Evan Ndicka Avoids Muscle Injury Ahead of Roma vs Atalanta
Gian Piero Gasperini has received positive news regarding Evan Ndicka’s condition. Medical examinations revealed no muscular injury, with the Roma defender reportedly suffering only from inflammation.
Ndicka is therefore expected to be available for Saturday’s Serie A match against Atalanta. The Ivory Coast international had initially been selected to start against Lecce but withdrew shortly before kickoff, allowing Daniele Ghilardi to take his place in Roma’s 4-0 victory at the Via del Mare.
The Ivorian defender is being assessed day by day after suffering an adductor problem, while Daniele Ghilardi’s performance demonstrated the depth available to Gian Piero Gasperini.
Roma have resumed training at Trigoria ahead of their upcoming match against Atalanta, with Evan Ndicka’s condition among the principal issues being monitored by the club.
According to Il Romanista, the defender sustained a problem with his right adductor shortly before Roma’s 4-0 victory over Lecce. Ndicka was removed from the starting lineup before kickoff, forcing Gian Piero Gasperini to reorganize his defence at short notice.
Roma have not yet subjected Ndicka to instrumental examinations. His condition will instead be evaluated daily as the medical staff determine whether he can recover in time to face Atalanta.
Ghilardi impresses after late call-up
Ndicka’s withdrawal required Gianluca Mancini to move into the central position of Roma’s three-man defence, where he assumed responsibility for organizing the back line.
Daniele Ghilardi was unexpectedly promoted into the starting lineup on the right side of the defensive unit. Despite receiving little notice, the former Verona defender produced one of his most impressive performances since joining Roma.
Ghilardi played with aggression and concentration while also showing a willingness to advance and contribute in possession. His performance helped Roma maintain another clean sheet as Gasperini’s side dominated Lecce at the Via del Mare.
The opposition’s difficulties must be considered, but Roma successfully combined their attacking superiority with an almost flawless defensive display.
Roma’s defensive depth provides reassurance
The response to Ndicka’s late absence highlighted the interchangeability within Gasperini’s defensive options.
Roma now have six senior central defenders available: Ndicka, Mancini, Mario Hermoso, Ghilardi, Leonardo Balerdi and Konstantinos Koulierakis. That depth gives Gasperini considerable flexibility as the club prepares to compete in Serie A and the Champions League.
Balerdi and Koulierakis were also available against Lecce if further changes had been required. Both defenders must still adapt fully to Gasperini’s tactical demands, but their arrival has strengthened a department that will need to handle an increasingly demanding schedule.
Roma officially completed the signing of Balerdi from Marseille during the closing stages of the transfer window.
Pellegrini and Rensch continue individual work
Gasperini also hopes to recover Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch during the week.
Both players continued to train separately from the main group when Roma returned to work at Trigoria, although clearer indications regarding their availability are expected in the coming days.
Pellegrini’s return could provide Gasperini with an important internal option on the left side of the attack. The midfielder is expected to return soon and compete for a key attacking role.
Rensch would add another option on the flank as Roma prepare for the start of a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
For now, the immediate focus remains on Ndicka. However, Ghilardi’s performance against Lecce and the arrival of two additional centre-backs mean Roma possess the depth required to manage a potential absence.
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