Kumbulla on Gasperini: 'I would have liked to train more with him'

Roma continue to battle an injury crisis ahead of their home match against Sassuolo, with Gian Piero Gasperini left with a severely reduced set of options. The latest absence is Devyne Rensch, whose instrumental tests revealed a first-degree tear of the long adductor in his right leg. He is expected to be out for around three weeks, with a return planned after the international break. Paulo Dybala will not feature. He has yet to recover and will continue personalised training, aiming to be available again directly after the national team commitments. There is slightly better news on Manu Koné, the French midfielder, who has completed individualised work on the pitch and will undergo the final decisive test today to determine whether he can be included at least in the matchday squad and start on the bench. In midfield, given the fatigue accumulated over recent weeks, Cristante and De Roon will form the pairing to lead the engine room, with Pisilli ready to contribute. The goalkeeping position also needs close monitoring. Pierluigi Gollini remains in serious doubt because of a back problem that could force him to withdraw, despite attempting to play through with infiltrations. If Gollini cannot recover, Devis Vásquez is ready to return to the starting lineup from the first minute, a place in Serie A he would win back after many months. Ndicka is set to return to the defence, while Mancini is being managed under a planned programme. Up front, Malen and Soulé will lead the attack with Mora in support.

Marten De Roon could start his ninth consecutive match against Sassuolo tomorrow, continuing his run as one of Gian Piero Gasperini's most trusted players. The Dutch midfielder arrived in the final days of the summer transfer window as a reliable option to rotate with Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Niccolò Pisilli, but he has become a regular starter this past month. Since Roma returned from the long September-October international break, De Roon has started every match and played the full 90 minutes in six of the eight games. He has been forced into extra work by the simultaneous absence of Cristante and Koné, which lasted until the trip to Napoli. Despite being 35 years old, he has delivered reliability and leadership. Writing in Il Tempo, Lorenzo Pes noted that De Roon has shown excellent physical condition this month and a natural understanding of reading the game and positioning himself. Alongside Pisilli or Cristante, De Roon has provided composure and personality in the heart of the Giallorossi midfield, combining tactical intelligence with a healthy dose of physicality. He has taken the team by the hand during delicate moments of the season, although he would not mind playing a little less if asked. Gasperini, however, is not willing to give him up. De Roon did not join Roma to be an undisputed starter, but the key is being there when needed, and he does not let anyone down.

Roma have conceded 10 goals in their last four official matches, a sharp reversal from the opening ten fixtures of the season, when the defence let in just 8 and kept a clean sheet on six occasions. Gian Piero Gasperini's immediate priority is to shore up a backline that has been leaking goals, with the side preparing to face Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in their final match before the international break. The defeat at Manchester United, decided by the narrowest of margins, is still fresh. The goals conceded in that run came from Napoli (3), Cagliari (2), Udinese (2) and Manchester United at Old Trafford (3). The absence of Mile Svilar, considered one of the best goalkeepers in his position in Europe, has deprived the team of a fundamental figure, and the prolonged absence has weighed heavily on the team's form. Behind him, physical problems for Pierluigi Gollini have complicated the coaching staff's plans, forcing the Colombian Devis Vásquez into an emergency debut. Gollini will try to push through and recover with infiltrations ahead of the Sassuolo game, but his fitness assessments remain at Trigoria. Elsewhere, Manu Koné is pushing for a call-up after completing differentiated training. Paulo Dybala and Devyne Rensch will return to availability after the break; Rensch is sidelined by a first-degree adductor injury that will require around three weeks out of action.