Bologna are assessing whether Matteo Darmian can return to competitive football within three to four weeks, with Elseid Hysaj understood to be the leading alternative if an agreement cannot be reached, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Darmian has completed a medical examination and has already joined Bologna’s team training at Casteldebbole. However, his future with the club is expected to depend on his performances in training and, in particular, in practice matches.
The former Inter player is undergoing further tests to establish his physical condition and determine how long he may need before being ready to play competitively. Regaining match rhythm will be just as important, with Bologna needing to see how quickly he can readapt to the pace, intensity and distances involved in official matches.
Darmian has not played in a competitive fixture for several months. He has maintained his fitness by working intensively with a personal fitness coach, but Bologna recognise that individual training cannot reproduce all the demands of match play.
The club therefore want a clear indication of how long it will take him to reach an acceptable level of match fitness. That assessment is particularly important to manager Raffaele Palladino, who ideally needs a player available within three weeks, and no later than four.
Bologna continue to consider alternatives
Bologna have not issued any information about the situation so far, citing confidentiality and respect for Darmian, who is regarded as a highly professional player and an excellent person.
Although Darmian is now training at Casteldebbole, Bologna have continued to examine other options for the position.
One possibility is Hysaj, the 32-year-old former Lazio defender, who is currently a free agent. He recently represented Albania in the UEFA Nations League and would become Bologna’s main alternative if the club and Darmian fail to reach an agreement.
Bologna are also considering Pol Lirola, a 29-year-old Spanish player and former Verona defender, and Mitchel Bakker, the 26-year-old left-footed former Atalanta player.
The decision will ultimately be influenced by Darmian’s performances during the coming training sessions and the club’s assessment of whether he can meet the required timetable for a return to competitive readiness.
