News Focus
- French midfielder Manu Koné has resumed full training after missing the Rome derby with a muscle problem
- The Giallorossi must defeat Hellas Verona on Sunday to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification
- Club captain Lorenzo Pellegrini remains sidelined and looks set to miss the final match of his contract
- Defender Wesley is suspended after receiving a red card against Lazio last weekend
- Centre-back Evan Ndicka faces a race against time to recover from a muscular injury sustained in the derby
AS Roma have received encouraging news ahead of their decisive Serie A finale, with midfielder Manu Koné returning to full training on Thursday. The France international had missed the 1-0 victory over Lazio in the Derby della Capitale last Sunday due to a muscle issue picked up during the week.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Koné worked with the first team squad and is expected to start when Roma travel to the Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday evening. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM UK time (8:45 PM local time).
The match carries huge significance for Claudio Ranieri’s side. They currently sit level on points with AC Milan in joint-third place. A victory against Verona would guarantee qualification for next season’s Champions League, regardless of other results.
However, the team will be without several key figures. Club captain Lorenzo Pellegrini had hoped to feature in one final game before his contract expires, but he has not overcome his fitness problems in time. Meanwhile, defender Wesley is unavailable through suspension following his dismissal in the fiery derby against Lazio.
Evan Ndicka also faces an anxious wait after suffering a muscular injury during that same match against their city rivals. The Ivorian centre-back is unlikely to be risked for the crucial fixture.