Wesley suffers muscle injury in Brazil friendly; World Cup uncertain

Angeliño is undergoing a revival at AS Roma after a difficult year marked by injury and minimal playing time. The left-back has undertaken a physical transformation, including weight loss, as part of his recovery programme under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini has reportedly established a clear understanding with the player regarding his return to competitive action. After a prolonged absence from the pitch, Angeliño is working to regain fitness and earn regular minutes in the squad.

Angeliño is determined to rebuild his Roma career after a difficult season plagued by injury and limited playing time. The Spanish left-back featured in the opening matches of the campaign but has since spent nearly the entire season sidelined, losing 15 kilos during his recovery process and only appearing in brief substitute appearances as he gradually returned to fitness. Despite the setback, Angeliño hopes to remain at Roma, where he had established himself as a key player before his sudden decline. The 26-year-old plans to report for pre-season training with the rest of the squad, aiming to demonstrate his best form to coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Once he has shown his capabilities during the summer preparation period, he will then address any potential transfer discussions. Spanish club Espanyol had previously expressed interest in signing Angeliño, but he is not currently inclined to pursue moves away from Rome. Angeliño's recovery and potential return to form will be crucial for Roma's defensive options in the coming season. His rehabilitation has been gradual but steady, and the club will hope he can recapture the level of performance that made him an integral part of their setup earlier in the campaign.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed his squad list for Roma's final Serie A match against Verona at the Bentegodi, a fixture critical to the club's bid for Champions League qualification. Midfielder Manu Koné returns after missing the recent derby, though he is expected to start on the bench. Absent from the selection are Lorenzo Pellegrini, sidelined by a muscular problem, and Tsimikas, who is recovering from influenza. Both players will travel with the squad despite not being available for selection. Wesley remains unavailable due to suspension, while defender Ndicka is out with a muscular injury. The match represents Roma's final opportunity to secure European football next season. Gasperini's squad combines established players with squad depth, with forwards Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé expected to form the attacking pair. The full list of 26 players includes goalkeeper Mile Svilar and a mix of defensive, midfield, and attacking options to navigate what is anticipated to be a competitive encounter. The squad announcement followed Gasperini's afternoon press conference, with the coach having just days to prepare his team for the decisive fixture.

Roma players Wesley and Zeki Celik have been selected to start for their respective national teams in final World Cup preparation matches. Wesley was chosen by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to feature at right-back in a clash against Egypt in Cleveland, continuing his run as a regular starter after appearing in Brazil's 6–2 victory over Panama. Celik, meanwhile, was named in Turkey's lineup against Venezuela in Miami, with the former Lille defender also handed the captain's armband by manager Vincenzo Montella. Both selections underline the growing importance of the Roma pair at international level as their countries enter the final stages of World Cup preparation. Wesley has now established himself as Brazil's primary choice at right-back for the tournament, while Celik's captaincy represents a mark of trust from Montella. The matches served as the latest in a series of final tests before the World Cup proper began, with nations across multiple confederations conducting warm-up fixtures on the same evening to assess their readiness for the competition.

Amantino Mancini, a former Roma winger, has praised Wesley's first season at the club during an interview on Radio Romanista. Mancini highlighted Wesley's intensity, work rate, and offensive capabilities as a left-sided player, noting that the Brazilian has settled well into Roman football. Mancini said: "Wesley me is always liked, I like his characteristics, how he moves on the pitch. I said when Roma was acquiring him that it would be very useful, because he is of great intensity, never stops. He has the characteristics of all Brazilian full-backs who are very offensive. Maybe he leaves something to be desired defensively because even I when I arrived at Roma played as a full-back and improved thanks to Capello. Wesley has fitted in very well at Roma, many Brazilians at Roma settled immediately because the climate and the support are very similar to those in Brazil. Wesley took advantage of this period and had a wonderful season." Mancini drew parallels with his own career transition, recalling how moving from right to left-back under Spalletti transformed his game. He predicted Wesley will continue on the left flank next season but warned that opponents have now studied him closely. Mancini also expressed confidence in head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's ability to guide Roma's next phase, emphasizing the need for experienced signings to strengthen the squad for Champions League football. He suggested Roma should make two or three strategic acquisitions to elevate the team's competitive level in European competition.

Roma's pursuit of Mason Greenwood has hit a significant obstacle. Hakan Safi, a candidate for the Fenerbahce presidency, has moved directly to secure the English winger and announced an agreement for a four-year contract. Gasperini remains keen on Greenwood as a key target to strengthen the squad, but Roma must now navigate intense competition from the Turkish club to complete any deal. With the Greenwood situation unfolding, Roma's recruitment strategy has expanded to address other areas. Gasperini is conducting a wide search for a left-winger, with Summerville topping the wish list, though that acquisition would prove difficult. Alternative targets include Tzolis of Club Brugge, Igor Paixao of Marseille, Mathys Tel, and Mika Godts. Players including Nusa and Alajbegovic have been ruled out. On the right flank, Gasperini is seeking reinforcement, specifically a left-footed winger, with Wesley expected to remain on the left next season. Celik is viewed as a defensive back option despite potential contract renewal, while Rensch will serve as a backup. The transfer window remains active as Roma adjusts its targets amid external competition. The Serie A 2026–27 fixture calendar has also been released, with no major surprises for the club's scheduling.