Wesley steps up recovery with extra training at Trigoria

Gian Piero Gasperini has resolved most selection questions ahead of Roma's Serie A opener against Fiorentina on Monday evening at the Olimpico, with the main decision point centring on the attacking midfield role behind Donyell Malen. Rodrigo Mora, described as a new acquisition, has made an immediate positive impression in early training at Trigoria. The Portuguese player arrives with an advantage in match fitness after Porto's season had started over a week earlier, and currently leads Matías Soulé for the chance to support Paulo Dybala from the start, though Soulé's market situation remains fluid. Better news comes from the flanks. Wesley has fully recovered from the ankle problem sustained before the Borussia Dortmund friendly and completed a full training session, clearing him to occupy the left wing regularly alongside Niccolò Pisilli. On the opposite flank, Nahuel Molina is poised for his Roma debut, eager to play after serving a seven-match ban with the Argentine national team.

Mohamed Bah underwent successful anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on his right knee today. The operation was carried out by Dr. Georg Ahlbäumer at Klinik Gut in St. Moritz and proceeded without complications. Bah suffered the injury during a friendly match against Cardiff in early August. The defender will be discharged in the coming days and will begin his rehabilitation programme. The surgery marks the start of what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process for the Roma player as he works to return to match fitness.

Mohamed Bah underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on his right knee on 21 August. The young midfielder suffered the injury two weeks earlier during a 4–1 friendly defeat to Cardiff. The operation, performed by Dr. Georg Ahlbäumer at Klinik Gut in St. Moritz, was successful. Bah will be discharged in the coming days and will begin his rehabilitation programme. The injury is a significant blow to Roma's squad depth. Bah's season is effectively over, with his return to competitive action expected in approximately nine months. This marks the second serious knee injury of his career—he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee two years ago, underlining the challenge of his recovery path ahead.

Oosterwolde embodies the prototype of the modern full-back for Gasperini: pure centre-back physicality combined with high running volume and an appetite to influence the final third—a profile Arsenal has long deployed in players such as Hincapié and former Roma man Calafiori. The statistics from his last season at Fenerbahce tell the story. In both the Super Lig and Europa League, Oosterwolde ranked among the best for crosses and crossing success rate, averaging 0.21 crosses per match with a 43% success rate in the Super Lig, alongside a high volume of potential assists (0.07 per match, an exceptional figure for a centre-back) and ball recovery in the opponent's third. Roma require varied weapons to trouble opponents. Gasperini's plan is to deploy a left-sided defender who operates either as part of a three-man defence in the Mancini mould or on the left flank as a Wesley replacement with a profile closer to Molina's—combining defensive solidity with attacking threat.

Roma radio analysts weighed in on the club's transfer strategy on 22 August, with Piero Torri reporting that fresh contact between Roma and Fenerbahçe over left-back Oosterwolde is expected during the morning. Torri said: "I believe there are excellent chances of seeing Oosterwolde in giallorosso. The player appeals to Gasperini and Fenerbahçe has been particularly accommodating in providing—to Roma—all the medical documentation necessary for greater clarity on the conditions of the former Parma player. Further contact between the parties will come this morning." Ugo Trani outlined the wider squad picture, noting that Oosterwolde can operate as a left-back or even in a back three, as backup to Wesley. Trani flagged the forward position as Roma's priority. He said striker Gittens was pursued three months ago and now does not want to stay in London; Chelsea could open talks on a loan, though the English club has not yet discussed loan terms and currently considers him unsellable. Trani suggested Roma will attempt to close Gittens on loan, after which "with some money left over, you could do Cacciamani." He proposed selling Aynaoui to Saudi Arabia and pursuing Napoli's Anguissa, describing him as a player "like him" who would elevate the team. Trani also expressed doubt over the midfield pairing of Soulé and Mora for Monday's fixture.

Roma are in the final phase of the transfer market and still need two reinforcements to satisfy head coach Gasperini: a striker and an alternative to Wesley. Director D'Amico is working to fulfil those requests, but financial constraints will shape which deals the club can pursue. During a meeting with CEO John Galantic on Thursday, Roma's leadership reiterated that the club cannot afford out-of-parameter investments at this stage. The clear message: no excessive spending. D'Amico must therefore seek the right opportunity—one that allows Roma to strengthen the squad without straining the budget. Loans, favourable terms and sustainable operations will be the guiding principles for the remaining days of the window. Gasperini is waiting for the two reinforcements and they are needed, but Roma must first find a way to balance the books. Galantic has set the parameters; now D'Amico must find the solution.