Roma v Bologna: Koné out with adductor injury; Pellegrini replaces him

Manu Koné was forced off in the first half of Roma's Europa League round-of-16 second leg against Bologna after injuring his right adductor in the 18th minute. The problem appeared muscular and he was replaced two minutes later by Lorenzo Pellegrini, who had scored in the first leg to equalise Bernardeschi’s opener; the match ended 1-1.

Koné had made a last-minute recovery to start alongside Cristante, with Pisilli initially in the attacking midfield role alongside El Shaarawy. Pellegrini is likely to take that attacking spot and the 2004-born player to drop back a few metres, but Koné will undergo thorough examinations in the coming hours to assess the extent of the injury and the recovery time.

Roma's next league match is against Lecce on Sunday 22nd at 6pm, and it remains to be seen whether Koné will be fit. Gasperini is hoping to have him available, particularly for the big match scheduled for Sunday 5 April at San Siro against Inter, managed by former Roma player Cristian Chivu.

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