Roma will seek their third consecutive Serie A triumph under new manager Ivan Juric without standout performer Paulo Dybala. The Giallorossi took to X to announce their matchday squad for Sunday’s fixture against Monza, with the Argentine’s name left out.
Dybala reportedly sustained a muscular problem in training. Given his unrivaled significance to Juric’s set-up, the Roma chief of staff has omitted him from the upcoming trip to Stadio Brianteo to avoid aggravating the damage.
It’s been another injury-hit season for the former Juventus ace. He has made only three Serie A starts this term. With only 285 minutes of top-flight action under his belt, it’s hardly surprising that Dybala has only scored one league goal thus far.
That only strike came on Juric’s touchline debut against Udinese as Roma thrashed Kosta Runjaic’s side 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. The Giallorossi maintained their domestic resurgence in the post-Daniele De Rossi era with a come-from-behind 2-1 home victory against newcomers Venezia last weekend.
However, their confidence took a hit in midweek Europa League action as Swedish outfit Elfsborg stunned them 1-0 on Thursday. Roma must shrug off frustration this weekend, but Dybala’s absence doesn’t bode well. Mats Hummels is another notable absentee, with the veteran center-back showing flu symptoms in recent days.
Dybala’s injury could offer out-of-form Matias Soule a chance to prove his worth to Juric.
Meanwhile, Nicola Zalewski returns to the squad amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Roma. The versatile Pole has made a U-turn on his plan to leave Italy and is now reportedly eager to negotiate a new deal in the capital.