Return With Injury, Rovella Doubtful For Sassuolo Clash

Lazio have been hit with concerning news from Formello as Nicolò Rovella is dealing with a muscle problem that could rule him out of the upcoming trip to Sassuolo. The midfielder has suffered a strain, not considered a serious injury, but one that might prevent him from taking part in the Biancoceleste’s third league fixture of the season.

Head coach Maurizio Sarri and the club’s medical staff will continue to monitor Rovella closely over the next few hours before making a final decision on his availability. His absence would be a blow, especially given the importance of the match against Fabio Grosso’s Sassuolo.

Should Rovella be sidelined, the most likely candidate to step into his role is Danilo Cataldi. A trusted figure under Sarri, Cataldi’s understanding of the system and his experience in the middle of the pitch make him the obvious choice. Another option, though much less probable, would be Reda Belahyane, the young midfielder signed during the last winter transfer window. While Sarri appreciates his qualities, he has rarely been used in Rovella’s specific position, making his inclusion from the start unlikely.

Muscle issues like Rovella’s can vary in recovery time depending on severity. Mild soreness, known as DOMS, often clears within a few days, while more serious strains may require one to two weeks of rest. For now, Lazio remain hopeful the injury will not keep their number six out for long, though the Sassuolo fixture may come too soon.