With Roma in the midst of the two-matches-per-week stretch of the season, fitness is priority number one. While stalwarts like Evan Ndicka, Mile Svilar, and Manu Koné haven’t shown signs of fatigue, the same can’t be said for Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack, where increasing strains, sprains, and exhaustion have contributed to Roma’s struggles up front.
Of course, this tangle of matches would have been easier to manage with Leon Bailey, who joined the Giallorossi on loan last summer, only to be injured during his first training session. While Matías Soulé is in the middle of a breakout season, the young Argentine makes waves with this clever first touch, smooth gait, and uncanny ability to bend the ball from any angle.
What Soulé and the rest of the club’s forwards lack is pace—someone capable of applying pressure on opposing defenses through pure, unadulterated speed. However, help may be on the way, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport and Bailey’s father/agent. Both report that the 28-year-old winger is ready to return to full group training and could make his debut against Inter Milan on the 18th.
Bailey’s father took it further, channeling his inner Terrell Owens saying, “Leon will take this team to heights no one can imagine. I believe in my son — I know him well. Just watch, and get your popcorn ready.”
From your lips to god’s ears, Mr. Bailey.