Rovella Pushes For Lecce Return As Lazio Navigate Injury Challenges During The Break

Lazio enter the international break with a clear objective, which is to recover as many key players as possible ahead of the important home match against Lecce on 23 November. Maurizio Sarri continues to rely on a strong defensive structure, but the series of injuries throughout the season has forced him to manage his squad with caution.

In this context, Nicolò Rovella is one of the players receiving the most attention at Formello. The midfielder has been unavailable since the derby against Roma on 21 September due to persistent groin pain. Lazio chose a conservative recovery plan in order to avoid surgery, and this break will play a decisive role in understanding whether that approach has been successful.

According to Il Messaggero, Rovella has resumed running on the pitch and is currently training at separate times from the rest of the group. His schedule includes sessions with the ball and without the ball. Lazio will monitor him closely in the coming days to determine whether he can be included in the squad for the match against Lecce or whether surgery will need to be reconsidered.

Meanwhile, Sarri has restarted training at Formello without several players who are on international duty. Christos Mandas, Adam Marusic, Elseid Hysaj, Gustav Isaksen, Mattia Zaccagni, and Boulaye Dia will rejoin the squad only after their national team commitments. Their absence limits tactical preparation, although Sarri has received encouraging updates from the medical department.

Several injured players are improving. Tavares and Dele Bashiru are both expected to return to the group during the break. The most significant recovery concerns Taty Castellanos, who has been out since 10 October due to a grade two injury to the rectus femoris in his right thigh. The Argentine striker is working intensively and is determined to be available for the match against Lecce.

However, not every update is positive. Matteo Cancellieri still faces a longer recovery period, and the club has not provided any estimated return date for the winger.

With Rovella pushing to return, Castellanos nearing a comeback, and several players progressing well, the international break becomes a crucial period for Lazio. The match on 23 November against Lecce could mark a turning point, provided the medical improvements continue smoothly.