Roma Getting Healthier at the Right Time

According to a report Tuesday by Corriere dello Sport Roma should be getting a few key players back ahead of Saturday’s big class with undefeated Napoli at the Olimpico. The report on the state of the team’s health stated that De Rossi has recommenced training with the first team group. This means that he will join Nainggolan as almost certain starters in the midfield. Meanwhile, Pellegrini and Strootman, who are both recovering from minor knocks of their own will compete for the last starting spot in the three man midfield.

The publication also reports that Perotti will be a certainty to return this weekend while the conditions of El Shaarawy and Defrel still need to be monitored. One would think that, if healthy, one of them would join Perotti and Dzeko in the attacking trident on Saturday. El Shaarawy made a cameo appearance off the bench for Italy on Monday so I’d think he’d be at an advantage at this time over Defrel from a fitness standpoint. In an unfortunate turn Corriere also reports that the return of Patrick Schick has been pushed back.

With Kolarov, Manolas, and Fazio all slated to start by Corriere that just leaves the right back position undecided on defense. In a game of this magnitude I’d expect to see Florenzi to start there, unless he needed in the attacking trident if El Shaarawy and Defrel are not ready to start. If he’s needed in attack then look for Peres to start. Of course it’s only Wednesday and some of this is speculation, but the improved health of many key players, especially in the midfield is encouraging in the lead up to such a massive fixture.