“Yes, sometimes there are internal conversations and debates, but that’s quite normal. In this case, Wesley feels he can play, because he’s incredibly willing. He wants to be able to play. He can run, sprint and shoot, but the medical department believes, perhaps rightly, I don’t know, that there are risks or they don’t want to take risks. That’s where discussions and problems can emerge sometimes. Wesley is desperate to be involved in this game and on the other side he’s being held back. We’ll see
tomorrow but if the doctors say no, I can’t do anything. I’ve always abided by the medical advice. I’ve never forced anything. Of course, I can say that we should try to make something happen, but that’s part of the normal dialogue, trying to be a bit courageous, but I can’t force situations. All coaches depend on the doctors’ green light before using a player.”
With that, Gian Piero Gasperini seemed to rule out the possibility of Wesley returning for Roma’s crucial match against Atalanta on Saturday. In addition, Lorenzo Pellegrini was ruled out. However, it appears as if Niccolo Pisilli is ready to go.
“The choices are the ones we know about. Apart from the players who are out or recovering, nothing has changed since last week, apart from us losing [Lorenzo] Pellegrini, which is a real shame, also given the nature of the injury. The squad is what it is. [Niccolo] Pisilli twisted his ankle at the start of the week but he seems to have recovered quite well. We need to look at him today but we know what the options are and we won’t be doing much different.”
The absence of Pellegrini likely opens a starting spot for Stephan El Shaarawy. The absence of Wesley means Devyne Rensch will take the left flank opposite Zeki Çelik. Meanwhile, Neil El Aynaoui is favored to start in the center of the park alongside Bryan Cristante. Nevertheless, the availability of Pisilli, even if off the bench, could be crucial for Gasperini, who will have a thin bench to work with.
The one position where Gasperini has his full array of options is at center back where Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso are expected to start in front of Mile Svilar. Rounding out the XI will be Donyell Malen and Matías Soulé who will be relied on to provide the attacking impetus.
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Çelik, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Rensch; Soulé, El Shaarawy; Malen.
