The start of Roma’s season has been a pleasure for Romanisti. With the Giallorossi beginning with an 8-3-0 record, they are tied for first with Inter on 24 points—that’s the first time they’ve reached
24 points in 11 matches since the 2017/18 season. Their nearly impenetrable defense has been a key factor in their strong start. However, in recent matches, the attack has also begun to show signs of improvement.
Multi-goal performances have finally begun to emerge, thanks to players like Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matías Soulé, and even Zeki Çelik. It’s given Romanisti hope that this start can be maintained long-term.
And while the strikers haven’t fully hit their stride, players like Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala have been making contributions, and Evan Ferguson showed some early flashes this season that hinted he could reach his Brighton potential. However, that might take a bit longer now, as all three players are now on the injured list as we approach the international break.
Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk was the latest attacker to get injured on Sunday when he exited the match late in the first half. And his ailment looks to be serious. Reports out of the peninsula indicate that Dovbyk tore his left rectus femoris tendon. It’s an injury that will keep him out for 4-6 weeks.
Meanwhile, Leon Bailey, Paulo Dybala, and Evan Ferguson were all unavailable for both the Europa League match at Rangers and this past weekend’s home game against Udinese. Bailey was injured in training early last week and was diagnosed with his second muscular strain of the season. He’s expected to miss about 20 days overall—putting his return toward the end of the month. Dybala was injured while taking a penalty against Milan last weekend and is expected to miss about a month, if not longer, leaving his projected return date against Cagliari in early December. This puts his return toward the end of the month.
In some good news, it appears that Ferguson is nearing a return, as the Giallorossi released a statement stating that the Irishman would continue undergoing therapy at Trigoria, but could join Ireland for its second match of this international window.
” The player Ferguson, in agreement with the staff of the Irish national team,
is continuing his treatment at Trigoria and there is a possibility that he will join his national team for the second match .”
That means if all goes according to plan in the recovery process, Ferguson will likely play an essential role over the next few weeks—a stretch that includes matches against Cremonese, Midtjylland, and Napoli. The former Brighton man will likely be relied upon to lead the line with support from Soulé and Pellegrini in the absence of Dybala and Dovbyk. Gasperini hopes the Irishman’s luck will turn, and he can kick-start his campaign with the others out.
However, the lack of goals, combined with the injury woes in attack, has the rumor mill swirling for January. And it’s said that Gasperini will be looking for reinforcements as soon as possible.
The biggest name to be linked with Roma is that of Joshua Zirkzee, who continues to struggle to find space at Manchester United after his move from Bologna almost 18 months ago. Roma could look to bring him in on loan. Other names being mentioned in the latest reports from Gazzetta dello Sport include former Roma academy player Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta, as well as Jeremy Arevalo of Racing Santander in the Spanish second division. The 20-year-old Ecuadorian, holding a Spanish passport, would represent a low-cost option. Additionally, the left wing is represented by 19-year-old Said El Mala of Köln in the Bundesliga.
For the moment, Gasperini will have to get creative and make do with what he has. However, expect the links with attacking players for January to continue to heat up with each passing match that a striker underwhelms, and injuries to remain an issue.
