Roma resume training: Gasperini regains Koné, welcomes Molina; Pellegrini sidelined

Muhammed Bah has spoken publicly following a serious knee injury sustained in a friendly against Cardiff. The Roma midfielder suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and has begun his long recovery process. Several days after the injury, the 2006-born player posted a message on Instagram expressing his determination and faith. "Difficulties are part of every journey," Bah wrote. "I place my trust in Almighty God, convinced that every situation, including this one, will be resolved for the best. I will do everything possible to return stronger than before. Thank you all for the affection and support." The midfielder's public statement marks his first response to the setback, showing resolve ahead of what will be an extended rehabilitation. Bah's absence will be a significant concern for Roma as the 2026-27 season unfolds.

Muhammed Bah has addressed his serious injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Cardiff, speaking publicly through an Instagram post. The midfielder wrote: "Challenges are part of every journey. I place my trust in God so that every situation, including this one, resolves for the best." He added: "I will do everything necessary to return stronger than before. Thank you all for your affection and support." Bah's message came as Roma's squad continues preparation ahead of the 2026–27 season. The injury occurred during the pre-season campaign and represents a significant setback for Gasperini's plans. The midfielder's post was accompanied by photographs from his pre-season work, including images documenting the moment the injury took place.

Roma must quicken their transfer activity with less than two weeks until the Serie A season begins. Head coach Gasperini has signalled urgency to the club following a heavy defeat to Brighton, stating: "Numerically it seems there is still a need for something, but you know how it is." Koné returned to training today and Molina arrived in the capital yesterday, providing important reinforcements, but the coach insists the squad-building remains incomplete. Gasperini has emphasised the need for depth across positions, particularly given Champions League participation: "Having at least two players per role is essential for those competing in cups. Those who don't do it pay heavily." Gasperini's original shopping list comprised a defender, a winger and two forwards. Koulierakis has arrived for defence, Castro for attack, and Molina on the wing—filling three of four targets. The priority now is a second striker. Roma have identified Rodrigo Mora from Porto, with negotiations progressing well; the club hopes to complete that deal in the coming hours. The second gap is at left-back: while Molina covered Çelik's departure on the right, Gasperini needs cover for Wesley on the opposite flank, particularly after losing both Angeliño and Tsimikas from the previous season. Roma are focusing on Alessio Cacciamani and Destiny Udogie, contrasting profiles suited to strengthen the left-back options. The work ahead is significant, and time is running short.

Roma continues to struggle in finding an attacking left winger, prompting head coach Gian Piero Gasperini to evaluate a significant tactical overhaul for the 2026–27 season. High costs and a lack of suitable profiles have left the position unfilled despite sustained efforts, pushing the club to consider a strategic change in formation. The proposal would move away from two attacking midfielders supporting a single striker toward a system with one attacking midfielder behind two forwards. This tactical shift would align with Roma's recent recruitment priorities, including reported interest in players such as Rodrigo Mora and Endrick. With attacking options like Donyell Malen, a forward identified as Castro, and Robinio Vaz already in the squad, alongside creative midfielders of the calibre of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Roma would have the versatility to reshape its attacking setup to suit the strengths of its available players and adapt the system to their characteristics.

Roma returned to training at Trigoria on 11 August following their Wales training camp, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini welcoming back key players and new arrivals. Manu Koné rejoined the squad after post-World Cup leave, having fended off only a modest Chelsea enquiry, while Argentine winger Nahuel Molina completed his move after landing at Ciampino on 10 August in front of around 200 celebrating supporters. Molina signed a four-year contract and was immediately available for selection. Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has recently renewed his contract with the club, remains the only first-team player unavailable. The midfielder is undergoing final treatment for a right-thigh muscle injury and will rejoin the group officially after 15 August. Pellegrini has been sidelined managing a recurrence of the muscular problem but is progressing through his recovery schedule.

Roma have moved decisively in the transfer market, with nineteen-year-old Porto forward Rodrigo Mora close to joining the club and Argentine right-back Nahuel Molina officially arriving in the capital. Molina landed at Ciampino airport after Roma agreed a deal with Atlético Madrid worth 13 million euros plus 4 million in bonuses. He will replace Zeki Çelik on the right flank. The Mora deal is in its final stages, with Roma having worked extensively to fend off competition from Galatasaray. Porto president André Villas-Boas has agreed terms involving 25 million euros upfront—with 50 per cent of any future resale profit returning to Porto—plus a further 25 million euros in 2027. Mora will sign a five-year contract, a profile that immediately impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The move accelerates after the Endrick pursuit collapsed, with the Brazilian now bound for Real Madrid. With midfielder Manu Koné returning to full availability and expected returns of Niccolò Pisilli and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the horizon, Gasperini is building squad depth. Roma are also monitoring possible departures of Matías Soulé and Neil El Aynaoui to maintain financial balance, but the focus is on assembling a competitive, technically strong group ready for Serie A and European football.