Roma striker Romelu Lukaku looks set to miss the second-leg of their Europa League tie with Brighton on Thursday. The Giallorossi carry a healthy 4-0 lead to England, but are expected to be without the services of the Belgian international.
Sky Sport Italia report that Lukaku trained separately on the eve of the match, hinting at a possible absence from the match. With Roma holding a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg at the Olimpico Stadium, Lukaku could be spared for the trip and stay back at Trigoria to recuperate ahead of upcoming league fixtures.
Regardless of Lukaku’s separate training session, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi was already contemplating starting Sardar Azmoun from the get-go, a decision that now seems inevitable even if Lukaku were to ultimately travel to Brighton. Further changes are expected in defense, with a back four featuring Zeki Celik returning as right-back and Leonardo Spinazzola as left-back.
Evan Ndicka is expected to partner with Gianluca Mancini in the center, while midfield may see Cesare Bove stepping in for either Bryan Cristante or Leanrdo Paredes.
Young talent Tommaso Baldanzi, whom De Rossi might deploy in place of Paulo Dybala, could also get a start.
