Good news for Roma ahead of Barcelona clash

CAIRO – 2 April 2018: After suffering a muscle injury on Saturday against Bologna in the Italian League, Radja Nainggolan has trained with his team, Roma, on Monday and will travel to Barcelona for their Champions League clash.

Roma manager Eusebio Di Francesco added Nainggolan to his squad after the player returned earlier than expected from his injury.

On the other hand, the team will miss their Turkish winger, Cengiz Under, as he has not recovered from the injury he picked up while playing with his national team during the international break.

Stephan El Shaarawy is expected to replace Cengiz on Roma’s starting lineup against the five-time Champions League winners, Barcelona.

Shaarawy believes in his team’s ability to surprise Barcelona. He said, “We know that it'll be very tough to play against Barcelona, but we have nothing to lose. We have to try to show our spirit, work hard and capitalize on any chances we get.”

Roma is having an amazing journey in the UEFA Champions League this season, as they finished the group stage on top of their group, before knocking Shakhtar Donetsk out of the round of 16.

Shaarawy believes that they have to stop Messi to minimize Barcelona’s danger. He said, “We're up against the very best, and every time he gets on the ball, he can make something happen. That's why we'll have to try to act accordingly and restrict his influence as much as possible."

The first leg will be played on Wednesday, April 4, while the second leg is scheduled a week later in Italy.