Roma face a major attacking blow as Evan Ferguson is expected to undergo season-ending ankle surgery and Artem Dovbyk may not return until late April/May. Punters should consider lowering expectations for Roma goals — backing under 2.5 goals or a Roma +1 Asian handicap could be safer given reduced strike options and the club’s reluctance to trigger the €40m buy clause.
Gasperini confirms Ferguson season-ending surgery; Dovbyk set to miss months
Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed at his pre-match press conference that loanee Evan Ferguson is likely to end his season after ankle surgery and that Artem Dovbyk remains sidelined, probably returning only at the end of April or the start of May. Those absences significantly trim Roma’s attacking options and make the €40m buy clause for Ferguson unlikely to be activated.
Injury toll bites into Roma’s forward line
Gasperini stressed the club’s difficulty managing multiple lengthy absences. “If we include Dovbyk and Ferguson, we’re in a really difficult situation,” he said, adding that both players are effectively “crossed off the list.” The coach highlighted other available options — including Malen, Vaz, Venturino, El Shaarawy and Pellegrini — but acknowledged the impact of losing key attackers.
Medical questions and squad resilience
Asked about the string of unusual injuries this season, Gasperini declined to second-guess medical staff while noting the variety and complexity of the cases. He pointed to recent setbacks beyond Ferguson and Dovbyk, saying these problems have affected the team but insisting Roma must continue and remain competitive.
Gasperini denies meetings with club legend Francesco Totti
Gasperini rejected claims of any talks or meetings with Francesco Totti regarding a return to the club. “I’ve been in Rome for eight or nine months. I’ve never met with Totti,” he said, urging that discussions about backroom roles are not something he has been involved with.
Looking ahead: Genoa clash and the run to May
Gasperini previewed the upcoming match at Genoa and outlined a busy spell that includes fixtures against Bologna, Como and Lecce before the break. He described Genoa as strong at home and emphasized the need to focus on performances, noting that the decisive moments of the season will arrive in May.
Betting implications for punters
With leading forwards unavailable and no clear short-term reinforcements, Roma’s goal output may be reduced. Punters could lean toward conservative markets: under 2.5 goals, both teams not to score in certain matchups, or Asian handicap lines that protect against a narrow Roma loss.
Video: Dybala leaves Villa Stuart after Roma forward undergoes knee surgery
Monitor team news close to kick-off for any late returns.
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