AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed a significant injury blow ahead of Sunday’s Serie A fixture against Como, confirming that first-choice goalkeeper Mile Svilar will be sidelined for approximately a month. Svilar has sustained a stress fracture, necessitating his absence from the upcoming matches.
The injury means Pierluigi Gollini is set to step in as his replacement between the posts. Gollini has limited recent Serie A experience, having not featured in the league since October 2024, and made only one Europa League appearance for the Giallorossi last season.
Injury Woes and Squad Depth Concerns
In addition to Svilar, defender Konstantinos Koulierakis has also been ruled out due to an injury picked up while on international duty with Greece. However, there is positive news regarding captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is now available for selection.
Gasperini expressed concerns about his squad’s depth, particularly with a demanding schedule ahead. He noted that for the Como match, Roma has 18 outfield players available, with 16 expected to feature. The coach highlighted the challenge of managing resources, especially with a crucial Champions League encounter against Real Madrid on the horizon.
“We are talking about something entirely unpredictable. I just hope not to have any more injuries,” Gasperini stated, underscoring the precarious situation.
Assessing the Serie A Challenge
Looking ahead to the Como game, Gasperini believes his side is in good form and confident after the international break. He praised Como, acknowledging their strong performances and suggesting they are on a similar level to Roma, Juventus, Milan, and Atalanta, all competing just behind league leaders Inter.
Notably, Gasperini did not include Lazio in his assessment of top clubs, despite them currently being joint leaders of Serie A alongside Inter and Roma after five rounds. He also spoke about the immense passion of Roma fans, describing it as contagious for both himself and the team, and a positive factor when playing in a packed stadium.
Looking Ahead to Real Madrid
The upcoming Champions League fixture against Real Madrid adds another layer of complexity to Roma’s schedule. Gasperini admitted that with the current injury situation and limited squad options, it is impossible to predict his line-up for the European clash, let alone future league games.
Roma, a club that last won Serie A in 2001, is experiencing renewed discussions about a potential Scudetto challenge. Gasperini acknowledged the long and complicated history behind the club’s trophy drought, leaving the interpretation open.