Coach Baroni prioritizes player health, preferring to risk losing a single match rather than a player to long-term injury. This philosophy was evident in his post-Lazio-Udinese comments and recent cautious team selections. Preventative measures have been taken with players like Zaccagni, who missed a Europa League match, and Tavares and Rovella, who were absent against Udinese.
However, there’s positive news regarding returning players as Lazio prepares for upcoming games. Taty Castellanos, sidelined with an injury for the past five matches, is expected to be available for the Europa League return leg against Viktoria Plzen.
Injury Updates
Baroni stated, “I’m counting on recovering Taty for Thursday, though not from the start.” If recovery progresses as planned, the Argentinian forward could see playing time in the Europa League match, possibly in the second half, and then be fully ready for the Bologna game before the international break. Dele-Bashiru is also nearing full recovery. He was rested as a precaution due to a minor ankle issue but could be available as early as Thursday or, at the latest, next Sunday against Bologna. Hysaj remains the only long-term absentee, expected to stay out until after the international break.
Relief for Tavares and Rovella
There’s significant relief for both fans and coach Baroni regarding Tavares and Rovella. Tavares’ absence against Udinese was purely precautionary, as Baroni confirmed: “Both were rested as a precaution. Knowing we have three games in six days, they needed to recover, and they’ll be back for the next match.” Tavares is expected to reclaim his left-back position against Plzen.
There’s slightly more uncertainty surrounding Rovella, who experienced quadriceps fatigue. While he’s suspended for the Europa League match and will rest, his condition will be monitored daily leading up to the Bologna match, despite current optimism.