Nicolò Rovella—it could have been worse: a brief setback
Nicolò Rovella will definitely miss Lazio’s next match against Udinese and, in all likelihood, the following match against Milan on September 12 as well. A return for the match against the Rossoneri isn’t entirely out of the question, but at the moment it seems more realistic to expect him back for the away game in Venice on September 19.
The midfielder was forced to leave the game against Genoa due to a calf injury. Medical tests revealed a minor injury, thus avoiding more serious consequences, but Rovella will still have to sit out for about two weeks.
The match in Venice could also coincide with the return of Adam Marusic and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, both of whom are dealing with first-degree thigh flexor strains sustained against Bologna. Recovery times for Cataldi and Patric, however, will be longer, while Pellegrini is close to returning.
It’s worth noting that Marusic and Dele-Bashiru had already left the field early in the victory over Bologna on the first matchday of the season: the former Inter Frattesi player, who came on as a substitute for Dele-Bashiru in the 54th minute, proved decisive with the winning goal and a crucial save on the goal line in the closing minutes.
On the transfer front, meanwhile, Gattuso will be able to count on a new offensive addition: Lazio wrapped up the summer transfer window with the arrival of Albert Gudmundsson from Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy set at around 13 million euros. The Icelandic player, who made 81 appearances and scored 19 goals in two seasons with the Viola, will be able to act as Zaccagni’s backup on the left wing or behind the center forward, offering Gattuso a quality alternative at a time when injuries are putting a strain on the Biancocelesti roster.
The situation surrounding Alessio Romagnoli is also making headlines. The center back is at the center of negotiations with Al-Sadd, a Qatari club, but the deal is on hold for financial reasons: the Qatari club would like to spread out the payment of the 3 million euros owed to Lazio, a proposal the Biancocelesti are unwilling to accept. With the Qatari transfer window set to close on Thursday, September 3, there are very few hours left to finalize the deal. If no agreement is reached, Gattuso could find himself with Romagnoli still on the roster at least until the January transfer window.
