Maurizio Sarri has expressed his disappointment at the absence of main man Ciro Immobile, at least for the forthcoming matches, due to a hamstring injury – the extent of which is still unknown. The EURO 2020 winner was substituted off in under 30 minutes against Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico due to the discomfort in his right thigh.
The ex-Juventus manager spoke in the post-match press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) and shared thoughts on his side going forward without their star marksman.
“Having a deputy (striker) that has similar numbers to Immobile is hard. Let’s hope the injury is as little as possible. It will be a heavy absence though.”
He further took stock of the injury when quizzed if it would be too pessimistic to consider Immobile’s return in 2023.
Let’s wait. I think it’s a smaller injury than you think. Sometimes you talk to a player, he tells you he’s broken, and then it’s a first degree injury and vice versa. When it comes to muscle injury, it’s up to the instrumental examination. It is difficult to get an idea.”
Apart commenting on his striker’s sidelining, Sarri also spoke of how good his defence has been. Lazio have the best backline in the league this season so far, conceding just five in their 10games so far.
“I think that defensive solidity comes out of the attitude. To win against us you have to really beat us, the team is tough, they are aggressive on loose balls and turnovers. I am delighted with the players. At the third game in six days, this Udinese is the worst opponent to meet. The attitude makes me happy.”
Lazio sit fifth in the table, level on 21 points with Udinese. However, they are not far away from league leaders Napoli – at 26 points currently.
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