Wesley Working to Return Stronger After Thigh Injury

Evan Ndicka has returned to training following an injury layoff, bringing positive news for both Ivory Coast and AS Roma. The defender's return to the pitch marks a step toward regaining full fitness after his absence from the squad.

Evan Ndicka has recovered from a hamstring injury and returned to full squad training, positioning himself to start for Côte d'Ivoire in a World Cup match against Germany. The defender missed a Champions League fixture against Verona and Côte d'Ivoire's opening World Cup game against Ecuador due to the injury sustained in a derby. His teammates secured victory in that Ecuador match without him, and now face a tougher test on Monday evening against Germany, who defeated Curaçao 7–1 in their opener. Ndicka has not played for approximately a month but is ready to return to the starting lineup. Côte d'Ivoire are eyeing qualification for at least the round of 16, and the team's prospects improved following their opening victory. Germany present a significantly stronger challenge, having demonstrated their attacking potency with a commanding performance in their first match. The African side hope to maintain their momentum in what is shaping as a pivotal fixture in their World Cup campaign.

Wesley has begun his rehabilitation following a left adductor muscle injury sustained during international duty. The Brazilian returned to Roma's training facilities at Trigoria on 15 June to commence therapy work. Recent instrumental examinations confirmed a lesion to the left thigh adductor with no involvement of the knee or more severe damage. Recovery is projected at approximately one month. Wesley's comeback plan is mapped out with care. During the first week of July, his workload will gradually increase as he targets availability for Roma's pre-season gathering on 13 July under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Unlike the previous season, Wesley is expected to be ready for Gasperini's immediate squad plans from the start of pre-season. Over the past year, Gasperini has developed Wesley into one of Italy's premier left-side attackers. Roma will seek reinforcement at the position, though Wesley remains a cornerstone of the club's plans. Despite missing the World Cup—a disappointment he is processing—Wesley has shown immediate commitment to recovery by staying in Italy during the early vacation period and prioritising treatment. He is eager to contribute from the opening stages of the new campaign.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pursuing Diego Moreira, a 2004-born winger from Strasbourg, as Roma's main target for the left flank in the coming transfer window. Moreira, described as a modern full-back capable of playing on either wing, has impressed with his dribbling, technical ability, and physicality during two strong seasons in Ligue 1, recording 4 goals and 6 assists in 27 league appearances this season. Gasperini views him as a complementary option to Wesley, who has become a permanent fixture on the left after his repositioning. Moreira was born in Liège, Belgium, to Portuguese father Almami Moreira and progressed through Standard Liège's academy before joining Benfica's B team at age 16 in 2020. Chelsea signed him in September 2023 for €2 million, but he failed to secure playing time in the Premier League and moved to Strasbourg in 2024, where he has since developed into a key player. At international level, he has represented Belgium at youth levels before committing to Portugal from U16 onwards and recently made his senior debut. Strasbourg has set their asking price at approximately €35 million following Roma's initial approach. Roma's sporting director is expected to attempt to negotiate this figure downward in the coming weeks. Gasperini has requested Champions League-calibre additions without major squad overhauls, and Moreira fits the profile of a targeted, high-quality reinforcement for the upcoming campaign.

Fabio Paratici, Fiorentina's sporting director, has indicated the club will not block Dodô's exit if the right offer arrives. Speaking to Sky Sport, Paratici acknowledged the player's ambitions while suggesting Fiorentina will evaluate what is best for both parties. Dodô is a target for AS Roma to strengthen their right flank, and his current contract with Fiorentina runs until 30 June 2027. Roma are actively pursuing reinforcements on the flanks under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Wesley will remain on the left side, but the club seeks an established starter for the opposite flank. Dodô fits that profile and is unlikely to renew with Fiorentina, making a summer move plausible. However, Roma must complete player sales by the end of June to meet their settlement agreement obligations before formally pursuing new signings. Paratici stated: "He has legitimate ambitions. If there are requests? I won't go into specifics, but in any case, as I said, he has legitimate ambitions, just as Fiorentina does. We will evaluate what is best for both." No official offers have been tabled yet, though Roma's interest is clear as they reshape their squad for the new season.

Julio Sergio, a former Roma goalkeeper, spoke to Radio Manà Manà Sport about the giallorossi. Sergio advised Wesley to remain at Roma for a longer period, describing current goalkeeper Mile Svilar as a guarantee for the club. His comments reflect confidence in both players' futures at the Stadio Olimpico. Sergio's perspective carries weight given his own experience with the club. Svilar has established himself as a key figure in Roma's goalkeeping position, while Wesley continues to develop within the squad.