Roma's Pellegrini closing on season debut after injury layoff
The short version
- Pellegrini is the only outfield player yet to appear for Roma in six games this season
- His absence stems from missing pre-season and a late-August contract renewal, not a technical choice
- His last appearance came against Pisa on April 10
- Roma are increasing his workload during the international break ahead of a possible return vs Como
- He would add depth in attacking midfield behind Dybala, Soulé and Mora
Lorenzo Pellegrini has yet to feature this season but is building fitness during the international break ahead of a possible return against Como.
Lorenzo Pellegrini is working toward his first appearance of the season for Roma, with the upcoming match against Como targeted as a possible return date. The midfielder has been the only one of Gian Piero Gasperini's 20 outfield players not to feature in the opening six games of the campaign.
According to Corriere della Sera, the absence is not a tactical decision. Pellegrini missed his entire pre-season while recovering fitness and only renewed his contract with the club in late August.
The 1996-born playmaker has not played since Roma faced Pisa on April 10, meaning nearly six months will have passed if he returns against Como after the international break. Roma's coaching staff are using the break to increase his workload and run tests so he can regain match sharpness.
Pellegrini is expected to give Gasperini additional options in attacking midfield, where Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé and Rodrigo Mora have been rotating so far this season.
