Roma captain Cristante a doubt for Como clash; De Roon an option to replace him
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 10: Bryan Cristante of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Mario Hermoso during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Fenerbahce SK and AS Roma at Fenerbahce Sükrü Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on September 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Bryan Cristante is uncertain for Roma’s trip to Como, with a knee problem following the back trouble that cost him his Italy call-up.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the captain has recovered from the lower back pain that forced him to withdraw from Roberto Mancini’s squad, but has since reported inflammation in his right knee. The medical staff will assess it over the coming days.
De Roon ready to deputise for injured Cristante at Roma
Even if Cristante misses out at the Sinigaglia, the issue is not, however, considered serious enough to keep him out for any length of time, and Roma will take no risks with one of Gian Piero Gasperini’s most reliable starters.
Marten de Roon has been prepared as the replacement and is expected to come in if required.
The timing is unhelpful as Roma sit level at the top with Inter and Lazio, and Como represent one of the sides likely to be in the conversation at the top end of the table, come the end of the season.
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