Cataldi Suffers Calf Injury As Lazio Face Another Midfield Emergency

Lazio’s injury problems in midfield continue to grow. Danilo Cataldi, who was forced off at halftime in the match against Lecce, is now facing a spell on the sidelines after initial tests revealed a low grade strain in his right calf. The news adds to Maurizio Sarri’s concerns ahead of a crucial period in the season.

Cataldi was already unlikely to feature in the upcoming match against Milan, but the possibility of an extended absence now appears very real. If the strain is confirmed in the follow up evaluations, the midfielder could be ruled out for several weeks. For Sarri, this represents another blow in a department that has already been weakened by the long term absence of Nicolò Rovella, who underwent groin surgery and will not return until 2026.

Further complicating Sarri’s situation is the case of Dele Bashiru, who remains out of the Serie A squad list and is waiting for a potential call up to represent Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. With options limited, the coach must rely on alternative solutions to stabilize the midfield.

The most likely replacement for Cataldi at San Siro is Matías Vecino. The Uruguayan came on at the beginning of the second half against Lecce and is expected to take on the role of playmaker in the upcoming fixture. His experience and physical presence could help compensate for the shortage of available midfielders.

Lazio confirmed Cataldi’s condition through an official medical statement. The club announced that the player has suffered a low grade tear to the right gastrocnemius. He has already begun his recovery protocol and will undergo further evaluations in the coming days to determine a more precise timeline for his return.

With another name added to the injury list, Lazio face a challenging stretch ahead. Sarri will need to rely on strategic adjustments and squad depth as the team prepares for a demanding series of matches without one of its most trusted midfielders.