Atalanta and Roma Lose Starters for Multiple Weeks

Atalanta and Roma might have to cope without two regulars for the whole string of games coming up before the World Cup. Juan Musso and Rick Karsdorp both had surgery to address their injuries Monday.

The Argentinian goalkeeper sustained compound orbital and jaw fractures in the first minutes of the recent clash between the two sides. He got hurt in a collision with his teammate Merih Demiral. As per Sky, he will likely need two months to recover. If the timetable were confirmed, he wouldn’t be able to return before the long break.

Karsdorp has better chances than Musso to come back in late October or early November. The wing-back went under the knife to remove a torn meniscus in his left knee. He was operated on by specialist Georg Ahlbaumer at the Klinik Gut in St. Moritz. He’s expected to sit out six weeks, Ansa reports. Therefore, he could technically be able to contribute later in the Autumn.

Our Take on the Musso and Karsdorp Injuries

Some physical problems have been random, but there’s surely been a weird uptick so far. The early start of the season, or better the shortened preparation, and the busy schedule have likely been factors. The absence is going to be more hurtful for Atalanta than for Roma. Marco Sportiello is an okay goalkeeper, but backups tend to have an expiration date before a blunder proves why they are no longer starters.

As for the Giallorossi, Zeki Celik has arguably been better than the Dutchman in the early going. Rotating won’t be as easy, though. Still, despite the fact that they play on the left wing, Nicola Zalewski and Leonardo Spinazzola are right-footed and can adapt.

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