Chelsea’s Champions League opponents Roma hit by injury crisis as they prepare to host Blues in Italian capital
Kostas Manolas crocked at the weekend with Roma already without likes of Kevin Strootman and Stephan El Shaarawy
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ITALIAN giants Roma are facing an injury crisis ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea.
The two sides face each other in the Italian capital on Wednesday, with the Blues looking to make it three wins on the bounce.
But they could be up against a second-string Roma side after star defender Kostas Manolas was forced off during Saturday’s defeat to Napoli with a thigh strain.
Eusebio Di Francesco is already missing a number of first-teamers including Stephan El Shaaraway, Patrik Shick, Kevin Strootman, Gregoire Defrel and Emerson Palmieri.
But they may now be without Greek international Manolas, who forged a rock-solid partnership with now-Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger last season.
Roma are also sweating over midfield whizkid Lorenzo Pellegrini, who was forced off against Napoli as well.
And Di Francesco admits the situation isn’t ideal, saying: “(Manolas) hurt himself and I think it is practically impossible to see him on the pitch on Wednesday.
“There are various reasons behind the injuries, some are knocks, some are past issues. If I had been able to train with them from the start, it’d be different.
“I don’t like to look towards these things. I would prefer to have more choices to make, but I don’t at this moment.”
The upside for Roma is that Chelsea are struggling with setbacks as well, with N’Golo Kante definitely out and Victor Moses a serious doubt.
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