Malen unavailable for Newport County friendly due to fever

Donyell Malen has been ruled out of Roma's second pre-season friendly at Newport County due to a fever. The Dutch forward was unavailable for selection as the Giallorossi continued their training camp in Wales. Malen's absence marks a setback during Roma's summer preparation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The forward is part of the squad assembled for the 2026-27 season and his fitness will be monitored as the campaign approaches.

Donyell Malen will miss Roma's friendly against Newport this evening (kickoff 19:00) due to fever, though the Dutch winger is expected to return within days and will be available for Saturday's fixture against Brighton at 15:00. Castro takes his place in attack alongside Paulo Dybala, a pairing that worked in a previous friendly at Cardiff. Wesley has recovered from a right ankle problem and was included in the squad. Koulierakis, another recent addition, starts from the first minute. Vice-president Ryan Friedkin joined the squad at Vale Resort ahead of the match. Malen's absence is not deemed serious and he is expected to be fully fit for the Brighton game on Saturday.

Wesley has returned to full training with Roma, completing the entire session this morning alongside his teammates. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will decide later whether to include the player in the squad for a friendly match against Newport this evening. The news provides welcome relief after Wesley suffered an ankle sprain on Saturday against Cardiff, which forced him to cut short Sunday's training session. The injury concern appears to have resolved, marking positive progress for Gasperini as Roma prepare for their pre-season fixture. The training development comes as the club continues negotiations in the transfer market, including talks over Read.

Roma bounced back from a defeat at Cardiff with a dominant 4-1 victory over fourth-tier Newport County in a pre-season friendly today. Goals from Hermoso, Castro, Koulierakis and Soulé secured the win under the watch of Ryan Friedkin, with Cameron grabbing Newport's consolation late on. Castro impressed in an unfamiliar midfield role, scoring once and winning a penalty, while Dybala orchestrated play from attacking positions and assisted Koulierakis's header before becoming involved in a brief skirmish triggered by a heavy challenge from Evans. Gasperini has reasons to smile ahead of fresh arrivals, with negotiations advancing for Molina but the Read transfer path becoming more complicated. The friendly served as a positive tune-up for Roma's squad depth, with young players given minutes in the closing stages. Donyell Malen missed the match due to fever. Roma continue their pre-season schedule with another training session at Hensol tomorrow, followed by a final friendly against Brighton on Saturday before returning to the capital.

Mario Hermoso put Roma ahead in the 38th minute during their second pre-season friendly in Wales against Newport County at Rodney Parade. Bryan Cristante recovered possession to launch the move, then found Hermoso with the help of a deflection off Castro, with the Spanish defender finishing from close range to settle the opening period at 1–0. Gasperini's side began slowly but grew into the match. Mile Svilar made a vital save in the 14th minute to deny Doidge after the Newport forward was left unmarked, while Paulo Dybala and Castro posed occasional threats in attack. Newport threatened early through Biggins, whose long-range effort struck the crossbar in the 4th minute, but Roma's defence gradually tightened. The friendly served as a fitness-building exercise during the Wales training camp. Donyell Malen was absent through fever. Gasperini made a tactical adjustment in the 36th minute, switching Wesley to the right flank and Devyne Rensch to the left. Jenkins received a booking for Newport in the 40th minute. The match was officiated by Martin, with Tweson-Morris and Hooper as assistants.

Donyell Malen has been ruled out of Roma's second pre-season friendly at Newport County due to a fever. The Dutch forward was unavailable for selection as the Giallorossi continued their training camp in Wales. Malen's absence marks a setback during Roma's summer preparation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The forward is part of the squad assembled for the 2026-27 season and his fitness will be monitored as the campaign approaches.