AS Roma - Real Madrid: a near-certain absence!

14.10.26 15:00 Champions League

Roma

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Real Madrid

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Roma may have to do without Bryan Cristante for two major fixtures, including the home match against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The international break has already taken its toll on Roma. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bryan Cristante is suffering from inflammation in his right knee, having already been troubled by lower-back pain in recent days. The Roma captain has already been ruled out of the trip to Como and remains highly doubtful for the following European fixture.

The first fixture is scheduled for Sunday, October 11 at 12:30 p.m. at the Giuseppe-Sinigaglia Stadium. Roma will travel to face a Como side that has made an excellent start to the Serie A season. After five rounds, the Giallorossi sit 1st with 13 points, thanks to four wins and one draw. Como, meanwhile, are 8th with 10 points, with three wins, one draw and one defeat.

Cristante a major doubt against Real Madrid

The schedule will then leave Gian Piero Gasperini with virtually no respite. Three days later, Roma will host Real Madrid on Wednesday, October 14 at 9:00 p.m. at the Stadio Olimpico for the second matchday of the league phase of the Champions League. UEFA confirmed the date and kick-off time in its official schedule.

The two teams experienced contrasting fortunes in their European openers. Roma drew 1-1 away to Fenerbahçe, which currently places them 17th in the league phase with 1 point. Real Madrid beat Inter 2-1 at the Bernabéu and sit 14th with 3 points.

De Roon ready to step in

Cristante’s absence would be particularly significant for Gasperini, given how the Italian midfielder has established himself as a key player since the start of the season. If he is officially ruled out against Real, Marten De Roon appears to be the preferred option to start alongside Manu Koné. Niccolò Pisilli is another alternative.

Roma are nevertheless approaching this clash on the back of a strong league run. With 14 goals scored and just 3 conceded in five matches, the Rome-based club currently boasts one of the best records in Italy. Real Madrid have made a more uneven start to the season: José Mourinho’s side are 4th in La Liga with 15 points after seven matches, with five wins and two defeats.

Mourinho’s Real remain capable of producing major performances, while Roma know they will probably have to reorganize their midfield without one of their most reliable players. The coming days will therefore be decisive in determining whether Cristante can recover in time for the clash at the Olimpico.

Read also: FC Barcelona: a new contract extension is in the works!

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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