Dybala nearing return to action: latest on the Argentine's fitness

Paulo Dybala trained partially with the squad at Trigoria this morning, a strong sign that he is close to full recovery from the calf muscle injury that kept him out of the matches against Genoa, Slovan Bratislava and Napoli. Gian Piero Gasperini will be pleased with the test, and Dybala is aiming to be available at least on the bench for Tuesday evening's clash with Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico. There was also positive news on Mile Svilar, who could be back in time for Roma's Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November. The double boost comes as Roma look to strengthen their squad ahead of a busy stretch of fixtures. Dybala's return would give Gasperini an important attacking option for the home game against Cagliari, while Svilar's availability for the trip to Old Trafford would be a welcome boost in goal for the Champions League fixture.

Gian Piero Gasperini will hold his usual eve-of-match press conference tomorrow at 13:30 ahead of Roma's Serie A ninth-round clash with Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday evening. The coach is expected to address the team's condition, the threats posed by the opponents and the recovery progress of injured players Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala, with Dybala potentially back in the matchday squad. The build-up follows a dramatic 3-3 draw away at Napoli, in which Roma twice rescued a point after falling behind. Having drawn level twice, the Giallorossi now turn their attention straight to the home fixture against Cagliari, a game that carries significant weight as the team looks to build on that resilient display. Gasperini's briefing will give supporters a first official update on the squad's fitness ahead of the midweek fixture. Dybala's possible return would be a boost for Roma's attack, while the availability of Svilar and Koné will also be closely watched as the coach finalises his selection for the match at the Olimpico.

Paulo Dybala is ready to return to the squad for Gian Piero Gasperini, with fresh positive tests on the pitch at Trigoria today confirming his progress in recovering from a problem to his right calf. The Argentine forward, according to Filippo Biafora, took part partially in group training today. According to Angelo Mangiante of Sky Sport, La Joya will be called up for Roma-Cagliari, scheduled for Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. He will initially start on the bench, with Gasperini potentially giving him a few minutes during the second half. This is an important recovery, and faster than initially expected. After the muscle problem he suffered against Real Madrid, follow-up checks had revealed a small injury to the gastrocnemius (calf muscle), raising fears of a longer layoff. The improvement in his physical condition has instead allowed Dybala to speed up his recovery. Barring setbacks, he will finally return on Tuesday among the attacking options available to the Giallorossi boss. The news is a welcome boost for Gasperini ahead of the Cagliari fixture, as Dybala's return adds another attacking option to the coach's selection. Mangiante's report is the source of the Sky Sport information on his availability.

Matías Soulé has been one of Roma's standout performers, and former midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has praised the Argentine forward after his goal against Napoli. Soulé scored Roma's third goal of the season in the match, drawing compliments from across the club and beyond. Giaccherini, speaking on Dazn, said Soulé is at the peak of his powers and described him as the technical driving force of the team. Roma's play was carried by Soulé as Malen had a below-par game, according to Giaccherini's assessment. Soulé has already contributed goals, assists and key touches this season. "He's in his prime, he's the technical leader of this team. Malen didn't have a great game and he carried the team. The goal is crazy, for the speed of his feet and legs it reminds me of Messi's goals. He asks for the one-two and there's very little time between the first touch and the shot." Soulé is eager to keep his form going and is ready for Tuesday's match against Cagliari, where he is expected to start in attack alongside Malen and Mora. Dybala returns to the matchday squad.

Matías Soulé was the standout performer as Roma beat Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, scoring his third Serie A goal of the season. The Argentine forward carried the side on his shoulders, and the strike is considered one of the finest he has scored since joining the club. Soulé scored the same number of league goals at this stage last season, but this season he looks like a different player: more of a leader, and not missing Paulo Dybala's absence. Sofascore's data underline his all-round display: four key passes, an 88% pass completion rate, eight duels won, four successful dribbles and the same number of ball recoveries. He was valuable both in attack and in defensive work. This summer Soulé came close to leaving the club. Arab clubs knocked on the door, but he never wanted to leave Roma and chose to stay in football's biggest arena. It is an understandable decision for a 23-year-old. Next up is Tuesday's match against Cagliari, where he is again expected to lead the line. Dybala is improving and will be called up, but he is expected to return from the first minute against Udinese. Soulé is ready to lead the attack alongside Donyell Malen. The groin problem (pubalgia) that held him back last year is no longer an issue, and he has also earned a place in the Argentina national team.

Paulo Dybala trained partially with the squad at Trigoria this morning, a strong sign that he is close to full recovery from the calf muscle injury that kept him out of the matches against Genoa, Slovan Bratislava and Napoli. Gian Piero Gasperini will be pleased with the test, and Dybala is aiming to be available at least on the bench for Tuesday evening's clash with Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico. There was also positive news on Mile Svilar, who could be back in time for Roma's Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November. The double boost comes as Roma look to strengthen their squad ahead of a busy stretch of fixtures. Dybala's return would give Gasperini an important attacking option for the home game against Cagliari, while Svilar's availability for the trip to Old Trafford would be a welcome boost in goal for the Champions League fixture.