October.
Key takeaways
- Cristante has not yet undergone the medical tests needed to establish the extent of the knee issue.
- The midfielder had already withdrawn from Italy duty after suffering lower-back pain following Roma’s league match against Inter.
- Roberto Mancini called up Samuele Ricci to replace Cristante in the national-team camp at Coverciano.
- Cristante has featured in all five of Roma’s Serie A matches this season.
- He has also played once in the Europa League and scored against Fenerbahce.
A new question for Roma’s midfield
The nature of Cristante’s latest discomfort remains unclear, and Roma will need to wait for further examinations before knowing whether he can travel for the Como fixture. With the league programme continuing, the situation gives the club an unwelcome uncertainty around a player who has been ever-present in the early weeks of the campaign.
It is the second physical setback to affect the former Atalanta midfielder in a short period. Cristante left the Italy squad at Coverciano after reporting a lumbar complaint in the aftermath of Roma’s meeting with Inter. Mancini responded by bringing Ricci into the group.
Now the focus returns to the knee and to the timeline for recovery. Until the assessment is completed, Roma cannot put a firm date on his possible return or rule him in for the trip to Como.
Ever-present start interrupted
Cristante’s potential absence would come after a steady opening to the season. He has made five Serie A appearances for Roma and has also taken part in their Europa League campaign.
His continental outing brought his first goal of the season, scored against Fenerbahce. For Roma, the coming days will determine whether that promising early rhythm can continue immediately or whether the midfielder will be forced to pause while the knee issue is examined.
