JUST IN: Roma’s Claudio Ranieri Reveals Decision to Leave Alexis Saelemaekers and Artem Dovbyk in Italy for Athletic Bilbao Return Leg
AS Roma head coach Claudio Ranieri has made a bold decision ahead of the crucial Europa League return leg against Athletic Bilbao, opting to leave key players Alexis Saelemaekers and Artem Dovbyk in Italy. This move raises questions about the squad’s strategy for the second leg but aligns with Ranieri’s focus on player fitness and tactical planning.
Fitness and Tactical Considerations
Ranieri’s decision is primarily influenced by concerns over player readiness. Artem Dovbyk, the Ukrainian striker, has been dealing with recent health setbacks, including injuries and illness. The coach confirmed that Dovbyk is not in peak condition, stating that “injuries and flu have exhausted him,” and choosing to leave him behind prevents further risk to his health.
As for Alexis Saelemaekers, the Belgian midfielder has been a crucial asset in Roma’s recent matches. He played a key role in Serie A, scoring an equalizer against Como after being initially rested. However, Ranieri may be managing his workload carefully to keep him fresh for domestic fixtures.
Implications for the Bilbao Match
With two key players absent, Roma will need to adjust their attacking approach against a strong Athletic Bilbao side. The absence of Dovbyk means Romelu Lukaku or Andrea Belotti could take on more responsibility in the frontline, while Saelemaekers’ creative presence in midfield will need to be compensated by players like Lorenzo Pellegrini or Paulo Dybala.
Ranieri has emphasized the importance of squad rotation throughout the season. After a demanding Europa League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, he made six changes for Roma’s following Serie A match, demonstrating his commitment to keeping the squad fresh.
