Paulo Fonseca admits it is ‘difficult to sustain this many games’ in the Europa League, but insists Roma are fully focused on beating Cagliari.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Giallorossi are preparing both for this game and above all the first leg of the Europa League semi-final with Manchester United.
Paulo Fonseca admits it is ‘difficult to sustain this many games’ in the Europa League, but insists Roma are fully focused on beating Cagliari.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Giallorossi are preparing both for this game and above all the first leg of the Europa League semi-final with Manchester United.
“Chris Smalling, Leonardo Spinazzola, Marash Kumbulla and Stephan El Shaarawy all trained over the last few days and they are in the squad. We’ll see if maybe one could be in the starting XI,” confirmed Fonseca in his press conference.
“Antonio Mirante will not be involved, as he is injured. I must confess, it is difficult to sustain this many games, especially if we don’t have all the players available. Playing every three days is also one thing at the start of the season, another at this stage when legs are tired. It’s not just Roma, as Villarreal lost two of their last three matches, while Arsenal are 10th in the Premier League and yet in the Europa League semi-final. It’s tough.”
While Roma are distracted, their opponents Cagliari are desperate for points to escape the relegation zone.
“They are in a good period of form, but we showed against Atalanta that we’ve got the mentality. It won’t be easy, but we want to win.
“My players know how important this game is and we cannot lack motivation.”