Roma will be without Brian Cristante for their next match against Como, with the midfielder also facing a race against time to recover for the Champions League meeting with Real Madrid.
Cristante has been ruled out of the away fixture at Como because of a knee injury, while his prospects of featuring in the European match remain doubtful. Roma are hoping for a significant improvement in his condition over the coming days, but there is currently little expectation that he will be available against Real Madrid.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, citing La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Roma captain is suffering from inflammation in his right knee. He had previously complained of lower-back pain during the latest international break.
The injury is a significant setback for Gian Piero Gasperini, who has relied heavily on Cristante since the start of the season. The midfielder has established himself as a key presence in the centre of the pitch, contributing defensively, helping Roma build attacks and providing an important option at set pieces.
His absence could force Gasperini to make changes to a midfield that has become central to the team’s approach. Marten de Roon is considered the leading candidate to replace Cristante and could be handed his first start for Roma.
The Dutchman is expected to operate alongside Manu Kone if selected against Como. Gasperini is also considering Niccolo Pisilli as an alternative, with the manager set to make his final decision according to the team’s requirements over the next two matches.
Roma will be particularly concerned about the timing of Cristante’s injury. The club are preparing for a demanding encounter with Real Madrid and Gasperini would prefer to have his main players available to cope with the Spanish side’s attacking quality and technical ability.
For now, Roma are monitoring Cristante’s recovery and hoping he can return before the European fixture. If he fails to recover in time, however, the side will lose a player who has become one of Gasperini’s most important and influential midfielders since the beginning of the campaign.
