With the international break coming to an end, Roma are left with a number of key players not in top physical condition including Gianluca Mancini, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolo Zaniolo.
According to Il Tempo, Zaniolo and Mancini are likely to miss out on Roma’s third Serie A matchday against Sassuolo.
The center-back is dealing with an inflamed foot and needs to rest. Meanwhile, Zaniolo sustained a knock to the thigh during training with the Italian national team. The Italian youngster has not returned to the Italian capital and continues being monitored by Italy’s medical staff.
Pellegrini’s condition, on the other hand, does not worry Roma too much. The player will not undergo any further tests, but for the time being will train individually, along with Chris Smalling who has been partially reintegrated into the team only yesterday.
Thus, Mourinho is likely to rely on 21-year-old Marash Kumbulla for the defense, next to Roger Ibanez, and Carles Pérez slotting in for Zaniolo on the wing on Sunday. The two players want to use this opportunity to convince Mourinho of their place in the team. For Kumbulla, this would be the Albanian international’s first official start under the Portuguese technician.