Paulo Dybala is set to miss at least four games for Roma and is unlikely to return before the November international break.
According to Calciomercato.com, the Argentine will sit out Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava, Saturday’s trip to Napoli and the Serie A games against Cagliari and Udinese. Roma hope to have him back for the Champions League visit to Manchester United on 3 November and the home game with Sassuolo four days later. The trip to Parma on 21 November looks a more realistic target.
Dybala felt fatigue against Real Madrid and was withdrawn at half-time. As Gian Piero Gasperini revealed on Monday, tests have since shown a small tear, and his recovery “will take a few more weeks”.
Soulé and Mora to fill Dybala gap
It is a blow after a strong start for the 32-year-old. He had started every league and Champions League game this season, playing the full 90 minutes against Atalanta and Inter, and has four assists in Serie A.
Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are the favourites to play behind the striker, with Lorenzo Pellegrini an alternative and Niccolò Pisilli an emergency option further forward.
Gasperini could also switch to a single attacking midfielder behind two strikers. Donyell Malen returns from suspension in Serie A, and Santiago Castro scored in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Genoa.
Dybala joins Manu Koné, Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar on the sidelines.