Roma are expected to have Wesley and Evan Ndicka available for Saturday’s Serie A showdown against Inter after both players missed the 2-0 victory over Torino.
Gian Piero Gasperini opted not to risk either player in Turin. Nahuel Molina replaced Wesley on the left flank, while Leonardo Balerdi produced an impressive performance in Ndicka’s place at the centre of the defence.
Their absences did not prevent Roma from securing a fourth consecutive Serie A victory, with Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scoring at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
Wesley and Ndicka expected to recover for Inter
There is reportedly no significant concern surrounding either player ahead of Inter’s visit to the Stadio Olimpico.
Wesley was unavailable in Turin because of a knock that had already affected him during the closing stages of Roma’s Champions League draw with Fenerbahce.
Considering the ankle problems the Brazilian experienced during the summer, Gasperini decided against taking any unnecessary risks. The issue is not believed to be serious, and Wesley is expected to return to contention against Inter.
Ndicka, meanwhile, missed the Torino match because of illness rather than an injury. The Ivorian defender should recover over the coming days and be available for Saturday’s starting lineup.
His absence provided Balerdi with an opportunity to make his first Roma start. The Argentine impressed with his recovery speed, physicality and aggressive interpretation of Gasperini’s defensive system.
Koné working toward full fitness
Manu Koné also began the Torino match on the bench after suffering knee discomfort against Fenerbahce.
The French midfielder entered in the 64th minute while wearing visible protection around the affected knee. Koné will use the coming days to improve his condition and prepare for the intensity of the Inter match.
His return to action in Turin was encouraging, particularly after he had trained separately from the squad during part of the build-up.
Gasperini must now decide whether to restore Koné to the starting lineup or retain Pisilli, who took advantage of his opportunity by scoring Roma’s second goal in stoppage time.
Pellegrini available after long absence
Lorenzo Pellegrini has also completed his recovery and was included among the substitutes against Torino.
The midfielder did not enter the match, but his return to the bench after 157 days represented an important step. Gasperini can now gradually reintegrate him into the team as Roma’s schedule becomes increasingly demanding.
Barring any unexpected setbacks, the coach could have his entire squad available for the meeting with Inter.
Roma enter the match with maximum points from four Serie A fixtures and nine consecutive league victories dating back to last season. The visit of the defending champions will provide the clearest test yet of the Giallorossi’s Scudetto credentials.
Roma vs Inter kicks off on Saturday, September 19, at 18:00 CEST at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico.
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