Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is playing against La Liga side Real Sociedad wearing a headband after sustaining a head injury in the reverse fixture at the Stadio Olimpico last week.
The Italy international was forced off the pitch after a clash of heads in the second half of Roma’s 2-0 win against Real Sociedad this past Thursday, in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16.
He spent the night at the hospital under close observation, but a CT scan ruled out any concussion symptoms. He was given 30 stitches and missed Sunday’s 3-2 loss against Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico.
However, doctors have given him the green light to return to action in Spain, provided that he wears a protective headband which would prevent any further damage. Italian media had claimed he would have worn a Petr Cech-style helmet, but this doesn’t seem the case.
“Everything’s fine with me. It was basically just a cut and the stitches. We ran tests and everything was ok. I feel fine,” the Italy international said at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old has five goals and eight assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season.