Lukaku Sidelined Due to Injury in Key Stretch for Roma

Romelu Lukaku escaped without a major thigh problem but will still spend some time on the sidelines at a crucial time for Roma. He has been ruled out for Monday’s clash with Bologna and will be unavailable against Udinese and Napoli as well, Corriere dello Sport relays.

The striker has been diagnosed with a small flexor lesion. He’s eyeing the first leg against Bayer Leverkusen to come back. It’s not so certain he’ll manage, though. The training staff wants to avoid excessive risks.

Lukaku suffered the injury in the recent Europa League game versus Milan in the action that led to the second Roma goal, which de facto sealed the qualification. He’ll need at least 10 days to heal. It’s his first serious physical problem of the season.

The Giallorossi will turn to Tammy Abraham and Sardar Azmoun in relief. Neither is 100 percent. The former just came back after missing eight months due to an ACL tear. He hasn’t scored in a year. Instead, the Iranian international has been absent for about four weeks because of a hamstring strain. He returned to the bench against the Rossoneri.

Our Take on Roma and Lukaku

It’s unfortunate as, while he hasn’t been great especially under Daniele De Rossi, at least he has been durable and a workhorse. He’s a big reference point even when he’s not producing. It’ll be a tall order for Abraham given the situation, but it might be serendipitous if he shakes off the rust in a hurry.