Dybala out for at least four games as Roma injury crisis deepens

Dybala set for spell on sidelines

Paulo Dybala is set to miss at least four games for Roma and is unlikely to return before the November international break, according to Calciomercato.com. The Argentine is expected to sit out Tuesday's Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava, Saturday's trip to Napoli and the Serie A games against Cagliari and Udinese.

Roma hope to have him back for the Champions League visit to Manchester United on 3 November and the home game with Sassuolo four days later. The trip to Parma on 21 November looks a more realistic target.

Fatigue turns into a small tear

Dybala felt fatigue during Roma's 4-3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid and was withdrawn at half-time. As Gian Piero Gasperini revealed on Monday, tests have since shown a small tear, and his recovery "will take a few more weeks".

Soulé and Mora in line to fill the gap

The setback is a blow after a strong start for the 32-year-old. He had started every league and Champions League game this season, played the full 90 minutes against Atalanta and Inter, and has four assists in Serie A.

Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are the favourites to play behind the striker, with Lorenzo Pellegrini an alternative and Niccolò Pisilli an emergency option further forward. Gasperini could also switch to a single attacking midfielder behind two strikers.

Injury list grows

Dybala joins Manu Koné, Bryan Cristante and Mile Svilar on the sidelines. There is some relief elsewhere, with Donyell Malen returning from suspension in Serie A, while Santiago Castro scored in Saturday's 2-0 win over Genoa.