Injury concerns have hit Roma ahead of their crucial Serie A clash with Parma, as Stephan El Shaarawy and Pierluigi Gollini have been ruled out. The Giallorossi, still chasing a Champions League return after a seven-year absence, will need to dig deep into their squad depth for Sunday's away fixture.
El Shaarawy is dealing with a slight strain in his right adductor, while goalkeeper Gollini has suffered a strained left iliac muscle. Both players were sidelined during today's training session at Trigoria, leaving manager Gian Piero Gasperini with selection headaches.
There is brighter news, however, as Paulo Dybala continues to make progress. The Argentine star trained with the group again and is now a strong candidate to start against Parma. His creativity and flair could be exactly what Roma needs to break down a stubborn Ducati defense that has proven tough to crack all season.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, on the other hand, faces another week on the sidelines as he rests ahead of the upcoming derby against Lazio. The midfielder is being carefully managed to ensure he's fully fit for that heated rivalry match. Meanwhile, Zaragoza and Dovbyk also underwent personalized training programs.
Sunday's 6:00 PM kickoff at the Stadio Ennio Tardini carries extra weight, as Roma will take the pitch knowing Juventus's result from their Saturday night match at Lecce. AC Milan also loom large, playing immediately after the Giallorossi at San Siro against Atalanta—making every point precious in the tight Champions League race.
Parma, already safe from relegation, have consistently shown they are no pushovers, boasting a solid defensive record that will test Roma's attacking resolve. With the Champions League dream still very much alive, Gasperini's men know they can afford no slip-ups in this critical stretch of the season.
