Roma could be forced back onto the transfer market, as Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to be out for at least two-and-a-half months after fracturing his tibia.
“Following an injury sustained during training on Sunday afternoon, Georginio Wijnaldum subsequently underwent medical tests that confirmed the presence of a fracture to the tibia in his right leg,” read a statement.
“The player will undergo further assessments in the coming days. FORZA GINI!”
According to Sky Sport Italia, the incident occurred during the final minutes of a game between ranks, but the identity of the player responsible for the challenge has been kept quiet, as it was an accident.
Wijnaldum was immediately rushed to the Villa Stuart clinic, where X-Rays confirmed the fracture.
Fortunately, it is reported to be a relatively clean fracture, so should not be too difficult to resolve with surgery.
The initial suggestions emerging from Rome this evening are that if Wijnaldum goes under the knife, he could be back within three months, giving him a slender chance of recovering in time for the 2022 World Cup in November.
The midfielder only just arrived on loan with option to buy from Paris Saint-Germain, making one substitute appearance in the 1-0 win away to Salernitana.
He had been tipped to play more and potentially even start in tomorrow evening’s Serie A match against Cremonese at the Stadio Olimpico.
It now remains to be seen whether Roma will go back onto the transfer market to find a replacement, seeing as Wijnaldum is out until practically 2023, with the break for the World Cup in November and December.