Roma's Champions League night takes early blow

Roma suffered a significant setback in their Champions League league-phase clash with Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico as midfielder Manu Kone was forced off after just 17 minutes with an apparent muscle problem.

The France international pulled up and could not continue, with Niccolò Pisilli sent on in his place by manager Gian Piero Gasperini. It is a major blow for Gasperini, who has made Kone a cornerstone of his midfield since taking charge.

Mbappe and France teammates check on Kone

Kone's international colleagues in the Real Madrid side were quick to come to his aid. France captain Kylian Mbappé consoled the midfielder as he received treatment, while Ibrahima Konaté and Aurélien Tchouaméni also checked he was okay.

The display of solidarity came as Mbappé himself had only recently returned to action after sustaining a hyperextension in his left knee while on international duty with France on 25 September — an injury confirmed by Real Madrid on 27 September that ruled him out for around two weeks.

Continued fitness frustration for Kone

The latest problem extends a frustrating run of fitness issues for the 25-year-old. Last season he suffered a second-degree thigh strain against Milan in January and a second-degree hamstring tear against Bologna in March. He also asked to be substituted with a physical problem at Fenerbahçe on Champions League matchday one.

With Roma relying heavily on the midfielder in the engine room, his early exit leaves Gasperini with a fresh selection headache in a demanding European campaign.