ROME - A new, serious setback for Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Roma captain has suffered a high-grade lesion at the distal muscle-tendine junction of his right thigh and will be out of action for approximately two months.
The new issue, which is unrelated to his previous thigh injury in April, occurred during the Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava at the Olimpico, forcing the midfielder off the pitch prematurely. It's a bitter blow for the player, who had just returned to action on October 11 against Como after a six-month absence, and for Daniele De Rossi's squad, which sits first in Serie A on six points from two wins.
The recovery timeline
The estimated period out is around eight weeks, with a potential recovery window that could extend into early 2027. This scenario deprives De Rossi of a quality and experienced midfield option at a key time, with Roma sitting firmly atop the Serie A standings with six points and two wins from two games.
The team, which has scored eight goals without conceding any, will face Cagliari at home on October 28. Pellegrini's absence adds to that of other key players like Paulo Dybala, sidelined with a right calf issue, Manu Koné, and goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Their next opponent, Cagliari, currently sits 12th in the table.
The midfield alternatives
With the captain out, the manager will have to rethink the balance of the department. Options include Edoardo Bove and Houssem Aouar, with young Tommaso Baldanzi likely to see increased minutes. The next challenge against Cagliari, who are 12th in the table, will be the first test for this reshaped midfield. The team must cope without him while maintaining the attacking potency that has seen top scorer D. Malen net six goals in six appearances this season.
The club has not issued any official statements beyond the medical update, but the environment is aware of the seriousness of the moment. The hope is that Pellegrini's recovery follows the expected timeline, to have him back available for the heart of the season, potentially in time for the decisive phase of a campaign where Roma, with a +8 goal difference, has made a perfect start.
This story first appeared at ANSA Sport
