Manu Koné has handed Roma a significant fitness boost ahead of Monday’s Serie A meeting with Torino after completing the entire final training session alongside his teammates.
The French midfielder had been dealing with knee discomfort after being substituted during Roma’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Koné subsequently trained separately from the squad, placing his availability for the trip to Turin in doubt. However, according to Il Tempo, the 25-year-old took part in Sunday’s full session and remains in contention to start.
Koné and Pisilli compete for starting place
Although Koné has recovered sufficiently to train with the group, Gian Piero Gasperini must still decide whether to risk him from the opening whistle at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
The Frenchman is competing with Niccolò Pisilli for a place alongside Bryan Cristante in Roma’s midfield. Pisilli replaced Koné early in the second half against Fenerbahce and received praise from Gasperini for his performance.
With Roma beginning a demanding run of fixtures, the coach could choose to protect Koné and hand Pisilli his first Serie A start of the season. The Giallorossi will face Inter at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico only five days after the Torino match.
Koné’s inclusion in the official Roma squad for the Torino clash had already provided encouragement, but his completion of the final training session represents the clearest indication yet that the knee problem is not serious.
A final decision over the midfield pairing is expected closer to kickoff. Read our complete Torino vs Roma match preview for the latest team news and predicted lineups.
Source: Il Tempo
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