Paulo Dybala was struggling with a lower back issue during Roma’s 2-0 Serie A victory over Empoli and more tests will be needed.
The Argentina international seemed to suffer a slight knock and then pulled up clutching the left side of his lower back circa 30 minutes into the match.
Initially, the medical staff waved to Jose Mourinho that a substitution had to be made, but after a few minutes of treatment, La Joya insisted on playing on.
He continued and was seen getting liniment rubbed into his left thigh and the left side of his lower back during the half-time break, then again when he was substituted at the 70th minute.
Dybala was spotted with an ice pack on his back as he sat down on the bench.
According to the initial reports from Sky Sport Italia, it was the knock that caused the issue rather than a muscular strain, but more tests are required.
When there has been a back twinge, it can sometimes get worse after 24-48 hours.