Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will undergo medical tests after picking up a thigh injury in Lazio’s derby loss to Roma.
The Nigerian midfielder was forced off early and could miss upcoming matches.
Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is set to undergo medical tests to determine the severity of a thigh injury sustained during Lazio’s Serie A derby clash with AS Roma on Sunday.
The 24-year-old started the highly anticipated Derby Capitale at the Stadio Olimpico under coach Maurizio Sarri, but his evening ended abruptly after just 14 minutes. Reda Belahyane replaced him due to discomfort that appeared to be linked to a muscle issue.
Before the match, Italian outlet Il Messaggero reported that Dele-Bashiru had skipped Friday training due to a muscle problem, though Lazio’s technical staff passed him fit for the game after a late assessment.
Without his presence in midfield, Lazio struggled to impose itself, eventually falling 1-0 to Roma after Lorenzo Pellegrini scored in the 38th minute. The loss compounded Lazio’s shaky start to the campaign.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dele-Bashiru will now undergo medical tests to assess the extent of the damage. Should he be ruled out, Moroccan youngster Reda Belahyane is expected to step into midfield for Lazio’s upcoming clash against Genoa on Monday.
Dele-Bashiru’s injury is a blow for Sarri, especially given Lazio’s transfer ban this summer, which left the squad thin and reliant on existing players. Despite not being a clear favorite of Sarri, Dele-Bashiru has featured in all four of Lazio’s league games this season, mainly due to the lack of reinforcements.
While Sarri had reportedly considered dropping him after a poor showing against Sassuolo, the Nigerian’s absence now leaves the manager with limited options. Belahyane will look to seize the opportunity and stake his claim for a regular role in the midfield trident.
For Dele-Bashiru, the coming tests will be crucial in determining whether he faces a short recovery spell or a more extended layoff, potentially disrupting both his Serie A campaign and his involvement with the Super Eagles.
