Manu Koné returns to AS Roma squad for Sassuolo clash after injury lay-off

AS Roma midfielder Manu Koné has been included in the squad for Saturday’s Serie A meeting with Sassuolo after recovering from a thigh injury that forced him to miss six matches.

The French international completed his final fitness test on Friday, clearing him to rejoin Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad ahead of the 7:45pm GMT kick-off.

Koné had been sidelined since picking up the injury during Roma’s Champions League encounter with Real Madrid on October 14. The midfielder was unable to continue after just 17 minutes, forcing him to leave the pitch with a problem involving his thigh flexor.

The setback kept him out of action for six consecutive matches as he focused on his recovery.

After several weeks of rehabilitation, the 24-year-old has now made sufficient progress to return to the squad. His successful assessment on Friday confirmed that he was ready to be considered for selection against Sassuolo.

His availability represents a timely boost for Gasperini, who will be pleased to have another midfield option available as Roma prepare for the weekend fixture.

However, the Italian manager still has several injury concerns to deal with, with a number of players remaining unavailable.

Goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini continues to recover from a back injury and will not be available for the encounter.

Defender Gianluca Mancini is another absentee after suffering a muscle strain involving the flexor in his right knee. The Italian defender is also expected to miss the forthcoming international fixtures as he continues his recovery.

Despite those setbacks, Koné’s return offers Roma some encouragement ahead of their meeting with Sassuolo.

The midfielder will be hoping to put his injury problems behind him and return to competitive action as soon as possible after completing his recovery programme.

Roma will now prepare for Saturday’s encounter with Koné back among the available players, although his return does not necessarily guarantee a place in the starting line-up.