Gasperini had to take the French midfielder off after just sixteen minutes of play. Pellegrini came on in his place
Another setback for Manu Koné, who was forced to leave the field due to a muscle injury during the Europa League Round of 16 second leg between Roma and Bologna. The midfielder, substituted just sixteen minutes into the match, collapsed to the ground and, visibly distressed, headed straight to the locker room without stopping at the bench. Gasperini brought on Pellegrini in his place. This marks the Frenchman’s third injury of the season; in January, he was already sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain in his right leg. The player, who had also been training separately in recent days due to mild fatigue, will in all likelihood miss Sunday’s match against Lecce and will aim to return in April, after the international break. Routine tests are scheduled for the coming days, which will clarify the extent of the problem with greater precision.