Rome (AFP)
Lazio Rome joined Bruges on Tuesday with a reduced workforce of only sixteen players, citing in particular the "Covid situation", and will probably have to do without Wednesday, for its Champions League match, its star striker Ciro Immobile.
"Players remained in Rome, tomorrow (Wednesday) we will be sixteen," said coach Simone Inzaghi, quoted by the Roman club, who said he would only communicate on Wednesday on this "situation relating to the coronavirus".
Neither Inzaghi nor the Laziale club, requested by AFP, have named those absent from this trip.
But, according to several media, there are among them the Italian international striker Ciro Immobile, but also the midfielders Luis Alberto and Manuel Lazzari, at least three potential holders for the match in Bruges.
Two other players (Djavan Anderson and Andreas Pereira) would also remain in Italy, according to media.
These five absences possibly linked to the Covid-19 tests organized before the departure for Belgium are in addition to the many players who have suffered physical problems (including the titular goalkeeper Strakosha, defenders Radu and Luiz Felipe and midfielder Leiva).
Lazio are currently without a dozen players.
Both Lazio and Bruges will battle for first place in their group on Wednesday evening after starting with a victory on the first day, respectively against Borussia Dortmund (3-1) and Zenit Saint-Petersburg (2-1).
"We weren't expecting it, we were off to a good start against Dortmund and we were hoping to come here as a whole. We are considering the possibility of bringing someone else from Rome tomorrow, if it is possible to add someone. 'a, "Simone Inzaghi said at the pre-match press conference in Brugge.
"Unfortunately these are the current times, but I'm sure those who will be on the pitch will give their all for the Lazio shirt, we will present a competitive team," he added.
© 2020 AFP