Roma face Trastevere in second pre-season friendly at Trigoria

Lorenzo Pellegrini has suffered a high-grade, third-degree tear at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh, and will be out for at least three months, probably longer. The injury was sustained in the second half against Slovan, and surgery is now being considered. Roma are preparing for Napoli at the Maradona with a serious lack of options. The diagnosis is a terrible one for a footballer, among the worst muscular injuries. The problem lies not in the muscle belly, which heals faster thanks to its rich blood supply, but at the point where the muscle joins the tendon close to the knee. It is the second consecutive operation Pellegrini faces. He signed a one-year contract in the summer, and this is probably his last at the club given the many physical problems of recent years. Last summer he missed the entire pre-season and returned to the pitch just twelve days ago against Como, playing three short spells before the new injury struck. The injury is a blow for Gasperini, who for at least the next three games must also do without Dybala, as well as Koné and Svilar. With the Maradona clash tomorrow, Roma face a full emergency and forced choices. Bryan Cristante could return in the closing stages, provided he is in acceptable condition to start from the first minute after knee inflammation. In a clash between veteran coaches, with Allegri on 325 Serie A wins and Gasperini on 300, there could also be room for some Primavera players such as Di Nunzio and Arena, at least on the bench.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's absence is growing, with the midfielder ruled out for at least two to three months after tests revealed a high-grade tear of the musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh. Roma face Napoli on Saturday 24 October at 18:00, and the injury adds to an already crowded treatment room. Pellegrini could return between late January and early February 2027, though a further operation is a possibility. Coming after his summer surgery, the new injury may also weigh on his future at the club, as the number 7's contract expires in June 2026. Staying at Roma is considered highly unlikely. The absence also forces a change in the midfield. Bryan Cristante is reportedly being tried again in the number 10 role, with the headline noting he is "ripassa" as a trequartista. Pellegrini's situation is the latest setback for the squad as the team prepares for the trip to Naples.

Lorenzo Pellegrini faces at least two months on the sidelines after tests revealed a high-grade lesion at the distal musculotendinous junction of the semitendinosus in his right thigh, sustained against Slovan Bratislava. Recovery times will be assessed as the clinical picture evolves, but the midfielder could return in the first days of 2027. The setback adds to Roma's injury problems, following those of Svilar, Koné and Dybala. Roma continue preparations for their Serie A clash with Napoli on Saturday at 6pm at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Training took place at Trigoria, and there is positive news from Bryan Cristante, who has returned to regular group work despite visible strapping around his knee. The captain will be available to Gasperini for the match against the Partenopei and could even start from the first minute. Fans of both Napoli and Roma will be able to watch Saturday's match, valid for the eighth round of Serie A, free of charge on DAZN, including non-subscribers. Under the TV rights tender, five matches this season are being broadcast in free mode, and the Maradona fixture is among them. Supporters of both clubs need only log in following the instructions provided by DAZN to access the live stream. With the winter transfer window approaching, Roma have already begun identifying possible reinforcements for Gasperini. According to the English outlet Sport Witness, on Tuesday evening, while Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Olimpico, several Roma scouts were at the Porto against PSV match. The fixture, won 1-0 by the Dutch side, also drew the attention of several Premier League clubs. Under observation are left-winger Esmir Bajraktarević, born 2005, and midfielder Sven Mijnans, born 2000, who had already been followed in the summer. On Rome radio, the Roma-Napoli fixture has been widely discussed. Luigi Ferrajolo told Radio Radio: "The absences of Koné and Dybala are heavy: Koné is the engine of the midfield and Dybala the inspiration. If Cristante can play, he can push Pisilli a bit further forward. Or Mora plays, hoping he wakes up a bit and makes a greater contribution." Alessandro Vocalelli added: "Roma have already passed some tests: not every match can be an exam. It is a stage in a journey in which the team must perform well, because it can help distance a direct Champions League rival. Physically he seems to be better, but Napoli have resources that make the match anything but simple."