Houssem Aouar and Nicola Zalewski exited Friday’s loss to Milan due to muscular injuries, but they could be present once Serie A resumes in two weeks. Both are nursing thigh problems. The early tests ruled out strains and other significant issues, Tuttomercatoweb informs.
The two players are set to skip international duties. Algeria acknowledged the decision by the Giallorossi but hasn’t signed off on it. The former OL star hasn’t been formally excluded from the squad yet, L’Equipe Foot relays.
Roma are already in a tough spot injury-wise, as Zalewski and Aouar aren’t the only ones on the mend. Paulo Dybala missed the Milan clash due to a minor adductor problem. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Leonardo Spinazzola came off the bench but weren’t in the XI due to similar ailments.
In addition, newcomer Sardar Azmoun was unavailable because of a previous calf injury. He suffered it in late July and was initially expected to sit out two months. He’s not a lock to recover during the international break.
Aouar and Zalewski got the start Friday as Roma endured their second defeat in the first three rounds. They have picked up just one point so far, drawing with Salernitana in the opener. The Giallorossi will face Empoli, which lost their first three fixtures, in two weeks. They’ll start against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League group stage.
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