Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s Injury Concerns Deepen Lazio’s Midfield Woes
Nigerian international midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s premature exit from the Rome derby against AS Roma due to a thigh injury has cast a shadow over Lazio’s already struggling midfield. The 24-year-old, who started the crucial match despite concerns over a muscle problem, lasted only 14 minutes before being replaced by Reda Belahyane. This latest setback adds to Lazio’s existing midfield conundrums, further exacerbated by a summer transfer ban that restricted their ability to reinforce the squad. Dele-Bashiru is now set to undergo medical examinations to determine the full extent of the injury and the potential length of his absence from the pitch.
Dele-Bashiru’s injury comes at an inopportune moment for both the player and the club. While not a guaranteed starter under manager Maurizio Sarri, the Nigerian has played a significant role in Lazio’s opening fixtures due to the aforementioned transfer limitations. He has featured in four consecutive games, highlighting his importance to a squad depleted by the inability to bring in reinforcements. His absence leaves a void in midfield, particularly in a season where Lazio are aiming to improve on their previous campaign’s performance.
The circumstances surrounding Dele-Bashiru’s inclusion in the derby starting lineup despite prior fitness concerns raise questions about the team’s management. Reports suggest he missed Friday’s training session due to the muscle problem, but a late decision by the technical staff deemed him fit to play. This decision ultimately backfired, as the player aggravated his injury early in the match, leaving Lazio with a weakened midfield for the majority of the game. The incident underscores the difficult balancing act faced by coaches when dealing with player fitness and the pressure to field the strongest possible team, particularly in high-stakes matches like the Rome derby.
The loss of Dele-Bashiru presents both a challenge and an opportunity for young Moroccan midfielder Reda Belahyane. Belahyane replaced the injured Nigerian in the derby and is now poised to take on a more prominent role in the team, potentially starting in the upcoming match against Genoa. This represents a significant chance for the young player to impress manager Sarri and stake his claim for a regular place in the starting eleven. While Dele-Bashiru’s injury is undoubtedly a setback for Lazio, it could also pave the way for Belahyane’s emergence as a key player in the midfield.
Lazio’s 1-0 defeat to Roma, courtesy of a Lorenzo Pellegrini goal, further compounds their early season struggles. The loss marks another disappointing home result at the Stadio Olimpico, adding pressure on Sarri and his team to find their rhythm and start climbing the Serie A table. Dele-Bashiru’s absence was noticeable as the game progressed, highlighting his growing importance to the team’s midfield dynamics. The club will now anxiously await the results of his medical tests to determine the length of his absence and the necessary adjustments to their tactical approach.
This latest injury setback adds another layer of complexity to Lazio’s early season woes. The club is already grappling with the limitations imposed by the transfer ban, and the loss of Dele-Bashiru further restricts their options in midfield. The situation underscores the importance of squad depth and the challenges faced by teams when key players are sidelined through injury. Lazio will need to find solutions quickly if they are to overcome these early season hurdles and achieve their ambitions for the season. The pressure is now on Sarri to find the right combination of players and tactics to navigate this challenging period and get Lazio’s season back on track.
