Lazio’s hopes of securing a European berth have been dealt a blow as striker Boulaye Dia remains a major doubt for the final fixture of the Serie A season due to injury concerns.
The Senegal international, who has been a mainstay in Lazio’s attack since the international break, is now facing the possibility of missing Sunday’s decisive clash. Dia played the entirety of last weekend’s match against Inter Milan, but signs of physical discomfort have emerged in the days since.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 28-year-old forward was absent from full training on Friday, opting instead for individual exercises as he manages ongoing pain.
The report adds that Dia’s current condition is being closely monitored, but his fitness for the final match remains uncertain. The absence of the prolific forward would come at a critical juncture in the season for Lazio.
Dia, who joined Lazio at the beginning of the campaign, has made a significant impact with 12 goals and three assists across 47 appearances in all competitions.
His form has been instrumental in the club’s push for European qualification, and any disruption to his availability could complicate their final push for a higher finish.
Lazio currently sit sixth in the Serie A table with 65 points, a position that guarantees a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.
However, with just a single point separating them from fifth-placed Roma and two from fourth-placed Juventus, the Biancocelesti still have a chance to climb into the Europa League or even secure a late Champions League berth—provided other results go in their favour.
To safeguard their current standing, Lazio need at least a draw in their final match. A defeat could see them overtaken, jeopardising their place in Europe altogether.
That scenario makes Dia’s potential absence all the more significant. As the team’s third-highest scorer in Serie A this term, his presence on the pitch could prove decisive.
Managerial staff and medical personnel are now racing against time to assess whether Dia can recover in time for the crucial encounter.
His performance throughout the campaign has drawn praise for consistency and reliability, attributes that Lazio will sorely miss if he is ruled out.
The Biancocelesti are facing one of their most pivotal weekends of the season. With the margins between Champions League qualification and missing out on Europe altogether razor-thin, every available player counts. As such, Dia’s situation will be under intense scrutiny right up until the team sheets are confirmed.
Should Lazio falter without him, it would underline just how vital the Senegalese striker has become in his debut season in the capital.
With only hours remaining until kickoff, fans and coaching staff alike will be hoping for a late turnaround in his condition.
