Jose Mourinho has been handed a double boost ahead of the return of Serie A action this weekend, as both Paulo Dybala and Nicola Zalewski have both returned to full training with the rest of the group following minor injury troubles.
Dybala has only featured once in Roma’s opening three games of the 2023-24 season, the 2-1 loss to Hellas Verona. The Argentine was taken off in the second half with what was later reported as an adductor injury.
La Joya opted out of teaming up with Argentina during the international break to focus on his return to action with Roma. He is now back on the pitch with the rest of his teammates and is in contention to start against Empoli on Saturday.
Similarly for Zalewski, who was also taken off against Verona, Saturday’s clash against Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico could mark his return to the matchday squad.
Mourinho will, however, have to do without captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, who picked up an injury during the international break and was forced to withdraw from the Italy squad following the first game against North Macedonia.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Pellegrini has been ruled out for the game against Empoli, as he needs a little while longer to recover.
Gianluca Mancini also withdrew from the Italy squad during the break, but has since returned to training and depending on the final training session on Friday, could be involved in some capacity at the weekend.
Imagine thinking Mourinho will stay another season with that sub standard squad and his ego!