Roma have announced their travelling squad for Thursday’s Champions League opener against Fenerbahçe, with Devyne Rensch returning but Lorenzo Pellegrini remaining unavailable.
Gian Piero Gasperini will travel to Istanbul with almost his entire first-team group as the Giallorossi prepare to compete in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in more than seven years.
Rensch has recovered in time to join the squad, providing Gasperini with another option on the flanks. Pellegrini is the only notable absentee as he continues working toward his first appearance of the season.
Rensch returns for Roma
Rensch’s inclusion represents positive news for Gasperini ahead of a demanding match at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
The Dutch international had recently returned to group training following his injury absence. His ability to operate on either flank gives Roma valuable flexibility behind Emanuele Lulli, Wesley and Nahuel Molina.
Evan Ndicka is also included after recovering from the inflammation that forced him to withdraw shortly before Roma’s 4-0 victory over Lecce.
Gasperini consequently has all six of his senior central defenders available: Ndicka, Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso, Daniele Ghilardi, Leonardo Balerdi and Konstantinos Koulierakis.
Pellegrini misses Fenerbahçe trip
Pellegrini has not been included in the travelling group despite returning to full team training.
The midfielder had been targeting a possible return to the squad against Fenerbahçe, but Roma have decided not to accelerate his comeback following a lengthy absence.
Pellegrini has recovered from the rectus femoris injury in his right thigh and will continue building his fitness at Trigoria.
His season debut could now arrive when Roma return to Serie A action against Torino on Monday, September 14.
Roma’s complete squad against Fenerbahçe
Goalkeepers: Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi, Pierluigi Gollini
Defenders: Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan Ndicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli, Daniele Ghilardi
Midfielders: Bryan Cristante, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, Rodrigo Mora
Forwards: Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala
Gasperini has several attacking decisions to make
Gasperini has all his principal attacking options available for the Champions League opener.
Malen is expected to lead the line after scoring five goals across Roma’s opening three Serie A matches. Dybala, Soulé and Mora are competing for the two positions behind the central striker, while Castro offers an alternative from the bench.
Molina and Rensch provide experienced options on the flanks, although Lulli and Wesley have started Roma’s domestic campaign in excellent form.
Our complete Fenerbahçe vs Roma preview contains the latest team news, predicted lineups and viewing information.
Kickoff in Istanbul is scheduled for 6:45 PM CEST, or 12:45 PM ET, on Thursday, September 10.
Source: AS Roma
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