Rome, Karsdorp ko and emergency on the right: Celik and Zalewski under examination

A puzzle to be solved by the end of the break. Rick Karsdorp’s injury, which after tearing his internal meniscus – he has already been operated on – risks having already concluded his season, creating a significant problem for Roma and José Mourinho. A stoppage that terribly complicates the situation in the right lane of Special One, which is preparing to face the next few months only with Zeki Celik and Nicola Zalewski. Two solutions which, for different reasons, do not seem to fully convince. It is no coincidence that, after the storm that broke out with the Dutch full-back last December, at the beginning of February the coach had decided to reinstate Karsdorp in the squad. Despite the misunderstandings and the accusations directed at his player, the coach still considers the former Feyenoord the most valid option for the Roma side.

Celik

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Arrived in the summer from Lille for 7 million euros, the Turkish player had presented himself in the capital declaring that he aspired to a starting position. A goal that – for now – the winger hasn’t been able to achieve. Since the beginning of the season, he has always alternated with Karsdorp and Zalewski, without being able to establish himself in the coaching hierarchies. What’s more, what made things even worse – in addition to some physical problems – was Celik’s performance in the quarter-final of the Italian Cup lost at the Olimpico against Cremonese. After the own goal that cost Roma elimination, the full-back only played 71 minutes in a month and a half. However, now, without competition from Karsdorp, Celik’s name is destined to return to being a more than valid option for the right wing. Provided that Mou decides to “forgive” him the mistake he made in the cup.

Zalewski

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Having moved up to the first team last season after a life as a playmaker in the Spring, the Pole was reinvented by Mourinho in the role of left-back (to make up for Spinazzola’s injury). A position held in a big way in the first season of the Special One in the Capital: Zalewski in fact overrides Viña in the coach’s preferences, revealing himself to be a precious pawn for the conquest of the Conference League. This year however, after a troubled start to the championship due to some physical problems, he too has been readjusted to the right. A change of lane which, however, does not seem to fully convince: despite the boy’s dedication and commitment, the adaptation in the new field area has not yet been completed. In the derby for example, despite a generous performance, a mistake by the number 59 propitiated Zaccagni’s goal. Nothing unforgivable for those who have always given everything for the Roma shirt and, above all, have made themselves available to change positions in order to help the team. For this Zalewski is currently considered the new owner on the right wing. Now it’s up to him to return to last year’s levels.