Roma boss Jose Mourinho has delivered a fitness update on Renato Sanches and Paulo Dybala ahead of Sunday’s home clash against Lecce. Both players have been dealing with injuries in recent weeks but are now back to the fold, though they’ve yet to regain optimal fitness.
“Renato and Paulo are back in the team, but they are not in optimal condition. According to the medical department and the coaches, there’s no risk and that’s what we need to hear, also for them who have enough confidence to stay on the pitch,” the Roma manager said in the pre-game conference.
“They can give us a hand, everyone else who is out stays out.“
Mourinho’s statement means Roma will take on Lecce without Tammy Abraham, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marash Kumbulla, and Chris Smalling. An injury-hit start to the season has contributed to Giallorossi’s current position in the standings.
After a 1-0 loss at Inter last weekend, they commence this round in ninth, albeit only five points adrift of fourth-placed Atalanta. With La Dea playing Inter at home, Roma could reduce the gap by the end of the weekend, provided they can live up to their tag as pre-match favorites.
Roma failed to cope with Inter at Giuseppe Meazza, yet they were there without Mourinho. The Portuguese manager will return to the dugout after serving a one-game ban for a red card he picked up in a 1-0 home triumph over Monza a fortnight ago.
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