Sarri’s Defensive Options Thin As Lazzari Exits Training With Muscle Knock

Lazio’s preparation during the September international break have been hit by fresh injury concerns. Manuel Lazzari was forced to abandon Friday’s training session at Formello due to a muscle problem, adding to Maurizio Sarri’s growing list of unavailable defenders.

The former SPAL full-back, regarded as one of the squad’s most athletic players based on fitness tests, suffered a muscle injury during training. While the extent of the problem is not yet clear, his availability for the upcoming fixtures is now in doubt.

Sarri’s defensive options were already reduced after Adam Marusic returned early from international duty with Montenegro. The 32-year-old picked up a knock during the 4–0 win over Hellas Verona, but recent updates from Il Messaggero suggest encouraging progress, as Marusic is responding positively in training.

In addition to the injury setbacks, Lazio are also without seven first-team members currently away with their respective national sides: Nicolò Rovella, Mattia Zaccagni, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Boulaye Dia, Christos Mandas, Elseid Hysaj, and Nuno Tavares, whose call-up to Portugal’s squad has sparked debate among Selecão supporters.

There is cautious optimism around Gustav Isaksen, who continues to work hard on his recovery following mononucleosis. Meanwhile, Matías Vecino is training separately but aims to rejoin the group ahead of next weekend’s Serie A clash against Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium. Patric, however, remains in poor condition and is unlikely to recover in time for that match.