Chris Smalling has not appeared for Roma since the start of September and is reportedly no closer to returning to the pitch.
The 33-year-old English centre back had proved himself a key part of Jose Mourinho’s squad in the Italian capital over the last two years, seeing over 4000 minutes of action last term across 47 games.
Smalling has been far unluckier this season; the defender started the first three matches before suffering a hamstring injury after the 2-1 loss to Milan on September 1. He has missed Roma’s last 13 games across Serie A and the Europa League.
As highlighted by Corriere dello Sport via Calciomercato.com, Smalling is not expected to be fit for Roma’s clash with Udinese on November 26, meaning he’ll have been sidelined for over three months before a possible return.
Mourinho is seriously concerned about the situation and now expects the club to pick up a new defender in January, with his top choice being Tottenham’s Eric Dier.