Azzurri doctor Andrea Ferretti finds it hard to imagine Leonardo Spinazzola returning to action for Roma this season.
The 28-year-old Italian full back exploded onto the European scene last summer during Euro 2020, being a star for the Azzurri in their early run in the competition. He suffered a Achilles tendon rupture during the quarter-final match against Belgium, and he has not played a single minute of football since.
Speaking on radio programme Il Diabolico e il Divino, Doctor Ferretti discussed Spinazzola’s injury and estimated when the player will be fit enough to play again.
“This is a very serious accident for a footballer. History teaches us that recovery is very slow. I saw Spinazzola again just before Christmas and he was very optimistic, even though he knew he wouldn’t be back anytime soon.
“But the tests on the pitch haven’t started yet. I think his realistic return is at the beginning of next season, with the prospect of being fully fit for the World Cup.”
This estimation means that Spinazzola will also miss Italy’s key World Cup playoff matches against North Macedonia and the winner of Portugal-Turkey, a big loss for coach Roberto Mancini.
The Azzurri coach is currently in Coverciano preparing for the games with the 35 players that he’s called up, which includes Adana Demirspor forward Mario Balotelli.
#ASRomaRoma, il ritorno di #Spinazzola si allontana. Il medico della Nazionale: 'Pronto per agosto' https://t.co/ERguxX2kzn pic.twitter.com/lvOuwXFWUG
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) January 28, 2022
I thought this would be the case. Very sorry for Spina who was outstanding at the Euros. We will miss those terrifying runs. I hope he gets well for the start of next season. Forza Spina
I’m gutted.
Why would they say November? Might as well shut it down for this season.
I feel for players that are injury-prone. Spina, Zaniolo.
Italy should be able to make it in the WC, were we hope to aim for a high standard when Spina comes back he was an underrated legend.